Chuleshwar Naik and Bijuna C. Mohan
This study aims to examine the factors that impact the choice of paddy marketing channels in India at the farm level and household contingencies.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the factors that impact the choice of paddy marketing channels in India at the farm level and household contingencies.
Design/methodology/approach
Employing multinomial logistic regression, the analysis utilizes the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) 77th round Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) data from the 2018 to 2019 period, specifically for the paddy Kharif season, to determine the factors determining the choice of marketing channels. The significant independent variables include minimum support price (MSP) awareness, access to and adoption of technical advice, input agency, social group, farm size of farmers, region, age and education of the household head.
Findings
Awareness of MSP and adoption of technical advice from experts can enhance the probability of selecting government channels for paddy. The reliance on government input agencies has a favourable impact on the choice of government channels. Government channels are more likely preferred by higher social groups and those with higher land-holdings. There has been a state-wise variation in access to regulated marketing channels for paddy.
Research limitations/implications
Transaction cost associated with marketing channel choice is an important factor, not incorporated in this study due to the unavailability in the NSS data.
Originality/value
The research uses the latest unit-level data of the NSSO 77th round, published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the Government of India.
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C. B. Mohan, K. Venkatesh, C. Divakar, K. Gopalakrishna, L. Murali and K. G. Lakshminarayana Bhatta
The paper aims to address the formulation of zirconium and oxalicum additive-based lubricants for use in slide ways to meet the demands of high positioning exactness based on…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to address the formulation of zirconium and oxalicum additive-based lubricants for use in slide ways to meet the demands of high positioning exactness based on reduction in stick–slip and coefficient of friction over a wide speed range and compares the same with commercially available lubricant.
Design/methodology/approach
An investigation into the frictional properties and stick-slip behavior of lubricating oil is carried out using linear reciprocating tribometer and correlated with ultraviolet spectroscopic analysis.
Findings
It is observed that these transition metal additive compounds support in increasing the flexibility of the molecular chains leading to improved lubricity.
Originality/value
The lubricant additives considered for the current study are based on transition metals zirconium and oxalicum. It is observed that these additive compounds support in increasing the flexibility of the molecular chains, leading to improved lubricity.
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Xiaofan Liu, Yupeng Zhou, Minghao Yin and Shuai Lv
The paper aims to provide an efficient meta-heuristic algorithm to solve the partial set covering problem (PSCP). With rich application scenarios, the PSCP is a fascinating and…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to provide an efficient meta-heuristic algorithm to solve the partial set covering problem (PSCP). With rich application scenarios, the PSCP is a fascinating and well-known non-deterministic polynomial (NP)-hard problem whose goal is to cover at least k elements with as few subsets as possible.
Design/methodology/approach
In this work, the authors present a novel variant of the ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm, called Argentine ant system (AAS), to deal with the PSCP. The developed AAS is an integrated system of different populations that use the same pheromone to communicate. Moreover, an effective local search framework with the relaxed configuration checking (RCC) and the volatilization-fixed weight mechanism is proposed to improve the exploitation of the algorithm.
Findings
A detailed experimental evaluation of 75 instances reveals that the proposed algorithm outperforms the competitors in terms of the quality of the optimal solutions. Also, the performance of AAS gradually improves with the growing instance size, which shows the potential in handling complex practical scenarios. Finally, the designed components of AAS are experimentally proved to be beneficial to the whole framework. Finally, the key components in AAS have been demonstrated.
Originality/value
At present, there is no heuristic method to solve this problem. The authors present the first implementation of heuristic algorithm for solving PSCP and provide competitive solutions.
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As new English-medium universities open their doors in the Arabian Gulf andsome Arabic-medium universities switch to using English as the language ofinstruction, instructors in…
Abstract
As new English-medium universities open their doors in the Arabian Gulf andsome Arabic-medium universities switch to using English as the language ofinstruction, instructors in all disciplines face the challenge of teaching theircourses in English to students who have learned (and who are continuing tolearn) English as a foreign language. This article reviews theories and practicesfrom the field of Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a SecondLanguage (TESOL) which can help content-area instructors understand andreach these learners.
Second language acquisition research has produced several concepts ofinterest to content-area instructors. Krashen’s theory of comprehensible inputfocuses on the language used by the instructor, while Swain’s of comprehensibleoutput emphasizes providing opportunities for students to produce language. Cummins differentiates between two types of language proficiency: BasicInterpersonal Communication Skills (BICS), which are needed for dailyinteractions, and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP), which isrequired for academic tasks. Interlanguage and first language interference mayalso influence students’ second language production in classroom settings.
Specific classroom practices for improving students’ language comprehensionand facilitating content learning are recommended. These include modifyingspeech, using visual aids, utilizing a variety of questioning techniques, andextending the time instructors wait for students to respond. Instructors canemploy strategies, such as mind-mapping and quickwriting, to activate students’linguistic and conceptual schemata at the beginning of a lesson. Scaffoldingprovides structure and support for students to complete tasks until they are ableto realize them on their own. Collaborative/cooperative learning lowers students’affective filters and offers opportunities for participation and language practice. Graphics illustrate some of the suggested practices.
Mikul Budhiraja and Ishwar Mittal
This research explores how perceived product and service quality affect brand equity within hybrid business models, particularly in the automotive industry. Additionally, it…
Abstract
Purpose
This research explores how perceived product and service quality affect brand equity within hybrid business models, particularly in the automotive industry. Additionally, it examines how brand equity influences consumer behavioural intentions, emphasising the mediating role of consumer satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative approach was utilized, employing a survey to gather data from a diverse sample of automobile consumers in India’s National Capital Region. PLS-SEM was applied to analyse the relationships among the constructs.
Findings
The results indicated that product and service quality significantly enhanced brand equity, with service quality exerting a more substantial influence. Furthermore, brand equity positively influenced consumer behavioural intentions, such as repurchase intentions and word-of-mouth referrals, with consumer satisfaction as a partial mediator in this relationship.
Originality/value
This research pioneers a fresh perspective by delving into hybrid business models that integrate products and services, providing a comprehensive understanding of how perceived quality builds brand equity, which in turn drives favourable consumer behaviours. Notably, the study integrates three theoretical frameworks, consumer empowerment, the compensatory effect and the theory of reasoned action, to offer deeper insights into research on quality, brand management and consumer behaviour within the automotive context.
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Cristina Calvo-Porral and Jean-Pierre Lévy-Mangin
Celebrity endorsement has been profusely used to promote the consumption and purchase intention of diverse product categories; however, there is scarce research about whether…
Abstract
Purpose
Celebrity endorsement has been profusely used to promote the consumption and purchase intention of diverse product categories; however, there is scarce research about whether celebrity endorsement effectiveness differs between brands and product categories. In this context, this study aims to answer this question: “Does consumer purchase behavior influenced by celebrity endorsement differ between brands and products?”.
Design/methodology/approach
To this end, a conceptual model of the influence of celebrity endorsement on consumer purchase behavior is examined through a multiple group structural equation modeling on two consumer samples (315 = brands; 308 = product categories). Samples were categorized as a celebrity promoting either a product category or a brand, and food products were selected as the product category for the investigation.
Findings
Findings indicate differences in the effectiveness of celebrity endorsement between brands and product categories: credibility is the most relevant variable influencing consumer purchase intention for product categories, while credibility and congruence both influence consumer purchase intention for brands. Similarly, the celebrity recommendation of brands generates greater purchase intention due to celebrity congruence with the endorsed product.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present research is one of the first endeavors to compare the effectiveness of celebrity brand endorsement versus celebrity product endorsement on purchase intention.
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Chung Chun Lin and Satish B. Mohan
Quite a few statistical and artificial neural network (ANN) models have been developed for the mass appraisal of the real estate by the municipalities. The purpose of this paper…
Abstract
Purpose
Quite a few statistical and artificial neural network (ANN) models have been developed for the mass appraisal of the real estate by the municipalities. The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a research conducted to compare the prediction accuracy of the three most used models: multiple regression model, additive nonparametric regression, and ANN.
Design/methodology/approach
The three models were developed using the housing database of a town with 33,342 residential houses. In this database, the cutoff point for higher priced homes was $88 per square foot of living area.
Findings
The research confirmed that using statistical and ANN models are reliable and cost‐effective methods for mass appraisal of residential housing.
Originality/value
It was found that any of the three models can be used, with similar accuracy, for lower and medium‐priced houses, but the ANN is considerably more accurate for higher priced houses.
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Deepak Sharma and Rajesh Kumar Bhushan
Parts that are to be used in aircraft, satellites, automobiles and ships should have sound microstructure. Components made from AA6082/Si3N4 and AA6082/SiC composites are in…
Abstract
Purpose
Parts that are to be used in aircraft, satellites, automobiles and ships should have sound microstructure. Components made from AA6082/Si3N4 and AA6082/SiC composites are in demand from industries. Hence, these components are to be fabricated by suitable technique at the appropriate value of process parameters. The purpose of this paper is Microstructure analysis of AA6082/Si3N4 and AA6082/SiC composites
Design/methodology/approach
AA6082/Si3N4 and AA6082/SiC composites are successfully fabricated using the stir casting process. Their microstructures have been analyzed. This has been done at different magnification. The effect of the addition of Si3N4 and SiC particles in the 6082 aluminum alloy is investigated. Microstructure of AA6082/Si3N4 and AA6082/SiC composites are also compared. Results show that Si3N4 and SiC particles have good wettability with AA6082. These reinforcement particles are homogeneously distributed in the matrix of AA6082.
Findings
There are no adverse effects of reactions in the microstructure of AA6082/Si3N4 and AA6082/SiC composites. There is not much difference between the distribution and interfacial characteristics of Si3N4 and SiC particles. AA6082/Si3N4 and AA6082/SiC composites have good properties. This is high strength at low density. Due to which they become suitable for the aircraft and space industry. So far, SiC, Al2O3 and tungsten carbide have been mostly used as reinforcements with different grades of aluminum alloy.
Originality/value
Not much experimental work is found with Si3N4 and SiC particles as reinforcement with AA6082. The novelty of this research work is that an effort has been made to fabricate AA6082/Si3N4 and AA6082/SiC composites at such values of process parameters, by stir casting process, so that sound and defect free microstructure is obtained. Microstructure of AA6082/Si3N4 and AA6082/SiC composites is also compared, to find which is better.
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Anulekha Banerjee and Rajib Dasgupta
The consumer-based study was conducted among the population of Kolkata metropolis to assess the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices on the purchase intention…
Abstract
Purpose
The consumer-based study was conducted among the population of Kolkata metropolis to assess the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices on the purchase intention of selected cooking oil brands.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from a questionnaire based survey on 322 respondents residing in Kolkata metropolis. Reliability of the scales was ascertained by Cronbach’s alpha values. Kendall's W test was used for rank analysis. Pearson’s correlation was examined to correlate the cognitive criteria. Factor analysis was used to sort out influential cognitive criteria which were compared between genders by the Kruskal–Wallis H test. The involvement of CSR components in enhancing the brand equity was analysed by multiple linear regression.
Findings
The brands vouching for the cause of health and nutritional value of the society attained significant loyalty and generate considerable brand association. The regression model predicts a socially accepted cooking oil brand to be one which addresses health, transparency and ethics in unison.
Research limitations/implications
The study was restricted within the resident population of Kolkata metropolis which ratifies the CSR perception of a confined mass.
Practical implications
The study delineates the plausible avenue of CSR investments to touch the cognitive centre of the consumers’ mind.
Social implications
The consumers expect to embrace a healthy yet reasonably priced cooking oil brand which imparts a notion to address multiple social causes.
Originality/value
The study identifies the strategic CSR attributes which might influence the mind of the consumers while they select cooking oil brands for household use.
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Rakesh Kumar, Shailesh Kumar Kaushal and Kishore Kumar
This paper aims to explore the role of source credibility while purchasing environment-friendly products using Ajzen’s (1991) theory of planned behavior as underpinning model.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the role of source credibility while purchasing environment-friendly products using Ajzen’s (1991) theory of planned behavior as underpinning model.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed theoretical model was empirically tested with the data collected from 334 respondents using structural equation modeling.
Findings
The results gave empirical support to the addition of source credibility to the original theory of planned. Moreover, consumer attitude was found mediating the effect of corporations’ credibility on purchase intention. Also, attitude and perceived behavioral control were found as the most important predictors of consumer’s intention to purchase environment-friendly products.
Practical implications
This study provides valuable insights for the marketers engaged in sustainable business practices. Amid, ever-increasing carbon emission, promoting the use of environment-friendly products has become the need of the time. Credibility plays a crucial role while promoting and communicating an organization’s sustainable practices among its stakeholders including consumers. Therefore, the marketer should formulate appropriate marketing communication strategy to communicate the consumer about the green practices and environment-friendly products they produce. The results suggest that corporation’s credibility shapes consumer attitude and influences intention to purchase environment-friendly products. Earning trust of the consumer is pivotal to achieve success in the market. Therefore, results may help the marketers to better understand consumer’s response toward their marketing strategies and further convince and persuade them to buy their products.
Social implications
The findings of this study may be useful for marketers, strategists, policymakers and government while formulating promotional strategies to make consumer aware, educate and persuade them to purchase products which do not cause harm to the environment.
Originality/value
The study is novel in terms of exploring role of source credibility and extending theory of planned behavior in the context of sustainable consumption.