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Article
Publication date: 18 October 2021

Nour El-Hoda Khalifeh, Rudy Youssef, Farah Fadel, Roy Khalil, Elie Shammas, Naseem Daher, Imad H. Elhajj, Thomas Irrenhauser, Michael N. Niedermeier and Christian Poss

The purpose of this paper is to detail the design and prototyping of a smart automation solution for de-strapping plastic bonding straps on shipping pallets, which are loaded with…

209

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to detail the design and prototyping of a smart automation solution for de-strapping plastic bonding straps on shipping pallets, which are loaded with multiple containers secured by a top-cover as they move on a conveyor belt.

Design/methodology/approach

The adopted design methodology to have the system perform its function entails using the least number of sensors and actuators to arrive at an economic solution from a system design viewpoint. Two prototypes of the robotic structure are designed and built, one in a research laboratory and another in an industrial plant, to perform localized cutting and grabbing of the plastic straps, with the help of a custom-designed passive localizing structure. The proposed structure is engineered to locate the plastic straps using one degree of freedom (DOF) only. An additional strap removal mechanism is designed to collect the straps and prevent them from interfering with the conveyor.

Findings

The functionality of the system is validated by performing full-process tests on the developed prototypes in a laboratory setting and under real-life operating conditions at BMW Group facilities. Testing showed that the proposed localization system meets the specified requirements and can be generalized and adapted to other industrial processes with similar requirements.

Practical implications

The proposed automated system for de-strapping pallets can be deployed in assembly or manufacturing facilities that receive parts in standard shipping pallets that are used worldwide.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first mechanically smart system that is used for the automated removal of straps from shipping pallets used in assembly facilities. The two main novelties of the proposed design are the robustness of the strap localization without the need for computer vision and a large number of DOF, and the critical placement and choice of the cutting and gripping tools to minimize the number of needed actuators.

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Article
Publication date: 26 May 2022

Geetanjali Pinto and Shailesh Rastogi

This study aims to evaluate the influence of corporate governance index (CGI), ownership concentration (OC) and other features on the dividends of listed Indian pharmaceutical…

622

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the influence of corporate governance index (CGI), ownership concentration (OC) and other features on the dividends of listed Indian pharmaceutical companies. The other features included are leverage, excess return over cost of equity and stock-market return. This study thus helps to provide more insights on the dividend distribution issues for a shareholder in the challenging and demanding pharma industry, especially when stakes are high.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for all 26 pharmaceutical companies which form part of the NSE NIFTY-500 index for six years (2014–2019) is procured using Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy’s (CMIEs) Prowess database. An eight-pointer scale (unweighted scale) is used to develop the CGI. For OC, this paper considers the proportion of promoters’ shareholding, domestic institutional investors’ shareholding and foreign owners’ shareholding. Both static and dynamic panel data models are used to evaluate the effect of CGI and OC on dividends.

Findings

The panel data analysis depicts that CGI significantly positively influences the dividends of pharmaceutical companies in India. Thus, the authors find support for La Porta et al.’s outcome agency model. The results also reveal that only promoters’ holdings are significantly inversely related to dividends out of the three OC variables used for this study. This discussion implies that family-run pharmaceutical companies in India tend to retain profits instead of distributing dividends.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides two direct insights for policymakers and stakeholders. First, because this study shows that CGI significantly positively influences dividends, corporate governance (CG) is an essential factor for determining dividends. Second, because the results also reveal that OC in the hands of promoters hurts dividends, it implies that the higher the promoter holding, lesser is the dividend distributed by the company. Both these results can be used as a quantitative tool by investors to assess Indian pharmaceutical companies better. However, a similar study could be directed to assess the impact of CGI and OC on dividends of other industries. Moreover, additional variables of CG and OC can also be evaluated in further detail. There is also a need to empirically validate the impact of CG and OC on a company’s performance.

Originality/value

The results are robust and reveal that variation in CGI does impact dividend policy. This aids in confirming that CG is a crucial aspect influencing dividends. The findings also add to the increasing studies across the globe evaluating the influence of CG and OC on dividends.

Details

Corporate Governance: The International Journal of Business in Society, vol. 22 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-0701

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Book part
Publication date: 20 November 2024

Tulshi Kumar Das and Md Mahmud Hasan

Despite recent economic progress, Bangladesh still faces significant challenges from natural disasters that impact food security and employment. In 2017, a severe flash flood…

Abstract

Despite recent economic progress, Bangladesh still faces significant challenges from natural disasters that impact food security and employment. In 2017, a severe flash flood caused by excessive rain and onrush from India devastated the haor-based Sunamganj district. The study explores the impacts of the flash flood on food security, employment and the overall well-being of the affected population, as well as evaluates government and NGO initiatives taken to alleviate the crisis using a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques such as in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews and surveys from the flash flood-affected people residing in the five affected villages. The study observes that the flash flood caused severe damage to the agricultural sector, with almost every farmer in the affected area losing their single-season high-yielding Boro paddy, resulting in year-long food insecurity and unemployment. The government responded to the situation by providing year-long food and monetary aid through various social safety net programmes, although some accusations of nepotism and embezzlement were reported. The study found that the majority of the people were reliant on government aid for survival throughout the year. Moreover, some NGOs also played a crucial role by providing food and other support. The research suggests that transparency and accountability must be prioritized to ensure fairness, and positive lessons learned from the government's efforts during this flash flood might be helpful in reducing vulnerability and distributing relief more effectively.

Details

Growth, Poverty and Developmental Aspects of Agriculture
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83608-077-0

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1987

Elias Khalil

This article attempts to tackle a fundamental methodological question in economics. The task is to investigate whether competing traditions in the history of economics are…

550

Abstract

This article attempts to tackle a fundamental methodological question in economics. The task is to investigate whether competing traditions in the history of economics are commensurable or not, that is, whether there is a firm ground on which a researcher could adjudicate the truth content of a theory. Thomas Kuhn in philosophy and Donald McClosky in economics among others are understood to advance the thesis that theories are incommensurable since there is no empirical ground to resort to in order to resolve disputes among traditions in economics. Karl Popper in philosophy and Mark Blaug in economics among others argue that theories are commensurable since there is a sharp and distinct criterion which could determine the scientific content of a theory. A more sophisticated version of Popper's falsificationism has been advanced in philosophy by Imre Lakatos and has been correspondingly followed in economics by Spiro Latsis, E. Roy Weintraub and others.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 14 no. 3/4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

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Case study
Publication date: 29 March 2020

Abhishek Kumar, Dinesh Jaisinghani and Shailesh Tiwari

The case highlights the initiatives that can be taken by the management of a large organization to bring more objectivity in promotion policies and to make the process of…

Abstract

Learning outcomes

The case highlights the initiatives that can be taken by the management of a large organization to bring more objectivity in promotion policies and to make the process of succession management more scientific. After completing the case, the following teaching objectives should be achieved. Students should be able to comprehend the industrial structure and the key challenges faced by oil and gas industry in an emerging economy – India; students should understand how a large organization can bring objectivity and transparency in its promotion policy by focussing on merit; students can analyse the challenges faced by a large organization in implementing changes in its promotion policy; and students should be able to understand the mechanism of alignment of assessment centres with the promotion policy.

Case overview/synopsis

The case deals with bringing change in the competency planning in a large organization. The focus of the case is to explain how a large organization can bring about a radical change in promotion policy especially for employees at the senior positions. The key issue highlighted in the case relates to building competency and linking rewards with merit. The case also highlights the kind of resistance by the stakeholders while enforcing the changes in the organization.

Complexity academic level

MBA and other similar programmes at the post-graduation level.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 6: Human resource management.

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Article
Publication date: 21 July 2023

Javed Ali, Ahmad Jusoh, Norhalimah Idris and Khalil Md Nor

The current study aims at developing a conceptual framework containing original dimensions of SERVQUAL and adding two modified dimensions: patient safety and medical…

1339

Abstract

Purpose

The current study aims at developing a conceptual framework containing original dimensions of SERVQUAL and adding two modified dimensions: patient safety and medical professionalism in healthcare service quality (HSQ) model.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive review of HSQ literature pertaining to its dimensions and models with respect to content analysis and bibliometric studies of service quality in healthcare and SERVQUAL in healthcare were performed on 47 relevant studies, 4,689 and 529 documents after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Google Scholar and Scopus were the primary sources to find the relevant documents.

Findings

The content analysis was conducted to group HSQ dimensions into seven themes. Co-occurrence analysis of author keywords was performed in VOSviewer to find the links between service quality, SERVQUAL and proposed dimensions. Organization and analysis of different HSQ models and dimensions emerged from the literature result in a comprehensive conceptual framework comprising modified dimensions of healthcare service quality – medical professionalism and patient safety.

Originality/value

SERVQUAL is a widely accepted, tested and validated model in perceiving HSQ from the lenses of patients. But it does not cover the complex nature of healthcare service, thus requiring modification and the addition of new contextual dimensions. Therefore, a comprehensive conceptual framework is developed to validate and test quantitatively.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 41 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

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Article
Publication date: 1 June 1981

M.A. Abou‐Khalil, S.M. El‐Saawy and N.A. Ghanem

Different methods have been carried out to prepare barium metaborate pigments and to find out the suitable method of preparation taking into account ease of industrial application…

26

Abstract

Different methods have been carried out to prepare barium metaborate pigments and to find out the suitable method of preparation taking into account ease of industrial application and the yield of the product. The properties of the prepared pigments were tested and compared with those of the commercial pigment. The solubility of the prepared pigment was found to be high and needed to be decreased. Many different methods of treatment were used and six grades of barium metaborate pigment were obtained. It was found that the addition of silicate to the prepared pigments has decreased their solubilities.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 10 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

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Article
Publication date: 23 July 2021

Karima Afif, Claudia Rebolledo and Jacques Roy

This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the cross-disciplinary literature on the drivers, barriers and performance outcomes of sustainable packaging to understand the…

3432

Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the cross-disciplinary literature on the drivers, barriers and performance outcomes of sustainable packaging to understand the current state of research in this field and identify research opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review is conducted within no time limit. The Methodi Ordinatio methodology was applied that resulted in retaining 48 relevant and high impact articles published in 26 academic journals with various scopes.

Findings

Seven key drivers are identified and defined: the integrative and collaborative supply chain, environmental capabilities and resources, market-based instruments, cost reduction, consumer pressure, competitive advantage, and regulatory pressure. Three main barriers are identified and defined: cost/benefit ambiguity, additional costs and complex trade-offs between packaging requirements. The review shows that the drivers and barriers to packaging sustainability are contingent on the firm size. Sustainable packaging positively affects the environmental, social and economic performance; however, its operational performance requires a proactive and integrated supply chain. The results highlight the importance of integrated packaging decisions at three different levels to improve packaging sustainability: vertical and horizontal integration, upstream and downstream integration, and product-packaging integration. The authors developed research propositions and provided insightful directions for future research.

Originality/value

Most studies focus on specific drivers, barriers and outcomes of sustainable packaging, while this paper brings them together to build a comprehensive framework. The latter provides a deeper understanding of the factors that incentivize or deter firms from pursuing sustainable packaging and its performance outcomes.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 124 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

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Book part
Publication date: 30 September 2022

Nawal Chemma, Mohammed El Amine Abdelli, Anjali Awasthi and Emmanuel Mogaji

Management of information technology (IT) will continue to be an essential endeavour for organisations as we experience the increasing advancement of technology across different…

Abstract

Management of information technology (IT) will continue to be an essential endeavour for organisations as we experience the increasing advancement of technology across different spectres of life. Managers will need to understand how technology is changing their business operations and the emergence of digital consumers who demand more innovative and technologically driven experiences. This book was conceptualised to provide theoretical insight for managers and researchers to understand where we are and where technology is taking us. This book has presented different chapters, highlighting management and practical implications across other technology, sector and countries. These selected chapters provide a wide variety of stimulating insights into the varying challenges and perspectives of management and IT in the digital era. Significantly, we recognise the growing prospects of Artificial intelligence (AI) and how it is revolutionising different sectors, further presenting critical challenges for managers on how to harness the opportunities of this technology for their business prospects.

Details

Management and Information Technology in the Digital Era
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-296-9

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Book part
Publication date: 17 February 2023

Brahmmanand Sharma and Navita Nathani

Adult learning has been significantly impacted by the massive open online courses (MOOCs). All the preceding literature have mentioned about MOOCs. The current study, however…

Abstract

Adult learning has been significantly impacted by the massive open online courses (MOOCs). All the preceding literature have mentioned about MOOCs. The current study, however, aims to look into how the MOOC has affected higher education. This study looks into how MOOCs have affected higher education in Gwalior and the nearby areas. Its primary goal is to investigate the crucial elements of creating the teaching and learning processes employed in Gwalior and the surrounding areas by utilizing open-source courses (MOOCs) in higher education. An analytical and descriptive technique was used in this study. The required information was gathered using a quantitative survey. All academics and students in Gwalior and the surrounding areas made up the study population. The findings of the analyses show that MOOCs have a significant direct impact on higher education by enhancing educational achievements (p = 0.001), which is consistent with H1. Additionally, a 65% boost in educational results was attributed to MOOCs. The results demonstrate that MOOCs have a beneficial impact on higher education.

Details

Transformation for Sustainable Business and Management Practices: Exploring the Spectrum of Industry 5.0
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-278-2

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