Muhammad Athar Rasheed, Khuram Shahzad and Sajid Nadeem
This study aims to investigate the impact of transformational leadership on the innovation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through employee voice behaviors. Drawing from…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of transformational leadership on the innovation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through employee voice behaviors. Drawing from the upper echelon theory, it is hypothesized that employee voice is the mediating mechanism through which transformational leadership affects the process and product innovation in SMEs.
Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected from 169 SMEs of Pakistan through an online self-administered questionnaire. The proposed hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
Findings confirm that transformational leadership positively affects both process and product innovation in SMEs and employee voice behavior mediates between these relationships.
Originality/value
This research contributes to both theoretical and practical domains by providing evidence that encouraging employees to raise their voice positively impacts product and process innovation and transformational leadership is a potential organizational factor to shape employee voice and process and product innovation. To the best knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the mediating role of employee voice between transformational leadership and process and product innovation in SMEs and developing country’s context.
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Muhammad Athar Rasheed, Khuram Shahzad, Christopher Conroy, Sajid Nadeem and Muhammad Usman Siddique
Employee voice has emerged as a strong predictor of positive organizational outcomes. Grounding the theoretical model in resource-based theory; this study conceptualizes how…
Abstract
Purpose
Employee voice has emerged as a strong predictor of positive organizational outcomes. Grounding the theoretical model in resource-based theory; this study conceptualizes how high-performance work system (HPWS) can enhance organizational innovation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through voice behaviors. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to empirically test if employee voice mediates the relationship between HPWS and organizational innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a quantitative strategy and cross-sectional survey method for the collection of data from SMEs operating in Pakistan. A list of SMEs was obtained from the federal government organization responsible for the development of SMEs in Pakistan. A self-administered structured questionnaire was distributed and 239 randomly selected SMEs responded to the survey.
Findings
Findings confirmed the conceptualized model and revealed that HPWS was significantly and positively related to employee voice and organizational innovation. Employee voice was found as a significant predictor of organizational innovation and mediating factor in the relationship between HPWS and organizational innovation.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited in terms of variables included in the conceptual model and relatively small size of the sample that was derived from a single federal organization. More variables and SMEs can be included in future studies to get broader results and, potentially, better findings.
Practical implications
SME managers/owners can design HR function in such a way that employees will be encouraged to raise their voice and participate more in the organization. Scholars should study voice behaviors distinct from citizenship behaviors.
Originality/value
This study is the first of its kind to conceptualize the relationship between HPWS, employee voice, and organizational innovation in SMEs of Pakistan.
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Amer Rasheed, Rab Nawaz, Sohail Ahmed Khan, Hanifa Hanif and Abdul Wahab
– The purpose of this paper is to study the thin film flow of a fourth grade fluid subject to slip conditions in order to understand its velocity profile.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the thin film flow of a fourth grade fluid subject to slip conditions in order to understand its velocity profile.
Design/methodology/approach
An exact expression for flow velocity is derived in terms of hyperbolic sine functions. The practical usage of the exact flow velocity is restrictive as it involves very complicated integrals. Therefore, an approximate solution is also derived using a Galerkin finite element method and numerical error analysis is performed.
Findings
The behavior of fluid velocity with respect to various flow parameters is discussed. The results are not restrictive to small values of flow parameters unlike those obtained earlier using homotopy analysis method and homotopy perturbation method.
Originality/value
An approximate solution based on finite element technique is derived.
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A.M. Abd-Alla, S.M. Abo-Dahab and M. Elsagheer
The purpose of this paper is to predict the effects of magnetic field, heat and mass transfer and rotation on the peristaltic flow of an incompressible Newtonian fluid in a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to predict the effects of magnetic field, heat and mass transfer and rotation on the peristaltic flow of an incompressible Newtonian fluid in a channel with compliant walls. The whole system is in a rotating frame of reference.
Design/methodology/approach
The governing equations of two-dimensional fluid have been simplified under long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximation. The solutions are carried out for the stream function, temperature, concentration field, velocity and heat transfer coefficient.
Findings
The results indicate that the effects of permeability, magnetic field and rotation are very pronounced in the phenomena. Impacts of various involved parameters appearing in the solutions are carefully analyzed.
Originality/value
The effect of the concentration distribution, heat and mass transfer and rotation on the wave frame is analyzed theoretically and computed numerically. Numerical results are given and illustrated graphically in each case considered. A comparison was made with the results obtained in the presence and absence of rotation, magnetic field and heat and mass transfer.
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Nadeem Kureshi, Faheem Qureshi and Ali Sajid
The purpose of this paper is to assess the current quality management practices of service sector SMEs in Pakistan, and to provide an insight for policy development for SMEs.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the current quality management practices of service sector SMEs in Pakistan, and to provide an insight for policy development for SMEs.
Design/methodology/approach
A focused investigation of 100 SMEs in northern Pakistan was conducted through focused interviews and e‐mail survey. The survey is based on a list of 19 quality management techniques selected through Delphi research.
Findings
A significant gap is reported between the knowledge of quality management techniques and their usage by SME entrepreneurs. The results show strong usage of CRM related techniques while low usage of suppliers' development related and statistically extensive techniques. Significant correlation is found between the usage of TQM and other quality management techniques, particularly six sigma and 5S.
Practical implications
The results offer insight into quality management practices in Pakistani SMEs which represent the broader South Asian business culture that is host to a huge share of outsourcing from developed economies. Besides being of huge value to policy makers in the country, the results are useful for firms in developed economies that outsource their businesses to developing economies in South Asia.
Originality/value
The paper provides an insight into the quality management practices of Pakistani SMEs.
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Sanatan Das, Akram Ali and Rabindra Nath Jana
Outstanding features such as thermal conductivity and superior electrical conductivity of nanofluids unfold a new window in the context of their extensive applications in…
Abstract
Purpose
Outstanding features such as thermal conductivity and superior electrical conductivity of nanofluids unfold a new window in the context of their extensive applications in engineering and industrial domains. The purpose of this study to simulate numerically the magneto-nanofluid flow and heat transfer over a curved stretching surface. Heat transport is explored in the presence of viscous dissipation. At the curved surface, the convective boundary condition is adopted. Three different nanoparticles, namely, copper, aluminium oxide and titanium dioxide are taken into consideration because of easily available in nature.
Design/methodology/approach
The basic flow equations are framed in terms of curvilinear coordinates. The modelled partial differential equations are transformed into a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations by means of appropriate similarity transformation. The subsequent non-linear system of equations is then solved numerically by using the Runge–Kutta–Felhberg method with the shooting scheme via bvp4c MATLAB built-in function. Impacts of various physical parameters on velocity, pressure and temperature distributions, local skin-friction coefficient, local Nusselt number and wall temperature are portrayed through graphs and tables followed by a comprehensive debate and physical interpretation.
Findings
Graphical results divulge that augmenting values of the magnetic parameter cause a decline in velocity profiles and stream function inside the boundary layer. The magnitude of the pressure function inside the boundary layer reduces for higher estimation of curvature parameter, and it is also zero when the curvature parameter goes to infinity. Furthermore, the temperature is observed in a rising trend with growing values of the magnetic parameter and Biot number.
Practical implications
This research study is very pertinent to the expulsion of polymer sheet and photographic films, metallurgical industry, electrically-conducting polymer dynamics, magnetic material processing, rubber and polymer sheet processing, continuous casting of metals, fibre spinning, glass blowing and fibre, wire and fibre covering and sustenance stuff preparing, etc.
Originality/value
Despite the huge amount of literature available, but still, very little attention is given to simulate the flow configuration due to the curved stretching surface with the convective boundary condition. Very few papers have been examined on this topic and found that its essence inside the boundary layer is not any more insignificant than on account of a stretching sheet. A numerical comparison with the published works is conducted to verify the accuracy of the present study.
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S. Bilal, Muhammad Sohail and Rahila Naz
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the studies of momentum and transmission of heat on mixed convection boundary layer Darcy‒Forchheimer flow of Casson liquid over a linear…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the studies of momentum and transmission of heat on mixed convection boundary layer Darcy‒Forchheimer flow of Casson liquid over a linear extending surface in a porous medium. The belongings of homogeneous‒heterogeneous retorts are also affianced. The mechanism of heat transmission is braced out in the form of Cattaneo‒Christov heat flux. Appropriate restorations are smeared to revolutionize coupled nonlinear partial differential equations conforming to momentum, energy and concentration of homogeneous‒heterogeneous reaction equations into coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs).
Design/methodology/approach
Numerical elucidations of the transmogrified ODEs are accomplished via a dexterous and trustworthy scheme, namely optimal homotopy analysis method. The convergence of planned scheme is exposed with the support of error table.
Findings
The exploration of mixed convection Darcy‒Forchheimer MHD boundary layer flow of incompressible Casson fluid by the linear stretched surface with Cattaneo‒Christov heat flux model and homogeneous‒heterogeneous reactions is checked in this research. Imitations of the core subsidized flow parameters on velocity, temperature and concentration of homogeneous‒heterogeneous reactions solutions are conscripted. From the recent deliberation, remarkable annotations are as follows: non-dimensional velocities in xa− and xb− directions shrink, whereas the non-dimensional temperature upsurges when the Casson fluid parameter ameliorates. Similar impact of Casson fluid parameter, magnetic parameter, mixed convection parameter, inertia parameter, and porosity parameter is observed for both the components of velocity field. An escalation in magnetic parameter shows the opposite attitude of temperature field as compared with velocity profile. Similar bearing of Casson fluid parameter is observed for both temperature and velocity fields. Enhancement in concentration rate is observed for growing values of (Ns) and (Sc), and it reduces for (k1). Both temperature and concentration of homogeneous‒heterogeneous upturn by mounting the magnetic parameter. Demeanor of magnetic parameter, Casson fluid parameter, heat generation parameter is opposite to that of Prandtl number and thermal relaxation parameter on temperature profile.
Practical implications
In many industrial and engineering applications, the current exploration is utilized for the transport of heat and mass in any system.
Originality/value
As far as novelty of this work is concerned this is an innovative study and such analysis has not been considered so far.
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Nilankush Acharya, Suprakash Maity and Prabir Kumar Kundu
Hybrid nanofluids are of significant engrossment for their considerable heat transport rate. The steady flow of an incompressible viscous electrically conducted hybrid nanofluid…
Abstract
Purpose
Hybrid nanofluids are of significant engrossment for their considerable heat transport rate. The steady flow of an incompressible viscous electrically conducted hybrid nanofluid is considered over a rotating disk under a magnetic field. Titanium oxide (TiO2) and ferrous (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles are used with their physical properties and water is considered as host liquid. The purpose of this paper is to analyze how hydrothermal integrity varies for hybrid nanosuspension over a spinning disk in the presence of magnetic orientation.
Design/methodology/approach
Governing equations with boundary conditions are transformed by similarity transformations and then solved numerically with RK-4 method. A comparison of linear and nonlinear thermal radiation for the above-mentioned parameters is taken and the efficiency of nonlinear radiation is established, the same over nanofluid and hybrid nanofluid is also discussed. Heat lines are observed and discussed for various parameters like magnetic field, concentration, suction and injection parameter, radiation effect and Prandtl number.
Findings
Suction and increasing nanoparticle concentration foster the radial and cross-radial velocities, whereas magnetization and injection confirm the reverse trend. The rate of increment of radial friction is quite higher for the usual nanosuspension. The calculated data demonstrate that the rate for hybrid nanofluid is 8.97 percent, whereas for nanofluid it is 15.06 percent. Double-particle suspension amplifies the thermal efficiency than that of a single particle. Magnetic and radiation parameters aid the heat transfer, but nanoparticle concentration and suction explore the opposite syndrome. The magnetic parameter increases the heat transport at 36.58 and 42.71 percent for nonlinear radiation and hybrid nanosuspension, respectively.
Originality/value
Nonlinear radiation gives a higher heat transport rate and for the radiation parameter it is almost double. This result is very significant for comparison between linear and nonlinear radiation. Heat lines may be observed by taking different nanoparticle materials to get some diverse result. Hydrothermal study of such hybrid liquid is noteworthy because outcomes of this study will aid nanoscience and nanotechnology in an efficient way.
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Fahim Ullah, Oluwole Olatunji and Siddra Qayyum
Contemporary technological disruptions are espoused as though they stimulate sustainable growth in the built environment through the Green Internet of Things (G-IoT). Learning…
Abstract
Purpose
Contemporary technological disruptions are espoused as though they stimulate sustainable growth in the built environment through the Green Internet of Things (G-IoT). Learning from discipline-specific experiences, this paper articulates recent advancements in the knowledge and concepts of G-IoT in relation to the construction and smart city sectors. It provides a scoping review for G-IoT as an overlooked dimension. Attention was paid to modern circularity, cleaner production and sustainability as key benefits of G-IoT adoption in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). In addition, this study also investigates the current application and adoption strategies of G-IoT.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) review approach. Resources are drawn from Scopus and Web of Science repositories using apt search strings that reflect applications of G-IoT in the built environment in relation to construction management, urban planning, societies and infrastructure. Thematic analysis was used to analyze pertinent themes in the retrieved articles.
Findings
G-IoT is an overlooked dimension in construction and smart cities so far. Thirty-three scholarly articles were reviewed from a total of 82 articles retrieved, from which five themes were identified: G-IoT in buildings, computing, sustainability, waste management and tracking and monitoring. Among other applications, findings show that G-IoT is prominent in smart urban services, healthcare, traffic management, green computing, environmental protection, site safety and waste management. Applicable strategies to hasten adoption include raising awareness, financial incentives, dedicated work approaches, G-IoT technologies and purposeful capacity building among stakeholders. The future of G-IoT in construction and smart city research is in smart drones, building information modeling, digital twins, 3D printing, green computing, robotics and policies that incentivize adoption.
Originality/value
This study adds to the normative literature on envisioning potential strategies for adoption and the future of G-IoT in construction and smart cities as an overlooked dimension. No previous study to date has reviewed pertinent literature in this area, intending to investigate the current applications, adoption strategies and future direction of G-IoT in construction and smart cities. Researchers can expand on the current study by exploring the identified G-IoT applications and adoption strategies in detail, and practitioners can develop implementation policies, regulations and guidelines for holistic G-IoT adoption.
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Shahid Mahmood, Syed M. Ahmed, Kamalesh Panthi and Nadeem Ishaque Kureshi
The purpose of this paper is to examine how effectively the cost appraisal system proposed measures the cost of poor quality (COPQ) in a construction project. The paper first…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine how effectively the cost appraisal system proposed measures the cost of poor quality (COPQ) in a construction project. The paper first formulates how COPQ can be measured and later clarifies the relationship between COPQ, labor productivity, and profitability.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to measure COPQ, the researchers prepared data entry forms for recording COPQ items on a daily basis and formulated the cost contribution of lost material, lost man-hours, lost machinery hours, and lost overhead on the overall COPQ for the project. The proposed method was then applied in a case study.
Findings
The results showed that, for the 60-days study period, COPQ decreased by about 24 percent while labor productivity and profitability increased by about 17 and 11 percent, respectively, after the implementation of COPQ measuring system. This study further supports the use of the COPQ system in construction projects as a mechanism to facilitate continuous improvement.
Originality/value
COPQ is a major cost that is often ignored in construction projects due to the difficulty of measuring it. This paper presents a COPQ measuring and recording system capable of identifying COPQ. The implementation of the system is shown to increase productivity and profitability as demonstrated by the project used for the case study.