Ali F. Darrat and Anas H. Hamed
Contrary to the restrictive bivariate results of Saunders (1995), our findings from open‐economy multivariate models accord with the conventional IS/LM apparatus and decisively…
Abstract
Contrary to the restrictive bivariate results of Saunders (1995), our findings from open‐economy multivariate models accord with the conventional IS/LM apparatus and decisively support the use of fiscal policy as a key macrostablization tool in the U.S. economy. We provide theoretical explanations for our results and produce empirical evidence for their robustness.
Hamed Gholami, Jocelyn Ke Yin Lee, Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes and Anas A. Salameh
Since the advent of Industry 4.0, there has been a growing research interest in developing the Green Lean Six Sigma concept in the direction of achieving sustainable development…
Abstract
Purpose
Since the advent of Industry 4.0, there has been a growing research interest in developing the Green Lean Six Sigma concept in the direction of achieving sustainable development, primarily aligned with Goal 12 of the agenda. Given that the concept is still in its early stages of exploration and requires further development through empirical validation, opportunities exist for innovative research. Yet, difficulties arise in adopting this green initiative due to an inadequate understanding of its strategic practices. Thus, this study aims to establish strategic practices facilitating its adoption in the Industry 4.0 era and develop a validated multi-item scale to measure the practices.
Design/methodology/approach
A three-phase methodological approach is designed to perform the techniques of exploratory and confirmatory analyses in the manufacturing context. To be a sound study, engineers have been involved since they play a pivotal role in the realm of manufacturing; however, the existing research on engineers' viewpoints on this subject is limited, emphasizing the need for further investigation.
Findings
Upon validation of the ultimate fallouts, the analyses demonstrated a confirmatory model with eighteen scales determining five practices: strategic integrity, human resource management, technologies and tools, eco-production, and eco-networks. The findings further revealed robust correlations among these core practices within the model.
Originality/value
The contribution of this study entails depicting and discussing a measurement model for future research since there is currently no empirically validated model available to measure this multidimensional green initiative.
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Tareq Osaili, Reyad Shaker Obaid, Sadi Taha, Sofia Kayyaal, Rima Ali, Manal Osama, Refaa Alajmi, Anas A. Al-Nabulsi, Amin Olaimat, Fayeza Hasan and Mutamed Ayyash
The aims of this study were to assess the food safety knowledge amongst domestic workers in the UAE and test the association between their socio-demographic characteristics and…
Abstract
Purpose
The aims of this study were to assess the food safety knowledge amongst domestic workers in the UAE and test the association between their socio-demographic characteristics and food safety knowledge.
Design/methodology/approach
A non-probabilistic sample of 231 domestic workers who help families in food preparation and/or cooking participated in this cross-sectional study. The participants completed a questionnaire composed of socio-demographic characteristics and four different aspects of food safety knowledge (personal hygiene, food poisoning, cross-contamination and temperature control).
Findings
It was observed that the domestic workers had inadequate knowledge about food safety with an overall food safety knowledge score of 32.9%. Total knowledge of “personal hygiene” and “cross-contamination” was relatively higher (46.2 and 43.9%, respectively) than that of “food poisoning” (18.1%) and “temperature control” (23.3%). A significant (P-value < 0.05) association was observed between overall food safety knowledge and marital status, age and education level, but not nationality of domestic workers (Asian or African).
Originality/value
The findings of this study are expected to encourage policy makers mandate food safety trainings for this segment of the population besides helping them in creating awareness and training programs regarding food safety.
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Tareq Osaili, Anas A. Al-Nabulsi, Balqees I.H. Albluwi, Amin Olaimat, Reyad Shaker Obaid, Sadi Taha, Mutamed Ayyash and Richard Holley
This study examined the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of Jordanian dairy employees about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) characteristics and the effect of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examined the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of Jordanian dairy employees about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) characteristics and the effect of precautionary measures on food safety risk during the pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional study was conducted between Dec 17, 2020 and Feb 22, 2021, involving a total of 428 participants across 34 random chosen dairy facilities in Jordan. KAP related to COVID-19 were measured by 46 items, while 13 items were used to examine perceived notions regarding COVID-19 precautionary measures on food safety.
Findings
The results indicated that 32.2% of the respondents had sufficient knowledge, 60.3% had a good attitude, and 27.1% followed correct practices concerning COVID-19. Moreover, female respondents had higher total KAP scores of COVID-19 characteristics than males. Furthermore, older and more experienced respondents had higher total KAP scores than younger respondents. This study also observed that the total KAP scores were not affected by education, marital status, and job position. Characteristics and measures taken by the dairy industry were at large significantly associated with (p < 0.05) knowledge and practice of employees about COVID-19 attributes. Results of this study suggested that Jordanian dairy workers were not adequately aware about COVID-19.
Originality/value
No such study on dairy workers has been conducted previously to the best of the authors’ knowledge. Moreover, studies which analyse the association of industry response and characteristics on the KAP of employees are very limited.
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The integration of religion and democracy in the Kuwait National Assembly (KNA) produced definitions of democracy distinct from others in the region as well as from Kuwait's own…
Abstract
The integration of religion and democracy in the Kuwait National Assembly (KNA) produced definitions of democracy distinct from others in the region as well as from Kuwait's own national history. The uniqueness of Kuwait's democracy in the Arabian Peninsula is primarily due to the establishment of its parliament and constitution, which make it a constitutional rather than an absolute monarchy. The development of Kuwait's democracy relied heavily on the construction of its monumental national assembly building, designed to mix symbols of democracy as understood in Western discourse (see, for instance, the columniation inspired by the Greek Pantheon) with images inspired by local elements (like the tent): this combination allows the building to produce an image of democracy and independence that resonates with local as well as international populations.
The initial plan for the development of a national assembly building in Kuwait included a mosque that would have become part of the assembly complex. The mosque building was later replaced by a prayer hall inside the KNA building, and at the same time a decision to build a state mosque in a different location within the old city of Kuwait was confirmed. The separation of the two structures can be read, at first glance, as an important symbolic action expressing the separation of the church and state; yet an in-depth analysis of the KNA's design suggests different conclusions. This chapter explores how the design of the KNA building is apparently rooted in universal laws of spirituality and religion; on a related note, the tent-inspired building reveals a reliance on ancient religious traditions and proportions.
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The purpose of this study is to illustrate that Reformism dominates much of Arab thought, and it has continued to be a major source of inspiration for contemporary Islamic…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to illustrate that Reformism dominates much of Arab thought, and it has continued to be a major source of inspiration for contemporary Islamic philosophy. Thereafter, it shows that Amin Elkholy was a pioneer of reformism whose innovative thinking led Abd-el-Jabaar Elrefa’I and others to recognize him as the first hermeneuticist in the history of Islam.
Design/methodology/approach
The research traces Islamic Reformism's rise and development, evaluates its status in the map of modern Arab/Islamic thought and determines its main figures until arriving at Amin Elkholy. Then, it shows that through evolutionism and a comprehensive evolutionistic approach, Elkholy undertook renewal in Islamic reformism as a multidimensional innovation. So, the interaction between traditional renovation and Western evolutionism produced a highly fruitful philosophy of innovation and progress.
Findings
First, Islamic Reformism contains potential for continuous advancement and development. Second, Amin Elkholy has introduced a model of Islamic Reformism and achieved the situation of authenticity/modernization in a way that seems very compatible with our postmodernism era and postmodernist philosophy.
Research limitations/implications
The research framework has been Modern Arab Thought and Contemporary Islamic Philosophy since the beginning of the 19th Century. The approach entails some future expectations.
Practical implications
The approach entails some future expectations and suggests topics for further research.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, it is the first time to notice some compatibility between Islamic Reformism and postmodernism.
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Nur Syaedah Kamis and Norazlina Abd. Wahab
This paper aims to explore the level of hibah knowledge among Muslims in Kedah and investigate its determinants, consisting of education level, education stream, religiosity…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the level of hibah knowledge among Muslims in Kedah and investigate its determinants, consisting of education level, education stream, religiosity, social influence and social media.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is quantitative in nature. Questionnaires were distributed to collect data from Muslims in Alor Setar, Kedah. In total, 195 questionnaires were collected and data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis.
Findings
The study finds that Muslims in Alor Setar, Kedah have good knowledge of hibah. Further, education stream, religiosity, social influence and social media were identified as significant factors that influence their knowledge of hibah.
Research limitations/implications
The first limitation is its narrow focus in surveying Muslims only in Alor Setar, Kedah. The second limitation is the limited number of determinants used in investigating hibah knowledge among Muslims and the techniques used in analyzing the data. Despite these limitations, the study’s findings provide invaluable insights into the factors influencing hibah knowledge among Muslims in Alor Setar, Kedah.
Practical implications
This study provides insights regarding the significant personal factors and environmental factors to increase Muslims’ knowledge of hibah. The link between the Islamic education stream and hibah knowledge provides a clear indication that Islamic education can curb the economic problems caused by the substantial amounts of frozen and unclaimed assets in Malaysia. A significant relationship between the environmental factors (social influence and social media) and hibah knowledge also implies that the government and private agencies related to Islamic estate planning and management may use these significant determinants as part of the marketing strategy to increase the usage of hibah as an alternative tool for estate planning.
Originality/value
This study contributes to a better understanding of Muslims’ knowledge about hibah. The government and related agencies in Islamic estate planning and management can now gain better insights into Muslims’ level of knowledge about hibah and the factors influencing their knowledge of hibah as an effective tool for Islamic estate planning and management. Hence, more effective strategies can be recommended to enhance the knowledge of Muslims on hibah. The findings of this study should be of value to the government in its effort to address the increasing number of frozen estates in Malaysia.