Shubham Pathak and Siwarut Laikram
The study aims at enriching the existing cooperative education sector in Thailand. Adequate cooperative education has direct impacts upon graduates’ future professional…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims at enriching the existing cooperative education sector in Thailand. Adequate cooperative education has direct impacts upon graduates’ future professional development, employability and enhanced professional skills. The cooperative education framework in Thailand is relatively a recent concept and lacks detailed research.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology adopted in this study is mixed-method, inclusive of qualitative methodology where data were collected through key informant interviews and; quantitative methodology involving survey questionnaires with a sample of 350 respondents. The data analysis included the quantitative analysis with Chi-square and excerpts from the key informant interview respondents. Additional strength, weakness, opportunity and threat analysis is performed to provide for gaps at various levels of cooperative education and the potential opportunities to the graduates in Thailand.
Findings
The findings depict a lack of legal framework for effective skill development, uncertain moral and physical security of the interns and absence of legal rights for interns, minimal support and assistance from the government sector, reduced future employability and insufficient financial resources among poorer students.
Research limitations/implications
Lack of student and cooperative database with the government departments.
Practical implications
The Thai Qualification Framework has been adopted in a majority of universities, however, the quality assurance does not cover the student’s perspectives, financial and social limitations towards attending the cooperative education.
Social implications
With enhanced vulnerabilities due to the Covid-19 pandemic, adverse impacts are analysed and recommendations are provided for enhancing cooperative education opportunities towards students.
Originality/value
This research aims to understand the perspectives of the students who graduated with cooperative education and are currently working professionals.
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Piyoosh Rautela, Girish Chandra Joshi and Bhupendra Bhaisora
The purpose of this paper is to attempt to assess the seismic vulnerability of the built environment in the Himalayan township of Mussoorie in the state of Uttarakhand (India)…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to attempt to assess the seismic vulnerability of the built environment in the Himalayan township of Mussoorie in the state of Uttarakhand (India), paying specific attention to hospitals. Also an attempt is made to assess the magnitude of minimum economic losses, so as to design and undertake measures for reducing human misery in the event of a major disaster.
Design/methodology/approach
Seismic vulnerability of the building stock is evaluated using FEMA technique rapid visual screening and the likely earthquake induced damage is depicted as a function of the damage grades of the European Macroseismic Scale (EMS‐98). In total, 3,344 buildings, including 14 hospitals, are surveyed. In the field the structures are mapped using IKONOS satellite imagery while the collected data are analysed under geographic information system environment.
Findings
It was found that 18 percent of surveyed structures fall in high probability of Grade 5 damage and very high probability of Grade 4 damage class. This is estimated to result in economic loss of US$52.47 million. Almost, 80 percent of the hospitals of Mussoorie are thus likely to be non‐functional in the post‐earthquake phase due to varying degrees of structural and non‐structural damage.
Research limitations/implications
The study does not account for the cost of demolition or ground clearance cost for reconstruction, or losses likely to be incurred by public infrastructure. Thus, it is implied that retrofitting and replacement of vulnerable healthcare infrastructure should be facilitated on a priority basis along with development of suitable plans for mitigating losses in an earthquake event.
Practical implications
The study brings forth the importance of corrective actions (retrofitting/replacement) and detailed vulnerability assessment of all lifeline structures on priority basis.
Social implications
The results are intended to reduce seismic vulnerability and human toll in the event of any earthquake in the area.
Originality/value
The work is based upon the original data generated by the authors through rigorous fieldwork in the area and the results are totally based on these.
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Himanshu Prajapati, Shubham Dable, Ravi Kant and Usha Batra
Industry 4.0 (I4.0) influences the supply chain, including innovation, structure, availability and communication. It influences the supply chain by modifying how products are…
Abstract
Purpose
Industry 4.0 (I4.0) influences the supply chain, including innovation, structure, availability and communication. It influences the supply chain by modifying how products are designed, manufactured, delivered and discarded for the sustainability of an organization. Sustainability emphasizes the use of optimal raw materials, efficient storage and delivery, on-time supply, productivity development, recycling, remanufacturing and refurbishing. The aim of this study is to identify and establish causal relationships among the key aspects that contribute to the success of I4.0-enabled sustainable supply chain (I4eSSC). The objective is to classify these components into discrete categories according to their causal and consequential linkages.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a three-phase hybrid Criteria Importance Through Inter-criteria Correlation and Grey Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (G-DEMATEL) framework to achieve the stated objectives. A study is conducted to empirically examine the Indian automobile sector in order to illustrate the suitability of the suggested framework.
Findings
During the initial stage, a total of 26 success factors have been identified for the I4eSSC implementation. During the second part of the study, a total of 20 success factors were found and deemed critical success factors (CSFs). During the concluding stage, it was seen that out of the total of 20 chosen CSFs, nine were categorized in the cause group, whereas the remaining 11 were classified under the effect group. The analysis revealed that the element of “adoption of emerging technology for sustainable product and process development” was assigned the greatest level of importance.
Practical implications
This study aims to motivate professionals to enhance the integration of I4.0 into sustainable supply chains to maximize the advantages offered by these two separate concepts. It is imperative to devote genuine consideration to the examination of causal group variables in the context of I4eSSC, since these elements possess a direct influence on the overall performance of systems and exert a significant impact on the components within the effect group.
Originality/value
This study presents an extensive compilation of CSFs pertaining to the implementation of I4eSSC. The primary objective is to determine the relative relevance of these factors and explore the intricate causal relationships that exist among them. Furthermore, this study stands out due to its novel application of a specific decision-making methodology within the field of I4eSSC.
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Shubham, Parikshit Charan and L.S. Murty
Contemporary frameworks on institutional theory and corporate environmentalism observe that institutional fields positively influence a firm’s environmental response in the form…
Abstract
Purpose
Contemporary frameworks on institutional theory and corporate environmentalism observe that institutional fields positively influence a firm’s environmental response in the form of implementation of environmental practices. These frameworks, however, provide little evidence on why firms facing similar institutional field differ in their environmental response. This paper aims to incorporate the intra-organizational dynamics within the traditional institutional theory framework to address this heterogeneity, examining specifically the role of absorptive capacity for environmental knowledge in the organizational implementation of corporate environmental practices.
Design/methodology/approach
Integrating the institutional theory and resource-based view, this paper examines the mediating role of absorptive capacity in the relationship between institutional pressure for corporate environmentalism vis-a-vis the implementation of corporate environmental practices. Partial least square structural equation modeling was used for hypotheses testing based on data obtained from the Indian apparel and textile industry.
Findings
The results support the mediating role of absorptive capacity in the relationship between institutional pressure and implementation of corporate environmental practices. Further, this study highlights the importance of acquisition and utilization of environmental knowledge in driving environmentalism through developing absorptive capacity; the findings also suggest that the role of institutional pressure in the implementation of environmental practices should not be analyzed in isolation but rather in conjunction with the development of absorptive capacity that forms the internal basis of implementation.
Practical implications
Managers need to focus on the development of organizational capabilities for acquiring and exploiting environmental knowledge to complement their preparedness in responding to any institutional pressures for environmental sustainability. Firms also need to link their environmental orientation with various sources of environmental knowledge and capabilities residing outside the organizational boundaries. It is important to note here that the development of absorptive capacities for the exploration and exploitation of external knowledge is indeed both required and necessary to build sustainable organizational capabilities.
Originality/value
This paper is among the very few studies that address the issue of knowledge and development of related organizational capabilities for corporate environmentalism. Recognizing that environmental knowledge resides outside organizational boundaries with regulatory agencies and special interest groups, this paper highlights the importance of developing organizational capabilities for the acquisition and exploitation of environmental knowledge.
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This paper aims to study the relationship between the knowledge exchanged during client interactions and innovation in knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) enterprises. It…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the relationship between the knowledge exchanged during client interactions and innovation in knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) enterprises. It adapts the concept of absorptive capacity, i.e. the ability of the firm to successfully deal with external knowledge, to the case of client knowledge being absorbed with the support of information and communication technologies and explores whether its three main dimensions (acquisition, assimilation and application of client knowledge) are significant enablers of KIBS’ innovation propensity.
Design/methodology/approach
An empirical analysis is based on a dataset of 417 Russian KIBS companies collected in 2019 following the recommendations suggested in the new edition of Oslo Manual. To examine the relationship between the three-client knowledge absorptive capacity dimensions and implementation of different types of innovation by KIBS, the study applies linear ordinary least squares and logistic regression methods.
Findings
The results show that acquisition of client knowledge through the wide number of digital channels, assimilation of such knowledge boosted by its codification through a digital customer relationship management (CRM) system and application of client knowledge across different functional areas are positively associated with both product and business process innovations in KIBS.
Originality/value
The paper proposes that KIBS should develop and sustain the strong internal capacity to absorb knowledge through routine day-to-day client interactions as a part of their knowledge management systems. The results also indicate that application of digital communication tools and CRM systems are beneficial for KIBS and increases their propensity to innovate.
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Kumar Verma Bhupendra and Shirish Sangle
This paper aims to present empirical test to analyse a structural process model based on the constructs of absorptive capacity considering sustainability aspects. It integrates…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present empirical test to analyse a structural process model based on the constructs of absorptive capacity considering sustainability aspects. It integrates dynamic capability perspective to strengthen the existing literature. Findings of the study may help organisations to renovate business processes related to absorptive capacity and improve decision-making considering sustainability attributes.
Design/methodology/approach
Sample for data analysis covers 389 managers of firms demonstrating some traits of sustainability orientation and operating in a developing economy like India. Structural equation modelling is applied to test a casual model.
Findings
Result of this study reveals that a formal system that drives knowledge sharing, storing and exploitation of knowledge, a structured way to appropriate and reward intellectual property rights can be fundamental to development of absorptive capacity. Such a system conducive to knowledge exploration and acquisition must lead to exploration of new knowledge sources and new knowledge. A firm’s knowledge acquisition system shall be able to deliver to acquire external as well as internal knowledge spread across departments.
Research limitations/implications
This study considers commercial output as an aspect of innovative capability, so this attribute is not included in absorptive capacity.
Practical implications
The study may help organisations to develop a systemic approach to evolve decision-making and develop suitable processes linked to absorptive capacity considering sustainability challenges and uncertain market conditions.
Social implications
The study presents a comprehensive view of absorptive capacity considering societal stakeholder’s knowledge in addition to technological and market knowledge.
Originality/value
There are hardly any research articles which link absorptive capacity, dynamic capability and sustainability strategies.