People-centric Approach Research Articles

Psychophysical and Rheological Investigation of Toothpaste Tube Squeezability: A People-Centric Approach.

In this work, toothpaste tube squeezability was tested by three different methods: assessment by a human panel, a tactile glove, and several purely instrumental tests. The panelists characterized squeezability in terms of the acceptability of the product. The tactile glove was utilized to determine the maximum grip forces (GF) applied by the same panelists during their assessment. The instrumental tests consisted of emulative tests by a squeezing device and rheological tests. Along with commercial pastes, a series of samples were deliberately formulated and tested, and covered a wide range of squeezability rates of 0.07-2.31 cc/s. The study showed that it is possible to predict human sensory perception using either an emulative squeezing instrument or the rheological measurements of the pastes. The study also suggests that human perception of acceptable squeezability includes not only its low limit (pastes being hard to squeeze) but also its upper limit (pastes perceived as too runny) which may also be related to the inability of the paste to retain its shape on the brush. Based on this study consumer-acceptable ranges of rheological and squeezability parameters were defined. These results are expected to be useful, especially for oral/personal care product developers.

Public Policy and Governance: Catalyzing Local Development and Economic Growth

The relationship between local development and public policy is inherently interconnected and critically important. From this ontological standpoint, this paper seeks to explore the intricate linkages between these two domains. Public policies establish the foundational frameworks and guidelines that directly influence local development processes. This study employs an explanatory and qualitative methodology, relying on a review of secondary data sources. The findings suggest that well-conceived and effectively implemented public policies can significantly enhance local development outcomes, driving economic growth, improving quality of life, and fostering community well-being. However, the study also reveals that in practice, the processes of policy formulation and implementation are often disorganized and lack a scientific basis, limiting their potential contribution to national development. Many local governments remain unclear about their development priorities and fail to emphasize sustainable practices that leverage local resources and generate employment for local residents. In the federal context of Nepal, where local development is a cornerstone of democracy, there has been a noticeable deviation in public policy approaches from what is needed. Given Nepal’s federal system, the government should prioritize sustainable development to ensure performance legitimacy. The study concludes that grassroots democracy in Nepal currently faces numerous challenges and obstacles. Transforming these challenges into opportunities requires a more people-centric public policy approach aligned with local development goals.

People centric governance model for smart cities development: A systematic review, thematic analysis, and findings

In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, comprising Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman, advanced urban planning and cutting-edge projects signify a dedication to modernity and prosperity. These nations, renowned for substantial energy reserves, are crucial players in the global energy landscape, contributing 45% of proven oil reserves, 25% of oil exports, and 18% of proven natural gas reserves. Significant investments in planned cities showcase the GCC region’s commitment to renewable energy with megaprojects serving as key promoters of a nationalist vision for modernization and sustainability. Criticism has been directed at ambitious designs and sustainability rhetoric, as seen in projects like Masdar City, originally envisioned as carbon-neutral but encountering challenges in realization.The implementation of Smart Cities in Oman is in its early stages, marked by a lack of comprehensive industry-level studies and an absence of an established frameworkbased approach. Limited industry-level studies address citizen-centric Smart governance thereby impacting Quality of Life. Current research emphasizes technology and innovation rather than the cultural sentiments of the local community resulting in gaps in people-centric approach. Moreover, there’s no empirical research to validate the influence of People on Public-Private Partnership enterprises in Smart City development, necessitating the development of a conceptual framework or model to highlight the influence of people on Smart Cities. This deficiency is resulting in a stagnation of innovation and an insufficient quality of life. The goal is to measure the effectiveness of the participatory governance model in improving the quality of life for residents within the smart city. By addressing the identified deficiencies through the application of participatory governance, the research aims to pave the way for a more effective and people-centric approach to smart city development, ultimately fostering innovation, enhancing the quality of life, and promoting sustainable and inclusive outcomes.

From the Enemy-centric to People-centric Approach: Views and Attitudes of Mozambicans Living in Johannesburg towards SAMIM’s Counterinsurgency in Cabo Delgado

From the Enemy-centric to People-centric Approach: Views and Attitudes of Mozambicans Living in Johannesburg towards SAMIM’s Counterinsurgency in Cabo Delgado

Unlocking the sources of individual readiness for change: exploring the role of nationality

PurposeThis paper aims to examine primarily the readiness for change at an individual level. Additionally, this study examines the impact of internal change factors on individual readiness for change as well as their effect across nations.Design/methodology/approachThe research relies on a quantitative research approach. A survey was conducted among 241 managers across 33 countries. Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) approach and multigroup analyses have been applied for hypothesis testing.FindingsOur research contributes a novel perspective on individual readiness for change and unveils how employees' perceptions of context, process and intensity as internal change factors influence their readiness for change. The findings give support to the assertion that employees' attitudes toward change are altered by individual perceptions.Research limitations/implicationsOur research explores the moderating effect of nationality used through a grouped variable and finds significant impacts of clusters of nationalities. Thus, nationality may serve as a proxy for culture that might be examined in future research studies in a more deeply focused way to include beliefs, values and societal norms.Practical implicationsThe new understanding of the topic “individual readiness for change” opens up new research directions and enriches ongoing discussions about societal change and sustainable project management. This topic creates a link to situational leadership principles, considers cultural factors and, therefore, advocates for a people-centric approach to modern stakeholder management in order to achieve commitment toward change initiatives and consequent project success.Social implicationsConsidering that the path toward the successful implementation of any change project is highly contingent on personal dispositions to change, our research uncovers the potential impact of individual perceptions on employees' readiness for change.Originality/valueOur major contribution is to highlight the importance of considering individual perceptual drivers of readiness for change and to acknowledge the moderating effect of nationality as a contextual factor altering the relationship between perception of change and individual readiness for change.

How Cities Can Build Animal-Friendly Spaces in Chongqing, China

Modern urban planning increasingly prioritizes a people-centric approach, balancing human needs with economic, societal, and environmental considerations. However, this often overlooks the urban wildlife cohabiting these spaces. This paper focuses on this oversight, specifically in the context of Chongqing, China. It investigates the city's animal-friendly spaces, highlighting the difference between designing for wildlife (animal-friendly) and domestic pets (pet-friendly). Through analysis of Chongqing's urban design, the paper reveals a significant neglect of animal compatibility in Chinese urban planning. It advocates for a more inclusive approach that incorporates the needs of all urban inhabitants, including animals, within the constraints of the natural environment. The paper proposes an optimized design framework that synergizes the urban ecosystem, emphasizing sustainable development with a holistic perspective.

Appraisal or Critique? Analyzing Sentiments in Google Play Store Reviews with Python

In today's world of mobile applications, understanding how users feel about your app is key for developers and businesses looking to enhance their offerings. Our project takes a people-centric approach to analyzing sentiments expressed in Google Play Store reviews. We have crafted a comprehensive method using Python to delve into user feedback. We rely on the VADER sentiment analysis tool to gauge the emotional tone of reviews, sorting them into positive, negative, or neutral categories. Our code covers everything from gathering data to preprocessing, sentiment analysis, and visualization. This allows users to extract valuable insights from the feedback loop. By deciphering the sentiments within these reviews, our project becomes a potent resource for developers and businesses, empowering them to refine user experiences and make informed decisions. Our Python-based solution is not just powerful but also flexible and efficient, capable of handling large volumes of data. This approach contributes to more informed app development strategies, fostering better user satisfaction and business success.

A Smart Leader in VUCA World: Presenting Key Components of Strategic Leadership Using SLR Method

The current study compiles and summarizes the key findings of the researches conducted on strategic leadership to meet VUCA world’s demand for organizational excellence, sustainable growth, competitive advantages and people centric approach using SPAR-4-SLR protocol technique. Reputed international journals of ABDC A*, A & B ranking are referred to extract corresponding findings of quality research articles on strategic intents of progressive and transformational leadership. Using SLR method the study tries to collate relevant evidences based upon ‘systematic procedures and rationales’ disclosing key parameters of smart leadership required in today’s dynamic business world. Here, ‘smart’ word refers to a ‘learnt leader through experience’ than ‘a trained leader in a business school’. With the help of ‘Systematic Literature Review (SLR)’ technique, the study finds ‘idealized influence (4 component), intellectual stimulation (2 factors), individual consideration (4 factors) and inspirational motivation (4 factors) are identified as the key components of a strategic leadership in today’s VUCA world. The research also presents four elements of a smart leader viz. social intelligence, emotional intelligence, professional wisdom and spiritual intelligence.

Formation of new post-war housing in Ukraine: analysis of foreign practical experience

The article provides an in-depth exploration of international practices in residential development, focusing on the Netherlands, Denmark, and the United Kingdom as case studies. It meticulously investigates the post-World War II evolution of residential architecture in these countries, highlighting pivotal aspects such as housing standardization, building typologies, material utilization in facade design, community engagement, and the influence of socio-political factors on shaping living spaces. Special attention is dedicated to the analysis of architectural-compositional and spatial-volumetric principles that define foreign residential structures. The paper thoroughly dissects these principles and trends, considering their alignment with each country's unique architectural traditions. Moreover, it systematically categorizes contemporary trends in Western European residential development, emphasizing the significance of compositional considerations and national idiosyncrasies in shaping post-war housing in Ukraine. The article underscores the critical importance of understanding contextual architecture and prioritizing human-centric design principles. It advocates for the integration of these guiding principles in shaping post-war residential architecture in Ukraine, promoting a balanced and people-centric approach to urban development. The author contends that these principles should serve as a guiding framework for the direction of new residential architecture post-war, fostering a cohesive and community-oriented urban environment that effectively addresses the needs and preferences of its inhabitants. The comprehensive analysis presented in the article aims to inform and inspire thoughtful approaches to residential development, encouraging a harmonious blend of international best practices with the rich architectural heritage of Ukraine.

A Method to Facilitate the Regeneration of Human Resources: A Sustainability Perspective

Within the sustainable development framework, organizations are tasked with creating strategies that ensure the enduring provision of value through human capital for the future. Our study emphasizes employee development and training, adopting a people-centric approach aligned with sustainability principles. By leveraging techniques for the identification of Characteristics of Individual Strengths (CIS), Agent Evaluation, and composite decision making, we introduce a novel approach to formulating personalized employee training strategies. This approach is structured around three pivotal steps: identifying CIS, assessing employee roles within the organization based on CIS, and analyzing training strategies. Demonstrated through illustrative examples, our method validates its applicability in real-world settings. This research provides organizations with an innovative pathway for effectively fostering employee skills and securing a steady influx of high-quality, diverse talent.

Reinventing hybrid office design through a people-centric adaptive approach

The indoor environment in office spaces has a significant impact on occupants' health, satisfaction, well-being and productivity. The use of co-working space is rising as a potential alternative workspace post pandemic to respond to the preference for hybrid and flexible working. Hence, it is imperative to understand how the space planning and design of co-working space impacts the occupants. A year-long longitudinal questionnaire survey, along with in-situ field measurement, is conducted in a co-working space in London, to assess the environmental comfort, perception and preference in the space. The relationship between environmental factors like lighting, ventilation, privacy, thermal comfort and access to amenities and occupants' seat preference is explored. The results indicate a general desire for more daylight and air flow suggested by the occupants, while the factors like ‘good daylight’, ‘good ventilation’ and ‘near power sockets’ contribute to occupants' decision-making on seat selection significantly, while privacy and noise are not seen as significant factors in this environment. The findings offer insights for the environmental design for future workspaces in the hybrid working setup.

Re-examining the Implication of Act East Policy in Northeast India: Narratives and Challenges

This article provides a brief analysis of the Act East Policy in relation to its implementation in northeast India. It does so by exploring the key narratives of the policy, including economic integration, strategic partnerships, connectivity, infrastructure development, cultural exchanges, and engagement in regional multilateralism. It also highlights some of the challenges surrounding the policy, such as limited economic benefits, infrastructure challenges, concerns about China's influence, a perceived lack of a people-centric approach, and environmental issues.

Aster Retail UAE (A): Connecting Employees, Customers and Business Results

Aster Retail (AR) is the retail pharmacy division of the Aster Dr Moopen's Healthcare (ADMH) Group. The group delivers healthcare services across the Middle East, India and the Far East, with a portfolio of hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centres and retail pharmacies. AR, under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jobilal Vavachan, is well known for its people-centric approach, unique culture and innovative human resource (HR) practices. AR has won multiple awards for HR practices, service quality and business performance. In a recent corporate restructuring (2018), “Aster Primary Care” was carved out by combining the group's Clinics and Retail businesses. This case discusses the evolution of AR's HR journey and the challenges associated with integrating culturally diverse businesses without compromising the values of ADMH and its promise, “We'll Treat You Well.”

Strategic status quo and trend of enterprise economic management innovation based on media group

The article is devoted to an overview of Midea Group's activities in the home appliance industry. The Midea Group comprises three listed companies and four industrial groups, making it one of China's most prominent white goods manufacturing and exporting centers. Over the years, the company has expanded its portfolio into five business segments: smart home, building technology, industrial technology, robotics and automation, and digital innovation. The company operates in more than 200 countries and regions. The article discusses the importance of effectively managing the enterprise economy in the modern business landscape. Skillful economic management has been vital for optimizing resource allocation, increasing profitability, and ensuring sustainable development. The importance of innovations in economic management is determined, and an analysis of various indicators of economic management for different periods is provided. Midea Group's economic analysis uses the POWERSWOT analysis method, which characterizes several factors contributing to its success. Midea Group's management decisions are found to be practical, and the company uses incentive plans to motivate employees, which has led to a dramatic increase in operating income. The Midea Group's commitment to compliance with regulations and seizing policy opportunities that have helped it maintain steady growth in ROI and R&D while supporting sustainable operations is clarified. The company's use of non-operating investment gains has contributed to diversified growth despite prudently managing its debt. Midea Group focuses on sophisticated incentive plans and a people-centric approach, extending stock incentive plans to employees of various positions. The company prioritizes sustainable development, using the principles of economic management to improve its long-term prospects and sustainability in the global market. Keywords: globalization, enterprise development, strategic practices, Midea Group, global market, competitive advantage, cultural adaptation, global value chain, innovation.

Leveraging healthy buildings as a tool to apply a people-centric approach to ESG

Resilience, or the ability to respond effectively to the unexpected, has always played a vital role in the corporate real estate (CRE) sector. That importance has only intensified in recent years in the face of numerous crises, including COVID-19, natural disasters and financial market stagnation. Prioritising people and their well-being has emerged as an effective tactic for not only increasing resilience, but also for aligning with environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards across all three pillars. This paper begins by discussing the role ESG plays within the CRE sector, with a focus on the importance of taking a people-centric approach. It presents the co-benefits framework as an effective tool for optimising ESG efforts and identifies several key data sources that aid in reporting ESG metrics. The paper concludes with a case study of a company that leveraged data to better understand how its ESG efforts were supporting its overall financial outcomes.

People-Centric and Inclusive Approach to Planning of Smart Cities

People-Centric and Inclusive Approach to Planning of Smart Cities

Unveiling High Mountain Communities’ Perception of Climate Change Impact on Lives and Livelihoods in Gilgit-Baltistan: Evidence from People-Centric Approach

ABSTRACT Climate change poses a significant threat to the lives and livelihoods of the local communities in high mountain regions. This study examines the perception of climate change and its impact on the lives and livelihoods of high mountain communities in Gilgit-Baltistan. Empirical evidence was gathered through four focused group discussions and thirty in-depth interviews with the local communities in Darkut and Shishkat areas. This study found that the local communities perceive a noticeable change in temperature patterns in terms of an increase in average temperatures and shorter winters. Such changes lead to the melting of glaciers and subsequently frequent floods during summer. The communities argue that a decrease in snowfall and alterations in the timing of snowfall directly affect the region's water supply. These changes impact the region's key livelihood activities, such as livestock rearing and agriculture, leading to reduced productivity, and an increased reliance on external food sources. This study emphasizes the urgent need for community-based adaptation strategies and support for climate-resilient livelihoods in these regions. It underscores the importance of incorporating the perspectives and experiences of high mountain communities when formulating policies and strategies to address the multifaceted impacts of climate change in mountainous areas.

A people-centric approach to pursuing scientific discovery.

Chun-Yan Lim is a group leader at the Guangzhou Laboratory, China, studying organelle contacts as metabolic signaling hubs. We reached out to Chun-Yan to discuss his scientific career and life in the lab.

Participatory mapping of ecosystem services across a gradient of agricultural intensification in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

ABSTRACT Agrarian change affects the supply and demand of ecosystem services (ES) by reducing the extent of natural ecosystems. Agricultural intensification can lead to changes in land covers and livelihood opportunities and it remains unclear how such changes align or misalign with the desires of local communities. Using participatry mapping, we assessed ES uses and desires of Indigenous people and local communities provided by different land cover types along a gradient of agricultural intensification (forest subsistence, agroforestry mosaic, and monoculture and market-dependence) in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. We found that mapped ES use diversity was highest in the forest-dependent zone and lowest near monoculture agricultural systems. The expressed ES uses and desires varied greatly among land cover types amidst loss of old-growth forest and greater reliance on secondary forest and shrub land. The spatial analysis showed that high priority areas of ES use was related to access in the landscape, demonstrating the importance of attending to place-based social values in ES assessments. From this study, we call for a people-centric spatial modelling approach to address the divergence of social and cultural ES values associated with land covers under different intensification contexts. Participatory mapping clarifies the ES desires of local communities, which state policy often fails to address. We recommend a place specific management strategy to reduce ES trade-offs of specific land use practices, which are currently apparent with agrarian change in Indonesia and relevant for other tropical developing countries.

‘Himalayasia’: Reclaiming Regional Identity in South Asia

South Asia is a conflict-prone region with numerous humanitarian challenges. South Asian states have long been struggling to bridge the political gaps among themselves. Regionalism has not been instrumental enough in this regard. This paper identifies a lack of regional identity for the South Asian peoples as one of the major obstacles why regionalism has never had much impact on the political map of South Asia. It is argued here that South Asia needs a major regional reorientation to reclaim its historic and cultural commonalities. And, that can be facilitated by a unique and meaningful geographical identification. In this regard, the Himalayan Mountain Range can be regarded as a geographical connector of the major South Asian States; hence, ‘Himalayasia’ could be a suitable name for their regional reorientation. The proposition is an outcome of a people-centric approach to constructing collective identity through social interaction among the peoples of South Asia based on their geographical identity and its already existing socio-cultural and civilizational legacies, which is expected to have gradual and incremental political implications in the states of this region. The research is qualitative-constructive as well as normative. It uses information, concepts and ideas from secondary sources and based on that substantiates new propositions vis-à-vis regional identity in South Asia.