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Over the last few decades, a large number of research studies have been carried out on project manager's leadership competencies. However, systematic literature reviews are still scarce in the project management literature. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to conduct a systematic literature review on project manager's leadership competencies based on published empirical research studies.

The authors employed a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology to synthesize research in a rigorous manner and a total of 1,780 articles were identified in the first step and a final sample of 60 research studies were synthesized.

Synthesis of the findings in this SLR on project manager's leadership competencies revealed: (a) there is a lack of categorization or ranking of leadership competencies; (b) 20 research studies (46%) were conducted with sample sizes of less than 100; (c) only a few research studies (<10%) used interview data for analysis; and (d) none of the research studies reported adoption of a triangulation method.

This study synthesized clusters of leadership competencies and prioritized project manager's leadership competencies as “high priority”, “moderate priority” and “low priority”. We recommend a sample size between 200 and 300 to produce sophisticated results and enhance the credibility, generalizability and validity of clusters and priorities of project manager's leadership competencies through future research.

Future research studies are suggested to consider systematic literature review combined with face-to-face and group interview in addition to employing triangulation methods. Besides highlighting implications for practitioners, this SLR has advanced the understanding of how to conduct systematic literature reviews in a robust manner.

This study aims to evaluate the dyeing of the p-aramid fibre with cationic dyes and investigate the effect of dyeing in the protection of the fibre from ultraviolet (UV) light.

P-aramid fabric has been dyed with cationic dyes using benzyl alcohol as swelling agent to promote the penetration of dye molecules into the fibre. The fabrics were evaluated against colour strength (K/S) value and colour fastness properties after dyed with cationic dyes using full factorial design. This design was used to study the effect of factors that affect the response variables as well as to study the interactions among the factors on response variable. The bursting strength, scanning electron microscopy analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis of undyed and dyed p-aramid fabric were performed before and after exposure to UV light to investigate the changes in mechanical behaviour.

The results show that the p-aramid fabric dyed with cationic dyes has good K/S values and good fastness properties. The exposure of undyed p-aramid fabric to UV light causes serious loss in strength over short duration i.e. 40 h. Dyeing of p-aramid fabric enhances the resistance to UV light which reduces the loss in strength.

Most of the work is patented and no one has done the process optimization for the industry, so this study offers promising outcomes concerning the dyeing of p-aramid fabric with enhanced shade depth and good colour fastness characteristics.

The purpose of this study was to produce yarns from three different spinning techniques, i.e.Murata Vortex Spinning (MVS) ring spinning and rotor spinning. Those yarns were then used to produce fabrics. Then, the effect of silicone softener on tactile comfort of fabric was investigated.

Three different yarns, i.e. Ring, Rotor and MVS yarns, were used to make fabrics using CCI sample loom which were then subjected to post treatments like desizing, scouring and bleaching. After the completion of the dyeing process, silicone-based softener was used to improve the hand feel of fabrics. The structures of three yarns were evaluated using Scanning electron microscopy. The fabrics were evaluated against compression, bending and surface properties using Kawabata evaluation system.

The fabric made of MVS yarn depicted more geometrical roughness, coefficient of friction and bending rigidity but less compressibility as compared to fabrics made with other yarns. It was observed that softener concentration has a direct relationship with thickness and bending rigidity of the fabric, and inverse relationship with coefficient of friction and geometrical roughness of the fabric.

MVS yarn has some superior properties over rotor and ring spun yarn like high production rates, high resistance to pilling, clear appearance and stability against deformation but has disadvantage that it has less compressibility. Therefore, softener is applied on the fabric, to address this issue, so that it could also be used for apparels application.

Developing on the base of theory of planned behaviour (TPB), the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between perceived social support (SS) from one’s social network and entrepreneurial intention (EI). Moreover, mediating effect of other constructs of TPB, i.e., attitude towards entrepreneurship (ATE), subjective norms (SN) and perceived behavioural control (PBC) is also examined in this study.

This study involves a variance-based partial least square-structural equation modelling approach for analysing responses from 381 fresh business graduates.

Findings of this study revealed that SS positively influences EI and also that this relationship is fully mediated by ATE, SN and PBC.

Due to limited resources, cross cultural comparison and multi-group analysis were not performed, which are considered as a limitation of this study.

It is expected that the findings of this study can help policy makers, researchers and academicians in better understanding of critical role of SS for understanding the intentions of nascent entrepreneurs.

Further, findings of this study suggest that academicians and policy makers need to take heed towards relatively less explored phenomenon of SS to enhance the attractiveness of entrepreneurial career in fresh business graduates.

This study has proposed a model for assessing impact of SS on EI. By doing so, this study extends TPB in the context of EI. Moreover, findings of this study are a unique step forward, and offer a new insight towards better understanding of the determinants of EI in fresh business graduates.

Although entrepreneurial behaviour is considered a key element for economic development, yet very less is known about the determinants of factors leading towards entrepreneurial intention and behaviour. In order to bridge this gap, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of social support and entrepreneurial skills in determining entrepreneurial behaviour of individuals. Developing on the base of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this study investigates the relationship between social support, entrepreneurial skills and entrepreneurial behaviour along with existing constructs of the TPB (i.e. attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and entrepreneurial intention).

Data was collected from 281 respondents using a simple random sampling method, and the variance-based partial least-squares, structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach was used for testing the proposed conceptual model.

Findings of this study have validated the proposed model, which have an explanatory power of 68.3 per cent. Moreover, findings reveal that social support and entrepreneurial skills have a significant impact on entrepreneurial intention of individuals. However, an unanticipated and non-significant relation between subjective norms and entrepreneurial intention is also found.

Due to the limited scope of this study, a multi-group analysis is not possible, which is considered as a limitation of this study. Moreover, due to time constraints, this study is conducted within a specified time-frame; however, a longitudinal study over a period of three to six years can overcome this limitation.

Findings of this study are expected to have substantial implications for policy makers, future researchers and academicians. Outcomes of this study can help to better understand the cognitive phenomenon of nascent entrepreneurs. Moreover, it is expected that this study can serve as a torch-bearer for policy makers to develop better entrepreneurial development programmes, policies and initiatives for promoting self-employment behaviour.

Findings of this study are a unique step forward and offer new insights towards a better understanding of the determinants of entrepreneurial behaviour. Moreover, this study extends Ajzen’s (1991) TPB in the context of entrepreneurial behaviour. By introducing and investigating the impact of two new variables, i.e. social support and entrepreneurial skills in the TPB and by validating the proposed model with PLS-SEM approach, this study makes a sizeable theoretical, methodological and contextual contribution in the overall body of knowledge.

Ethical entrepreneurship and financing models based on Islamic principles are insufficiently researched and discussed in the emerging plural economic landscape. So far, Islamic theorists have made commendable efforts in this direction. To fill the knowledge gaps, this study aims to explore more rigorously the interdependence of halal entrepreneurship and Islamic finance in creating a strong halal ecosystem.

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, a systematic literature review (SLR) of 33 articles from 2001 to 2024 was conducted to answer three research questions. Publications were obtained using purposive sampling from the Scopus database. They were selected based on the ranking of high-quality journals, global coverage relevance to research and base years of publications.

Three key findings emerged from the SLR using the PRISMA protocol. First, halal entrepreneurship and Islamic finance complement each other by providing Shari’ah-compliant financial instruments, fostering ethical practices, enhancing market reach and ensuring business operations adhere to Islamic principles, thereby creating a cohesive halal ecosystem. Second, the strategic integration of halal entrepreneurship and Islamic finance – through innovation, sustainability practices, Shari’ah-compliant products, effective marketing and regulatory support – promotes economic growth, social welfare and sustainable development within the halal ecosystem. Third, Maqasid-ul Shari’ah principles guide halal entrepreneurship and Islamic finance by ensuring ethical standards, promoting social justice, emphasizing sustainability and ensuring that business and financial practices benefit society and adhere to Islamic ethical standards. These findings aid in developing a theoretically grounded conceptual framework for future empirical investigation.

Practically, policymakers, Islamic financial institutions and halal entrepreneurs can leverage this integrated approach to drive economic growth, social welfare and sustainable development, aligning operations with Maqasid-ul Shari’ah to ensure ethical standards and societal benefits. In addition, the findings aid in developing a theoretically grounded conceptual framework for future empirical investigation, both theoretically and methodologically.

Given the paucity of studies in this multidisciplinary area, this paper offers new insights into the interdependence of halal entrepreneurship and Islamic finance, grounded in the finance–growth nexus theory and Maqasid-ul Shari’ah principles. Unlike other exploratory studies, this research presents a theoretically grounded conceptual framework, paving the way for future empirical investigations.

Analyzing and reducing entropy generation is useful for enhancing the thermodynamic performance of engineering systems. This study aims to explore how polymers and nanoparticles in the presence of Lorentz forces influence the fluid behavior and heat transfer characteristics to lessen energy loss and entropy generation.

The dispersion model is initially used to examine the behavior of polymer additives over a magnetized surface. The governing system of partial differential equations (PDEs) is subsequently reduced through the utilization of similarity transformation techniques. Entropy analysis is primarily performed through the implementation of numerical computations on a non-Newtonian polymeric FENE-P model.

The numerical simulations conducted in the presence of Lorentz forces provide significant insights into the consequences of adding polymers to the base fluid. The findings suggest that such an approach minimizes entropy in the flow region. Through the utilization of polymer-MHD (magnetohydrodynamic) interactions, it is feasible to reduce energy loss and improve the efficiency of the system.

This study’s primary motivation and novelty lie in examining the significance of polymer additives as agents that reduce entropy generation on a magnetic surface. The author looks at how nanofluids affect the development of entropy and the loss of irreversibility. To do this, the author uses the Lorentz force, the Soret effect and the Dufour effect to minimize entropy. The findings contribute to fluid mechanics and thermodynamics by providing valuable insights for engineering systems to increase energy efficiency and conserve resources.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of audit committee (AC) characteristics, such as AC size, AC independence and gender diversity on firm risk in the context of an emerging market.

The sample data includes 102 nonfinancial Pakistan Stock Exchange listed firms from 2004 to 2018. Firm risk is measured through three proxies, namely, idiosyncratic risk, total risk and capital expenditure. Along with this, profitability, leverage, market-to-book ratio, firm age, net property plant and equipment (NPPE) and surplus cash are used as control variables. The Housman test is used to select the best model from the fixed-effect model and the random effect model to conclude the findings.

According to the study's findings, AC characteristics have a negative and significant relationship with idiosyncratic risk. In addition, a gender-diverse AC has a significant negative relationship with capital expenditure. In connection with total risk, AC characteristics fail to shows any significant relationship. Among the control variables, the results show that profitability stand for return on asset (ROA) and NPPE have a significant negative relationship, whereas market-to-book value has a significant positive relationship with both idiosyncratic and total risk.

The study's findings offer policymakers, managers and investors guidance. This study will provide new insights to the Pakistani Government, stock market, companies and accounting and auditing regulators in terms of understanding the determinants influencing risk management activities. Furthermore, this study will assist financial institutions in making credit decisions. In addition, this study provides policymakers, such as the stand for Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), with guidelines for developing policies that strengthen the board governance mechanism.

This study investigates the impact of AC characteristics on corporate risk, which is rarely discussed in emerging economies.

This paper aims to discuss the salient aspects of the Darcy–Forchheimer flow of viscous liquid in carbon nanotubes (CNTs). CNTs are considered as nanofluid, and water is taken as the continuous phase liquid. The flow features are discussed via curved surface. Water is taken as the base liquid. Flow is generated via nonlinear stretching. Energy expression is modeled subject to heat generation/absorption. Furthermore, convective conditions are considered at the boundary. The Xue model is used in the mathematical modeling which describes the features of nanomaterials. Both types of CNTs are considered, i.e. single-walled CNTs and multi-walled CNTs.

Appropriate transformations are used to convert the flow expressions into dimensionless differential equations. The bvp4c method is used for solution development.

Velocity enhances via higher estimations of nanoparticles volume fraction while decays for higher Forchheimer number, curvature parameter, behavior index and porosity parameter. Furthermore, thermal field is an increasing function of nanoparticle volume fraction, behavior index, Forchheimer number and porosity parameter.

Here, the authors have discussed two-dimensional CNTs-based nanomaterial Darcy–Forchheimer flow of viscous fluid over a curved surface. The authors believe that all the outcomes and numerical techniques are original and have not been published elsewhere.

This paper aims to investigate whether negative and positive monetary policy (MP) shocks have asymmetric impacts on corporate firms’ investment decisions in Pakistan using firm-level panel data set. Moreover, the authors emphasized on symmetric effects of MP; the authors examine whether high-leverage and low-leverage firms respond differently to negative and positive unanticipated shocks in MP instruments.

In contrast to the conventional framework of VAR, it uses an alternative methodology of Taylor rule to estimate unanticipated MP shocks. The two-step system-generalized method of movement (GMM) estimation method is applied to examine the effect of MP shocks on firm investment through leverage-based asymmetry.

The two-step system-GMM estimation results indicate that unanticipated negative changes (unfavorable shocks) in MP instruments have negative, significant effects on investment. In contrast, unanticipated positive changes (favorable shocks) have statistically insignificant impacts on firm investment. The results also reveal that firm leverage has a significant role in establishing the effect of unanticipated negative changes in MP instruments on investments. Finally, the results indicate that high-leverage firms respond more to negative changes than low-leverage firms. Yet, the results show that only low-leverage firms positively respond to unanticipated positive shocks in MP.

The findings of the paper suggest that MP authorities should pay due attention to the asymmetric effects of MP shocks on firm investment while designing MP. Because firm leverage has a significant influence on the effects of MP shocks, firm managers should take into account such role of leverage while deciding capital structure of their firms.

First, unlike “Keynesian asymmetry” and most of published empirical research work, the authors use both unanticipated negative and positive MP shocks simultaneously. Departing from the conventional empirical literature, the authors differentiate between unanticipated positive and negative shocks in MP using the backward-looking Taylor rule. Second, the authors contribute to the existing literature by investigating the differential effects of positive and negative unanticipated MP shocks on firms’ investment decisions. Unlike the published studies that have emphasized on the symmetric effects of MP, the authors examine whether high-leverage and low-leverage firms respond differently to negative and positive unanticipated shocks in MP instruments.