With its worldwide fame for making action films, Hong Kong cinema has been defined as masculine. Action films, including the costumed martial arts films and the modern gangster…
Abstract
With its worldwide fame for making action films, Hong Kong cinema has been defined as masculine. Action films, including the costumed martial arts films and the modern gangster films, have been a major genre in Hong Kong cinema from the 1960s on. Despite the dominant masculinity, women still play significant roles in some of these films. In fact, fighting women leave footprints in the history of Hong Kong cinema, which precede their counterparts in the West and even provide models for Hollywood after 2000.
This chapter focuses on the female characters portrayed by the acclaimed Hong Kong director Wong Kar-wai, whose works have an ambiguous connection to mainstream genres. He modifies Hong Kong action films and creates unconventional female characters such as the drug dealer in Chungking Express (1994), the killer dispatcher in Fallen Angels (1995), the swordswoman in Ashes of Time (1994), and the kung fu master in The Grandmaster (2013). Wong's films have been mush discussed in academia, but the gender images therein are quite ignored. With high intertextuality, these characters are used to question mainstream action films and redefine women's roles in male's cinematic space. In addition, via the writing of these women, Wong constructs an open and ambivalent post-colonial Hong Kong identity. This paper contextualises the figures of sword-wielding and gun-shooting women and examines how Wong Kar-wai deploys these images to articulate the cultural identity of a post-colonial city.
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Neha Kumari and Abhijeet Biswas
Demonetization and pandemic-related restrictions in India propelled the usage of mobile payments (M-payments). The culture of online smartphone transactions is expected to rise…
Abstract
Purpose
Demonetization and pandemic-related restrictions in India propelled the usage of mobile payments (M-payments). The culture of online smartphone transactions is expected to rise over the coming years, even after things return to normal. This study aims to unveil the factors that escalate the satisfaction levels of M-payment users and eventually stimulate them to continue using M-payments for their daily activities.
Design/methodology/approach
This study evaluated the intention to continue using M-payments for 710 users utilizing structural equation modeling and augmenting the technology acceptance model (TAM) as well as the expectation confirmation model (ECM). Mediation and moderation analysis examined the proposed model's direct and indirect relationships.
Findings
The findings unveil that perceived value co-creation participation, service quality and cognitive processing magnify user satisfaction, significantly escalating M-payment continuance usage intention. Perceived value co-creation participation and user satisfaction with M-payment partially mediate the linkage among the constructs. Furthermore, perceived usefulness strengthens the link, while perceived severity of security threats weakens the linkage between user satisfaction with M-payment and continuance usage intention.
Research limitations/implications
The study's findings could benefit M-payment service providers, users, policymakers and the telecom industry to strengthen India's digital payment framework.
Originality/value
The perceived value co-creation participation and cognitive processing domain have not garnered much attention in the M-payment literature. The study strives to comprehend these constructs by widening the purview of TAM and ECM models. It also measures the moderating role of perceived severity of security threats and perceived usefulness to unfurl potential linkages between the identified constructs.
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Sidhartha Harichandan and Sanjay Kumar Kar
The purpose of this study is to explore the determinants influencing industrial adoption of green hydrogen amidst the global transition towards sustainability. Recognizing green…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the determinants influencing industrial adoption of green hydrogen amidst the global transition towards sustainability. Recognizing green hydrogen as a pivotal clean energy alternative for industrial applications is critical for understanding its potential integration into sustainable practices.
Design/methodology/approach
This research examines the impact of factors such as innovativeness, perceived ease of use, user comfort, optimism and governmental policies on the industrial intention towards green hydrogen usage. Using responses from 227 Indian industry professionals and conducting analysis via the SmartPLS software, the study reveals a discernible discomfort among industrial workers pertaining to the daily application of green hydrogen.
Findings
The research presents an array of policy recommendations for stakeholders. Emphasized strategies include the introduction of green hydrogen certificates, sustainable public procurement mechanisms, tax incentives, green labelling protocols and the establishment of a dedicated hydrogen skill development council, all of which can significantly influence the trajectory of green hydrogen adoption within the industrial sector.
Originality/value
This research synthesizes various elements, from industry perception and challenges to policy implications, presenting a holistic view of green hydrogen’s potential role in industry decarbonization and SDG realization. In essence, this study deepens not only the empirical understanding but also pioneers fresh theoretical frameworks, setting a precedent for subsequent academic endeavours.
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Sundas Pervaiz, Usman Javed, Amir Rajput, Shoaib Shafique and Rabia Tasneem
Drawing upon the stimulus-organism-response model, this study aims to explore the impact of soft aspects of service quality on revisit intention through the mechanism of perceived…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing upon the stimulus-organism-response model, this study aims to explore the impact of soft aspects of service quality on revisit intention through the mechanism of perceived empathy.
Design/methodology/approach
For the examination of the hypothesized relationships, the study adopts structural equation modelling to analyse the data of 562 respondents (i.e. 281 family members and 281 inpatients).
Findings
The empirical results suggest that service quality increased family member empathy perception, which, in turn, improved inpatients’ revisit intentions.
Originality/value
Past studies have focused on the roles of overall service quality. The authors have extended the literature by examining the specific but important aspect of service quality and its effects on emotional response. Importantly, the study explains that the affective reactions of a patient’s family, fastened with perceived empathy, have a central role in influencing the patients’ subsequent reactions. Moreover, the prior studies collected the data either from hospital employees or patients. However, in the present study, the authors used a unique sample (family members as well as patients) to have a deeper understanding. Thus, the study enhances the literature on the stimuli-response (i.e. service quality – revisit intentions) relationship in the context of service marketing in general and health care in specific. Important academic and managerial contributions and recommendations for future research are discussed.
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Ibrahim M. Hezam, Arunodaya Raj Mishra, R. Krishankumar, K.S. Ravichandran, Samarjit Kar and Dragan Stevan Pamucar
The study aims at evaluating the most appropriate transport project which is one of the critical concerns of transport infrastructure scheduling. This process will be applied…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims at evaluating the most appropriate transport project which is one of the critical concerns of transport infrastructure scheduling. This process will be applied considering a set of criteria and discussed alternatives with sustainable perspectives.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, a complex proportional assessment (COPRAS) framework is discussed to handle the sustainable transport investment project (STIP) assessment problem within a single-valued neutrosophic set (SVNSs). To form the procedure more useful in handling with uncertain features, a SVNS is applied as a valuable procedure to handle uncertainty. First, a new discrimination measure for SVNSs is introduced and discussed some elegant properties to determine the significance degree or weight values of criteria with the sustainabality perspectives. Second, an integrated approach is introduced based on the discrimination measure and the COPRAS method on SVNSs and named as SVN-COPRAS.
Findings
A case study of an STIP evaluation problem is used to confirm the practicality and effectiveness of the SVN-COPRAS framework. Lastly, comparative discussion and sensitivity investigation are illustrated to prove the strength and solidity of the proposed framework.
Originality/value
The SVNSs enrich the essence of linguistic information when a decision expert (DE) vacillates among different linguistic values (LVs) to measure a sustainable transport project alternative problem. The utilization of SVNSs provides a more stable procedure to describe DEs' evaluations. So, an elegant methodology is developed to incorporate the DEs' awareness and experience for electing the desired STIPs. The introduced methodology has higher operability than the single-valued neutrosophic set technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (SVN-TOPSIS) procedure during the larger numbers of attribute(s) or option(s). For the SVN-COPRAS methodology, there is no need to estimate the single-valued neutrosophic ideal solution (SVN-IS) and single-valued neutrosophic anti-ideal solution (SVNA-IS). The outcomes are calculated with handling the realistic data, which elucidates that the introduced model can tackle more intricate and realistic multi-criteria decision-making issues.
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Shantanu Gupta, Sher Singh Yadav, Sanjay Kumar Kar and Sidhartha Harichandan
Understanding consumer behaviour towards ethanol-blended fuel is crucial for assessing the adoption of alternate fuel vehicles (AFVs). By examining factors influencing purchase…
Abstract
Purpose
Understanding consumer behaviour towards ethanol-blended fuel is crucial for assessing the adoption of alternate fuel vehicles (AFVs). By examining factors influencing purchase decisions, such as cost considerations, environmental concerns and perceptions of vehicle performance, researchers can elucidate patterns of consumer acceptance and identify barriers to widespread adoption.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and stimulus organism response (S-O-R). The current research aims to bridge the gap by focusing on consumers' intention to buy ethanol-blended fuel. Data were collected from 303 survey respondents and analysed using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
The study finds that adopting motivation, policy incentives, risk perception and sustainable practices significantly influence the intention to purchase ethanol-blended fuel. Surprisingly, cost perception and infrastructure readiness do not have a significant impact on purchase intention.
Social implications
The study proposes four innovative policy implications to amplify the adoption of ethanol-blended fuel. These policies are (a) flexible fuel vehicle incentive schemes, (b) renewable fuel mandate and certification, (c) ethanol pricing and infrastructure development policy and (d) ethanol urban mobility and public transportation initiatives.
Originality/value
This study provides novel insights into the factors influencing ethanol-blended fuel adoption in India, contributing to the literature on sustainable transportation solutions.
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Hitesha Yadav, Arpan Kumar Kar and Smita Kashiramka
Aligning business innovation with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) creates immense opportunities to solve societal challenges along with business growth and productivity…
Abstract
Purpose
Aligning business innovation with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) creates immense opportunities to solve societal challenges along with business growth and productivity. This study aims to understand the evolution of Fortune firms' strategic addressing of SDG on social media as a step towards post-pandemic recovery. Using attribution theory as a theoretical lens, the authors try to investigate how entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and SDG orientation evolve with the crisis and affect the appreciation and advocacy of the SDG-related posts.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed methodology of machine learning and Social media analytics such as content analysis, sentiment analysis and space–time analysis have been used, followed by multivariate analysis to validate the findings.
Findings
An evolution in CEOs’ strategic focus surrounding SDG dimensions was found, from economic in pre-pandemic phase to social and environment during the pandemic. The SDG disclosure on social media by the Fortune CEOs seems to have an influence on their social media reputation, whereas EO has no impact on social media reputation.
Research limitations/implications
Wise practice of EO in information diffusion by CEOs on social media may lead to a healthy relationship with the stakeholders and better firm performance. The SDG adoption at organisation level contributes towards a sustainable society and helps tackling the challenges faced during the pandemic.
Originality/value
This study analyses the contribution of the Fortune firms to achieve a sustainable society in a pandemic environment by strategic adoption of SDGs and effective use of digital platforms.
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Akash Dandapat, Pinaki Das and Soumita Dasgupta
This chapter conducts a comprehensive examination of the influence of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on the manufacturing sector in India, with a particular focus on the informal…
Abstract
This chapter conducts a comprehensive examination of the influence of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on the manufacturing sector in India, with a particular focus on the informal manufacturing sector's growth and expansion through subcontracting mechanisms. This analysis employs a general equilibrium approach to explore the ramifications of FDI inflows on the dichotomous sectors of manufacturing: the formal and informal. The influx of FDI into the formal sector is identified as a catalyst that propels these firms to enhance production and adjust their factor utilization, which in turn leads to an escalation in contractual employment. However, this surge encounters resistance from labour unions, which compels formal sector firms to enter into subcontracting arrangements with entities within the informal manufacturing sector. This transition proves to be advantageous for the informal sector, witnessing an uplift in both output and employment levels, thereby contributing to a decrease in overall unemployment rates and a potential uptick in wages. Moreover, this pivot towards subcontracting practices is posited to result in reduced carbon emissions emanating from the larger entities within the formal manufacturing domain. This chapter elucidates the dynamic interrelation between India's formal and informal manufacturing sectors as significantly impacted by foreign capital influx, emphasizing the critical role of subcontracting in enhancing the productivity and output of the informal sector. It advocates for governmental policies to support and bolster this interconnection. It also paves the way for future empirical investigations into the intricate dynamics of FDI, subcontracting, and their broader socio-economic impacts on the Indian economy.
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Sanjay Kumar Kar, Sidhartha Harichandan and Om Prakash
This empirical research intends to examine factors influencing the adoption of renewable energy (RE) using a conceptual model of the consumer decision-making process.
Abstract
Purpose
This empirical research intends to examine factors influencing the adoption of renewable energy (RE) using a conceptual model of the consumer decision-making process.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a primary response-based survey to collect data from 668 respondents interested in adopting RE for their daily usage. The sample respondents were chosen through a multi-stage random stratified technique. The responses were analyzed through structural equation-based modeling techniques to discuss the findings and suggest further implications.
Findings
The findings suggest that factors like knowledge, policy incentives, sustainable development goals (SDGs-7, 11 and 13), socio-economic benefits and risk perception significantly impact the adoption of RE. Besides, risk perception mediates between environmental concerns and the adoption of RE. Also, age has a significant role in RE adoption.
Social implications
The study finds the critical role of government in introducing financial incentives to reduce the initial cost of renewable adoption. Doing so will also promote clean and equitable energy access to society leading to further fulfillment of SDGs. Additionally, steps like knowledge enrichment, designing suitable policies for a manufacturer and public-friendly renewable market development will further facilitate renewable adoption in society.
Originality/value
With an objective to study the public perception and attitude towards renewable adoption, this empirical research is the first of its kind to carry out a real-time survey of the Indian population and suggest policy implications which would benefit all the concerned stakeholders.
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Anwesa Kar and Rajiv Nandan Rai
The concept of sustainable product design (SPD) is gaining significant attention in recent research. However, due to inherent uncertainties associated with new product development…
Abstract
Purpose
The concept of sustainable product design (SPD) is gaining significant attention in recent research. However, due to inherent uncertainties associated with new product development and incorporation of multiple qualitative and quantitative criteria; SPD is a complex and challenging task. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel approach by integrating quality function deployment (QFD), multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) technique and Six Sigma evaluation for facilitating SPD in the context of Industry 4.0.
Design/methodology/approach
The customer requirements are evaluated through the neutrosophic-decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory-analytic network process (DEMATEL-ANP)-based approach followed by utilizing QFD matrix to estimate the weights of the engineering characteristics (EC). The Six Sigma method is then employed to evaluate the alternatives’ design based on the ECs’ values.
Findings
The effectiveness of the suggested approach is illustrated through an example. The result indicates that utilization of the neutrosophic MCDM technique with integration of Six Sigma methodology provides a simple, effective and computationally inexpensive method for SPD.
Practical implications
The proposed approach is helpful in upstream evaluation of the product design with limited experimental/numerical data, maintaining a strong competitive position in the market and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Originality/value
This work provides a novel approach to objectively quantify performance of SPD under the paradigm of Industry 4.0 using the integration of QFD-based hybrid MCDM with Six Sigma method.