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1 – 10 of 122Atif Hussain, Abdul Hannan and Muhammad Shafiq
Customer reviews of mobile banking (m-banking) apps contain the most direct and first-hand accounts of customer experiences with m-banking. However, surprisingly little effort has…
Abstract
Purpose
Customer reviews of mobile banking (m-banking) apps contain the most direct and first-hand accounts of customer experiences with m-banking. However, surprisingly little effort has been made to understand m-banking service quality using these reviews. Therefore, this study aims to discover m-banking service quality dimensions from customers' reviews of the m-banking apps through a text mining approach.
Design/methodology/approach
Reviews of m-banking apps of 24 banks operating in Pakistan were scraped from Google Play Store. Latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) method was applied to discover the dimensions of m-banking service quality from 24,529 positive and 29,569 negative useable reviews.
Findings
Different dimensions of m-banking service quality are discussed in positive and negative reviews. Positive reviews focus on security, convenience, ease of use, continuous improvement, usefulness and app attributes, whereas negative reviews discuss system availability, responsiveness, faulty updates, login problems and reliability.
Research limitations/implications
The results are based only on customer reviews in one country and generalization may not be possible. Moreover, due to the unavailability of demographic information about reviewers, the effect of demographic characteristics on users' perceptions of m-banking quality could not be determined.
Practical implications
The study provides managers with useful insights to improve the service experience of m-banking customers. The study also demonstrates how managers can employ text analytical techniques to assess and improve the quality of m-banking services.
Originality/value
In addition to enriching the understanding of m-banking quality based on direct and first-hand user experiences, the current study also provides initial evidence for the two-factor structure of m-banking service quality.
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Fareena Nadeem, Atif Hussain and Muhammad Usman Awan
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial orientation and total quality management on quality performance of pharmaceutical manufacturers in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial orientation and total quality management on quality performance of pharmaceutical manufacturers in Pakistan. It also investigates the mediating role played by total quality management in the EO-QP relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 115 pharmaceutical manufacturers in Pakistan. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze data.
Findings
The results show entrepreneurial orientation that and total quality management positively and significantly affect quality performance. Moreover, the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on quality performance is partially mediated by total quality management.
Research limitations/implications
The study uses cross-sectional data. Therefore, the long-term effect of entrepreneurial orientation and total quality management on quality performance could not be determined. Moreover, quality performance has been measured based on perceptual data, which may be prone to biases, entrepreneurial orientation (EO), quality performance (QP), total quality management (TQM).
Originality/value
The study is unique in providing empirical evidence linking entrepreneurial orientation with quality performance through the mediating role of total quality management. Quality performance is vital in the pharmaceutical industry; thus, the study makes a valuable contribution by identifying a new mechanism to achieve it. Moreover, although both entrepreneurial orientation and total quality management are very important, only a few studies have so far investigated their interrelationship. By providing evidence from a new cultural and industrial context, the study makes a valuable contribution to an under-researched yet important area.
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Fatima Shaukat, Muhammad Shafiq and Atif Hussain
As a little research has been conducted to understand the factors influencing users’ intentions to adopt blockchain-based telemedicine (BBT), it is important to investigate BBT…
Abstract
Purpose
As a little research has been conducted to understand the factors influencing users’ intentions to adopt blockchain-based telemedicine (BBT), it is important to investigate BBT acceptance as incorporation of blockchain technology can solve telemedicine-related issues. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the factors influencing behavioral intentions (BI) to adopt BBT.
Design/methodology/approach
An integrated model comprising the constructs taken from technology–organization–environment framework, technology acceptance model, unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and theory of planned behavior based on their relevance to the context and the objectives of the study has been used for this research. A quantitative approach has been used to test the hypotheses, for which the data was collected from 324 respondents through a self-administered questionnaire. Partial least squares structural equation modeling has been used to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The results of the study show that relative advantage, perceived usefulness, trust and perceived ease of use have a significant impact on BI to adopt BBT, whereas regulatory support, subjective norms and facilitating conditions do not have any significant impact on the same.
Research limitations/implications
As the concept of BCT in Pakistan is at its nascent stage and literature regarding this technology’s adoption is also limited, researchers and scholars can apply it to several other fields in Pakistan. For example, this study can be extended to explore the factors influencing blockchain adoption in areas such as education, logistics, transportation, finances and management. This research only considers the direct effects of constructs on BI to adopt BBT and does not consider any mediation and moderations constructs. Future researchers can also study the influence of mediation and moderation constructs on BI to adopt BCT.
Originality/value
Although studies on the acceptance of telemedicine exist, there is a gap concerning the acceptance of BBT, which the current study helps to bridge. From a practical standpoint, the current study makes a highly valuable contribution toward understanding acceptance factors for BBT projects, leading to help policymakers devise policies to promote telemedicine.
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Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to analyze the heat and mass transfer with entropy generation during magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) flow of non-Newtonian Sisko nanofluid over a linearly stretching cylinder under the influence of velocity slip, chemical reaction and thermal radiation. The Brownian motion, thermophoresis and activation energy are assimilated in this nanofluid model. Convective boundary conditions on heat and mass transfer are considered. The physical model may have diverse applications in several areas of technology underlying thermohydrodynamics including supercritical fluid extraction, refrigeration, ink-jet printing and so on.
Design/methodology/approach
The dimensional governing equations are nondimensionalized by using appropriate similarity variables. The resulting boundary value problem is converted into initial value problem using the method of superposition and numerically computed by employing well-known fourth-order Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg approach along with shooting technique (RKF4SM). The quantitative impacts of emerging physical parameters on the velocity, temperature, concentration, skin friction coefficient, Nusselt number, Sherwood number, entropy generation rate and Bejan number are presented graphically and in tabular form, and the salient features are comprehensively discussed.
Findings
From graphical outcomes, it is concluded that the slip parameters greatly influence the flow characteristics. Fluid temperature is elevated with rising radiation parameter and thermal Biot number. Nanoparticle concentration is reported in decreasing form with activation energy parameter. Entropy is found to be an increasing function of magnetic field, Brownian motion and material parameters. The entropy is less generated for shear-thinning fluid compared to shear-thickening as well as Newtonian fluids in the system.
Originality/value
Till now no study has been documented to explore the impact of binary chemical reaction with Arrhenius activation energy on entropy generation in an MHD boundary layer flow of non-Newtonian Sisko nanofluid over a linear stretching cylinder with velocity slip and convective boundary conditions.
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This paper aims to investigate the impact of board characteristics on environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure in the energy industry of emerging economies.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the impact of board characteristics on environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure in the energy industry of emerging economies.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors adopt the Bloomberg ESG rating to measure the extent of ESG disclosure using a sample of 1,260 observations from BRICS emerging economies. Multiple regression techniques were used to estimate the effect of board characteristics on ESG disclosures of a sample Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) listed companies between 2010 and 2019.
Findings
The authors find a relatively low (at 37%) level of ESG disclosure among the sampled firms and a relatively high degree of variability. The authors also find that board gender diversity, board composition and board diligence are positively related to the level of ESG disclosure while the study documents no relationship between board size and ESG disclosure.
Practical implications
The study’s findings highlight the importance of corporate board attributes in influencing strategic decisions such as the level of ESG disclosure and the findings may be useful to regulators, policymakers and investors in making informed investment decisions.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first attempts at examining the impact of board characteristics on ESG disclosure in the energy industry in emerging economies. The paper provides new evidence on the relationship between board characteristics (BC) and ESG disclosure in the energy industry of emerging BRICS countries within a panel multi-country research setting.
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Ayman Issa and Mohammad In’airat
This study aims to investigate the relationship between female leaders at board and executive levels and e-waste reduction in firms listed on the FTSE All-Share Index.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between female leaders at board and executive levels and e-waste reduction in firms listed on the FTSE All-Share Index.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a sample of nonfinancial firms listed in the FTSE All-Share Index between 2004 and 2021, comprising 2,523 firm observations. The primary technique used is ordinary least squares, with subsample analysis and the two-stage least squares method used to address endogeneity concerns.
Findings
This study suggests that the presence of female directors and executives can bring a more comprehensive and diverse approach to e-waste management, which can contribute to improved e-waste reduction initiatives. However, the study also highlights that the impact of female leadership on e-waste reduction may vary based on factors such as the size of the firm and the industry’s carbon footprint.
Practical implications
The practical implications of this research have noteworthy implications for companies and policymakers alike. By placing importance on gender diversity, companies can reap the benefits of diverse perspectives and approaches when addressing environmental challenges. Policymakers, on the other hand, can contribute to positive environmental outcomes by advocating for gender diversity in corporate leadership.
Originality/value
The novelty of this research stems from its discovery that having female directors and executives in a firm leads to a broader and more varied approach to managing e-waste, ultimately enhancing efforts to reduce it. This underscores the significance of gender diversity in advancing sustainable practices within organizations. The study highlights the distinct viewpoints and experiences that women offer when tackling environmental issues in the corporate sphere.
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Frank Lefley and Václav Janeček
The corporate communications literature recently focused on corporate board gender diversity, specifically looking at two central aspects: gender quotas and equitable target…
Abstract
Purpose
The corporate communications literature recently focused on corporate board gender diversity, specifically looking at two central aspects: gender quotas and equitable target percentages for women on corporate boards. This paper extends the debate by focusing on board gender diversity and critical mass theory.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper gives a conceptual viewpoint on the issues raised in the literature on board gender diversity through a critical mass theory lens.
Findings
Following the 2022 European Union (EU) directive, all EU member states will have to attain a 40% women representation on large corporate boards to achieve board gender diversity and what has been termed a “critical mass”. However, the literature indicates that gender diversity benefits may not be achieved if a critical mass is not composed of independent women directors who create a voice that produces a collective action. The authors highlight why a critical mass may not be achieved. The inconsistency in prior research linking corporate board gender diversity to economic performance may result from the critical mass of women directors not reflecting an independent collective action. However, as gender-diverse boards evolve, the authors argue that women will not just be seen as female directors but will be accepted on equal terms with their male counterparts and have an equal voice; gender will no longer be an issue and critical mass theory may then become irrelevant.
Practical implications
From a corporate communications perspective, this study will focus the minds of human resources (HR) professionals on the importance of the composition of women on corporate boards if the HR professionals wish to obtain the full potential benefits of board gender diversity. Theoretically, this study highlights the importance of critical mass and collective action when researching the economic benefits of corporate board gender diversity. Investment analysts may wish to look more closely at the structure of corporate boards and not just the numbers.
Originality/value
This paper gives a conceptual viewpoint on the critical mass theory and corporate board gender diversity, identifying that it is not just the numbers that are important but also the issue of minority independence and collective action, and this is, therefore, unique in this respect. Future research should identify if a critical mass (not just numbers) of women on corporate boards has been achieved. Only then that the linkage, based on critical mass theory, between board gender diversity and corporate performance/profitability can be made. Knowing whether board sizes are being increased to accommodate the added female directors would be also interesting, or will the new female directors replace existing male directors? However, the most important research question, once gender diversity has been achieved, could be: Is critical mass theory relevant with respect to board gender diversity?
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Aitzaz Ahsan Alias Sarang, Asad Ali Rind, Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh Al-Faryan and Asif Saeed
This study aims to examine whether information asymmetry (IA) mediates the relationship between women directors and the cost of equity (COE). Specifically, this study posits that…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine whether information asymmetry (IA) mediates the relationship between women directors and the cost of equity (COE). Specifically, this study posits that women directors tend to lower the COE through the channel of IA.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses the US-listed firms’ data from 2002 to 2014, comprising 11,189 firm-year observations. This study measures the COE by aggregating the four unique market-based COE models and apply pooled ordinary least square to estimate our results.
Findings
This study documents that women directors are linked to IA, and that IA is linked to the COE. Furthermore, in the mediation test, IA fully mediates the relationship between women directors and the COE. This study's results also validate the critical mass hypothesis, as the IA shows full mediation between the critical mass of women directors and COE. This study also discusses the limitations and major implications of the results along with possible future directions.
Social implications
This study also supports the positive role of females in improvising the economic performance of the firms and supporting the sustainable development goals-5 (gender equality).
Originality/value
The originality of this study lies in its theoretical as well as empirical contributions. First, this study follows the line of inquiry of the mediation analysis, thereby contributing by examining whether the relationship between women directors and financial value, i.e. COE, is indirect. Second, in addition to ex post measures of the COE, this study used four ex ante unique market-based models to measure the COE. Most of the prior studies just rely on book-based measures or use a single market-based mode. Third, the findings contribute insights into how women directors add value and benefits firms.
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Asmaa F. Elelamy, Nasser S. Elgazery and R. Ellahi
This paper aims to investigate a mathematical model with numerical simulation for bacterial growth in the heart valve.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate a mathematical model with numerical simulation for bacterial growth in the heart valve.
Design/methodology/approach
For antibacterial activities and antibodies properties, nanoparticles have been used. As antibiotics are commonly thought to be homogeneously dispersed through the blood, therefore, non-Newtonian fluid of Casson micropolar blood flow in the heart valve for two dimensional with variable properties is used. The heat transfer with induced magnetic field translational attraction under the influence of slip is considered for the resemblance of the heart valve prosthesis. The numeral results have been obtained by using the Chebyshev pseudospectral method.
Findings
It is proven that vascular resistance decreases for increasing blood velocity. It is noted that when the magnetic field will be induced from the heart valve prosthesis then it may cause a decrease in vascular resistance. The unbounded molecules and antibiotic concentration that are able to penetrate the bacteria are increased by increasing values of vascular resistance. The bacterial growth density cultivates for upswing values of magnetic permeability and magnetic parameters.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate a mathematical model with numerical simulation for bacterial growth in the heart valve.
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Madiha Ajmal, Rashid Mehmood, Noreen Sher Akbar and Taseer Muhammad
This study aims to focuse on the flow behavior of a specific nanofluid composed of blood-based iron oxide nanoparticles, combined with motile gyrotactic microorganisms, in a…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focuse on the flow behavior of a specific nanofluid composed of blood-based iron oxide nanoparticles, combined with motile gyrotactic microorganisms, in a ciliated channel with electroosmosis.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applies a powerful mathematical model to examine the combined impacts of bio convection and electrokinetic forces on nanofluid flow. The presence of cilia, which are described as wave-like motions on the channel walls, promotes fluid propulsion, which improves mixing and mass transport. The velocity and dispersion of nanoparticles and microbes are modified by the inclusion of electroosmosis, which is stimulated by an applied electric field. This adds a significant level of complexity.
Findings
To ascertain their impact on flow characteristics, important factors such as bio convection Rayleigh number, Grashoff number, Peclet number and Lewis number are varied. The results demonstrate that while the gyrotactic activity of microorganisms contributes to the stability and homogeneity of the nanofluid distribution, electroosmotic forces significantly enhance fluid mixing and nanoparticle dispersion. This thorough study clarifies how to take advantage of electroosmosis and bio convection in ciliated micro channels to optimize nanofluid-based biomedical applications, such as targeted drug administration and improved diagnostic processes.
Originality/value
First paper discussed “Numerical Computation of Cilia Transport of Prandtl Nanofluid (Blood-Fe3O4) Enhancing Convective Heat Transfer along Micro Organisms under Electroosmotic effects in Wavy Capillaries”.
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