Suchithra Rajendran, Sharan Srinivas and Emily Pagel
Although insurance companies contribute to about $600 billion of the US gross domestic product and employ 2.7 million people, the overall perception of clients and workers…
Abstract
Purpose
Although insurance companies contribute to about $600 billion of the US gross domestic product and employ 2.7 million people, the overall perception of clients and workers employed in this domain is poor. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to propose recommendations to improve the service quality of insurance companies using the voice of customers and employees that are available online.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed methodology consists of four stages: extracting text reviews posted by employees and customers, reviewing feedback using bigrams and trigrams, determining topics and identifying quality-associated managerial recommendations using the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) and root cause analysis techniques.
Findings
Our results indicate that primary causes for client dissatisfaction are improper client assistance services, inefficient claims processing, issues related to payments/fees and unresponsive ancillary services. Offering different types of payment methods, immediate car replacement policy and features such as smartphone applications are commended very well. The major reasons for workforce frustrations include long and overly complex training, lack of social events and incentive programs. Coworkers, workplace facilities, clean work environment and other amenities are shown to have a positive impact on employees' satisfaction level.
Originality/value
To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to propose recommendations to improve the service quality of insurance companies using the voice of customers and employees that are available online. The proposed quality-related insights can assist insurance companies in improving the outlook of their workers as well as customers.
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S. Rajendran, B.V. Apparao and N. Palaniswamy
2‐chloroethyl phosphonic acid (2‐Cl EPA) and Zn2+ show a synergistic effect in controlling corrosion of carbon steel in a neutral aqueous environment containing 60 ppm Cl‐. The…
Abstract
2‐chloroethyl phosphonic acid (2‐Cl EPA) and Zn2+ show a synergistic effect in controlling corrosion of carbon steel in a neutral aqueous environment containing 60 ppm Cl‐. The protective film consists of Fe2+–2–Cl EPA complex and Zn(OH)2; it is found to be uv‐luminescent.
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Soundarya Priya M.G., Anandh K.S., Sathyanarayanan Rajendran and Krishna Nirmalya Sen
This study aims to explore the “psychological contract of safety” (PCS), a key factor in the safety climate (SC), which relies on the behavioral safety actions of workers at…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the “psychological contract of safety” (PCS), a key factor in the safety climate (SC), which relies on the behavioral safety actions of workers at construction sites. While numerous factors have been identified in various sectors across different countries, there is a consensus among researchers that there is a dearth of common assessment factors specifically for the Indian construction industry (ICI). Therefore, this study undertakes a systematic review of existing literature to identify the factors that determine PCS in construction and to ascertain the relative importance index (RII) of these variables and their interrelationships using structural equation modelling (SEM).
Design/methodology/approach
A structured survey was conducted among 420 professionals in the ICI to collect data. This data was then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods to derive results.
Findings
The findings of the study indicate that PCS factors have a significant impact on the construction industry (CI). The inferential analysis ranks “Safety System” as the top factor with the highest RII value. The chi-square results highlight two key SC factors that enhance and regulate an organization’s safety performance. The SEM results reveal that SC factors contribute to the improvement of PCS and influence worker safety behavior.
Originality/value
The outcomes of this study will be beneficial for stakeholders aiming to improve safety at construction sites and enhance safety performance by fulfilling the mutual safety obligations of employers and employees and by improving safety norms, procedures and policy-making. This paper also provides a theoretical framework for scholars to reassess the results in various contexts.
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P. Manjula, S. Manonmani, P. Jayaram and S. Rajendran
The inhibition efficiency of N‐cetyl‐N,N,N‐trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), a cationic surfactant, in controlling the corrosion of carbon steel in an aqueous solution containing…
Abstract
The inhibition efficiency of N‐cetyl‐N,N,N‐trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), a cationic surfactant, in controlling the corrosion of carbon steel in an aqueous solution containing 60ppm Cl–, in the absence and presence of Zn2+ and also calcium gluconate (CG), had been evaluated by the weight‐loss method. Weight‐loss studies revealed that the behaviour of CTAB changed when its concentration is ≥ 150ppm. Organisation of assembly of CTAB molecules is expected to take place at this critical concentration. The protective film has been analysed using FTIR spectra. In the presence of CTAB, the protective film consists of Fe2+‐CTAB complex. In the presence of CTAB and Zn2+, the protective film consists of Fe2+‐CTAB complex and Zn(OH)2. In the presence of CTAB and calcium gluconate, the protective film consists of Fe2+‐CTAB complex, Fe2+‐gluconate complex and Ca(OH)2.
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S. Rajendran, B.V. Apparao and N. Palaniswamy
The formulation consisting of 300ppm 1‐hydroxyethane‐1, 1‐diphosphonic acid (HEDP), 50ppm polyacrylamide (PAA) and 50 ppm Zn2+ offered 99 per cent corrosion inhibition and 99 to…
Abstract
The formulation consisting of 300ppm 1‐hydroxyethane‐1, 1‐diphosphonic acid (HEDP), 50ppm polyacrylamide (PAA) and 50 ppm Zn2+ offered 99 per cent corrosion inhibition and 99 to 99.9 per cent biocidal inhibition to mild steel in neutral aqueous environment containing 60ppm Cl‐ , a situation commonly encountered in cooling water systems. The nature of the protective film formed on the metal surface was analysed using X‐ray diffraction, UV‐visible reflectance, FTIR and luminescence spectra. The film was found to be luminescent and to consist of Fe2+ ‐HEDP complex, Fe2+ ‐PAA complex and Zn(OH)2.
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S. Rajendran, B.V. Apparao and N. Palaniswamy
The inhibition efficiencies of ethyl phosphonic acid (EPA) and 2‐chloroethyl phosphonic acid (2‐Cl EPA) in the presence of Zn2+, in controlling the corrosion of mild steel in a…
Abstract
The inhibition efficiencies of ethyl phosphonic acid (EPA) and 2‐chloroethyl phosphonic acid (2‐Cl EPA) in the presence of Zn2+, in controlling the corrosion of mild steel in a neutral aqueous environment containing 60ppm Cl‐ have been evaluated by weight‐loss method and compared. It is observed that 2‐Cl EPA‐Zn2+ system has more inhibition efficiency than an EPA‐Zn2+ system. It is due to the electron withdrawing power of the Cl atom and its size. The nature of the protective film formed on the surface of the metal has been analysed by X‐ray diffraction, uv‐visible reflectance and luminescence spectra.
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Nuha Rhaffor, Wei Keat Ang, Mohamed Fauzi Packeer Mohamed, Jagadheswaran Rajendran, Norlaili Mohd Noh, Mohd Tafir Mustaffa and Mohd Hendra Hairi
The purpose of this study is to show that due to the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) industry in recent years, the demand for the higher integration of wireless…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to show that due to the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) industry in recent years, the demand for the higher integration of wireless communication systems with a higher data rate of transmission capacity and lower power consumption has increased tremendously. The radio frequency power amplifier (PA) design is getting more challenging and crucial. A PA for a 2.45 GHz IoT application using 0.18 µm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology is presented in this paper.
Design/methodology/approach
The design consists of two stages, the driver and output stage, where both use a single-stage common source transistor configuration. In view of performance, the PA can deliver more than 20 dB gain from 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz.
Findings
The maximum output power achieved by PA is 13.28 dBm. As the PA design is targeted for Bluetooth low energy (BLE) transmitter use, a minimum of 10 dBm output power should be achieved by PA to transmit the signal in BLE standard. The PA exhibits a constant output third-order interception point of 18 dBm before PA becomes saturated after 10 dBm output power. The PA shows a peak power added efficiency of 17.82% at the 13.24 dBm output power.
Originality/value
The PA design exhibits good linearity up to 10 dBm out the PA design exhibits good linearity up to 10 dBm output power without sacrificing efficiency. At the operating frequency of 2.45 GHz, the PA exhibits a stability k-factor, the value of more than 1; thus, the PA design is considered unconditional stable. Besides, the PA shows the s-parameters performance of –7.91 dB for S11, –11.07 dB for S22 and 21.5 dB for S21.
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S. Rajendran, B.V. Apparao and N. Palaniswamy
The influence of a cationic surfactant, N‐cetyl‐N, N, N‐trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) on the inhibition efficiency (IE) of calcium gluconate (CG) – Zn2+ system in controlling…
Abstract
The influence of a cationic surfactant, N‐cetyl‐N, N, N‐trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) on the inhibition efficiency (IE) of calcium gluconate (CG) – Zn2+ system in controlling corrosion of mild steel in a neutral aqueous environment containing 60ppm Cl‐ has been evaluated by weight‐loss method. The formulation consisting of 200 ppm CG and 50ppm Zn2+ has 86 per cent IE (immersion period = three days). Addition of various concentrations of CTAB to the above system improves the IE to 99 per cent. Presence of CTAB facilitates the transport of CG and Zn2+ from the bulk of the solution to the metal surface. The nature of the protective film formed on the surface of mild steel has been analysed by FTIR and fluorescence spectra. The protective film is found to be fluorescent and to consist of iron‐CG complex, iron‐CTAB complex and Zn(OH)2.
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Muhammet Kesgin, Babak Taheri, Rajendran S. Murthy, Juilee Decker and Martin Joseph Gannon
Underpinned by the consumer-based model of authenticity (CBA), this study aims to investigate whether leisure involvement, object-based and existential authenticity, host…
Abstract
Purpose
Underpinned by the consumer-based model of authenticity (CBA), this study aims to investigate whether leisure involvement, object-based and existential authenticity, host sincerity and engagement stimulate positive memorable visitor experiences in a distinctive commercial hospitality setting: a living history site.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative data were gathered from living history site visitors (n = 1,004), with partial least squares structural equation modeling used to test the hypothesized relationships.
Findings
The results confirm the inclusion of the hypothesized relationships between leisure involvement, sincerity and authenticity, relative to engagement and subsequent memorability. The findings suggest that engagement can be a predictor of a positive memorable experience, contingent on CBA constructs (sincerity; object-based authenticity; existential authenticity). The significant association between object-based authenticity and memorable experience identified herein differs from some published studies, while other results are broadly consistent with extant research. Results also reveal significant differences for visitors who purchased souvenirs when compared to those who did not.
Research limitations/implications
The research extends the CBA by positing sincere hospitality as a relationship-based encounter between host and guest that influences social interaction, engagement and memorability within the novel living history site context. Further, the ability to differentiate visitors based on their purchases at the site is illustrated.
Originality/value
Given the ubiquity of engagement and authenticity as precursors to memorable experiences within contemporary commercial hospitality and heritage discourses, the findings apply to hospitality experiences beyond the living history site context examined herein.
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Muhammet Kesgin, Rajendran S. Murthy and Linden W. Pohland
Emphasizing the role of residents as destination advocates, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of residents’ familiarity with, and, favorability of…
Abstract
Purpose
Emphasizing the role of residents as destination advocates, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of residents’ familiarity with, and, favorability of attractions on destination image.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed methods research strategy was employed using 15 individual in-depth interviews and a survey questionnaire with a sample of n=364. The study utilizes an attraction familiarity index to classify respondents into four groups based on high, average, and low familiarity and examines the characteristics of each in the relationship between informational familiarity, experiential familiarity, and favorability and destination image.
Findings
The study reveals resident perceptions of attractions within the tourism product assembly framework and illustrates the positive relationship between the residents’ level of familiarity with, and favorability of visitor attractions and destination image. Further, the findings also demonstrate the significant role of demographic characteristics such as gender and length of residency in the area. The study findings suggest that temporary residents can function as destination advocates.
Research limitations/implications
Employees and students from a prominent northeastern university were sampled, representing local residents and temporary residents respectively. While appropriate and fairly representative of the target market for the research questions in this investigation, more work is required to replicate this study utilizing representative samples across different locations.
Practical implications
Evidence from the study indicates the importance of marketing to residents as they serve as destination advocates. In particular, the residents’ familiarity with and favorability of attractions is critical to positive destination image. The research offers insights into the identification of potential segments of residents that require special attention.
Originality/value
Limited existing research investigates the role of residents as destination advocates, especially in the context of destinations that lack a primary tourism attraction but have a well-balanced mix of attractions.