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Article
Publication date: 18 November 2021

Kleopatra Konstantoulaki, Ioannis Rizomyliotis, Yifei Cao and Ioannis Christodoulou

This study aims to explore the effect of social media engagement on the determinants of behavioural intention. Specifically, the authors empirically research the three behavioural…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the effect of social media engagement on the determinants of behavioural intention. Specifically, the authors empirically research the three behavioural intention determinants, namely, attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control (PBC), and confirm their effect on students' intention to enrol on a university online programme.

Design/methodology/approach

A conclusive research analysis is followed, and a moderation analysis is conducted to test the hypotheses of the model. Empirical evidence from 201 students in the UK higher education is used and a structural equation modelling approach is followed.

Findings

The findings suggest a significant effect of social media engagement on attitude, subjective norms and PBC. The latter three are confirmed as determinants of the intention to enrol on a university online programme. Mindfulness is found to positively moderate the effect of the three determinants on behavioural intention.

Originality/value

This study advances knowledge pertaining to the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) by highlighting the effect of social media engagement on the determinants of the intention to enrol on a university online programme. Additionally, the moderating role of mindfulness is also tested with regards to its effect on the relationship between behavioural intentions and its determinants.

Details

Corporate Communications: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-3289

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 August 2024

Ioannis Christodoulou, Moustafa Haj Youssef, Jahangir Wasim, Tam Thi Thanh Phan, Robert Reinhardt and Bao Ngoc Nguyen

This study aims to explore the impact of social, financial and institutional factors on women’s entrepreneurship in Vietnam, emphasizing motivation’s role in addressing…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of social, financial and institutional factors on women’s entrepreneurship in Vietnam, emphasizing motivation’s role in addressing challenges. Women’s entrepreneurship holds economic significance, driving local economies and creating opportunities. Government efforts to support women entrepreneurs have increased, but research on this in developing economies, especially in Vietnam, is limited.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates women’s entrepreneurship in Vietnam, examining social, financial and institutional influences and emphasizing motivation in overcoming challenges. Using a qualitative approach, it conducts in-depth interviews with 28 female entrepreneurs, analyzing data thematically. Methodologically, the study uses purposive sampling, triangulation and member checking to enhance credibility.

Findings

Findings reveal key motivations like financial incentives, self-achievement and social impact. These motivations empower women to overcome financial constraints, skill gaps, limited support and societal perceptions. This research guides women entrepreneurs to enhance success through learning, persistence, skill development and self-awareness.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel exploration into women’s entrepreneurship in Vietnam, offering original insights into the interplay of social, financial and institutional factors, with a spotlight on motivational drivers. It provides unique perspectives on their motivations, challenges and support mechanisms. The study’s contribution lies in its comprehensive understanding of women’s entrepreneurship dynamics in a developing economy like Vietnam, offering valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners and academics alike. Its originality lies in its holistic approach and nuanced examination, enriching the discourse on women’s entrepreneurship in emerging

Article
Publication date: 12 July 2024

Ioannis Christodoulou, Ioannis Rizomyliotis, Kleopatra Konstantoulaki, Alireza Nazarian and Do Binh

This study employs an interpretivist approach to investigate how blockchain technology can transform the remittance industry.

Abstract

Purpose

This study employs an interpretivist approach to investigate how blockchain technology can transform the remittance industry.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected data from blockchain experts with extensive experience, compellingly demonstrating the revolutionary impact of blockchain technology on the remittance sector.

Findings

Despite experiencing rapid growth, the global remittance sector still faces challenges such as high costs and lengthy transaction times. However, blockchain technology, known for disrupting emerging industries, offers a decentralized and secure mechanism for containing, storing and managing information. By leveraging rapid block confirmations, blockchain reduces settlement times in remittance transactions, enabling value transfers between parties with just a crypto wallet.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of this study are profound for theorists, as it validates existing theoretical frameworks, identifies specific pain points and explores exciting opportunities presented by blockchain technology. Additionally, we provide a roadmap for future research and innovation, bridging theory and practice and setting the stage for advancement, fostering knowledge, innovation and the successful integration of blockchain technology in the remittance industry.

Originality/value

Analysis highlights a unanimous consensus among experts regarding the transformative potential of blockchain technology in the remittance industry. This consensus serves as a strong impetus for practitioners to swiftly adopt blockchain-based solutions, capitalizing on opportunities such as stable coin issuance, elimination of intermediaries in foreign exchange trading, access to liquidity and the exploration of new business models. Successfully addressing challenges like congestion and limited reach will ensure seamless integration.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 37 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 August 2024

Moustafa Haj Youssef, Tarek El Masri, Ioannis Christodoulou and Lan Mai Thanh

This viewpoint aims to provide an overview of graduate employability in Lebanon from the perspective of the Dean of Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut…

Abstract

Purpose

This viewpoint aims to provide an overview of graduate employability in Lebanon from the perspective of the Dean of Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut, who is a reputable academic leader heading a world-ranked business school. The discussion also looks at the external factors that affect graduate employability in Lebanon with direct references to the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Through conversation with the Dean of a prominent business school in Lebanon, this viewpoint discusses several topics pertaining to the concept of graduate employability.

Findings

To boost graduate employability the focus should be on developing the curriculum, engaging with the alumni network, exploiting the board of governors and building on the school’s reputation and legacy.

Originality/value

Crises do offer new opportunities. Covid-19 pandemic has prepared employers to accept the idea of remote working, which has helped in boosting graduate employability in Lebanon.

Details

Journal of Asia Business Studies, vol. 18 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1558-7894

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 January 2024

Moustafa Haj Youssef, Jahangir Wasim, Ioannis Christodoulou and Robert Reinhardt

The aim of this study is to explore and elucidate the influence of polygamy on the succession dynamics of family businesses in the Arab world, offering insights that may be…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to explore and elucidate the influence of polygamy on the succession dynamics of family businesses in the Arab world, offering insights that may be underrepresented or overlooked in traditional, Western-focused literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This article adopts a perspective-based approach, focusing on delving into the amalgamation of polygamous family structures and their implications on the operation and continuation of family-run businesses.

Findings

Polygamy, while often primarily perceived as a cultural or religious tradition, wields substantial influence over various business facets. Notably, its presence can significantly shape business continuity, the methodologies behind succession planning and the overarching framework of corporate governance within Arab family businesses.

Originality/value

This article offers a unique Middle Eastern lens, highlighting the underexplored intersection of polygamy and business succession. It strives to bridge the knowledge gap by addressing topics potentially sidelined in mainstream Western business research.

Details

Journal of Family Business Management, vol. 14 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-6238

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 October 2024

Ioannis Christodoulou, Satrio Utomo Putranto, Moustafa Haj Youssef, Aspasia Simillidou and Jana Chovancová

The research investigates scaling and client networking in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), using ABCD, an Indonesian telecom tower provider, as a case study. Key…

Abstract

Purpose

The research investigates scaling and client networking in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), using ABCD, an Indonesian telecom tower provider, as a case study. Key findings underscore the importance of strategic planning, human resource management, networking and customer-centric approaches for successful scaling. ABCD's experiences inform practical guidance for SMEs, advocating strategic scaling, leveraging personal networks, implementing customer relationship management (CRM), fostering adaptability and prioritizing customer satisfaction. Theoretical implications enrich discussions on demand-driven scaling, network dynamics and CRM application. Overall, the study offers concise insights into SME growth strategies, drawing from ABCD's experiences and broader literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology employed in this study adopts a case study approach, focusing on ABCD, a telecom tower provider in Indonesia. Qualitative analysis of textual data is conducted, combining deductive reasoning to establish theoretical frameworks from existing literature and inductive reasoning to identify emergent themes. Interviews, structured around four thematic domains, were conducted with a diverse cohort of participants selected through convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Ethical considerations were paramount, with written consent obtained and interviews conducted in Bahasa Indonesia to ensure linguistic alignment. Grounded Theory was applied to analyse data, seeking to enrich theoretical frameworks and inform managerial practices in SMEs.

Findings

The findings illuminate strategies applicable to all SMEs in scaling up and fortifying client networks. Emphasizing demand-driven scaling and strategic client acquisition, SMEs are encouraged to leverage personal networks and exhibit adaptability in response to market trends. Implementing CRM principles fosters lasting client relationships and profitability. Practical implications underscore the importance of strategic planning, proactive networking and customer-centric approaches for SMEs aiming to navigate growth complexities. Theoretical insights contribute to scholarly discourse on SME growth strategies, network dynamics, CRM application and organizational strategies, enriching understanding of SMEs' journey in scaling up and client networking.

Research limitations/implications

The study's limitations encompass its reliance on a single case study, necessitating caution in generalizing findings to diverse SME contexts. Further empirical validation is warranted to enhance the study's robustness. However, the study offers exciting implications for both academia and practice, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of scaling strategies and client networking in SMEs. Its critical appraisal of conventional notions challenges prevailing wisdom, paving the way for future research to explore innovative approaches and enrich scholarly discourse.

Practical implications

The practical implications underscore the transformative potential for SMEs, urging strategic adoption of scaling strategies and client networking dynamics. Emphasizing proactive planning and adaptive approaches, SMEs can navigate growth complexities and fortify client relationships. By prioritizing human capital, leveraging personal networks and embracing customer-centricity, SMEs can enhance profitability and sustainability. These insights serve as a roadmap for SMEs, guiding them towards strategic growth and success in a dynamic business landscape.

Social implications

The research unfolds critical insights with profound social implications for SMEs worldwide. By illuminating effective strategies in scaling up and nurturing client networks, it empowers SMEs to thrive in competitive landscapes, fostering economic growth and job creation. Additionally, its emphasis on leveraging personal networks and adopting customer-centric approaches underscores the importance of social capital and community engagement in business success. This not only strengthens SME resilience but also cultivates a culture of collaboration and innovation within local communities. Ultimately, the research serves as a catalyst for social transformation, empowering SMEs to become engines of prosperity and positive change.

Originality/value

The findings critically appraise strategies imperative for all SMEs, challenging conventional notions and offering pragmatic insights into scaling and client networking dynamics. By juxtaposing empirical evidence from ABCD's experiences with existing theoretical frameworks, the study exposes nuances often overlooked in scholarly discourse. Its value lies in bridging the gap between theory and practice, shedding light on the intricate challenges facing SMEs in navigating growth complexities.

Details

Journal of Trade Science, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2815-5793

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2023

Jahangir Wasim, Moustafa Haj Youssef, Ioannis Christodoulou and Robert Reinhardt

This research aims to identify the intentions behind becoming an entrepreneur and the perception of entrepreneurial failure among different groups of students. There has been…

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to identify the intentions behind becoming an entrepreneur and the perception of entrepreneurial failure among different groups of students. There has been significant research discussing the motivations behind becoming an entrepreneur. However, such a research study is often focused on individuals who are already in the entrepreneurial process. Therefore, this research focuses on the understanding of the entrepreneurial process specified on the intentions of becoming an entrepreneur and the associated risk, in the context of a learning process.

Design/methodology/approach

The perspectives of students towards becoming an entrepreneur and their perception of associated risk are identified. A comparative exploratory case study method is used. Three cases developed in the light of empirical evidence consist of Business, Law and Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students.

Findings

Major results show that the law and STEM students were on the same line in terms of motivational factors, such as being career driven. In contrary, the business students were more driven by personal factors such as leaving something behind and building something meaningful.

Originality/value

Whilst studies have attempted to understand entrepreneurial intentions, little work has considered students and their views on becoming entrepreneurs. Even with studies that looked at this subject matter, the focus was mainly business students. The authors build on previous work and construct the authors' views based on multi-disciplinary student base to know more about their intentions to become an entrepreneur. The science and law students were more influenced by external factors, whereas business students were focused more on their personal goals. Such classification of the diverse intentions based on student discipline opens a new and promising research avenue to better develop entrepreneurial education not only for business students but across all disciplines in higher education.

Details

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-3896

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 November 2017

Moustafa Salman Haj Youssef and Ioannis Christodoulou

The purpose of this paper is to broaden the national-level construct of managerial discretion and to investigate the effect of cultural practices on executive discretion.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to broaden the national-level construct of managerial discretion and to investigate the effect of cultural practices on executive discretion.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a sample of six Arabian countries and using a panel of prominent cross-cultural scholars who provided 262 discretion scores for the sample countries, the authors replicate and extend the national framework of Crossland and Hambrick (2011) in a new cultural context. The cultural dimensions were measured using survey responses of middle managers based on House et al.’s (2004) cultural practices scale.

Findings

The authors extend the national-level framework of managerial discretion and find that an encompassing array of cultural practices plays a crucial role in shaping the degree of discretion provided to CEOs. The authors empirically demonstrate that power distance, future and performance orientation, along with gender egalitarianism and assertiveness have positive relationships with managerial discretion. However, institutional collectivism, uncertainty avoidance and humane orientation negatively affect the degree of discretion provided to CEOs.

Originality/value

The study fills a gap in the literature regarding the national-level framework of managerial discretion. The results indicate that executives can take idiosyncratic and bold actions to the extent to which the cultural environment allows them to do so. Also, the authors discover new national-level antecedents of managerial discretion that have not been considered in earlier studies and confirm the context dependency of this concept.

Details

Journal of Strategy and Management, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-425X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 March 2019

Moustafa Salman Haj Youssef, Hiba Maher Hussein and Ioannis Christodoulou

The purpose of this paper is to examine the national-level predictors of country competitiveness using the concept of managerial discretion. The objective is to empirically link…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the national-level predictors of country competitiveness using the concept of managerial discretion. The objective is to empirically link the strategic management discipline particularly the upper echelon theory to the concept of country performance measured by competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper tests the proposed relationship between managerial discretion and country competitiveness using a sample of 18 countries from 6 different regional clusters. Discretion scores are generated from survey responses of prominent senior management consultants, while country competitiveness is measured via the Global Competitiveness Index developed by the World Economic Forum. A multi-level regression analysis on the panel data set spanning 10 years of national competitiveness levels is used to empirically demonstrate the association between managerial discretion and country competitiveness.

Findings

The authors show that managerial discretion is a direct predictor of national competitiveness through its ability to provide CEOs with a wider array of actions to innovate and enhance firm performance which will ultimately contribute to country competitiveness.

Practical implications

The positive influence of managerial discretion on country competitiveness provide an interesting framework to examine the influence of firms over public policy-making. Additionally, with businesses becoming increasingly globalized, the profile of countries becomes of a great importance and can become a tool for corporate strategic decisions, such as: market entry strategies.

Originality/value

By linking the well-known term of competitiveness to the concept of managerial discretion, the authors provide a totally new approach to assess country performance. Additionally, this paper contributes to the growing literature of managerial discretion by discovering new national-level consequences.

Details

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 March 2018

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

150

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

The cultural norms of any country dictate how managers of all levels perform. While there is an understanding of how this works in Western nations, this work looks at the impact of societal conventions in the Arab world on high-level managers.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Details

Strategic Direction, vol. 34 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0258-0543

Keywords

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