implicationsThe Paper Research Articles

Enterprise social media to foster digital maturity: a value-creation perspective

PurposeIn response to the growing need for organizations to enhance their digital capabilities and the widespread adoption of enterprise social media (ESM) in the workplace, researchers have extensively studied the effects of ESM on various organizational outcomes. Nonetheless, a notable theoretical gap exists regarding the influence of ESM on the development of organizational digital maturity. This paper aims to bridge this gap by conducting a comprehensive literature review to investigate how the utilization of ESM can facilitate the transformation of organizational value-creation processes, thereby contributing to the overall enhancement of digital maturity.Design/methodology/approachUsing the information technology (IT) value-creation framework developed by Mooney et al. (1996) and applying a template analysis methodology as outlined by King (2012), the authors conducted a systematic literature review (Okoli and Schabram, 2010), to investigate the influence of ESM on value creation within the digital business environment.FindingsThe study’s outcomes are structured around a theoretical framework that combines the contingency theory and the sociotechnical perspective to provide a comprehensive understanding of digital maturity. This paper also delves into how ESM facilitates the transformation of organizational value-creation processes, ultimately contributing to the overall progress of their digital maturity.Research limitations/implicationsThis study adapts existing theoretical models to fit the context of ESM and integrates multiple perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of its impact. It identifies a convergence in the definition of ESM and offers insights into its various dimensions and effects on value creation. Hence, scholars can use the identified theoretical frameworks and conceptual convergence to guide future investigations into the impact of ESM on value creation, fostering theoretical development and empirical research. Practitioners can benefit from the insights to develop effective strategies for implementing ESM within their organizations, aligning with broader organizational objectives to enhance performance, streamline operations and drive structural changes. Furthermore, both scholars and practitioners can use the identified limitations of the study to identify areas for further improvement and exploration, thus contributing to the advancement of knowledge and practice in ESM and value creation. Limitations of this research include the exclusion of gray literature, a relatively small sample size of analyzed articles, and the restriction to specific databases as per systematic review guidelines, potentially overlooking valuable contributions from alternative sources.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a comprehensive exploration of how ESM can support value-creation processes within organizations. It offers valuable insights to help managers incorporate ESM into their digital strategies and to understand its value-creation effects.Originality/valueAdopting a value-creation perspective and integrating the contingency theory and the sociotechnical perspective to build a comprehensive framework, this research introduces an original approach by showcasing how ESM can facilitate shifts in value-creation processes of organizations, paving the way to contribute to the development of their digital maturity.

Do foreign direct investment and foreign aid accelerate economic growth in developing countries?

PurposeThis paper aims to study the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) and official development assistance (ODA) on the economic growth of developing countries. This paper classifies sample countries into two groups (low- and high-income developing countries) based on income level and investigates whether the two sources of foreign capital have different effects on the economic development of each subgroup of countries.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyze panel data on 93 countries from 1981 to 2020 using a two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimation. The 2SLS method is used to overcome the endogeneity problem between economic growth and FDI. The sources of the data are World Bank and OECD.FindingsFirst, FDI inflows tend to accelerate per capita GDP growth in both total sample countries and within both groups of countries. Second, ODA has a significant impact on per capita GDP growth only for low-income developing countries. This result indicates that ODA seems to be particularly important for low-income developing countries.Practical implicationsThis paper suggests policy implications that low-income developing countries should create an environment for more ODA funds to flow into themselves with efforts such as improving the credibility and effectiveness of the government related to ODA programs. It also provides implications for donors of ODA to focus their ODA resources on low-income developing countries to more effectively achieve the goal of helping developing countries’ economic growth.Originality/valueThis paper investigates whether FDI and ODA have different effects on the economic development of low- and high-income developing countries. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this point is not addressed in existing studies.

From the side-eye of a fat black girl: using pop culture to tackle fat phobia in education

PurposeThis paper aims to address weight-based bullying as a persistent issue among adolescents. Fat phobia, rooted in societal biases against overweight individuals, leads to social exclusion and discrimination, negatively impacting mental health and equality. Educational settings suffer from the profound effects of fat phobia, creating a toxic atmosphere that distracts from learning and marginalizes students who don't conform to traditional physical norms.Design/methodology/approachThis paper combines historical analysis, literature review and critical discourse analysis. It examines the historical roots of fat phobia, explores the impact of societal influences, analyzes contemporary educational practices and the use of popular culture as a innovative tool.FindingsLeveraging popular culture in anti-fat phobia education effectively challenges stereotypes. Educators empower students to critically analyze media depictions, encouraging empathy and inclusivity. Current events serve as critical teaching tools, sparking discussions on intersecting discrimination forms and equity.Practical implicationsThis paper emphasizes the urgent need to comprehensively address fat phobia in education, advocating for a shift in societal attitudes toward body diversity. Popular culture can serve as an educational tool to create inclusive classrooms where all students are valued and free from weight-based discrimination.Social implicationsThis paper emphasizes the urgent need to comprehensively address fat phobia in education, advocating for a shift in societal attitudes toward body diversity. Popular culture can serve as an educational tool to create inclusive classrooms where all students are valued and free from weight-based discrimination.Originality/valueThe originality and value of this paper lie in its multi-faceted approach to examining weight-based discrimination, its historical context, practical educational strategies, and the innovative use of popular culture as a tool for promoting inclusivity and empathy.

Leadership development through self-upskilling: role of generative artificial intelligence

PurposeThis viewpoint paper investigates the changing role of leadership in a dynamic, technologically driven society, and the vital requirement for leaders to engage in continuous self-upskilling to remain effective. It emphasizes the importance of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in transforming personalized learning experiences for leaders and allowing them to adapt to an ever-changing world.Design/methodology/approachA review of current research papers, articles, and case studies is conducted to evaluate the integration of generative AI in leadership self-upskilling. It examines the possibilities and possible benefits of generative AI, and the issues it offers regarding data privacy, algorithmic bias, and learning requirements.FindingsThe findings highlight the transformational potential of GAI in self-upskilling for leaders. It demonstrates how GAI can build personalized learning materials, provide real-time feedback, and adapt content to individual learning styles. It identifies notable executives who have effectively embraced GAI for their self-upskilling journeys, resulting in increased productivity and competitiveness.Practical implicationsThe paper investigates the application of GAI for self-improvement, addressing challenges such as data privacy and algorithmic bias while suggesting responsible AI use tactics.Originality/valueThis study investigates the relationship between leadership and AI, emphasizing the importance of leaders in self-improvement as well as the possibility of AI-powered self-upskilling to democratize leadership development while also promoting ethical use.

Algorithmic counterspaces: exploring Afro-Latino youth information practices using TikTok

PurposeThis paper investigates the digital information practices of Afro-Latino youth, focusing on their engagement with mental health content on TikTok. It aims to understand how racial and ethnic identity dimensions shape their information behaviors in digital spaces.Design/methodology/approachEmploying qualitative methods, the study involved interviews with thirteen Afro-Latino teens. This exploratory approach, draws connections between Afro-Latino identity and information practices using three constructs: (i) typology of information practices, (ii) intersectionality, and (iii) assemblages.FindingsThe study reveals that Afro-Latino youth actively construct “information assemblages” and “algorithmic counterspaces” on TikTok, enabling them to engage with content that resonates with their identities. However, it also highlights the challenges posed by these spaces' temporary and algorithm-dependent nature in maintaining consistent engagement with mental health information.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited by its small sample size and focus on a single platform, which may affect generalizability. Future research should explore other platforms, and draw a deeper distinction between content creators and other users.Practical implicationsThis paper underscores the need for designers and educators to prioritize the importance of algorithmic literacy and design affordances that empower users to transparently understand algorithmic functionality, so as to support on-going engagement with algorithmic counterspaces.Originality/valueThis research offers novel insights into the digital information practices of Afro-Latino youth, a typically underrepresented group in academic research. It introduces new concepts in information science and digital media studies, highlighting the importance of intersectional identities in digital information practices.

A novel fractional multivariate grey prediction model for forecasting hydroelectricity consumption

PurposeThis study aims to enhance the prediction accuracy of hydroelectricity consumption in China, with a focus on addressing the challenges posed by complex and nonlinear characteristics of the data. A novel grey multivariate prediction model with structural optimization is proposed to overcome the limitations of existing grey forecasting methods.Design/methodology/approachThis paper innovatively introduces fractional order and nonlinear parameter terms to develop a novel fractional multivariate grey prediction model based on the NSGM(1, N) model. The Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm is then utilized to compute the model’s hyperparameters. Subsequently, the proposed model is applied to forecast China’s hydroelectricity consumption and is compared with other models for analysis.FindingsTheoretical derivation results demonstrate that the new model has good compatibility. Empirical results indicate that the FMGM(1, N, a) model outperforms other models in predicting the hydroelectricity consumption of China. This demonstrates the model’s effectiveness in handling complex and nonlinear data, emphasizing its practical applicability.Practical implicationsThis paper introduces a scientific and efficient method for forecasting hydroelectricity consumption in China, particularly when confronted with complexity and nonlinearity. The predicted results can provide a solid support for China’s hydroelectricity resource development scheduling and planning.Originality/valueThe primary contribution of this paper is to propose a novel fractional multivariate grey prediction model that can handle nonlinear and complex series more effectively.

Students we label international: an urgent call to reconceptualise research with international students

PurposeThis article problematises the international student label by critically examining the mechanisms that actively portray international students as necessarily different, deficient and uncritical. It broadly aims to tackle the following issues: (a) to challenge the underpinnings of the international label; (b) to uncover the role of neo-essentialist representations of cohorts of students labelled international in sustaining financial exploitation and deficit narratives; and (c) to criticise the current hyper-internationalisation strategy widely adopted by UK HEIs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper mainly relies on findings from research that adopted narrative inquiry to explore the experiences of students labelled international. Data were collected via a series of interviews with 15 postgraduate students at a university in the north of England. The paper also makes use of brief statistical analyses to provide a general overview about the status of UK higher education (international student admission, net economic impact and income).FindingsThe paper reveals the underpinnings of the international label and how it is mobilised to other non-UK-domiciled students. The paper equally establishes a strong link between hyper-internationalisation and the (un)sustainability of the UK’s higher education sector.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is expected to raise important questions around the experiences and realities endured by students labelled international. In particular, the paper challenges the international label and the mechanisms that sustain the label at institutional levels.Practical implicationsThe paper calls for abandoning the international label as a marker of a presumed difference. Equally, the paper highlights the current unsustainability of the UK’s higher education sector and suggests a gradual cap on international tuition fees to alleviate some of the educational inequalities endured by students international, and to ensure the sustainability of the higher education sector.Originality/valueThis is the first research that openly challenges the international label and substitutes it by “students labelled international”. Equally, this is the first paper that recommends to cap international tuition fees on account of findings from students' narratives and statistics that reveal the unsustainability of the UK's higher education sector. Finally, the paper’s conceptual contribution includes a reference to the idea of hyper-internationalisation.

Industrial revolution and smart farming: a critical analysis of research components in Industry 4.0

PurposeThe domains of Industry 4.0 and Smart Farming encompass the application of digitization, automation, and data-driven decision-making principles to revolutionize conventional sectors. The intersection of these two fields has numerous opportunities for industry, society, science, technology and research. Relatively, this intersection is new, and still, many grey areas need to be identified. This research is a step toward identifying research areas and current trends.Design/methodology/approachThe present study examines prevailing research patterns and prospective research prospects within Industry 4.0 and Smart Farming. This is accomplished by utilizing the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) methodology applied to the data procured from the Scopus database.FindingsBy examining the available literature extensively, the researchers have successfully discovered and developed three separate research questions. The questions mentioned above were afterward examined with great attention to detail after using LDA on the dataset. The paper highlights a notable finding on the lack of existing scholarly research in the examined combined field. The existing database consists of a restricted collection of 51 scholarly papers. Nevertheless, the forthcoming terrain harbors immense possibilities for exploration and offers a plethora of prospects for additional investigation and cerebral evaluation.Research limitations/implicationsThis study examines the Industrial Revolution's and Smart Farming's practical effects, focusing on Industry 4.0 research. The proposed method could help agricultural practitioners implement Industry 4.0 technology. It could additionally counsel technology developers on innovation and ease technology transfer. Research on regulatory frameworks, incentive programs and resource conservation may help policymakers and government agencies.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes that the incorporation of Industry 4.0 technology into agricultural operations can enhance efficiency, production and sustainability. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of creating user-friendly solutions specifically tailored for farmers and companies. The study indicates that the implementation of supportive legislative frameworks, incentive programmes and resource conservation methods might encourage the adoption of smart agricultural technologies, resulting in the adoption of more sustainable practices.Social implicationsThis study examines the Industrial Revolution's and Smart Farming's practical effects, focusing on Industry 4.0 research. The proposed method could help agricultural practitioners implement Industry 4.0 technology. It could additionally counsel technology developers on innovation and ease technology transfer. Research on regulatory frameworks, incentive programs and resource conservation may help policymakers and government agencies.Originality/valueBased on a thorough examination of existing literature, it has been established that there is a lack of research specifically focusing on the convergence of Industry 4.0 and Smart Farming. However, notable progress has been achieved in the field of seclusion. To date, the provided dataset has not been subjected to analysis using the LDA technique by any researcher.

Banking without limits: a bibliometric analysis of scholarly works on electronic banking

PurposeThis paper reviews scholarly literature on electronic banking (EB) research over a three-decade period. The focus of this review is to evaluate the intellectual structure and trends and unearth new areas in the research domain of EB.Design/methodology/approachDrawing data from the Scopus database, a bibliometric analysis was performed on 2,391 research articles published in the EB domain. The articles were examined and synthesized through volume analysis, citation analysis, authorship analysis and the level of collaboration, co-citation analysis and keyword co-occurrence analysis. A well-known bibliometric tool, VOSviewer, was used to create and analyse various bibliometric maps, networks and tables.FindingsThis study uncovers the temporal and spatial trends of publications on EB, the most influential documents, authors, productive publication outlets, countries in the domain, the status of collaboration and the major themes that have been studied in the literature. The publication trail over the years has been gauged using overlay visualization.Practical implicationsThis paper highlights new concepts that have emerged in EB over the past three decades and suggests future avenues for research in this area.Originality/valueResearch in the domain of EB is empirical, with only a handful of studies being literature reviews. This is the first-of-its-kind study that aims to trace the development of electronic banking over the past 29 years, from 1994 to 2022, through bibliometric analysis and network visualization.

Disability-specific factors in paratransit system continuance: Implications for transportation policy and practice in low-income developing countries

ObjectiveTransportation systems are a basis of disability-related activity involvement in society. In Tehran, the capital of Iran, a paratransit system for disabled people has been operating since 2013, but the market share is gradually losing for reasons unknown to practitioners. Although paratransit systems for people with disabilities exist in many cities, no comprehensive study has been completed to identify attitudinal and contextual barriers to the continuance intention to use the system, particularly in a low-income developing country. Thus, due to limitations faced by qualified experts in this field, the adoption of efficient transportation policy and engineering interventions is still limited. Methods and analysisThe Technology Continuance Theory (TCT) is employed in this study as a structural equation modeling framework to analyze and quantify relationships based on the data gathered by face-to-face interviews. The mediation/moderation analyses in this paper reveal that (i) stress, (ii) self-efficacy, (ii) social isolation, (iv) mode captivity, (v) experience of usage, and (vi) type of disability are of prime importance in disabled people's intention to reuse the paratransit system. Main findingsStress is examined through serial mediation analysis. The analysis reveals that stress due to the system's uncertain attributes significantly influences satisfaction. Self-efficacy and social isolation are presented for the moderation and moderated-mediation analyses. It is found that the urban mobility performance of the system is of more importance to disabled people with lower self-efficacy (high social isolation); however, their stress is not significantly reduced even by increasing the usefulness of the system. The mode captivity is also redefined in this context and entered as a moderator. It is found that, for captive riders, satisfaction does not have a dominating role in the intention to use the paratransit system, as the users are constrained by taking what is available or nothing. The usage experience is another moderator, and our analysis shows that attitude is a determinant of behavior for long-term users, while satisfaction with a transient effect is a dominating factor for short-term ones. Finally, the users are categorized by type of disability, and the moderation analysis shows that for people with physical disabilities, the system's performance is the most influential factor in their satisfaction, while for people with sensory disabilities, other factors related to amenity, safety, and support are also prominent. ImplicationsThis paper ultimately presents explicit and thorough policy considerations and practical implications. The article's concluding remark will comprise a disclosure of previously undisclosed insights that underlie the study's findings.

Sustainable investing in extreme market conditions: doing well while doing good

PurposeThe aim of this study is to identify environmental, social and governance (ESG)-focused funds that can effectively uphold ethical principles while also delivering competitive financial returns by evaluating the performance of 24 well-established exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The study also compares the performance of four widely recognized ETFs representing NASDAQ (ticker: QQQ), S&P500 (SPY), Dow Jones (DIA) and Russell 2000 (IWM) with the sample of 24 ESG funds.Design/methodology/approachThis paper utilizes four complementary measures, namely Sharpe, Sortino, Omega and Calmar ratios, to assess the risk-adjusted return performance of ETFs, with a particular emphasis on extreme downside risk.FindingsThe findings indicate that ESG-focused ETFs can predominantly outperform DIA and IWM in the last five years (1 November 2018–22 March 2023). However, when compared to QQQ and SPY, only ICLN, SUSA and DSI consistently delivered competitive risk-adjusted returns. The performance of DSI and SUSA is almost equivalent to QQQ and SPY even during the last ten years.Practical implicationsThe paper conducts a risk-return analysis of alternative ESG investment funds, suggesting that not all ETFs are created equal and that careful selection is vital for achieving different investment objectives. It is imperative to recognize that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future outcomes, requiring consideration of other factors in the post-evaluation phase.Social implicationsThe study provides evidence to support the “doing well while doing good” hypothesis, indicating that competitive returns are achievable while also engaging in socially responsible investment.Originality/valueThis study fills a vital gap in the literature on ESG investment by highlighting that the choice of funds stands as the primary factor responsible for the conflicting findings by previous studies.

Recent developments in higher education in Africa: partnerships for knowledge transformations

PurposeThis paper explores some of the recent developments and transformations in Africa's higher education.Design/methodology/approachIt employs an extensive review of literature based on some dominant thematic areas characterizing the main trends and developments in Africa's higher education.FindingsThe paper mainly highlights the impacts of academic partnerships on these transformations, with a focus on research, postgraduate training, mobility and some new intra-African initiatives. Following the unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, digitalization comes out as an important turning point for Africa's higher education, which should be exploited for more opportunities. The paper calls for collaborative efforts to address the challenges facing Africa's higher education for the repositioning of Africa as a meaningful player in the unfolding global knowledge society.Practical implicationsThe outcomes could be useful to researchers focused on international education, policymakers and higher education leaders and international development partners working on higher education in Africa. It could also be useful for structuring future collaborations between Africa and other regions of the world.Social implicationsThe paper calls for enhanced and mutually beneficial collaborations and disruption of the imbalances that have characterised North–South collaborations. It proposes some possible approaches and alternatives that could be used for redress.Originality/valueThe paper is original and relies on some of the new developments in Africa, including the impacts of COVID-19 and digitalization on the future of higher education collaborations with Africa.

Strategic alternatives for Muslim-friendly homestay in Sabah Malaysia: a SWOT/TOWS analysis

PurposeThis study aims to explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the Muslim-friendly homestay business in Malaysia to help identify and recommend practical strategies to capitalize on the strengths and potentials while overcoming the current shortcomings and threats.Design/methodology/approachThe Muslim-friendly business owner and operators in Sabah, Malaysia, were the subject of a series of focus groups and expert opinion interviews. The data was transcribed, and then the variables were categorized into the four SWOT categories using content and thematic analysis. Meanwhile, threats, opportunities, weaknesses and strengths (TOWS) analysis is used to identify the best strategy alternatives.FindingsThe SWOT analysis identifies several strengths (e.g. diverse and unique Islamic culture and heritage [S1], iconic Islamic landmarks [S2], rich natural beauty [S3], well-established halal tourism industry [S4]); weaknesses (e.g. limited awareness [W1], limited infrastructure and facilities [W2], limited human resources and trained personnel [W3], lack of Islamic tourism products and experiences [W4]); opportunities (e.g. growing demand for Islamic tourism [O1], increasing disposable income [O2], potential for collaborations [O3], potential for partnerships [O4], potential for expanding Sabah’s halal tourism offerings [O5]); and threats (e.g. competition [T1], political instability [T2], economic downturns [T3] and environmental and social challenges [T4]).Practical implicationsThis paper could serve as a guideline and supplementary information for stakeholders in the homestay industry to grasp their business environment better.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of its type to blend SWOT and TOWS analysis with the sector of Muslim-friendly homestays. Hence, the findings might expand understanding of the Muslim-friendly homestays industry and aid businesses in penetrating this growing market.

Damping accumulative NDAGM(1,N, α) power model and its applications

PurposeIn this essay, a new NDAGM(1,N,α) power model is recommended to resolve the hassle of the distinction between old and new information, and the complicated nonlinear traits between sequences in real behavior systems.Design/methodology/approachFirstly, the correlation aspect sequence is screened via a grey integrated correlation degree, and the damped cumulative generating operator and power index are introduced to define the new model. Then the non-structural parameters are optimized through the genetic algorithm. Finally, the pattern is utilized for the prediction of China’s natural gas consumption, and in contrast with other models.FindingsBy altering the unknown parameters of the model, theoretical deduction has been carried out on the newly constructed model. It has been discovered that the new model can be interchanged with the traditional grey model, indicating that the model proposed in this article possesses strong compatibility. In the case study, the NDAGM(1,N,α) power model demonstrates superior integrated performance compared to the benchmark models, which indirectly reflects the model’s heightened sensitivity to disparities between new and old information, as well as its ability to handle complex linear issues.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a scientifically valid forecast model for predicting natural gas consumption. The forecast results can offer a theoretical foundation for the formulation of national strategies and related policies regarding natural gas import and export.Originality/valueThe primary contribution of this article is the proposition of a grey multivariate prediction model, which accommodates both new and historical information and is applicable to complex nonlinear scenarios. In addition, the predictive performance of the model has been enhanced by employing a genetic algorithm to search for the optimal power exponent.

Students-staff classroom co-creation as model of employability skills development in a Nigerian university

PurposeThe paper explored students-staff classroom co-creation and students' involvement in out-of-class engagements as means of fostering employability skills in higher education institutions (HEIs). The paper aimed to present an alternative but equally effective means that HEIs can leverage to foster relevant 21st Century employability skills among undergraduates using day-to-day in-class and out-of-class activities and other non-formal campus activities.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted descriptive survey design. A total of 350 undergraduates who participate in out-of-class activities were purposively selected from seven (7) faculties. An instrument designed by the author was used to gather data for the study. The instrument was subjected to Cronbach Alpha analysis for item-by-item consistency and it yielded the reliability co-efficient of 0.88. Data collected from the respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency count, mean and standard deviation.FindingsInteractive classrooms, where students and lecturers co-create to provide solutions to problems enhance students' self-esteem, problem solving, analytical, communication and leadership skills amongst others. It was also found that students who got involved in one or more out-of-class activity on campus acquire specific competencies such as networking, collaboration, communication, leadership, multidisciplinary thinking, etc.Research limitations/implicationsDue to a limited sample size, it might be inappropriate to generalize findings. Researchers are encouraged to test this proposition further.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the need for HEIs to leverage student-staff co-creation and out-of-class engagement in their bid to produce employable graduates.Originality/valueThis paper clearly presents alternative but effective means of fostering employability in HEIs.

Preparation and tribological properties of porous polyimide modified by graphene

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to prepare graphene/polyimide composite materials for use as bearing cage materials, improving the friction and wear performance of bearing cages.Design/methodology/approachThe oil absorption and discharge tests were conducted to evaluate the oil content properties of the materials, while the mechanical properties were analyzed through cross-sectional morphology examination. Investigation into the tribological behavior and wear mechanisms encompassed characterization and analysis of wear trace morphology in PPI-based materials. Consequently, the influence of varied graphene nanoplatelets (GN) concentrations on the oil content, mechanical and tribological properties of PPI-based materials was elucidated.FindingsThe composites exhibit excellent oil-containing properties due to the increased porosity of PPI-GN composites. The robust formation of covalent bonds between GN and PPI amplifies the adhesive potency of the PPI-GN composites, thereby inducing a substantial enhancement in impact strength. Notably, the PPI-GN composites showed enhanced lubrication properties compared to PPI, which was particularly evident at a GN content of 0.5 Wt.%, as evidenced by the minimization of the average coefficient of friction and the width of the abrasion marks.Practical implicationsThis paper includes implications for elucidating the wear mechanism of the polyimide composites under frictional wear conditions and then to guide the optimization of oil content and tribological properties of polyimide bearing cage materials.Originality/valueIn this paper, homogeneously dispersed PPI-GN composites were effectively synthesized by introducing GN into a polyimide matrix through in situ polymerization, and the lubrication mechanism of the PPI composites was compared with that of the PPI-GN composites to illustrate the composites’ superiority.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2023-0415

Blocked out: reflections on the potential of intensive modes of teaching to enhance post-COVID-19 graduate employability in large-scale educational settings

PurposeThis paper explores the potential that block teaching offers to enhance employability in the context of large-scale classes. It suggests that block teaching, with its condensed structure, necessitates curriculum innovation, fosters participatory learning and peer-to-peer networking, and has been shown to increase student focus and enhance engagement and attainment, especially amongst diverse learners. As these are the same challenges that large-scale teaching faces, it is proposed that intensive modes of delivery could be scaled up in a way that may help to mitigate such problems as cohorts in business schools continue to increase in size.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on secondary research and provides an overview of literature that looks at block teaching, followed by that which explores the challenges of large-scale teaching contexts. It compares and contrasts the gaps in both to suggest a way that they could be combined.FindingsThe paper provides key insights into changes in the contemporary landscape of teaching within UK business schools, which have seen increasingly large cohorts and draws out the key strengths of intensive modes of delivery, which include helping students to time manage effectively, encouraging curriculum innovation and the creation of participatory learning opportunities as well as providing closer personal relationships between students and staff. Outlining some of the well-documented issues that can arise when teaching larger cohorts, the paper suggests that scaling up blocked delivery may offer a new way help to overcome them.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the chosen research approach, the research results are subject to generalisation. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions in large-scale teaching scenarios.Practical implicationsThis paper includes implications for the development of innovative modes of teaching in the context of large cohorts, an experience that is increasingly common amongst British business schools and beyond.Originality/valueThis paper brings together two bodies of literature for the first time – that of intensive modes of teaching and that focuses on large-scale teaching contexts – for the first time to show how the former may help to overcome some of the key issues arising in the latter.

The impact of artificial intelligence on economic development

PurposeThis paper reviews recent research on the expected economic effects of developing artificial intelligence (AI) through a survey of the latest publications, in particular papers and reports issued by academics, consulting companies and think tanks.Design/methodology/approachOur paper represents a point of view on AI and its impact on the global economy. It represents a descriptive analysis of the AI phenomenon.FindingsAI represents a driver of productivity and economic growth. It can increase efficiency and significantly improve the decision-making process by analyzing large amounts of data, yet at the same time it creates equally serious risks of job market polarization, rising inequality, structural unemployment and the emergence of new undesirable industrial structures.Practical implicationsThis paper presents itself as a building block for further research by introducing the two main factors in the production function (Cobb-Douglas): labor and capital. Indeed, Zeira (1998) and Aghion, Jones and Jones (2017) suggested that AI can stimulate growth by replacing labor, which is a limited resource, with capital, an unlimited resource, both for the production of goods, services and ideas.Originality/valueOur study contributes to the previous literature and presents a descriptive analysis of the impact of AI on technological development, economic growth and employment.

AI concierge in the customer journey: what is it and how can it add value to the customer?

PurposeAn AI concierge is a technologically advanced, intelligent and personalized assistant that is designated to an individual customer, proactively taking care of that customer’s needs throughout the service journey. This article envisions the idea of AI concierges and discusses how to leverage AI concierges in the customer journey.Design/methodology/approachThis article takes a conceptual approach and draws insights from literature in service management, marketing, psychology, human-computer interaction and ethics.FindingsThis article delineates the fundamental forms of AI concierges: dialog interface (no embodiment), virtual avatar (embodiment in the virtual world), holographic projection (projection in the physical world) and tangible service robot (embodiment in the physical world). Key attributes of AI concierges are the ability to exhibit semantic understanding of auditory and visual inputs, maintain an emotional connection with the customer, demonstrate proactivity in refining the customer’s experience and ensure omnipresence through continuous availability in various forms to attend to service throughout the customer journey. Furthermore, the article explores the multifaceted roles that AI concierges can play across the pre-encounter, encounter and post-encounter stages of the customer journey and explores the opportunities and challenges associated with AI concierges.Practical implicationsThis paper provides insights for professionals in hospitality, retail, travel, and healthcare on leveraging AI concierges to enhance the customer experience. By broadening AI concierge services, organizations can deliver personalized assistance and refined services across the entire customer journey.Originality/valueThis article is the first to introduce the concept of the AI concierge. It offers a novel perspective by defining AI concierges’ fundamental forms, key attributes and exploring their diverse roles in the customer journey. Additionally, it lays out a research agenda aimed at further advancing this domain.

Examining the roles of traditional leaders in promoting quality education in Ghana

PurposeThe government of Ghana since independence has undertaken steps to develop educational infrastructure setup. This notwithstanding, the educational sector is beset with challenges such as low-quality education and low enrolment rates in Senior High Schools (SHS) of children from large households, among others. Given the myriad of challenges bedevilling the education sector, there have been calls for collaboration among public leaders to promote education. The paper, therefore, examines traditional leaders' roles in promoting quality education in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThrough a desk review approach, the study examines the role of traditional leaders in promoting quality education in Ghana. This approach was adopted due to its flexible nature.FindingsThe study found that traditional leaders have provided educational materials and resources to deprived schools. They have established scholarship schemes for needy but brilliant students, promoted gender parity in education, constructed educational facilities and promoted a healthy teaching environment.Practical implicationsThe paper provides stakeholders in Ghana’s educational sector with the opportunity to review educational policies and include traditional leaders to influence educational policies. The recommendations call for support from the GETFUND and Scholarship Secretariat of Ghana to assist community-initiated projects and scholarship schemes established by traditional leaders.Originality/valueThe paper provides evidence to support the importance of traditional leadership, which has come under criticism from a democratisation perspective in contemporary times.