Sanchoy K. Das and Prashant Patel
Two key questions in flexible manufacturing systems design are “Why and where is flexibility needed?” and “What type of flexibility is needed?” We present an auditing tool to…
Abstract
Two key questions in flexible manufacturing systems design are “Why and where is flexibility needed?” and “What type of flexibility is needed?” We present an auditing tool to support managers in their efforts to answer these questions. The objective of this audit is to estimate the needed flexibility by linking it to the uncertainty experienced in the company’s manufacturing operations. The premise of this approach is that the need for flexibility is triggered by some recurring operational change in the company’s environment. Introduces two distinct classes of flexibility‐related changes on the basis of their source: external and internal. The flexibility audit consists of a structured questionnaire that is designed to identify and prioritize the changes being experienced by the facility. Subsequently prioritizes and links the changes to different flexibility types. Reports the results of the audit in three easy to read tables. Expects the audit to be the first step in any flexible manufacturing design (FMD) effort. Presents a case study.
Details
Keywords
Prashant Mahajan and Suresh Golahit
The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships of service marketing mix (SMM) as service input and service output in terms of students’ performance, satisfaction and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships of service marketing mix (SMM) as service input and service output in terms of students’ performance, satisfaction and referral act in context to higher and technical education (HTE) through the application of structural equation modeling.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research, conducted through a self-administered survey composed by a closed-ended structured questionnaire, was incorporated for the students who were enrolled in the technical educational institutions situated in the Khandesh region of India.
Findings
The findings of this study revealed that traditional SMM is statistically linked with the performance of students in terms of skill and knowledge enhancement, satisfaction and referral act of students, which are perceptible new emerging SMM; performance, pleasure and pointing out in terms of service output.
Practical implications
Integrating SMM as service input and service output are productive for HTE in enhancing growth (quantitatively) by the inclusivity of diversified students and development (qualitatively) by enhancing their performance for global standing, making them satisfied and motivating them for recommending their institution to others. This integration can be utilized as a yardstick by the institutions for staying ahead in students’ market with a distinctive competitive advantage.
Social implications
Growth and development of HTE will raise a society’s quality of life and thereby increase a country’s socio-economic status.
Originality/value
The study has exhibited SMM as input and output of a service system that is useful for the growth and development of HTE. The measurement tool presented is effective in (re)framing policies on SMM as service input based on desired service output.
Details
Keywords
Vaibhav Sidraya Ganachari, Uday Chate, Laxman Waghmode, Prashant Jadhav and Satish Mullya
Many engineering applications in this era require new age materials; however, some classic alloys like spring steel are still used in critical applications such as aerospace…
Abstract
Purpose
Many engineering applications in this era require new age materials; however, some classic alloys like spring steel are still used in critical applications such as aerospace, defense and automobile. To machine spring steel material, there exist various difficulties such as rapid tool wear rate, the rough surface formation of a workpiece and higher power consumption. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues, various approaches in addition to electrical discharge machines (EDM) are used such as dry EDM (DEDM) and near dry EDM (NDEDM).
Design/methodology/approach
This study focuses on these two approaches and their comparative analysis with respect to tool wear during machining of spring steel material. For this study, current, gap voltage, cycle time and dielectric medium pressure are considered input variables. This study shows that the near dry EDM approach yields better results. Hence, the thermo-electrical model for this approach is developed using ANSYS workbench, which is further validated by comparing with experimental results. This thermo-electrical model covers spark radius variation and formation of temperature profile due to electric discharge. Transient thermal analysis is used to simulate the electric discharge machining.
Findings
It is observed from this study that discharge environment parameters such as debris concentration and fluid viscosity largely influences the dielectric fluid pressure value. Experimental results revealed that NDEDM yields better results in comparison with DEDM as it shows a 25% lesser tool wear rate in NDEDM.
Originality/value
The range of predicted results and the experimental results are in close agreement, authenticating the model.
Details
Keywords
Prashant Srivastava, Karthik N.S. Iyer, Yu (Jade) Chu and Mohammed Rawwas
Borrowing from the dynamic capabilities theory and augmented by the relational view, the study investigates the criticality of supply chain agility in delivering operational…
Abstract
Purpose
Borrowing from the dynamic capabilities theory and augmented by the relational view, the study investigates the criticality of supply chain agility in delivering operational performance while understanding the determinant role of key cross-firm resources. Additionally, based on the contingency theory, the interactive influence of two critical context factors, supply uncertainty and product complexity, is examined to enrich the understanding of the contingent nature of the operational performance implications.
Design/methodology/approach
The study draws its conclusions from the survey data collected from a 152-respondent sample of executives from US manufacturing firms. The empirical data analyses using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) relate agility to operational performance enhancements while incorporating the moderating effects of contextual factors.
Findings
The study relates agility capability to operational performance enhancements, while resource specificity and resource complementarity emerge as significant determinants of the capability. Results on the contingent impact of contextual factors suggest differential influences of supply uncertainty and product complexity on the agility–performance relationship: while the former enhances, the latter detracts from the relationship.
Originality/value
The study’s contributions suggest theory extensions into supply chains as contexts, reinforcing the importance of market-responsive capabilities and the foundational nature of supply chains as repositories of vital cross-firm resources. The contingent nature of the agility–performance relationship accents the importance of market context factors.
Details
Keywords
Prasanta Kr Chopdar, Miltiadis D. Lytras and Anna Visvizi
Bicycle sharing offers a novel way to create smart and sustainable mobility solutions for the future. The purpose of this study is to draw on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and…
Abstract
Purpose
Bicycle sharing offers a novel way to create smart and sustainable mobility solutions for the future. The purpose of this study is to draw on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT 2) framework for identifying the factors necessary to predict bike-sharing intention among users in India.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through a questionnaire distributed across four major cities in India, and 515 responses were analyzed. A sequential approach was employed to analyze the data using Partial Least Square–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA).
Findings
The findings from PLS analysis revealed that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation and price value are the salient variables that affect users' intentions to participate in bike sharing. In addition, based on fsQCA, six configurations of causal conditions are presented as intermediate solutions that produce the same results. Although antecedent conditions, such as habit and social influence, had an insignificant effect on individuals' BSI, they create conditions sufficient to encourage users' participation in bike sharing in combination with other variables.
Research limitations/implications
A few limitations of this research and the implications of the findings in terms of theory and policy implications are also discussed.
Originality/value
The reported study is one of the earliest to explain bike-sharing adoption in India using the UTAUT 2 model.
Details
Keywords
Brenda Joly, Kimberly Pukstas Bernard, Martha Elbaum Williamson and Prashant Mittal
The purpose of this paper is to determine the effectiveness of community outreach efforts in promoting public education on the early warning signs of psychosis and in generating…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the effectiveness of community outreach efforts in promoting public education on the early warning signs of psychosis and in generating referrals for treatment during the prodromal stage of illness.
Design/methodology/approach
Five mental health centres across the United States implemented a community outreach model known as the Early Detection and Intervention for the Prevention of Psychosis Program (EDIPPP). A multi‐site evaluation was conducted to assess whether the model's outreach objectives could be achieved among replication sites in geographically and demographically diverse locations. The assessment included the analysis of data from three main sources: administrative data, structured qualitative interviews, and participant self‐report surveys.
Findings
Results demonstrated that the outreach activities in all five sites resulted in increased awareness of participants about the early warning signs of psychosis, the availability of local treatment options and increased knowledge of the referral process. There were benefits of outreach participation regardless of whether the participant was a professional or non‐professional in the community. Additionally, outreach participants showed a significant increase in their likelihood to refer a young adult for a mental health evaluation.
Originality/value
Community outreach can be an effective tool for mental health centres in developing a local network that can generate timely referrals for early intervention programmes and clinical research. Results also show that relatively brief community engagement efforts can significantly increase the knowledge and awareness of the public on complex mental health conditions where early detection may be integral to effective treatment.
Details
Keywords
Gaurav Duggal, Manoj Garg and Achint Nigam
In this chapter, we explore the dark side of the metaverse and the need for user protection. While the metaverse offers multiple opportunities it also poses significant risks for…
Abstract
In this chapter, we explore the dark side of the metaverse and the need for user protection. While the metaverse offers multiple opportunities it also poses significant risks for users, such as privacy concerns, addiction, harassment, and cyberbullying. First, we discuss the various threats that users may encounter such as online harassment, assaults, cyberbullying, hate speech, identity theft, and virtual property theft. As per the Center for Countering Digital Hate, an incident of violation occurs every seven minutes within VRChat, a popular virtual reality game. The level of misconduct in the metaverse can surpass the extent of internet harassment. Virtual reality gaming has been associated with various health issues like sleep deprivation, and insomnia as well as mental health concerns such as depression, anger, and anxiety. We examine how these issues may impact user’s physical and mental health. The sensors and devices used in the metaverse collect a vast amount of user biometric data and spatial data. Interactions between users and metaverse could be leaked. We examine different methods that improve user protection, including everyone from enhanced security protocols via the application of privacy-enhanced technology to several avatars, two-factor authentication, and user educational and awareness programs. Moreover, we explore how the newest technologies, like blockchain and artificial intelligence, play a role in making user safety more important. We finished the course with the study of the case of Second Life, the virtual reality gaming platform, and pointing out some of the problems that exist within it.
Details
Keywords
Prashant Kumar, Michael Polonsky, Yogesh K. Dwivedi and Arpan Kar
This study aims to examine the effects of three green information quality dimensions – persuasiveness, completeness and credibility – on green brand evaluation and whether this is…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the effects of three green information quality dimensions – persuasiveness, completeness and credibility – on green brand evaluation and whether this is mediated by green brand credibility. It also examines the moderating effects of eco-label credibility and consumer knowledge on green information quality dimensions and green brand credibility relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a structured questionnaire on environmentally-friendly electrical goods/electronics, cosmetic and apparel product advertisements, involving an elaboration task, this study collected usable data from 1,282 Indian consumers across 50 cities. It also undertook an assessment for three different product groups using structural equation modelling to examine proposed hypotheses and assessed moderated mediation using the Hays process model.
Findings
The study indicates that: green brand credibility mediates the effects of green information quality dimensions on green brand evaluation; consumer knowledge moderates the effects of persuasiveness and completeness on green brand credibility and eco-label credibility moderates the effects of persuasiveness and credibility on green brand credibility.
Research limitations/implications
In green information processing, this study supports the relevance of the elaboration likelihood model and the mediation effect of green brand credibility. It also presents evidence that credible eco-labels enhance green information processing. While the results are broadly consistent across the three product categories, the results may only generalizable to the environmentally-aware urban populations.
Practical implications
Help brand managers to design advertisements that add brand credibility in environmentally-aware urban markets.
Originality/value
It helps to define green information quality and the interacting effects of eco-label credibility and consumer knowledge in green information processing.
Details
Keywords
It is well-known that women scientists are few in numbers in prestigious research organizations and still fewer in leadership positions. The purpose of this article is to analyze…
Abstract
Purpose
It is well-known that women scientists are few in numbers in prestigious research organizations and still fewer in leadership positions. The purpose of this article is to analyze how organizational gender inequality is rationalized by scientists so as to highlight how discourse on equality reproduces gender at the workplace.
Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews with the scientists in four research laboratories dealing with medicinal drugs and chemical substances. It uses discourse analysis by Foucault as a theoretical lens to examine how gender inequality is rationalized and the power relations behind it. It adopts the perspective that socio-cultural beliefs form the basis of gendered practices in organizations.
Findings
It finds that the scientists refuse to blame the organization for inequalities by delinking gender issues from the organizational domain. This delinking occurs through rationalizing gender inequality as “social”, through separating informal behavior from the “system” and perceiving women as “privileged”. Such discourses while keeping intact the rationality and meritocracy of the organizations/institutions, reproduce the ideological “public-private dichotomy” and the male dominance at the workplace.
Practical implications
The findings indicate the need for extensive studies in India highlighting how gender is done in organizations, exploring men's role in undoing gender and government initiatives to create a climate of gender equality.
Originality/value
It highlights how discourse on gender equality/inequality at the workplace manifests dominance of men and represents an intersection of Indian social, organizational and institutional contexts at workplace. It also calls into question the applicability of the western concepts of “individualization” and “gender fatigue” to the Indian context.
Details
Keywords
Nivisha Singh, Prashant Salwan, Sachin Kumar Mangla and Demetris Vrontis
The purpose of this study is to provide a holistic view of how the different dimensions of absorptive capacity (AC) impact reverse knowledge transfer (RKT). Although the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to provide a holistic view of how the different dimensions of absorptive capacity (AC) impact reverse knowledge transfer (RKT). Although the importance of AC has been realized in knowledge and RKT literature, scholars have hardly explored the differentiated importance of each component of AC. When knowledge leads to competitive advantage, understanding the differentiated contribution will help enhance the impact of AC on RKT. This becomes even more important for emerging economy multinationals (EMNCs), which struggle in the global market and suffer from various liabilities. Therefore, this study focuses on the multidimensional impact of AC on RKT from Indian multinational subsidiaries based in developed nations to their parent firm.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is a quantitative study. The authors tested the research model using a structural equation modeling design based on survey data collected from subsidiaries (in developed economies) of Indian multinationals.
Findings
The results show that acquisition, assimilation and transformation components of AC have positive impact on RKT. However, the authors found that the exploitation dimension has no impact on RKT.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the research design is original and this is the first study on the impact of all components of AC on RKT. AC is one of the most widely researched variables in knowledge literature, including different versions of Zahra and George’s concept of AC. However, its impact has not been explored much in RKT literature. This study addresses this gap and extends the literature on AC and RKT. The advantages of this study can be seen at the team and organization level.