Mini Mathur and Smita P. Kothari
Help students understand Porter’s five forces framework. Explore and analyze possible growth strategies using the Ansoff matrix.
Abstract
Learning outcomes
Help students understand Porter’s five forces framework. Explore and analyze possible growth strategies using the Ansoff matrix.
Case overview/synopsis
This case study integrates lessons in growth strategies, Porter’s five forces and the Ansoff matrix. Vijay Kothari, Founder of Wealth out of Waste (WOW) is in a fix. In spite of functioning in an environment of abundant demand and potential, he is unable to perform in his optimum capacity because of operational and manpower-related issues. WOW, which turned nine in 2019, is a sort of monopoly in the organized business of scheduled collection of recyclable trash. WOW is operating in a 2% market with 98% being captured by traditional “pastiwalas.” From the current waiting period of up to seven days, Kothari wants to service any area in the city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India within 2 h. To achieve this objective, how should Kothari overcome the growth challenge in the business.
Complexity academic level
Undergraduate and postgraduate.
Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 11: Strategy.
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Vijay Kothari and Sriram Seshadri
The purpose of this paper is to investigate various extracts of Annona squamosa L (Annonanceae) and Carica papaya L (Caricaceae) seeds for their antioxidant activity, free radical…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate various extracts of Annona squamosa L (Annonanceae) and Carica papaya L (Caricaceae) seeds for their antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging ability, total phenolic and flavonoid contents.
Design/methodology/approach
Samples from both the seeds were prepared by subjecting them to microwave‐assisted extraction. After determining their antioxidant properties and polyphenolic contents, correlation between them was also investigated.
Findings
Highest antioxidant activity (3,179.66 g gallic acid equivalent/g of dry extract) and phenol content were registered by chloroform:methanol extract of C. papaya seeds. Maximum radical scavenging activity (3,201.63 ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity g/100 g of dry extract) was exerted by water extract of A. squamosa seeds, whereas acetone extract of C. papaya registered highest flavonoid content among all extracts. Polar extracts were found to be better free radical scavengers compared with those less polar. Hexane extracts showed least DPPH radical scavenging activity. Acetone proved efficient in extracting flavonoids, whereas phenols were best extracted in a mixture of chloroform and methanol. Phenolic metabolites seem to be contributing significantly towards antioxidant activity of the C. papaya extracts, but less so in the case of A. squamosa.
Originality/value
There have been few reports on antioxidant activity of non‐edible parts of commonly consumed fruits. The research indicates that seeds may be a promising source of antioxidants, which may have therapeutic implications.
Noise is an unwanted sound which creates the pollution and adverse effects on individual. One of the simple ways to reduce the noise is to place the acoustic material in the path…
Abstract
Noise is an unwanted sound which creates the pollution and adverse effects on individual. One of the simple ways to reduce the noise is to place the acoustic material in the path between the source and the receiver so that sound waves get either absorbed or blocked while reaching towards the receiver. There are various techniques available to measure sound absorption or sound barrier (blocking) caused by the acoustic material. However these techniques are also associated with certain limitations. Our objective was to design and fabricate simple technique to measure sound barrier which overcomes these limitations and allows larger sample size and random scatter of sound wave to accurately predict actual field measurements. A sound source (i.e. a speaker) and a microphone, placed in different pipes separated by sample in between, were used for the measurement of sound barrier property of porous materials (nonwovens, woven fabric, and foam), nonporous materials (rubber, cardboard) and their composite structures at four different frequencies 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2000 Hz. Different set of readings were taken in absence and presence of the sample by measuring the transmitted sound across the sample.
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Vandit Vijay, Ram Chandra and P.M.V. Subbarao
To better understand bioenergy's role in sustainable rural development and cleaner environment, it is necessary to place it in a local regional context. This paper aims to provide…
Abstract
Purpose
To better understand bioenergy's role in sustainable rural development and cleaner environment, it is necessary to place it in a local regional context. This paper aims to provide a conceptual approach for biomass-based energy self-sufficiency in rural areas of developing and underdeveloped countries having a strong agricultural sector. It further provides a framework for the estimation of surplus biomass and bioenergy potential and the biomass power emissions in a rural area.
Design/methodology/approach
A detailed approach is laid out to attain energy self-sufficiency in rural areas encompassing identification of surplus biomass resources in a selected area, suitable conversion technologies, consideration of local end-use priorities, skill development and monitoring of the project.
Findings
Following the novel approach proposed in this paper a case study analysis for Thanagazi block (Alwar District, India) is done, and it is observed that locally available biomass in the block can substitute more than 75% of the conventional energy demand and save 78% emissions vis-à-vis equivalent coal power. This indicates that creating local bioenergy production system as a means of substituting/complementing fossil energy can contribute to a cleaner self-sufficient ecosystem.
Originality/value
Biomass is a spatio-temporal resource. Prior works have looked at bioenergy potential for national or state levels; however, granular data to reveal a more realistic outlook in a rural area is the novelty of this work. Furthermore, biomass assessment studies largely focus on crop residual biomass, whereas the present study also includes livestock manure assessment which is a major resource in rural areas. This paper highlights the need and the approach for exploring locally available biomass to meet the local energy demands for clean energy security while considering the involvement of the local population in bioenergy planning and implementation.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine expectations of Generation Y (born between 1980 and 2000) entrants to Indian industry, in respect of their perspective, job experiences…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine expectations of Generation Y (born between 1980 and 2000) entrants to Indian industry, in respect of their perspective, job experiences, considerations and initial employment expectations. Keeping in mind that organizations are required to prepare for the expectations of Generation Y. Human resources (HR) practitioners should consider the next generation as strategic business partners in the twenty-first-century workplaces, questions ignite about Generation Y’s values and aspirations and how we can engage them in our workplaces. This study was an attempt to look at Indian Gen Y employees who comprise almost half of the Indian working population and are growing at a rapid pace. Effective understanding of Gen Y will lead to the designing of effective HR policies and environment.
Design/methodology/approach
Utilizing quantitative research methods, an exploratory study was undertaken with 520 employees (all of whom fell into the category of Generation Y) from various industries.
Findings
The study found that many of the propositions contained within the Generation Y literature were reflected among participants in relation to their future career and lifestyle aspirations. This hints to the need for industry to carefully benchmark employee expectations and experiences to ensure commitment to the sector.
Research limitations/implications
Being an exploratory study, the results are not generalizable to the wider population. The findings frame a future longitudinal study on the careers of Generation Y graduates as they move from the anticipation to the encounter stage of their career development. This will seek to further explore the implications of Generation Y values, including those relating to diversity and equality which were not raised as an issue in this preliminary study.
Practical implications
The findings of this research contribute to our knowledge of the career aspirations of Generation Y. The paper indicates to employers some of the future benchmarkings in recruitment and HR practices that they might adopt to meet the needs of this generation of employees. It is anticipated that this paper will interest new and experienced HR practitioners. Interest might spark ongoing inquiry into effective approaches for employee engagements, specifically to Gen Y employees who will be ruling the workplace in the coming decade. The Gen Y has also led to attrition problems. Therefore, this paper will help in the effective understanding of Gen Y and designing strategies for internal benchmarking in various policies.
Originality/value
This work is a unique effort to look at the common expectations of the Gen Y employees, from the workplace. The findings highlighted the general expectations which are normally neglected in high strategical environment of today’s tech-savvy industry.
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Shreesh Deshpande and Vijay Jog
This study aims to examine a large, non-disclosed production contract awarded to Lockheed Corp. in the context of a trade-off between a contractually required non-disclosure…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine a large, non-disclosed production contract awarded to Lockheed Corp. in the context of a trade-off between a contractually required non-disclosure clause and the need (as a publicly traded firm) to disclose material information to its shareholders. This production contract generated significant cash flows to the firm as evidenced by growth in its earnings. However, the existence of the production contract and its contribution to Lockheed’s earnings, was not disclosed by the firm to shareholders and potential investors while the production contract was being executed.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors examine the market reaction to several key contract events which were not disclosed at the time they occurred, in compliance with the contractually required non-disclosure clause.
Findings
A statistically significant stock price reaction around the time of the award of this non-public contract, indicative of trading by some capital market participants using non-public information was documented.
Originality/value
Because similar large non-public contracts funded by the government are common in the industrial economy, we conclude by discussing implications for organizational structure, firm’s cost of capital, equity-based compensation and market efficiency.
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The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in multiple challenges for employees, which led to employee turnover, disengagement at work, employees’ mental health issues, etc. The study tries to…
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in multiple challenges for employees, which led to employee turnover, disengagement at work, employees’ mental health issues, etc. The study tries to elucidate how artificial intelligence (AI) herald great promise in human resource management in decreasing cost, attrition level and enhancing productivity. Considering the dearth of studies on recent trends in human resource management (HRM) in the context of AI, the study elucidates the role of AI in facilitating seamless onboarding, diversity and inclusion (D&I), work engagement, emotional intelligence and employees’ mental health. Thus, a conceptual model of recent trends in HRM in the context of AI and its organisational outcomes is proposed. A systematic review and meta-synthesis method are undertaken. A systematic literature review assisted in critically analysing, synthesising, and mapping the extant literature by identifying the broad themes. The findings of the study suggest that using natural language processing (NLP) and robots has eased the onboarding process. D&I is promoted using data analytics, big data, machine learning, predictive analysis and NLP. Furthermore, NLP and data analytics have proved to be highly effective in engaging employees. Emotional Intelligence is applied through AI simulation and intelligent robots. On the other hand, chatbots, employee pulse surveys, wearable technology, and intelligent robots have paved way for employees’ mental health. The study also reveals that using AI in HRM leads to enhanced organisational performance, reduced cost and decreased intention to quit the organisation. Thus, AI in HRM provides a competitive edge to organisations by enhancing the performance of the employees.
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Output per worker varies significantly from one country to another. Why? Our analysis shows that differences in earnings opacity are important sources of this variation. Earnings…
Abstract
Output per worker varies significantly from one country to another. Why? Our analysis shows that differences in earnings opacity are important sources of this variation. Earnings opacity is a measure that reflects how little information there is in a firm's earnings number about its true, but unobservable, economic performance. According to our results, a high‐productivity country has the accounting quality associated with low earnings opacity. Results further suggest that the quality of accounting in general, and low earnings opacity in particular helps a country by stimulating the accumulation of human and physical capital and by raising its total factor productivity.
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The distributed generation (DG) proper placement is an extremely rebellious concern for attaining their extreme potential profits. This paper aims to propose the application of…
Abstract
Purpose
The distributed generation (DG) proper placement is an extremely rebellious concern for attaining their extreme potential profits. This paper aims to propose the application of the communal spider optimization algorithm (CSOA) to the performance model of the wind turbine unit (WTU) and photovoltaic (PV) array locating method. It also involves the power loss reduction and voltage stability improvement of the ring main distribution system (DS).
Design/methodology/approach
This paper replicates the efficiency of WTU and PV array enactment models in the placement of DG. The effectiveness of the voltage stability factor considered in computing the voltage stability levels of buses in the DS is studied.
Findings
The voltage stability levels are augmented, and total losses are diminished for the taken bus system. The accomplished outcomes exposed the number of PV arrays accompanied by the optimal bus location for various penetration situations.
Practical implications
The optimal placement and sizing of wind- and solar-based DGs are tested on the 15- and 69-test bus system.
Originality/value
Moreover, the projected CSOA algorithm outperforms the PSOA, IAPSOA, BBO, ACO and BSO optimization techniques.
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Iwona Frydrych and Agnieszka Greszta
Seam efficiency plays an important role for obtaining a desired seam quality. Therefore, this issue is often referred in research papers. The purpose of this paper is to determine…
Abstract
Purpose
Seam efficiency plays an important role for obtaining a desired seam quality. Therefore, this issue is often referred in research papers. The purpose of this paper is to determine the seam strength and efficiency as well as examining, if and how such factors as: a kind of fabric, kind of thread, kind of seam and the stitch density influence the transverse seam strength and the seam efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
For research four types of polyester/wool fabrics having different structural parameters and two types of polyester sewing threads were used. Three types of seam were made. The fabric samples were sewn using lockstitch with three different stitch densities. Obtained in this way seams were tested on the tensile machine. The influence of individual factors on the seam strength and its efficiency was assessed statistically using a multivariate variance analysis (ANOVA).
Findings
The findings of this study revealed that the independent variable – stitch density affect significantly of the seam strength as well as its efficiency. Seam strength and seam efficiency values increase with the increase stitch density. Moreover, the variance analysis showed that a kind of fabric also is a statistically significant factor for the seam efficiency and its strength. Furthermore, in the case of seam efficiency it is also important to the stitch direction. However, the study did not show an impact of kind of thread and kind of seam on dependent variables: the seam strength and its efficiency.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the fact that this paper focuses on the seams made only on wool/polyester fabrics with two the most popular weaves, involving only two sewing PES threads, the conclusions presented in this paper are valid only to this assortment and cannot be generalized.
Originality/value
So far, it has not been taken research on the effect of seams with the different number of sewn layers on the seam strength and efficiency. This issue has been taken in this work.