Suwarna Shukla, Rohit Kapoor, Narain Gupta and Deepak Arunachalam
This paper aims to examine the performance of marginalized farmers in supply relationships with agri-tech firms in emerging rural agricultural economies. The complex relationship…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the performance of marginalized farmers in supply relationships with agri-tech firms in emerging rural agricultural economies. The complex relationship among the suppliers, dual relationship and knowledge transfer (KT) was studied. This paper empirically investigates the relationship between KT and supplier’s performance improvement (SPI) via buyer–supplier relationship (BSR).
Design/methodology/approach
Grounded on agency theory, a conceptual framework has been proposed to identify the mediation effect of BSR. The context deals with suppliers who are farmers in developing nations. The hypotheses were tested using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation with a sample of 121 marginalized farmers from Indian states. The data was collected using a survey instrument designed by adapting the well-cited and validated measures. These marginalized farmers worked in collaboration with the agri-tech firms facilitating them with the KT.
Findings
The relationships established from the results also indicate the fact that KT is a powerful tool to make connections with farmers that lead to their performance improvement. The KT was found as a driver to improve performance (SPI) and the BSR acted as a positive mediator in this study. The complex relationships among the KT, BSR and SPI hold.
Research limitations/implications
This paper can be subscribed to various nuanced understandings of the agricultural supply chain context in emerging economies, in the specialized cases where farmers belong to the marginalized communities. This study has the scope to replicate using a mixed-method approach in emerging economies beyond India. It also advances the agency theory literature in the supply chain discipline of emerging rural economies.
Practical implications
This study offers strategic implications for agri-tech practitioners, policymakers and academic debate. The marginalized farmers with KT and improved BSR can become a part of the mainstream value chain, their debts can be reduced, suicides can be prevented and the quality of their family life can be significantly improved.
Originality/value
This study makes a unique contribution by investigating how the agri-tech firms (non-traditional buyer) and supplier relationship and KT helps improve the economic sustainability of smallholder farmers in India. The authors immersed themselves in fieldwork by interacting and meeting in person with 121 farmers residing in the remotest of the remote rural areas across multiple states of India. This resulted in the collection of authentic data and capturing the ground realities from one of the fastest-growing and largest emerging economies.
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Piyush Sharma, Deepak Sardana, Narain Gupta and Denni Arli
This paper aims to explore the role of spiritual leaders as celebrity business founders and brand endorsers by investigating the mediating role of perceived value in the impact of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the role of spiritual leaders as celebrity business founders and brand endorsers by investigating the mediating role of perceived value in the impact of normative community pressure and perceived brand credibility on purchase intention.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors collected data from two studies in India, one with urban (N = 307) and another with rural (N = 206) consumers of fast moving consumer goods brands being endorsed by popular celebrity business founders. The authors tested all our hypotheses using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach with SmartPLS software.
Findings
Perceived value mediates the positive impact of normative community pressure and perceived brand credibility on purchase intention for the brands endorsed by celebrity business founders, and these mediating effects are stronger for urban (vs rural) consumers.
Research limitations/implications
The results from Indian consumers may not be generalizable to other emerging markets with diverse cultural and socio-economic conditions.
Practical implications
This research would help international marketers understand the unique branding and marketing strategies used by local players to learn how to successfully target both urban and rural consumers in the emerging markets.
Originality/value
This paper extends the celebrity endorsement literature by exploring the role of spiritual leaders as celebrity business founders and brand endorsers, a growing trend in the emerging markets with high cultural and religious diversity (e.g. India and Indonesia).
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Swapnil Vyavahare, Shailendra Kumar and Deepak Panghal
This paper aims to focus on an experimental study of surface roughness, dimensional accuracy and time of fabrication of parts produced by fused deposition modelling (FDM…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to focus on an experimental study of surface roughness, dimensional accuracy and time of fabrication of parts produced by fused deposition modelling (FDM) technique of additive manufacturing. The fabricated parts of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material have pyramidal and conical features. Influence of five process parameters of FDM, namely, layer thickness, wall print speed, build orientation, wall thickness and extrusion temperature is studied on response characteristics. Furthermore, regression models for responses are developed and significant process parameters are optimized.
Design/methodology/approach
Comprehensive experimental study is performed using response surface methodology. Analysis of variance is used to investigate the influence of process parameters on surface roughness, dimensional accuracy and time of fabrication in both outer pyramidal and inner conical regions of part. Furthermore, a multi-response optimization using desirability function is performed to minimize surface roughness, improve dimensional accuracy and minimize time of fabrication of parts.
Findings
It is found that layer thickness and build orientation are significant process parameters for surface roughness of parts. Surface roughness increases with increase in layer thickness, while it decreases initially and then increases with increase in build orientation. Layer thickness, wall print speed and build orientation are significant process parameters for dimensional accuracy of FDM parts. For the time of fabrication, layer thickness and build orientation are found as significant process parameters. Based on the analysis, statistical non-linear quadratic models are developed to predict surface roughness, dimensional accuracy and time of fabrication. Optimization of process parameters is also performed using desirability function.
Research limitations/implications
The present study is restricted to the parts of ABS material with pyramidal and conical features only fabricated on FDM machine with delta configuration.
Originality/value
From the critical review of literature it is found that some researchers have made to study the influence of few process parameters on surface roughness, dimensional accuracy and time of fabrication of simple geometrical parts. Also, regression models and optimization of process parameters has been performed for simple parts. The present work is focussed on studying all these aspects in complicated geometrical parts with pyramidal and conical features.
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Swapnil Vyavahare, Soham Teraiya, Deepak Panghal and Shailendra Kumar
Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is the most economical additive manufacturing technique. The purpose of this paper is to describe a detailed review of this technique. Total 211…
Abstract
Purpose
Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is the most economical additive manufacturing technique. The purpose of this paper is to describe a detailed review of this technique. Total 211 research papers published during the past 26 years, that is, from the year 1994 to 2019 are critically reviewed. Based on the literature review, research gaps are identified and the scope for future work is discussed.
Design/methodology/approach
Literature review in the domain of FDM is categorized into five sections – (i) process parameter optimization, (ii) environmental factors affecting the quality of printed parts, (iii) post-production finishing techniques to improve quality of parts, (iv) numerical simulation of process and (iv) recent advances in FDM. Summary of major research work in FDM is presented in tabular form.
Findings
Based on literature review, research gaps are identified and scope of future work in FDM along with roadmap is discussed.
Research limitations/implications
In the present paper, literature related to chemical, electric and magnetic properties of FDM parts made up of various filament feedstock materials is not reviewed.
Originality/value
This is a comprehensive literature review in the domain of FDM focused on identifying the direction for future work to enhance the acceptability of FDM printed parts in industries.
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Mandeep Singh, Deepak Bhandari and Khushdeep Goyal
The purpose of this paper is to examine the mechanical characteristics and optimization of wear parameters of hybrid (TiO2 + Y2O3) nanoparticles with Al matrix using squeeze…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the mechanical characteristics and optimization of wear parameters of hybrid (TiO2 + Y2O3) nanoparticles with Al matrix using squeeze casting technique.
Design/methodology/approach
The hybrid aluminium matrix nanocomposites (HAMNCs) were fabricated with varying concentrations of titanium oxide (TiO2) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3), from 2.5 to 10 Wt.% in 2.5 Wt.% increments. Dry sliding wear test variables were optimized using the Taguchi method.
Findings
The introduction of hybrid nanoparticles in the aluminium (Al) matrix was evenly distributed in contrast to the base matrix. HAMNC6 (5 Wt.% TiO2 + 5 Wt.% Y2O3) reported the maximum enhancement in mechanical properties (tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and density) and decrease in porosity% and elongation% among other HAMNCs. The results showed that the optimal combination of parameters to achieve the lowest wear rate was A3B3C1, or 15 N load, 1.5 m/s sliding velocity and 200 m sliding distance. The sliding distance showed the greatest effect on the dry sliding wear rate of HAMNC6 followed by applied load and sliding velocity. The fractured surfaces of the tensile sample showed traces of cracking as well as substantial craters with fine dimples and the wear worn surfaces were caused by abrasion, cracks and delamination of HAMNC6.
Originality/value
Squeeze-cast Al-reinforced hybrid (TiO2+Y2O3) nanoparticles have been investigated for their impact on mechanical properties and optimization of wear parameters.
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Monika Sheoran and Divesh Kumar
The consumption patterns of humanity are putting an enormous burden on the resources, which are beyond the fulfiling capacity of the earth. These consumption patterns need to be…
Abstract
Purpose
The consumption patterns of humanity are putting an enormous burden on the resources, which are beyond the fulfiling capacity of the earth. These consumption patterns need to be made sustainable. Therefore, this study aims to focus on identifying the key enablers driving the sustainable consumer behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the literature review of 107 studies (1995 to 2018), which were published over a period of 23 years, fourteen key enablers of sustainable consumer behaviour were identified. These 14 enablers were validated with the help of empirical research done by surveying 200 consumers of electronic products. This was followed by the application of interpretive structural modelling (ISM) technique, to get an insight into how these enablers are influencing sustainable consumer behaviour.
Findings
ISM technique and empirical research aided in classifying the enablers based on their driving and dependence power. A further analysis was done to know about the contextual relationship between all 14 enablers and how these enablers are influencing each other and sustainable consumer behaviour. Attitude, subjective norm and perceived controlled behaviour were found dependent variables while education, government policy and advertisement emerged as an autonomous variable.
Research limitations/implications
This study will be helpful for future research in the field of sustainable consumer behaviour. Through understanding of the enablers of sustainable consumer behaviour, a scale can be developed having significant theoretical and managerial implications. This study may help in improving the sustainability initiatives by various stakeholders involved in the process of purchase, usage and dispose of electronic products.
Originality/value
This study is the first temporal and spatial study, which includes a holistic view of the enablers of sustainable consumer behaviour.
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Palaniappan Sellappan and Kavitha Shanmugam
In today’s technology-led volatile business environment all established businesses are trembling and retailing is no exception. Exploration of the entrepreneurial side of…
Abstract
Purpose
In today’s technology-led volatile business environment all established businesses are trembling and retailing is no exception. Exploration of the entrepreneurial side of retailers will expose the essential attitudes to survive in the new world order. The present study is an endeavor towards this end.
Design/methodology/approach
In this descriptive research, a pre-tested entrepreneurial orientation questionnaire constructed by De Nobrega (2012) was adopted, and it was fine-tuned to suit for the retail environment. Initially, an exploratory study was organized, and it was followed by confirmatory factor analysis. Data collected were analyzed with SPSS 23.0, and the conceptual model was validated in AMOS 23.0.
Findings
The study evinces that the retailer’s entrepreneurial orientation is induced by five factors, namely, autonomy, risk-taking, innovation, competitive aggressiveness and pro-activeness. The study exposes the five dimensions and their ascendancy on business performance.
Research limitations/implications
The study is operationalized in a small sample, confined to two types of trade, limited to small and medium retailers in Chennai and all the constructs are measured with the help of perceptual self-reporting scales.
Practical implications
The study highlights that the art of spearheading retail business performance lies in attitude orientation. This work will propel retailers and trade bodies to nurture the entrepreneurial orientation.
Social implications
The study emphasizes that boosting entrepreneurial mindset of retailers will enable them to achieve business progress and protects the grass root sector of the society.
Originality/value
This work is the very first study to identify and evaluate the impact of five-dimensional entrepreneurial orientation construct on small and medium retailer’s business performance. The present study is a pioneering empirical contribution to the Indian context.
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Dindayal Agrawal and Jitender Madaan
The purpose of this study is to examine the barriers to the implementation of big data (BD) in the healthcare supply chain (HSC).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the barriers to the implementation of big data (BD) in the healthcare supply chain (HSC).
Design/methodology/approach
First, the barriers concerning BD adoption in the HSC were found by conducting a detailed literature survey and with the expert's opinion. Then the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was employed to categorize the barriers. The obtained results are verified using the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis gives the path diagram representing the interrelationship between latent variables and observed variables.
Findings
The segregation of 13 barriers into three categories, namely “data governance perspective,” “technological and expertise perspective,” and “organizational and social perspective,” is performed using EFA. Three hypotheses are tested, and all are accepted. It can be concluded that the “data governance perspective” is positively related to “technological and expertise perspective” and “organizational and social perspective” factors. Also, the “technological and expertise perspective” is positively related to “organizational and social perspective.”
Research limitations/implications
In literature, very few studies have been performed on finding the barriers to BD adoption in the HSC. The systematic methodology and statistical verification applied in this study empowers the healthcare organizations and policymakers in further decision-making.
Originality/value
This paper is first of its kind to adopt an approach to classify barriers to BD implementation in the HSC into three distinct perspectives.
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Berkay Ergene, Gökmen Atlıhan and Ahmet Murat Pinar
This study aims to reveal the influences of three-dimensional (3D) printing parameters such as layer heights (0.1 mm, 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm), infill rates (40, 70 and 100%) and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to reveal the influences of three-dimensional (3D) printing parameters such as layer heights (0.1 mm, 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm), infill rates (40, 70 and 100%) and geometrical property as tapered angle (0, 0.25 and 0.50) on vibrational behavior of 3D-printed polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G) tapered beams with fused filament fabrication (FFF) method.
Design/methodology/approach
In this performance, all test specimens were modeled in AutoCAD 2020 software and then 3D-printed by FFF. The effects of printing parameters on the natural frequencies of 3D-printed PET-G beams with different tapered angles were also analyzed experimentally, and numerically (finite element analysis) via Ansys APDL 16 program. In addition to vibrational properties, tensile strength, elasticity modulus, hardness, and surface roughness of the 3D-printed PET-G parts were examined.
Findings
It can be stated that average surface roughness values ranged between 1.63 and 6.91 µm. In addition, the highest and lowest hardness values were found as 68.6 and 58.4 Shore D. Tensile strength and elasticity modulus increased with the increase of infill rate and decrease of the layer height. In conclusion, natural frequency of the 3D-printed PET-G beams went up with higher infill rate values though no critical change was observed for layer height and a change in tapered angle fluctuated the natural frequency values significantly.
Research limitations/implications
The influence of printing parameters on the vibrational properties of 3D-printed PET-G beams with different tapered angles was carried out and the determination of these effects is quite important. On the other hand, with the addition of glass or carbon fiber reinforcements to the PET-G filaments, the material and vibrational properties of the parts can be examined in future works.
Practical implications
As a result of this study, it was shown that natural frequencies of the 3D-printed tapered beams from PET-G material can be predicted via finite element analysis after obtaining material data with the help of mechanical/physical tests. In addition, the outcome of this study can be used as a reference during the design of parts that are subjected to vibration such as turbine blades, drone arms, propellers, orthopedic implants, scaffolds and gears.
Social implications
It is believed that determination of the effect of the most used 3D printing parameters (layer height and infill rate) and geometrical property of tapered angle on natural frequencies of the 3D-printed parts will be very useful for researchers and engineers; especially when the importance of resonance is known well.
Originality/value
When the literature efforts are scanned in depth, it can be seen that there are many studies about mechanical or wear properties of the 3D-printed parts. However, this is the first study which focuses on the influences of the both 3D printing parameters and tapered angles on the vibrational behaviors of the tapered PET-G beams produced with material extrusion based FFF method. In addition, obtained experimental results were also supported with the performed finite element analysis.