Industry Stakeholders Research Articles

A Study of the Banking System and Urban Co- Operative Banks in India

This comprehensive study delves into the Indian banking system with a specific focus on urbancooperative banks. It offers a detailed examination of the structure, operations, and challenges facing thesebanks within the broader financial landscape of India. Through a combination of data analysis, regulatoryinsights, and case studies, the research explores the historical evolution, governance frameworks, andfinancial performance of urban cooperative banks. It also assesses the impact of regulatory reforms andgovernment policies on their operations. The study ultimately aims to provide a holistic understanding ofthe role and significance of urban cooperative banks in India's banking sector, offering valuable insightsfor policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to foster their growth and ensure financialstability at the grassroots level.

Not a good fit? The roles of aesthetic labour, gender, race, Indigeneity, and citizenship in food service employment

Abstract Companies and business lobby groups bemoan a lack of qualified workers, even for entry-level or low-skill jobs. At issue is a stated inability to find workers with the right ‘fit’ for the role or business. But what does fit really mean? We draw on human capital theory and labour segmentation theory to examine how perceptions of fit are shaped. We conducted ninety-three interviews with food service workers, managers, and other industry stakeholders and found that employment decisions are shaped by stereotypes, with a particular focus on ‘pretty privilege’ or aesthetic labour, as well as Indigeneity, citizenship, race, and gender. We present implications for research and practice in the food services industry.

Kebijakan Pemerintah dalam Pengelolaan Sumber Daya Alam: Studi Kasus Indonesia

This study shows that government policies face major challenges in managing natural resources in Indonesia, especially in the fields of fisheries, plantations and mining. Government policies in managing natural resources must be implemented optimally, fairly, sustainably and environmentally friendly. In the fisheries sector, government policies must pay attention to the principles of sustainability, setting fishing quotas and protecting marine protected areas. However, implementation often faces complex regulatory challenges and resistance from industry stakeholders. In the plantation sector, government policies must ensure that plantation business activities can run optimally and provide benefits to the surrounding community. The administrative sanctions imposed must be more effective than just fines. In the mining sector, government policies must consider land rights and mining rights. Mineral rights do not eliminate rights to the land above them and must be regulated based on an agreement between the parties involved. Possible solutions to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of policy implementation include improving coordination between government institutions and increasing institutional capacity. Community participation in decision making is also an important element in sustainable natural resource management.

Contextual Intelligence: An AI Approach to Manufacturing Skills’ Forecasting

The manufacturing industry is skill-intensive and plays a pivotal role in South Africa’s economy, reflecting the nation’s progress and development. The advent of technology has initiated a transformative era within the manufacturing sector. Workforce skills are at the heart of ensuring the sustained growth of the industry. This study delves into the skill-related aspects of the occupational landscape of the South African manufacturing sector, with a particular focus on two important manufacturing sectors: the food and beverage manufacturing (FoodBev) sector and the chemical manufacturing (CHIETA) sector. Leveraging the forecasting prowess of Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), this paper outlines a sectorial occupational forecasting modeling exercise to reveal which job roles are poised for expansion and which are expected to decline. The approach predicted future skills’ demand 80% accuracy for 473 out of 713 (66%) occupations for FoodBev and 474 out of 522 (91%) for CHIETA. These insights are invaluable for industry stakeholders and educational institutions, providing guidance to support the sector’s growth in an era marked by technological advancement.

The impact of government legitimacy on the tourism industry during crises

Tourism services are particularly vulnerable to crises because of their hedonic and transitory nature. Notably, external crises have destination-wide negative impacts, which require a collective response usually led by governments for a more effective recovery. Despite the consensus on governments’ role and legitimacy in mitigating crises recovery, there is a dearth of research identifying these tools facilitating intervention and their effectiveness. Thus, the paper aims to explore various government crises mitigation strategies for the tourism industry. This research is based on a mixed-method approach. First, it explores government responses to crises through semi-structured interviews with industry stakeholders. Then, we conduct a survey to target industry experts and measure the effectiveness of government responses and their impact on various key performance indicators during crises. From an academic point of view, the research contributes to an understanding of the efficiency of different government recovery intervention methods, which are overlooked in crisis management theory. Based on managerial contributions, the study provides an effective design of the public tools for more crisis-immune businesses, where governments should prioritise managing external crises by establishing processes, standards, support services, information and communication.

A Review of Negligible Factors Inimical to Building Failures in Nigeria: Architectural View

Building failures pose significant risks to public safety, property, and the environment, making it imperative to identify and address the negligible factors contributing to such failures in Nigeria. This review examines the architectural perspective of building failures in Nigeria, focusing on factors that play a role in mitigating risks and promoting safer construction practices. Through an analysis of recent literature and empirical evidence, the study highlights key findings, conclusions, and recommendations aimed at enhancing construction safety standards nationwide. The findings of the review reveal the multifaceted nature of building failures, influenced by regulatory frameworks, construction materials, skilled labor, community engagement, technological integration, economic incentives, and environmental considerations. Strengthening regulatory enforcement, promoting the use of high-quality construction materials, and investing in skilled labor development emerge as critical strategies for mitigating risks and improving construction safety outcomes. Community engagement initiatives and technological innovations, such as building information modeling (BIM) and real-time monitoring systems, are also identified as effective measures for enhancing transparency and accountability in construction projects. Based on the findings, the study concludes that addressing the negligible factors inimical to building failures requires a holistic approach, encompassing regulatory reforms, capacity building, and technological advancements. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of fostering collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and local communities to promote construction safety and sustainable development goals. The recommendations proposed include enhancing regulatory enforcement mechanisms, promoting the use of high-quality construction materials, and investing in skilled labor development programs. Additionally, leveraging technological innovations and fostering community engagement initiatives are identified as key strategies for enhancing construction safety standards and fostering sustainable development in Nigeria. Overall, this review provides valuable insights and actionable recommendations for policymakers, construction professionals, and community stakeholders seeking to address the negligible factors contributing to building failures in Nigeria. By implementing the recommendations outlined in this study, stakeholders can work collaboratively to create safer, more resilient built environments that promote the well-being of communities and support sustainable development goals.

Lessons on the use of real-world data in medical device research: findings from the National Evaluation System for Health Technology Test-Cases.

Aim: Although the US FDA encourages manufacturers of medical devices to submit real-world evidence (RWE) to support regulatory decisions, the ability of real-world data (RWD) to generate evidence suitable for decision making remains unclear. The 2017 Medical Device User Fee Amendments (MDUFA IV), authorized the National Evaluation System for health Technology Coordinating Center (NESTcc) to conduct pilot projects, or 'Test-Cases', to assess whether current RWD captures the information needed to answer research questions proposed by industry stakeholders. We synthesized key lessons about the challenges conducting research with RWD and the strategies used by research teams to enhance their ability to generate evidence from RWD based on 18 Test-Cases conducted between 2020 and 2022. Materials & methods: We reviewed study protocols and reports from each Test-Case team and conducted 49 semi-structured interviews with representatives of participating organizations. Interview transcripts were coded and thematically analyzed. Results: Challenges that stakeholders encountered in working with RWD included the lack of unique device identifiers, capturing key data elements and their appropriate meaning in structured data, limited reliability of diagnosis and procedure codes in structured data, extracting information from unstructured electronic health record (EHR) data, limited capture of long-term study end points, missing data and data sharing. Successful strategies included using manufacturer and supply chain data, leveraging clinical registries and registry reporting processes to collect and aggregate data, querying standardized EHR data, implementing natural language processing algorithms and using multidisciplinary research teams. Conclusion: The Test-Cases identified numerous challenges working with RWD but also opportunities to address these challenges and improve researchers' ability to use RWD to generate evidence on medical devices.

Formulation challenges associated with microbial biofertilizers in sustainable agriculture and paths forward

AbstractSustainable increase in agriculture productivity is confronted by over‐reliance and over‐use of synthetic chemical fertilizers. With a market projection of $5.02 billion by 2030, biofertilizers are gaining momentum as a supplement and, in some cases, as an alternative to chemical fertilizers. Biofertilizers can improve the nutritional supply to the plant and simultaneously can improve soil health, reduce greenhouse emissions, and hence directly contribute towards environmental sustainability. Plant growth‐promoting microbes (PGPMs) are particularly receiving significant attention as biofertilizers. They are widely known for their ability to improve plant growth via increasing nutrient availability and use efficiency. However, except for a few successful cases, the commercialization of PGPM‐based inoculants is still limited, mainly due to lack of field efficacy and consistency. Lack of effective formulation technologies that keep microbial inoculants viable during storage, transport and field application is considered one of the key factors that drive inconsistent efficacy of microbial biofertilizers. In this review, we identify current challenges associated with the application and formulation of microbial inoculants. We propose future paths, including advancement in formulation technologies that are potentially efficient, eco‐friendly and cost‐effective. We argue that to enhance the global adoption of biofertilizers, new innovations based on transdisciplinary approaches are indispensable. The emerging framework should encompass a robust quality control system at all stages. Additionally, the active partnership between the academic and industry stakeholders will pave the way for enhanced global adoption of microbial fertilizers.

Resource dependence in football clubs: An analysis of the interplay between capital gains from athletes and media revenues in Italian Serie A League

This study delves into the financial strategies of Italian Serie A football clubs, focusing on the relationship between revenues obtained through the sale of players' tags and those from broadcasting and media rights. Using Resource Dependence Theory (RDT) as lens, this research aims to understand how clubs strategically manage these two critical revenue streams amidst external pressures and dependencies. The analysis of balance sheet data, from nine clubs over eight seasons, reveals a significant negative correlation between the two variables for "long-lasting" clubs, suggesting a potential shift in strategies in response to external market conditions, while it finds different results from incoming and/or growing ones. The findings offer insights for stakeholders in the football industry, emphasizing the need for agile management and governance structures.

Motivational Analysis Behind Cyber Criminal Behaviour in Nigeria

The invention of the cyberspace showcased in the use of internet, a necessary tool that has come to stay, defining how people interact and communicate on daily basis, defiling the phenomenon of time and space, thereby making the world a global community. The internet can be said to be a two edged sword that is advantageous and can be destructive depending on the application and user motivations. It’s on this note that the work analyzes the motivations behind cybercriminal behaviour in Nigeria, Identifying ‘anonymity in cyberspace, thrill-seeking, financial gain, revenge seeking, addiction, law enforcement and weak cyber security’ as the key motivations behinds cybercriminal behaviours. ‘Routine Activity Theory’ was used to analyze the work, anchoring it on the premise of ‘motivated offender’. The study concluded with recommendations that government and stakeholders in the cyberspace industries, need to prioritize investment in ‘law enforcement and weak cyber security’ overhauling the security architecture in charge of prosecutions and investigation of cybercrime activities/offenses, which guarantee protection of confidential data and reduce the risk of cybercrimes.

Blockchain Technology as an Approach for Enhancing Communication in the Construction Industry

Abstract The construction industry has long grappled with the challenge of establishing effective communication and collaboration systems among its stakeholders. Consequently, there is a pressing need for a digital platform that can seamlessly connect all relevant parties and enhance communication. One promising solution lies in the adoption of blockchain technology (BCT), which operates as a distributed ledger system supporting triple-entry accounting. The problem that motivated this work is the inefficient communication between multiple parties within a specific part of the chain. This inefficiency results in the exchange of erroneous and outdated documents, including frequent design changes and engineering drawing errors. The research aim is to investigate the role of BCT in enhancing communication within the construction industry. To achieve this aim, a qualitative approach is employed. First, a comprehensive literature review explores the impact of BCT on communication enhancement in construction. Second, a case study is presented, focusing on the implementation of BCT during the construction of a new bridge. The results from both the literature review and the case study underscore the strong correlation between BCT adoption and improved communication and collaboration among diverse stakeholders in the construction industry.

Influencing Factors on Tourists’ Intentions for Sustainable Tourism Destinations: Moderating Effects of Financial Constraints and Moral Reflectiveness

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the relationships between environmental awareness, travel motivations, tourism knowledge, and intentions to choose sustainable destinations. Using a survey of 495 participants and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS‐SEM), we examine how financial constraints and moral reflectiveness moderate these relationships. Our findings indicate a strong positive correlation between environmental values and support for sustainable tourism. Travel motivations, knowledge about sustainable tourism, and a positive environmental attitude all significantly contribute to a tourist's intention to travel sustainably. Interestingly, gender moderates the influence of travel motivations on environmental values, while moral reflection moderates the link between environmental values and the intention to support sustainable tourism. Financial constraints did not have a significant moderating effect. Our study provides valuable insights for stakeholders in the tourism industry, highlighting the importance of aligning strategies with tourist motivations and emphasizing environmental benefits to encourage responsible travel practices.

Using blockchain technology to achieve sustainability in the hospitality industry by reducing food waste

The hospitality industry generates significant food waste, leading to adverse environmental and economic impacts, social and ethical concerns, legal and regulatory issues, and operational challenges. The lack of traceability and trust among stakeholders in the hospitality industry exacerbates the expensive and difficult nature of food waste management. This work proposes a blockchain-based solution that aims to minimize food waste generated in hospitality outlets, thereby fostering a sustainable food ecosystem. Within this context, the term’sustainable food ecosystem’ refers to the interconnected network of stakeholders involved in the responsible management of food resources within the hospitality industry. In this context, we categorize these stakeholders under the umbrella of’food resource management entities,’ encompassing both food donation organizations and recycling companies, recognizing their distinct roles in the effective management of surplus food resources. With our proposed solution, businesses can track and verify the origin, movement, and disposal of food items in real-time, facilitating streamlined inventory planning, waste reduction, and heightened operational efficiency. Additionally, the proposed system ensures transparency and accountability, guaranteeing the proper and efficient disposal of food waste. Using a permissioned Ethereum network, our solution establishes seamless connectivity between food and beverage outlets and various food resource management entities. We present a generalized system for secure information sharing, integrating advanced algorithms tailored to capture and enhance trust among participating stakeholders. Furthermore, our thorough security analysis underscores the robustness of our proposed solution, effectively addressing various security vulnerabilities. Lastly, the proposed blockchain-based solution is commercially viable, enabling the hospitality industry to operate with enhanced efficiency while providing improved information connectivity for various stakeholders in the food supply chain.

Efficiency of natural and forced convection systems in cooking ham: Industrial scale validation

AbstractThis study evaluated the efficacy of cooking processes in natural and forced convection systems, for ensuring microbiological safety in industrial‐scale ham production. The cold point of the tanks was determined by measuring the water temperature every 2 min, with a maximum variation of 1.4°C between different regions of the tanks. The calculation of the lethal value (Fcal) was carried out using Enterococcus faecalis as the target microorganism due to its high resistance to heat treatment. The cooking temperature was measured at the geometric center of the ham and, in both convection systems, it reached the Fref value (23.6 min), necessary to achieve a reduction of 8 log (8 D), with Fcal of 45.7 and 45 min of cooking in the natural and forced convection systems. Both convection systems achieved microbial reductions exceeding 15‐log cycles (15 D), surpassing regulatory requirements despite occasional core temperatures below standard thresholds. In both systems (natural and forced), the cold spot was found on the left side, at a lower height, and toward the front of the tank. After heat treatment, no microorganisms were detected in the ham cooked in natural or forced convection systems. Both systems (natural and forced convection) proved viable at an industrial scale, provided that appropriate cooking protocols are followed.Practical ApplicationsThe practical applications of this study are significant for the food industry and regulatory bodies involved in food safety. These include quality assurance in ham production, food safety compliance, process optimization, risk mitigation, and guidance for industrial practices. Overall, this study has practical implications for improving food safety, quality control, and production efficiency in the ham industry. It fills a gap in validation studies on industrial‐scale ham cooking, providing valuable information for industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies alike.

Leveraging ChatGPT for Sustainability: A Framework for SMEs to Align with UN Sustainable Development Goals and tackle sustainable development challenges

Abstract The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outline a global agenda for sustainable development, but need more detailed implementation guidelines for businesses, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Given their limited resources, SMEs face significant challenges in adopting sustainability practices aligned with the SDGs. This study explores the potential of ChatGPT, a large language model, to assist SMEs in overcoming these challenges. The research introduces a ChatGPT-aided framework through a novel methodological approach to help SMEs develop sustainability roadmaps, engage stakeholders, and identify key sustainability goals, risks, opportunities, and Key Process Indicators (KPIs). The case study of an SME in the electronic measurement equipment industry is used to validate the framework. The findings, corroborated by a Focus Group with the participation of academics and SME top managers, demonstrate the framework’s potential to enhance SME sustainability practices, contributing to academic discourse and offering practical insights that will inform and empower industry stakeholders. Furthermore, several actions are presented to respond to concerns about the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated recommendations. Finally, future research should seek to validate the proposed framework across a broader range of industries and SME contexts and assess this methodology’s application with organisations other than SMEs.

Constraints faced by Chawki rearing Centres in Tamil Nadu

Chawki rearing centers (CRCs) play a pivotal role in the sericulture industry by focusing on the cultivation and rearing of high-quality silkworms, known as chawki. This study investigates the primary constraints faced by CRCs across various operational aspects, including agricultural practices, labor management, technical support, and market dynamics. Key findings reveal significant challenges such as the absence of drought-resistant mulberry varieties, high capital requirements for wages, labor shortages, and inadequate technical guidance. Natural factors like climate change and pest outbreaks further exacerbate these issues, impacting silkworm health and productivity. Marketing constraints, such as price volatility and transportation costs, add to the operational complexities of CRCs. The study underscores the need for coordinated efforts among government agencies, research institutions, and industry stakeholders to address these challenges and enhance the sustainability of chawki rearing in the sericulture sector.

Environmental savings from concrete reuse: examining the limitations and optimal practices for cutting thresholds of concrete building components for reuse

Abstract Concrete, a widely used construction material, presents both opportunities and challenges for promoting environmentally responsible practices. This research focuses on the concept of concrete reuse as a sustainable strategy, examining the limitations of cutting dimensions. To investigate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with preparing concrete for reuse, a mathematical model was developed considering several factors, such as transportation emissions, energy used in cutting, and the effects of varying cutting performance and energy sources. By incorporating real-life data and connecting with industrial practices, this study establishes a screening standard to determine the minimum cutting size for concrete reuse. The results indicate that the ratio of transportation distances for the reuse case versus the new production of concrete case has an influence on the minimum cutting size for concrete reuse. Moreover, the cutting size itself significantly impacts the overall GHG emissions of the reuse strategy. We offer practical insights for industry stakeholders to optimize concrete reuse practices and effectively reduce GHG emissions. As further research explores cost-effectiveness and on-site case studies, the potential for large-scale implementation of concrete reuse has become increasingly promising. Thus, concrete reuse has emerged as a viable and effective approach to sustainable construction, provided that the minimum cutting dimensions are carefully considered.

Securing the Future of Transportation: An In-Depth Analysis of Cybersecurity Challenges and Solutions for Autonomous Vehicles

Abstract: As autonomous vehicles (AVs) become increasingly integrated into transportation systems, ensuring their cybersecurity has emerged as a critical challenge. This comprehensive article examines the complex landscape of AV cybersecurity, focusing on the unique vulnerabilities arising from integrating advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems. We analyze potential attack vectors, including sensor spoofing, communication system breaches, and software vulnerabilities. We also evaluate state-of-the-art defense mechanisms such as encryption protocols, intrusion detection systems, and AI-based security solutions. The article also addresses the regulatory frameworks and industry standards shaping AV cybersecurity practices. By synthesizing current research, industry reports, and case studies, we provide insights into emerging threats and defense strategies, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to security in AV design and development. This article contributes to the ongoing dialogue on AV safety and reliability, offering valuable perspectives for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in navigating the evolving cybersecurity challenges in autonomous transportation.

Life Cycle Assessment of CO2-Based and Conventional Methanol Production Pathways in Thailand

Methanol production through carbon capture and utilization technologies offers promising alternatives to traditional natural-gas-based methods, potentially mitigating climate change impacts and improving resource efficiency. This study evaluates four methanol production pathways: CO2 hydrogenation, tri-reforming of methane, electrochemical CO2 reduction, and co-electrolysis of CO2 and water. The analysis covers 19 scenarios, combining three electricity mixes (100% Thai grid mix, 50% Thai grid mix and 50% renewable energy, and 100% renewable energy) with two hydrogen production technologies (alkaline water electrolysis and grey hydrogen). Environmental life cycle assessment results showed that most pathways perform well when using the 100% renewable energy with co-electrolysis (CE-100%) showing the most substantial reductions across all impact categories as compared conventional methanol production. Electrochemical reduction demonstrated the poorest environmental performance for all scenarios. In Thailand, implementing the CE-100% pathway could potentially yield 12.4 million tonnes of methanol annually from the cement industry’s CO2 emissions, with an estimated value of approximately USD 5.4 billion, while reducing emissions from the industrial processes and product use (IPPU) sector by 75%. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers, supporting Thailand’s transition towards sustainable methanol production and broader climate goals.

Extended reality for education: Mapping current trends, challenges, and applications

The advancements in 5G technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have accelerated the integration of immersive technologies such as Extended Reality (XR) into educational practices. There is a notable scarcity of studies focusing specifically on the applications and impact of XR in academic settings. Most existing research has concentrated on AR and VR, leaving a gap in understanding the full potential of XR. Addressing these gaps and challenges is crucial for harnessing the full potential of XR in education. This study aims to map and analyze the applications, trends, and educational challenges of XR technology. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis covering XR's application in education from 2018 to 2023, analyzing 32 articles from Scopus sources. Key findings highlight XR's annual growth in research publications, with significant contributions from the United States, China, and Canada. XR enriches education by facilitating immersive simulations, real time interaction with virtual objects, and spatial manipulation in three dimensions. It fosters presence and embodiment in virtual environments, supports practical training through realistic simulations, enhances multi-sensory engagement, promotes collaborative learning environments, and improves accessibility for diverse learners. The main challenges of XR technology include high costs, technical hurdles, regulatory issues, infrastructure limitations, and the need for digital literacy and skills. Addressing these challenges, collaborative efforts among educators, researchers, and industry stakeholders are required. Such collaboration is crucial for harnessing the full potential of XR technology to revolutionize education and prepare learners for a dynamic future.