B.C. Samanta, T. Maity, S. Dalai and A.K. Banthia
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the mechanical properties of glass fibre reinforced epoxy composites modified with amine‐terminated poly (ethylene glycol) benzoate…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the mechanical properties of glass fibre reinforced epoxy composites modified with amine‐terminated poly (ethylene glycol) benzoate (ATPEGB) along with their thermal stability.
Design/methodology/approach
ATPEGB prepared from poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) of different molecular weights (200, 400, 600, 4,000 and 20,000) were used as modifiers for glass fibre epoxy composite here. For toughening, 12.5 parts per hundred grams (phr) of epoxy resin of each ATPEGB was added to epoxy and pre‐reacted with it. The impact, tensile and flexural strengths of modified and unmodified composite were characterised and compared for each ATPEGB.
Findings
Modified resin displayed a significant improvement in fracture toughness with glass fibre over unmodified epoxy. The modification caused the formation of oligomer domains having relatively round shapes in the matrix. These oligomer domains led to improved strength and toughness due mainly to the “rubber toughening” effect in the brittle epoxy matrix. The optimum results were obtained for composite modified with ATPEGB‐2 prepared from PEG of molecular weight 400.
Research limitations/implications
In the present context, only 12.5 phr concentration of each ATPEGB was used to modify composite and the composites were made sing three layers of glass fibre. Besides, modification could also be done using other concentrations and more layers of glass fibre could also be used to make composite.
Originality/value
The method for enhancing toughness of epoxy glass fibre composite was novel and finds numerous applications as surface coatings, casting and adhesive onto an intricate structure, etc.
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Madhu Agrawal, Himanshu Choudhary and Gaurav Tripathi
The purpose of this paper is to explore the key reasons of lack of promotion of Buddhist tourist sites in India and compare the awareness of foreign and Indian tourists towards…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the key reasons of lack of promotion of Buddhist tourist sites in India and compare the awareness of foreign and Indian tourists towards India as a destination for Buddhist sites vis‐à‐vis other countries such as Japan, Thailand and China.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses an exploratory research design. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to Indian and foreign tourists, interviews of officials in the tourism department and through internet sources.
Findings
Findings show a low level of awareness among both Indian and foreign tourists about India as a destination for Buddhist sites as compared to countries such as Japan, Thailand and China. Further, the findings to show a low level of engagement in promoting India as a destination for Buddhist tourism on part of tourist officials.
Practical implications
The paper develops insights into better promotion of Buddhist tourist sites in India.
Originality/value
The paper serves as a stepping stone towards future research on overlooked religious sites and their promotion.
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CHINA/US: Little fallout will follow Dalai 'meeting'
Details
DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES197526
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
CHINA/US: Dalai Lama meeting may see tougher response
Details
DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES211813
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
Fredric William Swierczek and Dominique Jousse
The purpose of this paper is to review approaches to Authentic Leadership and Mindfulness and to Global Competencies from the Buddhist perspective of Leadership Rajadhamma. It…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review approaches to Authentic Leadership and Mindfulness and to Global Competencies from the Buddhist perspective of Leadership Rajadhamma. It considers the parallel approach of Adam Smith's Moral Leadership.
Design/methodology/approach
The emphasis of this paper is a critique of the limitations of current teaching and practices in developing ethics and moral conduct in MBA programs and Global Leadership programs.
Findings
There is insufficient attention given to the Buddhist thought and practice of Leadership. Rajadhamma emphasizing the “Right Mind” and “Right Conduct.” Because of his moral philosophy Adam Smith is offered as of an exemplar of Bodhisattva whom business executives would respect and emulate.
Research limitations/implications
This study is metatheoretical. The implications of this approach are to design Global Leadership Competencies with a greater emphasis on morality and ethical conduct. The practical wisdom of the Bodhisattva can provide a positive foundation for this design.
Originality/value
From the metatheoretical perspective the Theory of Moral Sentiments of Adam Smith has very interesting parallels with Buddhist practice in the twenty-first century with guidance for Global Leaders.
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Rebecca G. Smith and Joseph Tse-Hei Lee
The five-decade-long Chinese colonialization of Tibet has led to a refugee flow. No longer confined to the Tibetan Plateau, Tibetans are scattered over the world, placing deep…
Abstract
Purpose
The five-decade-long Chinese colonialization of Tibet has led to a refugee flow. No longer confined to the Tibetan Plateau, Tibetans are scattered over the world, placing deep roots in host nations, in cities stretching from Oslo to New York City. Faced with new ideas, cultures and ways of life, diasporic Tibetans confront the same challenges as countless refugees before them. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efforts of Tibetan New Yorkers to preserve their language and culture. To what extent should they integrate themselves into host countries? What mechanisms could they use to hold onto their native heritage without isolating themselves in a foreign environment? How should they construct new diasporic identities and reconcile such efforts with their ongoing political struggles?
Design/methodology/approach
This paper draws on documentary sources and interviews to examine the ways in which diasporic Tibetans understood and portrayed the conventional categories of language, cultural heritage and religion, especially with respect to the Tibetan Government-in-exile in India, and in which they maintained and reinvented their linguistic and cultural heritage in the cosmopolitan environment of New York City.
Findings
There is a gradual process of identity formation among Tibetan New Yorkers. While exiled Tibetans are asserting their agency to reinvent a new sense of belonging to America, they still hold onto the regional identity of their family households. Meanwhile, the US-born younger generations strengthen their ties with the larger Tibetan diaspora through community events, socio-cultural activism and electronic media.
Research limitations/implications
Despite the small sample size, this study presents the first investigation of the Tibetan New Yorkers, and it provides an insider’s perspective on the efforts to preserve their native heritage in a globalized environment.
Practical implications
This study is a useful case study of the Tibetan diasporas in comparison with other Chinese diasporas in the West and beyond.
Originality/value
This study is the first scholarly investigation of the sociocultural experiences of Tibetan New Yorkers.
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The purpose of this paper is to present selected Buddhist concepts that are useful to leaders of business and to those that want to increase the performance of their businesses…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present selected Buddhist concepts that are useful to leaders of business and to those that want to increase the performance of their businesses and of their organisations implementing practical wisdom from a Buddhist perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
The design is to present relevant Buddhist concepts and their application. The methodology used is to consider their logic and rationality, the experiences of Buddhist business leaders in Taiwan and Thailand, and my experience of explaining and applying the concepts. The approach is to present the concepts such a way that the reader can determine if these concept merit further study and trying them out.
Findings
Finding Buddhist wisdom concepts that can be applied to management development often require reformulation from the original texts. The original information is vast and requires selection to those concepts that can be readily understood by non-Buddhists.
Research limitations/implications
At a high level of abstraction core Buddhist concepts are the same but not in detail. In the paper two types of Buddhism have beeb referred to, Theravada and Tibetan traditions, and not for example Zen.
Practical implications
Special emphasis is placed on how to see to it that the values a company describes in its mission, values and business principles statements are practiced. There is always a gap between intentions and results. Where is the gap, how big is it, what can be done about it?
Social implications
Buddhism like all spiritual traditions aims to increase the well-being of all. Buddhist concepts can contribute to reduce conflicts and increase happiness by influencing healthy motivations and intentions, and strengthening self-discipline.
Originality/value
The Buddhist wisdom concepts have been selected together with the scholarly monk Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, with profound knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism and with the scholarly monk and abbot of the Nyanavesakavan temple, P.A. Payutto, one of the most brilliant Buddhist scholars in the Thai Buddhist history.
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This chapter explores the protest self-immolations since 2009 of over 100 Tibetans in China. It investigates whether these events have ecological as well as social causes and may…
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter explores the protest self-immolations since 2009 of over 100 Tibetans in China. It investigates whether these events have ecological as well as social causes and may thus be relevant to the emerging discipline of ‘EcoHealth’.
Method
Targeted literature review and reflective analysis, presented as a narrative.
Findings
Chinese citizens identifying as Tibetan have experienced substantial ethnically based discrimination for over 60 years, manifest as attempted cultural destruction, pervasive disrespect and linguistic suppression. Tibetans, now a minority in much of their former territory, have witnessed and at times been forced to participate in ecological destruction, much of it led by Chinese settlers, endorsed by occupying authorities. Tibetans have for decades protested against the Chinese they regard as invaders and occupiers, but Tibetan acts of protest self-immolation are a recent response. Academic analysis has been scarce, particularly by Chinese scholars. Until now, EcoHealth practitioners have also denied any relevance, as if in a waltz led by the Chinese government.
Practical and social implications
Attempts to identify rational causes for Tibetan self-immolation conflict with themes of liberation and fairness central to Communist Chinese ideology. Most Chinese analysis of Tibetan self-immolation is superficial, nationalistic and unsympathetic. Also disturbing is the reaction to these issues shown by the International Association of Ecology and Health. It is suggested that this illustrates a failure to translate rhetoric of ‘speaking truth to power’ to reality, a retreat from idealism common to many social movements.
Originality and value
Increasing human demand on a limited biosphere necessitates a deepened understanding of eco-social factors. Practitioners concerned with sustaining our civilisation are encouraged to explore the integrated dimensions revealed by this case study.
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This paper seeks to historically examine social development outcomes in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in respect to poverty eradication, education and employment, health care…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to historically examine social development outcomes in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in respect to poverty eradication, education and employment, health care and social integration. Moreover, it will aims to offer tangible advice for improving future social development work in TAR.
Design/methodology/approach
The main theoretical approach is a literature and policy review of social development in TAR from 1951 to present.
Findings
Seemingly, Tibet's social development strategy has been achieved through a strong top‐down approach. However, the road ahead for TAR once basic needs are satisfactorily met, is a move towards a participatory approach, whereby Tibetans can directly contribute and have a stake in their own futures.
Originality/value
This paper will be of interest to those who want a definitive account of recent historical social development strategies and outcomes in TAR; and subsequently, the future possibilities and challenges for development in the region.
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This paper aims to make the case for continued opportunity for high levels of human well-being under descent conditions characterised by declining economic throughput and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to make the case for continued opportunity for high levels of human well-being under descent conditions characterised by declining economic throughput and socio-political complexity.
Design/methodology/approach
Relationships between assumptions about human well-being formed within a modern industrial context, the guiding narratives attending these, and the broader cultural influence of ideas from the evolutionary sciences are examined. Alternative ways of making sense of these relationships are explored. The experiences of societies guided by cultural narratives based on different premises to those most influential in industrial societies are reviewed for their implications for human well-being under descent conditions.
Findings
Human experiences of well-being are principally a function of the sources of meaning and associated narratives by which members of a culture make sense of their situation, as these determine the nature of the material and energetic conditions required to live well. Under descent conditions, the narrative of progress that has supported viable societies during the 300-year period of industrial expansion is unlikely to continue serving humanity well. Collective participation in the renewal of guiding cultural narratives is a primary target for efforts to provide continued opportunities for high quality of life to all members of humanity.
Practical implications
The findings point towards specific characteristics of cultural sense-making narratives that may support viable human societies under descent conditions.
Social implications
By moving beyond the default assumption that descent automatically implies decline in human well-being, a barrier may be lowered to more open and mature society-wide engagement in conversations about the present human predicament and effective ways of responding to it.
Originality/value
New connections are identified between perspectives based on biological evolutionary theory and the continued influence of the idea of progress in establishing default assumptions about prospects for human well-being under descent conditions. Experiences of non-industrial societies are taken as the basis for identifying opportunities for human well-being under far more modest material and energetic conditions than those available to the portion of humanity that presently enjoys benefits of industrial development that outweigh the attendant costs.