Preetam Basu, Palash Deb and Akhilesh Singh
Businesses must now track the complicated supply chains of their products, which involve different manufacturers and suppliers. However, because supply chains are scattered across…
Abstract
Purpose
Businesses must now track the complicated supply chains of their products, which involve different manufacturers and suppliers. However, because supply chains are scattered across multiple countries and involve many institutions, it becomes an overwhelming practical challenge to ensure transparent recording and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions. The myriad issues necessitate a technological solution that will improve supply chain transparency, assist in managing carbon assets and allow all parties to obtain credible information on carbon output. As a potential solution, this study offers a unique architecture that effectively combines “blockchain technology” with the carbon supply chain of a multi-institution business network.
Design/methodology/approach
This research and proposed framework are based on publicly available reports on carbon emissions tracking, sustainability, carbon trade and emerging blockchain technologies. The authors also interviewed industry experts to obtain their input and feedback.
Findings
Businesses must support the pledges made by their respective governments towards meeting the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Although the emissions trading system encourages businesses to move in this direction, it can be challenging for them to efficiently manage their carbon assets owing to issues such as lack of standardised methods for tracking emissions across suppliers and manufacturers and the fragmentation of carbon markets. The carbon supply chain can maintain a record of the chronological flow of carbon emissions and eventually of all carbon assets by integrating a centralised ledger system based on blockchain technology.
Originality/value
Global warming, climate change and carbon emissions are among humanity’s pressing problems today. To achieve net zero emissions by the middle of the 21st century, emissions must be drastically reduced. Global supply chains have a crucial role to play in this context. This article provides a blockchain-based technology framework for carbon emissions visibility and tracking. The authors believe such a platform will provide critical visibility and tracking support to globally dispersed supply chains, moving a step closer towards carbon emissions control and net zero operations.
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Sanjay Taneja, Vartika Bisht and Mohit Kukreti
The study delves into the role played by cutting-edge data analytics, machine learning, and innovative technologies in reshaping traditional insurance practices. The primary goal…
Abstract
Purpose
The study delves into the role played by cutting-edge data analytics, machine learning, and innovative technologies in reshaping traditional insurance practices. The primary goal of this review is to juxtapose findings from the literature sources, enabling a comprehensive analysis of the current state of implementation.
Design/Methodology/Approach
Systematic narrative review methodology has been applied to the present study. Scopus database has been used for the manuscripts ranging from year 2020 to 2024 considering the 5-year rule. 74 manuscripts were reviewed to navigate the landscape of data-driven revolution, unlocking the potential to elevate insurance operations to new heights. Two research questions about the impact of data alchemy on operational efficiency and insights and its contribution to reshaping the future landscape of insurance practices have been answered.
Findings
This approach captured the interplay between the theoretical potential for insurance and the practical realities of implementation of advanced practices, drawing upon the collective expertise within the field. By doing so, the article discerned the trajectory of the insurance sector concerning the advanced data alchemy observed in the industry.
Originality/Value
The current research contributes to the broader area of data alchemy in the insurance industry. The transformative power of big data analytics lies in its capacity to turn vast and diverse datasets into valuable insights, driving innovation, informed decision-making, and improved business outcomes across various sectors. Notably, the research extends the body of literature exploring the impact of data alchemy on operational efficiency and insights, area where limited studies have been conducted.
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Mary Mathew and Harish C. Jain
The information technology (IT) sector has gained prominence since 1990. However, studies on the human resource management (HRM) policies and practices of multinational…
Abstract
The information technology (IT) sector has gained prominence since 1990. However, studies on the human resource management (HRM) policies and practices of multinational corporations (MNCs) have been few and far between. In this paper we study the Indian IT sector using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. For the quantitative research design, we used structured measurement tools developed by the Global HRM Project. Data were collected from 36 IT MNCs of Indian and foreign origin (U.S. and European) located in Bangalore and Hyderabad in India. We tested four hypotheses that were verified using the Mann–Whitney test of mean rank. We assessed the flow of HRM practices and the differences in HR practices between Indian and foreign MNCs. For the qualitative design we used an unstructured approach to gather secondary data sources and used anecdotal data gathered over a decade through our interactions with the Indian IT industry. We used the narrative style to show past and current Indian business culture, level of technology, and implications for foreign direct investment in the Indian IT sector. We state two qualitative hypotheses for this part of the research study. We find the current business culture and level of technology of Indian IT MNCs moderately similar to those of foreign MNCs, and more so U.S. MNCs. We find no differences between Indian and foreign MNCs in HRM practices. We assume that the unexpected similarity in international human resource management (IHRM) practices is probably due to: (1) the nature of information technology, (2) closing levels of R&D between Indian and foreign MNCs, and (3) similar business cultures of Indian and foreign MNCs. IT-intensive global organizations are likely get a step closer to global IHRM standardization.
Durairaj Kumarasamy, Prakash Singh and Akhilesh Kumar Sharma
This study aims to re-examine the relationship between financial accessibility and performance of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in developing countries using a large…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to re-examine the relationship between financial accessibility and performance of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in developing countries using a large database.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses cross-sectional firm-level data from the World Bank Enterprises Survey database collected under Wave II from 2006 to 2019. Controlled for firm level and country level factors, OLS and instrumental variable regressions have been used for analysis. Firm performance has been measured in terms of labour productivity.
Findings
The study observes a positive association between access to finance and MSME performance measured in terms of sales and value-added per worker. Along with firm characteristics (like size, age and managerial experience), country’s development level, institutional quality (i.e. corruption and regulations) and economic openness also impact MSMEs’ productivity.
Practical implications
Strengthening the financial system to allow the financial sector to meet the requirements of MSME finance is very important. Better access to external finance will enable MSMEs to invest in upgrading technology and expanding operations, thus improves their labour productivity. As the MSME sector is vulnerable to economic shocks, policies facilitating their access to formal credit during crises could strengthen resilience.
Social implications
Credit constraint to MSMEs is a multi-stakeholder problem. It requires a coordinated approach from MSME owners, financial institutions and policymakers to address it and enhance the credit flow to the MSME sector. Timely research inputs from academia, research institutions and think tanks may help assess MSMEs promotion policies and their revision if needed.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that examines the effect of access to finance on the labour productivity of MSMEs in developing countries. Given the mixed results in the recent past between access to finance and firm performance, it highlights the critical role of financial accessibility in improving their labour productivity and thus enabling MSMEs to realise their full potential in developing countries.
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Varsha Vihan, V.P. Singh, Pramila Umaraw, Akhilesh Kumar Verma, Shardanand Verma and Chirag Singh
The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of integrating “Licorice powder” into curd balls on their storage stability under refrigeration conditions. Through this…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of integrating “Licorice powder” into curd balls on their storage stability under refrigeration conditions. Through this examination, this study aims to evaluate the potential effects of licorice powder on extending the shelf life, maintaining quality attributes and preserving the overall stability of curd balls when stored at refrigeration temperatures.
Design/methodology/approach
Licorice powder, in varying quantities (1%, 2% and 3%), was incorporated into curd balls alongside a control group lacking licorice (0%). These batches were subsequently stored for 25 days under refrigeration at a temperature of 4 ± 1ºC, using aerobic packaging conditions. During this storage period, the samples were regularly monitored and analyzed for various parameters to assess changes in their properties and qualities.
Findings
The findings indicated that in the treatment groups, pH and titratable acidity were notably lower than those in the control group (p = 0.05). Curd balls enriched with licorice powder exhibited significantly higher levels of 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2-2-azinobis-3ethylbenthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid and total phenolic contents compared to the control (p = 0.05). Furthermore, curd balls containing licorice powder displayed notably lower levels of peroxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and free fatty acids in comparison to the control (p = 0.05). Among all samples, T3 (3%) demonstrated significantly less microbial growth (p = 0.05) than the other groups. Conversely, the sensory panel rated T2 significantly higher than T3 (p = 0.05).
Originality/value
The investigation highlights that curd balls enriched with 2.0% licorice powder demonstrated significant efficacy in preventing the deterioration of physicochemical attributes, enhancing antioxidant capacity, restraining lipid oxidation, curbing microbial growth and ultimately exhibiting the most favorable organoleptic properties among the tested variations. This finding underscores the potential of incorporating 2.0% licorice powder as an effective agent for bolstering the storage stability and overall quality of curd balls during refrigerated storage.
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Brijesh Kumar, Veer Pal Singh, Vikas Pathak and Akhilesh K. Verma
This paper aims to assess the effect of natural antioxidants (Tulsi, Lemon grass and Aloevera) on sensory and microbiological quality as well as on Thiobarbituric acid (TBA…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to assess the effect of natural antioxidants (Tulsi, Lemon grass and Aloevera) on sensory and microbiological quality as well as on Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values of Redplum and Sahiwal-based milk smoothies stored under refrigeration.
Design/methodology/approach
The smoothies were developed by incorporating optimum level of natural antioxidants, fresh red plum and Sahiwal milk. They were aerobically packaged in low-density polyethylene pouches and stored under refrigeration (4 ± 2°C) till its spoilage. These smoothies were assessed for various storage quality parameters like sensory parameters, microbiological quality and TBA values at regular interval of two days.
Findings
Smoothies made without using natural antioxidants were in good condition for four days, and treated smoothies were stored well for six days. The microbial profile showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in SPC and psychrophilic counts on advancement of storage days. However, no coliform and yeast and mould were detected in all variants of smoothies during storage. TBA values were also increased during storage. But microbial counts and TBA both were under the prescribed limit as described by various organizations. Smoothies treated with Tulsi were found best followed by lemongrass- and aloevera-treated products.
Research limitations/implications
Amino acid and fatty acid profiling may be incorporated to known how the exact nutritional value.
Practical implications
Developed milk smoothies using natural antioxidants may serve the purpose of functional food.
Social implications
As per the authors, today, world is seeking for health providing components with longer product shelf life. Therefore, the product may serve the purpose.
Originality/value
The paper has demonstrated that the Sahiwal milk and red plum-based smoothies were of high acceptability. Their shelf life was found best when treated with Tulsi, Lemon grass and Aloevera natural antioxidants. It was better in all spectrums like lower microbial counts, higher sensory attributes and lower TBA counts as compared to untreated products.
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Akhilesh Kumar, Gaurav Kumar, Tanaya Vijay Ramane and Gurjot Singh
This study proposes strategies for vaccine center allocation for coronavirus disease (COVID) vaccine by determining the number of vaccination stations required for the vaccination…
Abstract
Purpose
This study proposes strategies for vaccine center allocation for coronavirus disease (COVID) vaccine by determining the number of vaccination stations required for the vaccination drive, location of vaccination station, assignment of demand group to vaccination station, allocation of the scarce medical professional teams to station and number of optimal days a vaccination station to be functional in a week.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors propose a mixed-integer nonlinear programming model. However, to handle nonlinearity, the authors devise a heuristic and then propose a two-stage mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) formulation to optimize the allocation of vaccination centers or stations to demand groups in the first stage and the allocation of vaccination centers to cold storage links in the second stage. The first stage optimizes the cost and average distance traveled by people to reach the vaccination center, whereas the second stage optimizes the vaccine’s holding and storage and transportation cost by efficiently allocating cold storage links to the centers.
Findings
The model is studied for the real-world case of Chandigarh, India. The results obtained validate that the proposed approach can immensely help government agencies and policymaking body for a successful vaccination drive. The model tries to find a tradeoff between loss due to underutilized medical teams and the distance traveled by a demand group to get the vaccination.
Originality/value
To the best of our knowledge, there are hardly any studies on a vaccination program at such a scale due to sudden outbreaks such as Covid-19.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to retain power in the state, which is India’s most populous and its third poorest. UP Chief Minister Yogi…
Details
DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB267166
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
Aditya Kamat, Saket Shanker and Akhilesh Barve
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the factors affecting the implementation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Indian humanitarian logistics. The factors listed are…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the factors affecting the implementation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Indian humanitarian logistics. The factors listed are significant as they are hindering the incorporation of this new technology into the humanitarian supply chain, thus creating inefficiencies in the humanitarian logistics sector.
Design/methodology/approach
This research is approached using a two-step process. In the first step, the particular barriers for UAV implementation are determined by a literature review and consultation with experts. Next, the proposed framework, a combination of grey-decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (grey-DEMATEL) and analytic network process (ANP), i.e. g-DANP, is used to determine a hierarchical structure for the factors and sub-factors. The grey hypothesis provides sufficient analytical data to an otherwise lacking DEMATEL technique. Also, the use of ANP gives weightage to each factor, allowing us to categorize their importance further.
Findings
This study reveals that factors like expensive commercial solutions and high transport energy costs are significant factors of the “cause” group, whereas the uncertain cost for maintenance and repair and deficiency of high-level computing are crucial factors of the “effect” category. The mentioned factors, along with many others, are the main reasons for the delayed incorporation of UAVs in humanitarian logistics.
Practical implications
The results of this study present insights for humanitarian supply chain managers, UAV producers and policymakers. Those in the humanitarian logistics sector can use the findings of this study to plan for various challenges faced as they try and implement UAVs in their supply chain.
Originality/value
This research is unique as it analyses the general factors hindering the implementation of UAVs in Indian humanitarian logistics. The study enriches existing literature by providing an analytic approach to determine the weightage of various interrelations between the identified factors affecting UAV incorporation in the humanitarian supply chain.
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Jagjit Singh Dhatterwal, Kuldeep Singh Kaswan, Dr Preety and Balamurugan Balusamy
Purpose: The primary objective of this investigation is to determine the importance of big data, machine learning, and systems integration in the creation, production, and…
Abstract
Purpose: The primary objective of this investigation is to determine the importance of big data, machine learning, and systems integration in the creation, production, and promotion of the corporation’s life insurance products marketed in India overall designated insurance carriers. It is also necessary to investigate the function of these instruments in the sectors financial designed and operated managing approaches.
Methodology: The approach used for this analysis is mainly connected to evolutionary and exploratory research. Secondary information is used to obtain the necessary data for the study topic. Secondary data included scientific papers and videos supplied by specialists in diverse domains.
Findings: In this chapter, the authors explain the financial function of large data sets, computer sciences, and content marketing modelling and simulation in the designing, developing, and deploying financial products. The researcher investigated the sale of life insurance plans in India. Insurance Governing Planning Commission is a controlling organisation from the Government of India that oversees all registered insurance businesses in India. Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) regulates a total of 60 businesses. Thirty-four are in the commercial banking industry, 24 are in the life insurance industry, and 2 are more significant than the average total cost.
Practical implication: Data analytics approaches in financial technological processes and private insurers are helping them increase their business turnovers, collections, and revenue. Similarly, big analysis of data is becoming increasingly important in corporate finance in the life insurance industry, particularly in improving operations, as well as attempting to address numerous problems such as how to optimise marketing strategies and how to enhance customer experience, which has resulted in the most significant goal of improving operational efficiency in the financial industry.