P.M. Nimmi, Alka K. Binoy, George Joseph and R. Suma
The unending ambivalence in the academic environment and the job market is detrimental to management graduates' wellbeing. The study looks into the possible intervening methods to…
Abstract
Purpose
The unending ambivalence in the academic environment and the job market is detrimental to management graduates' wellbeing. The study looks into the possible intervening methods to enhance the wellbeing of students during difficult times. The study proposes spirituality development as means through which psychological resources like perceived employability and psychological capital are developed in an individual. This study also tries to identify how spirituality development leads to life wellbeing among management students.
Design/methodology/approach
Cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 management students from Kerala, India. Multi-stage random sampling was used to collect data. Structural equation modelling using IBM-AMOS was done to gain insights into the proposed relationships.
Findings
The results indicated that spirituality had a significant impact on the wellbeing of management students. Both perceived employability and psychological capital mediated the relationship between spirituality and life wellbeing.
Research limitations/implications
The positive impact of developing spirituality among students is discussed in the paper with the theoretical underpinning of broaden and build theory. The findings suggest that colleges should try to make their campus climate more supportive of students' non-academic needs and open them to a spiritual environment especially during these challenging times.
Originality/value
The study is one of the first attempts to discern how spirituality development leads to an accumulation of psychological resources and life wellbeing among management graduates'.
Details
Keywords
Ahmed O. El-Kholei and Ghada Yassine
This paper examines the attempt to develop smart, sustainable cities (SSC) in the Arab region. The paper identifies four barriers: 1) infrastructural need for technological…
Abstract
This paper examines the attempt to develop smart, sustainable cities (SSC) in the Arab region. The paper identifies four barriers: 1) infrastructural need for technological advances and availing information and transparency regarding the functioning of the administration; 2) high rates of adult illiteracy and lack of political participation; 3) methods of data collection, validity, reliability, and analysis, which are of utmost importance for decision-making are not always precise and rigorous; and 4) bound rationality that affects the planning process, thus hampering proper planning. Attempting to develop an SSC is not possible in a country where the majority are illiterate and poor. These attempts could lead to the loss of public space, social segregation, and dysfunctional democracy.
Details
Keywords
Reena Kumari P.D., Jagannath Nayak and A. Nityananda Shetty
The purpose of this paper is to report the studies on the corrosion inhibition property of 4-amino-5-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol (APTT) for the corrosion of 6061 Al-15 vol…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report the studies on the corrosion inhibition property of 4-amino-5-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol (APTT) for the corrosion of 6061 Al-15 vol. pct. SiC(p) composite.
Design/methodology/approach
The corrosion behavior of 6061 Al-15 vol. pct. SiC(p) composite was studied at different temperatures in 0.5-M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution in the presence of APTT by potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic techniques. The effect of inhibitor concentration and temperature on the inhibitor effect of APTT was studied. The surface morphology of the metal surface was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The activation parameters for the corrosion of the composite and base alloy, as well as the thermodynamic parameters for the adsorption of APTT on the composite and alloy surfaces, were calculated.
Findings
The inhibition efficiency of APTT increases with the increase in the concentration of the inhibitor and decreases with the increase in temperature. The adsorption of APTT on the composite was found to be through physisorption, obeying Langmuir’s adsorption isotherm. APTT acts as a mixed inhibitor with predominant cathodic action on the composite.
Practical implications
APTT can be used as an inhibitor for the corrosion of 6061 Al-15 vol. pct. SiC(p) composite in the NaOH medium.
Originality/value
This paper provides information regarding the corrosion inhibition property of APTT on 6061 Al-15 vol. pct. SiC(p) composite. An attempt was made to explain the mechanism of the inhibition action by APTT.
Details
Keywords
Nadim Akhtar Khan, Sumaira Jan and Iram Amin
The paper aims to explore and identify the contributions to the literature available about trends in science and technology research at various levels.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to explore and identify the contributions to the literature available about trends in science and technology research at various levels.
Design/methodology/approach
A deep scan of literature was carried out in an attempt to identify considerable works that have been published concerning various facets related to science and technology research. Varied search terms like “research”, “research and research output”, “science and technology research”, “research collaboration”, “research in universities”, “importance of science and technology research”, “issues in research”, etc. were used for retrieving the literature from a range of online scholarly databases, search engines and allied web sources.
Findings
The literature review reveals that a considerable amount of literature has been published related to science and technology research. However, keeping in view immense advancements and innovations in science and technology, scholarly output is still in its emergent phase.
Practical implications
It is apparent from the study of existing literature that there is still vast scope for advanced exploration on the topic and the study paves the way for the concerned organizations and institutions (like universities, libraries and publishers) at national and international level to take substantial measures to boost research in the field of science and technology.
Originality/value
The paper is the first ordered and makes an endeavour to review the literature and provides a summary of emerging trends in science and technology research.
Details
Keywords
Jatin Jangid, Bhawana Bhardwaj and Dipanker Sharma
The current study explores the relation between students' spiritual quotient (SQ) and personal financial planning (PFP). The students with entrepreneurial intentions were…
Abstract
Purpose
The current study explores the relation between students' spiritual quotient (SQ) and personal financial planning (PFP). The students with entrepreneurial intentions were considered for the present study.
Design/methodology/approach
The students from higher educational institutes with an intention to be entrepreneurs were considered for data collection. Using a well-designed, closed-ended questionnaire, primary data from college and university students was collected. Using quota sampling, a total of 189 responses were gathered, however the responses of students with entrepreneurial intentions (n = 100) were considered for analysis. To investigate the relationship between PFP and SQ, descriptive analysis, Spearman's rank correlation and forecasted trend line were employed.
Findings
The study revealed a significant positive relationship between PFP and SQ. Thus, SQ also has potential to determine individuals' investment behavior. The study suggests that students' spiritual development can determine their PFP and entrepreneurial actions.
Practical implications
The outcome of the study can be practically used to explore the investment pattern and behavior of youth. The study would further benefit the stakeholders including issuers, developers and consultants involved in the creation and distribution of financial products. The study guides researchers to undertake further research in this domain.
Originality/value
The existing literature on personal financial behavior has lacked in establishing a relationship between spirituality and investment decisions. The present study is novel in substantiating this void. We contribute to the advancement of literature in behavioral finance. This study identifies multifaceted factors that shape investors' behaviors and preferences in finance and proposes the avenues for future research.
Details
Keywords
Ankita Pritam Praharaj, Dibakar Behera, Tapan Kumar Bastia and Arun Kumar Rout
This paper aims to focus on the development and study properties of bisphenol-A glycidyldimethacrylate (BisGMA) and ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) blend-based…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to focus on the development and study properties of bisphenol-A glycidyldimethacrylate (BisGMA) and ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) blend-based nanocomposites containing amine-functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-NH2) as a compatibiliser.
Design/methodology/approach
First, BisGMA was synthesised from epoxy and methacrylic acid followed by the amine functionalisation of MWCNTs. A novel two-roll milling technique was then conducted to prepare nanocomposite specimens with MWCNT-NH2 as compatibiliser. Effect of MWCNT-NH2 content on the mechanical, thermal, electrical, corrosive and water absorption properties of the nanocomposites was investigated and results have been reported.
Findings
The results of the present work reveal that MWCNT-NH2 acts as a potential compatibiliser and nanofiller in BisGMA/EPDM blend-based nanocomposites. The authors report here that the nanocomposites exhibit improved mechanical, thermal and electrical properties with increased addition of MWCNT-NH2. Moreover, desirable results are obtained at 5 phr of nanofiller loading beyond which the properties deteriorate due to particle agglomeration. The nanocomposites display negligible corrosion and water absorption characteristics. Thus, the above fabricated nanocomposites with optimum compatibiliser content can serve as low-cost structural, thermal and electrical materials which can also be utilised in corrosive and moist environments.
Research limitations/implications
The present investigation has come up with the successful and cost-effective fabrication of BisGMA/EPDM blend-based nanocomposites with optimum nanofiller/compatibiliser (MWCNT-NH2) content that can be used for a wide range of structural, thermal and electrical projects, as it is corrosion and moisture resistant. It is also the most durable from the mechanical point of view.
Originality/value
The above nanocomposites have never been designed before.
Details
Keywords
Rolando M. Tomasini and Luk N. Van Wassenhove
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has developed a humanitarian supply management system (SUMA) that records, tracks and reports the flow of donations and purchased goods…
Abstract
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has developed a humanitarian supply management system (SUMA) that records, tracks and reports the flow of donations and purchased goods into a disaster area. While a lot of the received goods are in-kind donations, there is a procurement process triggered by the cash funds to meet specific needs. This procurement process also needs to comply with the humanitarian principles, and is therefore susceptible to manipulations from different stakeholders. SUMA has contributed to all the different deployments with the ability to build transparency and accountability in complex operations. These two contributions help to isolate the political factors from the supply chain and protect the humanitarian principles and space.
Sangeeta C. Sindhu and Neelam Khetarpaul
Probiotic fermented foods are fast being recognized as health foods. Most of such developed foods are based on dairy products and much less work is available on cereals/legumes…
Abstract
Purpose
Probiotic fermented foods are fast being recognized as health foods. Most of such developed foods are based on dairy products and much less work is available on cereals/legumes which constitute the staple diet in developing nations. In the present study an attempt has been made to develop a barley‐based probiotic fermented food mixture and report its acceptability and nutritional profile.
Design/methodology/approach
Indigenously developed BCGT food mixture containing barley flour, milk coprecipitate, sprouted green gram paste and tomato pulp (2:1:1:1, w/w) was autoclaved (1.5kg/cm2, 15min., 121○C), cooled and fermented with 2 per cent liquid culture (containing 106 cells/ml broth). Two types of fermentations were carried out i.e. single culture fermentation [ L. casei, L. plantarum (37○C, 24hr.)] and sequential culture fermentation [S. boulardii (25○C, 24hr.)+L. casei (37○C, 24hr.); S. boulardii (25○C, 24hr.)+L. plantarum (37○C, 24hr.)]. The lyophilized and rehydrated food mixtures were subjected to organoleptic and nutritional evaluation. The data were statistically analysed for analysis of variance in a completely randomized design according to standard methods.
Findings
All the fermented and lyophilized food mixtures were found to be organoleptically acceptable to human palate and maintained adequate cell viability. The pH of the fermented products varied from 4.13 to 4.55. They had good nutrient profile with crude protein content ranging from 20.87 to 21.81 per cent.
Practical implications
Since the developed product had good acceptability after one month storage at room temperature, it can be considered for commercialization after establishing its health/therapeutic implications.
Originality/value
Till date dairy foods have preferentially been used as the carrier medium for probiotics. This paper explores the possibility of using staple foods as the carrier medium. The consumption of such food mixtures may be useful in controlling pathogens/antibiotics induced diarrhoea as well as in hypercholesterolemia. To authenticate such claims, the results of trials carried out on mice in our lab shall be reported in future communications.
Details
Keywords
Ranjan Chaudhuri, Sheshadri Chatterjee, Demetris Vrontis and Ishizaka Alessio
This study examines the relationship between the flexibility of working from anywhere and employees' psychological well-being (PWB) and safety. This study also investigates the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the relationship between the flexibility of working from anywhere and employees' psychological well-being (PWB) and safety. This study also investigates the moderating role of human resource (HR) leadership teams on HR policy (HRP), firm infrastructure (FRI) and remote work flexibility.
Design/methodology/approach
With the help of the literature review and flexible firm theory (FFT) and dynamic capability view (DCV) theory, a model has been developed conceptually. Later, the conceptual model is validated using partial least squares – structural equation modelling technique considering 471 useable respondents from different Asian and European firms to understand cross-country implications. This research study uses convenience and purposeful sampling techniques.
Findings
This study shows that there is a significant and positive moderating role of HR leadership support (HLS) towards developing flexible HRP and appropriate FRI to enable employees to work from anywhere. The results also indicate that there is a significant and positive impact of work from anywhere flexibility (WAF) and employee PWB and psychological safety (PSS), which in turn positively and significantly impact employee satisfaction (EMS) resulting in better firm performance (FP).
Research limitations/implications
This study provides valuable input to HR management teams for developing effective HR policies to enable a work from anywhere option. The study also provides food for thought to practitioners, researchers and academicians regarding the need for more research on the relationship between work flexibility, PWB and FP. Finally, this study develops a unique model which could be used by any firm towards framing an effective HRP enabling WAF.
Originality/value
This research adds value to the overall body of knowledge of HR management. There is no study which investigated the impact of WAF on employee PWB and PSS. Thus, this study is considered a unique study. Moreover, the proposed model in this research study is also a unique model with explanative power of 71%.
Details
Keywords
Faisal Qamar, Shuaib Ahmed Soomro and Yasir Mansoor Kundi
This study utilizes self-determination theory (SDT) to understand how high-performance work systems (HPWS) may foster happiness at work through serial transmission pathways of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study utilizes self-determination theory (SDT) to understand how high-performance work systems (HPWS) may foster happiness at work through serial transmission pathways of career aspiration and thriving at work.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses data collected from a sample of 309 employees working in various organizations. It uses multilevel, multisource and time-lagged data and applied Mplus 8.0 for hypotheses testing.
Findings
The study findings reveal a positive relationship between HPWS and career aspiration. Career aspiration was positively related to thriving at work and thriving at work was positively associated with happiness at work. Moreover, career aspiration mediated the relationship between HPWS and thriving at work. Whereas, thriving at work mediated the relationship between career aspiration and happiness at work. The results also support the serial mediation of career aspiration and thriving at work between HPWS and happiness at work.
Practical implications
The findings have important implications for organizational practice. Practitioners should consider implementing pro-employee HPWS to support employees' career aspirations and enhance their thriving experience, which may increase their happiness at work.
Originality/value
This is one of the few studies investigating individual-level serial mediators between departmental-level HPWS and employee happiness at work.