Mrudula Manoj, Anjitha Ram Das, Arun Chandran and Santanu Mandal
Recent studies have classified ecotourism behaviour into specific components like site-specific ecological, pro-environmental and environmental learning behaviour. However, the…
Abstract
Purpose
Recent studies have classified ecotourism behaviour into specific components like site-specific ecological, pro-environmental and environmental learning behaviour. However, the role of materialism in generating these types of behaviour is not clearly understood. Materialism might also affect tourists' environmental engagement. Hence, this study embarks on exploring these research gaps.
Design/methodology/approach
All the constructs were operationalized as first-order factors based on extant scales of measurement. After suitable pretesting, the study was able to collect 122 valid responses. The responses were analysed using partial least squares (PLS).
Findings
Results suggest that environmental engagement and environmental learning behaviour have prominent roles as enablers. Furthermore, the importance of materialism is not statistically significant and requires further investigation.
Research limitations/implications
While the study showed that environmental engagement is a crucial precursor for the development of different types of ecotourism behaviour, it also has limitations. First, the study tested the validity of the proposed associations based on the perceptual responses of 122 tourists who are interested in participating in ecotourism. However, this may lack generalizability. Future research can take a common set of tourists or a specific destination and execute a longitudinal analysis to better understand the way ecotourism behaviour has evolved over time at a destination. This would in turn help the local people and tour planners to develop tourism packages and events.
Practical implications
As tourists are interested in environmental learning, they are eventually expected to take care of the destination environment in terms of protecting it in every form. This may include reporting of any environment damaging activity, for example, activities that can enhance environmental pollution, etc.
Social implications
Materialism hinders the environmental conservation spree of tourists, when they indulge more in shopping and leisure trips. Hence, for destination planners it is very important to hold complementary events in addition to the main event to highlight the dire need of involving in ecotourism activities.
Originality/value
The study is of significant contribution for researchers and practitioners as it develops the antecedents and consequences of environmental learning behaviour. Furthermore, this study has implications for managers working for sustainability of tourism destinations.
Details
Keywords
Dileep Kumar, Taihua Mu and Mengmei Ma
Clarify the effects of potato flour (PF) addition on dough properties and quality characteristics of pie bread, thus providing a theoretical basis for potato-wheat-yogurt pie…
Abstract
Purpose
Clarify the effects of potato flour (PF) addition on dough properties and quality characteristics of pie bread, thus providing a theoretical basis for potato-wheat-yogurt pie bread processing.
Design/methodology/approach
The seven pie bread formulations were prepared with addition of different amount of PF (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 per cent) by replacing wheat flour (WF). The influence of replacement of PF with WF on the dough development, gas behavior, microstructural, gluten-starch interaction inside dough matrix and the nutritional and textural properties of pie bread was analyzed.
Findings
Compared to dough with WF, dough height was decreased significantly but total gas volume showed no significant difference with the addition of PF (10-60 per cent), and the dough height was decreased gradually with the increasing addition of PF (p = 0.0012). Scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that dough with 10-30 per cent PF revealed smooth surface and continuous network structure was also existed between starch and gluten, this was similar to the structure of wheat dough, while the surface was rough and the connection was not continuous when the PF addition was further increased from 40 to 60 per cent. Nuclear magnetic resonance showed dough with 10-60 per cent PF presented larger content of immobilized water compared to the wheat dough, and its content was also increased with the increasing addition of PF (p = 0.0008). Pie bread with 10-60 per cent PF exhibited lower fat, carbohydrate content and energy value compared to the wheat pie bread, and the fat, carbohydrate, energy was further decreased with the increasing addition of PF (p = 0.0012, 0.0002, 0.0007, respectively), while the dietary fiber content increased (p = 0.0011). In addition, specific volume and height/diameter ratio showed no significant difference in pie bread with 0-40 per cent PF, which were 2.1-2.4 cm3/g and 0.16-0.19, respectively (p = 0.004), whereas they were reduced significantly when the PF was increased to 60 per cent (p = 0.001, p = 0.002). In addition, the lightness (L) of pie bread decreased gradually with the increasing amount of PF, and the browning index was increased. Pie bread with 0-40 per cent PF showed similar hardness, springness and chewiness value, which were also increased when the PF was increased to 60 per cent (p = 0.001). The above results indicated that PF could improve the nutritional quality of pie bread, and the appropriate addition amount should be no more than 40 per cent.
Research limitations/implications
The mechanisms of this study should be clarified for further study.
Practical implications
PF was an excellent food ingredient and could be used for pie bread making at 30 per cent replacement level to overcome use of WF.
Social implications
The results of this study can provide a new kind of potato staple food with high nutrition and low energy for market and consumers.
Originality/value
PF was first used to produce yogurt pie bread to improve the nutritional properties of traditional WF yogurt pie bread.
Details
Keywords
Pallavi Dogra and Arun Kaushal
The study attempts to investigate the role of social media in spreading awareness regarding ayurvedic immunity boosters (AIB) and changes in diet. Further, the study examines the…
Abstract
Purpose
The study attempts to investigate the role of social media in spreading awareness regarding ayurvedic immunity boosters (AIB) and changes in diet. Further, the study examines the factors affecting the willingness to pay for ayurvedic immunity boosters (WPIB) during the pandemic and new normal situation with the moderating effect of the “fear of COVID-19 infection.”
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected from millennials in two phases, i.e. the first phase (1 July–August 2021) with 300 respondents and a second phase with (June–August 2022) 257 respondents. An online questionnaire was shared with millennials using the snowball sampling technique. Descriptive statistics with SPSS and SmartPLS 4.0 software were applied to analyze the data.
Findings
The results found a variation in AIB content sharing on social media during 2021 and 2022. Results found that respondents reported significant changes in their lifestyle and diet, like consuming honey, khada, tulsi tea, etc. In 2021, health consciousness and trust significantly affected WPIB, whereas in 2022, only health consciousness was substantially affected. Fear of COVID-19 infection moderates the relationship between health consciousness, perceived fear and willingness to pay for ayurvedic products, whereas the effect on consumer preference and trust remains insignificant.
Research limitations/implications
Results could help ayurvedic product manufacturing companies understand the consumers' mindset and the factors that stimulate consumers to buy these immunity boosters. Ayurvedic advertisers should design unambiguous messages that focus on health consciousness and have trustable components to encourage consumers to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Originality/value
This is one of its kinds of studies that presents the contrasts of how the COVID-19 crisis has significantly changed individuals' dietary intake and affected lifestyle patterns.
Details
Keywords
Hena Chandran, K. Jayanthi, S. Prabavathy, K. Renuka and Rajesh Bhargavan
Parents or primary caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have important role in early recognition of the disorder as well as in the management of the…
Abstract
Purpose
Parents or primary caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have important role in early recognition of the disorder as well as in the management of the disorder. Knowledge, attitude and practice of primary caregivers towards children with ASD are important factors in promoting health and wellness of such children. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of video-assisted teaching regarding care of children with ASD on knowledge, attitude and practice among primary caregivers.
Design/methodology/approach
Quasi-experimental research design with one group pre-test post-test was adopted. A total of 60 primary caregivers were selected through stratified random sampling technique. Video-assisted teaching was given to 60 primary caregivers. Data collection was done before and after the video-assisted teaching programme using structured questionnaire which consists of 57 questions.
Findings
The result of the study showed that the post-test level of knowledge attitude and practice among primary caregivers of children with ASD was significantly high (p<0.0001) when compared to pre-test level by using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. The study finding revealed that video-assisted teaching was effective in enhancing the knowledge, developing a positive attitude and good practice among primary caregivers regarding care of children with ASD.
Social implications
Findings of this study will help mental health nurses, psychologists, intellectual disability nurses, teachers, public health, social workers, etc. to know the importance of video-assisted teaching programme regarding care of children with ASD and to motivate the primary caregivers to participate in such teaching programme. The community mental health nurse can plan video-assisted teaching programme in a community regarding care of children with ASD.
Originality/value
Results of this study indicate that the video-assisted teaching is effective and helps the primary caregivers to enhance the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding care of children with ASD. So continuous awareness in primary health centre and community area is necessary to improve the knowledge, attitude and practice of primary caregivers.
Details
Keywords
Abstract
Subject area
Strategy.
Study level/applicability
MBA level. The case can be used primarily for the following courses: strategic management, competitive strategy. It can also be used for courses on: international business, international business environment, business marketing.
Case overview
Intense competition and a turbulent economic environment posed problems for Infosys, a leading information technology (IT) company in India. Infosys lost market share and its second position in the IT industry to Cognizant. An adverse economic environment affected its clients' IT spending and introduced severe price-based competition in the market. Infosys' business model operated on charging price premium from clients, and the company never compromised on its margins. The company was forced to revaluate, as outsourcing, the main revenue earner for Infosys was experiencing commoditization, and other players were willing to compromise on margins. The Indian IT industry had moved up the value chain and competitors were offering consulting services, where there was huge scope for differentiation. Infosys did not have the requisite resources to compete in this domain. Decline in share prices, negative investor sentiments, downward revision of revenue guidance targets, loss of large clients, higher attrition rates, and visa problems in the US market (Infosys earned more than 60 percent revenues from this market) added worries for the company. In response to these challenges, Infosys initiated Strategy 3.0, wherein the company planned to move up the value chain and offer consulting services and other high-end solutions to clients. This was a shift from its predominantly outsourcing-based revenue model. The company acquired Lodestone to hasten implementation of Strategy 3.0. Initial analysis, however, suggested that Infosys was merely aping Cognizant's well-established strategy. Infosys also needed to tackle perceptual issues regarding its competencies.
Expected learning outcomes
The instructor can use this case to facilitate the understanding of: the impact of an intensely competitive environment on a company's strategy, how changes in the competitive landscape and business environment can erode sources of competitive advantage for an incumbent, the impact of a client's business environment on the vendor's business, the concept of value chain and analyze how companies in an industry move up in the value chain, the concept of business model, and how environmental changes can impact a hitherto robust business model of a company, evolution of business model over a period of time with changes in the business environment, the internal conflict between ideals and values versus revenues and market share for a company, key resources and capabilities that shape the differential advantage for an IT company, designing and implementing strategic solutions, the evolution of the Indian IT industry.
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.
Details
Keywords
Akansha Mer and Amarpreet Singh Virdi
Introduction: Human resource management (HRM) is going through a transformation phase due to the pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis compelled the employees to work virtually. To…
Abstract
Introduction: Human resource management (HRM) is going through a transformation phase due to the pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis compelled the employees to work virtually. To mitigate the effects of COVID-19, several organisations heavily invested in artificial intelligence (AI) in the realm of HRM.
Purpose: With limited studies on the paradigm shift in HRM post-pandemic and the role of AI, the study investigates and proposes a conceptual framework for the paradigm shift in HRM practices post-COVID-19 pandemic and the significance of AI. Furthermore, the study investigates the outcomes of the use of AI in HRM for organisations and employees.
Methodology: A comprehensive review of the literature based on the guidelines of Tranfield, Denyer, and Smart (2003) and Crossan and Apaydin (2010) has been followed. A systematic literature review assisted in critically analysing, synthesising, and mapping the extant literature by identifying the broad themes involved.
Findings: COVID-19-related economic disruption has led to a paradigm shift in HRM practices. AI-enabled HRM practices are now centred around remote and contingent workforce management, mindfulness, social capital, increasing employee engagement, reskilling and upskilling towards new competencies, etc. AI is making remote work seamless through smooth recruitment and selection process, onboarding, career and development, tracking and managing the performance, facilitating learning, and talent management. Post-pandemic, AI-powered tools based on data mining (DM), predictive analytics, big data analytics, natural language processing (NLP), intelligent robots, machine learning (ML), virtual (VR)/augmented reality (AR), etc., have paved the way for managing the HRM practices effectively, thereby leading to enhanced organisational performance, employee well-being, automation, and reduced cost.
Details
Keywords
This study aims to develop nutritious and functional gluten-free cakes for celiac patients by substituting rice flour with unripe banana peel flour (UBPF) (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop nutritious and functional gluten-free cakes for celiac patients by substituting rice flour with unripe banana peel flour (UBPF) (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) and to propound some chemical, textural and sensorial properties of cakes. A secondary purpose was also to contribute to waste management of the banana products industry by reevaluating the peel.
Design/methodology/approach
One-way analysis of variance and Duncan’s multiple comparison test (p < 0.05) were used to determine differences among the mean values. Proximate analysis, color, texture profile analysis, antioxidant activity, mineral composition and sensorial analysis were carried out. Data was analyzed using SAS software. Cake production was carried out in three replications.
Findings
UBPF in this study had high protein (11.2%) and dietary fiber (18.3%) as well as high antioxidant activity. In all, 5%–20% UBPF-substituted cakes had enhanced dietary fiber (2.5%–3.7% dry matter), ash content (1.6%–1.9% DM) in comparison to control cake (1.4% and 1.4%, respectively). 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of enriched gluten-free cakes increased by 102%–534%, whereas ferric-reducing antioxidant power increased by 29.6%–143%. Up to 10% UBPF substitution resulted in texturally and sensorially acceptable, nutritious gluten-free cakes.
Practical implications
The developed product can be used practically for several applications as a healthy alternative. The use of unripe banana peel represents a promising strategy to increase the nutritional value and number of ready-to-eat food in the gluten-free market.
Social implications
This study propounds a nutritious, functional and sensorially acceptable gluten-free cake for celiac people to use practically while socialization. Cakes which are appreciated by panelists in sensory analysis will create product variety in kitchens, markets and social areas, in particular for those people suffering from celiac and gluten intolerance.
Originality/value
This is the first study to consider UBPF as an ingredient in gluten-free cake formulation. The product may positively contribute to the life quality of celiac people by propounding a gluten-free snack food for consumption in their social life. This study is also an example of the contribution of banana by-products toward the implementation of the circular economy.
Details
Keywords
Smarty P. Mukundan, Ananthi Rajayya and K. A. Zakkariya
Muhammad Bilal Zafar and Ahmad Azam Sulaiman
This paper begins with a challenge to explore the scope and dimensions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Islamic banking and design a CSR disclosure index, which may…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper begins with a challenge to explore the scope and dimensions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Islamic banking and design a CSR disclosure index, which may gauge the level of CSR disclosure in Islamic banking.
Design/methodology/approach
It adopts a two-fold approach to develop the CSR disclosure index for Islamic banking, such as “identification” and “prioritization.” In the ambit of identification, it relies on the existing literature related to CSR and Islamic banking. However, it undertakes analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method for prioritization through the sample of 104 experts related to Islamic banking of Pakistan.
Findings
It concludes the CSR index for Islamic banking contains five dimensions, including 79 items across 20 sub-dimensions. The results of AHP indicate that the CSR dimensions are important for Shariah governance, employee, community, customer and environment. Moreover, within dimensions, the most important sub-dimensions are Shariah compliance, customer service and quality, green investing/banking, customer relationship, training and development and poverty alleviation.
Practical implications
The CSR disclosure index of this study has important implications for academicians, such as it paves the ways for further investigations and practical usage of index to gauge the level CSR disclosure of Islamic banking. Moreover, it delineates the spectrum of responsibilities for managers of Islamic banking under the domain of CSR.
Originality/value
The proposed CSR disclosure index is comprehensive and stresses on the social responsibility of Islamic banking toward stakeholders. In nutshell, this study offers what is expected from the practitioners of Islamic banking in the domain of social responsibility.
Details
Keywords
This paper aims to examine the total factor productivity (TFP) change and its components: efficiency change and technical change in microfinance institutions (MFIs) in India…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the total factor productivity (TFP) change and its components: efficiency change and technical change in microfinance institutions (MFIs) in India operating from 2005 to 2018. The study also scrutinizes the variations in productivity levels across the distinct organizational form and size groups of MFIs. In addition to this, the authors identify the contextual factors that determine TFP growth, catching-up and technology innovation in MFIs.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs a smooth homogeneous bootstrap estimation procedure of Simar and Wilson (1999) for obtaining reliable estimates of Malmquist indices –productivity and its components – in a data envelopment analysis (DEA) framework for individual MFIs. In order to identify the determinants of productivity change and its components, the study follows Simar and Wilson's (2007) guidelines and applies a bootstrap truncated regression model. The double bootstrap procedure performs well, both in terms of allowing correct estimation of bias and deriving statistically consistent productivity estimates in the first and root mean square errors in the second stage of the analysis.
Findings
The empirical results reveal that the MFIs have shown average productivity growth of 6.70% during the entire study period. The observed productivity gains are primarily contributed by a larger efficiency increase at the rate of 4.80%, while technical progress occurs at 2.3%. Nonbanking financial companies (NBFC)-MFIs outperformed non-NBFC-MFIs. Small MFIs show the highest TFP growth in terms of size groups, followed by the large MFIs and medium MFIs. The bootstrap truncated regression results suggest that the credit portfolio, size and age of MFIs matter in achieving higher productivity levels.
Practical implications
The practical implication drawn from the study is that the Indian MFI industry might adopt the latest technology and innovations in the products, risk assessment and credit delivery to improve their productivity levels. The industry must focus on enhancing the managerial skill of its employees to achieve a high productivity level.
Originality/value
This study is perhaps the initial attempt to explain the productivity behavior of MFIs in India by deploying a statistically robust double bootstrap procedure in the DEA-based Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) framework. The authors estimate the bias-adjusted productivity index and its decompositions, which represent more reliable and statistically consistent estimates. For contextual factors responsible for driving productivity change, the study deploys a bootstrap truncated regression approach.