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Article
Publication date: 29 September 2023

Parviz Ghoddousi and Ali Zamani

Given the cruciality of construction workers' safe behaviors, the possible influential factors on workers' behaviors should be studied, and one of these factors is…

Abstract

Purpose

Given the cruciality of construction workers' safe behaviors, the possible influential factors on workers' behaviors should be studied, and one of these factors is characteristics. The authors identified emotional intelligence (EI), motivation and job burnout as characteristics that might affect a worker's safety behavior, and the aim of this study is to investigate these possible relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Workers' EI, motivation and job burnout status were assessed by a structured interview. Furthermore, workers' safety behaviors were assessed by a checklist derived from national codes, regulations and other research studies. Then, the researcher's observations took place, and the data were acquired.

Findings

EI and motivation of workers were able to predict safety behaviors, and the effect of job burnout on safety behaviors was not significant. In addition, motivation's influence on job burnout was not significant. Therefore, in order to promote safety behaviors, the EI and motivation of workers need to be taken into consideration.

Practical implications

The results indicate why construction managers should consider the workers' EI and motivation competencies and how this consideration could lead to safer and better performance in construction projects.

Originality/value

The possible effects of EI, motivation and job burnout on the safety behaviors of construction workers haven't been paid enough attention. Moreover, the authors couldn't find a study similar to the present one that was conducted in Iran. Also, an original model was presented, and safety behaviors were studied through fieldwork rather than using questionnaires.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 October 2021

Farshid Jahanshahee Nezhad, Mohammadreza Taghizadeh-Yazdi, Jalil Heidary Dahooie, Ali Zamani Babgohari and Seyed Mojtaba Sajadi

Environmental awareness is increasing among people in developing countries. In this regard, companies should consider ecological goals in addition to financial goals. Since the…

Abstract

Purpose

Environmental awareness is increasing among people in developing countries. In this regard, companies should consider ecological goals in addition to financial goals. Since the food industry is recognised as one of the largest emitters of CO2, profit and ecological objectives are optimised in radio-frequency identification (RFID) based closed-loop supply chain in the food industry in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature, companies with a green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) can turn ecological problems into opportunities using their proactiveness. In this regard, a new mixed-integer non-linear mathematical model is presented for optimising a new multi-product RFID-based closed-loop supply chain with a GEO in the food industry. The case study in this paper is Ofogh-e Kourosh company which is located in Iran. The GAMS software is used to code this model.

Findings

The optimum number of new products and materials flow was found among the closed-loop supply chain entities. Some factors as price, quality and warranty of products were considered, and the number of reopening of facilities if needed was set. The optimum node for RFID installation was found.

Originality/value

The paper presents a multi-objective mathematical model for optimising a multi-product RFID-based closed-loop supply chain with a GEO in the food industry. In addition, this paper gives insights into how can model this type of supply chain considering ecological and financial attributes.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 124 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 March 2022

Nima Garousi Mokhtarzadedeh, Ismail Jafarpanah and Ali Zamani Babgohari

Literature survey shows that it is not clear how knowledge management capability (KMC) and ambidexterity capability affect entrepreneurial creativity (EC) and entrepreneurial…

Abstract

Purpose

Literature survey shows that it is not clear how knowledge management capability (KMC) and ambidexterity capability affect entrepreneurial creativity (EC) and entrepreneurial intensity (EI) promotion. While empirical studies have emphasized the importance of these factors in improving business performance, the cumulative effect and self-reinforcing loops of these factors in improving firm performance have not been identified. In this regard, the study seeks to investigate how to increase the entrepreneurial capabilities of KMC, EI, EC and ambidexterity of food firms to improve their performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of the present study is applied in terms of purpose and is quantitative in terms of data collection. In order to collect the data, a questionnaire was designed that contained the variables of the conceptual model of the research. This questionnaire was distributed among industrial and academic experts in the Iranian food industry. The method of data collection is an online cross-sectional survey, and the method of data analysis is structural equation modeling using Smart PLS software to analyze the conceptual model.

Findings

The present study is cross-sectional survey research that examines the impact of KMC, EC and EI on firm performance by considering the mediating role of organizational ambidexterity. The research study shows a positive impact of entrepreneurial capabilities as KMC, EI, EC and ambidexterity on performance. Accordingly, if a firm builds KMC and fosters EC, it can achieve ambidextrous innovation and thus enhance its EI and performance in the food industry.

Research limitations/implications

This study highlights the knowledge-based view (KBV) in explaining the role of KMC on innovative capabilities and its influence on performance. Research findings shed light on the importance of KMC as a prerequisite for innovation strategy. The study has also established the mediating role of ambidexterity in entrepreneurial value creation. According to the results, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)' performance is positively influenced by entrepreneurial capabilities as KMC, EI, EC and ambidexterity.

Originality/value

This paper gives insights into how SMEs can improve their performance to gain a competitive advantage by developing knowledge and creative ideas in line with entrepreneurial goals. In this regard, the food industry can adopt new strategies to reduce the impact of these challenges to achieve superior performance and competitive advantage.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 124 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 28 June 2023

Ali Zamani Babgohari, Danial Esmaelnezhad and Mohammadreza Taghizadeh-Yazdi

Pressure on business to direct their activities responsibly has been increased during the last years to extent their suitability performance in all economic, social and…

Abstract

Pressure on business to direct their activities responsibly has been increased during the last years to extent their suitability performance in all economic, social and environmental dimensions. This has motivated businesses and researchers to identify ways to implement sustainable and resilient operations. In the era of economic globalisation, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are recognised as an engine of sustainable economic development in both the developed and developing world. Their competitiveness drives the economy, both nationally and internationally. SMEs have faced challenges in developing, internationalisation and achieving competitive advantage. Purpose of current study is to identify and analyse the sustainability and resiliency (SR) barriers to SME internationalisation and prioritise the practices to overcome the negative influence of barriers. In this regard, first, barriers and innovative practices have been identified through the literature review. Second, the essential barriers will be selected through reduction steps by the intuitionistic fuzzy Delphi (IF-Delphi) method. After computing the weight of barriers through the IF-DEMATEL method, the practices were prioritised using four multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) methods in an IF environment. Finally, the scores were aggregated by correlation coefficient and standard deviation (CCSD) technique. Results present that ‘Lack of economical resources to global exports’ and ‘Complications in acclimatizing export product design’ are the top priority barriers and ‘Knowledge of global market opportunities’ and ‘Networking with business incubator institutions’ have been recognised as the essential SMEs internationalisation practices. This study contributes to creating a more focussed approach towards the growth of SMEs. The study results would be helpful for industry, policymakers and academia.

Details

Decision-Making in International Entrepreneurship: Unveiling Cognitive Implications Towards Entrepreneurial Internationalisation
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-234-1

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 28 June 2023

Seyyed Mohammadreza Ayazi, Ali Zamani Babgohari and Mohammadreza Taghizadeh-Yazdi

Many European businesses are small and medium enterprises (SMEs), contributing significantly to the well-being of local economies and regions. Even so, SMEs face many challenges…

Abstract

Many European businesses are small and medium enterprises (SMEs), contributing significantly to the well-being of local economies and regions. Even so, SMEs face many challenges in fostering innovation and improving performance. Furthermore, the raw material consumption is increasing globally, necessitating the development of strategies that will reduce the number of raw materials extracted and imported while improving the sustainability of small and medium-sized businesses. Consequently, promoting circular economy (CE) strategies, such as industrial symbiosis (IS) partnerships, whereby waste products from other industries serve as a source of raw materials for companies, is critical. Identifying and analysing enablers or drivers that support IS collaborations among SMEs is necessary to achieve this goal. In this regard, the purpose of this study will explore the enablers of IS among SMEs considering sustainability dimensions (environmental, social and economic). As facing a decision-making (DM) problem, the multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) approach was applied in a hesitant fuzzy (HF) environment in this research to answer the research questions. In this regard, in phase 1, IS enablers were identified and extracted using a literature review and experts’ opinions. In phase 2, the hesitant fuzzy Delphi (HFD) method was implemented to screen and finalise the enablers identified. In phase 3, casual relations among final enablers were determined using the hesitant fuzzy ANP (HF-ANP) method. Finally, in phase 4, the relative importance of enablers was calculated using the hesitant fuzzy best–worst method (HF-BWM). Consequently, this study provided potential strategies for IS that can be implemented quickly and used by local authorities to support SMEs in achieving circular waste management.

Details

Decision-Making in International Entrepreneurship: Unveiling Cognitive Implications Towards Entrepreneurial Internationalisation
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-234-1

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 September 2012

Ali Zamani, Ahmad Mirabadi and Felix Schmid

In writing this paper, the authors investigated the use of electromagnetic sensors in axle counter applications by means of train wheel detection. The purpose of this paper is to…

Abstract

Purpose

In writing this paper, the authors investigated the use of electromagnetic sensors in axle counter applications by means of train wheel detection. The purpose of this paper is to improve the detection capability of train wheel detectors, by installing them in the optimal orientation and position, using finite element modeling (FEM) in combination with metamodeling techniques. The authors compare three common metamodeling techniques for the special case of wheel detector orientation: response surface methodology; multivariate adaptive regression splines; and kriging.

Design/methodology/approach

After analyzing the effective parameters of a train wheel detector, an appropriate method for decreasing the system susceptibility to electromagnetic noises is presented.

Findings

The results were validated using a laboratory‐based system and also the results of field tests carried out on the Iranian railway network. The results of the study suggest that the FEM method and a metamodeling technique can reduce the computational efforts and processing time.

Originality/value

In this paper, combination of FEM and metamodeling approaches are used to optimize the railway axle counter coils orientation, which is more insusceptible to electromagnetic noise than initial arrangement used by some signallers.

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 28 June 2023

Abstract

Details

Decision-Making in International Entrepreneurship: Unveiling Cognitive Implications Towards Entrepreneurial Internationalisation
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-234-1

Article
Publication date: 4 June 2019

Ali Hassani and Sedigheh Moghavvemi

Many studies have examined the influence of travel motivation on destination preferences; however, little is known about Muslim tourists’ leisure travel behaviour. This study aims…

1115

Abstract

Purpose

Many studies have examined the influence of travel motivation on destination preferences; however, little is known about Muslim tourists’ leisure travel behaviour. This study aims to examine the influence of travel motivation on destination preferences using the moderating effect of religiosity from the perspective of Iranian and Malay Muslims.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 422 Malay and Iranian Muslim students using a purposive sampling technique, and later analyzed using Amos.

Findings

Results indicated that generic, Islamic and non-Islamic motivational factors influence social, religious and hedonic avoidance travel preferences. Muslims who are motivated by generic and non-Islamic motivations avoid travels to destinations with the presence of Islamic service and products, while those who are motivated by religious factors prefer destinations with Islamic attributes.

Originality/value

The results of this study highlight the importance of Islamic-related features in destinations for Muslim tourists.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 December 2023

M. Begoña Lloria and Leydy Burbano

This paper first analyses the direct effect of quality management practices (QMPs) on organisational ambidexterity (OA). It then analyses the mediating influence of the values of…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper first analyses the direct effect of quality management practices (QMPs) on organisational ambidexterity (OA). It then analyses the mediating influence of the values of ambidextrous culture (AC). A novel theoretical model is tested in a quantitative study of the organic agri-food sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative methods and an online survey were used to collect and analyse 239 valid questionnaire responses. The data analysis method was partial least squares (PLS).

Findings

There is a relationship between QMPs and OA. AC partially mediates this link, strengthening the direct relationship between the two variables.

Originality/value

The proposed model is novel and creates opportunities for new lines of research. The concept of QMPs is considered in all its dimensions (processes, people, customers and suppliers). The study reaffirms the importance of the novel concept of AC in the literature. In this study, OA is defined in terms of the balanced processes of exploitation and exploration. The choice of sector is another original feature of the study.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 February 2021

Gina Camacho-Minuche, Verónica Espinoza-Celi and Eva Ulehlova

The aim was to prove the efficacy of the five cooperative learning elements applied in English classrooms and to demonstrate how effective they were to develop social skills in…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim was to prove the efficacy of the five cooperative learning elements applied in English classrooms and to demonstrate how effective they were to develop social skills in students.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative approach allowed to analyse the data in order to determine the benefits of using these elements which help students to create a good rapport among them and do more productive activities to retain the knowledge. The instruments were Cooperative Learning Activity Planning Template that included 20 major steps in designing and assessing a cooperative learning activity designed by Susan Johnston. Additionally, rubrics that included the cooperative learning elements: face-to-face (promotive) interaction, positive interdependence, individual accountability, group processing and collaborative skills were necessary to assess students' accomplished tasks.

Findings

Furthermore, when students played different roles, they attained their goal and did cooperative tasks more productively. All mentioned above enables Ecuadorian educational institutions to include better teaching methods and provokes consciousness of students' accomplishment towards their goals.

Research limitations/implications

In the beginning, some constraints were presented; students did not have a clear idea about the main difference between group work and cooperative work. However, once they were aware of cooperative learning elements, they did incorporate them appropriately in each assigned activity which allowed them to obtain better results. Another limitation referred to master students who did not always provide learners with constant monitoring when they were working on cooperative activities; they simply believed that strong students could help the rest in the group if there was any inconvenience with the task, taking this situation for granted.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is reflected in the results obtained in the final product students presented since they used the elements in a more effective way to build social skills and achieve higher grades.

1 – 10 of 174