Considering the dearth of industry-specific empirical research exploring sustainability reporting in the context of developing countries, this chapter aims to critically examine…
Abstract
Purpose
Considering the dearth of industry-specific empirical research exploring sustainability reporting in the context of developing countries, this chapter aims to critically examine the extent and the nature of sustainability information disclosure of environmentally polluting industries in India.
Methodology
Data are collected from business responsibility reports (BRRs), sustainability reports, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports and integrated reports of all 57 energy and mining companies included in NIFTY500 Index at National Stock Exchange of India for the year 2017–2018 and 2018–2019. Content analysis is used to examine the sustainability disclosure practices and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical analysis is performed to test the difference across various dimensions of sustainability reporting of companies.
Findings
The results indicate low environmental reporting of the key indicators by energy and mining companies in India. It is found that state-owned companies have better social reporting practices against private sector companies. The findings also indicate that Global reporting initiative (GRI) based reporting have better sustainability disclosure practices and companies reporting based on BRR lack quantitative information disclosure.
Implications
The findings of the present chapter have several implications for policymakers, investors, regulators and management of these high environmental and social impact companies in India. The findings which coincide with the key areas of sustainability disclosure can be used for improving sustainability disclosure practices by the various stakeholders.
Originality
This is one of the first studies to investigate the nature and extent of sustainability performance disclosure of the companies from polluting industries in India. This chapter also contributes to the existing sustainability reporting literature by providing evidence on industry-specific disclosure in the context of a developing country.
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A.G. Mohan Das Gandhi, K. Soorya Prakash and V. Kavimani
This paper aims to examine the investigations made on the corrosion behaviour of magnesium (Mg) substrate electrodeposited using different nano-materials.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the investigations made on the corrosion behaviour of magnesium (Mg) substrate electrodeposited using different nano-materials.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses nano-materials such as those of reduced graphene oxide (r-GO), titanium-di-oxide (TiO2) and also r-GO/TiO2 nano-composites (dispersed through ultra-sonication process) at 3-min time interval. Crystalline nature of synthesized TiO2 is studied through X-ray diffraction and its pore volume is measured to be approximately 0.1851ccg-1 by Brunauer Emmett Teller analysis.
Findings
Surface morphology of the developed set of specimens inspected through scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy establishes a clean surface coating and further witnesses for only minimal defects. Electrochemical behaviour of the developed coating is studied exhaustively using Tafel polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 0.1 M Na2SO4 solution.
Originality/value
Incremental corrosion resistance exhibited by developed composite coating owes to the factors viz. chemical stability and hydrophobic tendency of TiO2 and r-GO; these known engineering facts resist the flow of ions into the corrosive media and thereby reduce the rate of corrosion.
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Prakash K. Chathoth and Gerardo R. Ungson
This paper aims to focus on how value is generated as part of co-creative modalities in service transactions. The progression of value creation ranges from utilitarian to hedonic…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to focus on how value is generated as part of co-creative modalities in service transactions. The progression of value creation ranges from utilitarian to hedonic and experiential value over repeated transactions that entail crossing specific thresholds that enhance deeper trust when the customer consumes the same product/service bundle over time.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the authors synthesize various theoretical narratives and advance propositions for understanding the modalities and processes underlying the repeated transformation of co-creation values in repeated transactions over time.
Findings
The propositions provide a basis to investigate how the firm is able to engage with the customers to move from basic forms of value creation to more advanced forms such that the firm is able to manage the value creation modalities leading to superior value generation.
Research limitations/implications
This paper provides a basis for firms to understand how value is co-created and transformed. Specifically, the evolution of customer values is assessed from value-in-exchange and value-in-use to value-in-experience. The role of thresholds in the evolution of value is integral in the progression from utilitarian, hedonic, to experiential value. Moreover, in repeated transactions, the role of trust underpins the processes underlying different thresholds. In practice, firms should seek to engage the customer at a higher level in the creation of co-creative modalities of value creation.
Originality/value
This paper provides a theoretical context of the evolution and transformation of such value in co-creation. Extant research has yet to delve into such value creation accounts from the perspective of the firm (service provider) and its customers.
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Prakash K. Chathoth and Gerardo R. Ungson
This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework for further understanding the risks embedded in co-creation services in high-contact service transactions. It delineates…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework for further understanding the risks embedded in co-creation services in high-contact service transactions. It delineates behavioral and economic perspectives focusing on agency costs, risk behavior, compensation structure and provides a context in which information is processed.
Design/methodology/approach
Following an extensive review of the literature, propositions are advanced that relate an agent’s risk behavior to information processing, compensation and the propensity to engage in co-creation. These propositions provide a complementary context for understanding risks in the co-creation process.
Findings
The propositions detail how a service agent’s information processing can be enhanced if the customer’s expected utility from transactions is maximized by managing the agent’s risk behavior and earnings potential. A compensation structure that balances fixed base and variable pay can motivate risk-taking and the agent’s propensity to engage in co-creation.
Originality/value
This paper extends the understanding of agency risks in the co-creation of hospitality services that integrates economic and behavioral perspectives with information processing. Theoretical implications include a broader context of the risks underlying co-creation. Practical implications relate to how earnings potential could be maximized by considering the agent’s risk behavior and the expected utility arising from such transactions.
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Kiran Mansingrao Mane, D.K. Kulkarni and K.B. Prakash
The use of huge quantity of natural fine aggregate (NFA) and cement in civil construction work which have given rise to various ecological problems. The industrial waste like…
Abstract
Purpose
The use of huge quantity of natural fine aggregate (NFA) and cement in civil construction work which have given rise to various ecological problems. The industrial waste like blast furnace slag (GGBFS), fly ash, metakaolin and silica fume can be partly used as a replacement for cement and manufactured sand obtained from crusher and partly used as fine aggregate. The purpose of this paper is to predict the shear strength of concrete using artificial neural network (ANN) for concrete made by using different pozzolans and partly replacing NFA by manufactured sand (MS) which can reduce the time and experimental cost.
Design/methodology/approach
In this work, MATLAB software model is developed using neural network toolbox to predict the shear strength of concrete made by using pozzolanic materials and partly replacing NFA by manufactured sand (MS). Shear strength was experimentally calculated, and results obtained from experiment were used to develop the ANN model. A total of 131 results values were used to modeling formation, and from that 30% data record was used for testing purpose and 70% data record was used for training purpose. In total, 25 input materials properties were used to find the 28 days shear strength of concrete obtained from partly replacing cement with pozzolans and partly replacing NFA by manufactured sand (MS).
Findings
The results obtained from ANN model provide very strong accuracy to predict shear strength of concrete obtained from partly replacing cement with pozzolans and NFA by manufactured sand.
Originality/value
This research study is on determining shear strength of concrete using ANN. The use of this study is to predict the shear strength of concrete using ANN for concrete made by using different pozzolans and partly replacing NFA by manufactured sand (MS) which can reduce the time and experimental cost.
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Hamsavathi Kannan, Soorya Prakash K. and Kavimani V.
The aim of the work is to investigate structural behaviour of reinforced concrete (RF) beam retrofitted with basalt fibre (BF) fabric. The incorporation of BF showed enhancement…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the work is to investigate structural behaviour of reinforced concrete (RF) beam retrofitted with basalt fibre (BF) fabric. The incorporation of BF showed enhancement in bending strength, to increase confinement and to repair damages caused by cracking. In the early decades, using BF for composite materials shaped BF as an excellent physical substance with necessary mechanical properties, highlighting the significant procedures ability.
Design/methodology/approach
Specimens were casted with U-wrapped BF and then evaluated based on flexural tests. In the test carried over for flexural fortifying assessment, BF reinforcements demonstrated a definitive quality improvement in the case of the subjected control sample; ultimately, the end impacts depend upon the applied test parameters. From the outcomes introduced in this comparison, for the double-wrapped sample, the modifications improved by 12% than that of the single-wrapped beam, which is identified to subsist for a better strengthening of new-age retrofitting designs.
Findings
The current research deals with the retrofitting of RC beam by conducting a comparative experiment on wrapping of BF (single or double BF wrapping) in improving the mechanical behavior of concrete.
Originality/value
It can be shown from the experimental results that increasing the number of layers has significant effect on basalt strengthened beams.
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Navin Kumar, Rajeev Kumar Panda and K.C. Prakash
The current research prioritizes the dimensions of a higher-order customer engagement construct in the tourism destination context in order of their relative importance as…
Abstract
Purpose
The current research prioritizes the dimensions of a higher-order customer engagement construct in the tourism destination context in order of their relative importance as perceived by tourists to provide meaningful insights to the tourism industry player.
Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected from 429 tourists' from selected tourist destinations. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used for data analysis using SPSS. The scale items were prioritized through hybrid evidence-based modeling using the RIDIT-GRA (Relative to an Identified Distribution and Grey Relational Analysis, respectively) approach.
Findings
The prioritization of customer engagement scale items is done through RIDIT analysis and is verified through GRA. The rankings of two independent methodologies show a 93% correlation, thereby ensuring the ranking's robustness.
Practical implications
Prioritizing customer engagement scale items may assist destination managers in strategy formulation to ensure tourists' high-level loyalty transcending purchase. The findings help develop key response areas (KRA's) for effective destination brand management.
Originality/value
Such precedence analysis of customer engagement scale items has not been done in the tourism studies yet. Also, the present study verified the results by incorporating two independent methodologies, thus providing more valid results.
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Jessica C. Murray, Robert J. Harrington, Prakash K. Chathoth and M. Sajid Khan
This study aims to explore memory-dominant logic (MDL) in the luxury hotel context to assess the flow of management experience decisions to memorable experiences, which lead to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore memory-dominant logic (MDL) in the luxury hotel context to assess the flow of management experience decisions to memorable experiences, which lead to guest outcomes. While research into memorable experiences has gained traction, the theoretical underpinnings of what makes an experience memorable in a luxury hotel setting are not well documented.
Design/methodology/approach
A grounded theory, qualitative methodology was used to assess MDL value transformation. Inductive methods included conducting in-depth interviews with hotel managers and analyzing social media reviews for each hotel. Guest reviews served as an indicator of memory outcomes and the counterpoint to the managerial interviews, supporting or refuting interview findings.
Findings
Key dimensions emerged, emphasizing the importance of managerial inputs to experience design, service experience attributes and memorable experience creation, demonstrating a sequence of memory-based value creation and outcomes such as positive word of mouth/electronic word of mouth (WOM/eWOM). Sentiment analysis identified attributes that appear to be a “must-have” to avoid dissatisfaction, as well as areas at risk for negative memories. Dimensions were developed into a framework using themes derived from MDL value transformation, management and consumer inputs that influence memorable experience outcomes in this context.
Research limitations/implications
The study supported the MDL theoretical framework by illustrating the flow from managerial inputs to the service experience, to elements of experience co-creation, and through to the guests’ WOM/eWOM and experience memories. The findings highlighted the symbiotic relationship between firm culture and service experience design, providing guidance for managerial practice going forward.
Originality/value
This paper uncovers major themes and dimensions identified by guests and managers as necessary in creating memorable experiences in a luxury setting and develops a framework that serves as a foundation for further study, including anteceding factors and their impact on hedonic consumption across experience domains.
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Kareem Folohunso Sani, Ayantunji Gbadamosi and Rula R. Al-Abdulrazak
This study aims to investigate sustainability practices in the banking industry, focusing on a developing economy. It uses the triple-bottom-line framework to answer the following…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate sustainability practices in the banking industry, focusing on a developing economy. It uses the triple-bottom-line framework to answer the following research question: how do banks in Nigeria conceptualise sustainability, and what role does it play in their banking practices?
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a social constructivist approach in its exploration of banking sustainability practices in an emerging economy, and the research design is a purpose-based (exploratory) approach. The qualitative data was collected from 33 bank personnel from various bank units and departments through semi-structured interviews to achieve the research objective.
Findings
The study reveals a lack of sustainability policies and programmes, as banks focus mainly on profitability. It uncovers unfair treatments of bank workers through casualisation, low wages and work overload. It indicates that most banks in developing countries ignore environmental considerations, as they still carry out paper-based transactions and use diesel-powered generators, which cause various negative environmental impacts. It also confirms that governments and banks in the country are not doing enough to propagate sustainable practices and banks have also not taken advantage of the sustainability concept to promote their brands; instead, they consider it as requiring additional operational costs.
Practical implications
The findings demonstrate the need for banks to see sustainability from a marketing point of view and adopt sustainable practices to create additional value that will improve their brand image and enhance their competitiveness.
Originality/value
The importance of sustainability in the banking industry in emerging economies is considered a viable means of contributing to the overall development goals of the United Nations as the world tries to preserve the environment. It also highlights the consequences of inaction or unsustainable banking practices.