Operational Level Research Articles

How thermal hotels can leverage sustainability for competitive advantage

PurposeThis study examines the interplay between corporate social responsibility (CSR), green marketing orientation (GMO), competitive advantage and environmental performance at Afyonkarahisar Green Thermal Hotels, a prominent thermal tourism destination in Türkiye.Design/methodology/approachA representative sample of 390 employees from different green thermal hotels was selected. Partial least squares structural equation modeling structural equation modeling was used to test the research hypotheses.FindingsCSR positively affects different dimensions of GMOs, which supports its role in shaping eco-centered marketing strategies at different operational levels. The influence of strategic and tactical GMOs on competitive advantage was verified, with strategic GMOs having a more significant impact. Nonetheless, internal GMOs do not significantly affect competitive advantage. Competitive advantages strongly affect environmental performance.Practical implicationsAligning CSR initiatives with aspects related to GMOs can enhance environmental performance and offer a competitive advantage. Allocating resources based on the impacts of GMOs can aid strategic decision-making. Embedding sustainability as a competitive edge and establishing alliances with similar-minded stakeholders strengthen CSR efforts, improving the market position. The comprehensive framework and insights of this work contribute to the evolving landscape of CSR.Originality/valueThis study is valuable for its original contribution to research on green thermal hotels. It is the first study to provide a comprehensive framework that analyzes the relationships between CSR, GMOs at various levels, competitive advantage and environmental performance. It provides practical guidance to effectively integrate green marketing, address a research gap and promote transformative business approaches for sustainability and competitiveness in the field.

Quantified MRI measurements show the significance of indirect decompression in the lumbar spine.

Although several studies have documented indirect decompression after oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF), limited research exists that directly quantifies the degree of decompression. This study seeks to quantify the degree of indirect decompression achieved by OLIF using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This is a retrospective study of consecutive adult patients at a single institution who underwent multistage lumbar interbody fusion via antepsoas (OLIF) retroperitoneal approach for spinal stenosis with radiculopathy. Pre and Postoperative MRI were used to measure the following radiologic parameters: anterior and posterior disc heights, bilateral foraminal height, bilateral foraminal area, bilateral subarticular recess width, and thecal sac area. Paired sample t-tests were performed to evaluate pre and postoperative changes in MRI measurements. A total of 24 patients (age 66.4 ± 5.98, BMI 29.3 ± 4.73) with a total of 63 operative levels were reviewed: L1-L2 (3), L2-L3 (17), L3-L4 (22), L4-L5 (22). Anterior disc height, posterior disc height, bilateral foraminal height, bilateral foraminal area, bilateral subarticular lateral recess, and thecal sac area all demonstrated a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) for all levels except L1-L2. OLIF provides a significant amount of indirect decompression from L2-L5 including increased anterior and posterior disc height, bilateral foraminal height, bilateral foraminal area, bilateral subarticular recess, and thecal sac area. The proximal adjacent level above an interbody level also shows increased foraminal height and area.

From data to action: A comprehensive Bow tie model for blowout risk management in the oil and gas industry

AbstractThe primary objective of this work is to enhance the management of operational risks associated with blowout incidents. At its core, this study employs key performance indicators (KPIs) to meticulously monitor and report on various technical and management levels within organizations. The article underscores the critical importance of assessing the condition and efficacy of safety barriers, particularly in high‐risk scenarios. It introduces an all‐encompassing methodology founded on the bow tie framework, which visually elucidates the relationships between threats, consequences, preventive, and mitigation controls associated with blowout scenario. This holistic approach commences at the operational level and extends through tactical and strategic hierarchical ones, including communications upwards the board—top management. In this sense, it meets the need for safety information to “travel upwards” on the companies' hierarchy in order to properly and quickly support decision‐making process, contributing to the strengthening of safety culture inside the organizations. Furthermore, the methodology integrates interdisciplinary viewpoints and is thoughtfully designed to transform raw data into actionable insights, optimizing resource allocation for risk management.

An Examination of UAS Incidents: Characteristics and Safety Considerations

This paper examines the characteristics and implications of reported Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) incidents in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) database for UAS incidents operated by remote pilots licensed under Part 107. Characteristics examined include seasonal patterns of incidents, operational mission, and number of contributing factors, as well as crew configuration, timing of incident detection, and airspace class. Results are compared with previous research and with incident data for recreational users. The narratives for each incident are assessed to provide a greater context for the incidents and to determine how the incidents vary in different classes of airspace. Findings reveal that UAS incidents often involve multiple contributing factors, including environmental, human, equipment, and policy issues; there is an increasing prevalence of human-related issues over equipment problems compared to previous research; this reflects historic safety trends in crewed aviation. Near-miss incidents with crewed aircraft are a very real concern, particularly in Class D airspace, which often includes general aviation (GA) and helicopter operations. This research underscores the need for timely communication during urgent nighttime UAS operations as well as enhanced safety culture at both operator and organizational levels.

Green Supply Chain Management Practices and The Performance of Alcoholic Beverages Companies in Kenya.

Today’s business environment is characterized by increasing uncertainties. GSCM has emerged as an important new approach for enterprises to achieve profit and market share objectives by reducing environmental risk and impact. Now, more than ever, the world population is aware of the negative effects caused by environmental degradation. Key environmental concerns are dumping of hazardous wastes, the depletion of the ozone layer, and global warming. The primary goal of this study was to determine the influence of green supply chain practices on the performance of alcoholic beverages companies in Kenya. This research was based on the following objectives: green sourcing, eco-design, reverse logistics and waste stream management on the performance of alcoholic beverages companies in Kenya. The Resource-based view theory, theory of planned behavior, contingency management theory, waste management theory and supply chain operations reference model were studied and used as its theoretical foundations. The study employed a cross-sectional survey approach and mainly concentrated on the top five performing alcoholic beverages companies in Kenya namely East Africa Breweries Limited, Keroche Breweries, Kenya Wine Agencies, UDV Kenya Limited and London distillers limited. In order to meet the research objectives, the respondents were chosen at random from the highest level of management, the middle level of management, and the operational level of management. The head of department, head of subsection, and two clerks/assistants in each of these departments: production, procurement, logistics, and warehousing were employed as a unit of analysis across the five firms.The primary data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire that had both open and closed ended questions, designed to obtain definite responses. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 28) was used to analyze the data and present the variables through coding and summarizing the responses of all the respondents and the analyzed data was presented in form of tables. The study findings showed that green supply chain management practices namely green sourcing, eco-design, reverse logistics and waste stream management significantly influence the performance of alcoholic beverage companies in Kenya. The study concluded that performance was predicted to improve for every unit increase in these practices. The study further recommends that alcoholic beverage firms should prioritize suppliers that provide sustainable, and biodegradable materials. Some recommendations include through supplier evaluation and selection, collaboration and communication, transparency, consistency, and traceability. This will ensure improved green supply chain management and improve performance of alcoholic beverage companies.

Analytic hierarchy process geographic information system based model for sustainable construction and demolition waste landfill site selection

Properly managing waste generated by buildings and public works is a significant challenge in Tunisia, particularly in the city of Bizerte. The inadequate disposal of such waste can cause substantial harm to human life, property, and the environment. This paper proposes an multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) that utilizes the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) decision support tool to identify suitable landfill sites for construction and demolition waste (CDW) in Bizerte. The AHP method is widely used in MCDM applications. The approach involves classifying different scenarios based on various exclusion and appreciation criteria to determine the optimal locations for future landfills. Furthermore, the paper develops a conceptual approach for identifying better sites for the disposal of CDW, resulting in a comprehensive database capable of storing, accessing, and extracting information at both conceptual and operational levels. The proposed model considers spatial, technical, and environmental criteria in the selection of a suitable landfill site. The proposed methodology offers an effective and practical solution for properly managing CDW waste in Bizerte, Tunisia, and can be applied to other regions facing similar challenges.

Do operative stress levels vary among different oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures?

Do operative stress levels vary among different oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures?

Influence mechanisms of digital construction organizations’ capabilities on performance: evidence from SEM and fsQCA

PurposeWith the rise of digital construction, using organizational capabilities to improve project performance in a turbulent environment has become critical for the high-quality development of the construction industry. However, the complex relationships among them remain unclear. Therefore, this study explores these linear relationships under the digital construction mode and reveals the driving mechanism of multi-factor linkage on project performance.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 263 project participants in digital construction projects in China using a questionnaire. Hypothesis testing was conducted using partial least square structural equation modeling, and the differentiated patterns of project performance formation were revealed through fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis.FindingsOrganizational information technology, innovation, coordination, integration management and emergency management capabilities improve project performance. Environmental turbulence is a positive moderator between coordination capabilities and project performance, while other capabilities do not align with environmental turbulence. The research obtained five equivalent configurations for achieving high project performance, such as “capability layout” and “internal driven,” and two paths that lead to non-high project performance. Finally, in contrast to existing studies, we discovered the outstanding contribution of emergency management capabilities to project performance and the auxiliary effect of information technology capabilities.Originality/valueThis study innovatively integrates a dimensional framework of construction project organizations’ capabilities under a digital construction mode and extends the organizational capabilities to the specific and operational capability dimension level. Furthermore, this study opens the “black box” of the influence of organizational capabilities on project performance in environmental turbulence and reveals the differentiated and equivalent configurations for the formation of project performance. The study broadens the theoretical perspective of organizational capabilities on project performance research in the digital context and provides practical enlightenment for guiding the capability configuration of construction project organizations in a turbulent environment. The study broadens the theoretical perspective of organizational capabilities on project performance research in the digital context and provides practical enlightenment for guiding the capability configuration of construction project organizations in a turbulent environment.

Strategic modelling for sustainable power grids: a comprehensive study on energy storage integration in India

Purpose This study aims to address the critical need for innovation in the power grid sector, driven by global carbon reduction commitments. It highlights the pivotal role of critical success factors (CSFs) in enhancing system adaptability and environmental mitigation within India’s power industry. Design/methodology/approach This research is grounded on transition management theory to identify and validate the CSFs necessary to integrate energy storage systems (ESS). Here, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) are integrated to evaluate the model’s effectiveness in reducing CO2 emissions while ensuring grid stability and flexibility. Findings The research develops a seven-level hierarchical model illustrating the interaction of ESS components for a stable power grid, clean energy and a profitable electric industry. It emphasizes the strategic significance of managing key factors to reduce CO2 emissions and ensure grid stability. The study recommends continuous monitoring at tactical and operational levels to enhance overall performance. Research limitations/implications The study provides policymakers with strategic insights for the successful implementation of smart grid initiatives, facilitating effective decarbonization of the electricity industry. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive framework for minimizing the environmental impact associated with electricity generation, thereby enhancing overall operational sustainability and efficiency. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in its integration of EFA and TISM for robust model assessment and the application of transition management theory to identify and validate CSFs in the integration of ESS. This approach offers a novel perspective on enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of power grids.

Barriers to healthcare professionals screening, recognizing, and managing delirium in the adult patients receiving specialist palliative care: a mixed-methods systematic review

BackgroundDelirium frequently occurs in palliative care settings, yet its screening, identification, and management remain suboptimal in clinical practice. This review aims to elucidate the barriers preventing healthcare professionals from effectively screening, recognizing, and managing delirium in adult patients receiving specialist palliative care, with the goal of developing strategies to enhance clinical practice.MethodsA mixed-methods systematic review was conducted (PROSPERO: CRD42024563666). Literature was sourced from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trials databases from their inception to November 16, 2024, without language restrictions. Studies that were primary quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research, and reported the barriers to healthcare professionals’ screening, recognition, and management of delirium in adult patients receiving specialist palliative care (including inpatient hospice/hospital care, consultation teams, and outpatient/community services) were included. Studies were excluded if they did not permit barrier factor extraction, had duplicate or incomplete data, or were case reports or conference abstracts. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) version 2018 was employed to evaluate the methodological quality of included studies. Data synthesis used the convergent-integrated JBI mixed-methods approach.Results21 articles that meet the selection criteria have been identified, with 11 quantitative, 8 qualitative and 2 mixed-methods, collectively involving 857 patients and 649 healthcare professionals. Four themes were identified from the includes studies: (1) Individual level: knowledge and understanding gaps among healthcare professionals; (2) Operational level: implementation challenges in clinical practice; (3) Organizational level: structural and resource deficiencies; (4) Contextual level: specific impacts of situational factors.ConclusionThe systematic review uncovered a complex interplay of barriers spanning individual, operational, organizational, and contextual levels in palliative settings. To address these challenges, recommended strategies include developing targeted training programs, implementing standardized delirium assessment tools, improving guideline accessibility, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance delirium screening and management in palliative care.

Examination of risks in circular supply chains using transition management lens: towards a circular economy in emerging markets

We perform a multidimensional and integrated investigation of risks associated with circular supply chains (CSC), drawing on Transition Management Theory (TMT). This research focuses on e-waste from the Indian electronics industry, a waste stream with significant recovery potential and one of the fastest-growing in emerging economies. Drawing on TMT, the study (i) institutionalises risk management activities in circular systems to operationalise the transition towards CE; (ii) quantifies CSC risks at operational, tactical, and strategic levels and measure the total risk exposure of CSCs; (iii) comprehensively cogitates the operational, socio-environmental, and financial implications of CSCs risks and (iv) considers uncertainty in operations research (OR) models by applying a fuzzy set theory, evidential reasoning algorithm, and expected utility theory based model to evaluate and profile the CSCs risks. The proposed model contributes to the application of decision analysis and risk analysis approaches in the sustainability domain and can efficiently model uncertain, subjective, and incomplete data. Our findings reveal that customers’ reluctance to purchase reprocessed products represents the most critical challenge to the effectiveness of CSCs. Furthermore, contrary to conventional perspectives, organizations are strategically shifting toward adopting circular practices. However, they often lack the practical means and resources to implement these strategies effectively.

The Intricate Dynamics of Democratic Crises in Least Developed Countries

This paper explores how the economic crisis, lack of education, political corruption, and Western intervention contribute to declines in overall democratization in developing or LDC nations. Using a comparative analysis of case studies from various regions, the study analyzes cross-cutting trends and deviations in democratic backsliding. This paper suggests how economic instability either originates in or feeds resource scarcity and instability in local and world markets, resulting in a downward spiral of poverty, unemployment, and social unrest that can destroy public confidence in democratic institutions. Keeping the access to education to the masses low, with the representatives disengaging from their voters, makes the individuals vulnerable and weak, making democracy weak. One example is political corruption, which abuses power for personal gain, undermining public trust and confidence in democratic governance. The trajectory where this was at that point could be influenced by external actors, like foreign aid or structural adjustment programs from international financial institutions, that perpetuate dependency and, if the terms of those loans are not met, impose austerity packages that shrink democracy. This paper contributes to the academic literature on LDCs challenged by crisis redeems in democracies by highlighting processes over multiple years that determine crises as the formation of social, economic, political, or external tensions involving three interconnected levels of operations of tensions: social, economic, and political; political and external; and financial and external. Such insights illustrate the urgency for holistic solutions that confront the causes of democratic deterioration and enable the US to build sustained support that is successful against those most at risk.

The role of individual orchestrators of innovation hubs: A multiple case study in the south of Brazil

Objective of the study: Innovation hubs have taken on a leading role in innovation-led regional development. This article seeks to understand the role of the individual orchestrators of innovation hubs from different stages. Methodology: A multiple case study was conducted with three reference innovation hubs – Instituto Caldeira, Instituto Hélice, and Aliança Empresarial, located in different regions of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, with different market characteristics, sizes, and involvement with innovation. Originality/Relevance: The work’s originality lies in understanding the role of the individual who is orchestrating the innovation hubs. Previous literature has focused on orchestration activities but has not considered who would perform this task. Main results: Unlike what is mentioned in the literature, we discovered that the orchestrator needs to act on a multi-level. This study, therefore, presents a model to guide the role of individual orchestrators of innovation hubs. Theoretical/Methodological contributions: This study opens the black box of the orchestrator's role and explores the individual level of orchestration. From this, it contributes to a role that operates at the operational, tactical, and strategic levels. Social/management contributions: The categorization provides a managerial framework to assist in the organization, development, and orchestration of innovation hubs. The research contributes to defining the roles of individual orchestrators in practice, helping hubs of different formats to promote more innovation from their relationships.

Endomyocardial Biopsy: short- and long-term safety in myocarditis patients.

To assess the short-term and long-term outcomes of percutaneous endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) in patients with myocarditis and to identify the risk factors for EMB-related complications in this patient population. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 294 hospitalized patients with clinically suspected myocarditis at Tongji Hospital from October 2019 to October 2023, with a median follow-up duration of 18 months. Patients were divided into an EMB group (n = 151) and a non-EMB group (n = 143) based on whether they underwent EMB procedure. The incidence of endpoints was compared between the two groups, and the Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to assess the survival rate without endpoints. Endpoints included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), ventricular enlargement, and decline in cardiac function. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate the risk factors for EMB-related complications. The incidence of major short-term complications following EMB was 2.0% (3/151), while the incidence of minor complications was 9.3% (14/151). Multivariate risk regression analysis revealed that operative duration (OR: 1.101, 95% CI: 1.02-1.079, p < 0.05) and BNP levels (OR: 1.083, 95% CI: 0.931-1.26, p < 0.05) were associated with short-term complications following EMB. Compared to the non-EMB group, the EMB group had no significant increase in hospital stay (10 [8, 15] vs. 9 [7, 16], p = 0.27) and no significant decline in cardiac function. Long-term follow-up results showed that 8 patients (5.3%) in the EMB group experienced MACE, 14 patients (9.3%) had left ventricular enlargement, and 18 patients (11.9%) had a decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after discharge; in the non-EMB group, 12 patients (8.4%) experienced MACE, 30 patients (19.9%) had left ventricular enlargement, and 18 patients (11.9%) had a decline in LVEF after discharge. The Kaplan-Meier curve revealed a lower incidence of endpoint events in the EMB group (p < 0.05). In patients with myocarditis, EMB is associated with a risk of short-term complications, with higher levels of BNP and operative duration being independent risk factors for EMB-related complications. However, EMB does not adversely affect cardiac function or hospital stay during the inpatient period and may contribute to the improvement of long-term outcomes in patients with myocarditis.

Improved Back-Propagation Neural Network Applied to Enterprise Employee Performance Appraisal and Evaluation

Evaluating employee performance in enterprises is beneficial for improving talent competitiveness, operation level production, and overall enterprise performance. At present, many performance appraisal methods lack objectivity and fairness, which is not conducive to the long-term development of enterprises. Therefore, more research into scientific and effective performance appraisal methods is required. This study takes the grassroots employees of Enterprise A as an example, improving the existing performance appraisal evaluation indices to evaluate employee performance from three dimensions, including achievement, ability, and attitude, as determined by index weights using the analytic hierarchy process approach. An improved back-propagation neural network (BPNN) method is then designed to obtain performance appraisal and evaluation results. The error between the output of the improved BPNN method and expected output was small. Of the 20 extracted samples, the maximum and minimum error values were 0.05 and 0.01, respectively, and the average error was 0.03. The improved BPNN method evaluated only one out of 20 samples incorrectly, and the accuracy of the improved BPNN method was 96.21%, which is 19.88% and 10.75% higher than those of support vector machine and standard BPNN, respectively. The findings demonstrate that the improved BPNN method can be used in the appraisal and assessment of enterprise employee performance and has practical application value.

Technology Transformation, Implementation of Accrual Accounting, and Compliance with PPh Article 23 at Pt. Media Pressindo: An Ethnomethodological Study

This study uses a qualitative ethnomethodology approach to explore the technological transformation, accrual-based accounting implementation, and compliance with article 23 Income Tax at PT Media Pressindo. The research employs observation, direct fieldwork, and in-depth interviews to understand employees' social, cultural, and behavioral dynamics in adapting to accrual-based technology systems. The study is grounded in theories of post-implementation changes in accrual accounting, the accountant’s role as a standard setter, consultant, business catalyst, and organizational locomotive. The findings indicate that employees’ interactions with accounting technology are more habit-driven than efficiency-oriented, with minimal understanding of accrual concepts at the operational level. A lack of innovation-driven work culture further challenges the transformation. Shifts in work patterns require cultural adjustments and targeted management support, including enhanced tax literacy to ensure compliance with Article 23 Income Tax. This study introduces a new theory, Subjective Value-Based Accounting Transformation Theory, which highlights that the success of accounting technology implementation depends not only on technical systems but also on technical systems and subjective values reflecting social interactions, trust, and organizational culture. These findings underscore the importance of improving efficiency, fostering innovation, and strengthening tax literacy as part of accounting technology transformation strategies.

Cybersecurity and Business Survival in Nigeria: Building Customer's Trust

Purpose: This paper investigates the role of cybersecurity in ensuring business survival and fostering customer trust in Nigeria. Design/Methodology/Approach: A qualitative documentary review approach was employed, analysing legislations, policies, standards, and regulations related to cybersecurity from 2000 to 2024, especially those instruments that impact business survival in Nigeria and beyond. The study utilised thematic and comparative analysis to extract insights and identify gaps in the existing frameworks. Findings: The research reveals that while existing legal instruments on cybersecurity provide a foundational framework for protecting businesses, legislative, enforcement, compliance, and awareness gaps persist across the socioeconomic sphere, hence the continued losses from cyber threats and attacks. Businesses with robust cybersecurity practices were reported to enjoy higher customer trust and operational sustainability levels. However, weak compliance and inadequate awareness hinder the full potential of these measures. Research Limitation: The study is limited to a thematic review of existing documents, which may not fully capture real-time business practices and challenges. Practical Implication: Strengthened cybersecurity measures promote trust in digital transactions, reduce the risk of cybercrime, and ensure the continuity of businesses, contributing to economic stability and improved consumer confidence in Nigeria's digital economy. Social Implication: The findings provide actionable recommendations for policymakers to enhance the effectiveness of cybersecurity legislation and for business leaders to adopt best practices in securing their operations and building trust. Originality/Value: It contributes to existing knowledge by linking robust cybersecurity practices with enhanced customer trust and operational sustainability.

A review of techniques for measurement of forces and neutral temperatures in railway track

Track failures in the form of thermally induced buckling events or rail breakages on continuously welded rails (CWRs) have long posed challenges for the rail industry. These issues arise because CWRs cannot freely expand or contract as rail temperatures fluctuate during operation, resulting in compressive or tensile stresses. As temperature variations increase, these stresses can lead to rail buckling under compression or separation under tension. Buckling, in particular, poses a serious threat, as it is often associated with derailments, carrying substantial social (rail safety, public perception) and economic (track downtime, damage to freight, rolling stock, and infrastructure) consequences. For this reason, understanding the thermal stress state or neutral rail temperature (NRT) of installed track is critical for rail network owners and operators. This knowledge enables more precise planning of maintenance, targeted rail replacement, and monitoring of high-risk areas. Consequently, there is growing demand for in-situ, non-destructive methods to measure NRT. This paper reviews existing methods for measuring NRT, encompassing approaches developed from the 1960s to the present. Each method is critically evaluated, with the findings summarized in a table that outlines their operational principles, limitations, reported accuracy, and current technology readiness level.

Impact of Green Marketing And Total Quality Management (TQM) Dimensions on Improving the Financial Performance of Indonesian Sharia Banks: New Concept

Green marketing is an advertising technique that focuses on promoting and selling products or services that have minimal or positive environmental effect. Given the growing awareness of environmental and sustainability concerns, this concept has gained increasing importance and attention in the fields of marketing and business management. Quality management is a strategy for continuously enhancing (continuous performance improvement) performance at all levels of an organization's operations and processes, as well as in all functional areas, by leveraging its people and financial resources. How to implement green marketing and total quality management to the financial performance of Bank Syariah Indonesia is the focus of this study. This study aims to investigate the effects of ecological marketing and total quality management on financial performance. This method of research employs multiple linear regression with a sample of 237 individuals, including financial administrators and employees. Consumer awareness has a positive effect on financial performance, consumer loyalty has a positive effect on financial performance, increased resource efficiency has a positive effect on financial performance, an obsession with quality has a positive effect on financial performance, teamwork has a positive effect on financial performance, and engagement and empowerment have a positive effect on financial performance, according to the findings of this study.

Performance of Gears Manufactured Through Additive Manufacturing

Bound metal deposition (BMD) additive manufacturing technique was used to fabricate gears of PH 17-4 stainless steel material. The gears were fabricated with different layer heights (namely 150 μm and 50 μm) and also subjected to post-fabrication machining. Each gear was tested against commercially available gear in a high-precision control test rig. The operational temperature and noise level were measured during the test, while the material loss due to wear was evaluated at the end of the test. The 50 μm layer height gear performed the best with the least wear loss, minimum noise generation, and temperature rise. The 150 μm layer height gear, which was mechanically polished, performed very similarly to it (50 μm layer height gear) and cost 33% less to print; thus, it was considered the best performing when cost was incorporated. The conclusions found that post machining of printed parts greatly impacts their performance, and thus, the post-print conditions should be considered just as much as the printing conditions.