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  • In retail, fragrance cues are nothing to be sniffed at. Indeed, the scent of vanilla, baking bread, even fresh linen, can affect customer behaviour, according to a study in the International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management.

    In the competitive realm of retail, understanding consumer decision-making is very important. A study by Shuvam Chatterjee and Pawel Bryla of the University of Lodz in Poland has looked at so-called olfactory marketing – the strategic use of scents in the retail environments – to see how much influence they might have on the shopping experience and how much customers spend in those shops. The team focused on a Kolkata shopping mall for their case study.

    In many ways, our sense of smell is often perceived as a lesser sense when compared with sight and hearing. However, our sense of smell is very deep-rooted in our evolution and connects to what we might think of as primitive responses and behaviour. Recent research suggests it significantly affects our emotions and memories, and, in the shopping context, putatively on purchase behaviour. Fragrance cues, such as the smell of fresh bread in a retail setting, can evoke a strong emotional response, influencing product recognition, recall, and purchase intent.

    Fresh linen and cotton blossom scents are often used to evoke feelings of cleanliness, relaxation, and comfort, Citrus is considered invigorating and refreshing. Vanilla is warm and sweet and evokes feelings of nostalgia and relaxation. Lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile are known for being reminiscent of calming and soothing feelings. Sandalwood, on the other hand, has a rich, woody aroma that is perceived as quite exotic and often used in luxury boutiques and high-end hotels. Oceanic scents are reminiscent of sea air and commonly used in spas and wellness centres.

    The IJICBM work shows a direct correlation between the presence of fragrance cues in the shopping mall and customer behaviour. If fragrance is coupled with other environmental factors such as music, the layout of the shop, and the ambient temperature, there can be a strong effect on how long a customer browses in a given shop and ultimately how much money they spend. In addition, the team determined that while age influenced purchasing decisions in this context, gender did not seem to affect how much time or money was spent.

    Shop managers and marketers could benefit from working on olfactory marketing. By enhancing the shopping experience in this way, the researchers say that it is possible to boost the emotional connection with the brands on sale and perhaps even improve long-term customer loyalty. Of course, fragrance selection should be done with care as there may well be odours that could negatively affect the perception and behaviour of some customers and counter the benefits achieved with other shoppers who have responded positively.

    Chatterjee, S. and Bryla, P. (2024) 'Olfactory marketing as a technological innovation tool for the Indian retail industry – a study of Shoppers Stop retail store in Kolkata, India', Int. J. Indian Culture and Business Management, Vol. 31, No. 3, pp.261–273.
    DOI: 10.1504/IJICBM.2024.137276

  • European industries could soon benefit from a novel approach that introduces hybrid-autonomous assembly and disassembly systems to tackle the many pressing environmental concerns and enhance production flexibility. That is the suggestion of research published in the International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems. The new approach looks to integrate autonomous robotics systems with manual assembly stations, which could lead to improved adaptability and efficiency in a wide range of manufacturing processes.

    Uwe Frieß, Lena Oberfichtner, Arvid Hellmich, Rayk Fritzsche, and Steffen Ihlenfeldt of the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU, Germany, point out that mounting environmental, social and political pressures are driving change across industry. The need to achieve carbon neutrality and have a less detrimental impact on the environment are both high on the agenda. There is also a pressing need to reduce the risks associated with reliance on single suppliers especially where resources that are not widely available or are difficult to obtain are required. Overall, the traditional landscape of industrial assembly is changing.

    The concept of hybrid-autonomous systems enables batch-individual task allocation and dynamic planning. In other words, workers use their knowledge and skills in concert with computers and robotic systems to determine which tasks need to be undertaken at what stage of a process and whether by people or robots doing the jobs. If there is a sudden change in requirements, the system can adjust quickly to keep the processes running smoothly. This, the research suggests, could address many of the challenges posed by fluctuating demand and diverse product specifications.

    It is the adaptability of these systems that is their defining feature. By seamlessly blending autonomous robots with conventional manual labour, different industries can gain flexibility and efficiency and not compromise on stringent production requirements.

    Hybrid-autonomous assembly systems might also integrate high-performance camera systems, pattern recognition, and artificial intelligence enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment of assembly processes. This is a marked departure from conventional automation. The promise is not simply economic. By reducing reliance on single suppliers and optimizing resource utilization, hybrid-autonomous systems could improve sustainability in manufacturing.

    Frieß, U., Oberfichtner, L., Hellmich, A., Fritzsche, R. and Ihlenfeldt, S. (2023) 'Autonomous assembly and disassembly by cognition using hybrid assembly cells', Int. J. Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems, Vol. 16, No. 4, pp.381–398.
    DOI: 10.1504/IJMMS.2023.137377

  • An analysis of the research literature published between 1974 and 2019 provides insight into how international corporate governance research evolved over the decades before the covid pandemic.

    Jaime Guerrero-Villegas and Mar Bornay-Barrachina of the Department of Management at the University of Cádiz, and Leticia Pérez-Calero and Mónica Santana of the Department of Management and Marketing at the Pablo de Olavide University in Seville, Spain, used sophisticated bibliometric techniques to outline changes in the themes and theories within the field.

    The team writes in the European Journal of International Management that the earlier research papers tended to focus on Agency Theory and homed in on the impact of risk-taking on the decision-making processes. In more recent work, there was a transition towards the exploration of the human and social aspects of governance. In those papers, theories such as upper echelons and dependence theory gained more prominence underscoring the importance of board composition and executive dynamics in how corporate strategy is shaped. This was particularly relevant in the context of international commerce.

    The team has identified four distinct periods, with the more recent period, 2016 to 2019, having the greatest diversity of research themes. Indeed, the findings suggest that there has been a growing interest in understanding how boards of directors influence the internationalization efforts of companies. In addition, topics such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the challenges faced by family-owned businesses in international markets came to the fore in the later research analysed.

    The analysis also shows that while traditional views regarding board independence have declined over the years there has been an increase in research into board diversity, in particular regarding gender. Those studies suggest that company boards with diverse membership see improved strategic decision-making, approaches to market entry, and the fostering of innovation.

    The EJIM review and analysis of almost half a century of research into International Corporate Governance reveals how it has evolved in that time. The findings have implications for future research as well as international management practice.

    Guerrero-Villegas, J., Pérez-Calero, L., Santana, M. and Bornay-Barrachina, M. (2024) 'International corporate governance: a science mapping approach', European J. International Management, Vol. 22, No. 4, pp.616–646.
    DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2024.137340

  • In the search for safer working conditions in the mining sector, a recent review published in the International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering has highlighted what might become a rich seam for future safety endeavours. The study, which looked at 54 research articles, not only categorizes existing safety measures but also identifies gaps in the existing literature, which could lead to more targeted investigations.

    Erik Sundström and Magnus Nygren of the Department of Social Sciences, Technology and Arts at Luleå University of Technology in Luleå, Sweden, have examined closely the various safety initiatives within the global mining industry, uncovering ten important themes. These themes encapsulate the breadth of safety measures covered in the research literature. Foremost among these themes is the cultivation of a safety culture and the promotion of safe behaviour among workers. This underpins the significance of fostering a more proactive approach to safety within mining operations worldwide.

    However, beyond simply categorizing existing strategies, the work also has the potential to shape how future research is planned and carried out. By homing in on overlooked subjects, such as the influence of societal norms on safety strategies and changes in safety culture, the team offers a guide for more nuanced investigations in the field.

    Given that mining operations now increasingly use digitalization and automation, the study emphasizes that there is a need to focus on where technological advancements and worker safety meet. Understanding how innovations affect safety measures is critical to ensuring the well-being of workers in the face of a rapidly changing industrial landscape. Additionally, the research suggests that there is a need for a deeper examination of how safety practices are shared efficiently across and among organizations.

    The review offers a snapshot of current safety research in the mining sector but also lays the groundwork for advancing the field towards greater protection and sustainability. By addressing overlooked topics and embracing interdisciplinary perspectives, future studies could not only improve safety but also lead to a more sustainable mining industry.

    Sundström, E. and Nygren, M. (2023) 'Understanding the mining safety research field: exploring safety measures and programs in international research', Int. J. Mining and Mineral Engineering, Vol. 14, No. 3, pp.315–340.
    DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2023.137309

  • Research in the International Journal of Business Innovation and Research has looked at the role of social learning with respect to the professional performance of medical representatives in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Daniel Kisahwan of PT. Eisai Indonesia in Jakarta, Alex Winarno of Telkom University in Bandung, and Deni Hermana of the University of Indonesia in Jawa Barat, Indonesia drew on implicit and social learning theories to explore how social environments affected engagement and success among medical representatives.

    Medical representatives, colloquially known as drug reps, are pharmaceutical sales professionals who promote medical products and pharmaceuticals to healthcare workers. Their results shed new light on the factors influencing that drug rep performance during the pandemic and might help us understand what happens in a future pandemic and how the pharmaceutical industry might better respond during such a crisis.

    The team surveyed more than 200 drug reps in the major cities of Indonesia cities. They found a significant correlation between the social context and the performance of these professionals. Social context in this sense refers to the relationships, dynamics, and influences within the professional networks and social circles of the drug reps.

    The findings suggest that social learning played a crucial role in shaping how they operated and their successes and failures during this period. Role models within a drug rep's social circles might guide how they operate in their job and whether or not they endeavoured to work to the best of their abilities during challenging times, such as the pandemic period. The study also highlights differences in social learning processes among experienced and inexperienced medical representatives, underlining the importance of individual attributes in determining how well they perform in their jobs.

    The paper highlights a distinguishing feature of this research in that it involved the development of a framework through which the team could elucidate how work engagement and performance were influenced by social learning within pharmaceutical companies. This framework, based on the experiences and perspectives of those working in these environments, offers insights for human resource practices such as social learning, education, and training. The same framework might also find application beyond the pharmaceutical sector.

    Kisahwan, D., Winarno, A. and Hermana, D. (2024) 'Implicit and social learning theory: an explanation of why experienced medical representatives have higher engagement and performance', Int. J. Business Innovation and Research, Vol. 33, No. 3, pp.418–432.
    DOI: 10.1504/IJBIR.2024.137272

  • A study in the International Journal of Business Excellence examining the relationship between gender diversity on corporate boards and corporate social responsibility spending has found a positive correlation. The research focused on 738 firms across India listed on the national stock exchange over a seven-year period.

    Corporate social responsibility refers to initiatives at a company that essentially take responsibility for the company's impact on the environment and social well-being. These initiatives might encompass a wide range of actions, including reducing carbon emissions, improving labour practices, supporting community development, promoting diversity and inclusion, and engaging in philanthropy. The aim being to ensure that businesses operate in an ethical and sustainable manner and rather than considering success by looking at their financial bottom line, they can take into account their wider impact on society and the environment.

    Sudheer Reddy, Aditya Jadhav, and Krishna Prasad of the T A Pai Management Institute in Manipal, Karnataka, India, found that the presence of women directors on corporate boards was correlated with greater spending on corporate social responsibility. This phenomenon was consistent even within loss-making firms, indicating that women board members may exert influence towards larger contributions regardless of financial performance.

    Additionally, the research identifies a negative impact of board independence on such spending, suggesting that a higher degree of independence may hinder social responsibility initiatives. Conversely, a larger board size correlates with greater spending, hinting at the potential positive influence of diverse perspectives on corporate social initiatives.

    The team's findings highlight the role of gender diversity on corporate boards in shaping corporate social responsibility agendas, particularly in emerging markets such as that of India. Understanding the dynamics of board composition becomes crucial in the global business environment, which is increasingly prioritizing sustainability and so-called stakeholder engagement. This can fulfil ethical obligations but also boost brand reputation, mitigate risks, and improve long-term relationships with stakeholders, including the people who work with the companies up and down the supply chain, their customers, and, of course, the wider public.

    Reddy, S., Jadhav, A. and Prasad, K. (2024) 'Board gender diversity and corporate social responsibility: evidence from India', Int. J. Business Excellence, Vol. 32, No. 3, pp.380-393.
    DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2024.137261

  • Researchers in China have developed a novel approach to higher education student management that integrates machine vision and intelligent detection technologies. They report details in the International Journal of Information and Communication Technology. The system could address the problems commonly encountered in traditional approaches to management that often cannot cope effectively in meeting the diverse needs of students. Moreover, the system should strengthen safety and improve how a higher-education establishment responds to emergencies.

    Yawei Han of Sichuan University in Chengdu Sichuan, China, explains how the new system uses machine vision techniques, including frustum plane calculations and spherical bounding boxes. The system uses the Bresenham algorithm, a computational technique primarily used for drawing lines on a grid-based display, such as a computer screen, to efficiently determine which grid points to plot to form a straight line between two given points. Its use allows for precise conversion of an image into a format that the computer can use for analysis. One important aspect of the new approach is its method for assessing and improving nodes (which are points or elements in a system) using factors like how far away they are and how complex they are. This adaptive approach makes the system more reliable than it would otherwise be.

    Overall, the ability of the system to accurately convert vector-based representations of lines into pixel-based raster images for image processing will allow the system to simplify image handling and improve visualization for the identification of students and behaviour.

    The new system emphasises inclusivity and responsive communication channels in a way that focuses on the needs of students in a way that conventional approaches have not. Using machine vision and intelligent monitoring technologies can enhance managerial efficiency and bring the focus back to the students. Furthermore, the system highlights the value of utilizing student behaviour data to guide management strategies. Employing various algorithms to model student behaviour, enables targeted interventions and personalized support. There remains the potential to improve sensitivity and database integration. Enhancements in these areas could further strengthen the system's capabilities and performance.

    Han, Y. (2024) 'College student management based on machine vision and intelligent monitoring system', Int. J. Information and Communication Technology, Vol. 24, No. 2, pp.228–244.
    DOI: 10.1504/IJICT.2024.137221

  • Research in the International Journal of Global Energy Issues sheds a green light on an innovative approach to addressing the design challenges faced by care facilities for older people amidst societal ageing and growing environmental concerns. The work, from Yi Wu from the School of Urban Construction Engineering at Chongqing Technology and Business Institute in Chongqing, China, focuses on incorporating green technologies into the interior environments of senior care buildings to improve both the well-being of the residents and boost energy efficiency.

    Wu has undertaken detailed demographic projections and noise level measurements across different locations and her analysis of the data demonstrates how significant enhancement in overall energy efficiency might be made.

    As the global population "ages", there are increasing challenges that face society worldwide. Wu points out that Western developed nations have long grappled with their ageing populations, countries such as China are now facing similar issues due to rapid demographic shifts driven by economic and societal change.

    Elderly care buildings, including senior apartments and nursing homes, are essential in meeting the diverse needs of an ageing population, encompassing psychological, physiological, and behavioural aspects. However, amid concerns over resource depletion and environmental degradation, improving the energy efficiency of such homes is becoming increasingly important. Green technologies offer a practical approach to addressing energy consumption and pollution concerns simultaneously. The development of elderly care infrastructure requires not only innovative architectural designs but also supportive national policies and public engagement to improve such housing. Wu suggests that policy measures should include setting realistic development targets, refining regulations, conducting quality assessments, and establishing industry frameworks is critical.

    There is an opportunity where the integration of environmental sustainability and elderly care infrastructure is met. By embracing green technologies and implementing supportive policies, societies can create more resilient and inclusive environments for their ageing populations and hopefully mitigate the environmental impact of the changing demographic. Collaborative efforts across different sectors are now needed to address the challenges sustainably.

    Wu, Y. (2024) 'Indoor environment design of old-age green buildings based on environmental energy efficiency', Int. J. Global Energy Issues, Vol. 46, Nos. 3/4, pp.327–344.
    DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2024.137087

  • Research in the International Journal of Electronic Marketing and Retailing introduces a new model aimed at assessing the credibility and relevance of online healthcare information. With the proliferation of online health advice, the challenge of distinguishing trustworthy sources from false information has become increasingly important for patients and their carers.

    S. Sri Hari of the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, USA, S. Porkodi and R. Saranya of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, and N. Vijayakumar of the Technical Administrative Training Institute in Muscat, Oman have developed a model that uses sentiment analysis on reader comments to gauge the reliability of digital healthcare content. Using content relevance analysis, word scoring using a lexicon analyzer, and classification via a maximum entropy model, the model generates what the team refers to as a veracity score, which can help users make a better-informed decision about the information they find online.

    The researchers tested their model using healthcare content and found it to work effectively in evaluating the veracity of information. The new model could have significant implications for content marketing efforts within the healthcare sector, providing users with tailored recommendations while enhancing the credibility of digital healthcare information. The model's ability to identify and highlight trustworthy content benefits patients and carers as consumers.

    The model's impact could affect all age groups, youngsters, the middle-aged, and an ageing population. The identification of reliable healthcare information among the vast number of online medical and health resources is critical. The model could allow better-informed decision-making and mitigate the problems that might arise through the spread of misinformation.

    Future work will expand the model's capabilities by developing tools to analyse multimedia content and incorporate additional mechanisms to identify misinformation and disinformation.

    Hari, S.S., Porkodi, S., Saranya, R. and Vijayakumar, N. (2024) 'Intelligent model to improve the efficacy of healthcare content marketing by auto-tagging and exploring the veracity of content using opinion mining', Int. J. Electronic Marketing and Retailing, Vol. 15, No. 2, pp.240–260.
    DOI: 10.1504/IJEMR.2024.136978

  • There are an estimated 280 million people in the world with debilitating levels of visual impairment. A new tool to empower them with a richer understanding of their surroundings is discussed in the International Journal of Engineering Systems Modelling and Simulation.

    S. Pavithra, T. Helan Vidhya, D. Gururaj, and P. Shanmuga Priya of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at Rajalakshmi Engineering College and V. Prabhakaran of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Aarupadai Veedu Institute of Technology in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, have demonstrated that integrating digital image processing and voice technology allows them to a certain degree bridge the gap between visual impairment and a person's surroundings.

    The core of their approach lies in a system that captures real-time images and translates them into audio descriptions. It utilises sophisticated image recognition algorithms powered by machine learning and allows the computer to identify objects within a scene with remarkable accuracy, the team reports. The researchers explain that the process is helped by platforms such as TensorFlow and ensures that users receive detailed descriptions tailored to their immediate surroundings.

    The new technology goes way beyond simple object recognition. It functions as a personal assistant, providing users with timely updates on relevant information and potential hazards that they may encounter in navigating their environment whether at home or elsewhere. The team also points out that a distress call mechanism can be used in the system to add an extra layer of safety, being activated in an emergency situation in order to summon help.

    The researchers have tested their system rigorously, demonstrating high accuracy rates in identifying both primary (90 percent accuracy) and secondary objects (80 percent). Moreover, they have demonstrated that it can be adapted to different environments, whether indoor or outdoor. It distinguishes itself in this way from current solutions that may be limited in scope or responsiveness.

    The team hopes that their new technology will improve the quality of life for visually impaired people by addressing the shortcomings of current assistive technologies. By enabling real-time interaction with the world, this innovation will foster independence and inclusion, the researchers suggest.

    Pavithra, S., Prabhakaran, V., Vidhya, T.H., Gururaj, D. and Priya, P.S. (2024) 'Machine learning and image processing technique to describe outdoor scenes for visually impaired people', Int. J. Engineering Systems Modelling and Simulation, Vol. 15, No. 2, pp.63–67.
    DOI: 10.1504/IJESMS.2024.136970

News

International Journal of Sustainable Aviation indexed by Scopus

We are pleased to report that the International Journal of Sustainable Aviation has been indexed by Scopus. Inderscience's Editorial Office congratulates the journal's Editor in Chief, Prof. T. Hikmet Karakoc, along with his Associate Editors and Editorial Board.

Editor's call for papers for the International Journal of Complexity in Leadership and Management

Prof. Marco Valeri (marco.valeri@unicusano.it), the new Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Complexity in Leadership and Management (IJCLM), invites articles on topics related to complexity in leadership, governance, management and organisational dynamics. This will help to provide a summary of current research along with predictions of where research is likely to go in the future on the subjects of complexity, nonlinearity, consciousness, intrinsic intelligence, collective intelligence, connectivity, autopoiesis, adaptation, diversity, self-organisation, emergence, dissipation, edge of chaos, butterfly effect and sustainability. Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit articles to IJCLM so that they can share their research on the subject.

List of topics

Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Leadership sensitive to initial input, innovation and creativity
  • Empirical research in frameworks and practices
  • Internationalisation
  • Cultural entrepreneurship
  • Digitalisation and artificial intelligence
  • Tourism management
  • Nonlinear intelligence/thinking, knowledge management, organisational learning
  • Complexity/intelligence mindset, intelligence paradigms
  • Family business and financial performance
  • Complexity adaptive dynamics, complexity/intelligence-centric processes
  • Impact of managerial organisation on communities
  • Developments and changes in managerial ideas
  • Gender impact on organisations
Objectives

IJCLM is an international peer-reviewed journal. It aims to promote a deeper comprehension and to provide dialogue across country borders and cultures on the issues of complexity in leadership, governance and management. In this respect, it aims to serve as a platform where new philosophies, theories, empirical research findings and case studies can be published and shared internationally.

Readership

IJCLM is a vehicle which provides the latest findings, developments and thinking in management, governance and leadership to corporate leaders, company managers, business consultants, education leaders, national policy makers, military leaders, academics and researchers. IJCLM is also a forum through which different stakeholders worldwide can disseminate new thinking, theories, strategies and practices involved in complexity in leadership, governance and management, thus learning from each other's expertise and experience.

Contents

IJCLM publishes original papers in theoretical development and empirical research, case studies, discussion papers, conference reports, book reviews, commentaries and news dealing with the frontiers of complexity in leadership, governance and management. IJCLM welcomes worldwide contributions from academics, researchers, policy makers, corporate leaders, educators and business consultants and practitioners with interest in the topics specified.

Submission process

All articles for this journal must be submitted using the online submissions system available via the Submitting Articles tab at www.inderscience.com/ijcih. Please follow all instructions and author guidelines.

There are no charges for publishing with this journal, unless you require your article to be Open Access. You can find more information on OA here.

Associate Prof. Laura Broccardo appointed as new Editor in Chief of International Journal of Corporate Strategy and Social Responsibility

Associate Prof. Laura Broccardo from Università degli studi di Torino in Italy has been appointed to take over editorship of the International Journal of Corporate Strategy and Social Responsibility.

International Journal of Information and Operations Management Education announces winners of 2023 Best Paper and Best Reviewer Awards

Associate Prof. Luna Leoni, Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Information and Operations Management Education, is delighted to announce the following award winners:

  • Best Paper Award 2023
    Assigned to Dr. Abeni El-Amin for the article "Leading the diversity and inclusion narrative through continuing professional education", due to the importance of the addressed topics, especially in the current socio-economic context and even more so in the educational setting.
  • Best Reviewer Award 2023
    Assigned to Dr. Thomas Tiahrt for the crucial contributions and valuable suggestions provided for reviewed manuscripts.

Dr. Daniela Carlucci appointed as new Editor in Chief of International Journal of Knowledge-Based Development

Dr. Daniela Carlucci from the University of Basilicata in Italy has been appointed to take over editorship of the International Journal of Knowledge-Based Development.