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Article
Publication date: 7 August 2019

Muhammad Ali, Long Lin, Saira Faisal, Iftikhar Ali Sahito and Syed Imran Ali

The purpose of this study is to explain the effects of screen printing parameters on the quantity of ink deposited and the print quality in the context of printing of functional…

491

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explain the effects of screen printing parameters on the quantity of ink deposited and the print quality in the context of printing of functional inks. Both these aspects of printing are crucial in the case of conventional and functional printing. This is because, in the case of conventional printing, the quantity of ink deposit affects the color strength while in the case of functional printing, it directly affects the resulting functionality of the ink layer.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, an automatic lab-scale screen printer was used to print functional inks on a paper board substrate. The printing parameters, i.e. printing pressure and squeegee angle were altered and the resulting effects on the quantity of ink that was deposited were recorded. The quantity of ink deposit was related to its surface resistivity. In addition, the quality of the print was also assessed by examining the design registration quality.

Findings

The authors found that altering the squeegee angle has a significant effect on the properties of the resulting ink deposit. More importantly, the authors found that the deflection in the rubber blade squeegee was greatly dependent on the initial angle of the squeegee at the start of the printing stroke. For each set value of the squeegee angle that was considered, the actual angle during printing was recorded and used in the analysis. A printing pressure of three bars and squeegee angle of 20° resulted in the maximum weight of ink deposit with a correspondingly lowest surface resistivity.

Practical implications

This study is envisaged to have considerable practical implications in the rapidly growing field of functional printing of flexible substrates including, but not limited to, textiles. This is because, the study provides an insight into the effects of printing parameters on the characteristics of a functional ink deposit.

Originality/value

Screen printing of flexible substrates is a well-developed and arguably the most widely used printing technique, particularly for textiles. Numerous studies report on the analysis of various aspects of screen printing. However, to the best of the knowledge, the effects of printing parameters on the characteristics of functional inks, such as electrically conductive inks, have not been studied in this manner.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 48 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

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Article
Publication date: 8 December 2020

Mohammad A. Hassanain, Ali Iftikhar, Abdul-Mohsen Al-Hammad, Adel Alshibani, Ahmed M. Ibrahim and Abdullatif Abdallah

This paper provides an exemplary systematic conduct of post‐occupancy evaluation (POE) on higher education facilities in Saudi Arabia.

428

Abstract

Purpose

This paper provides an exemplary systematic conduct of post‐occupancy evaluation (POE) on higher education facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

The research study utilized several qualitative and quantitative POE techniques which were systematically comprising (1) scoping and reviewing the facilities-related documents, (2) identification of performance indicators through the review of literature, (3) development and collection of questionnaire survey responses from stakeholders, (4) collection of physical measurements and (5) assessing the facilities by walk-throughs. Then, the data were analyzed and the findings were reported to representative samples of users through focus group meetings. Then, recommendations were drawn for improving the occupational conditions of the case study facilities.

Findings

The synthesis of literature led to three main categories of performance elements that are relevant for higher education facilities. These include technical, functional and behavioral elements, in which each of the elements has specific performance indicators, 97 in total. The research study exemplifies a systematic conduct of POE. The stakeholders' perspectives on the performance elements through surveys, measurements and walk-throughs were collected. The assessment led to recommendations toward satisfactory and quality occupation of the case study facilities.

Originality/value

This research aims to standardize POE by introducing its methods as a tool for evaluating higher education facilities and by elaborating the most prominent performance indicators for ensuring higher education core functions, namely, teaching, research and community collaboration.

Details

Property Management, vol. 39 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

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Article
Publication date: 22 February 2022

Imran Ali and Huy Minh Phan

Robust and efficient warehouse management is pivotal to the success of contemporary logistics and business productivity. Given the recent technological revolutions and the rising…

3559

Abstract

Purpose

Robust and efficient warehouse management is pivotal to the success of contemporary logistics and business productivity. Given the recent technological revolutions and the rising pressure for sustainable warehouse activities, the recent literature continues to grow on Industry 4.0 technologies and sustainable warehousing. Following this, the review aims to explore current state-of-the-art, knowledge development, the focus of research, methodological development and knowledge gaps for more impactful future research on this important yet underexplored topic.

Design/methodology/approach

A widely accepted systematic literature review (SLR) methodology was employed on a sample of 46 articles retrieved from multiple search queries in the three large databases: Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar.

Findings

The authors’ analysis unveils several interesting findings: the positive linkage between various Industry 4.0 technologies and the three main pillars (economic, social, environmental) of sustainable warehousing; the paucity of large scale empirical research, specifically in the context of COVID-19; imbalance amid studies on three main aspects of warehouse sustainability; partial application of Industry 4.0 technologies; and disproportion in scholarly focus between numerous warehouse activities and Industry 4.0 technologies.

Practical implications

The authors integrate research findings from a pool of studies, thereby improving the understanding of practitioners on how different Industry 4.0 technologies relate to sustainable warehousing.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first SLR at the intersection of Industry 4.0 technologies and sustainable warehousing. Our review expands the existing knowledge base, devises a conceptual framework and suggests avenues for fruitful future research on this emerging area.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 33 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

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Article
Publication date: 24 February 2025

Quba Ahmed, Muhammad Saleem Sumbal, Carman Lee and Eric Tsui

The advent of a dynamic and uncertain environment has shifted organizational focus from reactive to proactive approaches to develop resilience against disruptions. Organizations…

1

Abstract

Purpose

The advent of a dynamic and uncertain environment has shifted organizational focus from reactive to proactive approaches to develop resilience against disruptions. Organizations can strengthen their supply chain networks through strategic changes in structure and processes. In this connection, this study explores the extant literature on supply chain resilience (SCRE) concerning soft organizational factors (leadership, organizational culture and knowledge management) to analyse recent trends in this domain and propose future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review of research articles from 2004 to 2024, collected from ISI Web of Science with keywords searches such as “knowledge management and supply chain resilience,” “leadership and supply chain resilience” and “organizational culture and supply chain resilience.” “VOS viewer” and “ATLAS.ti” were utilized for the co-occurrence and co-authorship analysis of the articles along with focusing on aspects such as theoretical and practical implications, the collaboration institutions and the countries involved in relation to the topic of interest.

Findings

The review shows that the development of studies on SCRE was slow from 2004 to 2015 but grew significantly from 2015 onwards and rose exponentially after 2020. Most studies were published in 2023. Results reveal the development of proactive strategies for SCRE in the recent literature by focusing on organizational factors. The study highlights exploring the contextual interplay between environmental, social and governance (ESG) and soft organizational factors for mitigation of supply chain risk and resilience in large-scale projects.

Originality/value

The COVID-19 pandemic became the precursor to highlighting the antecedents of SCRE, but the study of soft organizational drivers is still an ongoing area of research. There is a need to map the nascent literature on the link between organizational soft drivers and SCRE.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2005

Iftikhar Ali and John Proctor

In an age of information technology some developing countries are more vulnerable than others to international competition through failure to utilize fully the benefits of an ICT…

2879

Abstract

Purpose

In an age of information technology some developing countries are more vulnerable than others to international competition through failure to utilize fully the benefits of an ICT culture. The authors suggest that the strategies in response must include a radical review of attitudes and methods of delivery of ICT in schools and give as an example the recent experience of The City School, the nationwide schools’ organisation in Pakistan with whom they are employed.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review the current position of ICT in schools in Pakistan and suggest as a model of development, for schools of a corresponding standing, that of The City School. They describe how The City School responded to ICT, ensuring that all its pupils would have access to the most modern of ICT courses. Discusses how the decision to implement a complete change, or revolution, in teaching ICT was brought about in a relatively short time. It discusses the nature of the programme, how it was organised, the materials required and the outcomes of its implementation including its outstanding success with pupils and their parents.

Findings

The authors chronicle the historical developments within The City School that brought about radical change within a comparatively short period and identify careful planning, training, and the motivation of stakeholders, i.e. pupils, teachers and parents, as key elements in its successful implementation.

Originality/value

The authors suggest that The City School experience provides a model that may be emulated by schools elsewhere in both developing and industrially developed countries.

Details

Aslib Proceedings, vol. 57 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0001-253X

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Article
Publication date: 9 November 2015

Mohammad A. Hassanain and Ali Iftikhar

The purpose of this paper is to present an IDEF0 framework model for the post-occupancy evaluation of school facilities, and the findings of a case study to demonstrate the…

1525

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an IDEF0 framework model for the post-occupancy evaluation of school facilities, and the findings of a case study to demonstrate the applicability of the framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework model consists of five sequential processes, namely: first, identify the performance requirements of school facilities; second, conduct a walk-through evaluation and a focussed group discussion; third, develop and administer a user satisfaction survey; fourth, analyze the collected data and report the findings; and fifth, develop a plan of remedial actions.

Findings

The case study demonstrates the applicability of the framework through presenting the findings of an indicative evaluation of the major technical and functional elements of performance carried out on a school building in city of Khobar, Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The school users were satisfied with the qualities of the thermal comfort, visual comfort, fire protection, functional spaces in the school and the interior and exterior appearance of the school. The case study also resulted in developing a plan of remedial actions to improve the performance of the school.

Practical implications

The framework model provides a descriptive and systematic approach for evaluating the technical and functional performance of existing school facilities. The approach followed in collecting the data, designing the user satisfaction survey, analyzing and reporting the findings can be applied to any school building, upon the needed customization, irrespective of location.

Originality/value

The paper is particularly beneficial for design professionals, school administrators and facilities managers responsible for the design and operation of school facilities.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 33 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

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Article
Publication date: 21 July 2022

Fatima Iftikhar, Suleman Anis, Umar Bin Asad, Shagufta Riaz, Muntaha Rafiq and Salman Naeem

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a hand disease caused by the pressing of the median nerve present in the palmar side of the wrist. It causes severe pain in the wrist, triggering…

153

Abstract

Purpose

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a hand disease caused by the pressing of the median nerve present in the palmar side of the wrist. It causes severe pain in the wrist, triggering disturbance during sleep. Different products like splints, braces and gloves are available in the market to alleviate this disease but there was still a need to improve the wearability, comfort and cost of the product. This study was about designing a comfortable and cost-effective wearable system for mild-to-moderate CTS. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy has been used to reduce the pain in the wrist.

Design/methodology/approach

After simulation by using Proteus software (which allowed the researchers to draw and simulate electrical circuits using ISIS, ARES and PCB design tools virtually), the circuit with optimum frequency, i.e. 33 Hz was selected, and the circuit was developed on a printed circuit board (PCB). The developed circuit was integrated successfully into the half glove structure.

Findings

The developed product had good thermophysiological comfort and hand properties as compared to the commercially available product of the same kind. In vivo testing (It involves the testing with living subjects like animals, plants or human beings) was performed which resulted in 85% confirmed viability of the product against CTS. A glove with an integrated circuit was developed successfully to accommodate various sizes without any sex specifications in a cost-effective way to mitigate the issue of CTS.

Research limitations/implications

Industrial workers, individuals frequently using their hands or those diagnosed with CTS may wish to use this product as therapy. The attention could not be paid to the aesthetic or visual appeal of the developed product.

Originality/value

A very comfortable glove with integrated TENS electrodes was developed successfully to accommodate various sizes without any sex specifications in a cost-effective way to mitigate the issues of CTS.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

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Article
Publication date: 23 January 2023

Sebastian Sturm, Nils-Ole Hohenstein and Evi Hartmann

This study examines the interactions between entrepreneurial orientation, supply chain resilience (SCRES) as well as the financial and commercial dimensions of business…

2158

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the interactions between entrepreneurial orientation, supply chain resilience (SCRES) as well as the financial and commercial dimensions of business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a literature review, the authors develop a research model to identify positive relationships between five specific dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation, SCRES and business performance based on the dynamic capabilities view. The hypotheses are then empirically validated by applying partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) on survey data obtained from a questionnaire and 168 global companies.

Findings

The results partially support the hypotheses and suggest that entrepreneurial activities complement the resilience of supply chains to sudden disruptions and therefore also foster competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The relationships between entrepreneurial orientation, SCRES and business performance are examined and validated empirically in a single model, bridging the gap between these distinct research streams and shedding further light on supply chain risk management.

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Book part
Publication date: 30 August 2019

Madhavi Venkatesan and Giuliano Luongo

Abstract

Details

SDG8 – Sustainable Economic Growth and Decent Work for All
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78973-094-4

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Article
Publication date: 26 August 2024

Sherani, Jianhua Zhang, Muhammad Usman Shehzad, Sher Ali and Ziao Cao

This study aims to determine whether knowledge creation processes (KCPs) – knowledge exchange and knowledge integration affect digital innovation (DI), including information…

197

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to determine whether knowledge creation processes (KCPs) – knowledge exchange and knowledge integration affect digital innovation (DI), including information technology (IT)-enabled capabilities (ITECs) as a mediator and absorptive capacity (AC) as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

With a survey data set of 390 employees from Pakistani software small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the current study employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using Smart Partial Least Squares to estimate the structural relationships in the conceptual model.

Findings

The results confirm that KCPs – knowledge exchange and knowledge integration positively enhance software SME's DI; ITECs play a partial mediating role in the linkage between KCPs and DI; AC positively moderates the relationship between knowledge integration and ITECs, and ITECs and DI, while AC doesn’t moderate the relationship between knowledge exchange and ITECs. The AC positively moderates the mediating role of ITECs amongst KCPs (knowledge exchange and knowledge integration) and DI, respectively.

Originality/value

This research uniquely integrates the knowledge-based view and dynamic capability theory to present a comprehensive framework that explains the interdependencies between knowledge process, ITECs and AC in driving DI. This approach advances the understanding of how software SMEs can strengthen internal knowledge and IT resources to achieve superior innovation outcomes.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 31 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

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