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1 – 10 of 39Aisha Aziz, Jawad Iqbal, Muhammad Hamid Murtza, Shahzad Ali Gill and Iqra Yousuf Cheema
The breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments all over the globe to bring radical changes to all walks of life. Strict lockdowns are not only adversely affecting…
Abstract
Purpose
The breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments all over the globe to bring radical changes to all walks of life. Strict lockdowns are not only adversely affecting the social, economic, and psychological wellbeing of individuals but also questioning the sustainability of most businesses. In wake of the current scenario, this study is aimed at exploring how the COVID-19 pandemic is influencing the sustainability of entrepreneurship particularly from a female perspective and further providing insights into the role of Islamic financial institutions in the sustainability of businesses during COVID-19.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a qualitative study that takes social constructivism approach to study the underlying phenomenon. Semi-structured interviews are conducted to collect primary data. Secondary data are also utilized in this study to theoretically define various concepts relating to entrepreneurial sustainability. The application of thematic analysis revealed various risks associated with sustainability. The interviews reveal the ground realities and tell us about the hardships being faced by the entrepreneurs due to ongoing crises. The participants of the study also shed light on the role of Islamic financial institutions during the pandemic.
Findings
The study results revealed that it may look impossible for women entrepreneurs to halt or avoid the adverse consequences of the pandemic; however, a few female entrepreneurs strived to guard their existing portfolios with the help of Islamic microfinance institutions. Whereas, several women, especially those running home-based businesses, lost their income streams. Despite these rapid challenges, most female entrepreneurs are working on inventive online systems to sustain their business activities during the crisis. Finally, guidelines are suggested which can help achieve sustainability of the entrepreneurial startups.
Research limitations/implications
The outcomes of this study are expedient for funding agencies, government authorities and Islamic financial institutions as well as for non-government institutions to establish sustainable and broader policies for women to become successful entrepreneurs during severe disasters like COVID-19. Moreover, the study is a helpful tool for women entrepreneurs to avert the worst impact of the pandemic with the help of Islamic microfinance institutions. The themes of this study help generate realistic information to appraise the strategies to create facilitating business environments that drive the women to carry out the entrepreneurial activity during any crisis like the COVID-19.
Practical implications
The results of this study provide evidence that crisis can be anticipated up to some extent if entrepreneurs become able to take proactive decisions in case of expected or identifiable threats. The study may also help the women entrepreneurs to comprehend the serious consequences of the pandemic by shifting their mode of financing to Islamic finance. Although this pandemic is a cause of physical discomfort instead this research may encourage the female entrepreneurs not to lose heart, just find the potential opportunities for their home-based and small businesses and manage funding from the Islamic microfinance institutions.
Originality/value
The study adds to the existing literature on entrepreneurial sustainability with a particular focus on the role of Islamic microfinance institutions for women entrepreneurs' sustainability in Pakistan. Secondly, the study employs the entrepreneurial sustainability model (ESM) that, according to the best of our knowledge, has not been used by the researchers earlier to study the given research phenomenon. Thirdly, the study findings are expedient for funding agencies, government authorities and financial institutions as well as for non-government institutions to establish sustainable and broader policies for women to become successful entrepreneurs during disasters like COVID-19.
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Shahzad Ali Gill, Rashid Aftab, Shafiq Ur Rehman and Saba Javaid
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between youth empowerment and sustainable development (SD) with regards to the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between youth empowerment and sustainable development (SD) with regards to the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP).
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from randomly selected respondents (n=275) studying in Higher Education Institutions through online and self-administered structured questionnaire and from multiple secondary data sources.
Findings
The research findings infer that youth empowerment is significantly affected by the PMYP and there is a significant positive relationship between youth empowerment and SD. Overall, respondents appear to be satisfied with the program offerings and consider it a genuine effort toward youth empowerment for SD, but such notion also necessitates an integrated youth development paradigm in Pakistan.
Research limitations/implications
The cornerstone of nation’s development is an established realization worldwide that the involvement of youth in development processes is essential to save the country from “youth bulge” while converting this contour into a “demographic dividend.” It was, therefore, pertinent to explore how development actors can engage youth in order to transform priority areas into development programming and policies.
Originality/value
This study deals with quite an unexplored phenomenon of youth empowerment; hence, it serves as one of the first studies to provide evidence of the relationship between youth empowerment and SD in Pakistan’s perspective. Further, it also provides a basis for carrying out advance research on youth empowerment which may assist the government, NGOs and other donor agencies to understand youth issues and blueprint apposite strategies accordingly.
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Muhammad Mujtaba Asad, Shafaque Shahzad, Syed Hassan Ali Shah, Fahad Sherwani and Norah Mansour Almusharraf
This paper holds considerable importance in the educational dynamics specifically ChatGPT as generative multimedia in English language writing pedagogy and presents a unique…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper holds considerable importance in the educational dynamics specifically ChatGPT as generative multimedia in English language writing pedagogy and presents a unique lens, as it uses a narrative literature review to view this cutting-edge topic. This paper compiles the knowledge and information already available regarding the views and integration of ChatGPT in English writing pedagogy. This review attempts to determine the potential that ChatGPT provides for improving pedagogical practices and facilitating individualized learning by looking at the experiences and viewpoints of educators. Simultaneously, it addresses the crucial challenges educators must overcome to optimize the advantages of artificial intelligence (AI) while preserving academic fairness and honesty. The ultimate goal of this paper is to offer a nuanced understanding of ChatGPT’s role in education, especially in English language writing pedagogy, educating researchers, teachers and policymakers on how to integrate generative multimedia successfully AI into teaching and learning and aiding in the creation of inclusive and more effective teaching strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
The review was done using a narrative approach by analyzing the latest international and national studies, research papers, blog posts, newspaper articles and documentaries, and by collecting the data, facts, figures and pictures. This narrative literature review approach provides a contextual understanding of how different English language teachers view ChatGPT in English writing pedagogy allowing for a comprehensive synthesis of data about its opportunities and challenges as well. It also helps in finding patterns and gaps in the body of knowledge, directing future studies and emphasizing areas that require more research, which is important for this new cutting-edge invention. The narrative approach, in contrast to systematic reviews, enables a detailed qualitative analysis that is necessary for delving into complex topics. This review offers useful insights into the prospects and practical challenges of integrating ChatGPT in English language writing pedagogy by concentrating on the experiences of teachers. The narrative literature review is a useful and relevant means of comprehending and using AI in educational settings since its ultimate goal is to synthesize current knowledge and provide practical recommendations for teachers, students, administrators and, last but not least, policymakers for the effective integration of ChatGPT as generative multimedia specifically in the English language writing pedagogy.
Findings
Grounded on findings, it is essential to mention here that ChatGPT holds immense value in terms of English language writing pedagogy. The findings deal with the three research questions: each research question has a main theme followed by sub-themes about the views of teachers on ChatGPT integration into English writing pedagogy, its benefits and, last but not least, challenges; however, very few traces of AI have been found in the early most downloaded Language learning apps, but ChatGPT covers it all with the features like personalized learning, contextually adaptable feedback, human-like conversational skills and preparation of standard tests, which make ChatGPT stand apart and stand tall in the race of new AI inventions. On the contrary, the paper identifies vital challenges associated with ChatGPT. First, there is a severe concern that students’ creativity may be at risk. Second, the concern of data privacy is a critical consideration. Finally, dealing with the trust issue of English language teachers regarding the use of ChatGPT for English language writing pedagogy and, last but not least, the paper also talks about low digital literacy as an additional challenge to integrating ChatGPT in educational settings. The incorporation of ChatGPT is not only a new trend but also a door to future AI wonders, so the education community needs to make the most of it.
Practical implications
The paper has broad implications that address multiple aspects of educational theory, practice, policy and future research when incorporating AI systems such as ChatGPT into English language writing pedagogy. The findings imply that ChatGPT can result in more dynamic and customized learning experiences, which has important implications for improving English language writing pedagogy with the integration of ChatGPT. AI can help teachers customize lessons to each student’s needs, which could increase student engagement in writing classes and improve learning results. Additionally, for the school administration and policymakers, the integration of ChatGPT depends upon access to smooth internet connection and other resources needed for effective learning of the students. Policymakers can develop policies as per the changing needs of the hour by providing professional development training to the teachers for the incorporation of AI inventions such as ChatGPT for English language writing pedagogy. Furthermore, the research also highlights significant ethical and policy issues, especially those dealing with academic integrity. Policies by the administration and teachers must be developed to stop students from misusing ChatGPT and to guarantee that AI tools are applied morally and responsibly in educational contexts because students can utilize the tool to complete assignments in an unethical manner.
Originality/value
This narrative literature review is unique as it provides insights into the new invention of OpenAI ChatGPT from the education perspective, specifically about the teaching of English language writing pedagogy, and offers some exciting revelations that have not been done previously.
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Mehwish Malik, Murad Ali, Hengky Latan and Charbel Jose Chiappetta Jabbour
This study aims to envisage the impact of green project management (GPM) practices on sustainable competitive advantage (SCA). Moreover, this study also accessed the mediating…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to envisage the impact of green project management (GPM) practices on sustainable competitive advantage (SCA). Moreover, this study also accessed the mediating role of green knowledge acquisition (GKA) as a mechanism between GPM and SCA.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a quantitative field survey, the data were collected from the multi-sector manufacturing enterprises (n = 265) in Pakistan. The measurement and structural model were tested through Analysis of Moment Structure by conducting a covariance structure analysis.
Findings
The findings suggest that GPM practices are positively related to SCA. In addition to this direct effect, GKA play a significant role in explaining the associations between GPM practices and SCA. The findings bring essential insights for the enterprises, policymakers, practitioners and project managers to promote GPM practices for low-carbon projects to achieve SCA.
Research limitations/implications
The data used in this study is cross-sectional in nature. The geographic location is limited to firms in Pakistan, while well-validated subjective measures are used to make the survey more convenient for participants.
Practical implications
The practitioners in general, while project managers in particular, are recommended to implement GPM practices and GKA to achieve high performance of SCA.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to examine GPM practices and its effect on SCA directly and via GKA in a single model.
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Hassan Imam, Muhammad Baqar Naqvi, Sajid Ali Naqvi and Maria José Chambel
The increasing interest of organizations to innovate and survive in the market, combined with a decreasing level of trust in their leaders, has now led thinkers and researchers to…
Abstract
Purpose
The increasing interest of organizations to innovate and survive in the market, combined with a decreasing level of trust in their leaders, has now led thinkers and researchers to begin exploring beyond traditional leadership theories. The literature indicates that, due to the lack of a strong and explicit moral dimension, positive leadership may be incomplete. The purpose of this study is to understand the creativity mechanism that is fostered by authentic leadership through empowerment and commitment to the supervisor.
Design/methodology/approach
The data of 214 employees were collected from the strategic units (product generation, customer services, marketing and sales) of all five telecoms which are currently operating in Pakistan. The parallel mediation model was used to analyze the hypothesized model.
Findings
Results confirmed that authentic leadership leverages creativity. Mediation results further confirmed that creativity increases when employees feel empowered and are committed to an authentic leader. However, contrast analysis indicated that empowerment has a stronger role in increasing creativity.
Research limitations/implications
Not limited to theoretical debate, the present study emphasized that organizations improve creativity by adopting a management model which delivers moral values along with an efficient, transparent system and empowered culture. Managers should be trained to develop authentic traits so that they can then identify and address critical areas which will serve to nurture creative and innovative behavior in their followers.
Originality/value
Authentic leadership is an emerging concept, yet debate on authentic leadership and creativity is in the establishment phase. The present study highlights that authentic leadership is not simply a consequence of success or the development of a pool of loyal subordinates; rather, empowered leadership at all levels is at the heart of a successful organization.
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Minhaj Ali and Dervis Kirikkaleli
In order to achieve sustainable development objectives, safeguard the ecosystem, combat global warming and preserve biodiversity for a more sustainable and secure future, the…
Abstract
Purpose
In order to achieve sustainable development objectives, safeguard the ecosystem, combat global warming and preserve biodiversity for a more sustainable and secure future, the ecological footprint (EF) must be reduced. Therefore, embracing holistic methods, emphasizing renewable energy (RN) and environmental taxes (ET) is crucial. Therefore, the present study aims to capture the effect of ET and RN on EF in Germany.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve this aim, the novel Fourier-based Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ADL) cointegration and the time and frequency-based connections among the variables are investigated in this work throughout the 1994–2021 time span using the wavelet analytic methods, including wavelet power spectrum (WPS) and wavelet coherence (WC) methods, respectively.
Findings
The study’s results express that (1) RN, ET and EF are cointegrated in the long run; (2) EF and RN have volatility; (3) RN use in Germany prevents environmental deterioration and (4) ET decreases EF.
Practical implications
The research findings imply that Germany needs rigorous environmental restrictions and enforcement of alternate energy sources for energy use plans and sustainable production objectives.
Originality/value
To the best of our knowledge, the effect of RN and ET on EF in Germany has not been comprehensively explored by using newly developed econometrics techniques and a single dataset. Therefore, the study provides important policy implementations for the German government and is also likely to open debate on the concept.
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Farah Syahida Firdaus, Ridho Bramulya Ikhsan and Yudi Fernando
This paper aims to model Muslim consumers' purchase behaviour that predicts the impacts of behavioural factors of spirituality, emotional value, image, trust and satisfaction on…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to model Muslim consumers' purchase behaviour that predicts the impacts of behavioural factors of spirituality, emotional value, image, trust and satisfaction on Halal-labelled food products. The model was used among Muslim consumers in Indonesia and France.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted among Indonesian and French Muslim consumers who had bought Halal-labelled food products. The model was examined using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with multi-group analysis (PLS-MGA) to test specific differences between sample groups.
Findings
All proposed hypotheses were accepted, except for the trust in purchasing behaviour. It was not significantly different in the two sample groups. The linkage from image to purchasing behaviour was not significantly related to the French sample group, and emotional value did not influence Halal-labelled food product purchase behaviour in the Indonesian sample group. The MGA results found a significant difference in spirituality, emotional value image and trust among Indonesian and French Muslim consumers.
Practical implications
The guarantee of Halal food through a Halal label can fulfil the spirituality of Muslim consumers in carrying out Allah’s (SWT) command to consume Halal food, creating a product image, trust, satisfaction and emotional value that encourages positive buying behaviour. The finding shows that Muslim spirituality has extended the Islamic marketing literature to predict Muslim consumer behaviour. The company can emphasise in advertisements that the Halal-certified logo reflects the quality of products.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is among the early study empirically confirming that spirituality and emotional value are critical domains to predict purchase behaviour between two different groups of Indonesian and French Muslim consumers.
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Alkistis Papaioannou, Panagiotis Dimitropoulos, Konstantinos Koronios and Konstantinos Marinakos
The aim of the present study is to examine the impact of human resource (HR) practices (human resource empowerment, organizational culture and transformational leadership) on…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the present study is to examine the impact of human resource (HR) practices (human resource empowerment, organizational culture and transformational leadership) on innovation activities as well as the effect of innovation activities on perceived financial performance within sport services firms.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed relationships were examined using empirical data from 172 managers of Greek sport services firms. Seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) analysis was used to investigate the role of human resource management (HRM) practices on innovation activities and whether innovation activities affected the perceived financial performance.
Findings
The results of the study indicated that HRM practices, such as human resource empowerment, organizational culture and transformational leadership, significantly impact innovation activities and subsequently innovation activities have a significant and positive effect on perceived financial performance as measured by satisfaction levels in relation to specific key performance indicators (KPIs) such as profit, ROI, sales volume and market share.
Practical implications
This study presents useful theoretical and managerial implications that can be used by sport service firms to assess the effects of HRM practices on innovation activities and perceived financial performance.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature on several merits. Firstly, the authors jointly estimate the impact of HRM practices on innovation and its concurrent effect on perceived financial performance, which is not methodologically considered before. Secondly, the authors incorporate a more thorough measure of perceived financial performance including four dimensions of performance, and finally the authors analyze a larger sample of sport services firms relative to previous studies, leading into more concrete conclusion on the research hypotheses.
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Ahmed Eid, Matevz Obrecht, Ahmed Hussein Ali and Mahmoud Barakat
Drawing on the reasoned action theory, this study aims to examine the impact of environmental knowledge (EK) and environmental sustainability performance (EP) on environmental…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on the reasoned action theory, this study aims to examine the impact of environmental knowledge (EK) and environmental sustainability performance (EP) on environmental behavior (EB) mediated by environmental attitude (ATT). Furthermore, to examine the moderating effect of environmental advertising (ADD) on the indirect relationship between EP and EB, mediated by ATT on the one hand, and EK on EB, on the other hand, mediated by ATT.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were gathered within an international context for passengers from North African countries (NAC) (Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Morocco and Sudan) using primary quantitative data from online and self-administered questionnaires. A total of 1,052 questionnaires were collected from passengers who traveled through Egyptian airports. The collected data were analyzed through covariance-based structural equation modeling.
Findings
The findings indicated that ATT moderates the relationship between environmental knowledge and behavior. In addition, ATT mediates the airports' environmental behavior and environmental sustainability performance. Moreover, ADD moderates the indirect association between EP and individuals' environmental knowledge and behavior through the mediated effect of ATT.
Research limitations/implications
This research output will help extend the theory’s scope by conceptualizing its abstract ideas using research variables and applying them in NAC countries. This can be a milestone for altering individuals' behavior toward the environment in airports.
Practical implications
This study aims to assist airport authorities in the development of standards for enhancing environmental performance. Enhancing environmental issues is of utmost importance, especially in the context of airports, which have been a subject of significant environmental concern. This study examined the environmental practices of airport passengers in NAC, given their significant role as the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions on the African continent. The present approach has the potential to be utilized in modifying airport conduct and enhancing stakeholder engagement, specifically within the context of NAC.
Social implications
The objective of this study is to enhance the relationship between nature and humans by endeavoring to modify human attitudes toward the environment. The objective of this initiative is to bridge the current disparity in the socio-environmental connection by fostering environmental consciousness among individuals who utilize airport facilities. The objective will be accomplished by the construction of a theoretical framework that integrates crucial elements acknowledged for their substantial influence on altering human attitudes, thus fostering a greater sense of environmental consciousness and ultimately improving societal well-being.
Originality/value
Since the global supply chain prioritizes environmental transportation systems, this study provides a conceptual framework for airport authorities to develop and create policies to push air passengers' behavior toward environmental practices in NAC.
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