Industry Experts Research Articles

Exploring Key Drivers of Sales Revenues Forecasting: Empirical Evidence from the Aluminium Industry

In the fast-paced and fiercely competitive banking industry and increasing demand for high forecasting accuracy for effective lending decision making, mastering the art of sales revenue forecasting is crucial for banking professionals who are concerned with efficient credit assessment and investment evaluation. This study delves deep into the main independent variables that impact sales revenue forecasting, moving beyond the widely used historical sales lagging approach. Through a comprehensive qualitative analysis utilizing semi-structured in-depth interviews technique with industry experts whereby study model is developed and subsequently validated using Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis. Spanning a period from 2013 to 2022, this empirical research leverages secondary data from sample of 12 selected companies who manufacture primary aluminiumfrom different economics, accordingly with related macro and micro economic figures on quarterly basis. The findings revealed that interviews claimed six independent variables have significant impact on sales revenues forecasting including (Historical Trading metal price at the metal exchange, company strategy) while only four variables were (quantities sold, historical market selling prices, and historical producer price index and historical foreign exchange rates) have significant impact on sales revenue forecasting, empowering banking credit and investment teams with the critical knowledge necessary to make informed lending and investment decisions

Fundamental problems in the peer‐review process and stakeholders' perceptions of potential suggestions for improvement

AbstractAcademic papers are essential for researchers to communicate their work to their peers and industry experts. Quality research is published in prestigious scientific journals, and is considered as part of the hiring and promotion criteria at leading universities. Scientific journals conduct impartial and anonymous peer reviews of submitted manuscripts; however, individuals involved in this process may encounter issues related to the duration, impartiality, and transparency of these reviews. To explore these concerns, we created a questionnaire based on a comprehensive review of related literature and expert opinions, which was distributed to all stakeholders (authors, reviewers, and editors) who participated in the peer‐review process from a variety of countries and disciplines. Their opinions on the primary issues during the process and suggestions for improvement were collected. The data were then analysed based on various groups, such as gender, country of residence, and contribution type, using appropriate multivariate statistical techniques to determine the perceptions and experiences of participants in the peer‐review process. The results showed that unethical behaviour was not uncommon and that editors and experienced reviewers encountered it more frequently. Women and academics from Türkiye were more likely to experience ethical violations and perceived them as more ethically severe. Incentives and stakeholder involvement were seen as ways to enhance the quality and impartiality of peer review. The scale developed can serve as a useful tool for addressing difficulties in the peer‐review process and improving its effectiveness and performance.

BATERIAS DE CARROS ELÉTRICOS: MANUTENÇÕES E DESCARTES

The rapid growth in the adoption of electric vehicles brings to light challenges related to the maintenance and disposal of batteries, which are essential components for the operation of these vehicles. The central issue addressed is the sustainability of the battery life cycle, considering both the efficiency of their maintenance and the environmental impacts resulting from inadequate disposal. The context involves the transition to a greener economy and the demands for clean technologies, which makes it essential to discuss appropriate practices to extend the useful life of batteries and ensure their safe disposal. The main objective of this study is to analyze the maintenance practices of electric car batteries and disposal strategies, focusing on minimizing environmental impacts and optimizing the life cycle of components. The research seeks to identify effective methods to extend the useful life of batteries, in addition to evaluating existing recycling policies and processes. The methodology used includes a literature review of current battery maintenance and disposal practices, in addition to the analysis of case studies that exemplify different approaches and results in international contexts. The research also incorporates interviews with industry experts, aiming to obtain a comprehensive and updated view of best practices and challenges faced. This work contributes to the discussion on sustainability in the automotive sector and to the formulation of more efficient policies for the management of technological waste.

Responsible Leadership Behavioral Styles and Innovative Work Behavior: A Moderated‐Mediation Analysis

ABSTRACTDrawing from the social learning theory (SLT), this study aims to examine the relationship between responsible leadership behavioral styles (RLBS) (instrumental and integrative) and employees' innovative work behaviors (IWBs). This study also examines the mediating role of meaningful work (MFW) and the moderating role of knowledge sharing (KS) in the relationship between RLBS and IWBs. Data were collected from 230 employees at different levels working in the public and private sectors. The SPSS PROCESS macros were used to analyze moderated mediation, mediation, and moderation results. All the hypothesized relationships are supported, except the mediating role of MFW in the relationship between integrative RLBS and IWBs, which is partially supported. The findings demonstrated that KS strengthens the instrumental and integrative RLBS' direct effect on MFW and its indirect effect on employees' IWBs. This paper provides a unique theoretical contribution to the effect of RLBS on IWBs in the organization. Instrumental (effective decision‐making and task orientation) and integrative (motivation and welfare orientation) RLBS would be helpful to industrial experts and academicians in creating an innovative work environment for employees in the organization.

Competitiveness analysis of the South African avocado industry

ABSTRACT The South African avocado industry has experienced a major decline in its export performance which could be attributed to its overall competitiveness in the global export markets. This study seeks to analyse the competitiveness of the South African avocado industry based on the perceptions of the industry participants and other industry experts. The main purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive statement on the competitiveness of this industry for strategic planning by agribusiness managers and other key stakeholders to improve the industry’s competitiveness. A five-step analytical framework previously used in similar studies is applied to measure and analyse the competitive performance of the South African avocado industry. Through engagements with industry participants and experts, 90 factors that influence the competitiveness of the South African avocado industry were identified. An analysis of these factors using Porter’s Determinants of Competitiveness approach supported by measurements of comparative advantage using trade measures such as the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), Relative Trade Advantage (RTA), Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA), Normalized Revealed Comparative Advantage (NRCA) and Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), this study was able to establish that the South African avocado industry is experiencing competitiveness challenges. Climate change, competition in the international markets, and various South African policies were identified as major constraints for the competitiveness of the South African avocado industry. Thirteen strategic actions that could be used to improve the competitiveness of this industry are recommended. The study mainly focused on the South African avocado industry; thus, generalisations should be cautious.

Language of emotions: Establishing connection with customers in tourism industries

Establishing a deep connection to customers is crucial in the highly competitive tourism industry. Service providers in the tourism industry must be good expressive communicators in order to deliver a better product and enhance the customer’s experience. This qualitative study explores the significance of the 'Language of Emotions' in the tourism industry, including the use of empathy, emotional intelligence, and effective communication to comprehend and address the emotional requirements of consumers. Tapping twelve (12) frontline tourism industry workers with at least three years of experience and twelve (12) tourists who made six purchases of tourism-related goods in the previous two years totaling to 24 respondents via purposive sampling, results of this study implies that tourism industry professionals can use this language to develop unique experiences, cultivate client loyalty, and accelerate company expansion. Personalized service delivery, emotional engagement, and attentive listening are some strategies. The study also highlights the necessity of providing personnel with communication and emotional intelligence training. The usefulness and difficulties of applying the "Language of Emotions" are covered in the conclusion, along with suggestions for further study and use. For tourism industry experts looking to improve client satisfaction and loyalty through emotional connections, this research provides insightful information.

Optimization of Neighborhood Public Space Design Based on Physical Environment Simulation and Crowd Simulation—A Case Study of Xiaomi’s Changping Campus

Digital technology has brought drastic changes to the design methods, values, and design tools of neighbourhood public spaces, thereby changing the behavioural patterns of people in neighbourhood public spaces. Therefore, people’s requirements for urban public space have changed and are characterised by high efficiency, high precision, humanization, and high aesthetics. Scholars at home and abroad have conducted many studies and practises on the application of digital technology to neighbourhood design, but there is a lack of systematic research practises on the use and analysis of multi-faceted data. This paper selects the Xiaomi Beijing Changping II design project, simulates and deduces the physical environment of its location, simulates the results of the natural environment by using the data of sunshine, wind, and water catchment in the physical environment, and then simulates the crowd’s action paths by combining kinetic algorithms and ant algorithms to optimise the design methods, processes, and results of the neighbourhood public space on the basis of this research. The research team designed five groups of programmes for the project based on different design methods and processes, and conducted a comparative study of the five groups of programmes through the hierarchical analysis method in conjunction with the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, as well as discussing them in conjunction with the actual bidding results of the project and the scoring conclusions of the industry experts. The results of the study show that the design scheme for neighbourhood public space based on physical environment simulation and crowd simulation is better able to take advantage of the analytical and predictive advantages of the technology and unite with the designer’s aesthetic interests, balancing the data objectivity and aesthetic subjectivity in the design process. The method is more likely to achieve a design solution that combines systematicity, foresight, rationality, and aesthetics, and provides an empirical case for the application of data simulation in public space, aiming to improve the rationality of public space design and solve the data-objective problems faced by the design of public space at this stage.

Design and implementation of a project management training program to develop workforce ready skills and career readiness in STEM PhD students and postdoctoral trainees

A growing number of STEM doctorates pursue careers across the broader biomedical workforce, including industry, policy, and healthcare. Graduate and postdoctoral trainees need training to develop professional skills that prepare them for diverse workforce options. Through engagement with faculty and trainees, we determined that formal management skills are underdeveloped in trainees, particularly around managing projects in a way that is translatable to broader industries. At Georgetown University Medical Center, we adapted Kern's six-steps of curriculum design to develop the Academy for Transferable Management Skills (ATMS) program to help graduate and postdoctoral trainees develop linear experience in utilizing project management tools in their academic research contexts. ATMS includes a self-paced online CANVAS course with learning objectives and content modules that map to the project management cycle from initiation to closure, developed in consultation with PhD-level industry experts. From 2021–2024, 25 trainees have completed the ATMS program, including the capstone project and posttest evaluation. Trainees also complete brief quizzes after each module as a formative assessment of learning. The pre-test evaluation (n = 92) revealed a baseline of project management “pain points” regularly encountered by trainees (risk management, project charters, work breakdown structures, and managing project scope). Posttest data (n = 25) reveal a significant increase (p < 0.0001) in project management self-efficacy measures across the aforementioned pain point scales. Notably, 100% of trainees indicated that they may/would refer the program to colleagues. ATMS offers trainees the flexibility to pick frameworks that apply to their projects with trainees planning to use project schedules (84%), Work Break Down Structures (80%), lessons learned reports (68%), and communication plans (68%) in their work. This integrated experiential learning approach equips trainees to develop and execute their projects according to industry-informed project management principles, which allows them to perform their current research more efficiently and to utilize project management frameworks in a way that is directly transferable to broad careers.

Blockchain and Digital Twins in Smart Industry 4.0: The Use Case of Supply Chain-A Review of Integration Techniques and Applications

The Fourth Industrial Revolution has transformed industries and supply chains by integrating advanced operations, tools, and logistics services. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, particularly in ensuring data dependability, security, and operational efficiency. Digital twins (DTs), which replicate real-world components and processes, have emerged as essential tools for enhancing predictive analytics, simulation, and product lifecycle management in Industry 4.0. However, traditional DT development relies on centralized systems, which are vulnerable to data tampering and security breaches, especially in the management of transaction logs and historical data. To address these challenges, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of integrating blockchain with DTs. Using a qualitative research methodology, including desk research, case studies, and interviews with industry experts, we analyze various blockchain-based DT applications across industries and specifically in supply chain management. The findings reveal that blockchain-enhanced DTs can significantly improve data integrity, traceability, and security, thus boosting operational efficiency and quality control in supply chains. Additionally, this study identifies key integration techniques and the role of blockchain in automating processes through smart contracts. This review provides insights into the practical implications of blockchain-based DTs, highlighting their potential to enhance the reliability and scalability of Industry 4.0 operations.

Requirements Engineering at a Turning Point: Key Research Trends Shaping the Future of Systems and Software Integration

Requirements Engineering (RE) is experiencing a significant transformation that requires urgent attention and creativity from industry experts to address the challenges of future systems and software development. At the core of this evolution is Requirements Engineering (RE), an essential process that defines, records, and maintains the fundamental aspects of software and systems design. With the rapid increase in complexity and interconnectedness across different industries, the issues linked to requirements engineering are becoming more pressing, significantly affecting costs, timelines, and overall performance. This article outlines current research trends in requirements engineering, focusing on emerging challenges and future pathways. We investigate advancements in RE techniques, methodologies, and tools, assessing their effects on building complex systems. Furthermore, we emphasize the growing significance of stakeholder engagement and agile practices in shaping requirements, highlighting their contributions to improving collaboration and adaptability. By evaluating the present state of practice and pinpointing critical areas of research concern, this article offers a guide for future requirements engineering studies, enabling researchers and practitioners to address the changing needs of software and systems engineering.

The Role of Business Incubators in Encouraging Maritime Technology Start-up Innovation

This study examines the critical role of business incubators in driving innovation in maritime technology start-ups. With the growing need for innovative technology solutions in the maritime industry, business incubators have emerged as a key catalyst in developing and introducing new ideas to the market. The study used a qualitative approach, involving in-depth interviews with 30 stakeholders, including start-up founders, incubator managers, and maritime industry experts. The results showed that business incubators provide critical support in the form of access to funding, expert mentoring, research and development facilities, and extensive industry networks. The findings also revealed that incubators that focus on the maritime sector are more effective in helping start-ups overcome industry-specific challenges. The study highlights the importance of collaboration between incubators, the maritime industry, and educational institutions to create an ecosystem that supports innovation. Implications of this study include recommendations for policymakers and industry players in designing more effective incubation programs to drive maritime technology innovation.

"One Center, Two Integrations, Four Dimensions" Course Teaching Model Construction: A Case Study of the "English for Specific Purposes" Course at Inner Mongolia University of Technology

With the deepening of globalization and changes in vocational education demands, the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) course plays an increasingly important role in higher education, especially in cultivating students' professional English skills and cross-cultural communication abilities. However, traditional ESP teaching models overly emphasize theoretical knowledge, neglecting students' individual needs, which leads to poor learning outcomes. In response, this paper proposes a "One Center, Two Integrations, Four Dimensions" teaching model, centered on students, which integrates professional knowledge with language skills and organically combines online and offline teaching. The aim is to comprehensively enhance students' language proficiency, professional competence, cross-cultural communication skills, and innovative thinking. This paper details the design concept of this teaching model and its implementation path in the "English for Specific Purposes" course at Inner Mongolia University of Technology, as well as a diversified evaluation system and a resource integration plan involving collaboration between teachers and industry experts. This study provides new theoretical and practical references for optimizing the teaching model of ESP courses.

Navigating the challenges of artificial intelligence in HR landscape

The paper delves into the critical significance of incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Human Resource (HR) functions. It extensively explores the multifaceted challenges encountered by organizations during AI implementation in HR, with a particular focus on the vital aspect of employee understanding and acceptance. To elucidate these challenges faced in adopting AI technologies, this study undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the obstacles. This paper adopts a two-phased methodology to explore the critical significance of integrating AI into HR functions and the multifaceted challenges organizations encounter during this implementation. The first phase entails an extensive literature review, delving into the myriad challenges organizations face as they navigate the adoption of AI in HR. In the second phase, industry experts provide ratings and rankings to help us grasp the critical challenges based on industry priorities. The paper acknowledges the evolving nature of jobs and the consequential increase in employment opportunities as technology reshapes the employment landscape.

Intelligent manufacturing, auditor selection and audit quality

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of intelligent manufacturing on audit quality and its underlying mechanism as well as the variation in this influence across different types of organizations.Design/methodology/approachThis research utilizes a difference-in-differences (DID) method to examine how enterprises that apply intelligent manufacturing choose auditors and impact their audit work. The study is based on 15,228 observations of Chinese-listed A-shares from 2011 to 2020.Findings(1) There is a strong correlation between intelligent manufacturing and audit quality. (2) This positive correlation is statistically significant only in state-owned enterprises (SOEs), those that have steady institutional investors and where the roles of the CEO and chairman are distinct. (3) Enterprises that have implemented intelligent manufacturing are more inclined to employ auditors who possess extensive industry expertise. The auditor's industry expertise plays a crucial role in ensuring audit quality. (4) The adoption of intelligent manufacturing also leads to higher audit fees and longer audit delay periods.Practical implicationsThis paper validates the beneficial impact of intelligent manufacturing on improving corporate governance. In addition, it is recommended that managers prioritize the involvement of skilled auditors with specialized knowledge in the industry to ensure the high audit quality and the transparency of information in intelligent manufacturing enterprises.Originality/valueThis study builds upon previous research that has shown the importance of artificial intelligence in enhancing audit procedures. It contributes to the existing body of knowledge by examining how enterprise intelligent manufacturing systems (IMS) enhance audit quality. Additionally, this study provides valuable information on how to improve audit quality in the field of intelligent manufacturing by strategically selecting auditors based on resource dependency theory.

Project managers’ competencies in the era of digitalization: the case of the construction industry

PurposeWith emerging technologies rapidly changing work processes, it is important to understand the skills and characteristics project managers (PMs) need to effectively manage projects in the digital era. This study determines the underlying competencies needed for digitalization among PMs in the construction industry. The study also identified the most significant competencies needed by PMs in the era of digitalization.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology adopted for the research study was quantitative. It was founded on a thorough review of pertinent literature, which went through a pilot survey study from six project management experts in the construction industry. Based on the comment and feedback, a questionnaire survey was developed and distributed to participants through a convenience sampling technique. The data retrieved were from 100 professional PMs out of 130 questionnaires distributed in the Ghanaian construction industry. Data collected were analyzed using fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE).FindingsBased on FSE, the three competency parameters (knowledge, skills, personal characteristics) generated significant indices indicating that all three competencies are significant among construction PMs in the digitalization era. Under the knowledge competency parameter, six sub-competencies comprising a total of 12 variables were identified. For skills, seven sub-competencies consisting of 23 variables were identified. Regarding personal attributes, six sub-competencies with 17 variables were highlighted. Under knowledge, technical knowledge was found to be the most important with an index of 4.212. For skills, leadership skills were rated highest with an index of 4.240. Regarding personal attributes, social or interpersonal skills were deemed most critical with an index of 4.199.Practical implicationsThe results provide guidance to both industry and academic stakeholders. For PMs and their employers, the study highlights priority areas for competency development and training related to the era of digitalization. It also informs educational institutions on how to structure project management curricula to best prepare students for jobs of the future. This study gives more insight into the competencies that need more attention for PMs in the digitalization era. As a result, firms that adopt the identified competency will benefit from implementing digitalization in project delivery.Originality/valueThis study makes an original contribution as one of the first to empirically investigate the competencies required of construction PMs in the construction industry in the digitalization era. By focusing on the developing country context of Ghana, the study extends knowledge to an under-researched region and market. It provides a foundation for future comparative research across diverse global contexts.

Development and Application of an Employee Moral Quotient (MQ) Evaluation Index System for Chinese Petroleum Enterprises

Recognizing the critical role of oil and gas resources as strategic assets and acknowledging the increasing emphasis on green development and social responsibility driven by international energy agreements and the “dual carbon” strategy, this study addresses the urgent need for a robust employee evaluation framework within China’s petroleum sector. While existing systems often prioritize competence-based indicators, they frequently overlook the crucial aspect of employee Moral Quotient (MQ). This research focuses on developing and validating a holistic, scientifically grounded, multi-dimensional, and dynamic MQ evaluation index system tailored specifically for Chinese petroleum enterprises. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating a comprehensive literature review, semi-structured interviews with industry experts, and robust quantitative techniques, including the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the entropy weight method. A two-round Delphi study, involving 18 experts from six provinces across China, ensured broad representation and facilitated the construction of the evaluation index system and the determination of indicator weights. The Delphi process achieved a high degree of expert consensus, evidenced by a 100% questionnaire response rate in both rounds, expert authority coefficients of 0.851 and 0.879, respectively, and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance of 0.243 and 0.247 (p < 0.01), respectively, demonstrating strong reliability and scientific validity. The resulting MQ evaluation index system comprises eight first-level indicators and thirty-three s-level indicators, encompassing key dimensions of employee morality relevant to the petroleum industry. This comprehensive system provides a robust and objective tool for employee selection, training, performance evaluation, and career development within Chinese petroleum enterprises, supporting informed decision-making in human resource management and fostering a culture of ethical conduct and sustainable development. Furthermore, the developed framework offers valuable insights and serves as a potential model for petroleum enterprises and other resource-intensive industries globally seeking to integrate MQ assessment into their human capital management strategies.

Key determinants of digital transformation stages in Vietnam logistics industry

This research investigates the determinants of digital transformation among Vietnamese logistics service providers (LSPs). Employing the Technological-Organizational-Environmental framework and Resource Fit theory, the study identifies key factors influencing this process across different three stages: digitization, digitalization, digital transformation. Data from in-depth interviews with industry experts and a survey of 390 LSPs were analyzed using covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM). The findings reveal that the factors influencing the digital transformation of Vietnamese LSPs evolve across different stages. In the initial phase, information technology infrastructure, financial resources, employee capabilities, external pressures, and support services are key determinants. As digitalization progresses, leadership emerges as a crucial factor alongside the existing ones. In the final stage, the impact of these factors persists, with leadership and employee capabilities becoming increasingly important.

A Study on the Role of Automation and AI in Operational Efficiency and Sustainable Mining

One of the major pillars for world’s economic growth, the mining industry today is facing challenges in maintaining efficiency and productivity while following environmental regulations, at an ever-growing demand. There is limited incorporation of technology in Indian mining practices. To address this gap, the study explores the integration of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance operational efficiency and promote sustainable mining. The objective of the research is to evaluate and assess the contribution of advanced technology towards achieving sustainability in mining, benefits derived out of real-time monitoring, and the impact of automation on the safety of work. It is conducted with the qualitative research design approach, which has made an attempt to capture the metamorphosis of mining technologies, benefits out of integration across value chains, and areas that pose challenges through interviews and focus group discussions, carried with industry experts in various parts across India. It also compares the role of technology in mining practices across leading countries and India. These provide evidence that automation and AI are forces in the efficient management of environments and workforce security. IoT devices are quite useful in real- time monitoring and are designed for environmental footprints and resource conservation management. The paper acknowledges, however, some of the methodological limitations, which in turn places additional demands on ongoing innovation. Lastly, the research shows how work can be conducted in the future to integrate state-of-the-art technologies, blockchain, and advanced AI for further value chain enhancement in mining, focusing much on how this industry keeps adapting. Keywords: Sustainable mining, automation and AI, productivity, operational efficiency, integrating technology, real-time monitoring, worker safety, environmental footprint.

Barriers to implement energy efficiency strategies to heating, ventilation, air conditioning of airside system in commercial buildings in Sri Lanka

At present, debates on climate change, fossil fuel depletion, and energy saving highlight the need for a sustainable built environment to reduce energy consumption and emission trends. The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is a priority due to its significant share of a building’s electricity consumption. While energy efficiency strategies for central air conditioning systems focus on both waterside and airside components, implementing airside efficiency strategies is notably lacking in Sri Lanka. This is a concern because airside inefficiencies lead to excessive energy use, higher operational costs, and compromised indoor air quality. Thus, the study aims to address this gap by identifying the barriers to implementing energy efficiency strategies for HVAC airside systems in Sri Lankan commercial buildings. To explore these barriers, a qualitative research approach was employed, involving interviews with 17 industry experts. The study identified 27 barriers, with key barriers being a lack of technical expertise, rapid technological advancements, misalignment with organisational objectives, limited financial resources, inadequate training and technical knowledge, and insufficient regulatory support. The insights gained from this study can assist industry professionals in enhancing HVAC energy performance and encourage further academic research on this sub-branch of HVAC systems in the Sri Lankan context.

Assessing the Impact of Environmental Accounting Message Disclosure Quality on Financing Costs in High-Pollution Industries

This article explores the relationship between environmental accounting message disclosure quality and financing costs in environmentally impactful industries. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, it combines quantitative analysis of financial indicators with qualitative insights from industry experts. The findings indicate a significant correlation between high-quality environmental message disclosure and lower equity financing costs, suggesting that investors prioritize sustainability in their decisions. Companies that demonstrate greater environmental accountability enjoy improved access to capital. The article concludes that integrating robust environmental accounting practices and effective message disclosure is essential for fostering sustainable business practices, enhancing long-term financial viability, and promoting a culture of sustainability and resilience in the face of environmental challenges