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1 – 10 of 12Ritika Chopra, Seema Bhardwaj, Hasnan Baber and Olajide Idris Sanusi
This study aims to conduct a systematic review of the existing literature on export promotion and foreign market entry strategies for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to conduct a systematic review of the existing literature on export promotion and foreign market entry strategies for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Design/methodology/approach
This study incorporates systematic literature review by using bibliometric technique and content analysis of 195 scholarly papers published between 2000 and 2024 obtained from Scopus database, using the PRISMA principles and a methodological framework.
Findings
The use of quantitative analysis has shown dynamic patterns in publication trends, characterized by notable increases in recent years. These trends align with the changing dynamics of the global economy and shifting priorities in international commerce. The study reveals thematic frameworks using author collaboration analysis, word cloud visualizations and a thematic map, providing insights into a significant motor, niche and developing issues that shape the discussion on the international growth of SMEs.
Research limitations/implications
It offers significant insights that can benefit academics, policymakers and practitioners who are interested in understanding and navigating the intricate terrain of export promotion and market access strategies specifically tailored for small firms.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is the first of a kind that presents a systematic examination of the existing body of knowledge on the internationalization of SMEs.
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Lindsey M. Harper, Soohyung Joo and Youngseek Kim
There are a variety of benefits associated with the use of YouTube for learning purposes, such as YouTube is a free open-access tool students can use to facilitate their learning…
Abstract
Purpose
There are a variety of benefits associated with the use of YouTube for learning purposes, such as YouTube is a free open-access tool students can use to facilitate their learning. This study investigates whether an attitudinal factor (i.e. perceived usefulness) and the factor's antecedents, resource quality factors (i.e. credibility, currency, coverage and relevance), normative factor (i.e. subjective norm) and control factor (i.e. perceived ease of use) all affect college freshmen's behavioral intentions to use YouTube for academic learning purposes.
Design/methodology/approach
This research employs the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explore the attitudinal, normative and control factors associated with college freshmen's behavioral intentions to use YouTube for academic learning. After developing a quantitative survey given to 182 college freshmen in a Southeastern institution in the United States of America, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the seven hypotheses and the research constructs.
Findings
The results indicate that attitudinal factor (i.e. perceived usefulness) and its antecedents, resource quality factors (i.e. currency, coverage and relevance) and normative factor (i.e. subjective norm) have a statistically significant effect on college freshmen's intentions to use YouTube for academic learning purposes.
Research limitations/implications
This study suggests that individual motivations (i.e. perceived usefulness and subjective norm) and resource quality factors (i.e. currency, coverage and relevance) play into college freshmen's decisions to use YouTube for learning purposes, while other research indicates that the system or application itself factors into students' decisions to use technology for learning.
Practical implications
This study suggests that college freshmen are more likely to use YouTube for academic learning purposes when the freshmen hold favorable attitudes about the platform and when the freshmen believe the freshmen's peers are also using YouTube to supplement in-class learning.
Originality/value
This is an initial study that focuses on college freshmen's behavioral intentions to use YouTube for academic learning purposes. This research demonstrates the roles that peers as well as resource quality factors play in students' decisions to use specific technology to enhance the students' learning.
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Ahmad Rafiki, Sutan Emir Hidayat and Muhammad Dharma Tuah Putra Nasution
This study aims to examine the moderator effect of religiosity on the relationship between halal brand awareness and habit towards purchasing decisions of halal products.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the moderator effect of religiosity on the relationship between halal brand awareness and habit towards purchasing decisions of halal products.
Design/methodology/approach
The quantitative method is used in this study. Descriptive and statistical (multiple and moderated regression) analyses are employed to test the hypothesis according to the research model. The data is collected using a cross-sectional design from 197 respondents consisting of business owners in North Sumatera, Indonesia.
Findings
It is found that both halal brand awareness and habit have a positive and significant effect on the purchasing decision of halal products. Meanwhile, religiosity significantly acts as a moderating variable in the relationship between awareness and purchasing decisions, as well as habit and purchasing decisions.
Research limitations/implications
This study revealed the important factor of religiosity as a moderating factor in purchase decisions of halal products. The government may need to collaborate with Islamic educational institutions to raise awareness of the halal concept and product awareness. It is assumed that individuals who know about the Islamic religion will have a higher degree of awareness of halal products compared to individuals with limited knowledge of Islam; thus, providers of Islamic education play a crucial role in raising the level of awareness of halal products. Schools may serve as catalysts for the dissemination of knowledge of halal products.
Originality/value
Developing halal product markets can be done by enhancing the religiosity level of consumers, one of them through attending formal or informal religious classes.
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Koppiahraj Karuppiah, Naveen Virmani and Rahul Sindhwani
Stringent environmental regulations and the need for a robust supply chain (SC) network have necessitated organizations to adopt circular economy (CE) practices. With proven…
Abstract
Purpose
Stringent environmental regulations and the need for a robust supply chain (SC) network have necessitated organizations to adopt circular economy (CE) practices. With proven impact of CE practices on SC activities, digital technologies are prompting organizations to digitalize SC networks. Yet, the correlation between SC digitalization and CE practices has been less examined. This study aims to identify and evaluate, the critical success factors (CSFs) necessitating SC digitalization and strategies helping in SC digitalization.
Design/methodology/approach
An extensive literature review was performed to identify CSFs and strategies for SC 4.0 (SC4.0), and for finalization, experts’ input was obtained with the Delphi approach. An integrated Fermatean fuzzy set – analytic hierarchy process – decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory – combined compromise solution technique was used to evaluate CSFs and strategies.
Findings
Smart work environment, performance monitoring and data reliability and relevance were identified as the top three important CSFs for SC digitalization. Enhancement of analytical capability, data-driven process optimization and development of an integrated digital platform were identified as potential SC4.0 transition strategies.
Practical implications
This study helps SC practitioners better understand the CSFs and strategies for the SC4.0 transition. Furthermore, this study explores the integration of CE principles within these digital strategies, emphasizing how sustainability practices can be embedded in the SC4.0 framework to foster a more resilient and environmentally conscious electronics SC in India.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is the first to analyze CSFs for SC4.0 in the Indian electronics industry.
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Mohammad Rahimi, Hossein Moshiri and Ali Otarkhani
This study aims to evaluate patterns, trends and knowledge networks within social security research. By using bibliometric analysis, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate patterns, trends and knowledge networks within social security research. By using bibliometric analysis, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive perspective on the evolution of global social security research. The purpose extends to identifying significant contributors, collaborative clusters and multifaceted issues addressed in the field.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses bibliometric analysis to assess social security research trends and knowledge networks from 2015 to 2023. Using the Web of Science database, 6,152 relevant articles are analyzed. Quantitative techniques such as coauthorship network analysis, institutional productivity rankings and keyword clustering are applied for a comprehensive understanding.
Findings
The findings indicate a rising trajectory of publications in social security research, with the USA, China and Europe emerging as top contributors. Coauthorship patterns reveal collaborative clusters with focused research interests. Prominent authors emphasize key aspects like public policy, economics, health and labor dynamics related to social security. Keyword clustering identifies nine thematic clusters, ranging from inequality and poverty to retirement and disability reforms. A thematic map visualizes overarching categories, including motor themes, basic themes, niche themes and emerging themes.
Originality/value
This bibliometric study offers original insights into global social security research, providing a comprehensive understanding of its evolution, significant contributors and diverse thematic issues addressed. The originality lies in the application of quantitative techniques, including coauthorship network analysis and keyword clustering, to reveal collaborative patterns and thematic clusters. The study’s value extends to facilitating evidence-based decision-making for advancing the critical domain of social security through international collaboration and impactful research aligned with societal needs.
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Hassam Waheed, Peter J.R. Macaulay, Hamdan Amer Ali Al-Jaifi, Kelly-Ann Allen and Long She
In response to growing concerns over the negative consequences of Internet addiction on adolescents’ mental health, coupled with conflicting results in this literature stream…
Abstract
Purpose
In response to growing concerns over the negative consequences of Internet addiction on adolescents’ mental health, coupled with conflicting results in this literature stream, this meta-analysis sought to (1) examine the association between Internet addiction and depressive symptoms in adolescents, (2) examine the moderating role of Internet freedom across countries, and (3) examine the mediating role of excessive daytime sleepiness.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 52 studies were analyzed using robust variance estimation and meta-analytic structural equation modeling.
Findings
There was a significant and moderate association between Internet addiction and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, Internet freedom did not explain heterogeneity in this literature stream before and after controlling for study quality and the percentage of female participants. In support of the displacement hypothesis, this study found that Internet addiction contributes to depressive symptoms through excessive daytime sleepiness (proportion mediated = 17.48%). As the evidence suggests, excessive daytime sleepiness displaces a host of activities beneficial for maintaining mental health. The results were subjected to a battery of robustness checks and the conclusions remain unchanged.
Practical implications
The results underscore the negative consequences of Internet addiction in adolescents. Addressing this issue would involve interventions that promote sleep hygiene and greater offline engagement with peers to alleviate depressive symptoms.
Originality/value
This study utilizes robust meta-analytic techniques to provide the most comprehensive examination of the association between Internet addiction and depressive symptoms in adolescents. The implications intersect with the shared interests of social scientists, health practitioners, and policy makers.
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Kristy Lam, Elaine W.S. Kong, Dickson K.W. Chiu and Kevin K.W. Ho
To a large extent, knowledge in government workplaces resides within the hierarchy as it provides unique services to the public. Governments should preserve and pass on valuable…
Abstract
Purpose
To a large extent, knowledge in government workplaces resides within the hierarchy as it provides unique services to the public. Governments should preserve and pass on valuable and irreplaceable knowledge in providing their services through learning by sharing. Yet, sharing requires time and effort. This study examines the motivations of civil servants to share knowledge and their knowledge-sharing behaviors.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted an online survey to collect quantitative data from civil servants in the Hong Kong Government and obtained 104 useable responses to test the eight hypotheses comprising six constructs by structural equation modeling to explore the participants' knowledge-sharing behaviors.
Findings
Results indicated that (1) expected contribution was the primary source of motivation behind knowledge sharing; (2) participants engaged more frequently in informal than formal knowledge-sharing activities; and (3) there was a dire need for knowledge sharing focusing on explicit knowledge of work procedures.
Originality/value
The research focuses on motivational factors for knowledge sharing. Despite abundant literature about knowledge sharing in public or governmental organizations, scant studies focus on the motivations behind why expected rewards and expected associations have less significant impacts on the attitude toward knowledge sharing than expected contribution.
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This study aimed to observe the effect of workplace spirituality (WPS) on employee silence. In addition, the study investigated the mediating role of workplace incivility on the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to observe the effect of workplace spirituality (WPS) on employee silence. In addition, the study investigated the mediating role of workplace incivility on the relationship of WPS with employee silence. We further explored the WPS–workplace incivility link by testing the dark triad as the moderator.
Design/methodology/approach
We collected time-lagged data from 403 employees in the Indian hospitality industry. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) were used to observe the linkages among the study variables.
Findings
The results revealed that WPS is associated negatively with employee silence. The dark triad moderated the association between WPS and workplace incivility. Workplace incivility significantly mediated the association between WPS and employee silence.
Practical implications
The study findings would help organizations in promoting WPS to alleviate the occurrences of uncivil behavior at work and comprehend the negative consequences of workplace incivility such as employee silence.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to explore the linkage between WPS and employee silence. The paper makes a significant contribution by analyzing the interactive effect of personal (dark triad), environmental (WPS) and behavioral (workplace incivility) factors on employee silence.
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Hassan Hassan Umar, Mohammed Alhaji Mohammed and Rashid Kanu
This study used post-occupancy evaluation (POE) to assess the performance and effectiveness of student housing by examining occupants’ satisfaction with the facility across three…
Abstract
Purpose
This study used post-occupancy evaluation (POE) to assess the performance and effectiveness of student housing by examining occupants’ satisfaction with the facility across three performance elements: technical, functional and behavioral. This study aims to address a significant gap in the existing research concerning the POE of university student housing facilities, particularly in understanding how well these facilities fulfill occupant needs across the aforementioned three elements.
Design/methodology/approach
This study assesses the existing literature, examines the dormitory’s physical parameters through walkthrough inspections and measures occupant satisfaction through surveys and focus group sessions. The study analyzed questionnaire responses using a four-point Likert scale, using Microsoft Excel software to determine the weighted average response for each performance element.
Findings
The analysis indicated that students were satisfied with most housing condition parameters. However, noise management, lighting control, air circulation, washroom facilities, cleanliness, power sockets for equipment and several study rooms and furnishings require improvement to enhance student well-being and performance.
Originality/value
This study provides significant information to aid in making informative decisions on building maintenance, retrofitting and facility upgrading. It also contributes to enhancing the field’s knowledge about POE in student housing facilities. It emphasizes the importance of using physical building attributes and user-centric features to fulfill students’ needs and expectations regarding facilities.
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Munmun Samantarai and Sanjib Dutta
Information from secondary sources was used to develop this case study. The sources of the data included the organization’s website, yearly reports, news releases, reports that…
Abstract
Research methodology
Information from secondary sources was used to develop this case study. The sources of the data included the organization’s website, yearly reports, news releases, reports that have been published and documents that are accessible online.
Case overview/synopsis
As of 2023, Kenya generated around 0.5–1.3 million tons of plastic waste per year, of which only 8% was recycled. The remaining waste was either dumped into landfills, burned or released back into the environment. In addition to the plastic problem, a deforestation crisis was looming large in the country. Despite the country’s efforts to improve recycling, banning the use of single-use plastic to reduce plastic pollution, plastic waste continued to be a major issue. Growing up in the Kaptembwa slums of rural Kenya, Lorna saw the adverse impact that plastic waste had on the local ecosystem. Also, she was perturbed by the widespread cutting down of trees for construction of buildings, etc., which had resulted in deforestation. Lorna’s concern for the environment and her desire to address these issues motivated her to found EcoPost, a business that promoted a circular economy by gathering and recycling plastic waste.
With the common goal of enhancing circularity, EcoPost and Austria-based chemical company Borealis collaborated to stop waste from seeping into the environment and to make a positive socioeconomic and environmental impact. The funding from Borealis would help EcoPost in increasing its capabilities, providing training and recruiting more waste collectors. The funds were also supposed to help formalize the work of the waste pickers (mostly youth and women from marginalized communities) by financing the entrepreneurial start-up kits. Lorna aimed to create a business model that would not only solve the plastic waste problem but would also contribute to the social and economic development of local communities. Amidst these gigantic problems of plastic waste and deforestation that Kenya was facing, how will Lorna achieve her ambitious goal of reducing plastic waste and save trees? How will EcoPost pave the way to a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future?
Complexity academic level
This case is intended for use in MBA, post-graduate/executive level programs as part of entrepreneurship and sustainability courses.
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