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Article
Publication date: 26 April 2023

Muhammad Rafique, Mastura Jaafar, Aliya Zafar and Saira Ahmed

Little research has focused on abusive supervision in the context of project management, despite its prevalence and detrimental influence on the psychological health of…

Abstract

Purpose

Little research has focused on abusive supervision in the context of project management, despite its prevalence and detrimental influence on the psychological health of subordinates. Therefore, drawing on affective event theory (AET), this study sought to investigate supervisor-level antecedents of abusive supervision by considering the mediating role of emotional exhaustion and moderating role of psychological resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a time-lagged design, data were collected through questionnaires from project managers and their immediate subordinates in construction projects. PROCESS macros were utilized to analyze a sample of 241 supervisor-subordinate dyads.

Findings

The findings revealed that time pressure and emotional exhaustion significantly predicted project manager abusive supervision. The authors also found that emotional exhaustion mediates the relationship between time pressure and project manager abusive supervision. Furthermore, the results show that highly resilient project managers become less emotionally exhausted when facing time pressure. Lastly, psychological resilience moderated the indirect effect of time pressure on project manager abusive supervision through emotional exhaustion.

Originality/value

According to Fordjour et al., abusive supervision is a critical factor that deteriorates the psychological health of subordinates in the project. Nevertheless, this phenomenon remains uninvestigated. Therefore, this research contributes to the project management literature by investigating key predictors of abusive supervision, thus filling both a theoretical and practical gap.

Details

International Journal of Organization Theory & Behavior, vol. 26 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1093-4537

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 October 2024

Saira Ahmed, Ashfaq Ahmad and Ghulam Abid

This study investigated the predictors of overall value for money in the hospitality industry concerning routine practices reinforcing SDG goals. The sequential mediation…

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigated the predictors of overall value for money in the hospitality industry concerning routine practices reinforcing SDG goals. The sequential mediation underlines the mechanism of theoretical viability and sustainability relevance of restaurant environment factors and customer-generated communication on social media to influence the value impressions of hospitality customers.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional design was utilized to obtain empirical data from customers of luxury restaurants in mega cities of Pakistan. Non-probability purposive sampling was deployed to collect data from 370 customers. The chained relationship of predictors was analyzed using Smart PLS.

Findings

The SDGs' integration with predictors provided theoretical insights into the role of physical spaces in achieving SDG 14 of sustainable consumption and production. The role of social media communication explains the mechanism of online discourse, which shapes perceptions of sustainable dining experiences.

Practical implications

This study explained sustainable consumption's relation to consumers' psychological undertakings and reinforced the dinners' decision-making processes to evaluate expectations influencing dining choices. This study helps to understand how sustainability issues transformed consumers' value perception and helps them take measures to minimize the environmental impact of their dining choices.

Originality/value

The sequential mediation model investigated with the lens of expectation disconfirmation theory provided relational clarity, which is difficult to achieve when comparing the perception of customers with performance variables. Distinguishing overall value for money from perceived value is essential for making data-driven decisions to utilize monetary resources efficiently.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 December 2020

Rana Muhammad Ayyub, Saira Naeem, Shehzad Ahmed and Chanaka Jayawardhena

The main purpose of this paper is to study the changing consumer behavior toward broiler meat and apprise its consequences toward food insecurity.

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to study the changing consumer behavior toward broiler meat and apprise its consequences toward food insecurity.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a sequential exploratory mixed-method study in which qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews (n = 38) by snowball sampling. The quantitative data were collected through a questionnaire survey (n = 975) by convenience sampling. The qualitative data were analyzed through NVivo 10 software by using thematic analysis, i.e. the qualitative content analysis (QCA). The theory of consumer alienation provides the theoretical underpinning for a quantitative study. The established scales were adopted and adapted. The quantitative data was analyzed through AMOS 24 software by using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

It was found that people have many reservations regarding broiler meat. Thus, consumer alienation negatively (ß = −0.10) and the subjective norm positively (ß = 0.82) affects the intention to buy broiler meat.

Research limitations/implications

The ongoing consumer alienation toward broiler will force them to avoid using this cheapest protein and ultimately will lead to food insecurity in developing countries. It is recommended that people must be adequately educated about the real broiler business and its operations to counter their ongoing misperceptions.

Originality/value

It is the original empirical Research Work.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 123 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 June 2019

Muhammad Waqas, Saira Naz, Tasawar Hayat, Sabir Ali Shehzad and Ahmed Alsaedi

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of improved Fourier–Fick laws subjected to variable fluid characteristics. Flow analysis in the stagnation region of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of improved Fourier–Fick laws subjected to variable fluid characteristics. Flow analysis in the stagnation region of Oldroyd-B fluid is elaborated. Heat generation is present.

Design/methodology/approach

Optimal homotopy analysis method is used to obtain convergent solutions.

Findings

The outcomes reveal reduction in penetration depths of temperature and concentration due to involvement of thermal and solutal relaxation times of fluxes.

Originality/value

As per the authors’ knowledge, such analysis has not yet been reported.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 29 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 July 2019

Saira Naeem, Rana Muhammad Ayyub, Irfan Ishaq, Sobia Sadiq and Tahir Mahmood

In view of increasing demand of halal foods and to properly address the needs of various types of consumers, the literary inquiries have sprung in this area since start of…

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Abstract

Purpose

In view of increasing demand of halal foods and to properly address the needs of various types of consumers, the literary inquiries have sprung in this area since start of twenty-first century. However, the number of papers published in reputed journals is still pegged to the lowest ebb. This paper aims to systematically review all qualitative research papers, published in reputed journals, and to give specific directions to future researchers to move on and explore some other required areas.

Design/methodology/approach

The Campbell collaboration systematic literature review technique was adopted as methodology to screen out relevant studies. A total of 11 qualitative studies qualified the set criteria which have used various qualitative methodologies like interviews, focus groups, observations and netnography. The qualitative data were analyzed through nVivo software by adopting Spiggle’s steps of data analysis.

Findings

In these selected qualitative studies, around 24 main themes were extracted in total, out of which four themes were repeatedly discussed in most of these studies. Likewise, the details of geographical location of authors, type of methodology used, religious affiliation of respondents, type of journals, most prolific journals and citations of each paper were worked out and given in the form of result tables. Based on the importance of this fastest-growing global food market, it has been concluded that the qualitative research inquiries are still in infancy in this area, and more papers need to be published in reputed journals.

Research limitations/implications

As per set criteria, only papers published in quality journals were included in this review; therefore, the main limitation of this review is that it has not included other qualitative papers published elsewhere.

Practical implications

The future researchers can use the results of this study in setting direction of their research in the area of halal food consumption. These results can be used by academicians to know about the extent of research conducted in this area, whereas marketers can make prudent policies based on these explored areas.

Originality/value

It is claimed to be the first systematic literature review on halal food consumption.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 February 2021

Saira Hanif Soroya, Khalid Mahmood, Muhammad Shahid Soroya, Sumaira Hussain and Aleeha Ilyas

In the age of global warming where there is a need to go green in various sectors of life, it is also an urgent need for different IT industries and companies to incorporate green…

Abstract

Purpose

In the age of global warming where there is a need to go green in various sectors of life, it is also an urgent need for different IT industries and companies to incorporate green agenda. The green agenda is also dependent on human behavior. Therefore, it is equally important to explore the factors that positively affect green computing behavior. In this regard, contextual considerations are important. Thus, the purpose of this study is to explore the green computing intent and behavior of heavy IT users, i.e. librarians underpinning the theory of planned behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was based on a quantitative research design. A total of 181 survey-based online questionnaires were filled by Pakistani university librarians. The proposed hypothetical model was tested using structural equation modeling in SmartPLS v3.2.

Findings

The study findings confirm that attitude and perceived behavioral control have a significant positive impact on the intention to adopt green computing behavior (GC behavior) among academic librarians. The findings further reveal that green computing awareness proved a strong predictor of green computing behavior, as it not only affects GC behavior but also impacts positively on attitude and perceived behavioral control that ultimately affects GC behavior through intention.

Originality/value

The study argues that green computing behavior is dependent on several predictors that can be deployed to develop a positive behavior towards green computing. The study is important as it is the first time conducted on one of the heavy IT user groups, i.e. librarians.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 40 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 January 2025

Salma Farooq, Aamir Akhtar, Saira Faisal, Muhammad Dawood Husain and Muhammad Owais Raza Siddiqui

The durability of nanoparticles (NPs) is essential to retain their multifunctional properties on the surface of textile products. This study aims to propose a durable and…

Abstract

Purpose

The durability of nanoparticles (NPs) is essential to retain their multifunctional properties on the surface of textile products. This study aims to propose a durable and compatible zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) formulation with good antibacterial, ultraviolet (UV) resistance and moisture management properties.

Design/methodology/approach

One-step synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) was done through wet chemical technique and characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. Various formulations containing nanoparticles of ZnO along with optimized concentrations of binder, emulsifier nanoparticles and softener are developed and applied to polyester knitted fabric through the pad-dry-cure method. The treated polyester fabric is evaluated for its antibacterial and UV protection activity, moisture management properties, air permeability and durability.

Findings

Results show that the zinc oxide nanoparticles have a hexagonal wurtzite structure with a 60–70 nm particle size. FTIR and SEM analysis of nano-loaded polyester knitted fabric before washing and after 20 washes confirm the presence of zinc oxide nanoparticles which shows the durability of the optimized formulation. The treated samples have shown promising antibacterial and moisture management properties and are durable up to 20 washing cycles.

Originality/value

The incorporation of metal oxides into textile materials to enhance their antimicrobial properties has been the subject of considerable research, particularly about cotton and other natural fibers. These natural fibers possess polar sites that promote the effective attachment of metal oxide particles. In contrast, there has been limited investigation into the application of these metal oxides on polyester, a non-polar fiber. Although significant attention has been given to the size and shape of nanoparticles, there remains a notable lack of studies focusing on the impact of binder types and their concentrations on the durability of coated fabrics. This research aims to address the existing gap in knowledge by examining the effects of various binder types and concentrations, in conjunction with differing concentrations of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, on the functional properties and durability of nanoparticle-coated fabrics. The ultimate objective is to enhance the comfort and overall performance of these fabrics for the wearer.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2019

Waqar Ahmad Awan, Kanwal Ameen and Saira Hanif Soroya

Information behaviour exists in two forms: first when information is sought with a clear purpose and second, when we encounter it accidentally or serendipitiously. The purpose of…

1005

Abstract

Purpose

Information behaviour exists in two forms: first when information is sought with a clear purpose and second, when we encounter it accidentally or serendipitiously. The purpose of this paper is to estimate the information encountering (IE) and encountered information sharing (EIS) behaviour of research students in an online environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative research approach was applied to carry out this research. The authors selected 120 MPhil and PhD research students (who research information as a part of their assignments) from six departments as sample for the study. Out of 120 research students, 93 returned the filled questionnaires. The collected data were analysed in SPSS version 22. First, descriptive statistics to estimate the IE and sharing behaviour; and later one-way ANOVA and post hoc comparisons using the Tukey HSD tests were applied to investigate the EIS based on the frequency of internet usage.

Findings

The findings indicate that the mean scores of the responses remain between “sometimes” and “often”, in all the behavioural sub-constructs of the model of IE, i.e. noticing, stopping, examining, capturing, storing (keeping), sharing and returning. The extended model proved to be valid in an online environment in the context of Pakistani culture. While estimating EIS, the results indicated significantly higher sharing and large effect size among the research students who used the internet from 11 to 15 h a week than those who used it between 6 and 10 h.

Practical implications

Keeping in view the results the research students and parent organisations (universities) working for the improvement of research ranking and research students’ better performance, should know that research information is not only actively acquired but also huge amount of information is accidentally encountered and shared. Therefore, the universities should train their research students to enhance the information sharing of encountered information. That will promote the research culture and may enhance the speed of learning, research work and ultimately result in competitive advantage, without any extra effort.

Originality/value

This is the first study of its type in Pakistan to measure the IE behaviour of research students in an online environment. Moreover, it is the first study which investigates the extended model of IE using a quantitative approach in the Pakistani research environment, which originated in Japan via qualitative research approach.

Article
Publication date: 4 November 2021

Muhammad Abbas Ranjah, Amir Ismail, Muhammad Waseem, Saira Tanweer, Baila Ahmad, Tahir Mehmood, Faiz-Ul-Hassan Shah, Zulfiqar Ahmad, Majid Hussain and Tariq Ismail

This study aims to compare the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of different parts (tip, mid and base portion) of lemongrass leaves for application as a natural ingredient…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to compare the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of different parts (tip, mid and base portion) of lemongrass leaves for application as a natural ingredient in the functional drink.

Design/methodology/approach

Lemongrass leaf powder was prepared from different parts of leaves and evaluated for nutritional composition. Additionally, the extracts of different portions of lemongrass leaves were analyzed for total phenolics, free radical scavenging activities, ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) and antimicrobial activities for their application in food products.

Findings

Tip portion of lemongrass leaf anticipated significantly (p < 0.05) higher contents of ash, protein, calcium, potassium and iron i.e. 6.2 mg/100 g, 18 mg/100 g, 340 ppm, 819 ppm and 32 ppm, respectively. Maximum (p < 0.05) phenolics (14.7 mg GAE/100 g), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydroxyl (86.3%) and FRAP (200 mmol/100 g) were observed in lemongrass leaf tip methanolic extracts. Moreover, lemongrass leaf tip hydro-methanolic extracts portrayed maximum zone of inhibition against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus i.e. 16.7 and 18.2 mm, respectively.

Practical implications

This study demonstrated higher antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the tip of lemongrass leaves as compared with mid and base portions, hence suggesting its role in the improvement of physicochemical, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of food products. Consequently, the application of lemongrass methanolic extract up to 10% remarkably enhanced the nutritional value and sensorial acceptance of the beverages.

Originality/value

The present research draws evidence from laboratory analysis of fresh lemongrass grown in Pakistan. The findings suggest that lemongrass methanolic extracts could be used as a nutritionally rich source of antioxidant activity in functional drinks.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 52 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2019

Saira Faisal, Aurelio Tronci, Muhammad Ali, Erum Bashir and Long Lin

The purpose of this study was to optimise the dyeing conditions to achieve right-first-time dyeing in hard water. Owing to the persistent water scarcity for more than two decades…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to optimise the dyeing conditions to achieve right-first-time dyeing in hard water. Owing to the persistent water scarcity for more than two decades now, the textile industry in Pakistan is forced to rely on high-mineral-content ground water for use in textile wet processing. Furthermore, the limited amount of municipal water that is at the disposal of the textile industry is also high in mineral content. Thus, on the large scale, water hardness has become an acute problem for the textile processor. In particular, in the dyeing process, water hardness is known to have crucial effects. However, to-date, no systematic study has been conducted on this aspect of textile dyeing.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, 32 full factorial design was used to optimise the dyeing conditions to achieve right-first-time dyeing in hard water. Thus, cotton fabric was dyed with Red Reactive dye (of dyebath concentration at 5, 10 and 15 g/L) in prepared hard water (of hardness at 10, 40 and 70°dH), respectively. Analysis of variance, coefficient of determination (R2) and p-values for the models were used to evaluate the adequacy of the predictive models. The surface plots of the effects were studied to further examine the interactions of two independent variables. Derringer’s desirability function was used to determine the optimum levels of each variable.

Findings

Three levels for both independent variables generate second-order polynomial models to predict the colour strength, lightness, red/green, yellow/blue and total colour difference values of dyed cotton. The obtained predictive models point out the considerable influence of both water hardness and dye concentration on right-first-time dyeing.

Originality/value

Such a finding enabled the dye-mill to produce the correct shade at water hardness of 10°dH and 15 g/L dye concentration, without the need for corrective reprocessing.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 48 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

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