Georgia Makridou, Michalis Doumpos and Christos Lemonakis
Considering environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors is vital in climate change mitigation. Energy companies must incorporate ESG into their business plans, although it…
Abstract
Purpose
Considering environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors is vital in climate change mitigation. Energy companies must incorporate ESG into their business plans, although it unquestionably affects their corporate financial performance (CFP). This paper aims to investigate the effect of ESG on energy companies’ profitability through return on assets by analysing the combined score and individual dimensions of ESG.
Design/methodology/approach
The study examined a panel data sample of 911 firm-year observations for 85 European energy-sector companies during 1995–2020. Two distinct modelling specifications were applied to explore the impact of ESG components on the CFP of EU energy companies. The financial data and ESG scores were obtained from the Thomson Reuters Eikon database in July 2021.
Findings
The empirical findings revealed that energy companies’ profitability is marginally and negatively affected by their ESG performance. Whereas independent evaluation of the ESG subcomponents indicated that environmental responsibility has a significant negative effect. In contrast, corporate social and governance responsibilities are positively but not significantly associated with the company’s CFP.
Originality/value
This study fills a research gap in the ESG–CFP literature in the European energy sector, a pioneer in sustainable development. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study’s originality lies in its analysis of ESG factors’ role in profitability by considering different EU countries and energy sectors.
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O. Radovici, Al. Constantinescu and I. Pleseanu
Intense corrosion occurs frequently in degasolination units, leading to repeated stoppings of the degasolination process and to expensive overhauls or even to the replacement of…
Abstract
Intense corrosion occurs frequently in degasolination units, leading to repeated stoppings of the degasolination process and to expensive overhauls or even to the replacement of the severely damaged equipment. In order to establish the possibilities of reducing corrosion in such plants, studies were carried out on the mechanism and the role of the various factors accounting for the occurrence and intensification of this phenomenon, enabling the development of corrosion control methods.
Abdullah Altun, Taner Turan and Halit Yanikkaya
The study evaluates the effects of GVC participation on firm productivity and profitability. Hence this study aims to find evidence whether there is a clear difference between the…
Abstract
Purpose
The study evaluates the effects of GVC participation on firm productivity and profitability. Hence this study aims to find evidence whether there is a clear difference between the productivity and profitability effects of simple and complex backward and forward participations for Turkish firms.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors employ a firm level data from the Türkiye's both first and second top 500 industrial enterprises from 1993 to 2019. In addition, the authors calculate country-sector level both backward and forward GVC participation indices with their simple and complex sub-indices for each year from 1990 to 2015 from the Full Eora data of the Eora Global Supply Chain Database. The authors estimate the model with OLS and fixed effects. To understand the role of the 2008 global crisis, the authors also undertake estimations for the pre-crisis and post-crisis. The authors also divide the data by R&D intensity of sectors.
Findings
While backward GVC participation lowers both labor productivity and profitability growth, forward GVC participation promotes both. Moreover, simple and complex backward participation have similarly negative effects on productivity and profitability growth, simple and complex forward participation have the completely opposite effects though. The authors then provide substantial evidence for the differing effects of participation on productivity and profitability growth between pre-crisis and post-crisis periods. Interestingly, backward participation has a negative impact for both hi-tech and low-tech firms while forward participation boosts the productivity growth only for low-tech firms, probably due to the relatively more upstream position of low-tech firms.
Originality/value
To the best of the knowledge, no previous study has yet examined the profitability effects of GVC for firms. Second, in addition to overall backward and forward GVC participation rates, the authors also calculate and utilize simple and complex GVC measures in the estimations. Third, to reveal whether the global financial crisis leads to a shift in the productivity and profitability effects of GVCs, the authors separately run the regressions for the pre- and post-crisis periods. Fourth, the authors then investigate the argument that hi-tech sectors/firms could benefit more from joining GVCs compared to firms in low-tech technology sectors.
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Pushkar Pushp and Faisal Ahmed
The discourse on global value chains (GVC) is undergoing a transformation in terms of its conceptualisation, theorisation and pragmatic applications. Today, the production systems…
Abstract
Purpose
The discourse on global value chains (GVC) is undergoing a transformation in terms of its conceptualisation, theorisation and pragmatic applications. Today, the production systems have become more complex as global economic order continues to witness marked geo-economic manoeuvring. Thus, the direction of discourse on GVC ought to move from mere theoretical propositions toward becoming more evidence based. There have been recent studies that have used the governance and upgrading propositions by Gary Gereffi and others to seek quantitative evidence. This study aims to decipher the quantitative discourse on GVC and to set the emerging and future research agenda.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a systematic literature review, the authors first analyse the quantitative studies on GVC carried out during the last two decades. The authors then outline a future research agenda and examine a few relevant modelling techniques that could potentially be used to solicit newer evidence in GVC research.
Findings
The authors categorise the quantitative discourse on GVC into three crucial themes, namely, GVC framework, GVC participation and position, environmental aspects and regionalisation in GVC. The most commonly used quantitative techniques are gravity model, panel data estimation, structural decomposition analysis and computable general equilibrium modelling.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the GVC discourse in two ways. Firstly, the authors argue that the theoretical frameworks within the GVC discourse should be complemented by evidence-based quantitative studies. Secondly, the authors suggest potential modelling techniques that can be used on the emerging and future research agenda.
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This study presents the impact of Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU)-induced Trade Supply Chain Vulnerability (TSCV) on the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in India by…
Abstract
Purpose
This study presents the impact of Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU)-induced Trade Supply Chain Vulnerability (TSCV) on the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in India by leveraging the World Bank Enterprise Survey data for 2014 and 2022. Applying econometric techniques, it examines firm size’ influence on productivity and trade participation, providing insights for enhancing SME resilience and trade participation amid uncertainty.
Design/methodology/approach
The econometric techniques focus on export participation, along with variables such as total exports, firm size, productivity, and capital intensity. It addresses crucial factors such as the direct import of intermediate goods and foreign ownership. Utilizing the Cobb-Douglas production function, the study estimates Total Factor Productivity, mitigating endogeneity and multicollinearity through a two-stage process. Besides, the study uses a case study of North Indian SMEs engaged in manufacturing activities and their adoption of mitigation strategies to combat unprecedented EPU.
Findings
Results reveal that EPU-induced TSCV reduces exports, impacting employment and firm size. Increased productivity, driven by technological adoption, correlates with improved export performance. The study highlights the negative impact of TSCV on trade participation, particularly for smaller Indian firms. Moreover, SMEs implement cost-based, supplier-based, and inventory-based strategies more than technology-based and risk-based strategies.
Practical implications
Policy recommendations include promoting increased imports and inward foreign direct investment to enhance small firms’ trade integration during economic uncertainty. Tailored support for smaller firms, considering their limited capacity, is crucial. Encouraging small firms to engage in international trade and adopting diverse SC mitigation strategies associated with policy uncertainty are vital considerations.
Originality/value
This study explores the impact of EPU-induced TSCV on Indian SMEs’ trade dynamics, offering nuanced insights for policymakers to enhance SME resilience amid uncertainty. The econometric analysis unveils patterns in export behavior, productivity, and factors influencing trade participation during economic uncertainty.
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Anthony Tibaingana, Kasimu Sendawula, Faisal Buyinza, Saadat Nakyejwe Lubowa Kimuli, Emmanuel Ssemuyaga, Catherine Tumusiime, Ronny Mulongo and Rita Atukwasa
The purpose of this study is to establish whether all the dimensions of entrepreneurship skills matter for sustainable business start-up among the youths, using evidence from a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to establish whether all the dimensions of entrepreneurship skills matter for sustainable business start-up among the youths, using evidence from a developing economy.
Design/methodology/approach
This was cross-sectional study which utilized a quantitative approach. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire from 254 youths who undertook skills training at the various government-supported business skills training centers in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA), that is to say, Kampala, Mukono and Wakiso. Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to derive descriptive, correlational and hierarchical regression.
Findings
Study findings indicate that unlike entrepreneurial skills, management, technical and personal maturity skills matter for the sustainability of business start-up of youths in Uganda. However, when all skills are compared, management skills matter most as compared to technical and personal maturity skills.
Originality/value
This study strengthens the existing literature on the sustainable business start-up of youths in Uganda. It is also relevant for policy decision-making and policy reversal because it demonstrates that skilling is pertinent and should be encouraged and rolled out across the country to encourage sustainable youth business start-ups. To increase sustainable business start-up among youths, management skills should be prioritized, together with technical and personal maturity skills, compared to entrepreneurial skills, which should only be emphasized at the idea generation, planning, resource mobilization and business implementation stages.
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Antonio M. Lopes and Fernando G. Almeida
This paper seeks to present an acceleration‐based force‐impedance controller, applied to a six‐dof parallel mini‐manipulator: the robotic controlled impedance device (RCID).
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to present an acceleration‐based force‐impedance controller, applied to a six‐dof parallel mini‐manipulator: the robotic controlled impedance device (RCID).
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed control strategy involves three cascade controllers: an inner acceleration controller, built as a set of six single input/single output acceleration controllers (one per manipulator axis), an impedance task‐space controller, and an outer force controller.
Findings
The control strategy enables two kinds of manipulator behaviour: force‐limited impedance control and position‐limited force control. The type of behaviour depends only on the chosen manipulator trajectories.
Practical implications
The RCID may be used as a force‐impedance controlled auxiliary device, coupled in series with a position‐controlled commercial industrial robot. The two manipulators combined behave as a single manipulator, having the impedance and force control performance of the RCID, as well as the workspace and trajectory tracking performance of the industrial manipulator. The industrial manipulator should perform free space motion trajectory tracking, the RCID being kept in a “home” position, preserving its small workspace for impedance and force control.
Originality/value
A robust control strategy that enables good performance, while the robot executes tasks that involve interaction with the environment, is being proposed. Experimental results on a force‐impedance controlled six‐dof parallel mini‐manipulator are presented.
Aino Kianto, Muhammad Shujahat, Saddam Hussain, Faisal Nawaz and Murad Ali
The productivity of knowledge workers is crucial not only for organizational innovation and competitiveness but also for sustainable development. In the context of…
Abstract
Purpose
The productivity of knowledge workers is crucial not only for organizational innovation and competitiveness but also for sustainable development. In the context of knowledge-intensive firms, implementation of knowledge management is likely to increase knowledge worker productivity. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of knowledge management on knowledge worker productivity.
Design/methodology/approach
A research framework on the effects of knowledge management processes on knowledge worker productivity is established and empirically tested with data from 336 knowledge workers at five mobile network operator companies in Pakistan.
Findings
The results indicate that knowledge creation and knowledge utilization impact knowledge worker productivity positively and statistically significantly. However, knowledge sharing does not have statistically significant impact on knowledge worker productivity. Demographic factors (gender, managerial position and formal education level) do not moderate the relationship between knowledge management and knowledge worker productivity statistically significantly.
Research limitations/implications
The key limitations are the cross-sectional nature of the data and the geographic limitation to telecom companies in Pakistan.
Practical implications
Irrespective of gender, education and managerial position, implementation of knowledge management can increase knowledge worker productivity. Therefore, knowledge management practices should be implemented to enhance the knowledge worker productivity via fostering the knowledge worker’s engagement in and propensity to knowledge management processes.
Originality/value
This study is among the first to examine the likely influence of knowledge management on the productivity of knowledge workers conclusively while controlling for three individual demographic factors. This study also addresses the effectiveness of knowledge management in the little-explored cultural context of Pakistan.
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The purpose of this paper is to study theoretically the combined influence of journal misalignment and wear on the performance of a hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing system. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study theoretically the combined influence of journal misalignment and wear on the performance of a hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing system. The bearing is assumed to be operating in a turbulent regime.
Design/methodology/approach
The modified Reynolds equation based on Constantinescu lubrication theory has been solved by using finite element method together with orifice and capillary restrictors flow equations as a constrain together with appropriate boundary conditions.
Findings
It has been observed that for a symmetric hole‐entry journal bearing configuration the value of h¯min is more for the bearing compensated by orifice restrictor as compared to capillary restrictor when bearing operates in turbulent regime under worn/unworn conditions. From the point of view of stability threshold speed ω¯th, the reduction in the value of ω¯th for capillary compensated bearing is around −3.89 percent whereas for orifice compensated bearing it is −7.85 percent when misaligned worn bearing is operating in turbulent regime.
Originality/value
The present work is original of its kind, in case of misaligned hole‐entry worn journal bearing. The results are quite useful for the bearing designer.