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1 – 10 of 65Mohsin Abdur Rehman, Sadaf Khan, Ismah Osman, Khurram Aziz and Ghazal Shams
This study aims to test a proposed model based on a combination of the relationship marketing and service quality dimensions as predictors of corporate image and customer loyalty…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to test a proposed model based on a combination of the relationship marketing and service quality dimensions as predictors of corporate image and customer loyalty via corporate reputation in the Takaful context. More importantly, this study compares the Takaful operators’ services with the perceived service quality and the relationship marketing from the Malaysian and Saudi Arabian customers’ viewpoint.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey-based study was conducted through a questionnaire, and the data was collected from Takaful customers (362 Saudi Arabian and 350 Malaysian customers) through an online survey. Structural equation modelling is used to test the proposed model. Besides, the perception of Takaful customers between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia is compared through a multi-group analysis.
Findings
The results from the Malaysian context reveal that positive perceptions of service quality PAKSERV dimensions (personalization, reliability and tangibility) and positive perceptions of relationship marketing dimensions (Islamic ethical behaviour and structural bonds) have a significant influence on the corporate image. Alternatively, in the Saudi Arabian context, results have shown that the positive perceptions of service quality PAKSERV dimensions (assurance and reliability) of service quality and the positive perceptions of the relationship marketing dimensions (Islamic ethical behaviour, structural bonds and financial bonds) have a significant influence on the corporate image. The differences in both countries’ results can also enhance the corporate image on corporate reputation, merely in Malaysia. By contrast, corporate reputation is deemed a significant predictor of customer loyalty, represented as valid for both contexts.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed research model tested in Takaful Malaysian and Saudi Arabian can be replicated in other contexts – in terms of country and industry. Moreover, the current study reveals the crucial role of corporate image in forming corporate reputation. Future research could be focussed on the importance of other emotional or affective variables that may be involved in determining corporate reputation. Finally, future studies can be carried with another cultural perspective to have more diversified socio-economic implications.
Practical implications
It is suggested that Takaful operators from both Malaysia and Saudi Arabia need to put maximum effort towards customer loyalty by bringing both the dimensions of service quality and the relationship marketing in compliance with the principles of Islamic business transaction. The findings of the specific dimensions of service quality and relationship marketing will contribute to customers’ perceptions of corporate image and reputation in the Takaful industry.
Originality/value
The present study tested a blended facet of customer’s overall experience through service quality (PAKSERV) and customer service provider connectivity (relationship marketing) to predict the corporate image of the highly growing financial marketplace (Takaful). Contextually, this study contributes to delineating the factors (corporate reputation) affecting customer loyalty rather than a customer satisfaction tradition. Significantly, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia were chosen for this study, as they are currently the two fast-growing markets for Islamic financial services, especially with regards to the Takaful products and offerings.
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Muhammad Haris, Abdur Rehman Cheema and Chamila Subasinghe
The purpose of this paper is to reduce the gap in understanding the complexity of barriers, their modifiers and how these barriers and their modifiers result in malpractices and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to reduce the gap in understanding the complexity of barriers, their modifiers and how these barriers and their modifiers result in malpractices and missed good practices in post-earthquake reconstruction contexts. This paper provides insights to the often asked question: why the lessons learnt from one earthquake event are not actually learnt and many of the mistakes around housing reconstruction are repeated?
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on the review of the literature of the top deadliest earthquakes in the developing countries and the two case studies of the 2005 Kashmir and 2015 earthquake in Pakistan.
Findings
Multifarious barriers, their modifiers, malpractices and missed good practices are deeply interwoven, and endemic and include weak financial standing, lack of technical know-how, vulnerable location, social and cultural preference, affordability and availability of materials, over-emphasis on technical restrictions, inefficient policies, lack of clarity in institutional roles, monitoring and training.
Research limitations/implications
The study is desk based.
Practical implications
A better understanding of barriers can help disaster-related organisations to improve the planning and implementation of post-earthquake housing reconstruction.
Social implications
The study contributes to the understanding concerning various social and cultural preferences that negotiate the Build Back Better (BBB) process.
Originality/value
The study offers a distinctive perspective synthesising the literature and the two case studies to sharpen the understanding of the complexity of barriers to BBB.
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Muhammad Kashif, Khurrum Faisal Jamal and Mohsin Abdur Rehman
The charitable organizations must understand the forces influencing donor behaviours. This issue has been debated rigorously among researchers belonging to Western societies;…
Abstract
Purpose
The charitable organizations must understand the forces influencing donor behaviours. This issue has been debated rigorously among researchers belonging to Western societies; however, the exploration of donation experience among non-Western academics is limited. This study aims to discover the phenomenon of Zakat donation experience – an Islamic religious act of charity donation performed among Muslims to enhance our understanding of religious consumption practices in a Muslim country setting of Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used phenomenological methodology to collect data from 35 donors via face-to-face interviews.
Findings
The informants advocate individuality while making Zakat donations and believe that an independent donation experience brings them with higher levels of happiness, intrinsic drive to spend more and spiritual comfort. The Zakat donation is regarded as a great source of self-protection against the realm of evil spirits which is entirely a new finding with respect to charity donations. The informants identified several reasons for not donating through charities which mainly include lack of trust and limited product mix offered by charitable organizations.
Practical implications
Based on the findings of this research, the authors suggest charitable organizations to ensure procedural transparency and emphasize on Zakat collection, distribution and utilization methods to attract more donors.
Originality/value
The study contributes generally to charity marketing knowledge and specifically to consumer decision-making of religious acts performed in Muslim societies. The phenomenological method of inquiry and its application to study an Islamic act of donation has limited discussion in previous studies, which is a unique product of this study.
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Ismah Osman, Mohsin Abdur Rehman, Sajid Mohy Ul Din, Ghazal Shams and Khurram Aziz
This study aims to examine a proposed model based on a combination of relationship marketing and service quality dimensions as a significant predictor of corporate image. More…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine a proposed model based on a combination of relationship marketing and service quality dimensions as a significant predictor of corporate image. More importantly, it attempts to identify whether corporate reputation mediates the relationship between and customer loyalty and corporate image in the takāful (Islamic insurance) context, from the viewpoint of Saudi Arabian customers.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey was conducted through an adopted questionnaire from 362 family takāful policyholders from Saudi Arabia. Also, structural equation modelling was used to test the proposed model on the direct relationships of the related constructs, as well as the establishment of corporate reputation as a mediator concerning its relationship between corporate image and customer loyalty.
Findings
This study discovered that only two dimensions of service quality (i.e. reliability and assurance) and three aspects of relationship marketing (i.e. Islamic ethical behaviour, financial and structural bonds) have a significant impact on the corporate image of the takāful providers. This study further concluded that corporate reputation mediates the relationship between corporate image and customer loyalty.
Research limitations/implications
This study has presented and tested the perceived service quality using the PAKSERV model in the takāful (Islamic insurance) industry, particularly in the Saudi Arabian context. This research identified the dimensions of PAKSERV (i.e. reliability and assurance) that influence the corporate image and simultaneously, the aspects of relationship marketing (i.e. Islamic ethical behaviour, financial and structural bonds) are also connected to the corporate image. Corporate reputation acts as a mediator between the relationship of corporate image and customer loyalty. This study, nevertheless, only focused in the takāful industry alone, and these findings could also be tested for its validity to different services in other potential studies because of the diversity of the service industry.
Originality/value
The findings of this study highlight the specific components of PAKSERV measures in influencing the corporate image. Furthermore, relationship marketing addressing Islamic ethical behaviour, as well as the three facets of bonding – structural, financial and social bonds are also incorporated and connected to corporate image. Hence, this study will increase the understanding of the impact of service quality concerning the PAKSERV model and relationship marketing on corporate image, reputation and customer loyalty of the takāful operators in Saudi Arabia.
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Kashif Iqbal, Amjed Javid, Abdur Rehman, Aisha Rehman, Munir Ashraf and Hafiz Affan Abid
This study aims to deal with the dyeing of nylon-/cotton-blended fabric in one bath using direct and acid dyes.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to deal with the dyeing of nylon-/cotton-blended fabric in one bath using direct and acid dyes.
Design/methodology/approach
The cellulose in cotton/nylon-blended fabric was chemically modified using 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl tri-methyl ammonium chloride (CHPTAC) as cationizing agent to impart positive charge on the cellulose. The modified and unmodified blended fabrics were dyed in a single bath with direct and acid dyes under various concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 per cent on the weight of fabric by exhaust method. The dyeing of modified and unmodified fabrics was characterized through the properties such as K/S and colorfastness to washing, rubbing and light.
Findings
The modified fabric exhibited higher color yield, comparable rubbing fastness and good washing fastness.
Originality/value
The dye uptake was maximum in a single-bath dyeing process of nylon-/cotton-blended fabrics without electrolyte addition, which minimizes the impact of dyes on environment.
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Sehrish Huma, Abdur Rehman and Waqar Ahmed
This study aims to demonstrate the influence of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) adoption on improving logistics capabilities to achieve remanufacturing operations and business logistics…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to demonstrate the influence of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) adoption on improving logistics capabilities to achieve remanufacturing operations and business logistics performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses a deductive survey-based research approach. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from managerial-level employees associated with logistics functions from 121 manufacturing firms. The partial least square method was used to conduct structural equation modeling to test the hypothesis empirically.
Findings
The analysis revealed that using I4.0 improves the ability to achieve higher levels of logistics capabilities (i.e. instrumented and intelligent logistics). Moreover, I4.0 integration with instrumented and intelligent logistics capabilities positively impacts business logistics optimization. On the other hand, intelligent logistics directly and positively impacts remanufacturing operational performance, whereas instrumented logistics does not reflect any significant influence on remanufacturing performance.
Originality/value
This study is one of the limited studies on the focus area and is an effort to fulfill an identified gap in applying innovative logistics capabilities using I4.0 technologies.
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Nida Javed, Muhammad Jamaluddin Thaheem, Beenish Bakhtawar, Abdur Rehman Nasir, Khurram Iqbal Ahmad Khan and Hamza Farooq Gabriel
The formal application of project risk management (PRM) in green building projects is still an emergent part of project management. The purpose of this paper is to provide a…
Abstract
Purpose
The formal application of project risk management (PRM) in green building projects is still an emergent part of project management. The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual PRM framework that increases the probability of success in green building projects by minimizing unexpected events.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper interprets the related literature and uses the opinion of green building experts. It exposes some pertinent elements needed for structuring the PRM framework and suggests some mitigation actions for high-ranked risks. It also performs ex-post analysis on a case study to practically validate the proposed framework.
Findings
It is found that high initial cost, lack of experienced contractors and subcontractors, consideration of lifecycle inflation and experience in green building project management are the most significant risks. To address them, the framework proposes a rigorous selection of contractors, provision of financial incentives from the government, setting of a time buffer to accommodate legal process and development of a deliberate proactive financial model.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the body of knowledge and practice by providing a reasonable strategy for employing the PRM framework capable of effectively managing risk in green building projects to keep organizations competitive within the business environment. The overall aim of this study is to contribute to the further development of the area of risk assessment and risk management from a knowledge-based perspective.
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Ghazal Shams, Raouf Rather, Mohsin Abdur Rehman and Rab Nawaz Lodhi
In recent studies, tourism scholars focussed more on service failure and recovery. Thus satisfaction with service recovery (SSR) and outcome favourability in conjunction with…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent studies, tourism scholars focussed more on service failure and recovery. Thus satisfaction with service recovery (SSR) and outcome favourability in conjunction with service recovery (SR) and customers’ behavioural intention was given very little attention, while they are very attention-grabbing, particularly in marketing areas of hospitality and tourism studies. Using stealing thunder and co-creation-based strategies, this study aims to investigate the impact of SR on outcome favourability, and its association with SSR and customer loyalty.
Design/methodology/approach
To attain the objectives of the current study, data were collected through field survey by applying a random sampling technique from 346 regular customers four- and five-star hotels in the context of Iran. The structural equation modelling technique was applied for testing the measurement and relationship models of the study.
Findings
The findings of this research reveal a positive relationship between SR and outcome favourability. The findings also indicate that outcome favourability positively affects SSR and loyalty. Finally, SSR exerts a favourable and significant impact on customer loyalty.
Research limitations/implications
The study findings may have restricted applicability in different contexts other than four- and five-star hotels. Theoretically, the current research contributes insight into the dynamics of characterizing SR, outcome favourability, SSR and behavioural intention-based theoretical associations, as observed in the hospitality industry.
Originality/value
This study adopted an un-explored SR, outcome favourability and SSR theoretical perspectives to identify the strength and nature of relationships between them and discuss their important implications for academicians and hotel managers.
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Rehan Masood, Krishanu Roy, Vicente A. Gonzalez, James B.P. Lim and Abdur Rehman Nasir
Prefabricated construction has proven to be superior in terms of affordability and sustainability over the years. As a result of sustainable production, prefabricated…
Abstract
Purpose
Prefabricated construction has proven to be superior in terms of affordability and sustainability over the years. As a result of sustainable production, prefabricated housebuilding has evolved into a distinct industry reliant on supplier companies acting as supply chains (SCs) for housing projects. These companies' performance is critical to the successful implementation of prefabricated housebuilding technologies. However, in comparison to those choosing manufacturing as a strategy in other industries, the life span of these companies, providing innovative housing solutions, is relatively short. This is due to critical factors influencing the performance, but the inter-relationship of the performance dimensions is more significant. This study establishes the inter-relationship of the companies involved in house building with steel prefabricated housebuilding technologies.
Design/methodology/approach
The most recent factors were extracted from the literature. The relationships were developed using the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) method with the input from industry experts, and the driving factors were determined using the Matrice d'Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqués à un Classement (MICMAC) technique.
Findings
Critical performance factors were classified according to performance dimensions, ranked and classified based on driving and dependence power. The inter-relationships among the performance dimensions of time, quality, cost, delivery, features and innovation were determined. Key performance strategies were proposed for prefabricated housebuilding companies involved in manufacturing and/or assembly of steel products.
Originality/value
This study established the interrelationship of performance dimensions for prefabricated house building (PHB) companies to develop strategies against critical challenges to remain competitive in the housing market. Previous research had not looked into interrelationship among the performance dimensions. The proposed performance strategies are applicable to supplier organizations using steel prefabricated technologies in similar markets around the world.
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Muhammad Irfan, Muhammad Jamaluddin Thaheem, Hamza Farooq Gabriel, Muhammad Sohail Anwar Malik and Abdur Rehman Nasir
The purpose of this research is to quantify the effect of stakeholder conflicts on project constraints in the construction industry using ordinal regression analysis. For this…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to quantify the effect of stakeholder conflicts on project constraints in the construction industry using ordinal regression analysis. For this purpose, the most significant project constraints and factors that cause stakeholder conflicts found in the literature are measured.
Design/methodology/approach
Factors causing stakeholder conflicts and project constraints are extracted through a content analysis of the published literature. Further, a questionnaire survey is conducted involving 170 professionals to assess the effect of conflicts on project constraints. Finally, to obtain a more objective assessment, a statistical model is developed, and to highlight the most severe factors causing conflict and impacting project constraints, ordinal regression analysis is performed.
Findings
The results show that in the construction industry, all project constraints are affected by stakeholder conflicts. Factors that result in stakeholder conflicts indicated a positive relationship with cost, time and resources. This means that any increase or decrease in the effect of stakeholder conflicts will directly influence these three project constraints. Similarly, a negative relationship was observed between stakeholder conflicts and quality, workforce productivity, protection of environment and safety regulations in the construction industry, indicating that increase in the effect of stakeholder conflicts will decrease these four project constraints and vice versa. The results for cumulative ordinal regression model highlight that lack of communication, poor quality of completed works and change orders and rework have intense effects on project constraints collectively.
Originality/value
A small number of studies have been undertaken to examine the emergence of project constraints in the developing countries. And even more, its relationship with stakeholder conflicts in the construction industry is limited. This research highlights the most significant project constraints and factors that result in stakeholder conflicts in the construction industry. Therefore, this study adds to the existing body of knowledge by developing an ordinal regression model that will help decision-makers and top management control this enigma of stakeholder conflicts in the construction industry.
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