Mei Hyie Koay, Mohd Adham Akmal Tukiran, Siti Nur Amalina Mohd Halidi, Mardziah Che Murad, Zuraidah Salleh and Hamid Yusoff
The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of current density on the surface roughness and corrosion performance of electrodeposited Co–Ni–Fe-coated mild steel. Process…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of current density on the surface roughness and corrosion performance of electrodeposited Co–Ni–Fe-coated mild steel. Process variables are the key factor in controlling the electrodeposition process. It is important to study the processing parameter to optimize the mechanical and corrosion resistance performance of the coating substrate.
Design/methodology/approach
A low-cost electrodeposition method was used to the synthesize Co–Ni–Fe coating on the mild steel substrate. In the electrodeposition, electrochemistry concept was applied. The temperature of the process was controlled at 50 ± 5°C in an acidic environment. The influence of current density (11, 22 and 33 mA/cm2) and deposition time (15, 20 and 30 min) toward the surface roughness, hardness and corrosion rate was investigated.
Findings
The increases of time deposition and current density have improved the microhardness and corrosion resistance of Co–Ni–Fe-coated mild steel. The Co–Ni–Fe nanoparticles deposited at 30 min and current density of 33 mA/cm2 experienced the smallest surface roughness value (Ra). The same sample also obtained the highest Vickers microhardness of 122.6 HV and the lowest corrosion rate. This may be due to the homogenous and complete protection coating performed on the mild steel.
Practical implications
The findings from the study are important for future application of Co–Ni–Fe on the mild steel parts such as fasteners, car body panels, metal chains, wire ropes, engine parts, bicycle rims, nails and screws and various outdoor uses. The improvement of corrosion resistance using optimum electrodeposition parameters is essential for these applications to prolong the life span of the parts.
Originality/value
A new process which pertains to fabrication of Co–Ni–Fe as a protective coating on mild steel was proposed. The Co–Ni–Fe coating can enhance the corrosion protection and thus prolong the lifespan of the mild steel parts.
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Antonio Carlos Domenek, Roberto Giro Moori and Valdir Antonio Vitorino Filho
Collaboration and operational capabilities are two strengths for managing supply chains to achieve operational performance. In this context, this study aims to analyze the…
Abstract
Purpose
Collaboration and operational capabilities are two strengths for managing supply chains to achieve operational performance. In this context, this study aims to analyze the mediating effect of operational capabilities on the relationship between collaborative supply chain management and operational performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The study design consisted of a theoretical framework to estimate the mediation paths by latent variable structural modeling methods. A survey of 138 respondents from Brazilian capital goods companies was conducted.
Findings
The study revealed that operational capabilities partially mediate the relationship between collaborative supply chain management and operational performance. The findings provide important guidance for managers to strengthen the relationship with suppliers to continuously improve operational capability.
Research limitations/implications
As the sample size was made up of 138 respondents, it was impossible to revalidate the theoretical–empirical model. New data need to be collected to re-evaluate the structural model and expand them to other economic segments.
Practical implications
By examining the theoretical insights and empirical findings, the study expanded knowledge about collaborative management and the understanding of the importance of operational capabilities in the relationship between collaborative management and operational performance for management practices.
Originality/value
The study developed a theoretical–empirical measurement model, reliable and statistically validated, to test the mediating effect of operational capabilities in the relationship between collaborative management and operational performance.
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Akhilesh Nautiyal and Sunil Sharma
A large number of roads have been constructed in the rural areas of India to connect habitations with the nearest major roads. With time, the pavements of these roads have…
Abstract
Purpose
A large number of roads have been constructed in the rural areas of India to connect habitations with the nearest major roads. With time, the pavements of these roads have deteriorated and they need some kind of maintenance, although they all do not need maintenance at the same time, as they have all not deteriorated to the same level. Hence, they have to be prioritized for maintenance.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to present a scientific methodology for prioritizing pavement maintenance, the factors affecting prioritization and the relative importance of each were identified through an expert survey. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to scientifically establish weight (importance) of each factor based on its relative importance over other factors. The proposed methodology was validated through a case study of 203 low volume rural roads in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. Ranking of these roads in order of their priority for maintenance was presented as the final result.
Findings
The results show that pavement distresses, traffic volume, type of connectivity and the socioeconomic facilities located along a road are the four major factors to be considered in determining the priority of a road for maintenance.
Research limitations/implications
The methodology provides a comprehensive, scientific and socially responsible pavement maintenance prioritization method which will automatically select roads for maintenance without any bias.
Practical implications
Timely maintenance of roads will also save budgetary expenditure of restoration/reconstruction, leading to enhancement of road service life. The government will not only save money but also provide timely benefit to the needy population.
Social implications
Road transportation is the primary mode of inland transportation in rural areas. Timely maintenance of the pavements will be of great help to the socioeconomic development of rural areas.
Originality/value
The proposed methodology lays special emphasis on rural roads which are small in length, but large in number. Instead of random, a scientific method for selection of roads for maintenance will be of great help to the public works department for better management of rural road network.
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Aklima Akter, Wan Fadzilah Wan Yusoff and Mohamad Ali Abdul-Hamid
This study aims to see the moderating effect of board diversity on the relationship between ownership structure and real earnings management.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to see the moderating effect of board diversity on the relationship between ownership structure and real earnings management.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses unbalanced panel data of 75 listed energy firms (346 firm-year observations) from three South Asian emerging economies (Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan) from 2015 to 2019. The two-step system GMM estimation is used for data analysis. This study also uses fixed effect regression to obtain robust findings.
Findings
The findings show that firms with a greater ownership concentration and managerial ownership significantly reduce real earnings management. In contrast, the data refute the idea that institutional and foreign ownership affect real earnings management. We also find that board diversity interacts significantly with ownership concentration and managerial ownership, meaning that board diversity moderates the negative link of the primary relationship that reduces real earnings management. On the other hand, board diversity has no interaction with institutional and foreign ownership, implying no moderating effect exists on the primary relationship.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is unique research investigating how different ownership structures affect real earnings management in the emerging nations’ energy sector, which the earlier studies overlook. More specifically, this research focuses on how board diversity moderates the relationships between ownership structure and real earnings management, which could be helpful for future investors.
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Nagwan Abdulwahab Alqershi, Wan Fauzia Wan Yusoff, Md Asrul Nasid Bin Masrom, Norhadilah Binti Abdul Hamid, Sany Sanuri Mohd Mokhtar and Mohammed AlDoghan
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of intellectual capital (IC) on the performance of Malaysian automotive manufacturing firms. It also examines the role of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of intellectual capital (IC) on the performance of Malaysian automotive manufacturing firms. It also examines the role of strategic thinking (ST) as a moderating variable in the relationship between IC and performance in these firms.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a quantitative approach, with an initial sample of 228 firms in Malaysia. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the study hypotheses.
Findings
The results of the PLS-SEM analysis are as follows: Human capital (HC) and relational capital (RC) have significant effect on performance, but not structural capital (SC). ST has no moderating effect on the relationship between RC or SC and performance although it does moderate the relationship between performance and HC.
Research limitations/implications
Together with the government, CEOs hold responsibility for ensuring that organizations practice effective ST and IC. With the assistance of government, CEOs should exert every effort to be leaders in this matter. In addition, CEOs of automotive manufacturing firm should reduce their emphasis on classical ways of managing organizations processes.
Practical implications
The findings offer guidance to automotive firms considering how to develop IC and ST to improve performance, especially in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Originality/value
This is the first study to examine the moderating effect of ST on the relationship between IC and performance worldwide.
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Rozhan Abu Dardak and Farzana Quoquab
Entrepreneurship, Strategic Marketing, Innovation, New product development (NPD).
Abstract
Subject area
Entrepreneurship, Strategic Marketing, Innovation, New product development (NPD).
Study level/applicability
This case is suitable to be used in advanced undergraduate, and MBA/MSc.
Case overview
This case illustrates the challenges related to commercializing an innovative product, the coconut dehusking machine in the Malaysian market. It revolves around the issues pertaining to the pre and post-lunch activities and bottleneck of the coconut dehusking and defibering (CDD) machine which was developed by Md Akhir in July 2003. Md Akhir, the senior research officer at Mechanization and Automation Research Centre, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), believed that it was the first coconut dehusker in Malaysia. During 2000, farmers used to dehusk coconut manually, as there was no readily available machine to help them. Thus, Md Akhir felt the necessity to innovate such a machine that could help the farmers to dehusk efficiently in comparatively less effort and time. From 2003 to 2005, he presented his innovation in several national and international exhibitions and received accolades for such innovative product. In 2005, MARDI signed the memorandum of agreement of five years to license the CDD with Phytofolia Sendirian Berhad without having Md Akhir’s consent. Phytofolia was a comparatively new company owned by two entrepreneurs – Azmin Samin and Abd Hamid. During 2007, Phytofolia changed the specification of the CDD without informing to Md Akhir. Furthermore, two machines were sold to a company in Papua New Guinea, but no feedback was sought about the performance of the modified CDD. The price of CDD was set very high and thus the local farmers refused to buy it. In 2009, Hamid left Phytofolia due to disagreement with his business partner. He collaborated with Mr Sigiarno a venture capitalist from Indonesia and offer MARDI RM200,000 up-front to buy the IP of the CDD. At the end of the contract, Phytofolia failed to pay the royalty to MARDI and the contract ended in 2010. By seeing the fall of memorandum of agreement, MARDI asked Md Akhir to decide the next step whether to sign new agreement with Phytofolia, to sign agreement with Hamid’s newly formed company Kelapa Gading, to giving up commercialization and provide this machine to the farmers free of cost or to create a start-up company, fabricate and market the CDD. Md Akhir was really confused about which way to go!
Expected learning outcomes
Using this case, students can learn how a small and/or medium scale company can strategize its new product launch. Based on the given industry scenario, students can realize the potential challenges that are related to launching a new product. Furthermore, this case demonstrates that producing a high-quality product is not enough to succeed in the market; right strategy also plays an important role in making it successful. Finally, it can be also learned that proper marketing strategy, good coordination and communication with support companies as well as internal harmony are three important factors that contributes in any business success. Overall, entrepreneurship students will learn how to use the opportunity and manage the innovation. On the other hand, strategic marketing students will learn the importance of adopting proper strategy, while the students who are undertaking the new product development course will be benefited by seeing the practical situation of a new product launch, its rise and its fall.
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 3: Entrepreneurship
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Liza Sällström Eriksson and Sofia Lidelöw
Energy-efficiency measures have always been important when renovating aging building stock. For property owners, window intervention is a recurring issue. Replacement is common to…
Abstract
Purpose
Energy-efficiency measures have always been important when renovating aging building stock. For property owners, window intervention is a recurring issue. Replacement is common to reduce operational heating energy (OHE) use, something many previous building renovation studies have considered. Maintaining rather than replacing windows has received less attention, especially for multi-residential buildings in a subarctic climate where there is great potential for OHE savings. The objective was to assess the life cycle (LC) climate impact and costs of three window maintenance and replacement options for a 1980s multi-residential building in subarctic Sweden.
Design/methodology/approach
The options’ embodied and operational impacts from material production, transportation and space heating were assessed using a life cycle assessment (LCA) focusing on global warming potential (LCA-GWP) and life cycle costing (LCC) with a 60-year reference study period. A sensitivity analysis was used to explore the impact of uncertain parameters on LCA-GWP and LCC outcomes.
Findings
Maintaining instead of replacing windows minimized LC climate impact and costs, except under a few specific conditions. The reduced OHE use from window replacement had a larger compensating effect on embodied global warming potential (E-GWP) than investment costs, i.e. replacement was primarily motivated from a LC climate perspective. The LCA-GWP results were more sensitive to changes in some uncertain parameters, while the LCC results were more robust.
Originality/value
The findings highlight the benefits of maintenance over replacement to reduce costs and decarbonize window interventions, challenging property owners’ preference to replace windows and emphasizing the significance of including maintenance activities in future renovation research.
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Muhammad Hamid Shahbaz and Shahab Alam Malik
This study aims to explore the profound relationship between green intellectual capital (GIC) and firm performance, emphasizing the mediating role of business sustainability…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the profound relationship between green intellectual capital (GIC) and firm performance, emphasizing the mediating role of business sustainability within food small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
The study assessed manufacturing enterprises across industrial cities of Punjab using a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The purposive sampling technique was implemented for non-probability sampling. In this research, the 287 respondents encompassed a diverse cadre of managers, non-managers and employees of food manufacturing enterprises, providing a multi-perspective insight into the role of GIC in firm performance.
Findings
The study revealed a strong correlation between GIC and firm performance. GIC significantly enhanced firm performance, with business sustainability acting as a mediator. It underscores its vital role in the environmental stewardship of manufacturing enterprises. The study contributes unique insights into how manufacturing enterprises’ managers and employees in Pakistan can leverage GIC and sustainability to anticipate and manage potential issues, build trust, bolster reputation and enhance value proposition in the sustainable market.
Originality/value
This research reinforces the importance of cultivating and capitalizing on GIC for bolstered performance while underscoring the essence of sustainable practices within the competitive landscape of Pakistani food manufacturing enterprises. It provides a novel perspective on GIC a robust tool for enhancing performance and environmental credentials.
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Noor Liza Adnan, Rokiah Muda, Wan Noor Hazlina Wan Jusoh and Rohana Yusoff
Academic vitality and burnout studies can help the university administrators and lecturers to develop a quality education and provide more conducive working environments. Hence…
Abstract
Purpose
Academic vitality and burnout studies can help the university administrators and lecturers to develop a quality education and provide more conducive working environments. Hence, understanding and fostering what contributes to faculty and institutional vitality is central to prevent burnout during times of change. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to investigate the level of vitality amongst lecturers in Malaysia and to see if there is any significant difference in vitality between the subgroups of the demographic variables.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was conducted on 379 academicians from selected public and private universities, polytechnics and university colleges. Data were collected via Survey Monkey application. Descriptive analysis was conducted where mean values, standard deviation and median were calculated. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to see whether there is significant difference in vitality between the subgroups of the demographic. Additionally, Box and Whiskers plot was used to analyse the outliers to further scrutinise the extremely low mean scores. Open ended responses were also analysed to support the statistical analysis.
Findings
Results obtained reveal that almost 25% of the respondents indicate high vitality; another 25% are moderately vital; while about 50% fall under the group of low to very low vitality. Only administrative posts were found to have a significant difference in overall vitality, while age, gender, number of children, income level, working experience and teaching field showed no significant difference.
Originality/value
This paper differs from other previous studies as it defined the different levels of vitality amongst academics based on quartiles. One important contribution of this paper is the use of the slider scale with percentage as the scoring units that provide an infinitesimal rating option that enriches the collected data and enables application of mathematical operations, such as the mean. The use of this slider scale had also facilitated the analysis of outliers due to the scale’s discriminative feature to scrutinise those considered as outliers.
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Nazrinda A. Samah, Lokman Mohd Tahir and Wan Ali @ Wan Yusoff Wan Mamat
This qualitative study explores the issue of library management support in providing a self-directed learning environment for research-support librarians which is an…
Abstract
Purpose
This qualitative study explores the issue of library management support in providing a self-directed learning environment for research-support librarians which is an under-explored feature of librarianship in Malaysian public university libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of nine research-support librarians purposely selected from these libraries took part in in-depth interview sessions. The responses were analysed using Miles and Huberman's technique, which involves data reduction, data display, conclusion-drawing and verification.
Findings
Five emerging themes and 31 sub-themes were identified. There was a general consensus among the respondents that their library management does provide research-support librarians with a self-directed learning environment to enhance their competencies as academic librarians. Nevertheless, these librarians also highlighted some challenges, issues and barriers related to the initiative and support received. Some suggestions are advanced for improvements to support self-directed learning by research-support librarians working in public university libraries.
Originality/value
Empirically, this study attempts to fill the gap in the knowledge that needs to be addressed from the perspective of Malaysian librarians, especially the research-support librarians, who serve in public universities in Malaysia, who have received little attention from local librarianship researchers.