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Managing change, growth and transformation: Case studies of organizations in an emerging economy
Purpose: In view of dynamic and widespread economic transformation in emerging economies, managing organizational change and growth in this context deserves more research attention. The purpose of this paper is to examine how three organizations in different industries manage change, growth and transformation in their organizational ecosystem. Design/methodology/approach: The authors conducted in-depth interviews with the leadership of three organizations in different economic sectors in India, a country representing an emerging economy. The authors also reviewed historical data from these organizations. Three case studies illustrating the evolution of these organizations were developed from the data collected. Findings: Lessons and implications from the three case studies suggest the following key elements of effective organizational change mechanisms in an emerging economy: visionary entrepreneurial leadership; program quality excellence; scale growth and scope expansion; network capabilities; and sustainable stakeholders engagement. At the same time, this study also shows how these organizations manage change, growth and transformation in the context of a society with strong traditions and cultural norms. Research limitations/implications: Results and conclusions may be limited by the fact that the study is based on three case studies. Additional studies from a variety of industries with large numbers of participants will be helpful in more fully understanding the ways in which change, growth and transformation can best be developed and deployed in different organizational settings. Practical implications: The proposed model of organizational change in an emerging economy may assist organizational leadership in designing and sustaining their change efforts. Social implications: This study highlights the role of visionary entrepreneurial leadership and the impact of organizational growth mechanisms on organizational value delivery capabilities and organizational reputation. Originality/value: Lessons and implications of five growth steps of outstanding organizations in an emerging economy context provide valuable insight for organizational change, growth and transformation in other emerging contexts. 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Responding to pandemic challenges: leadership lessons from multinational enterprises (MNEs) in India
Purpose: The business sector plays a major role in achieving comprehensive economic development goals in emerging economies. Consequently, the effects of business responses to the COVID-19 pandemic are receiving increasing research attention from an organizational management development perspective. This article aims to examine the role of leadership in charting the course in an extraordinary crisis context. Design/methodology/approach: Using institutional leadership theory, leadership contingency theory and dynamic leadership capability theory, the authors present a research framework that defines macrochallenges and organizational level responses and outcomes. The article adopts a case study approach, which includes the identification of four target companies and conducting in-depth interviews with senior management professionals within those companies at different time periods. Findings: Based on the interviews, the steps that Indian companies adopted to respond to the COVID-19 challenge are identified. Expanding the insight from the case study, the findings suggest that although feeling overwhelmed at first, organizational leaders combine prudent (i.e. timely and speedy actions for survival first) and bold (i.e. future envisioning for expansion and growth) actions enabling these firms to weather two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in India. Originality/value: These multiple case studies are unique in exploring MNEs from different industries. This study also highlights the dynamic relationships between leadership practices, risk management strategies and performance outcomes based on a sound theoretical model and rigorous study methods. 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
K-shell fluorescence yields of barium and lanthanum
K-shell fluorescence yields for barium and lanthanum have been measured adopting simple 2? geometrical configuration and employing a weak 57Co radioactive source. A scintillation spectrometer with an NaI(Tl) detector of dimensions 44.5mm diameter0mm thickness was employed for the detection and measurement of radiation. The results obtained are in good agreement with the best-fitted values of Hubbell et al. (1994) and also with the other experimental values, indicating that our simple method can be extended to determine fluorescence parameters of high Z materials. 2011 Elsevier Ltd. -
In-plant production of bricks containing waste foundry sandA study with Belgaum foundry industry
The main objective of this study is to utilize waste foundry sand (WFS) from Belgaum foundry industry in manufacturing of bricks. The process involved production of bricks in a fully functioning brick manufacturing plant, which has a production capacity of approximately 50000 bricks per month. The entire process of combining clay-sand mixtures, forming of bricks, drying and firing was done with local conditions. With minimum process it was possible to introduce upto 50% WFS in clay bodies to produce bricks of desirable properties. The minimum average wet compression resistance of 3.3 Mpa, and maximum average water absorption of 21.6% was obtained for bricks containing 50% WFS, when fired at 900 C. There was insignificant difference in apparent porosity, water absorption, and specific gravity of bricks containing WFS, when compared to commercial bricks. The addition of WFS reduced the bulk density of the bricks, which has also caused reduction in compressive strength. WFS bricks can be classified as class III bricks, based on recommendations of IS 1077 standard specification. These bricks can be used in single storied load bearing structures, and also in the construction of infill walls in multi-storied framed structures. The structure, composition, and morphology of the raw materials, as well as bricks were studied by XRD, XPS, and SEM, respectively. 2018 The Authors -
Geopolymer concrete paving blocks made with Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) aggregates towards sustainable urban mobility development
Policy makers in India have realized the importance of facility for pedestrians and non- motorized vehicles in an urban infrastructure setup. This has resulted in increased utilization of construction materials like Portland cement and crushed stone, which are not environmentally friendly and sustainable. The current study presents the development of paver blocks for pedestrian facility using different wastes. Geopolymer concrete was synthesized by fly ash and recycled asphalt pavement aggregates for making of paver blocks. Paver blocks were produced in laboratory with recycled asphalt pavement aggregate replacement levels of 0%, 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% by weight of virgin coarse and fine aggregates. The developed paver blocks were tested for dimensions and tolerances, water absorption, compressive strength and abrasion resistance as per IS15658:2006 standard. The results of the laboratory study show that recycled asphalt pavement aggregates can be introduced into geopolymer matrix to produce paver blocks of desirable quality. Furthermore, its use in pedestrian facilities provides a new avenue for managing the excessive waste, which otherwise goes in landfills, incurring loss to the paving industry. Therefore, the proposed method can help decision makers to effectively utilize recycled asphalt pavement in paving industry with environment-friendly approach. 2020 The Author(s). This open access article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license. -
Alkali-activated concrete paver blocks made with recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) aggregates
This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) aggregates in alkali-activated concrete paver blocks. Due to drastic growth in road expansion projects in India, there is tremendous amount of RAP generated by milling and digging of existing bituminous roads. Even though RAP gets recycled in new bituminous roads, there is still large volume of this material that gets downgraded, especially in urban areas. Therefore, there is a need to effectively utilize the unused RAP in paving industry. Alkali-activated paver blocks were synthesized with fly ash (FLA), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), NaOH sol., Na2SiO3 sol., RAP and natural aggregates. Natural aggregates were substituted with RAP aggregates at replacement rates of 0 %, 25 %, 50 %, and 75 % by weight. The developed paver blocks were tested for water absorption, compressive strength, and abrasion resistance according to IS 15658: 2006 standard. The results of the laboratory study showed that inclusion of RAP aggregates in alkali-activated concrete reduce the compressive strength and abrasion resistance of the paver blocks. Though there is reduction in strength, developed paver blocks classified for use in pedestrian and non-motorized facility. The study also found that the use of RAP aggregates in paver blocks incur economic benefits. A maximum reduction of 25.8 % in production cost was observed for RAP inclusive alkali-activated paver blocks. Furthermore, the proposed method provides environmental benefits by reducing consumption of Portland cement and natural aggregates from quarries, and thus makes paving industry more sustainable and environment friendly. 2019 The Authors -
The influence of environmentally mindful marketing tactics on the perceptual framework and predispositions of generation Z shoppers in the Indian app
Green marketing decisively helps businesses distinguish themselves from their competition, strengthen their image, and obtain the attention of consumers who increasingly prefer environmentally conscious businesses. By elevating a business's reputation and image, green marketing creates an effect on how people consider a brand and enhances customer loyalty and retention. The "green generation, " or Generation Z, is well-known for its sustainable product preferences and ecological concerns. The study analysed how green marketing techniques relate to and affect Gen Z customers' purchasing habits in India's garment industry. The study targeted 300+ Gen Z consumers through an online cross-sectional survey to get information on their perceptions of green brands, green marketing tactics, purchase intentions, and buying patterns. This study found that green marketing tactics used by fashion firms have a favorable impact and the ability to affect various aspects of customer behavior. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
LCLC Based AC-DC Single-Stage Resonant Converter with Natural Power Factor Correction
LLC-based AC-DC resonant converters make excellent EV chargers because of their high efficiency, high power density, and soft switching properties. Efficiency is increased and the need for a larger series inductor is lowered by connecting a capacitor across the magnetising inductance of the LLC resonant architecture (LCLC configuration). Switching frequency control is commonly used to regulate the converter's output DC voltage. However, there is a significant relationship between the converter's power factor and switching frequency. As a result, any changes in load may result in a lower power factor for the converter. This paper suggests a single-stage topology based on the LCLC resonant structure. The LCLC resonant configuration ensures zero voltage switching (ZVS) of the IGBTs used in the converter. Converters have a power factor correction (PFC) stage on the front of the converter to achieve natural power factor correction. Since the PFC stage and the resonant stage are controlled by the same switches, the converter is smaller and less expensive. A bridgeless rectification method is applied in the proposed topology to reduce the number of switching devices. MATLAB/Simulink simulations are used to validate the topology. 2023 IEEE. -
On-board Converter for Electric Vehicle Charging using LCLC Resonant Topology
Due to their high efficiency, high power density, and soft switching characteristics, LLC-based AC-DC resonant converters are a great choice for EV chargers. Adding a capacitor across the magnetizing inductance of the LLC resonant architecture (LCLC configuration) enhances efficiency and reduces the need for a larger series inductor. The output DC voltage of the converter is generally regulated using switching frequency control. However, the power factor of the converter varies significantly with the switching frequency. As a result, any fluctuations in load may cause the converter to operate at a lower power factor. This paper proposes a single-stage topology based on the LCLC resonant structure. Zero voltage switching (ZVS) of the IGBTs used in the converter is ensured by the LCLC resonant configuration. Converter have a power factor correction (PFC) stage on the front of the converter to achieve natural power factor correction. Since the PFC stage and the resonant stage are controlled by the same switches, the converter is smaller and less costly. Simulations in MATLAB/Simulink are used to validate the topology. 2023 IEEE. -
Single-Stage Bidirectional Three-Level AC/DC LLC Resonant Converter with High Power Factor
The increasing demand for efficient and high-performance power converters in electric vehicle technology and renewable energy integration has brought attention to LLC resonant converters due to their advantages in soft switching, inherent short circuit and open circuit protection, and high efficiency. These converters are particularly well-suited for high-frequency operation, making them ideal for electric vehicle battery charging and other power conversion tasks. However, when integrated with a front-end boost power factor correction (PFC) stage in AC-DC applications, challenges arise in maintaining power balance during transients, leading to voltage fluctuations and potential operational instability. Moreover, light load conditions can result in excessive switching frequencies, causing elevated switching losses and control difficulties. Additionally, traditional LLC resonant converters face limitations related to high voltage stress on switches, which affects device reliability and overall converter performance. To address these issues, researchers have explored the use of multilevel inverters, but they introduce complexity and cost. In this context, this paper proposes a novel single-stage, three-level bidirectional AC-DC LLC-based resonant converter with features like zero voltage switching and duty ratio control for output voltage regulation. The converter achieves a unity displacement power factor naturally through discontinuous conduction mode. Simulation results demonstrate the converter's effectiveness of the proposed topology. The proposed converter offers a promising solution for Electric vehicle chargers, combining unity power factor operation and efficient bidirectional power flow control in a single topology. 2024 IEEE. -
pH-dependent water permeability switching and its memory in MoS2 membranes
Intelligent transport of molecular species across different barriers is critical for various biological functions and is achieved through the unique properties of biological membranes14. Two essential features of intelligent transport are the ability to (1) adapt to different external and internal conditions and (2) memorize the previous state5. In biological systems, the most common form of such intelligence is expressed as hysteresis6. Despite numerous advances made over previous decades on smart membranes, it remains a challenge to create a synthetic membrane with stable hysteretic behaviour for molecular transport711. Here we demonstrate the memory effects and stimuli-regulated transport of molecules through an intelligent, phase-changing MoS2 membrane in response to external pH. We show that water and ion permeation through 1T? MoS2 membranes follows a pH-dependent hysteresis with a permeation rate that switches by a few orders of magnitude. We establish that this phenomenon is unique to the 1T? phase of MoS2, due to the presence of surface charge and exchangeable ions on the surface. We further demonstrate the potential application of this phenomenon in autonomous wound infection monitoring and pH-dependent nanofiltration. Our work deepens understanding of the mechanism of water transport at the nanoscale and opens an avenue for the development of intelligent membranes. 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited. -
Determinants of renewable stock returns: The role of global supply chain pressure
This study investigates the determinants of the global renewable stocks index returns from November 2003 to August 2022. The explanatory variables include global supply chain pressure measures, climate policy uncertainty, global economic activity, and crude oil prices. The long-run panel dynamic Autoregressive Distributed Lag estimations show that the global supply chain pressure, climate policy uncertainty, and global economic activity redound renewable stock returns. These results are robust enough to utilise different long-run estimation techniques. Potential policy implications are also discussed. 2023 The Authors -
Cation-controlled wetting properties of vermiculite membranes and its promise for fouling resistant oilwater separation
Manipulating the surface energy, and thereby the wetting properties of solids, has promise for various physical, chemical, biological and industrial processes. Typically, this is achieved by either chemical modification or by controlling the hierarchical structures of surfaces. Here we report a phenomenon whereby the wetting properties of vermiculite laminates are controlled by the hydrated cations on the surface and in the interlamellar space. We find that vermiculite laminates can be tuned from superhydrophilic to hydrophobic simply by exchanging the cations; hydrophilicity decreases with increasing cation hydration free energy, except for lithium. The lithium-exchanged vermiculite laminate is found to provide a superhydrophilic surface due to its anomalous hydrated structure at the vermiculite surface. Building on these findings, we demonstrate the potential application of superhydrophilic lithium exchanged vermiculite as a thin coating layer on microfiltration membranes to resist fouling, and thus, we address a major challenge for oilwater separation technology. 2020, The Author(s). -
Psychoneuroimmunological Perspective of Animal - Assisted Therapy
Animal-assisted therapy is a new and upcoming form of therapy that has shown multifarious benefits to participants. It is a goal-oriented therapeutic process with the incorporation of a qualified therapy animal in the therapeutic activities and conversations. This paper explores these benefits from a psychoneuroimmunological lens, wherein the interplay of and impact on an individual's psychological, neurological and immune systems are discussed. Positive physical interaction with therapy animals reduces undesirable symptoms and ailments such as stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, aggressive tendencies, harmful behaviours, cardiovascular issues and unhealthy tendencies amongst others. It further promotes a healthier lifestyle, promoting quality of life, better heart health, cognitive functioning and overall well-being. The biological basis of these benefits is discussed. 2024 Oriental Scientific Publishing Company. All rights reserved. -
EFFECT OF ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY ON DEPRESSION, MEMORY, ATTENTION, AND EMOTION REGULATION
Introduction: The mere presence of a dog in a therapeutic setup is known to bring about more positive outcomes when incorporated in therapy, dogs can bring about multifarious benefits which are not entirely tapped upon. Aim: This research aimed to study the effect of animal-assisted therapy (AAT), with therapy dogs, on depressive symptoms, emotional regulation, memory and attention of individuals. Method: A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental research design was used. Psychology Experiment Building Language (PEBL) for memory and attention, Difficulty in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were used for pre and post-testing 1 week before and post the intervention. Results: The findings reveal a positive impact of AAT on the given domains of memory, attention, emotion regulation and depressive symptoms, in the experimental group. No significant changes were obtained for the control group. Discussion: The results help validate the module of AAT to improve an individuals cognitive functioning and alleviate depressive and emotional dysregulations. Further implications are discussed. 2023, Institute for Human Rehabilitation. All rights reserved. -
On the secure vertex cover pebbling number
A new graph invariant called the secure vertex cover pebbling number, which is a combination of two graph invariants, namely, secure vertex cover and cover pebbling number, is introduced in this paper. The secure vertex cover pebbling number of a graph, G, is the minimum number m so that every distribution of m pebbles can reach some secure vertex cover of G by a sequence of pebbling moves. In this paper, the complexity of the secure vertex cover problem and secure vertex cover pebbling problem are discussed. Also, we obtain some basic results and the secure vertex cover pebbling number for complete r-partite graphs, paths, Friendship graphs, and wheel graphs. 2023 World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte Ltd. All rights reserved. -
Probing the soft state evolution of 4U 1543-47 during its 2021 outburst using AstroSat
4U 1543-47 underwent its brightest outburst in 2021 after two decades of inactivity. During its decay phase, AstroSat conducted nine observations of the source spanning from 2021 July 1 to September 26. The first three observations were performed with an offset of 40 arcmin with AstroSat/LAXPC, while the remaining six were on-axis observations. In this report, we present a comprehensive spectral analysis of the source as it was in the High/Soft state during the entire observation period. The source exhibited a disc-dominated spectra with a weak high-energy tail (power-law index ?2.5) and a high inner disc temperature (?0.84 keV). Modelling the disc continuum with non-relativistic and relativistic models, we find inner radius to be significantly truncated at >10 Rg. Alternatively, to model the spectral evolution with the assumption that the inner disc is at the innermost stable circular orbit, it is necessary to introduce variation in the spectral hardening in the range ?1.5-1.9. 2023 The Author(s). -
An Improved and Efficient YOLOv4 Method for Object Detection in Video Streaming
As object detection has gained popularity in recent years, there are many object detection algorithms available in today's world. Yet the algorithm with better accuracy and better speed is considered vital for critical applications. Therefore, in this article, the use of the YOLOV4 object detection algorithm is combined with improved and efficient inference methods. The YOLOV4 state-of-the-art algorithm is 12% faster compared to its previous version, YOLOV3, and twice as faster compared to the EfficientDet algorithm in the Tesla V100 GPU. However, the algorithm has lacked performance on an average machine and on single-board machines like Jetson Nano and Jetson TX2. In this research, we examine the performance of inferencing in several frameworks and propose a framework that effectively uses hardware to optimize the network while consuming less than 30% of the hardware of other frameworks. 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Next generation employability andcareer sustainability inthehospitality industry 5.0
Purpose: With an industry 5.0 revolution taking place in the hospitality industry, a shift from manual to cognitive labor is anticipated, characterized by greater sustainability, resilience and a human-centric approach. In this regard, hospitality educators' ability and willingness to teach novel topics such as automation at work, upskilling of employees, man-machine interaction and service robots have become more important than ever. This study aims to interpret the perspectives of hospitality educators about bridging the gap in the employability skills of (next-gen) hospitality graduates and the concerns relating to career sustainability in times of transition. Design/methodology/approach: A case study method was used given the novelty of the topic in a developing country like India. A qualitative survey with open-ended questions, is employed to understand the viewpoints of Indian hospitality educators, including those with more than 15years of teaching experience. In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 hospitality educators to reach the theoretical saturation point. MAXQDA software was used to analyze the qualitative data collected in the study. Findings: The findings reveal the challenges and motivations of hospitality educators in adapting to frequently changing business environments. In doing so, it sheds light on the methods employed to create a generation of hospitality graduates aligned with the changing dynamics of the industry. Originality/value: The paper presents the viewpoints of hospitality educators in India in relation to a futuristic approach to next-gen employability and career sustainability. Whilst numerous studies have focused on the role of robots and artificial intelligence in replacing the human component of the service environment, the concept of people working alongside advanced technologies is fairly new and needs to be fully explored. 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Economic growth and higher education in south asian countries: Evidence from econometrics
South Asian economies has witnessed very slow growth over the years and the gap has widened manifold between other nations of Asia particularly East Asian nations and South Asian nations. This paper examines co-integration between the economic growth and reach of higher education in South Asian nations explaining this disparity. The research employed an econometric panel co-integration investigation to analyse the long run relationship of higher education and economic growth among these nations. The research confirmed positive long run causality between the economic growth of the South Asian nations and gross enrolment ratio of higher education. So, if the South Asian nations continue with their existing pattern of paying less attention to higher education by allocating low share of investment on it, poor human capital formation would result in growing further economic disparity between developed and South Asian nations where rich nations would remain richer and poor nations would remain poor with the gap remaining unabridged. This research will serve as an aid to policy makers, educators and financers of South Asian nations to bridge the gap between high-and low-income nations. The focus on the quantum of spending on higher education by the government will help improve the reach of tertiary education and build economic prosperity in these nations. 2020, Sciedu Press. All rights reserved.