Search results

Given the rising popularity of mobile commerce among young consumers, this study aims to examine the effect of mobile applications service quality (MASQ), service convenience (SERCON) and satisfaction contributing to the retention of young consumers towards mobile applications.

Primary data were collected from 213 active online young smartphone users who have used mobile apps for shopping through a structured questionnaire. Structural equation modelling is used to analyse the data.

The results of this study reveal that both MASQ and SERCON strongly support satisfaction, which leads to the retention of young customers.

This study is one of the few relevant pieces of research that would benefit mretailers encompassing mobile commerce applications to improve their MASQ and SERCON with cutthroat competition in gaining and retaining young customers for shopping through smartphone applications.

This study aims to examine the effects of climate change and agricultural technologies on crop production in Vietnam for the period 1990–2018.

Several econometric techniques – such as the augmented Dickey–Fuller, Phillips–Perron, the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test, variance decomposition method (VDM) and impulse response function (IRF) are used for the empirical analysis.

The results of the ARDL bounds test confirm the significant dynamic relationship among the variables under consideration, with a significance level of 1%. The primary findings indicate that the average annual temperature exerts a negative influence on crop yield, both in the short term and in the long term. The utilization of fertilizer has been found to augment crop productivity, whereas the application of pesticides has demonstrated the potential to raise crop production in the short term. Moreover, both the expansion of cultivated land and the utilization of energy resources have played significant roles in enhancing agricultural output across both in the short term and in the long term. Furthermore, the robustness outcomes also validate the statistical importance of the factors examined in the context of Vietnam.

This study provides persuasive evidence for policymakers to emphasize advancements in intensive agriculture as a means to mitigate the impacts of climate change. In the research, the authors use average annual temperature as a surrogate measure for climate change, while using fertilizer and pesticide usage as surrogate indicators for agricultural technologies. Future research can concentrate on the impact of ICT, climate change (specifically pertaining to maximum temperature, minimum temperature and precipitation), and agricultural technological improvements that have an impact on cereal production.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine how climate change and technology effect crop output in Vietnam from 1990 to 2018. Various econometrics tools, such as ARDL modeling, VDM and IRF, are used for estimation.

Family business sustainability is a critical issue. This study considers if adopting a strategic entrepreneurship orientation can support the sustainability of a family business.

A qualitative approach is used, in which semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve family business owners. Data collected during the interviews provides insights into understanding, practices, motivations, behaviours and attitudes relating to sustainability.

Although awareness of sustainability processes and procedures is found to be low, sustainability is important to the family business. However, sustainability is not managed or implemented systematically.

The paper presents a new model to describe the sustainability practices of family businesses. Adoption of strategic entrepreneurship is advocated as mechanism for improving sustainability. Practical and policy implications are suggested to enhance the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives in family business settings.

The purpose of the study is to analyse the occurrence and distribution of different tree species in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, as a baseline for further inventories, and estimate the biomass per species and plot. Furthermore, it aims to measure forest biodiversity using established formulae for tree species diversity index, richness, evenness and accumulative curve.

Field data were collected, including stratification of forest sample plots. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out, and locally appropriate allometric equations were applied for biomass estimation.

Representative circular 556 forest sample plots of 1,000 m² contained 13,135 trees belonging to nine tree species with a total aboveground biomass of 12,887 tonnes. Sixty-eight per cent of the trees were found between 2,600 and 3,400 masl; approximately 63 per cent had a diameter at breast height equal to 30 cm, and 45 per cent were less than 12 m in height. The Shannon diversity index was 1.82, and Simpson’s index of diversity was 0.813.

Rough terrain, long distances, harsh weather conditions and location of forest in steep narrow valleys presented challenges for the field crews, and meant that fieldwork took longer than planned.

Estimating biomass in Gilgit-Baltistan’s forests using locally developed allometric equations will provide transparency in estimates of forest reference levels, National Forest Monitoring System in Pakistan and devising Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation national strategies and for effective implementation.

This paper presents the first detailed forest inventory carried out for the dry temperate and semi-arid cold region of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing successful and unsuccessful succession in Pakistani family-owned businesses (FOBs), with a focus on the interplay between formal governance practices and socio-cultural dynamics. By examining key elements in succession planning and leadership transition, the study offers insights tailored to the unique challenges faced by FOBs in emerging markets such as Pakistan.

Employing a multiple case study approach, this research examines generational transitions across ten Pakistani FOBs. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key family members involved in the succession process, with thematic analysis applied to identify patterns.

The findings indicate that proactive succession planning, formal governance mechanisms and thorough successor training are critical for achieving smooth leadership transitions in Pakistani FOBs. Companies that implement structured governance and clear succession processes experience fewer internal conflicts and greater business continuity. However, socio-cultural factors, such as seniority-based preferences and gender biases, present significant obstacles, often complicating the transition process. Additional challenges include resistance to modernized strategies, and sibling rivalry strongly influence succession outcomes in the Pakistani context and highlight the need for culturally sensitive governance approaches to improve business continuity.

Practical implications for family-owned businesses include early succession planning, structured governance mechanisms and comprehensive training for successors. Establishing family councils can minimize conflicts and align family goals. Addressing cultural biases, such as gender and seniority preferences, encourages merit-based succession, ensuring smoother transitions. These strategies enhance continuity, reduce disruptions and support sustained growth, particularly in culturally influenced contexts like Pakistani family-owned businesses.

By examining succession dynamics within the context of an emerging economy such as Pakistan, this study provides valuable insights into the unique cultural and organizational challenges facing FOBs. The findings enrich the understanding of succession in family enterprises and extend current knowledge on the influence of socio-cultural factors in business continuity.