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1 – 7 of 7Naveed R. Khan, Irum Gul, Mustafa Rehman Khan, Ismail Khan and Muhammad Umar
This study examines direct effect of leader-member exchange (LMEX) and learning orientation (LEOR) on workplace innovation (WPIN) and indirect effect between underline…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines direct effect of leader-member exchange (LMEX) and learning orientation (LEOR) on workplace innovation (WPIN) and indirect effect between underline relationships in presence of mediators such as creative self-efficacy (CRSE), thrive at work (THAW), task interdependence (TAIN) work significance (WOSI) and creative performance (CRPE). Moreover, this study investigates the serial mediating effect of CRSE, WOSI, THAW, TAIN and CRPE between LMEX, LEOR and WPIN in entrepreneurial small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Design/methodology/approach
This study collected a total of 286 usable responses from entrepreneurial SMEs in three major business cities in Pakistan. In this cross-sectional study, data were gathered through self-administered surveys using purposive sampling approach and tested hypotheses using structural equation modeling (SEM).
Findings
The findings suggested insignificant direct effect of LMEX and LEOR on WPIN in the presence of mediators. Interestingly, CRSE, THAW, TAIN and CRPE were identified as significant mediators between LMEX, LEOR and WPIN. However, WOSI was found to be an insignificant mediator in the observed context. Moreover, the results revealed significant serial mediating effect of CRSE and CRPE with work context elements such as THAW and TAIN between LMEX, LEOR and WPIN, while serial mediating effect of WOSI in underline relationships found insignificant.
Practical implications
The study emphasizes that chief executive officers (CEOs) of entrepreneurial SMEs should prioritize individual, team and organizational factors to improve WPIN for competitiveness. Entrepreneurial management should focus on building strong relationships with employees to foster creativity and create a learning-oriented work environment that improves motivation and collaboration, thereby boosting employees' CRSE and CRPE, leading to enhanced WPIN.
Originality/value
This research offered a novel research framework and identified critical mediators and serial mediators between LMEX, LEOR and WPIN for entrepreneurial SMEs in developing countries, a domain grossly underrepresented in the literature.
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Rizwan Malik, Humayon Dar and Aishath Muneeza
There is no uniform methodology adopted worldwide for Shariah equity screening. The purpose of this research paper is to suggest reforms required to improve Shariah screening…
Abstract
Purpose
There is no uniform methodology adopted worldwide for Shariah equity screening. The purpose of this research paper is to suggest reforms required to improve Shariah screening methodologies used for equities using Dow Jones Islamic Market Index, which is the world’s first such methodology adopted.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses a qualitative research methodology that goes beyond analysing secondary data on the subject matter. It includes conducting semi-structured interviews with selected subject matter experts to gain insights into the practical issues associated with existing Shariah screening methodologies. The aim is to identify areas for potential reforms that can be implemented in the future. By combining secondary data analysis with first-hand perspectives from experts, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in Shariah screening, contributing to the development of practical and effective reforms.
Findings
The study recommends the inclusion of additional filters in Shariah screening methodologies to promote stocks that are not only Shariah-compliant but also socially responsible. It suggests that while a certain level of Shariah non-compliance threshold may be tolerated during the initial screening stage, over time, this accepted threshold should gradually decrease. The ultimate goal is to achieve 0% thresholds for Shariah-compliant equities. By advocating for stricter criteria and a progressive reduction in non-compliance tolerance, the study highlights the importance of continuously improving and refining Shariah screening practices to ensure higher levels of compliance and alignment with Shariah principles.
Originality/value
It is anticipated that the findings of this research provides original insights and contributions to existing knowledge. It offers novel perspectives, innovative approaches and solutions to address specific areas in need of reform. By focusing on enhancing the effectiveness and standardisation of Shariah-compliant investment practices, the research brings fresh perspectives and adds value to the field. Its unique contribution lies in identifying and addressing emerging challenges and proposing improvements in Shariah screening methodologies.
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Nancy Bouranta, Evangelos L. Psomas and Dimitrios Kafetzopoulos
Online learning gained ground during the pandemic and has continued to be used in the post-Covid era. Items related to online learning should be included in service quality…
Abstract
Purpose
Online learning gained ground during the pandemic and has continued to be used in the post-Covid era. Items related to online learning should be included in service quality assessment. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of service quality, which includes the online learning dimension, on student satisfaction in higher-education in a blended learning environment.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 452 valid questionnaires were collected from business undergraduate students enrolled in public universities in Greece. A modified version of HEdPERF is used to evaluate service quality. Due to the extensive use of online learning, an additional dimension was added to the HEdPERF scale which focuses on online education, a field that has not yet been widely examined. Structural equation modeling is used to examine the relationships between service quality, and student satisfaction.
Findings
The research findings verify the six-structure scale of the HEdPERF instrument (non-academic aspects, academic aspects, reputation, access and programs issues and online learning), providing satisfactory results in terms of reliability and validity tests. Service quality dimensions such as academic aspects, access, program issues and online learning are the influential dimensions of student satisfaction in a blended learning context.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous study has expanded traditional service quality instruments to include the dimension of service quality of online learning.
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Samiha Siddiqui, , Sehar Nafees and Sheeba Hamid
India's Muslim women (MW) face significant underrepresentation within the government and commercial sectors, rendering them virtually invisible in the job market. This…
Abstract
Purpose
India's Muslim women (MW) face significant underrepresentation within the government and commercial sectors, rendering them virtually invisible in the job market. This underrepresentation is compounded by the double stigma of being both Muslim and female. As a result, this study aims to address this critical issue by looking into MW's intention to work in the industry of tourism and hospitality (T&H).
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted online to gather data and 404 of the responses met the requirements for selection. The research model was empirically assessed by applying structural equation modelling. The data collection phase spanned from August 11, 2023, to November 10, 2023.
Findings
The study's findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the extended theory of planned behaviour in providing a robust model for analysing MW's intentions to participate in the T&H industry.
Research limitations/implications
This research discloses inclusive policies, reduces discrimination, empowers women in the workforce, improves educational opportunities, promotes cultural sensitivity and fosters inclusive leadership in the T&H industry, focusing on MW career intentions, to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5 (gender equality).
Originality/value
The importance of this study is contingent upon its ability to inform policymakers in academia and the T&H sector. By recognising and addressing the barriers faced by MW, it has the potential to foster a workplace environment that promotes equality and eliminates discrimination, ultimately improving the image of the T&H industry and harnessing the untapped potential of these women in India.
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Maryam Ikram, Husaina Banu Kenayathulla and Syed Muhammad Umer Saleem
This research aims to determine the levels of education quality (EQ), technology usage (TU), students' satisfaction (SS) and the impact of EQ on SS. Also, it seeks to find out how…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to determine the levels of education quality (EQ), technology usage (TU), students' satisfaction (SS) and the impact of EQ on SS. Also, it seeks to find out how TU as a moderator affects EQ and SS in Pakistani private higher education institutions (HEIs).
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 440 postgraduate students at eleven private universities in Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan, participated in empirical research and data were obtained through the use of an online questionnaire. Simple random sampling was used to choose participants and partial least square structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data.
Findings
The findings revealed that Pakistani private HEIs have a medium level of EQ, TU and SS. Furthermore, the data reveal the existence of a significant positive relationship between EQ and SS, whereas TU as a moderator was found to negatively affect EQ and SS.
Research limitations/implications
Postgraduate students of private HEIs in Pakistan were considered for this investigation and this study was limited to testing only in Punjab province. Another limitation of this study is that it was based on a research framework from previous research and literature. This study employed questionnaire surveys to conduct evaluations of teachers' teaching quality by university students. Furthermore, the questionnaire employed student self-evaluations to assess the quality of teaching. The research data would be more detailed if it were possible to include teachers' self-evaluations of their teaching quality.
Practical implications
The current study provides key insights for policymakers, higher education commission and HEIs. The results suggest leveraging the identified medium levels of EQ, TU and student satisfaction in Pakistani private HEIs. In an effort to boost the medium levels, policymakers are encouraged to enhance the teaching and learning experience by robustly integrating Web 4.0 technologies. Institutions can intervene strategically by investing in infrastructure and innovative tools aligned with students' technological needs. Likewise, policymakers and institutions can optimize learning management systems (LMS) by developing and implementing policies that encourage their adoption and optimization across HEIs. This may contribute to the accomplishment of the United Nations' sustainable development goal of providing quality education. Moreover, with the help of this research HEIs can establish minimum quality standards regarding academic teaching and learning materials. Implementing the above-mentioned practical implications might boost student satisfaction in HEIs which would benefit not only students but also the institutions.
Originality/value
The novelty of the article lies in the fact that it addresses the gap in the existing literature by exploring the levels of EQ, TU and student satisfaction in the context of private higher education in Pakistan. Furthermore, this study investigated whether TU served as a moderator in the relationship between student satisfaction and UNESCO-recommended EQ. This study elaborates on EQ indicators recommended by UNESCO in Pakistan’s private higher education sector.
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Gollapalli Shankar and Siva Reddy Sheri
This research investigates the impact of Dufour effects and viscous dissipation on unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) natural convection in an incompressible, viscous, and…
Abstract
Purpose
This research investigates the impact of Dufour effects and viscous dissipation on unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) natural convection in an incompressible, viscous, and electrically conductive fluid over a vertically oscillating flat plate. The study highlights the significance of magnetic fields in influencing thermal and mass transfer, particularly in the context of thermal radiation. Computational fluid dynamics method including finite difference or finite element techniques can be used to crack the governing equations of the fluid flow. In this work, we used the finite element method (FEM) numerical technique to analyze the numerical behavior of unsteady boundary layer flow of Casson fluid with natural convection past an oscillating vertical plate. Key parameters such as skin friction, temperature, concentration, velocity and Sherwood numbers are derived and analyzed. The results demonstrate that viscous dissipation significantly elevates the fluid temperature, while an increase in the radiation parameter is associated with a decrease in internal friction at the plate. These findings provide critical insights into the interplay between thermal radiation and magnetic fields in MHD flows, with potential applications in engineering systems involving heat and mass transfer, such as cooling systems and material processing. This study underscores the importance of understanding these dynamics for optimizing the performance of MHD applications in various industrial settings.
Design/methodology/approach
The mainly authorized and energetic FEM to explain the non-linear, dimensionless partial differential equations (11–13) via equation with boundary conditions (14) makes use of Bathe (36), Reddy (37), Connor (38) and Chung (39). Following are the key steps that make up the method: discretize the domain, derivation of element equation, assembly of element equation, imposition of boundary condition and solution of assembly equation.
Findings
This study examined the impact of viscid dissipative radiation and the Dufour effect on unsteady one-dimensional MHD natural convective flow of a viscous, incompressible, electrically conducting fluid past an infinite moving vertical flat plate with a chemical reaction. Numerically solving the governing equations using the FEM approach is efficient and precise, aiming to be applied to fluid mechanics and related problems. Along with their effects on temperature, concentration and velocity, the following parameters are included: the mass Grashof number, the Soret number, the Grashof number, the Prandtl number, chemical reaction, the Schmidt number, radiation and the Casson parameter. Both the Grashof numbers of thermal and mass rates (Gr, Gm) make an increment in the velocity region. The velocity decreases with an increase in the magnetic parameter. The velocity increases with an increase in the permeability of the porous medium parameter. The temperature flow rate is higher for both Dufour and Viscid dissipation, while a decrement is noted of both Prandtl number and radiation effects. The decrementing behavior of the concentration region is observed at supreme inputs of chemical reaction coefficient and Schmidt number.
Originality/value
This is an original paper and not submitted anywhere.
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Aashiq Hussain Lone and Irfana Rashid
This study aims to investigate the landscape of family-based organic farm businesses in the Kashmir Valley, India, analyzing the factors that either facilitate or hinder their…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the landscape of family-based organic farm businesses in the Kashmir Valley, India, analyzing the factors that either facilitate or hinder their adoption. The research also intends to uncover sources of information seeking. The primary purpose is to provide qualitative evidence to address existing knowledge gaps and offer insights for promoting sustainable farm practices in the region.
Design/methodology/approach
The research employs a qualitative approach, drawing on focus group interviews. The study thoroughly explores the background and relevant literature, utilizing a comprehensive research framework. Data is collected from family based farmers engaged in organic farming practices in the Kashmir Valley. The data is analyzed using content analysis ensuring a robust and thorough exploration of the subject matter.
Findings
This study reveals a notable transition in the agricultural landscape of the Kashmir Valley, showcasing a widespread adoption of organic farming on considerable land. The study reveals that key facilitators for organic farming among family-based farms are farm productivity, entrepreneurial intention, governance, environmental consciousness, and health concerns. The exchange of information, both through formal and informal channels, is found to be a crucial factor influencing the adoption of organic farming. The study also unveiled significant inhibitors that hinder the adoption of organic farming on commercial scales, including on-farm challenges such as difficulties in acquiring inputs and facing reduced yields, market-related concerns, and a lack of support and assistance from government agencies.
Originality/value
This research contributes significantly to the existing literature by advancing the understanding of organic farm business and agri-entrepreneurship. It unveils key factors that either support or hinder family-based organic farms, identifying crucial information sources and presenting valuable insights for policymakers. Furthermore, this study provides practical guidance for overcoming obstacles, enhancing infrastructure, and translating identified facilitators into successful agri-ventures in the Kashmir region.
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