Anita Philips, Jayakumar Jayaraj, Josh F.T. and Venkateshkumar P.
Digitizing of the electrical power grid promotes the advantages of efficient energy management alongside the possibilities of major vulnerabilities. A typical inadequacy that…
Abstract
Purpose
Digitizing of the electrical power grid promotes the advantages of efficient energy management alongside the possibilities of major vulnerabilities. A typical inadequacy that needs critical attention to ensure the seamless operation of the smart grid system remains in the data transmission between consumer premises smart devices and the utility centres. Many researches aim at establishing security protocols to ensure secure and efficient energy management resulting in perfect demand–supply balance.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the authentication of the smart meter data has been proposed with enhanced Rivest–Shamir–Adleman (RSA) key encryption using an efficient way of generating large prime numbers. The trapdoor one-way function applied in the RSA algorithm makes it almost impossible for the reverse engineering attempts of cracking the key pair.
Findings
The algorithm for generating prime numbers has been tested both with the convention method and with the enhanced method of including a low-level primality test with a first few hundred primes. The combination of low-level and high-level primality tests shows an improvement in execution time of the algorithm.
Originality/value
There is a considerable improvement in the time complexities when using the combination method. This efficient generation of prime numbers can be successfully applied to the smart meter systems, thereby increasing the strength and speed of the key encryption.
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To ascertain to what extent academic librarians in Nigeria satisfy the bibliographical and information requirements of scholarship and research, and whether the institutional…
Abstract
To ascertain to what extent academic librarians in Nigeria satisfy the bibliographical and information requirements of scholarship and research, and whether the institutional settings in which staff work are conducive to effective professional service, this study, based upon the six oldest Nigerian University libraries, was undertaken. Among major elements examined were the librarians' perceptions of their responsibilities; their academic and professional backgrounds; work environments; job satisfaction and opportunities for continuing education and professional development. It was found that effective professional library service has been hindered by such factors as the inability of the library administrators to conceptualize the proper role of a librarian; rigid bureaucratization in the libraries; failure to separate professional from non‐professional duties or to match job content with relevant knowledge and capability; and by limited incentives and opportunities for continuing education and professional growth.
The purpose of this paper is to explore how students, full-time and part-time, may be supported in becoming ambidextrous – developing “intrapreneurial” skills and capabilities, as…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how students, full-time and part-time, may be supported in becoming ambidextrous – developing “intrapreneurial” skills and capabilities, as well as being introduced to more typical “entrepreneurial” activities. It is proposed that both perspectives will be necessary for future graduates.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper highlights the fast-changing nature of the economic and employment context and the future requirements for graduate skills. It analyses and evaluates a framework of curricular and extra-curricular activities which has been developed to address future skills needs. The paper uses a case study to illustrate the issue.
Findings
The paper concludes that with increasingly flexible career paths, there is a need for graduates to be prepared for portfolio careers in which they move between employment and self-employment. The development of an independent mindset which can identify and exploit innovation is therefore important.
Practical implications
The paper outlines an approach that has been implemented in a UK higher education institution to the development of innovation skills which is responsive to a wider range of students than the conventional cohort of young, full-time students.
Originality/value
The paper highlights the importance of designing educational experiences which directly address students’ situations and experiences. It also identifies the role of work-based research in the development of an innovative mindset.
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Alexander Crizzle, Maryam Madani Larijani, Anita Myers, Cassondra McCrory, Pierre Thiffault and Philip Bigelow
The purpose of this paper is to solicit perspectives from stakeholders concerning health, environmental and operational challenges among Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to solicit perspectives from stakeholders concerning health, environmental and operational challenges among Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers in Canada (truck and bus drivers).
Design/methodology/approach
Two focus groups and one interview were conducted with key industry, government and advocacy groups representing or working with CMV drivers. Perspectives pertaining to working conditions, health issues, driver recruitment and retention, and other key issues in the CMV sector were obtained.
Findings
The findings show that undesirable working conditions are primary issues that impact recruitment and retention, as well as health and wellness (H&W), and productivity of drivers in both the truck and bus sectors. Compared to our US counterparts, finding parking areas and rest stops were seen as a major issue for Canadian truckers (particularly in the north). Unfortunately, there is limited or out-dated information on drivers and companies in Canada. Stakeholders stated the need for more information from both carriers/companies and from drivers themselves (particularly long-haul drivers).
Research limitations/implications
This study identifies gaps and key priority research areas pertaining to the H&W of the CMV sector in Canada that require further investigation.
Originality/value
CMV drivers are considered a vulnerable sector of the population. While drivers themselves have reported on undesirable work conditions leading to poor health, prior studies have not assessed the awareness or perspective of stakeholders involved in the CMV sector. This is the first study to capture stakeholder perspectives of the working conditions and health outcomes of CMV drivers.
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Examines the thirteenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects…
Abstract
Examines the thirteenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.
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Caroline Lilyard and Anita M. Anderson
Briefly highlights the recent lawsuit between the state of Minnesota and seven corporations or organizations promoting the sale of tobacco. Sources for research on the Minnesota…
Abstract
Briefly highlights the recent lawsuit between the state of Minnesota and seven corporations or organizations promoting the sale of tobacco. Sources for research on the Minnesota lawsuit, and other tobacco litigation, are noted, in particular the Minnesota Document Depository, which houses previously undisclosed tobacco industry documents. It concludes with an Appendix of the timeline and players in the Minnesota tobacco trial from 1994‐1998.
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Anita Sengar, Vinay Sharma and Rajat Agrawal
Market development.
Abstract
Subject area
Market development.
Study level/applicability
This case is intended to be used in strategic management, operations management for both undergraduate and graduate courses. It can also be used for value innovation and market development.
Case overview
This case focuses on market development by Patanjali, a fast-growing organization crossing US$1bn of sales in five years of time span and declaring a target of doubling this figure in the financial year 2016-2017 (to reach US$1,500m). The prime focus of Patanjali is the health food segment based on herbal and Ayurveda science through the use of organically grown agricultural produce by integrating the associated value chains while radically benefitting all the stakeholders in a two-way process as suppliers as well as buyers/consumers. The fundamental context of the case is associated with the value chain development in terms of value addition on the basis of the organizational and leadership values in all the elements of the value chain of Patanjali products starting from suppliers to customers. The case emphasizes the role of the Patanjali Food & Herbal park in the value chain. Patanjali Food & Herbal Park is constantly striving for nation building more than profit accumulation. They have created a sustainable business benefiting all the stakeholders. The backbone of the Patanjali Food & Herbal Park lies in robust backward linkage and forward linkage. The context of the case presents an account of how the values based integration of the value chain is a strategic advantage and safeguards an organization from business environment threats.
Expected learning outcomes
The context of the case presents an account of how values based integration of the value chain is a strategic advantage and safeguard an organization from business environment threats. The case has a deep-rooted theoretical association with models like Porter’s Five Forces model on the one hand and also exemplifies how an organization can use blue ocean strategy through value-based value innovation. The context of the Black Swan perspective also emerges in the narration.
Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Subject code
CSS 11: Strategy.
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Anita Green and David Holloway
Russia has some of the worst drug and alcohol problems in the developed world. Hepatitis and HIV are reaching epidemic proportions, while opium, heroin and amphetamines are…
Abstract
Russia has some of the worst drug and alcohol problems in the developed world. Hepatitis and HIV are reaching epidemic proportions, while opium, heroin and amphetamines are causing misery in poverty stricken neighbourhoods. In a country that struggles to pay for many of its public services, those for drug and alcohol users are seriously struggling. In this report Anita Green, programme co‐leader and evaluator, and David Holloway, programme evaluator, explore the special relationship between Russian and British professionals in their bid to improve care for Russia's vulnerable people.