Bandana Purkayastha and Kathryn Strother Ratcliff
The purpose of this chapter is to discuss how routine violence seeps into the interstices of social life. Routine violence is part of a continuum of violence that extends from…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this chapter is to discuss how routine violence seeps into the interstices of social life. Routine violence is part of a continuum of violence that extends from intimate violence to large-scale wars. It is gendered/racialized/classed and it is often invisible because it is normalized in everyday life.
Design/methodology/approach
Using cases from India we illustrate facets of routine violence and then use the frame to discuss some examples from the United States.
Findings
We discuss the social implications of routine violence including the significant harm on large sections of people in today’s world.
Originality
We meld theoretical discussions about violence associated with states with scholarship on violence against women; we use Indian activists’ concepts of routine violence and examine routine violence in the United States.
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The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive review of the fundamental concepts and terminologies pertaining to different types of aluminium metal matrix composites…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive review of the fundamental concepts and terminologies pertaining to different types of aluminium metal matrix composites, their joining techniques and challenges, friction stir welding (FSW) process, post-welding characterizations and basic control theory of FSW, followed by the discussions on the research reports in these areas.
Design/methodology/approach
Joining of aluminium metal matrix composites (Al-MMC) poses many challenges. These materials have their demanding applications in versatile domains, and hence it is essential to understand their weldability and material characteristics. FSW is a feasible choice for joining of Al-MMC over the fusion welding because of the formation of narrow heat affected zone and minimizing the formation of intermetallic compounds at weld interface. The goal in FSW is to generate enough thermal energy by friction between the workpiece and rotating tool. Heat energy is generated by mechanical interaction because of the difference in velocity between the workpiece and rotating tool. In the present work, a detailed survey is done on the above topics and an organised conceptual context is presented. A complete discussion on significance of FSW process parameters, control schemes, parameter optimization and weld quality monitoring are presented, along with the analysis on relation between the interdependent parameters.
Findings
Results from the study present the research gaps in the FSW studies for joining of the aluminium-based metal matrix composites, and they highlight further scope of studies pertaining to this domain.
Originality/value
It is observed that the survey done on FSW of Al-MMCs and their control theory give an insight into the fundamental concepts pertaining to this research area to enhance interdisciplinary technology exploration.
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Rahul SG and Sharmila A.
This paper aims to investigate two control mechanisms on the two parameters, namely, spindle speed and tool pin position, while performing friction stir welding (FSW) for…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate two control mechanisms on the two parameters, namely, spindle speed and tool pin position, while performing friction stir welding (FSW) for aluminium metal matrix composites (Al-MMC) using the concept of system identification.
Design/methodology/approach
FSW is a feasible choice for joining of Al-MMC over the fusion welding due to the formation of the narrow heat-affected zone and minimizing the formation of intermetallic compounds at weld interface. The goal in FSW is to generate enough thermal energy by friction between the workpiece and rotating tool. Heat energy is generated due to mechanical interaction because of the difference in velocity between the workpiece and rotating tool. The generated heat is proportional to the tool pin position and the spindle speed. In the present work, a Smith Predictor Control scheme and adaptive control scheme are developed during joining of Al6061/SiC/B4C Al-MMC by FSW. Adaptive controller is developed to control the tool pin position while Smith Predictor control is developed to control the spindle speed. Initially, the Al-MMC plates are prepared at five combinations of SiC and B4C reinforcements and welded at three level parameter settings followed by tensile testing. The experimental data are used in estimating the plant transfer function model using system identification. The control schemes are then developed for the estimated plant model and the same are validated using a standard PID controller. In both the control schemes, PID controller results in a sluggish response. Experimental validations are performed for the developed control schemes followed by microscopic studies of the weldments.
Findings
In both the control schemes, PID controller results in a sluggish response. Experimental validations are performed for the developed control schemes followed by microscopic studies of the weldments.
Research limitations/implications
Results from the study concluded that the developed MRAC and Smith predictor scheme effectively controlled the vibrations and spindle speed effectively.
Originality/value
It is observed that the scanning electron microscopy micrographs of the Al-MMC’s welded using developed control schemes resulted in good boding with homogenous distribution of reinforcement particles.
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Herman Aguinis, Mahfooz A. Ansari, Sharmila Jayasingam and Rehana Aafaqi
Based on the leadership, entrepreneurship, and issue selling literature, we hypothesized that entrepreneurs who are perceived to be successful can be differentiated from…
Abstract
Based on the leadership, entrepreneurship, and issue selling literature, we hypothesized that entrepreneurs who are perceived to be successful can be differentiated from unsuccessful entrepreneurs based on their degree and type of social power. We conducted a field experiment including 305 Malaysian managers with considerable experience in working with entrepreneurs and in entrepreneurial environments. Entrepreneurs perceived to be successful were ascribed greater referent, information, expert, connection, and reward power; less coercive power; and similar legitimate power than unsuccessful entrepreneurs. These results provide evidence in support of social power as a distinguishing individual characteristic of successful entrepreneurs and make a contribution to theories linking social capital with entrepreneurial success. Aspiring entrepreneurs need to be aware that their social power profile is associated with various degrees of perceived success. Our paper points to the need to investigate variables beyond personality and that are more directly relevant to social and interpersonal interactions that may differentiate entrepreneurs perceived to be successful from those who are not.
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Ruchika Jain, Neena Seth, Kiran Sood and Simon Grima
Blockchain technology was once only associated with the financial industry, but it is now being used in a variety of industries, including education. Researchers all over the…
Abstract
Blockchain technology was once only associated with the financial industry, but it is now being used in a variety of industries, including education. Researchers all over the world take a keen interest in studying the various applications of blockchain technology for the last 4–5 years. The current study is a review of previously published studies on blockchain technology’s applicability in the sector of education. The systematic review was used to conduct the qualitative analysis using the PRISMA Framework (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis). For this comprehensive literature review analysis, 99 publications were chosen in the final stage of selection. Bibliometric analysis is employed to analyse the collected data. Authorship analysis, co-authorship analysis, keyword co-occurrences, and important applications of blockchain in education are the primary parts in which the literature’s findings are organised. Important directions are given for researchers and academicians involved in blockchain-related research who may use the bibliometric analysis of the present study as a reference.
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Kaushik Samaddar and Aradhana Gandhi
The study explores and builds theories in Customer Perceived Values (CPVs) that drive counterfeit buying intention, using a Grounded Theory Approach (GTA) in an emerging market…
Abstract
Purpose
The study explores and builds theories in Customer Perceived Values (CPVs) that drive counterfeit buying intention, using a Grounded Theory Approach (GTA) in an emerging market, India.
Design/methodology/approach
Counterfeit studies have either resorted to a survey approach or modelling approach in investigating various aspects and dimensions. This study, among a few, attempted a GTA in building theory on CPVs. Based on the observations and recorded responses that emerged through several Focus Group Discussions (FGDs); conducted in two metropolitan cities (India), newer insights into this illicit phenomenon of “Counterfeiting” were derived.
Findings
Adding to the counterfeit literature, the study presents a comprehensive view of the CPVs. Findings reveal economic, socio-normative, pleasure-based, euphemistic, acquisition-centrality, self-regulating, situational and sustainable consumption values that influence counterfeit attitudes and in turn impact counterfeit buying intentions. Although Economic Values (ECV) have been the primary motivation for counterfeit purchase, complex and newer values that emerged through this research study bears significance.
Practical implications
As a single point of reference, this study will provide impetus to scholars and academicians in expanding the counterfeit research domain. While aiding policymakers and marketers in further understanding this illicit practice, it will also guide brand managers in strategizing their offerings and reaching out to the masses with strong brand aesthetic values.
Originality/value
Based on a systematic literature review using the 4 Ws framework, this study is one of the few attempts that has adopted a GTA to explore and develop theories on CPVs in counterfeit research.
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Elizabeth C. Annan-Prah and Raphael P.K. Andoh
Customised capacity building is thought to be essential for organisations. However, empirical studies are lacking with respect to its effect on employee outcomes. This study aims…
Abstract
Purpose
Customised capacity building is thought to be essential for organisations. However, empirical studies are lacking with respect to its effect on employee outcomes. This study aims to examine the effect of customised capacity building on employee outcomes including employee empowerment and employee engagement through employee learning in Ghanaian local government institutions.
Design/methodology/approach
Valid responses from 281 employees of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana were collected through a survey. A structural equation model was used to analyse the data and test the hypotheses formulated.
Findings
The results showed that customised capacity building has an effect on employee learning, employee empowerment, and employee engagement. Employee learning also had an effect on employee empowerment and employee engagement. In addition, employee learning partially mediated the effect of customised capacity building on both employee empowerment and employee engagement.
Originality/value
This study is of particular relevance to public organisations. As there is a dearth of studies focusing on customised capacity building, this study provides insight into incorporating the phenomenon into public sector organisations to enhance employee learning, empowerment and engagement.
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Thanika Devi Juwaheer, Sharmila Pudaruth and Priyasha Ramdin
The paper aims to explore the contributing factors impacting on shopping experiences of customers in Mauritius. It also seeks to investigate the relative significance of these…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to explore the contributing factors impacting on shopping experiences of customers in Mauritius. It also seeks to investigate the relative significance of these factors in predicting the willingness of customers to visit shopping malls of Mauritius.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper applies the data reduction technique using exploratory factor analysis on a sample of 600 respondents drawn from 23 shopping malls and shopping centres across Mauritius and condenses a set of 33 mall attributes into a list of six comprehensible dimensions about shopping experience. The multiple regression analysis was also conducted to investigate the importance of the six shopping experience dimensions in influencing the behavioural intentions of customers to visit shopping malls of Mauritius in future.
Findings
The factor analysis identified that customers visualise shopping experience as a combination of six factors: “provision of childcare facilities”, “health and wellness events”, “entertaining events”, “sports and games facilities”, “value‐added restaurant facilities” and “shopping events”. The results of the regression analysis have also suggested that the willingness of customers to visit the shopping malls is primarily derived from one significant factor related to “entertainment facilities and events”.
Practical implications
Shopping mall managers should cater for more entertainment facilities and events. Mall developers should also focus on improving restaurant facilities by maximizing regular renovation of food courts, integrating international coffee shops and fast food outlets in various shopping malls of Mauritius.
Originality/value
The study is still a pioneer work on the factors impacting on shopping experiences in the context of Mauritius which is still a developing nation. Yet, it would serve as a roadmap for mall managers and designers to enhance shopping experience in similar contexts.
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In this chapter, I revisit an important debate about dalit feminism that took place in the pages of the Economic and Political Weekly, a leading publication in India, from 1995 to…
Abstract
In this chapter, I revisit an important debate about dalit feminism that took place in the pages of the Economic and Political Weekly, a leading publication in India, from 1995 to 2000 (Datar, 1999; Guru, 1995; Rege, 1998, 2000). Reexamining this debate in the context of contemporary dalit and savarna feminist activism, I show that while the debate was key in making visible (1) the heretofore unmarked savarna nature of autonomous feminism and (2) the male domination of dalit politics, in the decades following the debate, dalit politics remains primarily male, and autonomous feminism while cognizant of and in conversation with dalit feminism is not necessarily transformed by dalit standpoint. Further, dalit feminism itself while visible nationally and transnationally has focused at home largely on “difference,” from savarna feminism without adequately addressing the differences among dalit subjectivities in neoliberal India, limiting the possibilities of radical, coalitional politics.
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Roger Bennett and Sharmila Savani
The purpose of this paper is to examine the state of readiness of large UK based retailing companies for the introduction of ubiquitous computing (U‐computing) retailing…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the state of readiness of large UK based retailing companies for the introduction of ubiquitous computing (U‐computing) retailing applications.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was distributed to a sampling frame of large British retailers, leading to 255 responses. The document contained items concerning, inter alia, a firm's level of preparedness, managerial attitudes towards and support for U‐computing applications, strategic fit and pre‐existing IT capacities.
Findings
A third of the respondents reported the existence of a “good fit” between U‐computing retail applications and their companies' products, activities and core competencies. However, only 20 per cent of the sample appeared to be well‐prepared for the introduction of U‐computing. There was little evidence of the sample enterprises adopting strategic approaches to implementation.
Research limitations/implications
Only a minority of the firms in the sampling frame participated in the research and the sample size was modest. Data were self‐reported and only a single country was considered. The study concerned just large businesses.
Practical implications
The outcomes suggest a widespread “wait and see” approach towards U‐computing among the sample businesses and a distinct lack of strategic thinking regarding implementation.
Originality/value
This is the first empirical study to explore the prospective introduction to British retailing of a new technology that possesses the potential to revolutionise the operations of UK retailing firms.