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1 – 8 of 8Navdeep Singh, Anuj Dixit and Deepankar Kumar Ashish
The construction industry has an intricate and constantly evolving supply chain (SC) that includes multiple stakeholders and processes. Enhancing SC resilience (SCR) is essential…
Abstract
Purpose
The construction industry has an intricate and constantly evolving supply chain (SC) that includes multiple stakeholders and processes. Enhancing SC resilience (SCR) is essential for promoting industry expansion and competitiveness. The SCR has attracted considerable interest because of the increasing worldwide challenges and threats facing SCs. This study introduces a conceptual framework for recognizing and classifying resilient supply chains’ critical success factors (CSFs) in sustainable construction.
Design/methodology/approach
This research employs a sequential mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses. Initially, an extensive literature review and expert consultations were conducted to identify potential CSFs. The fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method was then applied to classify these CSFs into cause-and-effect groups. To further analyse the interrelationships among the CSFs, interpretive structural modelling (ISM) was utilised, establishing a hierarchical framework. This integrated methodology provides a comprehensive understanding of the CSFs’ relative importance and their driving and dependence power, facilitating targeted interventions for enhancing supply chain resilience in the construction sector.
Findings
This integrated methodology establishes a hierarchical ranking of CSFs across five levels by revealing their causal interrelationships. The study addresses crucial SCR issues and provides actionable insights. The 17 finalized CSFs have 12 causal and five effect factors. The “safety measures and guidelines” have the highest driving potential, whereas the “availability of standardized materials/equipment” and “skilled human resources” depend highly on causal CSFs. The findings will offer a detailed perspective to narrow the gap between unsustainability and sustainability by enhancing the resilience of CSC.
Practical implications
It offers a pragmatic framework for allocating resources and efforts to enhance the resilience of construction supply chains (CSCs). Policymakers can also use this study to create a more resilient SC for sustainable construction.
Originality/value
This study uniquely identifies and evaluates CSFs for SCR in the construction industry, providing a novel analysis of their driving power, dependence power and ranking. No previous studies have demonstrated such a comprehensive evaluation.
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Navdeep Singh, Deepankar Kumar Ashish and Anuj Dixit
This paper aims to evaluate the construction supply chain (CSC) by examining its relationships with various key areas and its development, identifying gaps and outlining potential…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to evaluate the construction supply chain (CSC) by examining its relationships with various key areas and its development, identifying gaps and outlining potential future research directions that affect the implementation of CSC standards during the timeframe of the United Nations’ “Decade of Action” plans in the past two decades.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper reports on a systematic literature review with bibliometric analysis that investigates publications from around the world on various aspects of CSC. These aspects include research methodology/data collection technique, inquiry mode, country-specific research, focused areas of study, the research aims and publication periods.
Findings
The findings of the study reveal that information technology, information sharing, collaboration, performance measurement and CSC configuration have received considerable attention and analysis. However, financial management, supply chain resilience, logistics, vendor managed inventory and rural CSC have been identified as significant areas that require further investigation since limited attention has been given to them in the existing literature.
Research limitations/implications
CSC is a very dominant topic in the current study, but there are some limitations to it. Scopus and Web of Science databases were used to conduct the study. A future study can therefore consider papers related to other databases. As the focus was specifically dedicated to construction material SC only, the papers associated with SCs of labours and equipment have been eradicated.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first structured and systematic literature review that identifies the issues related to the CSC during the timeframe of the United Nations’ “Decade of Action” plans and proposes future research directions to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of CSC.
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Srikar Sarma Kona, Navdeep Sharma Dugala and Gurmeet Singh
This study aims to investigate the erosion wear rate of a stainless steel automobile exhaust manifold, both computationally and physically.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the erosion wear rate of a stainless steel automobile exhaust manifold, both computationally and physically.
Design/methodology/approach
The experiment was performed on a motorcycle exhaust manifold as well as on a 3D model, created using SolidWorks 2022 CAD software. The analysis was later achieved using ANSYS 19.2 simulation software using Fluent – code.
Findings
The analysis of solid particle erosion in the exhaust manifold revealed that erosion wear is concentrated predominantly at the extrados of the manifold, with the most significant wear occurring at the lowermost bend. The erosion wear rate increases with larger particulate sizes and varies among bends, with negligible wear observed in straight pipes. The SEM analysis further confirmed surface degradation, with rugged textures, pits and grooves indicating abrasive wear. Spine-like structures and fractured soot particles suggest erosive and abrasive forces caused by high-speed contact of exhaust gas compounds. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed significant carbon abundance, indicating carbonaceous compounds from fuel combustion, along with notable amounts of oxygen and iron, typical of oxidized metallic constituents. The discrete phase modeling (DPM) analysis highlighted peak particulate matter deposition at the first bend exit, with maximum concentrations observed at specific angles. This deposition is influenced by centrifugal force, leading to increased PM concentration at outer bend walls. Velocity magnitude contours showed asymmetrical flow profiles, with high turbulence levels and secondary flow induced by centrifugal effects in bend areas. Dynamic pressure contours revealed varying pressures at intrados and extrados, with maximum pressure observed at the intrados of the manifold’s bends. These findings provide valuable insights into erosion wear, particulate dispersion and flow dynamics within the exhaust manifold.
Originality/value
The study investigated an automobile exhaust manifold model using ANSYS Fluent code and DPM to analyze erosion wear rate phenomena and its various constituents. This analysis was conducted in comparison with a physically eroded sample. The study offers insights into the mechanism underlying the exhaust manifold of an automobile.
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Marylyn Carrigan, Victoria Wells and Navdeep Athwal
This paper aims to develop a deeper understanding of what (un)sustainable food behaviours and values are transmitted across generations, to what extent this transference happens…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop a deeper understanding of what (un)sustainable food behaviours and values are transmitted across generations, to what extent this transference happens and the sustainability challenges resulting from this for individuals and households.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 25 semi-structured in-depth interviews are analysed regarding the value of inherited food, family food rituals, habits and traditions, aspects of food production and understanding of sustainability.
Findings
Intergenerational transferences are significant in shaping (un)sustainable consumption throughout life, and those passed-on behaviours and values offer opportunities for lifelong sustainable change and food consumption reappraisal in daily life, beyond early years parenting and across diverse households.
Research limitations/implications
Participants were limited to British families, although the sample drew on multiple ethnic heritages. Future research could study collectivist versus more individualistic cultural influence; explore intergenerational transference of other diverse households, such as multigeneration or in rural and urban locations, or whether sustainable crossover derived from familial socialisation continues into behaviours and values beyond food.
Practical implications
The findings show the importance of families and intergenerational transference to the embedding of sustainable consumption behaviours. Mundane family life is a critical source of sustainable learning, and marketers should prioritise understanding of the context and relationships that drive sustainable consumer choices. Opportunities for intentional and unintentional sustainable learning exist throughout life, and marketers and policymakers can both disrupt unsustainable and encourage sustainable behaviours with appropriate interventions, such as nostalgic or well-being communications. The paper sheds light on flexible sustainable identities and how ambivalence or accelerated lives can deflect how policy messages are received, preventing sustainable choices.
Originality/value
The findings provide greater understanding about the mechanisms responsible for the sustainable transformation of consumption habits, suggesting intergenerational transferences are significant in shaping (un)sustainable food consumption throughout life. The study shows secondary socialisation can play a critical role in the modification of early behaviour patterns of food socialisation. The authors found individuals replicate food behaviours and values from childhood, but through a process of lifelong learning, can break formative habits, particularly with reverse socialisation influences that prioritise sustainable behaviours.
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Navdeep Aggarwal and Raghbir Singh
This article investigates the extent of market orientation in a country about which most readers of Marketing Intelligence & Planning will know little, at least in the marketing…
Abstract
This article investigates the extent of market orientation in a country about which most readers of Marketing Intelligence & Planning will know little, at least in the marketing context. In India, the need to deliver superior value to consumers has assumed paramount importance, as globalization increases at a fast pace and local consumers become more demanding day by day. This empirical study of 22 Indian firms is based on the antecedents and determinants of market orientation, and hence of continuous superior performance, proposed by Narver and Slater. It finds that they exhibit some key features of market orientation, but fall short on others, notably internal communication and senior management's attitude to risk. The overall outcome is a commitment to intelligence gathering and dissemination, but a comparative lack of responsiveness to the market environment.
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Aaryan Chib and Navdeep Sharma Dugala
Biodiesel in engines can reduce net carbon dioxide emissions and boost renewable energy. Despite the benefits of biodiesel engines, little is known about their effects on fuel…
Abstract
Purpose
Biodiesel in engines can reduce net carbon dioxide emissions and boost renewable energy. Despite the benefits of biodiesel engines, little is known about their effects on fuel filters. Filterability hinders the broad use of sustainable biodiesel, as filter clogging and deterioration can lead to engine damage and further hinder the widespread adoption of biodiesel. This study aims to investigate algae biodiesel (Chlorophyta) and diesel fuel filtration and filter deterioration to fill this gap.
Design/methodology/approach
This study investigates the effects of different biodiesel blends on diesel fuel filter parameters, namely, filter blocking tendency (FBT), tensile strength of filter medium upon immersion and other physiochemical properties. In total, 20% biodiesel and 80% diesel (B20) was chosen for its common use as a commercial blend, 40% biodiesel and 60% diesel (B40) for mid-level biodiesel content and 100% biodiesel (B100) for pure biodiesel testing. Testing these concentrations allowed us to determine the effect of increasing biodiesel content. B20 biodiesel emerges as the most suitable blend, providing the best balance of performance and durability with a low FBT (1.0) and a 6.9% increase in tensile strength over diesel. B40 and B100 had higher FBTs of 1.53 and 7.57, respectively, and lower tensile strength, resulting in increased filter clogging and material deterioration. SEM results demonstrated that B20-immersed filters had little structural changes as compared to B40 and B100; the colour darkened noticeably suggesting deposits, including sterol glucosides, indicating material deterioration and clogging.
Findings
The results from current study concluded that when compared to B40 and B100, the B20 biodiesel blend provides the best balance of performance and longevity, with less filter blockage, improved tensile strength and lower maintenance requirements. However, its performance in harsh settings, such as colder climes, high-pressure systems and engines requiring more power output, may require augmentation and more study. While higher blends may be more appropriate in some applications, B20 remains the most adaptable solution for a wide range of general operational situations.
Originality/value
The study concludes that the B20 biodiesel blend provides optimal performance, longevity and maintenance for compression ignition engines, exceeding other blends. While B40 and B100 may be appropriate in certain situations, B20 remains the most practical and versatile option, combining environmental benefits with engine compatibility, making it a superior alternative to standard diesel fuel.
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Navdeep Athwal, Doga Istanbulluoglu and Sophie Elizabeth McCormack
The purpose of this paper is to explore the social media marketing activities of luxury brands, guided by uses and gratifications theory (UGT). It examines the gratifications…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the social media marketing activities of luxury brands, guided by uses and gratifications theory (UGT). It examines the gratifications sought by millennials, a new core luxury consumer group, and the gratifications obtained when following and connecting with luxury brands.
Design/methodology/approach
Online data are gathered from Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts of five top luxury brands. In addition, 30 in-depth interviews with millennials, the new generation of luxury consumers, were conducted. Thematic analysis strategy was followed to analyze the data and present the findings.
Findings
Luxury brands remain distant and aloof, which helps them to maintain a sense of exclusivity. User activity, ranging from observations to commenting on and liking luxury brand content, leads to the gratification of two types of need: affective and cognitive. Two affective needs that are satisfied by luxury brands’ social media marketing activities are aesthetic appreciation and entertainment. Cognitive needs are satisfied through the functional use of social media as an information source.
Originality/value
Several studies have investigated social media from the perspective of UGT, but this study is the first to investigate the implications of luxury brands’ social media usage with the lenses of UGT.
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Arvind Sahay and Varuna M. Joshi
The pandemic induced lockdown lead to supply and manufacturing disruptions that were swiftly dealt with by the Indian Pharma Industry through successful industry-government…
Abstract
The pandemic induced lockdown lead to supply and manufacturing disruptions that were swiftly dealt with by the Indian Pharma Industry through successful industry-government collaboration. By May 2020 production was back to normal and exports were higher than the same period in May 2019. The case deals with the processes that enabled this to happen, the policy responses and the changes that happened in the period from March 2020 to August 2020.
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