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1 – 10 of 31Zaigham Ali, Ammar Hussain and Shahid Hussain
The purpose of the present study is to investigate the community’s view of power outages and their effect on sustainable community development. This research has three aims. This…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the present study is to investigate the community’s view of power outages and their effect on sustainable community development. This research has three aims. This project will first investigate how a blackout affects a community’s ability to live sustainably.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey questionnaire was developed that included 22 factors from the literature. The questionnaire was distributed to diversified segments of society from different regions of Pakistan and examined critical factors affecting sustainable community development. A total of 349 (77%) responses were received.
Findings
The study results confirm that power failure negatively affects the sustainable life of a community. This study found that the reduced production of large manufacturing, decrease leisure and comfort, reduced public administrative efficiency, loss of educational opportunities and increased use of traditional energy sources are the most important factors for sustainable community development. Findings also suggest that policymakers and practitioners in public organizations need to ensure that projects are completed in a timely manner to meet growing community needs.
Originality/value
The purpose of this research is to address knowledge gaps related to power outages and sustainable community development. The major impact of power disruptions on communities was previously disregarded in development discourse. Participants in these discussions recognize communities as genuine stakeholders and acknowledge that power outages can have a substantial impact on their economic and social development. However, previous studies have neglected to address this phenomenon.
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Hina Munir, Shazia Nauman, Farough Ali Shah and Umair Zahid
Drawing on social cognitive career theory (SCCT), this study aims to examine how university students’ attitude towards entrepreneurship education (ATEE) consists of affective…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on social cognitive career theory (SCCT), this study aims to examine how university students’ attitude towards entrepreneurship education (ATEE) consists of affective, cognitive and behavioral components influences their entrepreneurial intentions. It further examines the role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) as a mediator and social norms as a moderator in the ATEE – entrepreneurial intentions and – ESE relationships, respectively.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample of 428 university students from the new generational cohort entering workforce now (i.e. generation Z) from the four main cities of the province of Punjab, Pakistan, were considered using an online administered questionnaire. The study analyzes data using SPSS v25 and AMOS v22 and presents descriptive statistics, reliability, validity analysis and linear regression analysis. Furthermore, to test mediation and moderation hypotheses, Hayes’ PROCESS macro v3.0 was used.
Findings
The results confirm that individuals’ ATEE based on affective, cognitive and behavioral components have significant influence on entrepreneurial intentions. The findings also confirm the strong mediating role of ESE between the components of ATEE and entrepreneurial intentions. Furthermore, the conditional effects results confirm that social norms strengthened the positive relationships between the affective, behavioral and cognitive components of ATEE – ESE at three levels (low, medium and high).
Originality/value
This study is the first of its nature to unlock the missing link between ATEE’s components and entrepreneurial intentions using the theoretical foundations of SCCT. Furthermore, this study provides theoretical and practical implications specifically considering a developing country – Pakistan.
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Muhammad Umair Ashraf, Nusrat Ali, Muhammad Rashid Hafeez, Siraj Hussain and Muhammad Imran
Deviance includes behaviors that deviate from societal norms. Scholars belonging to various disciplines have extensively studied this phenomenon. This study aims to understand the…
Abstract
Purpose
Deviance includes behaviors that deviate from societal norms. Scholars belonging to various disciplines have extensively studied this phenomenon. This study aims to understand the length and breadth of the deviance landscape.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a systematic analysis of publications, authors, journals and countries involved in research, this investigation unveils the inherently interdisciplinary nature of the subject. It unveils the prominent journals and influential authors who have made significant contributions to the field, shedding light on the evolving trends and shifting emphases over time.
Findings
The findings underscore the ever-growing relevance and importance of deviance research in contemporary society. They emphasize the pressing need for ongoing exploration to grapple with the intricate challenges posed by deviant behaviors.
Originality/value
This comprehensive bibliometric analysis serves as an invaluable resource, catering to the needs of researchers and practitioners with a vested interest in comprehending and advancing the study of deviance in its myriad manifestations.
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Jianhua Zhang, Sherani, Muhammad Riaz, Umair Zia, Sher Ali and Jinyan Liu
This study drawing upon opportunity-ability-motivation (OAM) theory focuses on digital entrepreneurship opportunities (DEOs), knowledge generation capabilities (EKGCs) and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study drawing upon opportunity-ability-motivation (OAM) theory focuses on digital entrepreneurship opportunities (DEOs), knowledge generation capabilities (EKGCs) and enterprise market-sensing capabilities (EMSC) affecting digital innovation in terms of exploitative and exploratory DIs.
Design/methodology/approach
Employing quantitative methodology on a sample of 352 software SMEs' managers, the study employed a hierarchical regression analysis to investigate whether and how digital entrepreneurship opportunities and knowledge generation capabilities support and nurture both DIs. Additionally, the moderated–mediation effect of market-sensing capabilities on the relationships among digital entrepreneurship opportunities, enterprise knowledge generation capabilities and DIs are considered.
Findings
The study findings reveal that digital entrepreneurship opportunities influence exploitative and exploratory DIs. Knowledge generation capabilities partially mediate the relationship between digital entrepreneurship opportunities and exploitative and exploratory DIs, respectively. Moreover, market-sensing capabilities strengthen not only the effect of digital entrepreneurship opportunities on knowledge generation capabilities but also the effects of knowledge generation capabilities on exploratory DI. The moderated–mediation outcomes reveal that the mediating role of knowledge generation capabilities on the relationship between digital entrepreneurship opportunities and both DIs is stronger when EMSC are high.
Originality/value
This research integrates the opportunity-ability-motivation perspective to present a comprehensive framework that reveals the intricate interdependencies among digital entrepreneurship opportunity, knowledge generation and market-sensing capabilities in driving both exploratory and exploitative digital innovation in software SMEs. This approach significantly enhances our understanding of how software SMEs can strategically strengthen their internal skills and resources, ultimately leading to superior digital innovation outcomes.
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Umair Ahmed, Said Al Riyami, Waheed Ali Umrani, Munwar Hussain Pahi and Hassan Syed
The authors intended to find out what motivates employees at the workplace. For this purpose, the authors examined family motivation and intrinsic motivation influences over work…
Abstract
Purpose
The authors intended to find out what motivates employees at the workplace. For this purpose, the authors examined family motivation and intrinsic motivation influences over work attitudes such as organizational citizenship behavior (individual) and affective commitment.
Design/methodology/approach
In the current research, the authors adopted time-lagged approach to collect a total of 352 responses from managers in the hospitality sector. This approach was adopted to avoid common method issues related to survey research.
Findings
The findings suggest positive association of family motivation with intrinsic motivation, affective commitment and organizational citizenship behavior (individual). The authors also found intrinsic motivation positively related to affective commitment and organizational citizenship behavior (individual). The findings also found statistical support pertaining to the mediating role of intrinsic motivation on family motivation's positive relationship with affective commitment and organizational citizenship behavior (individual).
Practical implications
Considering important role of family motivation, the authors ask managers to think through ways that could help employees feel better about their family's wellbeing. The authors also suggest organizations upsurge intrinsic motivation of their employees by engaging them in decision-making process, allow employees to craft their jobs because through these a higher level of organizational citizenship behavior for individuals and affective commitment could be generated.
Originality/value
The authors extend the core assumption of self-determination theory that work motivation (intrinsic in specific) is autonomously determined, deeply rooted within individuals, and gratifying. It works on the pleasure principle and mirrors a hedonic standpoint. In such a situation, employees work merely based on their interest and joy; they focus and enjoy the process.
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Azhar Hussain, Qasim Ali Nisar, Waqas Khan, Umair Imran Niazi and Maida Malik
This study aims to determine the role of intellectual capital (IC) on financial performance (FP), the mediating effect of high-performance work practices (HPWPs) and the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine the role of intellectual capital (IC) on financial performance (FP), the mediating effect of high-performance work practices (HPWPs) and the moderating role of big data analytics on the banking sector operating in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collected quantitative and cross-sectional data using structured questionnaire forms distributed to selected targeted respondents using a convenient sampling technique. The 518 useable questionnaires were analysed using the SmartPLS software through a structural equation modelling technique to test the proposed research hypotheses.
Findings
The study results revealed that IC has shown an impact on FP. The role of HPWP significantly mediates between IC and FP, while the moderating role of big data analytics remains insignificant.
Practical implications
This study highlights IC's role in enhancing FP in the Pakistani banking sector. It will bring a higher quality IC in the banking sector, and they will be better positioned to serve the community. Policymakers need to invest in IC and HPWP and utilise BDA, which will boost FP and uplift the quality of the banking sector.
Originality/value
This study extends the concept of IC and adds the theoretical role of HPWPs and big data analytics in the literature on IC, along with the contextual application. The study also develops a unique role of the integrated IC model theory with a relationship to the banking sector of Pakistan.
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Sami Shahid, Ziyang Zhen and Umair Javaid
Multi-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems have succeeded in gaining the attention of researchers in diversified fields, especially in the past decade, owing to their capability…
Abstract
Purpose
Multi-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems have succeeded in gaining the attention of researchers in diversified fields, especially in the past decade, owing to their capability to operate in complex scenarios in a coordinated manner. Path planning for UAV swarms is a challenging task depending upon the environmental conditions, the limitations of fixed-wing UAVs and the swarm constraints. Multiple optimization techniques have been studied for path-planning problems. However, there are local optimum and convergence rate problems. This study aims to propose a multi-UAV cooperative path planning (CoPP) scheme with four-dimensional collision avoidance and simultaneous arrival time.
Design/methodology/approach
A new two-step optimization algorithm is developed based on multiple populations (MP) of disturbance-based modified grey-wolf optimizer (DMGWO). The optimization is performed based on the objective function subject to multi constraints, including collision avoidance, same minimum time of flight and threat and obstacle avoidance in the terrain while meeting the UAV constraints. Comparative simulations using two different algorithms are performed to authenticate the proposed DMGWO.
Findings
The critical features of the proposed MP-DMGWO-based CoPP algorithm are local optimum avoidance and rapid convergence of the solution, i.e. fewer iterations as compared to the comparative algorithms. The efficiency of the proposed method is evident from the comparative simulation results.
Originality/value
A new algorithm DMGWO is proposed for the CoPP problem of UAV swarm. The local best position of each wolf is used in addition to GWO. Besides, a disturbance is introduced in the best solutions for faster convergence and local optimum avoidance. The path optimization is performed based on a newly designed objective function that depends upon multiple constraints.
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Jamshed Khalid, Chuanmin Mi, Muhammad Umair Ashraf and Md Shamimul Islam
This study aims to examine the relationship between managerial supportive communication, CEO relational communication and symmetrical internal communication. It specifically…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationship between managerial supportive communication, CEO relational communication and symmetrical internal communication. It specifically investigates the mediating role of symmetrical internal communication and employee advocacy, as well as the moderating influence of proactive personality on the link between employee advocacy and employee creativity.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted involving 290 full-time employees, and a Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) statistical approach was used to assess the proposed relationships.
Findings
Both managerial supportive communication and CEO relational communication were found to be positively associated with symmetrical internal communication. Furthermore, results indicated that symmetrical internal communication and employee advocacy acted as strong mediators in the hypothesized relationships. Notably, the study also found that the impact of employee advocacy on employee creativity was significantly amplified in cases where employees exhibited a higher degree of proactive personality.
Practical implications
By emphasizing managerial supportive communication, enhancing CEO relational communication and promoting symmetrical internal communication and employee advocacy, organizations can create an environment conducive to innovation and creativity among employees. Additionally, recognizing the buffering effect of proactive personality on employee advocacy's impact on creativity enables organizations to better tailor their strategies for fostering creativity.
Originality/value
This research presents a novel contribution to the field by exploring the less-explored relationships between these critical communication factors and employee creativity. It uncovers the mediating and moderating mechanisms, shedding new light on how internal communication dynamics influence creativity. This unique approach provides an original perspective on the role of communication in promoting creativity at workplace.
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Muhammad Rehan, Jahanzaib Alvi and Umair Lakhani
The primary purpose of this research is to identify and compare the multifractal behavior of different sectors during these crises and analyze their implications on market…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary purpose of this research is to identify and compare the multifractal behavior of different sectors during these crises and analyze their implications on market efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
We used multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) to analyze stock returns from various sectors of the Moscow Stock Exchange (MOEX) in between two significant periods. The COVID-19 pandemic (January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021) and the Russia–Ukraine conflict (RUC) (January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023). This method witnesses multifractality in financial time series data and tests the persistency and efficiency levels of each sector to provide meaningful insights.
Findings
Results showcased persistent multifractal behavior across all sectors in between the COVID-19 pandemic and the RUC, spotting heightened arbitrage opportunities in the MOEX. The pandemic reported a greater speculative behavior, with the telecommunication and oil and gas sectors exhibiting reduced efficiency, recommending abnormal return potential. In contrast, financials and metals and mining sectors displayed increased efficiency, witnessing strong economic performance. Findings may enhance understanding of market dynamics during crises and provide strategic insights for the MOEX’s investors.
Practical implications
Understanding the multifractal properties and efficiency of different sectors during crisis periods is of paramount importance for investors and policymakers. The identified arbitrage opportunities and efficiency variations can aid investors in optimizing their investment strategies during such critical market conditions. Policymakers can also leverage these insights to implement measures that bolster economic stability and development during crisis periods.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive analysis of multifractal properties and efficiency in the context of the MOEX during two major crises. The application of MF-DFA to sectoral stock returns during these events adds originality to the study. The findings offer valuable implications for practitioners, researchers and policymakers seeking to navigate financial markets during turbulent times and enhance overall market resilience.
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Farah Nadzirah Jamrus, Anuar Ishak, Iskandar Waini and Umair Khan
In recent times, ternary hybrid nanofluid has garnered attention from scientist and researchers due to its improved thermal efficiency. This study aims to delve into the…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent times, ternary hybrid nanofluid has garnered attention from scientist and researchers due to its improved thermal efficiency. This study aims to delve into the examination of ternary hybrid nanofluid (Al2O3–Cu–TiO2/water), particularly concerning axisymmetric flow over a nonlinearly permeable stretching/shrinking disk. In addition, the investigation of convective boundary conditions and thermal radiation effects is also considered within the context of the described flow problem.
Design/methodology/approach
Mathematical formulations representing this problem are reduced into a set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using similarity transformation. The MATLAB boundary value problem solver is then used to solve the obtained set of ODEs. The impact of considered physical parameters such as suction parameter, radiation parameter, nonlinear parameter, nanoparticle volumetric concentration and Biot number on the flow profiles as well as the physical quantities is illustrated in graphical form.
Findings
The findings revealed the thermal flux for the nonlinearly shrinking disk is approximately 1.33%, significantly higher when compared to the linearly shrinking disk. Moreover, the existence of dual solutions attributed to the nonlinear stretching/shrinking disk is unveiled, with the first solution being identified as the stable and reliable solution through temporal stability analysis.
Practical implications
Understanding ternary hybrid nanofluid behavior and flow has applications in engineering, energy systems and materials research. This study may help develop and optimize nanofluid systems like heat exchangers and cooling systems.
Originality/value
The study of flow dynamics across nonlinear stretching/shrinking disk gains less attention compared to linear stretching/shrinking geometries. Many natural and industrial processes involve nonlinear changes in boundary shapes or sizes. Understanding flow dynamics over nonlinear shrinking/stretching disks is therefore essential for applications in various fields such as materials processing, biomedical engineering and environmental sciences. Hence, this study highlights the axisymmetric flow over a nonlinear stretching/shrinking disk using ternary hybrid nanofluid composed of alumina (Al2O3), copper (Cu) and titania (TiO2). Besides, this study tackles a complex problem involving multiple factors such as suction, radiation and convective boundary conditions. Analyzing such complex systems can provide valuable insights into real-world phenomena where multiple factors interact.
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