– To address the importance of including corporate digital assets in the continuity planning process and the need to adequately protect the company’s digital property.
Abstract
Purpose
To address the importance of including corporate digital assets in the continuity planning process and the need to adequately protect the company’s digital property.
Design/methodology/approach
This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.
Findings
The emergence of digital has given businesses the ability to generate enormous amounts of data, enabling them to effectively communicate with existing customers and stakeholders, attract new customers and remain competitive. Failure to protect the company’s digital property not only can result in a sudden loss of access to vital information but also can create a tangible financial loss and an intangible loss of goodwill.
Practical implications
By comprehending what digital assets are and their importance to the business, executives – particularly those in startups and small- and medium-sized enterprises – will understand the need to adequately protect these valuable assets.
Originality/value
The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
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Abdulmalik Abubakar Badamasi, Komal Raj Aryal, Usman Umar Makarfi and Mansir Dodo
Virtual reality (VR) offers unique features of a three-dimensional (3D) model during early design stages in the virtual environment with immersive functions. Although the…
Abstract
Purpose
Virtual reality (VR) offers unique features of a three-dimensional (3D) model during early design stages in the virtual environment with immersive functions. Although the potential of VR is to increase the effectiveness and productivity of the project phases from initial concept design to detailed design preparation. VR adoption in the United Kingdom (UK) Architectural Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector is slow compared to other sectors. This research focuses on ascertaining the drivers and barriers of VR in construction projects in the UK.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts an online survey design. It uses Bristol Online Survey (BOS) to create a structured questionnaire that is used to assess UK construction professionals using a convenience sampling technique. Therefore, researcher uses descriptive and inferential technique for data analysis and presentation based on Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyze the questionnaire.
Findings
The research findings revealed the most significant barriers to VR adoption in UK construction industry were lack of skills/expertise and cultural change. Hence, the main drivers of VR adoption as rated by the professionals in the UK construction industry are improved safety, improved quality and improved productivity.
Practical implications
The identification and assessment of the drivers and barriers to VR adoption could advance VR adoption among construction professionals and other stakeholders of the UK AEC sector. This could also be extended to developing countries, given the status of VR as being in the developing stage.
Originality/value
This study provides valuable insights to construction professionals and stakeholders to plan actions that could enhance the drivers and mitigate the barriers of VR. This study's main contribution is to group and classify various drivers and barriers into easily understood categories, in order to potentiate the drivers and reduce the barriers effectively. The groupings could be used as benchmarks in similar studies in developing countries.
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Bhupinder Singh, Christian Kaunert, Komal Vig and Ritu Gautam
The retail industry is undergoing a transformative shift with the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. The contemporary retail landscape is…
Abstract
The retail industry is undergoing a transformative shift with the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. The contemporary retail landscape is witnessing a paradigm shift propelled by the assimilation of AR and VR technologies. The merging of AR and VR technology is bringing about an intense transition in the retail business, which is a constantly changing terrain. The retail industry is entering a new era of immersive and personalized shopping experiences because to this dynamic combination, which is changing the way consumers interact with items and places. With AR apps, customers can aim their smartphones to easily find things, get promotions in real time, and learn more about them. A virtual try-on experience that lets buyers see things in a virtual setting is made possible by AR. With realistic AR simulations, clients can try on items and arrange furnishings in their living room, making better educated purchases. The retailers are now able to provide much customized product suggestions because to AR. AR apps may make personalized product recommendations based on consumer preferences and purchase history, improving the entire shopping experience and raising customer happiness. This paper explores the many uses, difficulties and potential consequences of AR and VR in retail, emphasizing the significant transformations these technologies bring about for the sector. In-store navigation is being revolutionized by AR, which offers consumers an engaging and user-friendly navigational experience.
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Shama Sadaf, Komal Hassan, Ayesha Saeed, Zeeshan Ahmad and Hodaa Usama Abdus Samad
The COVID-19 pandemic has popularized wearing face masks for personal protection. However, the protection afforded by a mask is decreased if an individual accidently touches the…
Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic has popularized wearing face masks for personal protection. However, the protection afforded by a mask is decreased if an individual accidently touches the outer surface of the mask and then touches other parts of their face. To overcome this problem, antimicrobial masks have become commercially available. However, many are disposable and/or made from synthetic antimicrobial agents which have a negative impact on the environment. The purpose of this study was to create material for stitching antimicrobial masks that are reusable and natural.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors developed natural antimicrobial finishes from Azadirachata indica, Butea monosperma and Litchi chinensis leaves. The authors used biodegradable polyurethane binder and pad-dry-cure method to apply them on 100% cotton fabric. The authors used Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to confirm the application and ASTM E2149 to assess the efficacy and wash-resistance of the finish.
Findings
Fabric treated with leaves of A. indica, B. monosperma and L. chinensis showed 80%, 100 and 100% antimicrobial activity, respectively. All fabrics were washed 25 times in home laundry cycles and maintained 100% of their antimicrobial effect.
Originality/value
These findings highlight that B. monosperma and L. chinensis finishes on cotton fabric can be a used as a material for stitching antimicrobial, natural and reusable masks that provide more protection than traditional masks but do not pose the environmental concerns of disposable masks or synthetic finishes. This study can be furthered by performing more laundry cycles to determine if the finishes remain 100% effective beyond 25 cycles.
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Tanya L. Swer, Komal Chauhan, Prodyut K. Paul, C. Mukhim, Khalid Bashir and Rachna Sehrawat
An upsurge in health and environmental concerns over the use of synthetic color has made the development of color from cheap and easily available natural sources, namely, plants…
Abstract
Purpose
An upsurge in health and environmental concerns over the use of synthetic color has made the development of color from cheap and easily available natural sources, namely, plants, animals, micro-organisms and algae as indispensable. This study aims to extract anthocyanins, an important natural plant pigments, from Sohiong (Prunus nepalensis). This study demonstrated that Sohiong have high anthocyanins content and antioxidant property, indicating an immense potential for the fruit producers and food processors.
Design/methodology/approach
Response surface methodology was used to optimize the conditions for extraction of anthocyanins from Sohiong using conventional solvent extraction.
Findings
The optimum conditions for extraction were found to be 36.75°C temperature, 60.32 per cent ethanol concentration and 2.39 per cent citric acid concentration with recovery of 45 per cent total extract yield, 858.84 mg C3G/100g DM anthocyanin content and 824.91 mg GAE/100g DM phenolic content with in-vitro antioxidant activity of 31.40 mmol AEAC/100g DM for FRAP and 84.66 per cent DPPH scavenging capacity (20mg/ml). The F-values and high values of adjusted determination coefficient for each response imply high level of significance of the fitted models.
Practical implications
Extracted color can be used in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Social implications
Pigment extracted is from a natural source and possesses high antioxidative activity and potential health benefits. With increasing demand for natural colors and other additives, there is a wide range of applications of the pigment as natural colorant in the food and pharmaceutical sector.
Originality/value
Selected plant source, i.e. Sohiong, was not used earlier by any researcher to extract anthocyanins for potential applications as food colorant.
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Alpana Agarwal, Komal Kapoor and Sandeep Walia
The aim of this paper is to explore and analyse the challenges in effective implementation of blockchain by human resource management (HRM) functions. This paper also aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to explore and analyse the challenges in effective implementation of blockchain by human resource management (HRM) functions. This paper also aims to assess the interplay between the barriers in causing the challenges during blockchain execution.
Design/methodology/approach
Ten barriers are discovered from the past studies. Based on the expert views on the identified barriers interpretive structural modelling (ISM) is administered to understand the interplay of these 10 challenges resulting in ineffective or non-implementation of HR blockchain.
Findings
The application of ISM has helped in categorizing the variables into strategic, operational and performance outcomes. Results of ISM indicate key barriers like lack of expertise, data privacy, technical infeasibility, complexity in implantation and lack of used cases.
Research limitations/implications
The research is limited to 10 barriers. There can be other barriers that can also be studied. Second, the research is proposing a conceptual model that needs further validation.
Practical implications
This paper has significant implications for the theoretical and practical body of knowledge. So far, most studies are exploring and describing HRM from a digital perspective. Most HR studies are on artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and smart HRM. Previous studies on blockchain for HRM are mostly describing the advantages of going for it.
Social implications
Based on the findings, it can also be suggested that policy formulators must advance the technical regulatory framework. Blockchain technology can be effectively implemented only if the top management is committed to it because they can only frame the rules and right control framework, affirm the governance process and strategize improvement.
Originality/value
The study offers insights into the organization's decision makers for effectively implementing blockchain into their HR systems. Some specific recommendations based on the results are also made. The paper is an innovative attempt to analyse the barriers to HR blockchain.
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Mohammad Fahim Ansari, Gautam Sarkhel, Dipendra Nath Goswami and Bangali Baboo
– The purpose of this paper is to improve the properties of shellac by blending with epoxidised novolac resin for its use as coating material for metal surfaces.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to improve the properties of shellac by blending with epoxidised novolac resin for its use as coating material for metal surfaces.
Design/methodology/approach
Epoxidised-novolac resin was synthesised by epoxidation of novolac resin, which in turn was synthesised by reaction of phenol with formaldehyde. The epoxidised-novolac resin was blended with different weight ratios of shellac ranging 10-50 weight per cent with an interval of 10 weight per cent. Films of the blends were studied for different coating properties using standard procedure.
Findings
Significant improvement in coating properties of shellac such as gloss, scratch hardness and impact resistance was observed on blending with epoxidised novolac resin. Resistance towards water and alkali increased, while acid resistance decreased, with the increase in concentration of epoxidised novolac resin in the blends. Contact angle measurement revealed that blends showed more resistance towards polar solvent than non-polar ones.
Research limitations/implications
Epoxidised-novolac resin used in the study was synthesised of epoxy equivalent of 187. Epoxidised-novolac resin of different epoxy equivalent can also be synthesised and used for blending and studying the properties.
Practical implications
Blending of shellac with epoxidised-novolac resin improved the coating properties of shellac, which was further enhanced with the treatment of butylated melamine formaldehyde resin. The formulation can be used as coating material for metal surfaces.
Originality/value
Blending of shellac with epoxidised-novolac resin was done for the first time. The formulation can be utilised for developing coating material for metal surfaces.
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Khakan Najaf, Abdul Rashid, Young Kyung Ko and Susela Devi K. Suppiah
This study aims to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impacts the maturity of all industrial sectors globally. This paper analyses the general patterns of managing…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impacts the maturity of all industrial sectors globally. This paper analyses the general patterns of managing maturity in terms of performance and risk-taking of S&P 500 industrial sectors while determining their association with COVID-19.
Design/methodology/approach
To analyse the immediate response of COVID-19 on maturity management, the authors gather time-series daily index data of S&P sectors from October 2019 until June 2020 from Bloomberg. The authors select this study period to show the immediate effect of COVID-19 on industrial sector maturity management. The performance and volatility of stock are proxies for managing the maturity of each sector. The authors use vector auto-regression (VAR) methodology to determine the impact of global coronavirus.
Findings
This study’s findings suggest that the information technology sectors outperform the other sectors; in contrast, the utility sector exhibits the worst performance during a pandemic. Furthermore, the real estate sector depicts a higher level of systematic risk pattern than other sectors. Interestingly, the empirical result of VAR shows that almost every sector is significantly negatively affected by this pandemic; however, the consumer discretionary sector is immune to it.
Research limitations/implications
Overall, this study’s findings for individual economic sectors demonstrate that the managing maturity of each sector acts differently to the coronavirus outbreak. This study offers insights to researchers, policymakers, regulators, financial report users, investors, employees, clients and society.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the existing literature on managing the maturity of industry sectors in terms of observing their trends during the financial crisis.
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Omar Ikbal Tawfik, Hamada Elsaid Elmaasrawy and Khaldoon Albitar
This study aims to investigate the relationship between political connections, financing decisions and cash holding.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between political connections, financing decisions and cash holding.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on historical data from 181 active non-financial firms listed on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Stock Exchange Markets during the period of 2009–2016, this study uses ordinary least squares and dynamic system-generalized method of moments to test the research hypotheses. The final data set comprises a total of 1,448 firm-year observations from ten major non-financial industry classifications.
Findings
This study finds a positive relationship between political connections and each of internal financing proxied by retained earnings ratio and external financing proxied by short- and long-term debt to total asset. The findings also show a positive relationship between political connections and cash holding.
Practical implications
The findings of the study provide a better understanding of the role of politically connected directors in financing decisions and cash holding in the GCC. Investors can consider the presence of royal family members in the board of directors when making investment decision. Policymakers are encouraged to develop more effective policies that encourage listed firms to provide information on the political positions of the board of directors, managers and major shareholders/owners of companies.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the relationship between political connections and financing decisions by focusing on the GCC region. This study also highlights that boards in connected firms in the GCC have lower monitoring role owing to political interventions, and that connected firms face higher agency problems as they have weak governance and boards compared with non-connected firms.
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The purpose of this paper is to compute reliability, availability and maintainability (RAM) indices to measure and improve the performance of an automated croissant production…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to compute reliability, availability and maintainability (RAM) indices to measure and improve the performance of an automated croissant production line under real working conditions. Based on this study, the authors demonstrate how RAM analysis is very useful for deciding maintenance intervals and for planning and organizing the adequate maintenance strategy.
Design/methodology/approach
The present work is carried out by analyzing failure and repair data based on statistical techniques. Descriptive statistics of the failure and repair data at workstation and line level were carried out. Trend and serial correlation tests validated the assumption of independence and identical distribution of the failure data were conducted. Moreover, the reliability and maintainability of both the croissant production line and its workstations have been estimated at different mission times with their best fit distribution.
Findings
The main objectives of the applied method are to understand the nature of the failure patterns, and to estimate the reliability and maintainability characteristics of the croissant production system in precise quantitative terms. The analysis identifies the critical points of the production line that require further improvement through effective maintenance strategy.
Originality/value
This study is anticipated to serve as an illuminating effort in conducting a complete RAM analysis and its effect on the performance of the system that works under real conditions. The advantage of the methodology is the continuous monitoring of the production process through appropriate indices, the utilization of which leads to a continuous cycle of improvement.