Search results
1 – 9 of 9Amer Sohail, Zohaib Butt, Affaf Asghar Butt and Aamer Shahzad
This study examines the effect of business group affiliations on corporate cash holdings and how political connectedness modifies the relationship between business group…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the effect of business group affiliations on corporate cash holdings and how political connectedness modifies the relationship between business group affiliations and corporate cash holdings.
Design/methodology/approach
The multiple ordinary least square regression with year dummies is used to estimate the effect of business groups on cash holdings. For moderating, the multiplicative term is used. The data from 252 non-financial firms listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange were collected for the analysis from 2010 to 2018.
Findings
The findings show that business group affiliations negatively affect corporate cash holdings, and political connection positively moderates this relationship. Business group firms that are politically connected hold less cash. The firm-specific factors such as leverage, size, cash flow, and dividend dummy also significantly affect corporate cash holdings.
Practical implications
The results imply that affiliated companies have lessened financing frictions and improved stability in their expected future cash flows. Moreover, the results indicate that political connection minimizes the opportunity and agency costs linked to cash holdings.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the existing literature by examining the moderating role of political affiliations on the relationship between business groups and cash holdings in the emerging market.
Details
Keywords
This study examines the country of origin effect of products made in Germany. The study focuses on the questions of the sources of information in evaluating products; the…
Abstract
This study examines the country of origin effect of products made in Germany. The study focuses on the questions of the sources of information in evaluating products; the evaluation of specific product dimensions by Malaysian consum ers; and consumers’ assessment of different product categories. Results based on the analysis of data relating to 240 responses indicate that the most highly rated source of obtaining product information was through newspaper and magazines. Products made in Germany had been rated highly for their quality. Automobiles were generally found to be the most highly rated product category by Malaysian consumers. The managerial implications of these are discussed, limitations of the study are highlighted, and further research is suggested.
Details
Keywords
Amer Rasheed, Rab Nawaz, Sohail Ahmed Khan, Hanifa Hanif and Abdul Wahab
– The purpose of this paper is to study the thin film flow of a fourth grade fluid subject to slip conditions in order to understand its velocity profile.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the thin film flow of a fourth grade fluid subject to slip conditions in order to understand its velocity profile.
Design/methodology/approach
An exact expression for flow velocity is derived in terms of hyperbolic sine functions. The practical usage of the exact flow velocity is restrictive as it involves very complicated integrals. Therefore, an approximate solution is also derived using a Galerkin finite element method and numerical error analysis is performed.
Findings
The behavior of fluid velocity with respect to various flow parameters is discussed. The results are not restrictive to small values of flow parameters unlike those obtained earlier using homotopy analysis method and homotopy perturbation method.
Originality/value
An approximate solution based on finite element technique is derived.
Details
Keywords
Muhammad Sohail, Esha Rafique and Kamaleldin Abodayeh
This investigation delves into the rationale behind the preferential applicability of the non-Newtonian nanofluid model over alternative frameworks, particularly those…
Abstract
Purpose
This investigation delves into the rationale behind the preferential applicability of the non-Newtonian nanofluid model over alternative frameworks, particularly those incorporating porous medium considerations. The study focuses on analyzing the mass and heat transfer characteristics inherent in the Williamson nanofluid’s non-Newtonian flow over a stretched sheet, accounting for influences such as chemical reactions, viscous dissipation, magnetic field and slip velocity. Emphasis is placed on scenarios where the properties of the Williamson nanofluid, including thermal conductivity and viscosity, exhibit temperature-dependent variations.
Design/methodology/approach
Following the use of the OHAM approach, an analytical resolution to the proposed issue is provided. The findings are elucidated through the construction of graphical representations, illustrating the impact of diverse physical parameters on temperature, velocity and concentration profiles.
Findings
Remarkably, it is discerned that the magnetic field, viscous dissipation phenomena and slip velocity assumption significantly influence the heat and mass transmission processes. Numerical and theoretical outcomes exhibit a noteworthy level of qualitative concurrence, underscoring the robustness and reliability of the non-Newtonian nanofluid model in capturing the intricacies of the studied phenomena.
Originality/value
Available studies show that no work on the Williamson model is conducted by considering viscous dissipation and the MHD effect past over an exponentially stretched porous sheet. This contribution fills this gap.
Details
Keywords
Reducing CO2 emissions from transportation is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by 2060 or earlier. This study aimed at…
Abstract
Purpose
Reducing CO2 emissions from transportation is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by 2060 or earlier. This study aimed at analyzing transportation-related energy consumption and CO2 emissions, along with their determinants and mitigation measures planned to achieve carbon neutrality in GCC countries.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the study objectives, the pressure-state-response (PSR) framework was utilized. Various methods were employed within the PSR framework, including econometric analysis using EViews, energy modeling using the low emissions analysis platform (LEAP) and content analysis of relevant policy and national documents using NVivo.
Findings
The results indicated that population and economic growth, along with increased fuel consumption, have led to a growth in transportation-related energy use and CO2 emissions in the GCC countries. Per capita transportation-related CO2 emissions in the GCC countries are higher than those of several countries. To achieve carbon-neutral transportation, approximately 1.8 bn metric tons of CO2 emissions need to be avoided by 2060 or earlier. Strategies related to fuel alternatives, vehicle technologies and mass transit have been planned to reduce transportation-related CO2 emissions in the GCC countries.
Originality/value
This study employed a holistic approach to analyze transportation-related energy use and CO2 emissions in the GCC countries. It provides several policy implications and highlights the urgent need for policy innovations to achieve transformative change in the transportation sectors of the GCC countries.
Details
Keywords
Debby Willar, Bambang Trigunarsyah, Anak Agung Diah Parami Dewi and Febriane Makalew
There are various methods to assess the failure of a road construction project that does not meet quality and performance standards. This study aims to evaluate the factors…
Abstract
Purpose
There are various methods to assess the failure of a road construction project that does not meet quality and performance standards. This study aims to evaluate the factors affecting the quality management of road construction projects in Indonesia by identifying the critical challenges in implementing quality management processes and examining the countermeasures to address these problems.
Design/methodology/approach
In this research, the quality management processes in Indonesian road construction projects are evaluated using a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach. Quantitative data obtained from two rounds of Delphi questionnaire surveys as the primary data source, and focus group interviews as the qualitative data are used to achieve the aims of this study.
Findings
It is found that from as early as in the preconstruction stage of a project, the availability of quality standards and documentation is problematic when implementing quality management processes. The critical factor of the quality control activities of a project and the quality management roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders during road construction is the project team. This constraint deals with the interaction of the competency, commitment, and mutual cooperation among the main stakeholders to ensure that quality management processes are implemented. This implementation is a part of controlling the road pavement materials, supervising the project activities according to a specified standard, and reporting the project performance. The findings of this study add parameters relating to quality management and quality processes in a road construction project area.
Originality/value
This study is the first to evaluate the quality management processes in the construction of Indonesian road projects. The investigation identifies and evaluates the causes of the persistence of poor road quality. All revealed constraints are substantial factors that hinder the implementation of quality management processes when delivering quality road products. This study addresses the key influencing factors and scenarios related to quality management during road construction projects in Indonesia and other developing countries as practical examples and provides case-based insights for construction practitioners and civil engineering academics in developed countries.
Details
Keywords
Mohammad Majid Fouladgar, Ahmad Borumand Kakhki, Alireza Nasr Esfehani and Mohammadsadegh Sedighi
This paper aims to propose a policy prioritization framework in view of a layered scenario building along with key stakeholder analysis and has been applied in a case study to…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a policy prioritization framework in view of a layered scenario building along with key stakeholder analysis and has been applied in a case study to determine the priority of Iran environmental policies at the horizon of 2030. A creative framework that covers future scenarios and allows for a more accurate and intelligent policy assessment and prioritization.
Design/methodology/approach
The general environmental policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran are evaluated, and observation policies in social area were identified. Causal layered analysis (CLA) is applied for policy prioritization based on layered probable scenarios and key stakeholder role consideration. The Multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) is also used for ranking General Environmental Policies by the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS).
Findings
Four uncertainties were obtained in different layers based on the CLA analysis, resulting in the creation of four main scenario and 16 discrete scenarios. Finally, Iran’s environmental policies were prioritized given the probable scenarios and the centralized policies on the social and political domains. The proposed model will be effective in policy-making in multilateral atmosphere to prioritize policies and alternative macro-strategies.
Originality/value
This paper shows that foresight and especially developed scenarios provide intelligent, efficient and effective planning and policy-making, and in addition to illustrating surrounding changes and probable future imagery, it generates common understanding and inter-subjective knowledge by increasing participation of various officials and stakeholders.
Details
Keywords
Ernest Kissi, Clinton Aigbavboa and Prosper Babon-Ayeng
The purpose of this study was to identify key areas for benchmarking (BM) towards the improvement of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) construction firms in developing…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to identify key areas for benchmarking (BM) towards the improvement of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) construction firms in developing countries.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed the use of the quantitative research method in the collection and analysis of primary data collected from field surveys using a piloted close-ended questionnaire created following a review of available literature on BM. Based on 63 solicited views of professionals with SMEs (quantity surveyors, project managers and architects) data collected were statistically analysed using a one-sample t-test.
Findings
The findings of the study indicate that the key areas for BM towards the improvement of SME construction firms in developing countries in order of relevance are “Financial Performance”, “Competitiveness”, “Customer Satisfaction”, “Technology Advancement”, “Communication Skills”, “Collaboration”, “Employee Satisfaction” and “Product orientation”.
Practical implications
The study has given more insight into the areas that need more attention for SMEs BM to achieve improvement. It can therefore be suggested firms that adapted identified areas will derive the benefits of BM. It is further opined that more BM education should be provided to various SMEs construction firms to facilitate an effective and efficient BM regime aiming at performance enhancement in project delivery.
Originality/value
This forging research attempts to identify the key areas for BM towards the improvement of SMEs construction firms in developing countries. Although there have been several efforts to create BM tools for the construction industry.
Details
Keywords
Ji-Huan He, Nasser S. Elgazery and Nader Y. Abd Elazem
This paper aims to study the magneto-radiative gas (water vapor) on an unsmooth boundary.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the magneto-radiative gas (water vapor) on an unsmooth boundary.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper provided a numerical treatment via the implicit Chebyshev pseudo-spectral method to investigate unsteady compressible magneto-radiative gas (water vapor Pr = 1) flow near a heated vertical wavy wall through porous medium in the presence of inclined magnetic field. The impacts of viscous dissipation, temperature-dependent fluid properties, thermal conductivity and viscosity in the presence of nonlinear thermal radiation are studied. The sinusoidal surface is transformed into a flat one using a suitable transformation. The comparison figures of published data with the present outcomes illustrate a good match. The present steady-state outcomes are presented for the temperature, velocity, Nusselt number and the shearing stress through figures for several interested physical parameters, namely, compressibility, magnetic, radiation, viscosity–temperature variation, thermal conductivity–temperature variation, surface sinusoidal waveform and porous parameters.
Findings
The present numerical outcomes confirm the importance of applying nonlinear thermal radiation cases in all studies that investigate heat transfer under the influence of thermal radiation.
Originality/value
A mathematical model is established for a wavy boundary, and Chebyshev pseudo-spectral method is adopted for the numerical study.
Details