Technology Sector Research Articles

Cooperative augmented assembly (CAA): augmented reality for on-site cooperative robotic fabrication

Recent years have witnessed significant advances in computational design and robotic fabrication for large-scale manufacturing. Although these advances have enhanced the speed, precision, and reproducibility of digital fabrication processes, they often lack adaptability and fail to integrate manual actions in a digital model. Addressing this challenge, the present study introduces cooperative augmented assembly (CAA), a phone-based mobile Augmented Reality (AR) application that facilitates cooperative assembly of complex timber structures between humans and robots. CAA enables augmented manual assembly, intuitive robot control and supervision, and task sharing between humans and robots, creating an adaptive digital fabrication process. To allocate tasks to manual or robotic actions, the mobile AR application allows multiple users to access a shared digital workspace. This is achieved through a flexible communication system that allows numerous users and robots to cooperate seamlessly. By harnessing a cloud-based augmented reality system in combination with an adaptive digital model, CAA aims to better incorporate human actions in robotic fabrication setups, facilitating human–machine cooperation workflows and establishing a highly intuitive, adaptable digital fabrication process within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction sector.

Stakeholder mapping of precision weeding commercialization ecosystem in California

CONTEXTPrecision weeding, a sector of agricultural technology in which drones and/or automated weeders use chemical, mechanical, or thermal means to eradicate weeds, has moved from academic research settings to commercialization. Because of labor shortage pressures, the push to gain competitive advantages, and the environmental impacts of excessive chemical inputs, many California growers have been interested in adopting precision weeding technologies in their operations. OBJECTIVEUsing semi-structured qualitative interviews, this study investigated the viewpoints of three key stakeholder groups involved in the diffusion and adoption of precision weeding technologies: California growers, precision weeding startups, and agricultural technology venture capital firms. With the supplemental viewpoints of large agricultural firms and their corporate venture capital arms and government agencies, this study seeks to understand the compatible motivations between stakeholders, current collaborative models between stakeholders and their limitations, and the user journey for growers adopting precision weeding technology. METHODSWe conducted 17 semi-structured qualitative interviews with diverse stakeholders in the precision weeding sector to gather textual data and gain high data saturation. Data collection balanced rigorous criteria for participant selection with adaptive interview questions to ensure depth and relevance. The analysis procedure involved coding and thematic framework development, complemented by grounded theory for iterative data examination and stakeholder map creation for distilling cross-organizational insights and stakeholder dynamics. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe results indicated that compatible motivations include addressing current labor issues, reducing costs, and the potential of precision weeding to transform agriculture. Less cited but still popular motivations included having more weeding options, meeting specific field needs, and environmental sustainability. The individual and stakeholder group cognitive maps demonstrated that concerns such as startup longevity, the high expenses of precision weeding machinery, and some startups lacking a direct connection to growers commonly limit the growers' adoption of precision weeding technologies. SIGNIFICANCEThe procedure and cognitive mapping presented in this study can be applied to other emerging agtech technologies and ecosystems.

SOCIAL MEDIA SENTIMENT AND STOCK MARKET VOLATILITY: EVIDENCE FROM THE US HI-TECH COMPANIES

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effects of social media sentiment, measured by Twitter-based uncertainty index, on the stock market volatility of the US technology companies. Design/methodology/approach: Methodologically, we employ the quantile regression model. Our findings reveal that the volatility of Amazon, Apple, Google and IBM stocks are sensitive to the variations in twitter-based economic and market uncertainties (i.e., TEU and TMU indexes). Findings: We observe significant influences at both lower and upper quantiles. Thus, for both high and low volatility regimes, the information on twitter-based uncertainty indexes can be used to predict the market volatility of these leading hi-tech companies. Moreover, TEU and TMU indexes exert positive effects on the stock price implied volatility implying that the variance of these technology firms experiences an upward trend as the social media uncertainty rises. Originality/value: While numerous studies have focused on the influence of social media (e.g., Facebook, twitter etc.) on investment strategies, the impact of twitter sentiments on the risk linked to hi-tech firms remains understudied. Hence, investors participating in the technology sectors could use our findings for managing portfolio risk.

From Traditional to Challenge-Based Learning: A Case Study

The rapid evolution of the information technology sector necessitates innovative educational methods not only addressing current industry needs but also anticipating future challenges. This study aims to explore the transition from traditional pedagogical approaches to challenge-based learning (CBL) within the context of an undergraduate course, "Ethical, Social and Professional Aspects of IT" (120 participants). It investigates how this methodological shift influences the development strategies of the course and the pedagogical outcomes for students, particularly first-year IT administration and development students engaging in practical group work. Employing a mixed research design, the study gathers data through reflections of the course staff, empirical study with students and analysis of the didactic changes within the course. It evaluates the effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) and CBL methodologies in addressing real-world IT ethics, social, and professional challenges with a focus on fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Preliminary findings suggest that CBL not only enhances students' engagement and learning outcomes but also bridges the gap between academic knowledge and practical application in the IT sector. The collaboration students provided insights into real-world challenges, improving students’ learning and administrative experiences at the university. Furthermore, the study highlights the advantages of integrating both PBL and CBL to cultivate a more dynamic and responsive educational environment. The shift towards CBL in the "Ethical, Social and Professional Aspects of IT" course at Tallinn University of Technology represents a significant step forward in aligning educational practices with the needs of the contemporary and future IT industry, preparing students for the complexities of the modern workforce, and contributing to a sustainable, innovative, and resilient economy. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term impacts of this pedagogical shift and to refine the methodologies for broader application.

An Exploratory Study on Evaluating the efficiency of Strategic Innovation in the Indian EdTech Landscape

India's educational technology (EdTech) sector has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping the traditional educational ecosystem through the integration of digital solutions. This sector's growth has been fuelled by several factors, including increased internet penetration, the affordability of smartphones, and the ever-rising demand for quality education that transcends geographical, socio-economic, and infrastructural limitations. According to a report by RedSeer Consulting, the Indian EdTech industry is poised to grow from $2.8 billion in 2020 to a staggering $10.4 billion by 2025. This trajectory has been further catalysed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced educational institutions to shift to online learning platforms, solidifying EdTech’s role in India's educational future.

The impact of visionary leadership on product quality from the perspective of quality assurance managers in small and medium-sized companies: the mediating role of continual improvement

PurposeA review of relevant literature supported the need to examine the nature of the relationships (if any) between visionary leadership, continual improvement and product quality. This study examined the relationship between visionary leadership and product quality and investigated the mediating role of continual improvement in the relationship between visionary leadership and product quality.Design/methodology/approachVisionary leadership, continual improvement and product quality were measured through a questionnaire developed based on a theoretical framework derived from the literature and distributed to quality assurance managers in small and medium-sized companies in the engineering, electrical and information technology sectors in Jordan.FindingsThe results indicated that the levels of visionary leadership, continual improvement and product quality are good and more from the perspective of quality assurance managers in these companies. The results also indicated that there is a positive, statistically significant relationship between visionary leadership and continual improvement and between continual improvement and product quality. Moreover, the results indicated that the relationship between visionary leadership and product quality is partially mediated by continual improvement. This indicates that there is a direct, positive and statistically significant relationship between visionary leadership and product quality.Originality/valueTo the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that examined the relationship between visionary leadership, continual improvement and product quality and investigated the mediating role of continual improvement in the relationship between visionary leadership and product quality. This study concluded that visionary leadership is the driver of all improvement initiatives and activities, which in turn improve the final products. The study contributes to the literature by revealing that visionary leadership leads to continual improvement and thus product quality, supporting the sequential relationship between them. Accordingly, the study provides useful theoretical insights and practical implications.

Relationship between employer branding and employee performance: Mediating and moderating effects of supportive work environment and compensation and benefits

Employer branding is a complex idea that is important in many different industries. It represents a company's ability to attract, engage and retain talent as well as its status as an employer. A strong employer brand transcends industry boundaries to impact the success and sustainability of businesses in today's competitive job market. The authors examined the effect of employer branding on employee performance by mediating and moderating roles of a supportive work environment and compensation and benefits respectively. The authors followed the quantitative methodology with a set of strategies and hypotheses and gathered numerical data. The data were gathered by surveying employees working in information technology sector companies in the city of Bangalore. The data analysis includes descriptive statistics, factor analysis and structural equation modeling analysis using SPSS and IBM AMOS version 28. The Cronbach’s alpha values of the reliability statistics ranged from 0.920 to 0.930 indicating the questionnaire’s internal consistency and reliability. The model fit indices CMIN/DF 1.389, CFI 0.966, GFI 0.952, TLI 0.961, IFI 0.966, NFI 0.904, SRMR 0.060, RMSEA 0.051 and PClose 0.448 indicate an excellent fit of the model. The constructs of compensation and benefits and a supportive work environment partially mediate employee performance through employer branding. The moderator’s supportive work environment strengthens the positive relationship between employee branding and employee performance. Strong employer branding is important for attracting top talent and improving employee performance in various industries but it is especially important in the IT sector.

Design and Testing of a Web-Based Student Information Management System

Politeknik Piksi Ganesha is an institution of higher learning located in Bandung, Indonesia, specializing in engineering and technological curricula. The research's general objective is to describe the design and implementation of the web-based Student Information Management System (SIMS) to manage student data at Politeknik Piksi Ganesha Bandung. The functional and non-functional specifications are represented using Unified Modeling Language (UML) based on broad data collection through observation, interviews, and a literature review. It also entails black-box testing, which measures the system's performance against set criteria, focusing on the output without the details of its internal workings. The significant findings indicate that SIMS enhances highly administrative processes, accuracy in data, and good communication among stakeholders by applying clear UML diagrams of the system. This successful system development meets the institution's requirements and adds to the bar for other developments within the educational technology sector. The result has also emphasized the need for practical design methodologies and testing frameworks to develop reliable information systems to improve decision-making in academic institutions. The research has contributed significantly to the discipline because it has shown how different technological innovations can alleviate the problems surrounding managing student information at higher education levels.

Assessing the Performance of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in Indian Stock Markets: A Longitudinal Study from 2014-2023

This research investigates the performance of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in the Indian stock market over a decade (2014-2023). The study aims to assess both short-term and long-term IPO returns and the factors influencing their performance. Using a quantitative, longitudinal approach, data was collected from the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India, covering 500 IPOs. The analysis examines short-term listing day returns and long-term performance up to five years post-IPO, focusing on variables like firm size, market sentiment, and sector-specific dynamics. The findings reveal substantial variations in IPO performance, with average listing day returns ranging from 18.98% to 26.35%, particularly peaking during market volatility in 2020. However, long-term returns exhibit a decline, with many IPOs underperforming five years after listing. Regression analysis shows that firm size and market sentiment significantly affect IPO performance, with larger firms and favorable market conditions driving better outcomes. The technology and pharmaceutical sectors outperformed, while real estate IPOs lagged. The study highlights the importance of due diligence for investors and the need for continued regulatory reforms to improve market transparency and efficiency. This research fills a gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive, decade-long perspective on IPO performance in India.

The Role of Professional Training in Developing Leadership Skills Among Information Technology Sector Employees

As technology advances, the professional world is becoming increasingly competitive. Achieving career success and meeting professional goals now requires both new and seasoned employees to continuously develop their skills and expand their knowledge. This necessity highlights the importance for businesses in the IT sector to expose their employees to professional training programs that enhance leadership skills, ultimately benefiting the organization. The main aim of this study is to examine the impact of professional training on leadership skills development among IT sector employees, focusing on the challenges and benefits identified through a qualitative approach. Data was collected via a survey questionnaire, with responses from 200 participants in Malaysia and India. The findings reveal the impact of professional training for IT employees, particularly regarding the role of training activities in fostering leadership development. This study offers insights and guidance for employees on the advantages and obstacles of pursuing professional training, leading to enhanced leadership capabilities

Integrating Surface-related Indicators of Coverage, Distance and Distribution for Quantifying Scan-to-BIM Confidence Level

Abstract. Scan-to-BIM is a widely-used approach to generate Building Information Modelling and by extension Digital Twin models in the architecture, engineering, and construction sector. The resulting models need to be as accurate as possible to ensure subsequent activities that make use of them can do so effectively. Quality assessment of point clouds and occlusion assessment of BIM outputted from Scan-to-BIM has been investigated. However, Scan-to-BIM systems currently do not provide proper metrics as to the confidence the user can have in the quality, in particular geometric quality of the outputted model. This paper addresses this gap by introducing a confidence index, for analysing the reliability of the generated 3D models and thereby quantifying the confidence the user can have in them. Index of confidence is itself derived from three more specific indices: index of coverage estimates the portion of the surface of the modelled element that is explained by the input point cloud. Index of distribution estimates how well the points explaining the modelled surfaces are distributed around the overall object’s surface. Index of distance defines the closeness of the generated element models to the input point cloud. The proposed indices are assessed using three real examples, demonstrating their adequacy.

Extreme downside risk connectedness between green energy and stock markets

This study addresses the need to understand the transmission of tail risk across financial markets, especially in the context of green energy and stock markets. Utilizing the Time-Varying Parameter Vector Autoregressive (TVP-VAR) methodology combined with the Conditional Autoregressive Value-at-Risk (CAViaR) framework, the model analyzes data from September 30, 2013, to October 11, 2023. This study focuses on five major stock indices (S&P500, CSI300, Nikkei225, STOXX50, and FTSE100), West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil, and three sectors within green energy markets (Green bond, Global Clean Energy, and Renewable Energy and Clean Technology), highlighting the significant role of these sectors in risk propagation. The model can capture dynamic changes and asymmetries in financial returns, thus providing a precise estimation of extreme downside risks. Key findings show that three stock indices (S&P500, STOXX50, and FTSE100) and one green energy sector (Renewable Energy and Clean Technology sectors) are the predominant sources of risk, with significant connectedness around events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These insights are crucial for developing effective risk-management strategies and supporting the transition to a sustainable energy sector. This study concludes that understanding these risk dynamics is essential for strategic planning and market stability.

Analysis of the Relationship Between R&D and Company Performance

Research and development (R&D) activities are crucial to remain competitive. Extant literature presents divergent views on R&D’s contribution to company performance, specifically profitability. It hints at cultural differences in approaching R&D. This leads to analyzing such relationships within a regional comparison. Filling the research gap by focusing on the Technology, Media and Telecommunication (TMT) sector, this study evaluated a sample of 132 Asian and European companies operating in the TMT sector for 2018 – 2022. Using the panel generalized method of moments, results showed that R&D intensity had an insignificant impact on profitability but a positive and significant effect on capital market performance. Furthermore, Asian firms’ R&D intensity had a more pronounced influence on performance, supporting the literature’s view on cultural differences in R&D strategies.

Examining Chinese Multinational Corporations as Agents of Development and/or Underdevelopment in South Africa

The investment of the Chinese government has been one of the biggest across the globe and Multinational Corporations (MNCs) have been at the center of this investment. Some scholars have referred to this as a Neo-colonial strategy by China on the African continent as most of these investments are only fostering their interests while degrading African states. In addition, these MNCs have acted as important agents in economic, social, and infrastructural development/ underdevelopment in the state. Thus, the paper sought to examine Chinese MNCs as agents of development and underdevelopment in South Africa. From this premise, the paper adopted a qualitative research method and case study approach of five MNCs from China operating in South Africa to critically examine their role as agents of development and underdevelopment in South Africa. The findings of the paper show succinctly that MNCs within the mining, technology, and industrial sectors of China have critically contributed to the development and underdevelopment of the country. Hence, it recommends that these companies must adopt strategies that contribute positively to the country’s long-term growth while minimizing negative impacts. They further need to implement and adhere to rigorous environmental standards to minimize their ecological footprint to ensure sustainable development in South Africa. The paper concluded by noting that there are challenges and opportunities created by MNCs which include job creation, contamination of water, destruction of wildlife, forceful displacement of settlements, and infrastructural development. Keywords: Chinese MNCs, Agents of Development and/or Underdevelopment, South Africa’s Development, and Chinese Investments.

Electrochemical Nucleation and Growth Mechanism of Metals

AbstractThis review provides a detailed analysis of the current transition observed in the field of electrodeposition of metals. Special emphasis is placed on the mechanism initiated by nucleation followed by diffusion‐controlled growth. The study highlights recent advances, relevant theoretical models, and practical implications of this process. Concrete examples are also discussed to illustrate the application of this method in various industrial and scientific contexts. These promising advances open new perspectives for the optimization of electrodeposition processes, paving the way for innovative applications in various technological sectors.

Spurring Innovation in AAC Technology through Collaborative Dreaming and Needs Finding with Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Who Use AAC.

Millions of individuals who have limited or no functional speech use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology to participate in daily life and exercise the human right to communication. While advances in AAC technology lag significantly behind those in other technology sectors, mainstream technology innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) present potential for the future of AAC. However, a new future of AAC will only be as effective as it is responsive to the needs and dreams of the people who rely upon it every day. AAC innovation must reflect an iterative, collaborative process with AAC users. To do this, we worked collaboratively with AAC users to complete participatory qualitative research about AAC innovation through AI. We interviewed 13 AAC users regarding (1) their current AAC engagement; (2) the barriers they experience in using AAC; (3) their dreams regarding future AAC development; and (4) reflections on potential AAC innovations. To analyze these data, a rapid research evaluation and appraisal was used. Within this article, the themes that emerged during interviews and their implications for future AAC development will be discussed. Strengths, barriers, and considerations for participatory design will also be described.

Non financial rewards for HRM in tech companies

Purpose: This research study aims to determine the importance of non-financial rewards as an element of total compensation and its relationship to human resource management mediated by the relationship of strategic corporate governance in the technology sector.Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative approach of extrinsic and intrinsic non-financial rewards, human resource management and strategic management of the company has been carried out. To obtain the necessary data, self-administered questionnaire were used. The results obtained from a sample of 97 human resource managers in the technology sector proves the causal relationship between each type of non-financial reward and human resource management, as well as its link to the strategic management.Findings: Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM), significant relationships occur between human resource management and strategic management, followed by the relationship between human resource management and intrinsic rewards. A significant relationship exists between human resource management and direct and indirect intrinsic rewards through strategic management. In turn, only an indirect relationship exists between human resource management and extrinsic non-financial rewards through strategic management, but there is no direct relationship.Originality/value: These findings are highly important for human resource management, since it could allow the development of new compensation strategies with non-financial rewards under strategic management helping technology companies to generate competitive advantage by means of the same.

The Effect of Firm Size and Auditor Rotation on the Quality of Audits

This study aimed to ascertain the effect of firm size and auditor rotation on the audit quality of technology sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) from 2018 to 2022. This research employed a sample of 10 organizations observed across five periods, meeting the requirements for sample selection. This yields 50 data points. The study utilized purposive sampling, and logistic regression analysis the analytical instrument to examine the hypothesis. This study's findings indicated that the firm's size and the auditors' rotation did not affect the quality of auditors. This implies that the competence of an auditor was not determined by external variables, such as the firm's size or the rotation of auditors.

Innovation and possibility of various coating materials with microwave hybrid heating

Cavitation wear is causing considerable financial losses for a range of industries, such as chemical, food processing and hydropower plants. Microwave cladding process involves the application of a coating of another material over the surface of a specific material, which offers properties beneficial for high electrical conductivity, low loss tangent and excellent thermal stability. This review article is intended to provide a basic understanding of the properties of various types of microwave cladding materials. This chapter also emphasises on the characterisation of the samples produced through the microwave cladding on various substrate materials. Furthermore, this chapter describes the potential applications of the microwave cladding process in numerous engineering and industrial sectors. Additionally, this chapter also reports the potential future technological advancements in the field of microwave cladding process.

Synergism of h-BN and La2O3 in improving the tribological performance of Al2O3 coatings

Wear is a significant cause of material loss, contributing to surface degradation of crucial components, notably within engineering sectors. This article is dedicated to enhancing tribological properties through the implementation of Al2O3-based ceramic coatings, specifically targeting situations where reciprocating sliding wear predominates. This study introduces lanthanum oxide (La2O3), a rare earth oxide, as a reinforcing material in Al2O3 coatings in varying weight percentages of 1.2%, 1.6%, and 1.8% respectively along with 3% hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). The coatings were developed by the high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) surface modification technique, with SS304 serving as the substrate. The porosity, hardness, and chemical composition of the developed coatings were examined. Additionally, reciprocating tribological testing of the coatings was conducted at two loads (5 N and 15 N) under dry sliding conditions. Results indicated that coating containing 95.4% Al2O3–3% h-BN–1.6% La2O3 reduced the porosity up to 50% and improved hardness by 46% compared to the 97% Al2O3–3% h-BN coating. The formation of the α-Al2O3 phase leads to an increase in coating hardness and a reduction in porosity. Notably, the coating comprising 97% Al2O3–3% h-BN exhibited the lowest coefficient of friction among all developed coatings under both loads. Furthermore, an increase in load led to a decrease in the coefficient of friction for all developed coatings. Furthermore, the addition of La2O3 (1.6 wt%) to the coating with 3 wt% h-BN exhibited the lowest wear at both loads. The findings also revealed increased wear at high loads for all developed coatings. SEM, EDS, and XRD analysis of the worn surfaces revealed the contribution of h-BN and La2O3 in enhancing friction behavior through the formation of oxides such as α-Al2O3, B2O3, Al8B2O15, and Al11La0.497O17, along with alterations in wear mechanism and the size of wear debris. The composite coatings developed in this study shall be helpful in advanced engineering applications.