Sami Shahid, Ziyang Zhen and Umair Javaid
Multi-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems have succeeded in gaining the attention of researchers in diversified fields, especially in the past decade, owing to their capability…
Abstract
Purpose
Multi-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems have succeeded in gaining the attention of researchers in diversified fields, especially in the past decade, owing to their capability to operate in complex scenarios in a coordinated manner. Path planning for UAV swarms is a challenging task depending upon the environmental conditions, the limitations of fixed-wing UAVs and the swarm constraints. Multiple optimization techniques have been studied for path-planning problems. However, there are local optimum and convergence rate problems. This study aims to propose a multi-UAV cooperative path planning (CoPP) scheme with four-dimensional collision avoidance and simultaneous arrival time.
Design/methodology/approach
A new two-step optimization algorithm is developed based on multiple populations (MP) of disturbance-based modified grey-wolf optimizer (DMGWO). The optimization is performed based on the objective function subject to multi constraints, including collision avoidance, same minimum time of flight and threat and obstacle avoidance in the terrain while meeting the UAV constraints. Comparative simulations using two different algorithms are performed to authenticate the proposed DMGWO.
Findings
The critical features of the proposed MP-DMGWO-based CoPP algorithm are local optimum avoidance and rapid convergence of the solution, i.e. fewer iterations as compared to the comparative algorithms. The efficiency of the proposed method is evident from the comparative simulation results.
Originality/value
A new algorithm DMGWO is proposed for the CoPP problem of UAV swarm. The local best position of each wolf is used in addition to GWO. Besides, a disturbance is introduced in the best solutions for faster convergence and local optimum avoidance. The path optimization is performed based on a newly designed objective function that depends upon multiple constraints.
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Janshid Ali Turi, Sami Al Kharusi, Muddasar Ghani Khwaja, Mohammad Rezaur Razzak and Shahid Bashir
This study aims to investigate the influence of requirement engineering (RE) on project performance (PP) in the context of NEOM* in Saudi Arabia. The study also aims to examine…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the influence of requirement engineering (RE) on project performance (PP) in the context of NEOM* in Saudi Arabia. The study also aims to examine the relationship between three components of RE, evolving market needs (ECN), market changes (MC) and technological advancements (TA), on PP, through the mediating influence of effective communication (EC), change readiness (CR) and stakeholder engagement (SE). Further, the study aims to examine the moderating effect of team cohesion (TC) on the RE–PP relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
A research framework is developed by drawing on the resource-based theory and with the support of empirical evidence and rational arguments to propose a set of hypotheses relating to the constructs in the framework. The hypotheses are tested through survey data collected from individual employees working on different projects across NEOM. A total of 336 useable responses were collected that were analyzed through covariance-based structural equation modeling using AMOS v.28.
Findings
The results show although ECN and TA both have a positive impact on PP, MC had no significant relationship with PP. In terms of the mediation hypotheses, EC, CR and SE all partially mediate the relationships between ECN and TA with PP. However, there was no mediating effect in the relationship between MC and PP. Moreover, EC, CR and SE themselves have a significant positive influence on PP. Finally, TC proved to be a significant moderator between ECN and PP and TA and PP, but not in the case of MC and PP.
Originality/value
This study makes three novel contributions. First, most prior empirical studies examined the overall impact of RE on PP; however, the current study provides a more nuanced insight into the relationships between the three components of RE (i.e. ECN, MC and TA) and PP. Second, the mediating roles of EC, CR and SE between components of RE and PP present a finer-grained understanding of how project resources are linked to project success goals through features of the project team. Third, moderating influence of TC with regard to a higher possibility of success for projects are highlighted through this discovery.
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Richard Schroeder and David A. Schauer
To review the evolution of SFAS No. 123R, “Accounting for Share Based Compensation,” and examine the economic consequences of the standard for the first group of filers impacted…
Abstract
Purpose
To review the evolution of SFAS No. 123R, “Accounting for Share Based Compensation,” and examine the economic consequences of the standard for the first group of filers impacted by its provisions.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample was the population of firms in the Russell 3000 having June 30, fiscal year‐ends.
Findings
The study's findings suggest that the provisions of SFAS No. 123R remain controversial and that compliance with the standard had significant economic consequences for the sample of companies.
Originality/value
This study provides evidence that SFAS No. 123R had significant economic consequences but that some of the standard's effects differed from earlier predictions.
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Satyajit Dhar and Subhabrata De
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact on selected financial performance indicators of Indian firms adopting employee stock option (ESO) schemes, if they recognize…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact on selected financial performance indicators of Indian firms adopting employee stock option (ESO) schemes, if they recognize expenses and adopting fair‐value method of accounting pursuant to International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 2.
Design/methodology/approach
The CMIE Prowess database was searched for Indian firms having stock option schemes and issue of shares pursuant to that scheme during the years ended 31 March 2007 and 31 March 2008. The data on financial performance were hand picked from the annual report of the sample companies. The impact of expense recognition on financial performance indicators were computed by using memorandum disclosures in directors' reports on use of fair value methods for ESO accounting. A non‐parametric Kruskal‐Wallis test was employed to find out the statistical significance of the impact. The role of firm growth characteristics on impact of expense recognition was also investigated.
Findings
The impact of recognizing expenses associated with stock option compensation varies considerably by entity and such recognition would have a material impact on key performance measure for at least 22 percent of the sample companies. Contrary to expectation, firm growth characteristics were found to have no statistical significance in explaining impact of expense recognition.
Research limitations/implications
The sample is restricted to India and may not be reflective of other countries. Also, this study considers the impact of expense recognition as if the requirements of IFRS 2 were adopted in 2006‐2007/2007‐2008 financial year and accordingly, may not be reflective of the situation that may prevail in 2011 when transition to IFRS set of standards will be applicable to Indian companies, as those entities may have altered their compensation contracts.
Practical implications
Indian firms will be required to prepare financial statements based on IFRS set of standards w.e.f. April 2011. IFRS 2, share‐based payments is not yet adopted in India. Overall, the significance of accounting changes associated with the adoption of IFRS 2 may not be very alarming for Indian companies with ESO schemes.
Originality/value
This study attempts to enrich empirical research in the field and provides an insight into the potential contractual and valuation implication of the adoption of one of the IFRS set of standards on Indian firms and also provides contrary evidence of the role of growth characteristics in explaining the impact of expense recognition.
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Muhammad Azeem, Sania Aziz, Jawad Shahid, Aamir Hayat, Munir Ahmed and Muhammad Imran Khan
In a modern business scenario, firms have implemented customer-centric approaches to enable customer relationship management (CRM) to trigger business excellence. Business…
Abstract
Purpose
In a modern business scenario, firms have implemented customer-centric approaches to enable customer relationship management (CRM) to trigger business excellence. Business strategies are modernizing business marketing operations that mainly focused on the retention of profitable customers. The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the impact of marketing strategies (MS), information technology support (IT-S) and knowledge sharing (KS) in the effect of CRM in the pharmaceutical sector of Punjab, Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from the field force of national and international pharmaceuticals companies (N = 263) through a convenience sampling technique. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to examine data in SmartPLS 3.2.6.
Findings
The results indicated that IT-S and KS mediate the relationship between MS and CRM. More specifically, MS positively develops CRM through IT-S and KS.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the existing literature of pharmaceuticals by disclosing the field-force (medical representatives) specific role in developing CRM performance between pharmaceuticals firms and health-care physicians that are mainly based on knowledge advancement and influence these firms to adopt customer-centric business approaches to gain a competitive advantage to drive firm profitability.
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Muhammad Naeem Shahid, Aamir Abbas, Khalid Latif, Ayesha Attique and Safwan Khalid
This study aims to identify the impact of corporate governance on performance of sugar mills. In order to study this relation, a model is constructed in which ownership structure…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the impact of corporate governance on performance of sugar mills. In order to study this relation, a model is constructed in which ownership structure and independent directors are taken as independent variables. Whereas firm performance is analyzed by using proxy variables such as return on asset (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and sales growth. Moreover, size of board, working capital management (WCM) and philanthropy are taken as mediating variables between governance variables and firm performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The data of 32 sugar mills listed at Pakistan Stock Exchange for the period of four years (i.e. 2014–2017) is used for this research. Moreover, to investigate the model, generalized least squares statistical method is used to measure the relationship between variables.
Findings
The results revealed that there is significant but positive relationship between independent directors and ROA while ownership structure and ROE have significant but negative relationship. Thus, the board of directors should make it sure that all stakeholders and organizations should increase the nonfamily ownership in firms for better corporate performance. Moreover, philanthropy and WCM mediate the relationship between corporate governance and firms' performance.
Practical/implications
This research work will be helpful in the corporate governance, and further researchers can conduct their study by considering executive/nonexecutive director and institutional owners as governance variables.
Originality/value
This paper fulfills an identified need to study how Corporate Governance effect the performance of firm.
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Iqra Shahid, Muhammad Anwar Ul Haq, Francesca Di Virgilio and Mirza Ashfaq Ahmed
The aim of this study is to determine the effect of ethical leadership (EL) on individual ambidexterity (IA). Equity sensitivity (ES) was proposed as an underlying mechanism…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to determine the effect of ethical leadership (EL) on individual ambidexterity (IA). Equity sensitivity (ES) was proposed as an underlying mechanism between EL and ambidexterity. Openness to experience (OTE) was hypothesized to strengthen the effect of EL on IA.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected, using a cross-sectional survey design, from employees working in Software Houses in Pakistan using multistage sampling. A usable sample of 255 was subjected to analysis in a two-step structural equation modelling.
Findings
The empirical findings revealed that EL has a positive effect on IA. ES partially mediated between EL and IA. OTE strengthens the impact of EL on IA.
Practical implications
This study carries some implications for practitioners, and in particular it provides a clear direction to the management who exhibits EL characteristics. Ethical leaders encourage their followers to explore new things, to behave more innovatively at work and to take the risk in implementing and introducing new ideas.
Social implications
This study highlights that EL should establish a positive work environment in which employees have a comfortable feeling when applying their explorative and exploitative activities to their work.
Originality/value
This study investigates critical linkages between EL and IA. Given the importance of IA, results provide novel guidance regarding EL style and the significance of equity in workplace. Recruitment decisions will also be guided by choosing those who have an open personality orientation in the workplace.
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Mohammad Parvin, Jamileh Tavakolinia, Hassan Mohammadian Mosammam and Mohammadtaghi Razavian
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an extremely destructive impact on the tourism and hospitality industry. However, there is a gap in the literature on measuring the economic impact…
Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an extremely destructive impact on the tourism and hospitality industry. However, there is a gap in the literature on measuring the economic impact of the pandemic on employees of urban tourism industries by class. Accordingly, this paper aims to investigate the perceived economic impact of the COVID-19 by workers of urban tourism-related services in Tehran.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on stratified sampling, a Web-based survey was carried out among 383 employees of tourism industries. To measuring the perceived impact and evaluate statistically significant differences, one samples t-test, one-way ANOVA and post hoc test were used.
Findings
The study findings revealed that employees of tourism-related services perceived that COVID-19 outbreak has a huge negative impact on the tourism industries in terms of earnings reduction. However, the perceived impact on job losses and reduction of hours of work was non-monotonic.
Originality/value
Identifying the negative effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on city tourism by industries and their subclasses can contribute to more effective interventions to support and recover the tourism industries. In other words, it is essential to prioritize support for different class of services, to fair allocation of bailout monies and to improve their resilience against crises and shocks.
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Abeer Ahmed Jadoon, Mughees Aslam, Muhammad Sohail Anwar Malik and Hamza Alam
In the construction industry (CI), inaccurate loose material measurements pose waste and economic challenges, accounting for approximately one-third of project cost overruns…
Abstract
Purpose
In the construction industry (CI), inaccurate loose material measurements pose waste and economic challenges, accounting for approximately one-third of project cost overruns, representing 60% of the overall construction costs. Current practices for measuring loose construction materials are riddled with errors, direct adjustments and missing real-time oversight, resulting in waste, inefficiencies and cost escalations. This study aims to address this issue by automating the weighing mechanism of loose materials while regularly monitoring them during transportation from the source.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, an innovative Internet of Things (IoT) solution: a smart vehicle-mounted weighing (VMW) system was developed using the smart sensors, Arduino while using C++ language. Initially, a prototype was developed and tested/ refined while experimenting on a Tractor trolley loaded with loose construction materials. Statistical methods were employed to test the validity of the developed system against traditional methods of weighing. Finally, the system was tested and optimized in a real project through a case study.
Findings
The empirical findings reveal that the IoT-enabled smart weighing system achieved an accuracy exceeding 95% during rigorous field assessments. A comprehensive case study highlighted significant cost savings, with 2.7% for subbase materials and 5.94% for aggregate base materials. These results validate the successful development of the prototype, demonstrating its potential to improve material management, minimize waste, and enhance operational efficiency in construction projects while promoting sustainable practices.
Originality/value
Few studies have addressed fully automated measurement of loose materials during transport to construction sites. This study introduces a novel IoT-enabled smart VMW system for real-time material monitoring and automated quantity takeoffs (QTOs). The system offers CI a reliable, transparent, and error-free material management tool, advancing current practices in material quantification thereby leading the CI toward sustainability using the latest technologies.