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1 – 10 of 348V. Senthil Kumaran and R. Latha
The purpose of this paper is to provide adaptive access to learning resources in the digital library.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide adaptive access to learning resources in the digital library.
Design/methodology/approach
A novel method using ontology-based multi-attribute collaborative filtering is proposed. Digital libraries are those which are fully automated and all resources are in digital form and access to the information available is provided to a remote user as well as a conventional user electronically. To satisfy users' information needs, a humongous amount of newly created information is published electronically in digital libraries. While search applications are improving, it is still difficult for the majority of users to find relevant information. For better service, the framework should also be able to adapt queries to search domains and target learners.
Findings
This paper improves the accuracy and efficiency of predicting and recommending personalized learning resources in digital libraries. To facilitate a personalized digital learning environment, the authors propose a novel method using ontology-supported collaborative filtering (CF) recommendation system. The objective is to provide adaptive access to learning resources in the digital library. The proposed model is based on user-based CF which suggests learning resources for students based on their course registration, preferences for topics and digital libraries. Using ontological framework knowledge for semantic similarity and considering multiple attributes apart from learners' preferences for the learning resources improve the accuracy of the proposed model.
Research limitations/implications
The results of this work majorly rely on the developed ontology. More experiments are to be conducted with other domain ontologies.
Practical implications
The proposed approach is integrated into Nucleus, a Learning Management System (https://nucleus.amcspsgtech.in). The results are of interest to learners, academicians, researchers and developers of digital libraries. This work also provides insights into the ontology for e-learning to improve personalized learning environments.
Originality/value
This paper computes learner similarity and learning resources similarity based on ontological knowledge, feedback and ratings on the learning resources. The predictions for the target learner are calculated and top N learning resources are generated by the recommendation engine using CF.
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Amanpreet Kaur Kharbanda, Kamal Raj Dasarathan, S.K. Sinha, T. Senthil Kumar and B. Senthil Kumar
Through this study, four different types of woven fabric structures were created by using cotton/banana blends with a 70:30 ratio by varying the weaving specifications. This study…
Abstract
Purpose
Through this study, four different types of woven fabric structures were created by using cotton/banana blends with a 70:30 ratio by varying the weaving specifications. This study aims to investigate the comfort and mechanical properties of these woven materials.
Design/methodology/approach
Taguchi L16 experimental design (5 factors and 4 levels) with response surface methodology tool was used to optimize mechanical and comfort characteristics. The yarn samples used in this study are cotton/banana with a blend ratio of 70:30. Fabric type (A), grams per square metre (GSM; B), yarn count (C), fabric thickness (D) and cloth cover factor (E) are the chosen process characteristics.
Findings
The highest tensile strength and tearing strength of the cotton/banana blended fabric samples were obtained as 326.3 N and 90.3 k.gf/cm, respectively. Similarly, the highest thermal conductivity and overall moisture management capacity values were found to be 0.6628 and 3.06 W/mK X10−4, respectively. The optimized process parameters for obtaining maximum mechanical properties were using canvas fabric structure, 182 GSM, 36s Ne yarn count, 0.48 mm fabric thickness and 23.5 cloth cover factor. Similarly, the optimized process parameters for obtaining maximum comfort properties were achieved using a twill fabric structure, 182 GSM, 32s Ne yarn count, 0.4 mm fabric thickness and 23 cloth cover factor.
Originality/value
In contrast to synthetic fabrics, banana fibre and its blended materials are significant ecological solutions for apparel and functional clothing. Products made from banana fibre are a sustainable and green alternative to conventional fabrics. Banana fibre obtained from the pseudostem of the plant has an appearance similar to ramie and bamboo fibres. Numerous studies showed that banana fibre could absorb significant moisture and be spun into yarn through ring and rotor spinning technology. On the other hand, this fibre can be easily combined with cotton, jute, wool and synthetic fibre. The present utilization of pseudostem of banana plant fibre is very minimal. This type of research improves the usability of bananas their blended fabrics as apparel and functional wear.
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Abhishek Jain, Harwinder Singh and Rajbir S. Bhatti
The purpose of this paper is to identify the key enabler for total productive maintenance (TPM) implementation in Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by using graph…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the key enabler for total productive maintenance (TPM) implementation in Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by using graph theoretic approach (GTA). There are certain enablers for TPM implementation which helps the organization to implement it successfully. It is very essential to identify the nature and impact of these key enablers.
Design/methodology/approach
A large number of the enablers (27) have identified for TPM implementation in Indian SMEs from the available literature, questionnaire survey and expert opinion. These TPM enablers have categorized into six major categories.
Findings
In this research work, the intensity of identifying enablers has been calculated to show their impact or influence in TPM implementation. The value of intensity of TPM enablers shows the role or impact of individual enabler in the implementation of TPM in Indian SMEs.
Practical implications
This study provides an easy-to-use methodology for the practical decision makers in the manufacturing industry to improve their performance by implementing TPM in Indian SMEs. A detailed methodology has prepared to identify the enablers for TPM implementation in Indian SMEs by using GTA. This study also explains that how to check the feasibility of an organization to implement TPM in Indian SMEs successfully.
Originality/value
TPM is an improvement concept which holds the potential to improve manufacturing organizations, but its implementation is not easy in Indian SMEs. The reason behind the unsuccessful implementation of TPM in most of the organizations is the ignorance of impact of innumerable enablers and barriers.
Raja Sreedharan V., Gopikumar V., Smitha Nair, Ayon Chakraborty and Jiju Antony
Many projects focus on the reliable operation of the activities in the project. Any failure in the process activities leads to major problems resulting in waste, defects…
Abstract
Purpose
Many projects focus on the reliable operation of the activities in the project. Any failure in the process activities leads to major problems resulting in waste, defects, equipment damage, which has a direct impact on the consumers. In addition, Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is not new to this issue. LSS projects have faced an interruption in the process flow and unforeseen defects. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify the vital failure factors of LSS projects.
Design/methodology/approach
Through extant literature review, the researchers found 44 critical failure factors (CFFs) of LSS. Using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) SIMOS approach, the decision makers’ (DMs) rating and weight for each factor were collected. Moreover, the study was conducted in both the manufacturing and service industries to identify the impact of CFFs in LSS projects.
Findings
CFFs and their evaluation have received little attention in the literature. Most of the previous studies deal only with the identification of the success factors in general. Therefore, the study identified 44 CFFs and ranked them through DMs. In addition, the TOPSIS SIMOS approach ranked the vital failure factors enabling the management to avert the LSS project from failures.
Research limitations/implications
The study focused on project failures due to CFFs of LSS. Nevertheless, it did not consider other failure factors of project and knowledge management. Further, the sample used to test the approach was considerably small. Therefore, the study can be repeated with significant samples and the vital failure factors compared.
Practical implications
In real-life application, all the parameters in the LSS project need to be understood in a better manner. In such a condition, the practitioner needs to know that the project never fails due to the CFFs and TOPSIS SIMOS approach can prevent the LSS project failures.
Originality/value
The study applied TOPSIS SIMOS approach to rank the CFFs in an LSS project, which is first of its kind and aids the practitioners to make the right decisions in the business environment.
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Sirisha Deepthi Sornapudi, Meenu Srivastava, Srinivas Manchikatla, Samuel Thavaraj H. and Senthil Kumar B.
Natural extracts produced with Annona squamosa and Moringa oleifera leaves through the methanol-based solvent were coated on 100% cotton and 80%:20% polyester/cotton blends to…
Abstract
Purpose
Natural extracts produced with Annona squamosa and Moringa oleifera leaves through the methanol-based solvent were coated on 100% cotton and 80%:20% polyester/cotton blends to improve the functional properties such as antimicrobial activity, wicking, stiffness and crease recovery of the fabric using an eco-friendly 1,2,3,4-butane tetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) crosslinking agent.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, 100% cotton and 80:20% Polyester/Cotton fabrics with surface densities of 113.5 g/m2 and 101 g/m2 were treated BTCA. Eight different samples were produced by padding through the natural extracts. The FTIR investigation was performed on all the fabric samples. These coated fabrics were studied for their antimicrobial activity, wicking, stiffness and crease recovery properties.
Findings
It was found that the BTCA cross-linked fabrics showed higher antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Similarly, the percentage crease recovery angle was higher for the Annona squamosa coated sample than for Moringa Oleifera leaf extract in both cotton and polyester cotton blend samples. Furthermore, no significant variation in stiffness values was discovered between the control samples of cotton and polyester cotton blend and its treatment one. It was interesting to note that treating the fabrics with cross-linker showed improved vertical wicking properties, which were closer to control fabric values. The study confirms that crosslinking the fabrics with BTCA has improved the functional properties of the fabrics. The zone of inhibition values of BTCA cross-linked moringa methanolic leaves extract coated cotton and polyester cotton blend were 6 to 6.5 cm, which was more than 50% higher than non-BTCA cross-linked fabric, and BTCA cross-linker has improved the vertical wicking properties.
Research limitations/implications
The outcome of this study will help to gain a better understanding of BTCA cross-linkers for improving the functional coating on textile substrates.
Originality/value
This study was conducted to improve the natural extract coating on textile material with eco-friendly aspects, enhancing the commercial utility of these finished fabrics
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Pooja Goel, Sahil Raj, Aashish Garg, Simarjeet Singh and Sanjay Gupta
Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are among the most recent e-learning initiatives to gain widespread acceptance among universities. However, despite MOOCs' “much-documented”…
Abstract
Purpose
Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are among the most recent e-learning initiatives to gain widespread acceptance among universities. However, despite MOOCs' “much-documented” benefits, many questions are being raised late regarding the long-term sustainability of the open online teaching e-learning model. With high dropout rates in MOOCs courses, recent research has focused on the challenges limiting MOOCs’ growth. But most of the research is directed toward students’ perspectives, leaving the instructors’ perspective. One of the most important aspects of instructors’ perspective is the motivation for MOOCs' development and delivery.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study collected the data from 25 MOOC developers of Indian origin. To prioritize or rank the motivational factor behind developing a MOOC, a fuzzy-analytical hierarchical process (F-AHP) technique was applied to the data set. The primary motivational factors considered for the study were professional development, altruism, personal development, institutional development, intrigue, monetary benefits and peer influence.
Findings
The results showed that professional development and personal development are two prime motives that drive MOOCs development. Monetary benefits and peer influence were the least important factors among all the factors considered for the study.
Originality/value
Previous studies have identified and modeled the motivational factors that contribute toward developing MOOCs. However, there was little knowledge about the hierarchy among the motivating factors. The present study fills this gap by establishing the ranking of motivational factors responsible for MOOCs development.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-04-2021-0205.
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This study was inspired by the emergence of Massive Open Online Courses (henceforth MOOCs) as an e-learning trend of recent times, attracting huge enrollment across the globe…
Abstract
Purpose
This study was inspired by the emergence of Massive Open Online Courses (henceforth MOOCs) as an e-learning trend of recent times, attracting huge enrollment across the globe. Studies revealed that MOOCs had been getting extensive attention by educational circles in India, but whether its acceptability is limited only among learning communities of country’s top-notch universities like Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), Indian Institute of Management (IIMs), and among Central Universities; or it has attracted equally the learners of State Universities spreading across every nook and corner of this huge country is yet to be studied. These State Universities virtually uphold the country’s higher education sector by catering learning ambitions of largest number of students. The present study investigated the penetration of MOOCs among students and teachers of State Universities in India.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative survey was conducted taking 10 reputed State Universities and 480 respondents (400 were students, and 80 were teachers) as samples. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were also conducted among 25 respondent students and teachers. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency and percentages, as well as inferential statistics, such as Likert scale and analysis of variance, were employed in analyzing the study.
Findings
The findings revealed that MOOCs have been successful in meeting the learning goals of the learners and teachers of these State Universities complementing their traditional learning environment at universities and by providing them a constant scope for re-skill and up-skill; still, participation in MOOCs is low, especially among females due to lack of awareness, inadequate infrastructure, and resultant poor completion rate.
Practical implications
The current study is going to be helpful to the Indian policy makers and all concerned in creating a healthy atmosphere for making MOOCs accessible to students and thereby leveraging its potential to increase the quality of higher education across country as it exhibits a clear picture of the current state of its penetration, problems and possibilities among teachers and students of State Universities that conforms the largest section of Indian intelligentsia. The findings can be used to compare perceptions of students' and teachers' from other developing countries also.
Originality/value
This study is the reporting of an original survey conducted in India and the write up is based on the analysis and findings of the survey results.
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R. Suresh Premil Kumar, C. Sudhahar, John F. Dickson, V. Senthil and S.R. Devadasan
The purpose of this paper is to explore the practical feasibility of adopting a Quality Circle Financial Accounting System (QCFAS) for analyzing the performance of 5‐S teams.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the practical feasibility of adopting a Quality Circle Financial Accounting System (QCFAS) for analyzing the performance of 5‐S teams.
Design/methodology/approach
First the literature was surveyed to study the state of the art of 5‐S. This study revealed the importance of analyzing the financial performance of 5‐S. Since, 5‐S contains tangible and intangible activities, it was decided to adopt the QCFAS to financially account it. The practical validity of this preposition was tested by conducting an implementation study in a unit of a multinational abrasive manufacturing company operating in India
Findings
The literature review led to the finding that 5‐S could be used as an interweaving device for conglomerating world class paradigms such as total quality management (TQM) and quality circles (QCs). The practical implementation study revealed the compatibility of employing QCFAS for financially accounting 5‐S teams.
Research limitations/implications
The implementation study was conducted in a Indian Company. This limited study threatens the general validity of QCFAS in financially accounting 5‐S. However, this threat is not expected to be severe because the company is a multinational company and the working atmospheres prevailing in it mimic those of companies situated in various parts of the world.
Originality/value
Though 5‐S has been popular for some time, the research on it has been minimal. Further no research has examined the financial accountability of 5‐S. Hence, the contributions of this paper are original and valuable in helping to overcome a general reluctance to implement 5‐S.
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Usha Rani Jayanna, Senthil Kumar Jaya Prakash, Ravi Aluvala and B. Venkata Rao
Through bibliometric analysis, the study intends to reveal the evolution of the trends in the Scopus database, the scope of research and the connection between technology and…
Abstract
Purpose
Through bibliometric analysis, the study intends to reveal the evolution of the trends in the Scopus database, the scope of research and the connection between technology and entrepreneurship.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a comprehensive science mapping approach, integrating network visualisation to map research groups, bibliometric analysis to measure publication trends and thematic analysis to identify overarching themes. This study uses a thorough technique to examine the complex interaction between technology and entrepreneurship from 2000 to 2023. The collection includes information from various sources, creating a corpus of 2,207 documents. These sources include 698 scholarly journals, books and other publications.
Findings
According to the report, the interest in technology and entrepreneurship is expanding. The three nations conducting the most study on this subject is the USA, the UK and Italy. Some of the top writers in this area include James A. Cunningham, Alison N. Link and David B. Audretsch.
Research limitations/implications
The study found possibilities and problems associated with the interaction between technology and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the study found several research holes in this area. The study also noted some research gaps in this field, including those related to the sustainability of society and the environment, the effects of entrepreneurship on inequality and the difficulties faced by entrepreneurs in underdeveloped nations.
Practical implications
This study thoroughly overviews the business and technology sectors. It outlines some of the difficulties that must be overcome whilst identifying the main research trends in this field. Researchers, decision-makers and businesspeople interested in using technology for entrepreneurial endeavours can all benefit from the study’s findings.
Social implications
This study’s dataset’s scope, which might not include all pertinent publications, is one of its limitations. Nevertheless, the results add to a thorough picture of the state of the profession and recent developments. This study’s insights are valuable for researchers, policymakers and entrepreneurs interested in leveraging technology for entrepreneurial pursuits.
Originality/value
The research points to a number of directions that need more inquiry, such as in-depth studies into the social and environmental implications of technology-driven entrepreneurship and methods to combat inequality.
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T.P. Arjun and Rameshkumar Subramanian
This paper aims to analyse how financial literacy (FL) is conceptualised and operationalised in the Indian context.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to analyse how financial literacy (FL) is conceptualised and operationalised in the Indian context.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Thirty-six articles published between 2010 and 2020 were considered for analysis. The FL conceptualisation was examined based on knowledge, ability, skill, attitude and confidence elements. The FL operationalisation was analysed using the modified version of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2012 model for organising the domain for an assessment framework.
Findings
The findings indicate that, despite offering operationalisation details of the FL, 13 out of 36 studies did not include a conceptual definition of FL. Of the 23 studies that mentioned a conceptual definition, 87% are primarily focused on the “knowledge” element and only 39% have combined knowledge, ability/skill and attitude elements in defining FL. As in the developed countries, the Indian studies also preferred investment/saving-related contents in their FL measures. The volume of content focusing on the financial landscape is meagre amongst the FL measures used in India and developed countries. The survey instruments of most studies have been designed in the individuals’ context but have failed to measure the extent to which individuals apply the knowledge in performing their day-to-day financial transactions. Further, it was found that 20 out of 36 studies did not convert the FL level of their target groups into a single indicator or operational value.
Originality/value
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that explores the FL’s assessment practices in India. Further, this study offers new insights by comparing the contents of FL measures used in Indian studies with those used in developed countries.
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