Margaret E Clarke and Suhail Rahim
Models of power semiconductor devices for use in circuit simulators need to take account of effects which can be neglected in low power device models; they then become very…
Abstract
Models of power semiconductor devices for use in circuit simulators need to take account of effects which can be neglected in low power device models; they then become very complex and difficult to parameterise. The power PIN diode model described in this paper demonstrates how the use of empirically derived look‐up tables can simplify the characterisation problem and how non quasi‐static effects can be incorporated
Mohd Rashid, Suhail Sabir, Umesh Waware and Afidah A. Rahim
– This paper aims to compare the inhibitive effects of polyaniline (PAni), poly(p-toluidine) and poly(aniline-co-p-toluidine) in hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to compare the inhibitive effects of polyaniline (PAni), poly(p-toluidine) and poly(aniline-co-p-toluidine) in hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution.
Design/methodology/approach
The electrochemical deposition of PAni, poly(p-toluidine) and poly(aniline-co-p-toluidine) on pure copper metal was studied potentiodynamically. The copolymer deposited was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The corrosion inhibition studies on copper electrode were performed using electrochemical methods, viz, open circuit potential (OCP) measurements, potentiodynamic polarization scans and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests, conducted in 0.1 M HCl solution.
Finding
The results of the study reveal that the copolymer of poly(aniline-co-p-toluidine) at the optimum concentration of 1 × 10−3 M has better corrosion inhibition efficiency as compared to PAni and poly(p-toluidine).
Research limitations/implications
The conducting polymers are difficult to deposit on the metal surface because of their high dissolution tendency before the electropolymerization potential of the monomer is achieved.
Practical implications
From an environmental viewpoint, poly(aniline-co-p-toluidine) is a toxic and hazardous conducting polymer.
Originality/value
The paper demonstrates that poly(aniline-co-p-toluidine) showed better dispersion in different organic solvents and had higher corrosion inhibition efficiency than PAni.
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Suhail Sultan, André de Waal and Robert Goedegebuure
Many businesses in the world are family-owned. A family-owned business differs from other types of businesses in several ways, because it is composed of both a family and a…
Abstract
Purpose
Many businesses in the world are family-owned. A family-owned business differs from other types of businesses in several ways, because it is composed of both a family and a business. A recurring question in management research has been: which type of business performs better, the family-owned or the non-family owned? An alternative question which in this respect can also be asked, in the light of the high-performance organization (HPO) theory which has become popular these past years, is: which type of business is more likely to become and stay high performing, the family-owned or the non-family owned? To try to answer these questions, many studies have been done in which the performance of family firms was compared with firms that have no family ties, but these studies gave mixed results and conflicting opinions. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
It seems evident that a new research approach is needed. A way forward is to use the HPO concept which looks at the factors important for an organization to become an HPO. Thus, the research question which this study attempts to answer is: are there differences in performance between family and non-family businesses, and if so, can these be traced back to differences in the way these businesses deal with the factors of high performance? The research used the HPO questionnaire and interviews to collect data at Palestine family and non-family owned businesses.
Findings
The research shows that Palestine non-family businesses significantly outperform family-owned businesses. Family businesses thus seem “a living paradox.” Balancing family interest and business interest often requires a compromise between family and business goals. It seems that Palestinian family businesses focus more on family interest by putting the goal of survival and “keeping the business in the family” above (short-term) financial goals. Family businesses might also feel more that the company’s money is the family money, and as a result their investment and expenses strategies are more conservative thus missing possible economic investment opportunities.
Research limitations/implications
The study results add to the current debate in the literature about which type of business performs better, and at the same time they add knowledge because if there are differences these might be explained by the factors of high performance. In this vein, the study results also contribute to the literature on high performance, as the HPO framework has not been used before for this type of comparative research.
Originality/value
The study results have practical value because they yield knowledge about the ways to organize a business so it can achieve high organizational results which is of great value to managers attempting to make their organizations perform better.
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Saheed Afolabi Ashafa and Lukman Raimi
This article explores the empirical support for the claim that Islam, described by Allah as a standard creed, is inherently compatible with inclusivity and sustainable…
Abstract
Purpose
This article explores the empirical support for the claim that Islam, described by Allah as a standard creed, is inherently compatible with inclusivity and sustainable development. Focusing on Nigeria’s multi-religious context, the research aims to assess the impact of Islam’s social well-being and economic justice on peaceful coexistence.
Design/methodology/approach
Data from 273 academics and professionals were collected and analysed using a quantitative survey research design.
Findings
The results show that the social well-being of Islam, which includes the protection of religion, life and progeny, has a significant and positive association with peaceful coexistence. Similarly, Islam’s economic justice, which includes protecting intellect/intellectual resources and wealth, also shows a substantial and positive association with peaceful coexistence in Nigeria. Aligning the principles of peaceful coexistence with Islam’s Maqasid al-Shari’ah framework (MSF) proves to be a way to strengthen the connection between social well-being and economic justice and thus improve peaceful coexistence in a multi-religious society. Control variables such as age and marital status also have positive associations with POC, while gender, education level and religion have different effects. Overall, the impact of Islam’s social well-being and economic justice, represented by the five protective principles called Maqasidul Shari’ah, has a positive association with peaceful coexistence, with the protection of progeny having the strongest influence.
Research limitations/implications
Aligning the principles of peaceful coexistence with Islam’s Maqasid al-Shari’ah framework (MSF) emerges as an avenue to strengthen the connection between social well-being and economic justice, thereby enhancing peaceful coexistence in a multi-religious society. Despite its modest scope, this study contributes valuable insights to the literature on Islam’s social well-being, economic justice and the role of Maqasid al-Shari’ah in promoting peace in diverse societies.
Originality/value
The study’s novelty lies in the empirical evidence it provides for the claim that the principles of Islam, specifically referencing the Maqasidul Shari’ah principles, are inherently compatible with inclusivity and sustainable development.
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This study aims to develop a model for readiness measurement and to study readiness levels for online testing of undergraduate students in Thailand’s distance education programs.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop a model for readiness measurement and to study readiness levels for online testing of undergraduate students in Thailand’s distance education programs.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 870 undergraduate students enrolled in the 2022 academic year of a Thai university were sampled for the study. The samples were divided into two groups: Group 1 comprised 432 students who underwent exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Group 2 comprised 438 students who underwent second-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Both were multi-stage random samples. Descriptive statistics, item-total correlations (ITCs), coefficient correlations, EFA and second-order CFA were used.
Findings
The readiness for the online testing model comprised 5 factors and 33 indicators. These included self-efficacy (SE) in utilizing technology (nine indicators), self-directed learning (SL) for readiness testing (six indicators), adequacy of technology (AT) for testing (five indicators), acceptance of online testing (AC) (seven indicators) and readiness training for testing (six indicators). The model was congruent with empirical data, and the survey results indicated that students were highly prepared at the “high” level.
Practical implications
This study disclosed several factors and indicators involved in the readiness for online testing. The university may use these findings in preparing its students for online testing for better achievement.
Originality/value
These findings may serve as a framework for the analysis of the readiness issues for online testing of undergraduate students and also offer guidance to the universities preparing to offer online testing.
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Dirk De Clercq, Muhammad Umer Azeem and Inam Ul Haq
This study aims to investigate the relationship between employees' exposure to supervisor incivility and their engagement in insubordinate behavior, by detailing a mediating role…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between employees' exposure to supervisor incivility and their engagement in insubordinate behavior, by detailing a mediating role of ruminations about interpersonal offenses and a moderating role of supervisor task conflict.
Design/methodology/approach
The research hypotheses were assessed with three rounds of data, obtained from employees and their peers, working for firms in various industries.
Findings
An important reason that employees' sense that their supervisor treats them disrespectfully escalates into defiance of supervisor authority is that the employees cannot stop thinking about how they have been wronged. The mediating role of such ruminations is particularly prominent when employees' viewpoints clash with those of their supervisor.
Practical implications
A critical danger exists for employees who are annoyed with a rude supervisor: They ponder their negative treatment, which prompts them to disobey, a response that likely diminishes the chances that supervisors might change their behaviors. This detrimental process is particularly salient when employee–supervisor interactions are marked by unpleasant task-related fights.
Originality/value
This study unpacks an unexplored link between supervisor incivility and supervisor-directed insubordination by explicating the pertinent roles of two critical factors (rumination and task conflict) in this link.
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Shalini Sahni, Sushma Verma and Rahul Pratap Singh Kaurav
The widespread uptake of digital technology tools for online teaching and learning reached its peak during the nationwide lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. It…
Abstract
Purpose
The widespread uptake of digital technology tools for online teaching and learning reached its peak during the nationwide lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. It transformed the higher education institutions (HEIs) marketplace both in developed and developing countries. However, in this process of digital transformation, several HEIs, specifically from developing countries, faced major challenges. That threatened to affect their sustainability and performance. In this vein, this study conducts a bibliometric review to map the challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and suggest strategies for HEIs to cope with post-pandemic situations in the future.
Design/methodology/approach
This comprehensive review encompasses 343 papers published between 2020 and 2023, employing a systematic approach that combines bibliometrics and content analysis to thoroughly evaluate the articles.
Findings
The investigation revealed a lack of published work addressing the specific challenges faced by the faculty members affecting their well-being. The study underscores the importance of e-learning technology adoption for higher education sustainability by compelling both students and teachers to rely heavily on social media platforms to maintain social presence and facilitate remote learning. The reduced interpersonal interaction during the pandemic has had negative consequences for academic engagement and professional advancement for both educators and students.
Practical implications
This has implications for policymakers and the management of HEIs, as it may prove useful in reenvisioning and redesigning future curricula. The paper concludes by developing a sustainable learning framework using a blended approach. Additionally, we also provide directions for future research to scholars.
Originality/value
This study has implications for policymakers and HEI management to rethink the delivery of future courses with a focus on education and institute sustainability. Finally, the research also proposes a hybrid learning framework for sustainability and forms a robust foundation for scholars in future research.
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Muhammad Umer Azeem, Dirk De Clercq and Inam Ul Haq
This study investigates how employees' experience of resource-depleting workplace loneliness may steer them away from performance-enhancing work efforts as informed by their…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates how employees' experience of resource-depleting workplace loneliness may steer them away from performance-enhancing work efforts as informed by their propensity to engage in negative work rumination. It also addresses whether and how religiosity might serve as a buffer of this harmful dynamic.
Design/methodology/approach
The hypotheses tests rely on three-round survey data collected among employees who work in various organizations in Pakistan – a relevant country context, considering the importance of people's religious faith for their professional functioning and its high-uncertainty avoidance and collectivism, which likely make workplace loneliness a particularly upsetting experience.
Findings
An important channel through which a sense of being abandoned at work compromises job performance is that employees cannot “switch off” and stop thinking about work, even after hours. The role of this explanatory mechanism is mitigated, however, when employees can draw from their religious beliefs.
Practical implications
For human resource (HR) managers, this study pinpoints a notable intrusion into the personal realm, namely, repetitive thinking about work-related issues, through which perceptions of work-related loneliness translate into a reluctance to contribute to organizational effectiveness with productive work activities. It also showcases how this translation can be subdued with personal resources that enable employees to contain the hardships they have experienced.
Originality/value
This study helps unpack the connection between workplace loneliness and job performance by detailing the unexplored roles of two important factors (negative work rumination and religiosity) in this connection.