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Article
Publication date: 20 January 2021

Shivani Raheja and Max Chipulu

This paper aims to examine whether Twitter messaging can help mitigate the harm corporations suffer in the aftermath of ethical scandals.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether Twitter messaging can help mitigate the harm corporations suffer in the aftermath of ethical scandals.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies Web Application Programming Interfaces (API) on the Guardian and New York Times news archives to find corporations that suffered scandals between 2014 and 2019, revealing 92 publicly listed companies in the UK. Using Twitter API and the Python library, Getoldtweets, this paper extracts historical, pre-scandal – i.e. pre-2014 – tweets of the 92 firms. The paper topic-models the tweets data using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA). This paper then subjects the topics to multidimensional scaling (MDS) to examine commonalities among them.

Findings

LDA reveals 10 topics, which group under 5 themes; these are product marketing, urgent signalling of “greenness”, customer relationship management, corporate strategy and news feeds. MDS suggests that the topics further congregate into two meta-themes of future-oriented versus immediate and individual versus global.

Practical implications

Provided they are sincere and legitimate, corporations’ tweets on global issues with a green agenda should help cushion the impact of ethical scandals. Overall, however, the findings suggest that Twitter messaging could be a double-edged sword, and underscore the importance of strategy.

Originality/value

The paper offers a first exploration of the relevance of corporate Twitter messaging in mitigating ethical scandals.

Details

Society and Business Review, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5680

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Article
Publication date: 8 February 2016

Max Chipulu, Udechukwu Ojiako and Alasdair Marshall

The purpose of this study is to examine whether individual demographic and socio-cultural factors affect actions taken by consumers in relation to ethical violations and failure…

501

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether individual demographic and socio-cultural factors affect actions taken by consumers in relation to ethical violations and failure (or perceived ethical violations and failure) by service operations firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was undertaken over a two-year period, from 2011 to 2013, and involved sampling 3,155 respondents from 19 countries. Data analysis was undertaken utilizing hierarchical linear modelling (HLM).

Findings

Findings suggest that although both individual demographic factors (age and gender) and societal differences do affect ethical actions taken by service consumers, inter-societal cluster variations have a more significant effect on the ethical action than individual demographic differences do.

Originality/value

For service operations firms, the study findings offer evidence on the need for constant readjustment of service attributes in line with the ethical dispositions of the different demographic and socio-cultural clusters within the consumer base.

Details

Society and Business Review, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5680

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Article
Publication date: 7 January 2014

Alexander May, Adrian Anslow, Yue Wu, Udechukwu Ojiako, Max Chipulu and Alasdair Marshall

Real operational data are used to optimise the performance measurement of air cargo capacity demand management at Virgin Atlantic Cargo by identifying the best KPIs from the range…

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Abstract

Purpose

Real operational data are used to optimise the performance measurement of air cargo capacity demand management at Virgin Atlantic Cargo by identifying the best KPIs from the range of outcome-based KPIs in current use.

Design/methodology/approach

Intelligent fuzzy multi-criteria methods are used to generate a ranking order of key outcome-based performance indicators. More specifically, KPIs used by Virgin Atlantic Cargo are evaluated by experts against various output criteria. Intelligent fuzzy multi-criteria group making decision-making methodology is then applied to produce rankings.

Findings

A useful ranking order emerges from the study albeit with the important limitation that the paper looked solely at indices focussing exclusively on outcomes while ignoring behavioural complexity in the production of outcomes.

Originality/value

This paper offers a practical overview of the development of performance measures useful for air cargo capacity demand management.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

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Article
Publication date: 28 June 2011

Alexander Nock, Udechukwu Ojiako, Tolga Bektas and Max Chipulu

This paper seeks to set out opportunities for the development of a UK‐focused feasibility and sizing model utilising linear programming.

491

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to set out opportunities for the development of a UK‐focused feasibility and sizing model utilising linear programming.

Design/methodology/approach

Optimisation of the model is conducted using integer linear programming developed using Excel Solver.

Findings

When compared with comparable alternatives, the model is shown to be particularly useful as its functionality is embedded in resource intensive prime mover specifications obtained from seven real industrial cases.

Research limitations/implications

The study acknowledges the limitation of utilising sizing data primarily obtained from secondary sources to develop the model.

Originality/value

The practical usefulness of this model is that it has been built using “real”, as opposed to simulated‐data. When compared with comparable alternatives, the model is shown to be articularly useful as its functionality is embedded in resource intensive prime mover specifications obtained from seven real industrial cases.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

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Article
Publication date: 11 February 2014

Margarita Georgousopoulou, Max Chipulu, Udechukwu Ojiako and Johnnie Johnson

Current research in the area of risk management within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) appears predisposed towards risk, predominantly dealing with the willingness of…

945

Abstract

Purpose

Current research in the area of risk management within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) appears predisposed towards risk, predominantly dealing with the willingness of SMEs to take on losses. However, in this pilot study, the authors aim to focus on a different aspect of risk management in SMEs, namely the risk preferences. Risk preferences in this case are regarded as the willingness of SME proprietors to take on risks that are likely to lead to investment gains.

Design/methodology/approach

Data is gathered via a combination of a survey questionnaire and a probability scenario toolset. The authors sampled a total of 150 SME proprietors operating in Greece. The data was analysed using a combination of regression models and binomial tests.

Findings

The results suggest that we cannot, as previous literature suggests, conclude that SME proprietors generally exhibit a negative risk preference.

Originality/value

In light of Greece's recent economic difficulty, and in acknowledgement of the critical role played by SMEs in the Greek economy, this study addresses a topical subject in entrepreneurship research: what are the factors determining investment risk preferences?

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

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Article
Publication date: 4 November 2014

Sirikhorn Klindokmai, Peter Neech, Yue Wu, Udechukwu Ojiako, Max Chipulu and Alasdair Marshall

Virgin Atlantic Cargo is one of the largest air freight operators in the world. As part of a wider strategic development initiative, the company has identified forecasting…

1885

Abstract

Purpose

Virgin Atlantic Cargo is one of the largest air freight operators in the world. As part of a wider strategic development initiative, the company has identified forecasting accuracy as of strategic importance to its operational efficiency. This is because accurate forecast enables the company to have the right resources available at the right place and time. The purpose of this paper is to undertake an evaluation of current month-to-date forecasting utilized by Virgin Atlantic Cargo. The study employed demand patterns drawn from historical data on chargeable weight over a seven-year-period covering six of the company's routes.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study is carried out, where a comparison between forecasting models is undertaken using error accuracy measures. Data in the form of historical chargeable weight over a seven-year-period covering six of the company's most profitable routes are employed in the study. For propriety and privacy reasons, data provided by the company have been sanitized.

Findings

Preliminary analysis of the time series shows that the air cargo chargeable weight could be difficult to forecast due to demand fluctuations which appear extremely sensitive to external market and economic factors.

Originality/value

The study contributes to existing literature on air cargo forecasting and is therefore of interest to scholars examining the problems of overbooking. Overbooking which is employed by air cargo operators to hedge against “no-show” bookings. However, the inability of air cargo operators to accurately predict cargo capacity unlikely to be used implies that operators are unable to establish with an aspect of certainty their revenue streams. The research methodology adopted is also predominantly discursive in that it employs a synthesis of existing forecasting literature and real-life data for accuracy analysis.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 25 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

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Article
Publication date: 3 August 2012

Alexander Nock, Udechukwu Ojiako, Tolga Bektas and Max Chipulu

The way and manner in which energy is produced is known to have a significant impact on emissions. For this reason, the UK government has sought to enhance the efficiency of…

626

Abstract

Purpose

The way and manner in which energy is produced is known to have a significant impact on emissions. For this reason, the UK government has sought to enhance the efficiency of energy production/conversion by focusing on a number of energy production approaches, including Combined Heat and Power (CHP). The purpose of this paper is to describe a practical approach for assessing the feasibility of CHP.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide an overview of Combined Heat and Power (CHP); describe a new and easy‐to‐implement feasibility and optimisation model to aid in the installation of CHP; and discuss the practical feasibility issues of CHP through an analysis of existing case studies using the proposed model. The modelling utilises regression models which are created using historical data obtained from public sources.

Findings

Compared against alternatives, the model is shown to be particularly useful, as its functionality is embedded in resource‐intensive prime mover specifications obtained from seven real industrial cases.

Originality/value

The need for such a practical and easy‐to‐use model is driven by the existence of numerous models, which are mainly complex and not necessarily “user‐friendly”. The proposed model is set to provide a practical and user‐friendly model for CHP appraisal that is easy to understand and assess in terms of prime movers such as capital cost, payback, annual financial and CO2 savings.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 23 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 16 July 2024

Thiago de Almeida Rodrigues, Udechukwu Ojiako, Caroline Maria de Miranda Mota, Alasdair Marshall, Maxwell Chipulu and Fikri Dweiri

We identify and further aggregate the most commonly engaged risk factors in dry port projects into dimensions. Noting the importance of developing a multi-perspective view of…

250

Abstract

Purpose

We identify and further aggregate the most commonly engaged risk factors in dry port projects into dimensions. Noting the importance of developing a multi-perspective view of risk, we further assess the priority, interdependency and heterogeneity of the identified risk dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

We identified 44 risk factors from the literature, which were aggregated via exploratory factor analysis (EFA) into 8 major risk dimensions. We employ a fuzzy-based decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) relationship map to articulate various relationships among the risk dimensions.

Findings

“Cost” emerged as the most important risk influencing the success of the dry port project, followed by “location,” “accessibility,” “infrastructural” and “operational,” which were also ranked prominently.

Originality/value

This study offers significant insights into the management of risk in dry port projects. By aggregating key risk factors into distinct dimensions, we develop a structured framework for effective risk assessment and management. The insights gleaned from the study extend globally as it serves as a concrete knowledge base to understand potential barriers to successful dry port projects.

Details

Maritime Business Review, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2397-3757

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Article
Publication date: 30 July 2024

Babak Javadi and Mahla Yadegari

This paper aims to deal with intra and inter-cell layout problems in cellular manufacturing systems. The model is organized to minimize the total handling cost, i.e. intra and…

18

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to deal with intra and inter-cell layout problems in cellular manufacturing systems. The model is organized to minimize the total handling cost, i.e. intra and inter-cell handling costs in a continuous environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted by developing a mixed integer mathematical model. Due to the complexity and NP-hard nature of the cellular manufacturing layout problem, which mostly originated from binary variables, a “graph-pair” representation is used for every machine set and cells each of which manipulates the relative locations of the machines and cells both in left-right and below-up direction. This approach results in a linear model as the binary variables are eliminated and the relative locations of the machines and cells are determined. Moreover, a genetic algorithm as an efficient meta-heuristic algorithm is embedded in the resulting linear programming model after graph-pair construction.

Findings

Various numerical examples in both small and large sizes are implemented to verify the efficiency of the linear programming embedded genetic algorithm.

Originality/value

Considering the machine and cell layout problem simultaneously within the shop floor under a static environment enabled managers to use this concept to develop the models with high efficiency.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

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Article
Publication date: 5 October 2019

Sajjad Shokouhyar, Neda Pahlevani and Farhang Mir Mohammad Sadeghi

This paper aims to present a smart, sustainable supply chain practices structure on the basis of the relational view.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a smart, sustainable supply chain practices structure on the basis of the relational view.

Design/methodology/approach

A method based on fuzzy cognitive map was applied to construct a relational map to introduce and implement such relational methods. Considering this relational map as a guideline, observations into particular methods and ways of applying relational methods to attain sustainable development goals across organizations has been introduced.

Findings

Primary outcomes provided a series of relational methods for the purpose of giving advice to those organizations and their suppliers for smart, sustainable supply chain. Reliance between relational methods were examined and assessed under seven meaningful groups: economic internet of things (IoT), green internet of things, social internet of things, economic supply chain, green supply chain, social supply chain and other variables.

Practical implications

This study guides managers toward an improved perception of the connection among IoT instances and sustainable supply to modeling smart, sustainable supply chain. Managers can determine the practices that need more focus along with the practices that are less relevant. Thus, this will help managers in the decision-making process and to organize their decisions by planning and calculating the relative importance and influence of smart, sustainable practices on each other and on the company’s smart, sustainable program.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first approach that promptly examines and determines the interdependencies between relational methods and constructs a relational map for the purpose to introduce and analyze smart, sustainable supply chain.

Details

Management Research Review, vol. 43 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8269

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