Madihalli Sujatha, Ujjal Mukherjee, Nishant Singh and Umesh Bamel
Unlike multinational companies, small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) have budget constraints and, thereby, cannot invest heavily in improving the creativity of employees. They…
Abstract
Purpose
Unlike multinational companies, small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) have budget constraints and, thereby, cannot invest heavily in improving the creativity of employees. They look for alternative budget-friendly ways to do the same. The authors of the current paper attempt to identify two psychological-based constructs which positively influence creativity among employees. Both these psychological constructs may be improved among the employees using suitable interventions from the human resource (HR) professionals and line managers working in the organization. This study is an attempt to test the influence of organization-based self-esteem (OBSE) and psychological capital (PC) (both malleable) on creative performance behaviour (CPB) among SME employees.
Design/methodology/approach
Validated instruments were used to collect data. Structural equation model (SEM) was used to evaluate the 377 responses collected from the employees working in three SME's in India. All three SMEs work in the area of innovative process design and require a high level of creativity among employees.
Findings
PC fully mediates the relationship between OBSE and the CPBs of employees. Employees experiencing higher levels of OBSE will develop higher self-esteem, and these employees will exhibit more creative behaviours, increasing the likelihood of achieving creative results.
Research limitations/implications
This study provides valuable inputs to the creativity literature as it describes the process of how self-esteem influences the creativity of an employee. HR professionals working in SMEs can work on enhancing the OBSE and PC (both malleable) of employees to improve creativity among employees.
Originality/value
To the best of the researcher's knowledge, this is the first attempt to identify frugal ways to improve creativity, especially in SMEs.
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Ritu Tayal, Mamta Tripathi, Nishant Singh and Umesh Bamel
The objective of this paper is to employ a model to expand the literature's comprehension of the organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) phenomenon in the Indian banking…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this paper is to employ a model to expand the literature's comprehension of the organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) phenomenon in the Indian banking sector. The authors examine OCB as a mediator of the relationship between job embeddedness (JE), self-efficacy (SE) and organisation effectiveness (OE). The authors also verify the moderating role of affective commitment (AC) on the JE, SE and OE relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
Data for the purpose of this paper are collected from 568 employees in 89 branches of banks located in North and Central India using a survey questionnaire. The data collected were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM).
Findings
The findings confirm the positive association between JE, SE and OE. The results also suggest that OCB mediates the association between the independent and dependent variables. Furthermore, the authors observed that AC moderates the OCB and OE relationship.
Practical implications
The results of this examination will assist the employees to realise the substance of OCB in directing their performance towards OE. This investigation will inspire bank managers to notice that employee readiness to put in extra effort in a bank is primarily the effect of apt individual characteristics, namely JE and SE, that can be shaped and developed. Furthermore, this study draws the attention of bank managers towards the significance of AC, as an essential phenomenon to emotionally attach the employees to their organisation.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the existing literature on OCB by examining how OCB leads to desired outcomes and the conditions that promote the effect of OCB. The authors address these questions by building on a more contemporary perspective, i.e., PsyCap.
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Amanpreet Kaur, Daniela Argento, Umesh Sharma and Teerooven Soobaroyen
The purpose of this paper is to highlight and compare insights from research conducted in the field of accounting and reporting for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight and compare insights from research conducted in the field of accounting and reporting for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the public, not-for-profit and hybrid sectors. It is also an introduction to the special issue on “Sustainability Accounting and Reporting for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Progress, Challenges, and Future Research Agenda”.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper reviews the findings and reflections in the academic literature on developments in the SDG accounting and reporting practices across public, not-for-profit and hybrid sectors globally.
Findings
The findings of the review indicate that SDG accounting and reporting practices of public, not-for-profit and hybrid sectors are still in their infancy. Considerable political and organisational barriers hinder the achievement of SDGs. Nonetheless, aligning local and global goals, engaging stakeholders effectively and implementing robust progress monitoring and review systems can facilitate a meaningful engagement with the SDGs. The special issue articles offer decision-makers valuable insights on the factors enabling the adoption and implementation of SDGs.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the ongoing discussions on the role of accounting and reporting processes within public, not-for-profit and hybrid sectors in advancing the achievement of SDGs.
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This paper aims to examine the potential for digital technology allied with industry experience to disrupt the executive recruitment process and transform executive search. To do…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the potential for digital technology allied with industry experience to disrupt the executive recruitment process and transform executive search. To do this, it examines the pioneering steps taken by a leading executive search firm that placed supporting digital technologies at the heart of its business model, its search processes and its relationship management with clients and candidates.
Design/methodology/approach
Individual-level information gathered from the firm and other stakeholders.
Findings
The application of digital technologies is transforming the executive search process, providing particular benefits around accuracy, accountability and speed. This is true for all aspects of the process, from the initial mandate through to the eventual hiring decision and onboarding of the successful candidate. It is also true for all the participants as using these technologies changes the nature of the interactions between members of the search ecosystem, enabling them to create and contribute greater value to the search process. By embracing these new technologies, organizations are better placed to exploit future developments in technology, such as the metaverse.
Originality/value
The case study reveals how embracing and engaging with digital technology enables participants in the executive search process to use new tools and methodologies and maximize the value they contribute and obtain from the search process.
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Arpita Amarnani, Umesh Mahtani and Vithal Sukhathankar
The learning outcomes of this study are to identify and discuss ways in which energy consumption in a residential educational institute can be reduced by improving demand-side…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this study are to identify and discuss ways in which energy consumption in a residential educational institute can be reduced by improving demand-side energy management for sustainable development; summarise the challenges that an institute faces in transitioning to a more environmentally friendly mode of operations concerning energy management; illustrate the difference between operating expense and capital expenditure methods used for solar rooftop projects from the perspective of Goa Institute of Management (GIM); and analyse different project proposals for solar rooftop power generation energy using capital budgeting techniques.
Case overview/synopsis
Dr Ajit Parulekar, director at GIM, was evaluating the steps taken over the past few years for sustainable energy management to understand their impact and consider ways in which to take the environmental sustainability agenda forward. One of the projects that he was considering was the rooftop solar power plant. GIM had received proposals from several different vendors and evaluated three proposals out of these. He needed to decide on the capacity of the rooftop solar power generation and the type of contract that he should get into for the implementation of the project. This case study describes the differences and highlights the advantages and disadvantages of all the mentioned models with respect to GIM.
Complexity academic level
This case study is suitable for post-graduate level management students, as well as for undergraduate-level finance and management students.
Supplementary material
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS4: Environmental management.
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Rahul Thakurta and Umesh Hodeghatta Rao
Information technology (IT) project risks.
Abstract
Subject area
Information technology (IT) project risks.
Study level/applicability
This case is suitable for the students who are enrolled in masters or executive programmes in management. Considering the masters programme in management, the case can be introduced in the MIS course in sessions related to IT project risks. The case will also be appropriate for discussion in elective courses, such as IT project management. Here the case can be introduced in discussions related to understanding IT project outsourcing risks. The case will also fit well with the audience of the executive programme in sessions on IT project risks. The assignment questions provided below are designed from the perspective of teaching this case to a business student audience. The case could certainly be adjusted to fit the needs of students in more technical disciplines.
Case overview
This case presents an organization (Airosonic Travels Private Limited) which was set up in 1988. The organization provided travel-related services (i.e. ticketing, hotels bookings, car rentals and cruises to exotic destinations) to meet the requirements of corporate users such as organization employees, vendors, dealers and customers. The packages were provided though the portal www.corporatetravels.in/. With cut-throat completion from other vendors, the organization acquired the globally preferred airline reservation system Galileo to gain market share in the computer reservation system market. This acquisition, however, led to a series of deliberations on how the new system could be put to use and integrated with the portal so that it helped Airosonic to achieve efficiency in its day-to-day processes. The integration was necessary, as this would entirely eliminate third-party requirements (such as travel agents) and also make travel planning easy, cost-effective and hassle-free. The different alternatives available to the governing body were to develop and manage the entire thing in-house, outsource the development to a third part, or delegate the entire responsibility to the third party. The analysis of the case takes into account the different risks that are associated with each of these decision alternatives and the possible ways forward for the Airosonic management.
Expected learning outcomes
The objective of this teaching case is as follows: to understand the different risk elements that influence development of a software initiative, to differentiate between different categories of risks including project development risks and project management risks, to appreciate the differences in the types of risks that influence different project execution scenarios such as in-house development and outsourcing and to understand how an organization can address and manage the risks facing a software initiative.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
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Umesh Mukhi and Camilla Quental
The 17 United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) represent a powerful guide to foster actions to achieve a more sustainable planet. This paper aims to analyze the…
Abstract
Purpose
The 17 United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) represent a powerful guide to foster actions to achieve a more sustainable planet. This paper aims to analyze the challenges and opportunities of SDGs based on an interview conducted with climate scientist Dr Carlos Nobre. In this interview, Nobre addresses the opportunities and challenges of the SDGs. More broadly, the aim is to raise awareness among scholars, policymakers and citizens about what is considered to be the most important societal questions of the times.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors analyze the interview conducted with this prominent and experienced climate scientist through academic lenses of interpretive approach. Further, the authors are bringing important reflections from this interview and linking it to Rasche et al.’s (2017) model, which cut across different levels and take into consideration the individual, organizational and societal levels in the relationship for SDG.
Findings
The interview reveals that all SDGs are interlinked and are of equal importance. However, the authors discuss three important challenges and opportunities addressed by Dr Nobre regarding the implementation of the SDGs. These are education, climate change and peace.
Originality/value
To better understand the challenges and opportunities of SDGs and how to act on them as citizens and management scholars, the authors believe that it is imperative to consider the viewpoint of climate scientists who, through their knowledge on earth science, have been contributing globally to the United Nations SDGs agenda at global and local levels. In this paper, the authors analyze the challenges and opportunities of SDGs based on an interview conducted with climate scientist Dr Carlos Nobre. In this interview, Nobre addresses the opportunities and challenges of the SDGs.
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Siddhesh Umesh Mestry, Umesh Ratan Mahajan, Aswathy M. and Shashank T. Mhaske
The purpose of this paper is to use the bio-based resource as the starting material for the synthesis of azo dye. Cardanol is one of the most used bio-based resources for carrying…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to use the bio-based resource as the starting material for the synthesis of azo dye. Cardanol is one of the most used bio-based resources for carrying out the synthesis of various compounds having numerous end applications. The study presents an attempt to develop an azo dye from Cardanol having end applications in pH-responsive dyes.
Design/methodology/approach
The cardanol was sulfonated to block the para position by which ortho positioned hydroxyl group after diazotization and coupling will provide necessary pH-sensitivity. The diazotization of two naphthalene derivatives, i.e. 1-naphthol-8-amino-3,6-disulfonic acid (H-acid) and 7-amino-4-hydroxy-2-naphthalene sulfonic acid (J-acid) was carried out using the standard practice, and the diazotized compounds were coupled with the sulfonated cardanol. The obtained dyes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, carbon-hydrogen-nitrogen-sulfur analysis and hydroxyl value. The colour properties were checked using UV-vis spectrophotometry and density functional theory, while thermogravimetric analysis was used for the thermal degradation studies of both the dyes.
Findings
Water-soluble cardanol-based azo dyes were prepared successfully having good thermal stability, and the obtained results are being presented in this paper.
Originality/value
The originality lies between the use of cardanol as a bio-based resource for the synthesis of azo-dye and the obtained azo-dye has the pH-sensitivity.
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This paper aims to discuss a new form of the Adomian decomposition technique for the numerical treatment of Bratu’s type one-dimensional boundary value problems (BVPs). Moreover…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to discuss a new form of the Adomian decomposition technique for the numerical treatment of Bratu’s type one-dimensional boundary value problems (BVPs). Moreover, the author also addresses convergence and error analysis for the completeness of the proposed technique.
Design/methodology/approach
First, the author discusses the standard Adomian decomposition method and an algorithm based on Duan’s corollary and Rach’s rule for the fast calculation of the Adomian polynomials. Then, a new form of the Adomian decomposition technique is present for the numerical simulation of Bratu’s BVPs.
Findings
The reliability and validity of the proposed technique are examined by calculating the absolute errors of Bratu’s problem for some different values of Bratu parameter λ. Numerical simulation demonstrates that the proposed technique yields higher accuracy than the Bessel collocation and other known methods.
Originality/value
Unlike the other methods, the proposed technique does not need linearization, discretization or perturbation to handle the non-linear problems. So, the results obtained by the present technique are more physically realistic.
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Umesh Kothari, Balakrishna Grandhi and Alkis Thrassou
This paper aims to study, understand and elucidate the digital transformation of retail banks in the UAE, and to identify its key components and their interrelationship. The paper…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study, understand and elucidate the digital transformation of retail banks in the UAE, and to identify its key components and their interrelationship. The paper further proposes theoretical and executive directions of international worth and application, particularly in Asian countries of comparable business contexts.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative study design was used using an online instrument, with a sample size of 367 respondents from the UAE, comprising retail banking professionals and customers. A conceptual model capturing the responses was developed to measure their impact on the dependent variable, and variance-based structured equation modeling was used.
Findings
The five independent variables of customer experience, service quality, automation, digital skills and regulation were measured through the literature survey. The results cleared the accuracy threshold, and eight hypotheses were found to be significant in delineating and explicating the variables’ direct and indirect associations.
Originality/value
The study presents new and original data that expand and refine our knowledge on the fast-evolving topic of digital transformation of retail banks. The findings offer both theoretical advancements and practicable directions, which focus on the UAE, and highlight substantial differences to generic international research. They further and inexorably build a solid foundation for scientific and executive application in the wider region and beyond.