Arslan Akram, Saba Ramzan, Akhtar Rasool, Arfan Jaffar, Usama Furqan and Wahab Javed
This paper aims to propose a novel splicing detection method using a discriminative robust local binary pattern (DRLBP) with a support vector machine (SVM). Reliable detection of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a novel splicing detection method using a discriminative robust local binary pattern (DRLBP) with a support vector machine (SVM). Reliable detection of image splicing is of growing interest due to the extensive utilization of digital images as a communication medium and the availability of powerful image processing tools. Image splicing is a commonly used forgery technique in which a region of an image is copied and pasted to a different image to hide the original contents of the image.
Design/methodology/approach
The structural changes caused due to splicing are robustly described by DRLBP. The changes caused by image forgery are localized, so as a first step, localized description is divided into overlapping blocks by providing an image as input. DRLBP descriptor is calculated for each block, and the feature vector is created by concatenation. Finally, features are passed to the SVM classifier to predict whether the image is genuine or forged.
Findings
The performance and robustness of the method are evaluated on public domain benchmark data sets and achieved 98.95% prediction accuracy. The results are compared with state-of-the-art image splicing finding approaches, and it shows that the performance of the proposed method is improved using the given technique.
Originality/value
The proposed method is using DRLBP, an efficient texture descriptor, which combines both corner and inside design detail in a single representation. It produces discriminative and compact features in such a way that there is no need for the feature selection process to drop the redundant and insignificant features.
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Shamshad Ahmed, Arslan Sheikh and Muhammad Akram
Knowledge management (KM) is an emerging method of management. This study aims to explore the various aspects of implementing KM in university libraries of Pakistan.
Abstract
Purpose
Knowledge management (KM) is an emerging method of management. This study aims to explore the various aspects of implementing KM in university libraries of Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire, and data were collected from 75 chief librarians and reference librarians of 48 university libraries of Pakistan. A total of 60 valid responses received and analyzed using SPSS version-21.
Findings
The results disclose that a majority of respondents are familiar with KM, and literature reading is the major source of their awareness. The Pakistani academic librarians believe that KM can be applied, in the reference services, resources sharing, networking and information literacy programs of libraries. While, need for professional training and KM education are also reported. KM can be implemented in libraries through, use of ICT, developing knowledge sharing culture and developing mentorship in organizations. A lack of staff training, lack of expertise in KM, lack of knowledge gaining and sharing culture, lack of understanding of KM concept and its benefits and a lack of IT infrastructure are the major challenges faced by library and information science (LIS) professionals. Communication skills, information management skills, IT skills, leadership skills, human resource management skills are identified as key skills for the implementation of KM.
Practical implications
This study provides a base to develop a KM strategy and implementation plan for academic libraries in Pakistan. It will facilitate to constitute an important step toward the management of intangible assets in Pakistani libraries.
Originality/value
The results of the study will unveil the perceptions of academic librarians toward KM. It will help to understand the relationship between KM and LIS. The study will also identify the challenges faced by librarians and skills required for the implementation of KM in libraries.
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Hafiz Wasim Akram, LĂ©o-Paul Dana, Haidar Abbas and Md. Daoud Ciddikie
Family startups are essential to a nation’s development because they foster creativity, economic expansion, and job creation. They introduce novel concepts, game-changing…
Abstract
Family startups are essential to a nation’s development because they foster creativity, economic expansion, and job creation. They introduce novel concepts, game-changing technologies, and innovative business approaches to the market. Family startups also help a country be more competitive abroad by luring capital, encouraging entrepreneurship, and diversifying the economy beyond its core industries. Additionally, family startups operate as agents of social change by addressing societal problems and providing answers that benefit communities. Therefore, fostering a thriving start-up ecosystem is crucial for a nation’s long-term sustainable development and prosperity. Against this background, this book chapter examines the potential and difficulties that family startups in Oman’s developing entrepreneurial environment confront. The chapter explores the challenges faced by entrepreneurs as well as the opportunities for growth and innovation in this dynamic market to illuminate the distinctive dynamics of the Omani start-up scene.
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Hisham Idrees, Syed Arslan Haider, Jin Xu, Shehnaz Tehseen and Naveed Jan
This study aims to investigate the mediating effect of innovation on the relationship between KM (KM) capabilities and organisational performance in the context of construction…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the mediating effect of innovation on the relationship between KM (KM) capabilities and organisational performance in the context of construction firms operating in Pakistan. Worldwide innovation predicts the performance of any firm. Today, the construction industry in Pakistan is booming, which reinforces the need for a study on innovation and KM in this sector.
Design/methodology/approach
This empirical study uses a correlational research design. An online survey questionnaire was used as a data collection method. Through convenient sampling, the sample comprised 277 employees from different construction firms working under the Defence Housing Authority (a construction company operating in major cities) in Pakistan. Data were analysed through partial least squares-structural equation modelling (Smart PLS-SEM version 3) to assess the hypothesis.
Findings
Data analysis reveals that KM dimensions, knowledge acquisition, application and protection positively and significantly influence organisational performance; however, knowledge conversion is insignificant. Furthermore, innovation positively and substantially mediates the relationship between knowledge acquisition, application, protection, organisational performance and the insignificant terms of knowledge conversion.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited to the construction industry, and future research should be conducted on larger scales for better generalisation. Other mediators between KM and organisational performance (i.e. organisational complexity, workplace environment, employee knowledge-sharing attitude) should be investigated.
Practical implications
These results are crucial and encourage managers in the construction industry, especially from a developing country like Pakistan, to understand the importance of innovation, the application of KM and the essential role it has in boosting business performance.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the scholarly debate on the mediating role of innovation in the relationship between KM and organisational performance. It also expands the literature on KM through an empirical investigation on the innovation of the construction industry in Pakistan from a management perspective.
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Syed Arslan Haider, Muhammad Zubair, Shehnaz Tehseen, Shahid Iqbal and Mariam Sohail
Research on adopting leadership style like ambidextrous leadership to enhance employees' innovative work behavior (IWB) is in an initial stage. Moreover, employees need a high…
Abstract
Purpose
Research on adopting leadership style like ambidextrous leadership to enhance employees' innovative work behavior (IWB) is in an initial stage. Moreover, employees need a high knowledge sharing attitude to show more IWB. The purpose of this study is to empirically test the impact of ambidextrous leadership on IWB with the mediating role of knowledge sharing and the moderating role of innovativeness as a project requirement (IAPR).
Design/methodology/approach
The simple random sampling technique was used to collect data from 542 employees of project-based construction companies operating in Pakistan. Smart partial least squares-structural equation modeling (Smart PLS SEM v.3.2.8) was used to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The result revealed that ambidextrous leadership has a significant and positive effect on knowledge sharing but negative effect on IWB at the workplace. Additionally, the mediating role of knowledge sharing has been tested and proved to be a potential mediator between ambidextrous leadership and IWB. Also, IAPR as moderator has a significant and positive effect on knowledge sharing and IWB.
Practical implications
The managers need to develop an ambidexterity-oriented strategy and communicate this strategy across the members of the whole organization. These processes can be facilitated by ambidextrous leaders with complex behavioral repertoires and specific constellations and characteristics of top management teams.
Originality/value
The relationship between ambidextrous leadership and IWB is the new contribution through the mediating of knowledge sharing between AL and IWB also moderation role IWB between knowledge sharing and IWB.
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Wilkista Lore Obiero and Seher GĂĽlĹźah Topuz
This study aims to determine whether there is an effect of internal and public debt on income inequality in Kenya for the period 1970–2018.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine whether there is an effect of internal and public debt on income inequality in Kenya for the period 1970–2018.
Design/methodology/approach
The relationship is examined by using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model by Pesaran et al. (2001) and Toda Yamamoto causality by Toda and Yamamoto (1995).
Findings
Our findings suggest that both internal and public debt harm inequality in Kenya in the long term. Furthermore, a one-way causality from internal debt to income inequality is also obtained while no causality relationship is found to exist between public debt and income inequality. Based on these findings, the study recommends that to reduce income inequality levels in Kenya, other methods of financing other than debt financing should be preferred because debt financing is not pro-poor.
Originality/value
This study is unique based on the fact that no previous paper has analysed the debt and inequality relationship in Kenya. To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first study to analyse the applicability of redistribution effect of debt in Kenya. The study is also different in that it provides separate analysis for public debt and internal debt on their effects on income inequality.
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Cong Doanh Duong, Thanh Hieu Nguyen, Thi Viet Nga Ngo, Quang Yen Tran, Minh Hoa Nguyen and Thi Thu Phuong Pham
This research applies the stimulus-organism-behavior-consequence framework to explore how blockchain-enabled traceability influences trust in organic food producers and retailers…
Abstract
Purpose
This research applies the stimulus-organism-behavior-consequence framework to explore how blockchain-enabled traceability influences trust in organic food producers and retailers, which impacts consumers’ purchase behaviors and subsequent outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a purposive sample of 5,326 Vietnamese consumers, multiple linear and polynomial regression with response surface analysis were employed to examine the hypotheses.
Findings
Blockchain-enabled traceability significantly enhances trust in both producers and retailers, which congruently and incongruently influences organic food purchase behaviors. This behavior also drives consumers’ word-of-mouth and repurchase intentions. Serial mediation analysis confirms blockchain’s impact through trust and purchase behaviors.
Research limitations/implications
Stakeholders should adopt blockchain to boost transparency and trust, which increases consumer engagement. Policymakers can support this transition through regulations and incentives to enhance food security and sustainability.
Originality/value
This study expands on blockchain research by applying the stimulus-organism-behavior-consequence framework in the organic food supply chain, showing how blockchain-enhanced trust synergistically affects consumers’ purchase behaviors, word-of-mouth and repurchase intentions.
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Daniel Agyapong and Kojo Asare Bedjabeng
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role external debt and foreign direct investment play in influencing financial development in Africa.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role external debt and foreign direct investment play in influencing financial development in Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
Annual data on external debt, foreign direct investment and financial development were extracted from the World Bank World Development Indicators from 2002 to 2015. The data employed were analysed within causal research design and the dynamic panel using generalized method of moment estimation approach.
Findings
The findings revealed that external debt and foreign direct investment have a significant positive relationship with financial development in African economies. Governments of the sampled economies should enact policies that would help attract high level of foreign direct investment as it contributes positively to financial development. Finally, governments of the sampled African economies should ensure foreign direct investment and external funds borrowed are channelled to productive sectors.
Originality/value
The paper analysed the relationship between external debt, FDI inflows and financial sector development. The paper is the first in terms of such analysis within the framework of the dual-gap framework, which is the first time in these kinds of studies. Previous studies have concentrated on the effect of financial sector on FDI and not the other way around.
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Davood Ghorbanzadeh, Atena Rahehagh and Maryam Ghiyasi
Due to changing consumer thinking patterns and market dynamics, the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry has changed dramatically in the past few years. Considering this, this…
Abstract
Purpose
Due to changing consumer thinking patterns and market dynamics, the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry has changed dramatically in the past few years. Considering this, this study aims to examine the influence of perceived brand globalness and perceived brand localness on consumer word of mouth through brand attitude by considering consumer ethnocentrism and perceived brand origin as moderators.
Design/methodology/approach
This study obtained 750 responses from Turkish consumers through a survey and analyzed the data using the maximum-likelihood estimation technique with structural equation modeling.
Findings
This study discovered that perceived brand globalness and perceived brand localness are critical components that drive brand attitude, influencing consumers' WOM toward global and local QSR brands. Similarly, perceived brand globalness and perceived brand localness are important brand attributes influencing consumer WOM. Importantly, this study found the significant effects of perceived brand origin on brand attitude mainly toward perceived local brands compared to global QSR brands. Although this study did not uncover the influence of consumer ethnocentrism as expected. However, these insights may assist global and local managers to rethink their strategies toward Turkish consumer settings.
Research limitations/implications
This study was conducted exclusively in Turkey. However, additional studies in other countries, such as the comparative Asian versus European consumers' perspectives, may be considered to generalize the findings.
Practical implications
This study provides recommendations to global and local managers to support them in designing and executing several brand positioning strategies in the QSR industry.
Originality/value
This novel study contributes to the accessibility diagnostic theory and signaling theory by examining consumers' perceptions of local and global brands.
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Lei Mee Thien, Donnie Adams and Hai Ming Koh
This study aims to investigate the relationships between distributed leadership, teacher academic optimism and teacher organisational commitment with the contextual influence of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationships between distributed leadership, teacher academic optimism and teacher organisational commitment with the contextual influence of gender and teaching experience.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed partial least squares structural equation modelling for data analysis. This study has selected 421 teachers from 18 secondary schools in Penang.
Findings
Distributed leadership has a positive direct effect on teacher academic optimism and organisational commitment. The relationship between distributed leadership and teacher academic optimism was stronger for male teachers and senior teachers who have more than ten years of teaching experience. However, gender and teaching experience have no significant moderating effects on the relationship between distributed leadership and teacher organisational commitment.
Research limitations/implications
The reason for the non-existent relationship between distributed leadership and teacher organisational commitment across gender and teaching experience remains unknown. In-depth investigation using interview method is required for further exploration.
Practical implications
This study complements and extends prior research on the relationships between distributed leadership, teacher organisational commitment and teacher academic optimism by providing evidence from Malaysia on how they contribute to the organisational conditions of their school.
Originality/value
This study has its originality in investigating the relationships between distributed leadership, teacher organisational commitment and academic optimism with the contextual influence of gender and teaching experience in the non-western society.