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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2020

Jayaprakash Reddy Joga and Varaprasad B.J.S.

Nowadays, application of biopolymers on geotechnical engineering works is booming to avoid the harsh effects on environment by using conventional methods for soil treatment. In…

378

Abstract

Purpose

Nowadays, application of biopolymers on geotechnical engineering works is booming to avoid the harsh effects on environment by using conventional methods for soil treatment. In this present study, xanthan gum (XG) is used as a biopolymer to improve dispersive properties of the soils because these soils are easily prone to erosion, which may lead to the damage of many hydraulic structures.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, attempts are made to reduce the dispersive potential and increase the Strength and erosion resistance by treating the soils with various percentages of XG (0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%). To assess the dispersive potential and erosion resistance of soils, tests such as double hydrometer test, pinhole erosion test, crumb test and cylinder dispersion test were conducted. Further tests were expanded for its geotechnical characteristics such as Atterberg’s limits, standard proctor test, unconfined compressive strength test, one-dimensional consolidation for various curing days. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was also carried out to know the microscopic view towards its particle orientation and bindings. Chemical tests such as sodium absorption ratio, total dissolved solids (TDS) and percentage sodium (PS), electronic conductivity and pH tests were also conducted.

Findings

The results revealed that there is a reduction in the dispersive potential of XG treated soils for all the combinations. Addition of XG decreased the PS in the soil as a result dispersivity of soil decreased. Strength and erosion resistance of soil increased with the addition of XG and 1% XG was observed to be the optimum percentage for stabilizing these types of soils.

Practical implications

These results will be very much helpful for engineers when they come across with dispersive soils for better handling and management.

Originality/value

The originality of this study was an attempt towards sustainable development by treating dispersive soils with XG and effects on various geotechnical and dispersive characterizes.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

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Article
Publication date: 29 June 2021

Venkateshwar Reddy Pathapalli, Meenakshi Reddy Reddigari, Eswara Kumar Anna, P. Srinivasa Rao and D V. Ramana Reddy

Metal matrix composites (MMC) has been a section which gives an overview of composite materials and owing to those exceptional physical and mechanical properties…

143

Abstract

Purpose

Metal matrix composites (MMC) has been a section which gives an overview of composite materials and owing to those exceptional physical and mechanical properties, particulate-reinforced aluminum MMCs have gained increasing interest in particular engineering applications. Owing to the toughness and abrasive quality of reinforcement components such as silicon carbide (SiC) and titanium carbide (TiC), such materials are categorized as difficult materials for machining. The work aims to develop the model for evaluating the machinability of the materials via the response surface technique by machining three distinct types of hybrid MMCs.

Design/methodology/approach

The combined effects of three machining parameters, namely “cutting speed” (s), “feed rate” (f) and “depth of cut” (d), together with three separate composite materials, were evaluated with the help of three performance characteristics, i.e. material removal rate (MRR), cutting force (CF) and surface roughness (SR). Response surface methodology and analysis of variance (ANOVA) both were initially used for analyzing the machining parameters results.

Findings

The contours were developed to observe the combined process parameters along with their correlations. The process variables were concurrently configured using grey relational analysis (GRA) and the composite desirability methodology. Both the GRA and composite desirability approach obtained similar results.

Practical implications

The results obtained in the present paper will be helpful for decision-makers in manufacturing industries, who work on metal cutting area especially composites, to select the suitable solution by implementing the Grey Taguchi and modeling techniques.

Originality/value

The originality of this research is to identify the suitability of process parameters combination based on the obtained research results. The optimization of machining parameters in turning of hybrid metal matrix composites is carried out with two different methods such as Grey Taguchi and composite desirability approach.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 17 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

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Article
Publication date: 19 May 2022

Alok Kumar Samanta, Varaprasad G. and Anand Gurumurthy

Health care organisations implement lean six sigma (LSS) methodology to achieve improved performance in terms of cost, quality and productivity. However, the way it gets…

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Abstract

Purpose

Health care organisations implement lean six sigma (LSS) methodology to achieve improved performance in terms of cost, quality and productivity. However, the way it gets implemented differs between organisations. Hence, this paper deal with a review of case studies describing the implementation of LSS in health care organisations to understand the nuances of implementation and identify future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The journal articles indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus database were filtered out. In total, 154 articles were evaluated using specific structural dimensions to categorise the literature into various groups, and content analysis was performed to synthesise the same.

Findings

This review revealed that the number of articles publishing the application of LSS in health care has been increasing in the last five years. Academic hospitals play a pivotal role to bridge the gap between LSS theory and practice. Despite this fact, certain themes remain unexplored. Not many studies are available that document the application of LSS in non-clinical areas such as pharmacy, internal logistics, maintenance and medical records. Only 20% of articles mentioned the post-intervention data up to three years, thus questioning the sustainability aspect of the achieved improvements.

Research limitations/implications

Various research gaps were identified, which can be used by the researchers to build the body of knowledge in the domain of LSS in health care.

Practical implications

This review provides a diversified view regarding the utility of LSS in the health care scenario. The findings will provide valuable insights for the health care practitioners regarding tools, techniques, drivers and performance measures.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to review only the case studies that describe the implementation of LSS in the health care sector.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 24 August 2020

Hoang Nam Trinh, Hong Ha Tran and Duc Hoang Quan Vuong

The purpose of this study is to develop a theoretical model for consumer behavioral intention by integrating the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the theory of perceived…

16981

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a theoretical model for consumer behavioral intention by integrating the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the theory of perceived risk, which is tested on the intended use of credit cards in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 485 bank customers through a nationwide online survey. An exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes were performed to validate the factor structure of the measurement items while structural equation modeling was used to validate the proposed model and testing the hypotheses.

Findings

The results of structural equation modeling reveal that perceived risk, perceived usefulness, social influence and perceived ease of use were significant determinants of consumer intention to use a credit card. Of them, only perceived risk discouraged the intended use of a credit card, which was synthesized from psychological, financial, performance, privacy, time, social and security risk.

Research limitations/implications

This study measured the first-order risk dimensions based on the payment function of the credit card only; these measurements missed potential losses relevant to credit function of credit cards.

Practical implications

This study can be beneficial to banks enacting policies to attract more consumers and to help decide how to allocate resources to retain and expand their customer base.

Originality/value

The study adds value to the literature on consumer behavior by confirming the impact of second-order perceived risk on the intended use of credit cards, which most previous studies have not demonstrated. The research also provides an empirical evidence to the academic research platform on e-banking services in Vietnam, especially related to the credit card industry.

Details

Asian Journal of Economics and Banking, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2615-9821

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Article
Publication date: 21 August 2023

Alok Kumar Samanta, G. Varaprasad, Anand Gurumurthy and Jiju Antony

Many healthcare institutions, such as hospitals, have recently implemented quality improvement initiatives such as Lean Six Sigma (LSS). However, only a few have sustained the…

791

Abstract

Purpose

Many healthcare institutions, such as hospitals, have recently implemented quality improvement initiatives such as Lean Six Sigma (LSS). However, only a few have sustained the initiatives and remained successful. One of the main reasons for the failure of LSS implementation is that managers tend to view LSS as individual projects. Managers lack a Change Management (CM) focus during the implementation. The primary purpose of this study is to document the implementation of LSS through a CM approach to improve sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Define-Measure-Analyse-Improve-Control (DMAIC) and the Awareness-Desire-Knowledge-Ability-Reinforcement (ADKAR), a popular CM approach, are combined to propose a new framework. The usefulness of the proposed framework is demonstrated using a case study in a multispeciality hospital located in southern India.

Findings

The study found that several factors are responsible for the high Length of Stay (LOS) for patients in the Emergency Department (ED). By implementing this proposed model to implement LSS and taking corrective actions, the average LOS was reduced from 267 to 158 min (a 40% reduction approximately).

Practical implications

The complete step-by-step approach is explained, and the LOS was considerably reduced during the pilot project. The findings will provide valuable insights for healthcare practitioners to understand the steps involved in the combined DMAIC-ADKAR model. The findings would also give healthcare practitioners the confidence to identify suitable tools and implement LSS in organisations where the practitioners work.

Originality/value

According to the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that synergises two models (DMAIC and ADKAR) into a single framework to implement in a hospital.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 36 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

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Article
Publication date: 23 November 2021

Varaprasad Mallisetti, Tharun Dolla and Boeing Laishram

The most recent advent of the unsolicited proposal in the public private partnership mode of infrastructure procurement has changed the duties and roles of private and public…

206

Abstract

Purpose

The most recent advent of the unsolicited proposal in the public private partnership mode of infrastructure procurement has changed the duties and roles of private and public sector agencies. Also, they have increased the practitioners' difficulties to work out strategic mechanisms and methods to manage these unsolicited proposals (USP) effectively. So, this study aims to understand how well equipped are the Indian USP guidelines for managing procurement.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis with coding procedures was carried to understand the regulations of USP frameworks of India over the four stages of USP procurement.

Findings

The findings show that there are severe flaws in various states' frameworks. The states have flaws in their policies in implementation features across the stages of USP such as defined objectives, the absence of fees and review timeframes in the submission, time frame and guidance on benchmarking and market testing in evaluation and development, time frame for bidding and access to information in procurement stages.

Originality/value

The USP implementation framework developed as part of this study can direct the policymakers and practitioners to improve public procurement regulations and the necessary changes for the successful implementation of USPs. In doing this, the private sector is enabled to develop more competitive and innovative proposals.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction , vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

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Book part
Publication date: 5 February 2024

Alison McInnes and Janet Walker

Any teaching topic can have sensitive content, or at least be complicated because lecturers and students are likely to hold (based on their own experiences, interests, and values…

Abstract

Any teaching topic can have sensitive content, or at least be complicated because lecturers and students are likely to hold (based on their own experiences, interests, and values) strong opinions. This chapter explores the theoretical and practical issues of teaching cultural concepts. Colleagues are often left to negotiate the teaching of sensitive issues with little guidance on which to base their approach and educational practices. Therefore using the framework ‘Teaching Sensitive Topics Using Social Positioning’ developed by the authors of this chapter, and illustrative example, the chapter explores the practice of teaching cultural concepts in the curriculum to identify themes related to what can be learned and disseminated. An analysis of international social work (SW) is drawn on to think critically about education and the cultural appropriateness of the theories, practices and competencies utilised. The authors draw on their own knowledge and experiences as registered SW’s/educators/academics/researchers, and their own teaching in relation to sensitive topics at local, national and international levels.

Our experiences, whilst based on teaching in other countries, highlight a range of considerations for all educators in teaching sensitive topics. There is a need to learn from these lessons when adopting cultural concept practices to develop curricula. We recommend adopting reflexivity, flexibility, openness, empathy, and emotional intelligence, which should allow colleagues to teach culturally sensitive subjects by forging transcultural understandings and critically applying these understandings to their own culture.

Details

Developing and Implementing Teaching in Sensitive Subject and Topic Areas: A Comprehensive Guide for Professionals in FE and HE Settings
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-126-4

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Article
Publication date: 28 February 2020

Gazi Mahabubul Alam and Md. Abdur Rahman Forhad

Diploma Engineers (DE) mainly receive practical and skills-oriented education and training in the area of technical and vocational subjects from the polytechnic system. Globally…

164

Abstract

Purpose

Diploma Engineers (DE) mainly receive practical and skills-oriented education and training in the area of technical and vocational subjects from the polytechnic system. Globally, universities have limited DEs access to Higher Education (HE). Over the course of time, many countries have changed this situation, putting into place a decent qualification and policy framework that ensures higher education for deserving candidates. Lately, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) received special priority in developing countries, and Bangladesh is no exception to it, resulting in a massive growth of DE. This study, the first of its kind, examines the impact of this growth with a key focus on the inclusion of diploma engineers into higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the differentiated nature of research questions, multiple techniques are used to collect the data. However, this research uses the qualitative method. Both secondary and primary data are used. While secondary data are collected by the Bangladesh Bureau of Educational Information and Statistics (BANBEIS), primary data are collected through interviews. With standard sets of admission questions, tests are conducted with two groups of students to draw a comparison.

Findings

The number of students studying at polytechnic institutes is increasing dramatically. The growth of public polytechnic institutes remains steady. Public counterparts respond to the demand by operating both day and night shifts. Many private polytechnics are also established. The size and infrastructure of private Polytechnics are relatively insignificant. However, the mushrooming private sector covers the increased demand. The curve of DE has been increased radically with a questionable competency by the contribution of both public and private polytechnics. Only one public university provides higher education to these DE.

Originality/value

A few reports have been published in the area of TVET by the development partners and the Government of Bangladesh. Only one journal article is published exploring the role of TVET on national development in Bangladesh. However, none cover the issue of access to university education for DE graduates.

Details

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-3896

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Article
Publication date: 16 March 2015

Irfan Bashir and Chendragiri Madhavaiah

The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the determinants of the customers’ attitude and behavioural intention to use Internet banking services, paying special…

6251

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the determinants of the customers’ attitude and behavioural intention to use Internet banking services, paying special attention to the role of perceived risk, trust, enjoyment, website design and social influence.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model grounded on the technology acceptance model (TAM) reflecting the effects of trust, perceived risk, perceived enjoyment, perceived website design and social influence on TAM constructs is proposed. The structural equation modelling technique is used to analyse a sample of 697 individual Internet banking users in India through an online survey.

Findings

The results of data analysis confirm some of the hypotheses drawn from the literature. Consistent with some of the other studies, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, trust and perceived enjoyment are found to be immediate direct determinants of customers’ attitude towards using Internet banking. Attitude, perceived risk, perceived enjoyment and trust determine the customers’ behavioural intentions to use Internet banking. Although the direct effect of perceived website design is significant only on perceived ease of use, its indirect effects are significant on perceived usefulness, attitude and behavioural intentions. Furthermore, perceived enjoyment exerts both direct and indirect effects on perceived usefulness but exerts only direct effect on perceived ease of use.

Research limitations/implications

Generalizability of the research is a practical limitation in consumer research studies and the present study is not an exception to that. The current study focused only on some technological, behavioural and attitudinal factors, and many customer-specific factors and other psychographic and behavioural factors such as cost, perceived value, service quality and satisfaction, which can provide more significant insight into the adoption process, are not a part of the scope of the study.

Practical implications

This research specifies the implications in three perspectives, viz., theoretical, methodological and managerial. Furthermore, this study provides the practical recommendations to enhance customer trust and guidelines to reduce perceived risk. The most significant implication for the banking sector is that apart from offering useful and user-friendly services, they need to build a trusting relationship with customers.

Originality/value

This study extends existing body of Internet banking literature by incorporating trust and risk perceptions. The effects of website design and perceived enjoyment on Internet banking acceptance have been examined and were found to be significant in the Indian context. In addition, it enables us to contribute to the current literature on the emerging Indian Internet banking services (IBS) market, which is largely under-researched.

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 2011

Varaprasad S. Dolla

The purpose of this paper is to delineate the evolution of agricultural science and technology (S&T) in China in the last three decades as it has been one of the major factors…

2432

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to delineate the evolution of agricultural science and technology (S&T) in China in the last three decades as it has been one of the major factors, besides others, in ensuring comfortable levels of global food security. In doing so, it focuses on policy and progress, which have provided the right ambience for Chinese agricultural science and technology to evolve into an effective instrument of development.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs institutional approach to government, scientists and farmers, who have been contributing to the growth of Chinese agricultural technology in two distinct ways. While the government has been playing a critical role in evolving a comprehensive agricultural S&T policy, scientists and farmers have been contributing to the progress of agricultural growth through research and application of various agricultural technologies.

Findings

Agricultural S&T in China has increasingly been growing into a potent force in facilitating comfortable levels of food security but with serious implications on the environment. Of the three players who have been instrumental in this process, the Chinese Government and the scientists are well prepared for WTO and globalization vis‐à‐vis agricultural technology, but the farmers are not well positioned.

Originality/value

Agricultural S&T development in China is critically important not only for Chinese food security but also for the larger global food and human security, as the two are inextricably connected. While most studies focus on various dimensions of agricultural technology, this study focuses on government, scientists and involved farmers, whose role is central to this process, and who are forced to rethink and reposition themselves in the development and use of agricultural S&T in China.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy in China, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1758-552X

Keywords

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