Neeraj Singh and Sanjeev Kapoor
Although Agtech firms have promoted digital platforms for retailing farm supplies (RFS), farmers are sceptical while purchasing them online. As a result, they struggle to generate…
Abstract
Purpose
Although Agtech firms have promoted digital platforms for retailing farm supplies (RFS), farmers are sceptical while purchasing them online. As a result, they struggle to generate a sustained demand. Among other approaches, these platforms onboard complementors to become full-stack farming solution providers. Whether platform complementarity can induce farmers' trust remains ambiguous. Literature on network externality theory highlights that complementarity positively affects the perceived value for buyers. The sociotechnical systems literature indicates that perceived value is an antecedent of user trust. In this vein, the authors ask: Does perceived complementarity affect farmers' trust in the RFS platform? Alternatively, the Agtech firms augment the platform's look and feel to make the digital retail setting appear “normal” to farmers. The extant research on the social cognitive theory indicates that a retail setting conforming with the generalised expectancy of buyers harbours their trust. Against this backdrop, the authors ask whether situational normality affects farmers' trust in the RFS platform.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on a questionnaire survey of 212 Indian farmers using RFS platforms. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis.
Findings
This study establishes that platforms' complementarity and situational normality ameliorate farmer trust. The authors also identify the socioeconomic factors shaping the farmers' trust in platforms.
Research limitations/implications
The present study has taken all RFS together as a single umbrella category, which can be considered a limitation. Also, the study is based on the cross-sectional survey of RFS platform users; the farmers' attitudes are dynamic in nature and evolve over time; however, the temporal factors shaping the farmer attitudes have not been considered in this study.
Originality/value
The study establishes the epistemological relationship between complementarity, situational normality and farmers' trust in agricultural platforms.
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Neeraj Singh and Sanjeev Kapoor
Although growing Internet penetration in the hinterlands has attracted agribusinesses to promote digital platforms, farmers are sceptical about using them. The literature…
Abstract
Purpose
Although growing Internet penetration in the hinterlands has attracted agribusinesses to promote digital platforms, farmers are sceptical about using them. The literature discusses agricultural platforms from the theoretical perspective of technological determinism, where the platforms are developed and promoted by firms in a top-down manner to be accepted by farmers. However, this approach results in poorly configured platforms with limited utility for farmers. It is evident from the existing literature that the mere creation of a platform business is not sufficient to guarantee adoption by users. Hence, this study explores how to make the agricultural platform more attractive for farmers.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study is based on a discrete choice experiment performed on 126 Indian farmers using agricultural platforms. The data were analysed using the conditional logistic regression method.
Findings
The study suggests that farmers expect government and cooperative entities to be also embedded with the platforms. Complementary features such as prompt service, competitive pricing and farm credit were identified as essential attributes. Further, the platforms should enable smallholders to trade farm produce by providing a mechanism for real-time online nudging and bargaining with buyers.
Research limitations/implications
The study is based on the applications of random utility theory. The research has utility for Agtech managers, cooperative institutions and agricultural policymakers.
Originality/value
This is one of the first studies focussing on agricultural platform design from the farmers' perspective. The study implies that incorporating preferred attributes can help practitioners configure platforms to benefit farmers with prospects concerning farm management decisions.
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Gaganpreet Singh and Neeraj Pandey
Pricing, Marketing Management, Strategic Marketing, Strategic Management.
Abstract
Subjectarea
Pricing, Marketing Management, Strategic Marketing, Strategic Management.
Studylevel/applicability
The case can be used for a Pricing Course and Strategic Marketing, Marketing Management and Strategic Management courses delivered to post-graduate management programme (Master’s level) students and/or for Management Development Programme’s.
Caseoverview
Alliance Intercontinental Sourcing Company LLP (ALLISCO) manufactured Steel Blanks for clutch plates used in two- and three-wheeler automobiles. Steel Blank plates further underwent a processing phase which included coating with leather cover to form the finished clutch plate. The primary raw material used by ALLISCO for its manufacturing process was sheet metal. The processing of the principal raw material resulted in the production of three joint products. The first joint product was “Steel Blank”, the main product; the second joint product was “Inner Circle”, which may be classified as a by-product; the third joint product was the left-over waste material and could be categorized as sheet scrap. The approximate increase in procurement cost of 8 per cent had considerably impacted the firm’s profit margins. The dilemma that Rishabh Singla, Managing Partner, ALLISCO, now faced was how the increased differential could be distributed systematically among the three joint products. The challenge for ALLISCO was to preserve the percentage of gross profit margins by altering its existing pricing strategy.
Expectedlearning outcomes
Understand the concept of multiple joint products; learn about choosing appropriate pricing strategies to price multiple joint products; comprehend how value-based pricing can extract untapped profits; and understand the importance of retaining gross profit margins (%).
Supplementarymaterials
Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
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Manish Kumar Chatli, Neeraj Gandhi and Parminder Singh
The sensory quality and yield of mozzarella cheese deteriorate as the fat content in milk is reduced. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of sodium alginate as a fat replacer…
Abstract
Purpose
The sensory quality and yield of mozzarella cheese deteriorate as the fat content in milk is reduced. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of sodium alginate as a fat replacer in low-fat buffalo mozzarella cheese on the basis of processing and storage (4 ± 1°C) quality.
Design/methodology/approach
Five treatments of buffalo mozzarella cheese, viz., control full-fat cheese (6.0 per cent milk fat; CFFC), control low-fat cheese (<0.5 per cent milk fat) without sodium alginate (CLFC), low-fat cheese with 0.1 per cent sodium alginate (LFC-1), 0.2 per cent sodium alginate (LFC-2) and 0.3 per cent sodium alginate (LFC-3), were comparatively evaluated.
Findings
Increase in the level of sodium alginate increased the percent yield of treated low-fat cheese than CLFC. Addition of sodium alginate to low-fat cheese resulted in decrease in hardness (p = 0.023) and chewiness than CLFC. Meltability was significantly decreased (p = 0.03) in low-fat cheese than CFFC. It was recorded as 1.5 ± 0.14 cm for CFFC to 0.2 ± 0.08 cm in LFC-3. Sensory panellists awarded LFC-3 highest and lowest to LFC-1; however, treated products at all selected levels were superior to CLFC. Oxidative stability and microbial stability were improved in LFC-3 than CFFC during storage.
Practical implications
Results concluded that 0.3 per cent sodium alginate is optimum for the development of extended shelf-life functional/low-fat/low-calorie buffalo mozzarella cheese.
Originality/value
Processing interventions can be successfully used to develop low-fat/low-calorie mozzarella cheese with acceptable sensory attributes and longer storage life.
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Neeraj Kumar Singh and Preeti Mahajan
This paper aims to give a brief description of some chemistry portals available worldwide, folowed by a description of the chemistry portal developed for Panjab University…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to give a brief description of some chemistry portals available worldwide, folowed by a description of the chemistry portal developed for Panjab University Library, Chandigarh (India).
Design/methodology/approach
A well‐structured chemistry portal was designed for chemistry and its allied departments at Panjab University based on studies of other chemistry portals worldwide.
Findings
All the students, research scholars and faculty members of chemistry and allied subjects are deriving benefit from the use of this portal.
Research limitations/implications
The paper provides information about chemistry portals available worldwide. However, only selected portals are presented. Moreover, the information sources included in the chemistry portal may also not be exhaustive.
Practical implications
The paper would be of help to librarians who plan to develop such portals for other subjects.
Originality/value
The success of the portal has led to a demand from other departments in the university for developing subject portals in their subject areas.
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Sushant Tomar, Neeraj Sharma and Nagendra Singh Nehra
Teaching objective 1: To flourish and explore the current business model to get socioeconomic benefits from organic farming compared to conventional farming; in the context of…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
Teaching objective 1: To flourish and explore the current business model to get socioeconomic benefits from organic farming compared to conventional farming; in the context of hill farming. Teaching objective 2: To explore and design innovative entrepreneurship opportunities in the field of organic farming and how these opportunities can be seized by using managerial skills. Teaching objective 3: To analyze the economic benefits of organic farming compared to conventional farming.
Case overview/synopsis
Manj Gaon is a small village in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. This village serves as the Uttarakhand Organic Commodity Board’s training facility. Organic farming was the primary source of income for farmers in the late 1970s, but the Green Revolution in India had a negative impact on agriculture, the environment and the economy of the country. After the Green Revolution, the agriculture sector was completely dominated by conventional farming, and the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides affected the village to some extent. But farmers like Bhagchand Ramola paved the way for other farmers to grow and shine through organic farming. The organic farming model developed by Ramola was helping farmers and society in several aspects, such as the economy, health and the environment. A self-developed organic farming model had been generating fair revenue for the farmers and uplifting their socioeconomic status as compared to conventional farming. Complete adoption of organic farming in the village requires an analysis in terms of sustainable economic growth. However, there was a certain dilemma that was stifling the growth of the newly adopted business model because farmers were dependent only on Japanese buyers and input providers. So, there was a huge need to tie up with other consulates across the country. Secondly, expanding a business model requires more input and output in terms of manpower and revenue, so persuading conventional farmers to adopt the organic farming model was quite a challenge for Ramola.
Complexity academic level
The case can be taught to the MBA-level students.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 11: Strategy.
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Neeraj Pandey and Gaganpreet Singh
Pricing, digital marketing, marketing management and strategic marketing.
Abstract
Subject area
Pricing, digital marketing, marketing management and strategic marketing.
Study level/applicability
The case can be used for pricing or digital marketing courses as well as marketing management courses to MBA students and/or for management development programmes.
Case overview
Goldfinch Mobile Solutions, a Hong-Kong based value added services (VAS) and gaming platform provider, had an exclusive tie up with Bharti Airtel in India for providing value added voice applications on an interactive voice response system (IVRS) platform. The Goldfinch flagship service is “Guru Ki Bani” which may be subscribed to by dialing the short code 58282. This “58282” service has a repository of all Sikh religion daily prayers, religious songs, teachings, stories from Guru's life and similar information that is derived from the Sikh Holy book Guru Granth Sahib Ji. As per mutual agreement between Goldfinch Mobile Solutions and Bharti Airtel, the telecom operator had the responsibility to promote Goldfinch's Guru Ki Bani service amongst its subscriber base through its below the line (BTL) promotional channels such as short messaging service (SMS), outbound calls, cell information, notification SMS after call and above the line (ATL) activities such as posters, leaflets, print, promoters, regional TV, outdoors, etc. The revenue sharing arrangement between Airtel and Golfinch was in the ratio of 75 percent and 25 percent. However, with recent changes in the policies of Telephone Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), promotional marketing used by telecom operators has been constrained. Declining customer share, decreasing profits (after Bharti Airtel halted promotions) and increasing organization cost per customer have made MD and CEO Mr Newton Bubber think of various options including low-cost marketing initiatives besides digital marketing to promote Guru Ki Bani services. Value communication to its huge potential customer base, i.e. 184.19 million Bharti Airtel subscribers was another challenge facing Mr Newton and his marketing team at Goldfinch.
Expected learning outcomes
The case enables students to learn the concepts and application of value creation, effective value communication, price waterfall analysis, importance of costing parameters in pricing decisions, low-cost marketing strategies and digital marketing.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
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Neeraj Yadav, Ravi Shankar and Surya Prakash Singh
Critical success factors (CSF) for lean six sigma (LSS) using quality 4.0 are not researched so far. This study aims to bridge this gap. It also validates CSF already identified…
Abstract
Purpose
Critical success factors (CSF) for lean six sigma (LSS) using quality 4.0 are not researched so far. This study aims to bridge this gap. It also validates CSF already identified for LSS under conventional technologies.
Design methodology approach
Empirical research using the questionnaire method is conducted. Construct of the questionnaire is checked using Cronbach’s alpha and responses received are analysed using t-test and exploratory factor analysis.
Findings
In total, 20 factors are evaluated for LSS success. It includes 7 factors related to quality 4.0 technologies and 13 related to the conventional set-up. All 7 quality 4.0 related factors were found critical; whereas, under traditional set-up, 11 factors out of 13 were found critical.
Practical implications
The study will help enterprises in the fast and effective adoption of quality 4.0 and seamless integration with LSS. The post-Covid-19 business scenario is expected to be information technology focussed. The findings of this study will be useful in these circumstances. Consultants and practitioners can prioritise their efforts based on newly identified CSF. The new revelation about CSF for LSS in quality 4.0 enriches theory as well.
Social implications
Developing skills based on newly identified CSF will help people in remaining employable in the era of automation, robotics and artificial intelligence which is otherwise ill-famed for destroying jobs.
Originality value
CSF for LSS using quality 4.0 is a new contribution. It differentiates CSF established earlier for conventional technologies. Moreover, many CSF are common for LSS and industry 4.0, therefore this study will also help in smoother adoption of industry 4.0/quality 4.0 in organisations.
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Neeraj Yadav, Ravi Shankar and Surya Prakash Singh
This paper compares impact of Industry 4.0 / emerging information and communication Technologies (ICTs), for example, Internet of things (IOT), machine learning, artificial…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper compares impact of Industry 4.0 / emerging information and communication Technologies (ICTs), for example, Internet of things (IOT), machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and cloud computing, on 22 organisational performance indicators under nine combinations of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and quality management systems (QMS).
Design/methodology/approach
Survey of 105 Indian organisations was done about their experience of using QMS, Lean Six Sigma and emerging ICTs. Respondents included both manufacturing and service enterprises of different scales and sectors. The responses collected were compared, and statistically significant difference among them was evaluated using chi-square test.
Findings
The study confirmed statistically significant difference among 20 organisational performance indicators under different combinations of QMS, LSS and ICTs. These indicators include quality performance, delivery performance, sales turnover, inventory level and so forth. However, for two indicators, namely, absenteeism and throughput, significant difference in responses was not established.
Research limitations/implications
All possible combinations of QMS, LSS, only LSS tools and ICTs were not studied because of either theoretical impossibility (e.g. using LSS without LSS tools) or practically rare situations (e.g. organisations using ICTs and LSS without QMS). Furthermore, the impact from different sequences of implementing QMS, LSS and ICTs can be studied.
Practical implications
Using this study, practitioners can identify which LSS, Quality System and ICT combination results in best performance and quick success. On theoretical front, the study confirms impact of LSS and QMS on organisational performance.
Originality/value
This study evaluates organisational performance under several possible combinations of QMS, LSS, and emerging ICTs, which was so far unexplored.
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Pooja Goel, Neeraj Kaushik, Brijesh Sivathanu, Rajasshrie Pillai and Jasper Vikas
The purpose of this study, a current systematic literature review, is to synthesize the extant literature on consumers’ adoption of artificial intelligence and robotics (AIR) in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study, a current systematic literature review, is to synthesize the extant literature on consumers’ adoption of artificial intelligence and robotics (AIR) in the context of the hospitality and tourism sector (HATS) to gain a comprehensive understanding of it. This study also outlines insights for academia, practitioners, AI marketers, developers, designers and policymakers.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a content analysis approach to conduct a systematic literature review for the period of 10 years (2011–2020) of the various published studies themed around consumer’s adoption of AIR in HATS.
Findings
The synthesis draws upon various factors affecting the adoption of AIR, such as individual factors, service factors, technical and performance factors, social and cultural factors and infrastructural factors. Additionally, the authors identified four major barriers, namely, psychological, social, financial, technical and functional that hinder the consumer’s adoption of artificial intelligence and robots in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s/authors’ knowledge, this study is a first attempt to synthesize the factors that drive consumers’ adoption of artificial intelligence and robots in the hospitality and tourism industry. The present work also advances the tourism and consumer behavior literature by offering an integrated antecedent-outcome framework.
Visual abstract
Figure 2 The objective of the current systematic literature review is to synthesize the extant literature on consumer’s adoption of artificial intelligence and robotics (AIR) in the context of the hospitality and tourism sector (HATS) to gain a comprehensive understanding of it. For that purpose, authors conducted content analysis of extant literature on consumer’s adoption of AIR in HATS from 2011 to 2020. Authors presented an integrated antecedent outcome framework of the factors that drive consumer’s adoption of artificial intelligence and robots in the hospitality and tourism industry.
目的
这篇系统性文献综述的目的是综合现有关于消费者在酒店和旅游部门(HATS)中采用人工智能和机器人(AIR)的文献, 以便全面了解它。这项研究还概述了学术界、从业者、人工智能营销人员、开发人员、设计师和决策者的见解。
设计/方法论/方法
本研究使用内容分析方法对 10 年(2011–2020 年)期间的各种已发表研究进行系统的文献回顾, 主题围绕消费者在 HATS 中采用 AIR。
结果
本研究揭示了四大服务:自动化、定制、信息传播、旅游移动性和导航服务。 此外, 作者确定了阻碍消费者在酒店和旅游业采用人工智能和机器人的四大障碍, 即心理、社会、财务、技术和功能
原创性
本研究首次尝试综合推动消费者在酒店和旅游业中采用人工智能和机器人的因素。本文还通过提供一个综合的前因结果框架, 推进了旅游和消费者行为文献。
Resumen
Objetivo
El objetivo de la actual revisión sistemática literaria es sintetizar la literatura existente sobre la adopción de la inteligencia artificial y la robótica (IAR) por parte de los consumidores en el contexto del sector hotelero y turístico (SHT) para ganar un entendimiento comprensivo del mismo. Este estudio también traza visiones para los académicos, profesionales, comercializadores de AI, desarrolladores, diseñadores, y los elaboradores de las políticas a seguir.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
El presente estudio siguió un enfoque de análisis de contenido para realizar una revisión sistemática de la literatura durante el período de 10 años (2011–2020) de los diversos estudios publicados y basados en la adopción de IAR en SHT, por parte de los consumidores.
Los hallazgos
Este estudio desvela cuatro grandes servicios: automatización, personalización, difusión de información, movilidad turística y servicios de navegación. Adicionalmente, los autores identificaron cuatro barreras principales, a saber; psicológicas, sociales, financieras, técnicas y funcionales, que impiden la adopción de la inteligenica artificial y la robótica por parte del consumidor, en la industria de la hospitalidad y el turismo.
Originalidad
Este estudio es un primer intento de sintetizar los factores que impulsan la adopción de la inteligencia artificial y la robótica por parte de los consumidores en la industria hotelera y turística. El presente trabajo también fomenta la literatura sobre el turismo y el comportamiento del consumidor, ofreciendo un marco integrado de resultados precedentes.