Imran Khan and Mrutuyanjaya Sahu
This paper aims to empirically examine the influence of macroeconomic and socioeconomic factors on improving financial inclusion in India, with a specific focus on two distinct…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to empirically examine the influence of macroeconomic and socioeconomic factors on improving financial inclusion in India, with a specific focus on two distinct indicators of financial inclusion.
Design/methodology/approach
This study has used a time-series data set covering the years 1996 to 2022, using a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag methodology. This approach allows for the examination of both short- and long-run effects of key macroeconomic and socio-economic indicators, including GDP per capita growth, remittance inflows and the income share held by the lowest 20% of the population on the growth of two financial inclusion indicators: the number of commercial bank branches and ATMs per 100,000 adults.
Findings
Model-1 investigates how commercial bank branch growth affects financial inclusion. Positive remittance inflow growth and a rise in the income share of the bottom 20% both lead to increased financial inclusion in both the short and long term, with the effects being more pronounced in the long run. Conversely, negative effects of remittance inflow growth and a decline in GDP per capita growth lead to reduced financial inclusion, primarily affecting the long run. Focusing on ATM growth, Model-2 reveals that positive remittance inflow growth has the strongest impact on financial inclusion in the short term. While income share growth for the bottom 20% and GDP growth also positively influence financial inclusion, their effects become significant only in the long run. Conversely, a decline in GDP per capita growth hinders financial inclusion, primarily affecting the short run.
Originality/value
This study fills a gap in research on macroeconomic and socioeconomic factors influencing financial inclusion in India by examining the impact of GDP per capita growth, remittance inflows and the income share held by the lowest 20% of the population, an area relatively unexplored in the Indian context. Second, the study provides comprehensive distinct results for different financial inclusion indicators, offering valuable insights for policymakers. These findings are particularly relevant for policymakers working toward Sustainable Development Goal 8.10.1, as they can use the results to tailor policies that align with SDG objectives. Additionally, policymakers in other developing nations can benefit from this study’s findings to enhance financial inclusion in their respective countries.
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Jaffar Abbas, Gulnara Mamirkulova, Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, Khalid Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti and Imran Bashir Dar
Mega-infrastructure development plans pave the way for policies to upgrade the infrastructure, environmental management and different aspects of locals’ well-being. These…
Abstract
Purpose
Mega-infrastructure development plans pave the way for policies to upgrade the infrastructure, environmental management and different aspects of locals’ well-being. These developmental dynamics can positively affect rural tourism including heritage sites destinations. The quality of life of local people can be linked to this positive developmental change through long-term and sustainable economic revitalization projects. In terms of this process, developing large-scale infrastructure and incorporating tourism sustainability can improve the quality of life-related to different dimensions that are critical to the community's well-being. Therefore, researchers have attempted to address this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected between September and October 2020. The study sample size was the residents of Zhabagly village, including Zhabagaly, Abaiyl and 115 Railway settlements. Moreover, the residents were older than 18 years. A systematic random sampling technique was utilised to reach the targeted sample size and the researchers received 243 responses from the locals. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used for analysis.
Findings
The findings from the structural equation modelling suggest that sustainable tourism increases due to the positive effect of mega-infrastructure development and positively impacts the locals' quality of life. Notably, no direct effect of mega-infrastructure development on quality of life reveals the pivotal role of sustainable tourism. Therefore, during the COVID-19 period, the dimensions of sustainable tourism – economic, market, socio-cultural and environmental – played a role in securing the positive impact of mega-infrastructure development on the locals’ quality of life.
Research limitations/implications
This research highlighted the fact that when infrastructure projects are implemented to their full potential, they will generate sustainable tourism activities, provide eco-adventure activities, relax, treat signatories and boost the economy of all stakeholders. The study used AMOS to test the hypotheses. Qualitative research methods, including interviews with citizens, government officials and tourism managers, require further study.
Practical implications
The infrastructural development on a mega-scale means building an upscaling tourism ecosystem. This ecosystem is marked by the availability of drinking water, waste and energy management facilities that support the elevation of living material, community, health, safety and emotional well-being. It reflects the policy-level implications for future Belt and Road initiatives (BRIs). The tourism industry's resilience during COVID-19 has practical lessons for other industries.
Originality/value
Large-scale infrastructure construction must create favourable conditions for the rapid development of tourism. The availability of clean water, waste and energy management facilities contributes to the food production, social cohesion, physical and mental health and general well-being of the ecosystem. This is one of the few studies that used sustainable tourism as a mediator between the impact of large infrastructure projects and their impact on the quality of life of locals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aksu-Zhabagly, a World Heritage Site in Kazakhstan, was the site of this field study.
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Ali Hasaan, Nicholas Zoroya and Khan Nida Aslam
This study explores the factors that contribute to fan loyalty for a losing sports team, with a specific focus on the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League. The research aims…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the factors that contribute to fan loyalty for a losing sports team, with a specific focus on the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League. The research aims to uncover the motives that influence fans’ unwavering support for a team that consistently underperforms.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research design was utilized, involving semi-structured interviews with a diverse sample of Karachi Kings fans. Data were analyzed using grounded theory principles to uncover key themes. This approach allowed for an in-depth understanding of the underlying psychological and sociocultural factors. Grounded theory was chosen to systematically generate insights from data, particularly because fan loyalty in current contexts remains underexplored.
Findings
The research identified five main themes that influence fan loyalty: identity integration, emotional attachment, cognitive coherence, behavioral consistency and social connectivity. Fans exhibited a strong psychological connection to the Karachi Kings, fueled by regional pride, shared experiences and a sense of community. The findings emphasize the importance of creating a strong fan community and nurturing emotional bonds through consistent engagement and shared experiences.
Originality/value
This study demonstrated how psychological and sociocultural factors combine to sustain support for a losing team. It broadens the understanding of sports fandom by emphasizing that fan loyalty extends beyond a team’s success or failure, being deeply rooted in identity, emotions and social connections. This research offers a nuanced view of fan behavior in a non-Western context and provides valuable insights for developing marketing strategies and fostering community engagement in sports management.
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Ahmed M. Galal, Muhammad Zeemam, Muhammad Imran, Muhammad Abdul Basit, Madeeha Tahir, Saima Akram and Jihad Younis
Nanofluids are used in technology, engineering processes and thermal exchanges. In thermal transfer processing, these are used for the smooth transportation of heat and mass…
Abstract
Purpose
Nanofluids are used in technology, engineering processes and thermal exchanges. In thermal transfer processing, these are used for the smooth transportation of heat and mass through various mechanisms. In the current investigation, we have examined multiple effects like activation energy thermal radiation, magnetic field, external heat source and especially slippery effects on a bioconvective Casson nanofluid flow through a stretching cylinder.
Design/methodology/approach
Several studies used non-Newtonian fluid models to study blood flow in the cardiovascular system. In our research, Lewis numbers for bioconvection and the influence of important parameters, such as Brownian diffusion and thermophoresis effects, are also considered. This system is developed as a partial differential equation for the mathematical treatment. Well-defined similarity transformations convert partial differential equation systems into ordinary differential equations. The resultant system is then numerically solved using the bvp4c built-in function of MATLAB.
Findings
After utilizing the numerical approach to the system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), the results are generated in the form of graphs and tables. These generated results show a suitable accuracy rate compared to the previous results. The consequence of various parameters under the assumed boundary conditions on the temperature, motile microorganisms, concentration and velocity profiles are discussed in detail. The velocity profile decreases as the Magnetic and Reynolds number increases. The temperature profile exhibits increasing behavior for the Brownian motion and thermal radiation count augmentation. The concentration profile decreased on greater inputs of the Schmidt number and magnetic effect. The density of motile microorganisms decreases for the increased value of the bio-convective Lewis number.
Originality/value
The numerical analysis of the flow problem is addressed using graphical results and tabular data; our reported results are refined and novel based on available literature. This method is useful for addressing such fluidic flow efficiently.
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Mohamed Battour, Mohamed Salaheldeen, Imran Anwar, Ririn Tri Ratnasari, Abdelsalam A. Hamid and Khalid Mady
This study aims to examine the impact of using ChatGPT on the Halal tourism experience. It examines the relationships among Halal-friendly travel motivations and satisfaction…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the impact of using ChatGPT on the Halal tourism experience. It examines the relationships among Halal-friendly travel motivations and satisfaction, revisit intention and electronic word-of-mouth (e-WoM) while testing the moderating effect of ChatGPT on the relationship between satisfaction and revisit intention.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed a quantitative methodology. Using purposive sampling techniques, it approached about 800 tourists (from November 2023 to January 2024) from several halal tourism destinations in Indonesia. A total of 395 usable surveys were analyzed to test the relationships and moderation effects by SEM.
Findings
The study indicates that Halal-friendly travel motivations positively impact Muslim tourist satisfaction, which in turn influences e-WoM and revisit intention. Importantly, ChatGPT significantly moderates the relationship between satisfaction and revisit intention, thereby strengthening tourist loyalty for those using the AI tool.
Practical implications
The study’s findings provide practical guidelines for halal tourism providers to enhance Halal-compliant services and incorporate ChatGPT as an AI tool to boost Muslim travelers’ satisfaction, drive e-WoM and increase revisit intentions. AI technology gives Halal tourism companies an advantage in offering customized, immediate support, which leads to Muslim visitors becoming loyal.
Originality/value
The study fills a significant gap in the Halal tourism literature by examining AI’s impact on the market. It expands the Expectation-Confirmation Theory (ECT), the push-pull theory and word-of-mouth models in Halal tourism. It also contributes to AI adoption in Halal tourism by addressing how modern AI tools can influence tourist behaviors, improve satisfaction and encourage repeat visits.
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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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Noor Taha and Hashem Alshurafat
In the dynamic landscape of industrial enterprises, the integration of advanced technologies has emerged as a crucial factor in enhancing both operational efficiency and…
Abstract
In the dynamic landscape of industrial enterprises, the integration of advanced technologies has emerged as a crucial factor in enhancing both operational efficiency and sustainability. This paper explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain technology on accounting sustainability performance. AI's data processing and predictive capabilities, IoT's real-time monitoring, and blockchain's transparency and security are examined for their roles in transforming traditional accounting practices. The discussion highlights how these technologies collectively improve the acceluracy, efficiency, and reliability of financial and sustainability reporting, driving a culture of transparency and continuous improvement. By aligning financial objectives with sustainable practices, industrial enterprises can achieve long-term stability and contribute to global sustainability efforts. This study underscores the importance of technological adoption in navigating the complexities of modern industrial operations and achieving a balance between financial success and sustainable stewardship.
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South Africa’s textiles and clothing sector is positioned by the government to support economic growth and development. However, its expansion can increase carbon dioxide (CO2…
Abstract
Purpose
South Africa’s textiles and clothing sector is positioned by the government to support economic growth and development. However, its expansion can increase carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions because of the high energy consumption and natural resource requirements. A proposed option to make the sector environmentally friendly is the adoption of renewable energy. This study aims to assess whether the CO2 emissions effect of the textiles and clothing sector can be reduced by adopting renewable energy.
Design/methodology/approach
CO2 emission function is formulated within the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology (STIRPAT) Model. Data for the analysis ranged from 1990 to 2022. Regression analysis is performed using the autoregressive distributed lag, fully modified ordinary least squares, canonical cointegrating regressions and dynamic ordinary least squares methods.
Findings
The textile and clothing sector positively affects CO2 emissions. Although renewable energy consumption has a direct positive long-run effect, it reduces the effect of the textiles and clothing sector on CO2 emissions.
Practical implications
The implications from the study include the formulation of policies that will hasten the adoption of renewable energy by the textiles and clothing sector for their activities.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by assessing the carbon emissions effect of the textiles and clothing sector within the STIRPAT model. It also analyses the moderation effect of renewable energy on the textiles and clothing sector–carbon emissions nexus.
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Abeera Islam and Afshan Naseem
In the contemporary period, numerous businesses undergo significant adjustments, such as evaluating critical components of the corporate operations and relying on technology to…
Abstract
Purpose
In the contemporary period, numerous businesses undergo significant adjustments, such as evaluating critical components of the corporate operations and relying on technology to keep operations running while conforming to an ever-changing set of norms and new tactics. The present study aims to (1) explore the relationship between Industry 4.0 (I4.0) tools and their impact on organizational performance and (2) find evidence supporting the moderating role of remote working and organizational agility (OA) in enhancing organizational performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed the quantitative research method, and the data were collected from individuals working in different Asian IT firms using the previously established questionnaire. The data were examined using SPSS v22. Different statistical tests have been performed to find the relationship among constructs.
Findings
This study uncovers that I4.0 tools impact organizational performance, especially in the IT sector, with a particular emphasis on the moderating influence of remote work and OA. I4.0 tools encompass pivotal components such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data (BD), cloud computing (CC) and Internet of Things (IoT) indeed augment organizational performance. It can be referenced that I4.0 tools play the role of a driving force that equips organizations with the knowledge to augment their performance.
Practical implications
Companies should encourage remote work and use I4.0 technology to support and manage it. Enabling people to work from any location, lowering the requirement for physical infrastructure and enabling a more flexible and responsive organizational structure can increase OA. In conclusion, firms in Asia may increase the performance and agility using I4.0 technology. Organizations may innovate by putting money into these technologies, encouraging remote work and creating an innovative culture.
Social implications
In this dynamic and technologically advanced environment, every industry is forced to look for latest tools, i.e. I4.0, tools to augment the performance. It has been concluded that I4.0 tools are “better practices” for boosting organizational performance; hence, the findings benefit firms working in the IT sector. The verdicts of this research can assist organizations in making decisions regarding the implementation of I4.0 tools.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors' knowledge, no specific study could be found in which the relationship among these constructs had been investigated earlier in the IT sector. This research work acts as value addition to the literature as it illustrates technological advancements may increase organizational performance, especially in Asia. This research work adds to the body of knowledge by amplifying the effect of latest technologies on organizational performance, via remote work and OA.
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Muhammad Bilal Zafar and Mohd Fauzi Abu-Hussin
The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive exploration of academic research on halal purchasing decisions and consumer behavior by integrating bibliometric and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive exploration of academic research on halal purchasing decisions and consumer behavior by integrating bibliometric and systematic review methodologies.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a multi-method approach, combining bibliometric and systematic review methodologies, to comprehensively analyze the domain of halal purchasing decisions and consumer behavior. A data set of 184 articles published between 2007 and 2024 was sourced from the Scopus database. The bibliometric analysis was conducted using Bibliometrix in R, facilitating performance analysis, science mapping and network analysis to explore key authors, affiliations, collaborations and thematic trends. Additionally, the systematic review examined the limitations and future research areas discussed in prior studies, providing the basis for formulating potential research questions to address identified gaps.
Findings
The study identifies significant contributions within the domain of halal purchasing decisions and consumer behavior, emphasizing the critical roles of religiosity, trust and halal certification as dominant themes. Bibliometric analysis reveals key authors, influential publications and collaborative networks, highlighting Malaysia as a central hub for research in this field. Additionally, the analysis underscores the intellectual structure and thematic evolution, identifying underexplored areas such as non-Muslim perspectives, emerging halal industries and geographic diversity. The systematic review complements these insights by addressing recurring methodological and theoretical limitations, offering targeted recommendations for future research.
Originality/value
This research uniquely combines bibliometric and systematic review methodologies to provide a comprehensive review of the halal consumer behavior literature, identifying limitations and gaps in prior studies and proposing actionable areas for future research.