D. Mukherjee, J. Berchman, A. Rajsekkar, N. Sundarsanan, R. Mahalingam, S. Maruthamuthu, T. Thiruchelvam and Degri Karaikudi
The term microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) appears to be very closely related to the composition of the bio‐film which harbours the micro‐organism. Formation of an initial…
Abstract
The term microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) appears to be very closely related to the composition of the bio‐film which harbours the micro‐organism. Formation of an initial slimy layer on immersed metallic substrates is the rate‐controlling parameter of bio‐fouling, as uninterrupted undesirable growth of bio‐films occurs over this layer. To contain this bio‐film problem, formation of an adherent layer of toxic and inhibited corrosion product, that interacts with biofilm, could be exploited. Deals with the preliminary interactions of a few copper‐based alloys, with mildly toxic alkaloid class‐inhibitive compounds, in a simulated marine environment. It is assumed that the toxic and inhibited corrosion product and bio‐film interaction layer will interfere with the formation of the initial slimy cover on the immersed surface, responsible for bio‐fouling. It is seen that these alkaloid compounds exert a limited response on the inhibition of copper‐based alloys like monel. Brucine appears to be a more effective inhibitor for the monel surface. Pre‐oxidation of the uninhibited brass surface and also post‐oxidation of the inhibited surface appear to consolidate the corrosion product bio‐film‐inhibitor interaction layers, indicating the compatibility of these alkaloid compounds to the probable thermal strains to be encountered in engineering services. This indicates the possibility of using these compounds in heat transfer devices, like heat exchangers, where seawater is used as coolant.
Public procurement presents substantial market opportunities for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which can contribute to their economic growth. However, limited…
Abstract
Purpose
Public procurement presents substantial market opportunities for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which can contribute to their economic growth. However, limited dynamic capabilities often pose challenges for SMEs to participate effectively in public procurement markets. Drawing on dynamic capability (DC) theory, this study explores whether financial capability (FNCP) influences SMEs’ ability to leverage their technological capability (TECC) and marketing sensing capability (MKSC) and actively engage in public procurement.
Design/methodology/approach
Data for this study were collected from 248 SME managers in the Ilala District, Tanzania, using a cross-sectional questionnaire survey and stratified random sampling technique. The proposed hypotheses were tested empirically through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and the Hayes PROCESS macro.
Findings
TECC and MKSC demonstrated significant positive associations with SME participation in public procurement (SMPP). Moreover, the interaction between TECC and FNCP as well as the interaction between MKSC and FNCP demonstrate a significant positive effect, suggesting that FNCP strengthens the impact of TECC and MKSC on SMPP.
Research limitations/implications
The scope of this study was limited to SMEs in the Ilala District of Tanzania, hence affecting the generalizability of the findings to other contexts. More importantly, the study findings enrich the understanding of DC theory, signifying that the integration and reconfiguration of MKSC, TECC and FNCP add significant value to SMPP.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that policymakers, support institutions and SME managers should focus on enhancing SMEs' MKSC and TECC to improve their participation in public procurement. In addition, improving SMEs' access to financial resources can further strengthen these effects, enabling more inclusive participation in public procurement.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the literature on SMPP by highlighting the critical roles of MKSC and TECC. It also underscores the importance of FNCP as a moderator in these relationships, which has not been addressed in the existing literature. By integrating these factors, the study offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the dynamics that influence SMPP from financial, technological and marketing perspectives, particularly in developing economies like Tanzania.
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Rahsidi Sabri Muda, Ainul Bahiah Mohd Khidzir and Mohamad Faiq Md Amin
Dams are constructed for many purposes such as for power generation, irrigation, water supply and flood control. However, dams can also impose risks to the public, and the…
Abstract
Dams are constructed for many purposes such as for power generation, irrigation, water supply and flood control. However, dams can also impose risks to the public, and the situation could be disastrous if dam failure occurred. The study area, Bertam Valley, is located downstream of hydroelectric dam known as Sultan Abu Bakar Dam, Cameron Highlands. The key objectives of the study are to determine the potential risk area at downstream and to assess the flooding impact on damage to buildings and infrastructures due to dam break event. ArcGIS application and output from two-dimensional flood modelling have been used as an integrated approach to analyse the impact due to dam break flood, by creating flood severity grid analysis. The result obtained shows that the estimated inundated area is about 0.28 km2, and almost 197 buildings are potentially affected. Results from this study show that in the event of dam break, the huge volume of impounding water will pound to the downstream areas, threatening the populations, and environment along its path. The finding is useful to assist the local authorities and emergency responders in formulating an emergency procedure to save the people during an emergency.
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Nur Faiza Ishak and Vinesh Thiruchelvam
The purpose of this study is to discuss policy review in the interest of sustainable innovations in Malaysia’s public procurement. This study also offers the overall relationship…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to discuss policy review in the interest of sustainable innovations in Malaysia’s public procurement. This study also offers the overall relationship between existing policies related to sustainable innovations in public procurement and the coherences towards the four dimensions of sustainable innovations.
Design/methodology/approach
This study outlines the current policies in Malaysia which are related to sustainable innovation initiatives and explores the cohesiveness that appears disconnected and understood separately. Policy content analysis is conducted on the current policies related to sustainable innovations in the context of Malaysia’s public procurement.
Findings
This study observed that the current policies related to sustainable innovations in public procurement are actually interconnected with each other through a hierarchical framework. This study also demonstrates that the 12th Malaysia Plan has comprehensively encompassed every aspect of the environment, social, economic and innovation to contribute to one primary goal – green economic growth.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed policy framework is expected to be beneficial for the administrator executive among the civil servant to connect the independent policies and, at the same time, contribute to the overall goal of green economic growth. Through a broad policy structure too, this study helps the industry player to recognize their potential in any area related to sustainable innovation.
Originality/value
The policy framework illustrated is new to the literature, especially in Malaysia’s context. The compilation of current policy grounded by the 12th Malaysia Plan has not been presented in any publications.
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The purpose of this paper is to investigate how manufacturing strategies could affect the supplier selection criteria used by business firms.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how manufacturing strategies could affect the supplier selection criteria used by business firms.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey strategy was used to empirically understand the research argument. First, principal component factor analysis was employed to validate the underlying structure of the supplier selection criteria. Then, simple regression analysis was employed to test the research hypotheses.
Findings
Organizations pursuing lean strategies will emphasize factors that improve their efficiency when selecting their suppliers, while organizations pursuing agile strategies will assert factors that improve their ability to respond to customer unique requirements when selecting their suppliers.
Research limitations/implications
This study provides new insight for researchers to understand the effect of manufacturing strategies on the classification of supplier selection criteria. However, the small sample size might limit the ability to generalize research findings. Further research is required to confirm the findings using a wider sample.
Practical implications
This research provides practitioners with useful insights into how to select their suppliers based on their manufacturing strategies.
Originality/value
This paper classifies supplier selection criteria into three distinct groups: lean, agile, and common capabilities. Lean capability refers to the list of criteria that are highly relevant in selecting suppliers for lean implementers. Agile capability refers to the list of criteria that are highly relevant in selecting suppliers for agile implementers. Finally, common capability refers to the list of criteria that have comparable relevance in selecting suppliers for both lean and agile implementers.
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Anandika Sharma, Anupam Sharma, Rohit Kumar Singh and Tarunpreet Bhatia
Blockchain technology can overcome many complicated problems related to confidentiality, integrity and availability of fast and secure distributed systems in the agri-food supply…
Abstract
Purpose
Blockchain technology can overcome many complicated problems related to confidentiality, integrity and availability of fast and secure distributed systems in the agri-food supply chain. In emerging economies like India, blockchain application in the agri-food supply chain is still new, and their adoption is underdeveloped. This paper aims to investigate the drivers of blockchain technology adoption and their effect on the behavioral intention of stakeholders in adopting blockchain technology among various stakeholders in the agri-food supply chain. The study also develops a framework to enhance understanding of blockchain adoption in the agri-food supply chain as well as the stakeholders' motivation in seeking blockchain solutions.
Design/methodology/approach
Considering the most significant aspects of blockchain adoption in the agri-food supply chain, this study attempts to develop an adoption model by using the extended unified theory of acceptance and technology model with interfirm trust and transparency as additional factors. Data was collected from a sample of 200 stakeholders in the North Indian state of Punjab. The empirical analysis was carried out using structural equation modeling in Smart PLS3.
Findings
The findings supported the developed framework and the results of SEM indicate that all the paths are supported. In particular, the findings of the study reveal that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, interfirm trust and transparency are the drivers of blockchain adoption and have a significant impact on the behavioral intention of stakeholders. Cumulatively, the results positively impact the performance of agri-food supply chain. From this study, it is found that the adoption of blockchain technology in agri-food supply chain enhances their performance.
Originality/value
The originality of the study lies in the developed framework, technology adoption will help them focus in the right direction by eliminating manual methods and converting the agri-food supply chain into a digitalization system.
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Federico Galán-Valdivieso, Juana Alonso-Cañadas, Laura Saraite-Sariene and Carmen Caba-Perez
Green Public Procurement (GPP) has recently gained attention in the academic and policy arenas since climate change has uncovered the need to be addressed by both private…
Abstract
Purpose
Green Public Procurement (GPP) has recently gained attention in the academic and policy arenas since climate change has uncovered the need to be addressed by both private companies and public entities. Because of this growing interest this study aims to explore the most influential journals, publishers, categories, topics and therecent trends and future research lines in GPP.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the Web of Science database, 1,008 articles from 1990 to November 2023 devoted to GPP are analysed by using Bibliometrix, an R-tool to perform bibliometric analysis.
Findings
This study introduces the following findings. The most influential journals by far are Journal of Cleaner Production and Sustainability, differing in that the latter is open access (OA) while the former publishes through traditional subscription (TS). This result also occurs regarding the main publishers (Elsevier and MDPI).
Social implications
GPP is a political commitment that contributes to improving the efficiency of the economies and that has aroused the interest of the scientific community. The paper can provide important insights for GPPs formulation in the areas of procurements and literacy.
Originality/value
The paper leads a debate on the opportunities or threats that the OA journals present for the dissemination of scientific knowledge of GPP, compared to TS publications in the same field.
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ChangHyun Jin, MoonSun Yoon and JungYong Lee
This study aims to understand the specific attributes of a brand’s color identity in an investigation of the relationship between color identity, brand association and other…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to understand the specific attributes of a brand’s color identity in an investigation of the relationship between color identity, brand association and other factors, including brand loyalty.
Design/methodology/approach
Focus group interviews and open-ended questions were used initially to create items for the survey. After excluding insincere responses, 781 responses to the questionnaire were used for the analysis. Structural equation modeling was performed to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The results reveal that sub-factors that comprise the color identity construct are closely related to the components of brand association. All components of brand association, including brand attribution, brand benefits and brand attitude, were shown to have a positive impact on brand self-identification. In turn, brand self-identification was shown to have a positive impact on brand loyalty.
Research limitations/implications
The generalizability of the study’s findings is limited insofar as only three components of the visual identity of the airline company under study – its logo, airplane exteriors and cabin attendants’ uniforms – were used for the color image analysis.
Practical implications
In marketing, color choices play a critical role in building brand identity as they positively affect a company’s brand association in consumers’ minds. Previous studies on airline brands have focused mainly on systematic factors related to service, prices and scheduling.
Originality/value
Regarding brand identity, color is an important factor in visual communication. Among the psychological functions of color, it has a communication function that can most directly and effectively deliver message and meaning of a company to consumers.
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Dirk Holtbrügge and Nikhila Raghavan
There is controversy over whether foreign direct investment (FDI) increases or reduces environmental degradation in host countries resulting in pollution havens or pollution…
Abstract
Purpose
There is controversy over whether foreign direct investment (FDI) increases or reduces environmental degradation in host countries resulting in pollution havens or pollution halos. Based on the concept of scale, technology and composition effects, this paper aims to examine the causal relationship between FDI and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in India.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper analyzes panel data of the three most polluting industries between 2005 and 2021 by conducting a Granger causality test.
Findings
The results provide evidence of pollution havens in the manufacturing and transportation industry, and in the metallurgy and chemical sectors within the manufacturing industry.
Research limitations/implications
FDI inflows and CO2 emissions are characterized by large regional variations in India. Hence, future studies of the pollution haven vs pollution halo effect in India could therefore use state-level or even district-level data to test for regional variations.
Practical implications
This paper provides policy recommendations such as increasing the absorptive capacity of local firms to strengthen the technique effect, which would help India combat climate change.
Social implications
Increasing the absorptive capacity of local firms through incentives such as subsidies and environmental requirements in public contracts can lead to job creation in the green technology sector. This can provide new employment opportunities, especially in R&D and sustainable technology fields, boosting the local economy.
Originality/value
The study adds to the understanding of the endogenous relationship between FDI and environmental degradation, the importance of lagged feedback responses and the impact of industry- and sector-specific influences on this relationship.
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Alfred Bo Shing Lee, Felix T.S. Chan and Xiaodie Pu
The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of supplier development (SD) on supplier’s performance by sharing implicit knowledge in mentorship under the influence of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of supplier development (SD) on supplier’s performance by sharing implicit knowledge in mentorship under the influence of supplier’s organizational culture (OC).
Design/methodology/approach
A survey questionnaire was employed to collect data from 226 employees of participating suppliers after conducting mentorship training at the suppliers’ site. The data were analyzed by the partial least squares structural equation modeling with software SmartPLS Ver. 3.0.
Findings
The empirical analysis indicates that SD by mentorship partially mediates the total effects of OC – power distance and uncertainty avoidance – on performance. It completely mediates the collaborative culture on performance.
Originality/value
This study may confirm that the SD program by mentorship is a viable strategy to enhance the performance of supply chain partners and the selection of suppliers.