Saroj Kumar Giri, Shukadev Mangaraj, Lalan Kumar Sinha and Manoj Kumar Tripathi
Soy beverage is becoming more and more popular because it is touted as a healthy food containing useful phytochemicals and is free from lactose and cholesterol. The purpose of…
Abstract
Purpose
Soy beverage is becoming more and more popular because it is touted as a healthy food containing useful phytochemicals and is free from lactose and cholesterol. The purpose of this paper is to optimize the spray drying process parameters for obtaining soy beverage powder with good reconstitution and handling properties.
Design/methodology/approach
Pre-concentrated soy beverage was dried in a laboratory model spray dryer, and the effects of inlet air temperature (180-220°C), feed rate (20-40 ml/min) and feed solid content (15-25 per cent) on some physical parameters and reconstitution properties (wettability and dispersibility) of spray-dried soy beverage powders were investigated. Second order polynomial response surface model was selected for the analysis of data and optimization of the process.
Findings
Spray drying of soy beverage at different processing conditions resulted in powders with particle size (volume mean diameter) in the range of 86 to 156 µm. Dispersibility and wetting time of the spray-dried soy beverage powders was found to be in the range of 56 to 78 per cent and 30 to 90 s respectively, under various drying conditions. Inlet air temperature was found to be the main factor affecting most of the quality parameters, followed by solid content of the feed. Temperature significantly affected the wettability, dispersibility, colour parameters, particle size and flowability of the powder at p ≤ 0.01. Lower temperature and higher feed solid content produced bigger-sized powder particles with better handling properties in terms of flowability and cohesiveness. A moderate inlet air temperature (196°C), higher feed solid content (24 per cent) and lower feed rate (27 ml/min) were found suitable for drying of soy beverage.
Practical implications
The study implied the possibility of producing powder from soy beverage using the spray-drying method and optimized drying conditions for obtaining soy beverage powder with good reconstitution properties.
Originality/value
The finding of this study demonstrated for the first time how the inlet air temperature, feed solid content and feed rate during spray-drying influenced different quality parameters of soy beverage powder. Further, an optimized drying condition has been identified.
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Abhishek Kumar, Sanjay Kumar Kar, Saroj Kumar Mishra, Rohit Bansal and Sidhartha Harichandan
This case will enable students to understand the operations and business model of an international retailer. The case offers enough insights and learning on a retailer who enters…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
This case will enable students to understand the operations and business model of an international retailer. The case offers enough insights and learning on a retailer who enters a different market and collaborates with the local players to gain market access; and to understand the marketing techniques and strategies of an international retailer to capitalise on market opportunities.
Case overview/synopsis
The case is about a third largest US-based multinational Costco Wholesale corporation which is a giant retailer. The company operated at 803 locations with a revenue of $166.7bn, which makes it the third largest global retailer in 2020. The case offers comprehensive insight into Costco Wholesale’s business model, distribution strategy, marketing techniques and internationalisation. The authors further discuss that how Costco put forth its model among different range of customers and provided them with high-quality products at a comparatively lower price. The focus of the case is towards the Asian expansion of Costco. In subsequent parts, the strategies and challenges of Costco with respect to its Asian competitors have also been discussed. After generating experience in Asian markets, Costco has considered China as its next destination. The case also discusses the foreign retailers’ success, failure and retail format.
Complexity academic level
This case is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate classes of management and business administration.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 8: Marketing.
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Shamindra Nath Sanyal, Saroj Kumar Datta and Asok Kumar Banerjee
The purpose of this paper is to examine the physicians’ attitude toward branded generic drugs in prescribing those drugs in some selective medical conditions and to identify the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the physicians’ attitude toward branded generic drugs in prescribing those drugs in some selective medical conditions and to identify the factors that influence physicians’ behavior toward prescribing branded generic drugs in the said selective medical conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was carried out across six major cities in eastern India with 301 physicians. The current study introduced some significant elements into the modified technology acceptance model (TAM) with title the extended tam for product usage (TETPU) to analyze the prescribing factors that influence physicians in five common yet serious medical conditions in India. Out of nine factors considered here, seven were selected from the previous literature studies of different product segments and two were proposed by the authors. Demographic factor was proposed as the confounding variable.
Findings
The results indicated that apart from the factors “perceived no need” and “physicians’ perception and need achievement” rest of the factors showed satisfactory to excellent results.
Practical implications
The current study findings may enable the pharmaceutical managers to revise or modify their current marketing communication and other brand-building strategies so as to achieve a superior performance that offers them a competitive advantage.
Originality/value
The paper fulfils a need for advancing the knowledge on the physician’s prescription influencing factors by introducing the newer aspects of the concept and offers a theoretical framework for the academia and practical framework for the managers who desire to implement the strategies to achieve competitive advantage.
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Ipsit Kumar Dhal, Saroj Kumar and Dayal R. Parhi
This study aims to modify a nature-based numerical method named the invasive weed optimization (IWO) method for mobile robot path planning in various complex environments.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to modify a nature-based numerical method named the invasive weed optimization (IWO) method for mobile robot path planning in various complex environments.
Design/methodology/approach
The existing IWO method is quick in converging to a feasible solution but in a complex environment; it takes more time as well as computational resources. So, in this paper, the computational part of this artificial intelligence technique is modified with the help of recently developed evolution algorithms like particle swarm optimization, genetic algorithm, etc. Some conditional logic statements were used while doing sensor-based mapping for exploring complex paths. Implementation of sensor-based exploration, mathematical IWO method and prioritizing them for better efficiency made this modified IWO method take complex dynamic decisions.
Findings
The proposed modified IWO is better for dynamic obstacle avoidance and navigating a long complex map. The deviation of results in simulation and experiments is less than 5.5%, which validates a good agreement between simulation and real-time testing platforms.
Originality/value
As per a deep literature review, it has found that the proposed approach has not been implemented on the Khepera-III robot for smooth motion planning. Here a dynamic obstacle mapping feature is implemented. A method to selectively distribute seeds instead of a random normal distribution is also implemented in this work. The modified version of IWO is coded in MATLAB and simulated through V-Rep simulation software. The integration of sensors was done through logical conditioning. The simulation results are validated using real-time experiments.
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Priyanka Sakare, Saroj Kumar Giri, Debabandya Mohapatra and Manoj Kr Tripathi
This paper aims to study the color change kinetics of lac dye in response to pH and food spoilage metabolites (ammonia, lactic acid and tyramine) for its potential application in…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the color change kinetics of lac dye in response to pH and food spoilage metabolites (ammonia, lactic acid and tyramine) for its potential application in intelligent food packaging.
Design/methodology/approach
UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to study the color change of dye solution. Ratio of absorbance of dye solution at 528 nm (peak of ionized form) to absorbance at 488 nm (peak of unionized form) was used to study the color change. Color change kinetics was studied in terms of change in absorbance ratio (A528/A488) with time using zero- and first-order reaction kinetics. An indicator was prepared by incorporating lac dye in agarose membrane to validate the result of study for monitoring quality of raw milk.
Findings
Dye was orange-red in acidic medium (pH: 2 to 5) and exhibited absorbance peak at 488 nm. It turned purple in alkaline medium (pH: 7 to10) and exhibited absorbance peak at 528 nm. The change in absorbance ratio with pH followed zero-order model. Acid dissociation constant (pKa) of dye was found to be 6.3. Color change of dye in response to ammonia and tyramine followed zero-order reaction kinetics, whereas for lactic acid, the first-order model was found best. In the validation part, the color of the indicator label changed from purple to orange-red when the milk gets spoiled.
Originality/value
The study opens a new application area for lac dye. The results suggest that lac dye has potential to be used as an indicator in intelligent food packaging for detection of spoilage in seafood, meat, poultry and milk.
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Chittaranjan Paital, Saroj Kumar, Manoj Kumar Muni, Dayal R. Parhi and Prasant Ranjan Dhal
Smooth and autonomous navigation of mobile robot in a cluttered environment is the main purpose of proposed technique. That includes localization and path planning of mobile…
Abstract
Purpose
Smooth and autonomous navigation of mobile robot in a cluttered environment is the main purpose of proposed technique. That includes localization and path planning of mobile robot. These are important aspects of the mobile robot during autonomous navigation in any workspace. Navigation of mobile robots includes reaching the target from the start point by avoiding obstacles in a static or dynamic environment. Several techniques have already been proposed by the researchers concerning navigational problems of the mobile robot still no one confirms the navigating path is optimal.
Design/methodology/approach
Therefore, the modified grey wolf optimization (GWO) controller is designed for autonomous navigation, which is one of the intelligent techniques for autonomous navigation of wheeled mobile robot (WMR). GWO is a nature-inspired algorithm, which mainly mimics the social hierarchy and hunting behavior of wolf in nature. It is modified to define the optimal positions and better control over the robot. The motion from the source to target in the highly cluttered environment by negotiating obstacles. The controller is authenticated by the approach of V-REP simulation software platform coupled with real-time experiment in the laboratory by using Khepera-III robot.
Findings
During experiments, it is observed that the proposed technique is much efficient in motion control and path planning as the robot reaches its target position without any collision during its movement. Further the simulation through V-REP and real-time experimental results are recorded and compared against each corresponding results, and it can be seen that the results have good agreement as the deviation in the results is approximately 5% which is an acceptable range of deviation in motion planning. Both the results such as path length and time taken to reach the target is recorded and shown in respective tables.
Originality/value
After literature survey, it may be said that most of the approach is implemented on either mathematical convergence or in mobile robot, but real-time experimental authentication is not obtained. With a lack of clear evidence regarding use of MGWO (modified grey wolf optimization) controller for navigation of mobile robots in both the environment, such as in simulation platform and real-time experimental platforms, this work would serve as a guiding link for use of similar approaches in other forms of robots.
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Biraj Kumar Mohanty and Saroj Kumar Routray
The case provides an insight on the provisions of the IND AS 115 (largely converging with IFRS 15), financial impact of alternative accounting practices and dynamics of a revenue…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
The case provides an insight on the provisions of the IND AS 115 (largely converging with IFRS 15), financial impact of alternative accounting practices and dynamics of a revenue recognition decision. MBA students can use the knowledge derived from the case at their workplace when they encounter accounting of “revenue from a contract with customers”.
Case overview/synopsis
Saifudin Rehman, one of the promoter of Suprajeet Corporation (SUC) had been engaged in electrical installation contract business. The firm had been doing well in the field of small contracts and was having steady growth. People in the firm were also quite acquainted with the kind of contracts they were doing. However, Saifudin always wanted to get into a big contract business. For getting into big installation contracts, the corporation needed more working capital and needed to satisfy the criteria of having a high amount of turnover in the preceding year. The case will be looked into from the perspective of accounting procedure to see the possibility of increasing the revenue by changing the method of accounting in relation to revenue recognition. The case provided the opportunity to evaluate the benefits and the costs involved in changing the accounting method in SUC.
Complexity academic level
Commerce Graduates and MBA I.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.
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Priyanka Sakare and Saroj Kumar Giri
The purpose of this paper was to study the color change kinetics of lac dye in response to aldehydes, carbon dioxide and other food spoilage metabolites for its potential…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to study the color change kinetics of lac dye in response to aldehydes, carbon dioxide and other food spoilage metabolites for its potential application in intelligent food packaging.
Design/methodology/approach
UV–Vis spectroscopy was used to study the color change of dye solution. Ratio of absorbance of dye solution at 528 nm (peak of ionized form) to absorbance at 488 nm (peak of unionized form) was used to study the color change. Color change kinetics was studied in terms of change in absorbance ratio (A528/A488) with time using zero and first-order reaction kinetics. Lac dye-based indicator was prepared to validate the result of study for monitoring quality of strawberries.
Findings
Lac dye was orange-red in acidic medium and purple in alkaline medium. Color change of dye in response to benzaldehyde followed zero-order reaction kinetics, whereas for carbon dioxide first-order model was found best. No color change of dye solution was observed for alcohols, ketones and sulfur compounds. In the validation part, the color of the indicator label changed from purple to orange when the strawberries spoiled.
Originality/value
The study expands application area for lac dye as sensing reagent in intelligent food packaging for spoilage or ripeness detection of fruits and vegetables.
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Abhishek Kumar, Saroj Kumar Mishra and Akanksha Saini
The increasing prevalence of mobile phones and the ease of cheaper Internet access have accelerated the growth of mobile-based payments in India. The study aims to identify…
Abstract
Purpose
The increasing prevalence of mobile phones and the ease of cheaper Internet access have accelerated the growth of mobile-based payments in India. The study aims to identify must-have and should-have factors affecting consumers’ usage intention toward “Near-Field Communication (NFC)” based mobile payments.
Design/methodology/approach
The research integrates diffusion innovation theory and the technology acceptance model. Employing a mixed-methods approach, combining partial least square structural equation modeling and Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA). Thus, the study draws from qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey of 218 respondents.
Findings
The study results indicate that the relative advantage of NFC-based mobile payments over conventional payment modes and security concerns directly affect the intention to use it. However, complexity, transaction speed and ease of use do not affect the intention to use. Moreover, perceived usefulness mediates the relationship between complexity, relative advantage and transaction speed with the intention to use NFC-based mobile payments. Less complexity and ease of use, despite being insignificant determinants as per PLS-SEM, must be focused on as the NCA results indicate its necessity for future market growth.
Originality/value
This research addresses a significant gap by focusing on Indian consumers' intention to use NFC-based mobile payments, an area largely unexplored despite the global and availability of such services. The study distinguishes itself by examining factors influencing adoption within the nascent stage of mobile-based NFC payments in India, where digital growth and technology uptake are gradually unfolding.
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Saroj Kumar Singh, Alok Raj, J. Ajith Kumar and Cyril Foropon
The purpose of this paper is to identify potential constraints and determine the constraint structure in a steel manufacturing plant. “Potential constraint” is defined as a factor…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify potential constraints and determine the constraint structure in a steel manufacturing plant. “Potential constraint” is defined as a factor that is either a constraint at present or can become one in the future and “constraint structure” is used to denote the network of influences between the potential constraints in an organization.
Design/methodology/approach
A three-step methodology was followed. First, potential constraints in a steel manufacturing plant were identified with a literature review and expert inputs. Then, the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (fuzzy DEMATEL) technique was applied to uncover the structure and finally, an ex-post validation and refinement of the results was done with help from other experts.
Findings
A total of 10 key potential constraints to steel manufacturing were identified. The two outputs of fuzzy DEMATEL – the influence scatter plot (ISP) and the influence network diagram (IND) – together reveal the constraint structure. The 10 potential constraints could be classified into three types – influencers, mediators and influenced – respectively. Of these “Top management commitment (TMC)” and “Clear vision and long-term planning (CLP)” influence other factors the most, and are themselves influenced the least; while “Customer Relationship Management (CRM)” is most influenced by other factors, while influencing other factors the least.
Practical implications
Potential constraints and the constraint structure can help decision makers in a steel manufacturing plant to identify which organizational factors to address and achieving the plant's goals.
Originality/value
This is the first study that analyzed organizational level constraints in a steel manufacturing context.