Hiding in plain sight: the emergence of modern dairy farms in India

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saule Burkitbayeva ◽  
Emma Janssen ◽  
Johan Swinnen

PurposeThis paper provides one of the first and most detailed accounts of the large modern dairy farms that are emerging in the dairy sector in India. Qualitative interviews are used to understand how these farms differ from their traditional smallholder counterparts and how well integrated they are into the value chains.Design/methodology/approachSnowball sampling was used to identify large farmers. In total, 49 in-depth interviews were conducted with large commercial modern farms in Punjab. A detailed description of the main characteristics of these modern dairy farms is provided. Data from previous studies conducted in Punjab is used to compare the new farms with traditional smallholder farms.FindingsThe modern dairy farms are much more advanced in their use of technology compared to their traditional counterparts. These large commercial modern farms are very well integrated into the value chains. They often, but not exclusively, sell milk to formal supply chains, sometimes on a contractual basis.Originality/valueMost of the literature on the Indian dairy sector focuses on smallholders. However, understanding and acknowledging the emergence of modern dairy farms is very important in understanding the development of value chains not only in the dairy sector in India, but in domestic food sectors in developing countries in general. This qualitative data analysis is a necessary first step if more large-scale representative information is to be collected in the future.

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Niamh Humphries ◽  
Jennifer Creese ◽  
John-Paul Byrne ◽  
John Connell

Abstract Background Since the 2008 recession, Ireland has experienced large-scale doctor emigration. This paper seeks to ascertain whether (and how) the COVID-19 pandemic might disrupt or reinforce existing patterns of doctor emigration. Method This paper draws on qualitative interviews with 31 hospital doctors in Ireland, undertaken in June–July 2020. As the researchers were subject to a government mandated work-from-home order at that time, they utilised Twitter™ to contact potential respondents (snowball sampling); and conducted interviews via Zoom™ or telephone. Findings Two cohorts of doctors were identified; COVID Returners (N = 12) and COVID Would-be Emigrants (N = 19). COVID Returners are Irish-trained emigrant doctors who returned to Ireland in March 2020, just as global travel ground to a halt. They returned to be closer to home and in response to a pandemic-related recruitment call issued by the Irish government. COVID Would-be Emigrants are hospital doctors considering emigration. Some had experienced pandemic-related disruptions to their emigration plans as a result of travel restrictions and border closures. However, most of the drivers of emigration mentioned by respondents related to underlying problems in the Irish health system rather than to the pandemic, i.e. a culture of medical emigration, poor working conditions and the limited availability of posts in the Irish health system. Discussion/conclusion This paper illustrates how the pandemic intensified and reinforced, rather than radically altered, the dynamics of doctor emigration from Ireland. Ireland must begin to prioritise doctor retention and return by developing a coherent policy response to the underlying drivers of doctor emigration.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Imranul Hoque

PurposeThis study aims to investigate how buyer-assisted lean intervention in garment supplier factories affects garment suppliers' productivity and production capability development.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a qualitative research approach and a lean intervention design, a multiple case study method was adopted for this study. Quantitative data on productivity performance and qualitative data on production capability development were collected from a Danish buyer and their four corresponding garment suppliers. Collected data were analysed using standard lean measurement tools and qualitative data analysis techniques.FindingsThis study demonstrates that buyer-assisted lean intervention is a useful strategy for garment suppliers to enhance their productivity and production capability. However, suppliers need to select the right lean tools, ensure seriousness and commitment to lean initiatives, substantial involvement of top management and workers, arrange formal and informal training, provide performance-based financial/non-financial incentives and nurture a learning culture to facilitate suppliers' production capability development.Research limitations/implicationsThis study implemented few lean tools in a single sewing line in four supplier factories for a short intervention duration. Thus, there is a scope for future studies to investigate the impact of the lean intervention on a large scale.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study might bring new insights to the management of buyer and supplier firms concerning how buyers could involve in suppliers' lean intervention initiatives and what suppliers need to ensure to develop production capability.Originality/valueFor the first time, this study engaged a buyer in suppliers' lean intervention initiatives to improve productivity and production capability in the garment industry of a developing country.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 154
Author(s):  
M. Munir Syam AR ◽  
Djoko Nestri Kwartatmono

AbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi faktor yang mendorong petani garam untuk menjual garam pasca panen/pungut secara langsung atau tidak langsung dan menganalisis dampak penerapan strategi tersebut terhadap tingkat kesejahteraan petani garam. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Desa Karanganyar, Kec. Kalianget, Kab. Sumenep. Objek dalam penelitian ini difokuskan pada produk garam. Teknik sampling yang digunakan adalah snowball sampling dengan informan yang berasal dari petani garam dari desa Karanganyar. Data diperoleh melalui observasi, dokumentasi dan indepth interview secara langsung kepada informan. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat empat faktor yang mempengaruhi petani garam dalam menerapkan strategi penjualan langsung atau tidak langsung yaitu harga garam, kebutuhan, kuantitas hasil produksi, dan gudang penyimpanan. Ketika harga garam mahal maka petani garam akan menggunakan strategi penjualan langsung. sebaliknya, ketika harga turun petani kecil tidak memiliki pilihan strategi selain menjual langsung tetapi petani dengan  skala besar lebih fleksibel.Kata Kunci: Garam, Kesejahteraan, Strategi AbstractThis study aims to explore the drivinf factors of salt farmers to sell salt directly or indirectly and analyze the impact of implementing this strategy on the welfare level of salt farmers. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach. This research was conducted in Karanganyar Village, Kalianget, Sumenep district.. The object of this study is focused on salt products. The sampling technique used snowball sampling with informants who came from salt farmers from Karanganyar village. Data obtained through observation, documentation and in-depth interviews with informants. The results of this study indicate that there are four factors that influence salt farmers in implementing direct or indirect sales strategies, namely the price of salt, needs, quantity of production, and warehouse. When the price of salt is high, salt farmers will use a direct selling strategy. otherwise when prices fall small farmers have no choice of strategy other than selling directly but large scale farmers are more flexible.Keywords: Salt, Welfare, Strategy


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Fath ◽  
Antje Fiedler ◽  
Noemi Sinkovics ◽  
Rudolf R. Sinkovics ◽  
Bridgette Sullivan-Taylor

Purpose This paper aims to empirically investigate how small- and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) have engaged with international network partners during COVID-19 and how the crisis has changed network relationships and resilience depending on pre-COVID relationship strength and, secondarily, on opportunity outlook in a market. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on 14 qualitative interviews with managers of New Zealand SMEs from diverse industries and four with industry experts. Rather than generalization, the aim of this exploratory paper is to identify contingency factors, which, under duress, strengthen or break business relationships. Findings Four main patterns emerge from the data, with respect to how SMEs engaged with network partners depending on the nature of their prepandemic relationships and the extent to which their markets had been affected by the pandemic. During crisis, weak ties either break or remain weak, forcing firms to create new, potentially opportunistic, relationships. Strong ties increase resilience, even under a negative outlook, as network partners support each other, including through the development of new ties. Strong ties can also accelerate business model transformation. Research limitations/implications Future large-scale research is needed to test the generalizability of the authors’ findings. Practical implications The findings of this paper indicate lessons for business continuation management and future preparedness for major disruptions. Specific insights may help stimulate managerial action to accelerate contingency planning and policy to support SMEs. Originality/value This paper is an early study on how weak and strong ties influence SME resilience during crisis.


foresight ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Awadh Bin-Nashwan

Purpose While the financial relief efforts are struggling to keep up with the COVID-19 outbreak, there is a need for the diffusion of e-Zakat initiatives and work with fintech if governments truly strive to ensure that most vulnerable do not fall behind. The newly launched e-system – popularly known as ZAKATY (e-portal and smartphone application) – in Saudi Arabia is an example worth attention and study on how well people can accept and use the system and Zakat payer-centric e-services, especially amid such uncertain times. The purpose of this study is to explore how an extended unified model of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) can induce users to adopt the ZAKATY e-services provided by the General Authority of Zakat and Tax during this unprecedented challenge to pay Zakat online in an easy, fast and reliable way. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on a quantitative approach through an online administered survey, a total of 479 usable responses from individual Zakat payers were obtained using snowball sampling and analyzed through smart partial least squares (SmartPLS) software. Findings This study confirms the suitability and utility of the UTAUT model used in predicting Zakat payers’ intention to adopt the e-Zakat system and its services, indicating that the model possesses 72% of the predictive capability to explain variance in intentions. It also shows that all UTAUT constructs (i.e. performance expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions) were statistically significant, except for effort expectancy. Online trust exerted a significant moderating effect on the relationship between UTAUT constructs and users’ intentions to uptake the system’s online services amid COVID-19. Practical implications To keep pace with rapid digital transformations amid the pandemic, Zakat institutions, as governmental entities, are likely pursuing to identify the main determinants that influence people’s intentions to engage in adopting e-Zakat services. This could be eventually translated into maximizing the proceeds of Zakat funds by developing ICT-based infrastructure and introducing reliable and efficient e-services that can be adopted by users. Originality/value Given the scarce literature on the relevance of e-Zakat systems’ adoption, this work could serve as a building block and springboard for literature and future research by empirically examining an extended framework derived from the UTAUT theory in the Zakat context.


Author(s):  
Ahliddin Malikov

Although many studies have stressed potential benefits of using Sukuk for funding large-scale infrastructure projects, several technical, legal, and political obstacles that are encountered by new sovereign and corporate issuers, investors, and Shari'ah boards remain largely unexplored. This research evaluates the opportunities, barriers, and potential risks for future Sukuk issuances that are proposed for funding large-scale infrastructure projects in developing countries. A purposive sampling method was employed to conduct in-depth interviews with several Islamic finance experts in support of the qualitative data analysis. Using the maximal variation and snowball approach, the researcher identifies the key challenges for large-scale Sukuk issuances and provides useful interpretations that can contribute to the expansion of Sukuk structures for a wider international investor base.


Author(s):  
Mustafa Doğan

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the ecomuseum and solidarity tourism and to measure their impact on community development. Design/methodology/approach The study presented here adopts two methods for collecting qualitative data: in-depth interviews and observations. The total number of village households was 42 and the number of households that hosted tourists in their home was 20. Due to the exploratory nature of this study, qualitative methods were employed in the form of lengthy interviews with 13 residents. Findings The findings indicate that tourism for the Bogatepe Village ecomuseum has focused on a solidarity perspective which has provided significant benefits to the community ensuring local sustainable development. The ecomuseum as a concept and a destination has helped to control tourism and strengthened the impact of solidarity tourism on the local community. Research limitations/implications The research presented here must be seen as exploratory. More generally, further research is needed to look at the possibility of developing this type of tourism in other rural areas and similar regions of Turkey (covering both small and large areas) with an important cultural heritage. Originality/value The combination of the ecomuseum and solidarity tourism can provide a sustainable solution for tourism in rural areas and provide a model in the development of tourism to other villages in Turkey. The question is whether it could also be used in larger rural areas. The study underlines that Bogatepe is certainly worthy of future study.


Author(s):  
Vibhav Singh

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study and understand the older generation’s attitude toward use of technology for workplace communications. Design/methodology/approach – In-depth interviews were conducted with the older generation employees of an Indian Oil and Gas Public Sector Undertakings. Data gathered from the interviews were then analyzed to draw broad themes. Findings – Although the older generation is aware of the importance of technology and has adequate knowledge of its use, they are reluctant to use it. The reluctance is not on account of techno-phobia; it is more in the nature of approach-avoidance. Research limitations/implications – Organizations and human resource managers should focus on addressing the mental block of the older generation regarding the use of technology. Practical implications – Reverse mentoring and formation of cross-generational teams can be used to alter older generation’s selective mindset in relation to technology. Originality/value – This paper discusses the role of technology in intergenerational communication in the Indian context.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emeka W. Dumbili ◽  
Emmanuel Ezekwe ◽  
Ogochukwu Winifred Odeigah

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore polydrug use and the factors that motivate the use of multiple substances among selected young adults. Design/methodology/approach A total of 23 male and female participants (aged 23-29 years) who use illicit drugs and prescription pharmaceuticals for non-medical purposes were recruited through snowball sampling. Qualitative interviews were conducted, and the data were analysed thematically. Findings The use of drug “concoctions” and cocktails was widespread among the participants. Some used what they called Codeine Diet (codeine-based cough syrup mixed with a Coca-Cola® product or malt drink), while others took Gutter Water (a cocktail of cannabis, codeine, tramadol, vodka and juice or water). The use of Monkey Tail (a mixture of local gin, cannabis leaves, stems, roots and seeds) and petrol mixed with glue and La Casera® (carbonated soft drink) combined with Tom-Tom® (menthol-flavoured candy) was also revealed. Pleasure, better highs, the need to experience prolonged intoxication and the use of one drug to douse the effects of another substance motivated polysubstance use. Social implications The findings revealed that the reasons why codeine-based cough syrups are mixed with soft drinks (Codeine Diet) include avoiding social discrimination and evading law enforcement agencies. Results suggest that these drug use practices require specifically tailored public health interventions. Social stigmatization against substance users and the use of extra-legal measures by the police should be discouraged to facilitate harm reduction. Originality/value This study represents the first qualitative research to explore polydrug use among an understudied Nigerian population.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirleyana ◽  
Scott Hawken ◽  
Riza Yosia Sunindijo ◽  
David Sanderson

Purpose This paper aims to discuss what people perceive as risks and resilience factors, and how they build everyday resilience. Design/methodology/approach The study focuses on Kampung (literally “village”) Plampitan, a neighbourhood in the inner-city part of Surabaya. The research used field observation, in-depth interviews and workshops during community meetings to collect data. Findings The results show how people respond to daily risks and find the support necessary to survive. The problems and risks revealed in the study include crime and economic difficulties, such as unemployment and insufficient income. Coping strategies identified are classified into place-based adaption, people-based network and political network. These strategies can serve as a starting point for local communities to assess their resilience and assist them in enhancing “everyday” resilience. Originality/value The paper argues that the concept of resilience must go beyond top-down approaches to disaster risk management and integrate bottom-up understanding from the perspective of local people, especially among marginal and disadvantaged communities. The paper develops the emerging and overlooked concept of “everyday resilience” and suggests that it is essential in surviving both “everyday” or small-scale chronic risks and large-scale disasters.


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