Dhara Shah, Narendra M. Agrawal and Miriam Moeller
Despite more than 50 years of research into gender and work, the impact of female expatriates persists to be underrepresented in mainstream international human resource management…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite more than 50 years of research into gender and work, the impact of female expatriates persists to be underrepresented in mainstream international human resource management (IHRM) literature. The purpose of this paper is to identify and explore the perceptions of married Indian information technology (IT) women regarding career and expatriating discussions they have with their husbands and its impact on their decision making to undertake international assignments.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 married Indian IT women who had undertaken international assignments after marriage. The study includes two data sets, 1: women on less than one-year assignment; 2: women on greater than one-year assignments.
Findings
The study found that women who went on short-term assignments of less than one year travelled alone and found it fortunate and convenient to leave their children in the care of their husbands, in-laws, parents and maids. While in the cases of women travelling for longer-term assignments, most husbands accompanied them. The study suggests that while spousal support was the key, having a shared purpose with husbands along with extended family support was equally significant to facilitate women undertaking an international assignment. As an impetus, the authors note a change within the Indian society where both partners come together to make decisions about expatriating.
Research limitations/implications
The authors discuss the implications for IHRM as they relate to gender diversity within organisations.
Originality/value
The research, underpinned by the early workings of a theory of career hierarchy, explores the complexities in expatriation decision-making processes of married women from the emerging economy of India with traditional family values, who are working within a modern and liberal IT industry.
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Juan Miguel Rosa González, Michelle Barker and Dhara Shah
Given that the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) varies greatly between countries, it becomes relevant to explore self-initiated expatriate (SIE) health workers'…
Abstract
Purpose
Given that the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) varies greatly between countries, it becomes relevant to explore self-initiated expatriate (SIE) health workers' perceptions of home vs host country safety during a global pandemic. Thus, the paper aims to study the effects of COVID-19 on the expatriation experience of Spanish SIE nurses in Germany, focussing on perceptions of home and host country safety as push/pull forces on their intentions to repatriate or stay.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews (n = 10) were conducted with Spanish SIE nurses in Germany between April/June 2020 followed by instant messaging interactions with the same participants in October/November 2020. Data analysis was assisted by NVivo software.
Findings
Overloaded by information from social networks about the impact of COVID-19 in Spain compared with the situation in Germany, Spanish SIE nurses had exacerbated feelings of stress, and some reported having experienced guilt for not being in their home country. Nevertheless, the contrasting impact and management of the crisis and its relative effect on health workers and the larger society in Spain and Germany reinforced the nurses' intention to stay in Germany.
Research limitations/implications
The research offers insights to organisations and public authorities involved with providing support to SIEs during crises, highlighting the implications of SIEs' social networks and dual allegiance to home and host countries during a global health emergency.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the growing literature on SIEs, whilst adding to the research on expatriates' well-being and safety during crises.
Juan Miguel Rosa González, Michelle Barker and Dhara Shah
Despite over 50 years of expatriation research, the implications of expatriation for identity remains an under-researched topic in mainstream international human resource…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite over 50 years of expatriation research, the implications of expatriation for identity remains an under-researched topic in mainstream international human resource management (IHRM) literature. Expatriation can cause disruption to expatriates' familiar sociocultural environment, which can often pose challenges to their self-concept and identity. The study underpinned by identity and social identity theories explores the perceptions of Spanish self-initiated expatriate (SIE) nurses living in Germany and other Spanish nurses who repatriated from Germany to understand the influence of expatriation on their self-concept and identity.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Spanish SIE nurses in Germany (n = 20) and others who had repatriated from Germany (n = 10). Data analysis was assisted by NVivo software.
Findings
The study identified that low proficiency in the host country language (HCL) and the problematic workplace interactions that ensued, challenged the participants' self-conceptions as competent professionals and prompted their reliance on social networks of fellow Spaniards for social validation.
Research limitations/implications
Although focused on a specific context, the study not only enhances practical understanding of Spanish SIE nurses in Germany but also offers valuable insights to organisations working with SIEs. It adds to extant knowledge on language and identity in the expatriation context and discusses the implications for global HRM related to underutilisation of SIEs' knowledge and skills within organisations.
Originality/value
The study contributes to theory building on the under-researched link between expatriation and identity, while adding to the growing literature on SIEs.
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Kamaljit Singh, Jasvinder Kaur and Simmi Vashishtha
The purpose of this study is to conduct a critical review of the operational and financial trends of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to conduct a critical review of the operational and financial trends of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited. Furthermore, the study aims to determine whether loss-making utilities would benefit from adopting the strategic model employed by Haryana.
Design/methodology/approach
Time series data from 2005–2006 to 2022–2023 is analysed using various significant accounting ratios and operational and financial performance parameters to assess the annual performance over the period.
Findings
The substantial operational and financial performance results of UHBVNL and DHBVNL indicate that from 2017 to 2018 onwards, the power discoms started performing well and are in an improving stage. These results create a strong profile for the utilities, suggesting that their model could be a viable solution for other loss-making power distribution companies.
Practical implications
As a policy recommendation, rather than privatizing the discoms, authorities should study the strategic model of profit-making states like Haryana and implement it in other states without any political interference.
Originality/value
The relevant research questions addressed are: What best practices have Haryana power discoms adopted to enhance financial performance and minimize losses? What lessons can other loss-making state-owned power discoms learn from Haryana? Can Haryana power discoms be a benchmarking model for public and private discoms operating at a loss?
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Nilesh C. Ghuge and Dattatray D. Palande
This study evaluates the impact of cutting fluids on energy consumption and tool life in machining, focusing on sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact and improve…
Abstract
Purpose
This study evaluates the impact of cutting fluids on energy consumption and tool life in machining, focusing on sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency. By comparing vegetable-based soyabean oil with mineral-based blasocut oil, the study assesses their effects on power usage and tool life.
Design/methodology/approach
This study introduces a novel approach by applying both response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) models to validate the performance of vegetable-based cutting fluids, specifically soyabean oil, in machining operations.
Findings
Results indicate that soyabean oil reduces energy use by 9% and extends tool life by 29% compared to blasocut oil, with strong alignment between model predictions and actual results.
Research limitations/implications
The findings, though specific to certain fluids and conditions, suggest that soyabean oil offers a viable eco-friendly alternative for machining processes.
Practical implications
Adoption of such fluids could lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce dependency on mineral oils and benefit farmers by creating additional demand for vegetable oils.
Originality/value
This dual-model validation of cutting fluid performance marks an innovative contribution to sustainable machining, supporting the adoption of greener, resource-efficient manufacturing practices. This study underscores the potential of vegetable-based cutting fluids to enhance sustainability in manufacturing.
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This case describes the challenges faced by Amul in organising dairy farmers into a co-operative and creating continuous opportunities for value addition. Participants in the case…
Abstract
This case describes the challenges faced by Amul in organising dairy farmers into a co-operative and creating continuous opportunities for value addition. Participants in the case discussion are required to review the developments in the organisation and recommend a strategy for the future.
Details
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Keywords
Murniati Mukhlisin, Nurizal Ismail and Reza Jamilah Fikri
This study aims to analyse whether theories and views of classical Islamic scholars are widely adopted as references in Islamic accounting and finance (IAF), Islamic economics…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyse whether theories and views of classical Islamic scholars are widely adopted as references in Islamic accounting and finance (IAF), Islamic economics (IE) and Islamic business management (IBM) research studies as part of their contribution to solving current economic and financial problems.
Design/methodology/approach
The research adopts a qualitative meta-analysis methodology using NVivo 12 with selected data from 474 international journal articles published between 1981 and 2021. The study considers 172 IAF articles, 111 IE articles and 191 IBM articles.
Findings
The results of the study show that the use of theories and views of classical Islamic scholars is not widespread among the examined research papers. The findings show that 90% of researchers tend to acquire modern economics, management, psychological and sociological theories instead of classical theories. Both modern and classical theories have been discussed in the studied articles namely agency theory, stakeholders' theory, ḥisbah (accountability), maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah (objectives of Islamic law) and waʿd (unilateral promise). The gaps prevail not only in the taxonomy of terms but also in the choice of paradigm references. It is found that 66% of the 474 journal articles adopt a positivist paradigm, followed by interpretivism (19%), post-structuralism (9%) and critical orientation (6%).
Research limitations/implications
This paper considers only ABS ranking journal articles. Future research may consider other journal articles from different ranking groups such as Scopus or Thomson & Reuters.
Practical implications
The paper sheds light on how Islamic educational institutions can develop strategies for the Integration of Knowledge (IOK) in their curriculum.
Social implications
This paper helps to shape the Muslims' way of thinking within an Islamic worldview which will lead to an Islamic way of expressing knowledge, skill and behaviour.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the model of IOK that has been deliberated among Islamic universities, especially those that develop IAF, IE and IBM studies.
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Kaleem Ahmad Najar, N.A. Sheikh, Mohammad Mursaleen Butt and M.A. Shah
The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanical and tribological properties of the synthetic diamond coatings deposited on WC-Co cutting tools for their prospective…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanical and tribological properties of the synthetic diamond coatings deposited on WC-Co cutting tools for their prospective applications in mechanical industry. In this work, the concept of nanocrystalline diamond, microcrystalline diamond and multilayer-diamond coating systems were proposed and deposited on WC-Co substrates with the top-layer nanocrystallinity, optimum thickness and interfacial adhesion strength for load-bearing tribological and machining applications. Also, the overall mechanical and tribological properties of all synthetic diamond coatings were compared for the purpose of selecting a suitable type of protective layer used on the surfaces of WC-Co cutting tools or mechanical dies.
Design/methodology/approach
Smooth and adhesive single layered and multilayered synthetic deposited on chemically etched cemented tungsten carbide (WC-Co) substrates using predetermined process parameters in hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) method. A comparison has been documented between diamond coatings having different nature and architecture for the purpose of studying their mechanical and tribological characteristics. The friction characteristics were studied experimentally using ball-on-disc type linear reciprocating micro-tribometer under the influence of varying load conditions and within dry sliding conditions. Nanoindentation tests were conducted on each diamond coating using Berkovich nanoindenter for the measurement of their hardness and elastic modulus values. Also, the wear characteristics of all sliding bodies were studied under varying load conditions using cumulative weight loss and density method.
Findings
Depositing any type of diamond coating on the cemented carbide tool insert increases its all mechanical and tribological characteristics. When using boron-doping onto the top-layer surface of diamond coatings decrease slightly their mechanical properties but increases the tribological characteristics. Present analysis reveals that friction coefficient of all diamond-coated WC-Co substrates decreases with the increase of normal load. Therefore, maintaining an appropriate level of normal load, sliding time, sliding distance, atmospheric conditions and type of diamond coating, the friction coefficient may be kept to some lower value to improve mechanical processes.
Originality/value
As the single layered synthetic diamond coatings have not given the full requirements of mechanical and tribological properties when deposited on cutting tools. Therefore, the multilayered diamond coatings were proposed and developed to enhance the interfacial integrity of the nanocrystalline and microcrystalline layers (by eliminating the sharp interface) as well as increasing the hardness of tungsten carbide substrate. However, when using boron doping onto the top-layer surface of diamond, coatings decreases slightly their mechanical characteristics but also decreases the value of friction coefficient.
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Sabyasachi Sinha and Vinod Thakur
This case should facilitate participants to analyze the influence of internal and external factors on a growing company in the dairy, agro and food industries; analyze the drivers…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
This case should facilitate participants to analyze the influence of internal and external factors on a growing company in the dairy, agro and food industries; analyze the drivers of a company’s competitive advantage; evaluate the relevance of the company in the new product-markets; and propose growth strategies for the expansion of the business beyond the core markets.
Case overview/synopsis
Gyan Dairy began its journey in 2007 and operated in the business-to-business segment by supplying skimmed milk powder and white butter to other dairy players. Then, the company launched its packaged milk brand in Lucknow – the capital city of Uttar Pradesh – one of the largest provinces in India. By the end of 2020, Gyan was the leading private dairy brand in Uttar Pradesh. The company’s vision was to become one of the top dairy brands in India by 2035. While deliberating on the growth choice, the company’s senior management debated whether to strengthen the company’s position in the existing markets or expand operations in adjacent locations. Increasing market share would have led to price wars or advertising costs. Diversifying into product categories involved the risk of product–market misfit and new product development and marketing costs. However, pursuing these options would further strengthen the company’s position in the North Indian market. Expanding into new locations would help establish the company’s presence across different parts of India. However, both these options were replete with various challenges. Expanding into new markets needed one of the promoters of the Gyan Diary, to relocate, build new markets and institutional connections and build a completely new localized economy of scale, which would create a financial burden on existing operations until the new operation was self-sustainable. However, in this journey, they would find and build a model to help expand their operations in other countries as well. Ideally, the company could pursue all the options, but this was not possible due to constrained resources.
This case allows students to discuss and evaluate alternate growth options associated with operationalizing the growth strategy choices in perishable branded food categories beyond existing markets and products. In addition, it also helps discuss how to arrive at such decisions after analyzing the focal firm’s market opportunities and existing capabilities. This case is helpful for the “growth strategy” module in the strategic management core course in a general MBA program and in specialized MBA programs in food and agri-business management.
Complexity academic level
This case is suitable for graduate-level courses on strategic management courses in general management programs and agri-business management programs. In a strategic management course, the case will help cover topics such as analysis of the internal and external environment of the firm and growth and expansion strategies. This case will help teach how to build competitive advantage in dairy and agro-food industries and the strategic analysis needed while pursuing growth decisions. Emerging markets, including India, are the growth markets for leading multinational companies in the food and dairy industries.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 11: Strategy.
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This study aims to investigate the practice of bay’ ‘inah contract in personal and home financing products by some Islamic Finance Institutions (IFIs) and examine the differences…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the practice of bay’ ‘inah contract in personal and home financing products by some Islamic Finance Institutions (IFIs) and examine the differences in the selection of contracts in banking products amongst IFIs mainly involving personal financing. The study will also propose a solution to the problem of differences and simultaneously standardise personal financing contracts in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology of this study is qualitative, in which the data are collected through library research and field studies. The library research is done by examining books of usul al-fiqh (principles of Islamic jurisprudence), mura’aht al-khilaf, maqasid shariah (objectives of Islamic law) articles, statutes and related circulars, while field studies are conducted in an unstructured interview method with some members of Shariah Advisory Council (SAC) and academicians from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), IFIs and public university.
Findings
The findings show that there is a difference in views amongst SAC members in IFIs on bay’ ‘inah contract that effects the differences in the execution of such contract in banking applications. The study found that the bay’ ‘inah contract was non Shariah (Islamic law) compliant based on Shariah’s arguments and the opinion of the majority of past and present Islamic scholars. The study found that the BNM’s SAC did not allow the bay’ ‘inah contract to be practiced in personal and home financing products. Hence, this study proposes standardisation steps based on differences in the problems studied. The study also suggested that the SAC of BNM make improvements and updates on its solution regarding the bay’ ‘inah contract so that it is not misunderstood especially amongst IFIs.
Research limitations/implications
The study is only looking at one case study, which is the bay’ ‘inah contract practiced by the IFIs in Malaysia.
Practical implications
This study proposes the standardisation of personal financing products practiced by the IFIs. The results of this study can reduce Sharīʿah non-compliance products in the market. The results of this study have gained a deep understanding of the solution of bay’ ‘inah contract made by the SAC of BNM. The findings also reduce the conflict between Shariah scholars locally and internationally and can restore the image of Islamic banking in Malaysia from engaging with controversy products or contracts.
Social implications
The confidence of the public in Islamic banking is increasing as there is no contractual engagement with serious controversial issues and contracts similar to the concept of riba and hilah (trick) that is prohibited by Islamic law in IFIs.
Originality/value
This study analyses the differences of fatwa (a ruling on the point of Islamic law) about bay’ ‘inah contract decided by some SACs of IFI based on the discipline of usul al-fiqh. The study found that the bay’ ‘inah contract is not allowed by Islamic law. The study has proposed the standardisation of the fatwa differences based on the concept of mura’aht al-khilaf and the concept of standardisation in Islamic finance and to standardise personal financing products amongst IFIs in Malaysia.