Akhtar Hussain and Abdulwahab M. Abalkhail
The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of library use, collections and services among the students of engineering at King Saud University, Riyadh (KSA).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of library use, collections and services among the students of engineering at King Saud University, Riyadh (KSA).
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was designed to collect needed information about the level of usage of library collections, services and satisfaction of users. A well‐structured questionnaire was circulated among the faculties, research scholars, postgraduates, undergraduates, and other categories to collect the necessary primary data, keeping in mind the objectives of the study.
Findings
The findings clearly reveal that the majority of users of the library used the circulation service. The study found that a majority of research scholars consult the reference books for research work followed by undergraduate students who used the library circulation service.
Research limitations/implications
The present paper consists only of College of Engineering users and the geographical area is restricted to the central library at the King Saud University, Riyadh. The scope of the paper could be extended to additional private and government universities in KSA and abroad. A comparative study could also be made between one country and another's university libraries and information centers for usage of library collections and services.
Originality/value
There are a number of studies on usage of library collections and services, but this is the first of its kind within the King Saud University. As such, it should pave the way to fulfill the demand of users in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as foreign universities.
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The purpose of this paper is to discuss the adoption of Web 2.0 in library associations in the presence of social media. This paper attempts to measure the penetration of Web 2.0…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the adoption of Web 2.0 in library associations in the presence of social media. This paper attempts to measure the penetration of Web 2.0 tools in various library associations all over the world.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was conducted through an assessment of the library associations’ web sites. A total of 188 library associations’ web sites were analysed, out of which 115 library associations have implemented Web 2.0 applications; this is 61.17 percent of the total.
Findings
On the basis of the analysis it was found that the majority of Web 2.0 tools have been used by American continents library associations. This stands at, 89.86 percent, whereas only a small number of Web 2.0 tools have been used by Asian continent library associations, that is, 25.64 percent. The most of Web 2.0 tools used by library associations, is, Facebook, Twitter, RSS feeds, LinkedIn, Flickr and Blogs.
Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study can be utilized to assess the status of assorted Web 2.0 tools used in libraries associations. It may enable future research to investigate other aspects, such as the adoption of Web 2.0 tools in library associations of a particular country as well as continent.
Originality/value
The paper begins with an introduction to Web 2.0 technology and attempts has been made to analyse the usage of this new technology in library associations worldwide.
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Muhammad Rizal, Endang Ruswanti and Moehammad Unggul Januarko
Electronic word of mouth (eWOM) is a digital marketing method that has been considered by some companies as an effective and efficient approach to enhance social learning and the…
Abstract
Electronic word of mouth (eWOM) is a digital marketing method that has been considered by some companies as an effective and efficient approach to enhance social learning and the environment for the customers. A social media user could benefit from gaining information from other users to aid their decision-making process. Instagram is an example of a social media platform that could be utilized for the application of eWOM. It could serve as a source of quality, credible and detailed information, and a channel to increase customer interactions and trust. This study aims to determine the effects of eWOM information generated through Instagram on patients’ intention to join the in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs. By adopting the information acceptance model (IACM) theory, several parameters were evaluated: information quality, credibility, usefulness, adoption, attitude toward information, and purchase intention. The structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze as many as 200 respondents of Morula IVF Jakarta and were active Instagram users. The results showed that the adoption of information and attitude toward information had considerably influenced patients’ intentions to join the IVF programs. Such circumstances might have occurred as a result of the increase in information exchange about IVF, through the discussions and sharing of experiences by patients on Instagram. Furthermore, information usefulness was demonstrated to affect information adoption and was influenced by the credibility of information and attitudes toward information. Nonetheless, one variable which did not display any effects on the usefulness of information was the quality of information. In summary, the characteristics of eWOM information that were conveyed on Instagram could affect the intention of patients in joining the IVF program.
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Shawana Fazal, Muhammad Ilyas Khan and Muhammad Iqbal Majoka
Teacher Education has been transforming throughout the world to cater to the emerging needs of quality education. Significant developments have taken place nationally and…
Abstract
Teacher Education has been transforming throughout the world to cater to the emerging needs of quality education. Significant developments have taken place nationally and internationally in political, economic, and cultural fields, influencing education in general and teacher education in particular. The quality of education depends to a great extent on the quality of teachers. And, the quality of teachers depends on the way they are educated and trained. Pakistan has a vast education sector and a huge teaching force but teacher education in the country has not been keeping pace with modernization and development globally. Teacher education curricula, dissemination, evaluation and implementation revolved around traditional models for decades. However, there has been a growing realization to reform the teacher education system lately. The education policy (2009) of Pakistan indicates such realization on the part of the stakeholders. This chapter reports on an important teacher education reform program, which is based on collaboration between the government of Pakistan and the USAID. The Teacher Education Project (TEP), assisted by USAID, is a reform initiative that aimed at restructuring and modernizing teacher education in Pakistan. This chapter aims to provide insights into the objectives, importance and achievements of the project in terms of shaping the future direction of teacher education in Pakistan. It reports on the substantial structural and policy changes that took place in teacher education under the project. This chapter also highlights the possible challenges in the way of useful implementation and sustainability of this and similar education reform initiatives in Pakistan.
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Businesses have increasingly been urged to shift their emphasis away from a purely profit-driven economic perspective to a more sustainable approach to growth that holistically…
Abstract
Businesses have increasingly been urged to shift their emphasis away from a purely profit-driven economic perspective to a more sustainable approach to growth that holistically captures people, the planet and profits. Indigenous businesses are well suited to creatively integrate sustainability principles within their internal culture. This enables them to cope with the dominance created by non-indigenous enterprises while also promoting long-term business success. The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) concept has been applied to explore how indigenous businesses in Uganda manifest their best practices by incorporating sustainability principles for lasting economic performance. A multiple case study approach was adopted, and three well-established female-owned indigenous businesses were investigated using in-depth interviews. Integrating sustainability in the business is a fulfiling process if done holistically by embracing a range of interdependent variables that include environmental, social and economic dimensions. The author contributes an innovative culturally sensitive sustainability scope that reflects practical insights on how internal sustainability efforts can be streamlined for long-term economic prosperity without compromising the wider social and physical environment.
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Hafiz Fawad Ali, Arooba Chaudhary and Talat Islam
This study aims to examine the association between responsible leadership and work engagement through the mediation of knowledge sharing. Further, the study explored the boundary…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the association between responsible leadership and work engagement through the mediation of knowledge sharing. Further, the study explored the boundary condition of helping initiative behavior (HIB) between responsible leadership and knowledge-sharing (KS) behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
Considering work engagement as a global challenge, the data for this study was collected from 386 employees working in various organizations on convenience basis. Specifically, the data was collected in two waves through a questionnaire-based survey method and structural equation modeling was used for hypotheses testing.
Findings
The results reveal that responsible leadership directly and indirectly (through knowledge sharing) affects work engagement. In addition, HIB strengthens the association between responsible leadership and knowledge sharing.
Research limitations/implications
The study collected data from a developing country. However, the findings suggest management should implement such practices that enable leaders to be more responsible. Such leaders create a learning environment that enhances knowledge sharing and promotes work engagement.
Originality/value
Based on social exchange, this study explored the mediating role of KS behavior between responsible leadership and work engagement and the conditional role of HIB between responsible leadership and KS behavior.
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In September, 2013 following a police tip, a government accounts clerk was found with huge sums of cash amounting to US$300,000 in his car, and a week later, Malawi’s Budget…
Abstract
Purpose
In September, 2013 following a police tip, a government accounts clerk was found with huge sums of cash amounting to US$300,000 in his car, and a week later, Malawi’s Budget Director (Treasury Official) was fatally shot outside his home. These two incidents unravelled what would later be famously known as the “Cashgate Scandal” that leading to revelations of fraud amounting to US$32 million, an amount representing almost 1 per cent of Malawi’s annual GDP in merely six months. As a result, donors withdrew their annual 40 per cent budgetary support. A lot of people (almost 70) in both public and private sector found with both cash in local or foreign currency were arrested. An independent audit report by Baker Tilly, a British accountancy firm, revealed that the fraud and theft was with such sophistication that cheques were issued to private companies for services that had not been rendered to government. Those cheques were cashed, and money was distributed among several people. Those arrested were charged with offences ranging from corruption, abuse of office, theft, theft by public servant, tax evasion and money laundering. This paper aims to analyse the cashgate scandal. It explores the first conviction of these cashgate case series which also happens to be the first ever conviction on money laundering offence in Malawi. It further explores the law likely to apply to the cashgate scandal case series, the opportunities that have been lost and likely stifling implications on the future of the fight against corruption and money laundering offences in Malawi. All law enforcement actors such as the prosecution, defence and the courts have that duty to clarify and implement the common interests of Malawians, namely, the prescriptive purposes of the law in accordance with the expectations of an approximate process that guarantees attainment of human good, i.e. justice.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents the desk research of various journal articles and reports on money laundering in general and Malawi. Further, an analysis of the first money laundering conviction is presented.
Findings
Malawi is still struggling with enforcement of money laundering offences.
Research limitations/implications
There was no quantitative research involved. Further, being the first case for litigation and conviction, not much has come up on Malawi’s money laundering practice. Actually, this is likely to be the first article on money laundering and analysis of the cashgate heist.
Social implications
The paper serves as a learning process for future prosecutions.
Originality/value
The paper offers a new and novel approach to the fight against money laundering offences and organized criminality in Malawi. Before the Treza Senzani Judgment, Money Laundering Law in Malawi had never been tested before the Courts. Through an exegesis of the Malawi law as regards these offences, the paper adds value to the research and fight against money laundering. It further offers insights into legal interpretation and policy formulation that would enable law enforcement agencies in Malawi to succeed in the fight against such criminality.
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Kassim Alinda, Sulait Tumwine, Twaha Kigongo Kaawaase, Ståle Navrud, Arthur Sserwanga and Irene Nalukenge
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the association between the dimensions of intellectual capital (IC) and sustainability practices (SP) within the context of…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the association between the dimensions of intellectual capital (IC) and sustainability practices (SP) within the context of manufacturing medium and large (ML) firms in Uganda. The study aims to shed light on whether and how different dimensions of IC contribute to the adoption and implementation of SP by these firms.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilized a cross-sectional and quantitative approach, collecting data through a questionnaire survey from a sample of manufacturing ML firms. The collected data underwent analysis to identify patterns and relationships using the SmartPLS structural equation modeling (SEM) technique.
Findings
The findings demonstrated that the three categories of IC (human, structural and relational capital) influence the SP of ML manufacturing enterprises in Uganda. This suggests that IC is a critical component of SP.
Practical implications
Manufacturing enterprises should use their IC to create strategies for sustainable solutions, such as creating new, ecologically and socially responsible products and services and improving current ones to lessen their environmental effect.
Originality/value
This research advances knowledge of SP by revealing if all aspects of IC are significant for the SP of manufacturing enterprises in Uganda.
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Lütfi Sürücü, Halil Yıldız and Murat Sağbaş
This research aims to analyze the factors affecting the people's performance working in the health sector to improve the services the health sector provide to society and increase…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to analyze the factors affecting the people's performance working in the health sector to improve the services the health sector provide to society and increase the efficiency of their institutions.
Design/methodology/approach
Conceptual model covering paternalistic leadership, employee creativity and psychological safety as an intermediary role has been suggested. A questionnaire was applied to 600 employees of three hospitals in Izmir voluntarily and 531 questionnaire data were obtained to test the proposed model. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences-23 and Amos-18 were the statistical software used to analyze the data.
Findings
The results suggest that paternalistic leadership positively affects employee creativity and psychological safety plays a mediating role in this relationship. While the effects of paternalistic leadership on employee resourcefulness are readily available, paternalistic leadership's mechanisms need elucidation.
Originality/value
Previous studies have addressed issues, such as employees' job satisfaction and organizational commitment, covering Far East countries. Yet, the present research's findings enhance the cultural understanding of the conditions, where the paternalistic leader affects employee creativity. Moreover, leader affects must have managerial contributions to institutions.
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Novira Kusrini, Dwi Septiyarini and Wahyu Rafdinal
Rice is an essential determinant of food security in some developing countries as it has become the state’s staple food. Due to its essential role, rice supplies have been studied…
Abstract
Purpose
Rice is an essential determinant of food security in some developing countries as it has become the state’s staple food. Due to its essential role, rice supplies have been studied over the years. For this reason, it is essential to ensure quantity and quality availability, safety, distribution and affordability from input suppliers, farmers and milling industries to consumers. This study aims to assess and evaluate the relationship between sustainability risk factors for each rice supply chain actor to minimise uncertainty and losses in the supply chain and achieve a sustainable rice supply chain (SRSC).
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 50 sub-risk factors for the rice supply chain, divided into four sustainability dimensions, were derived through a literature review. Next, it was identified through interviews with 12 experts in 2 stages: the first stage, reviewing the literature review results, and the second stage, finalising with Pareto analysis. Each stage produces 28 and 21 sub-risk factors. Fuzzy-decision-making trial and evaluation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between sub-risk factors in the context of SRSC.
Findings
The sub-risk factors that need to be managed to achieve SRSC are climate change risk (floods and rainfall) from the environmental dimension (case group) and operational risk (loss of low-quality results) from the process dimension (impact group). These practical findings provide actionable insights for supply chain actors and contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities of the rice supply chain.
Research limitations/implications
This study underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of the risks faced by all actors in the rice supply chain. Such an understanding is crucial for future research and practical applications, and it is the key to ensuring the sustainability and security of the rice supply chain.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study in the context of SRSC that evaluates the relationship between risk factors to achieve food security in developing countries.