Mohammed Wheed Hassan and Kadhim Abdul Wahab Hassan Al-Asadi
The purpose of communicating with your esteemed magazine is your continuous support with Arab researchers and your sponsorship of research on the Arab world.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of communicating with your esteemed magazine is your continuous support with Arab researchers and your sponsorship of research on the Arab world.
Design/methodology/approach
The research design was based on the APA style, and the methodology used in this research study is statistical and applied analysis to reach the desired results.
Findings
The results of this study provide an interesting perspective on the factors that influence changes in variables in Iraq: The prevailing patterns of temperature in Iraq are characterized by a clear pattern, and it is noticeable that they are linked to patterns of distance connection, but it is affected by some local influences, including the different terrain in Iraq. The highest values recorded by the correlation relationship were for the oscillation NAO and EA-WR with −0.812, −0.805, respectively. It is clear from the results that the correlation values are different between the northern and southern stations regions, and that the most influential appeared during the month of January, meaning that the effects of the remote correlation patterns are clearer during the winter season. Most of the correlation values of temperature were at the significance level of 0.5 and 0.1, in addition to that, the correlation was inverse, meaning that when the values of the distance correlation patterns rise, the temperature rates drop above the study stations and vice versa. The effect of SOI appeared during the months of December, April and May, and it recorded a strong correlation with the temperature variable. Most of the oscillations showed different effects with temperature, and it cannot be inferred that the effect is subjected and affected by the oscillation without reference to the extensions of pressure systems and their effects on the local conditions over Iraq.
Research limitations/implications
There are no restrictions.
Originality/value
The topic of the research is one of the modern topics that researchers have not taken up in a large way, and the apparent thesis in the research is one of the effects of the newly observed climate changes with the aim of addressing and limiting the effects of these phenomena on the Arab world.
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Sayyed Mohsen Allameh, Javad Khazaei Pool, Akbar Jaberi, Reza Salehzadeh and Hassan Asadi
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships among destination image, perceived quality, perceived value, satisfaction and revisit intention of sport tourism in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships among destination image, perceived quality, perceived value, satisfaction and revisit intention of sport tourism in Iran.
Design/methodology/approach
Statistical population of this research consisted of those tourists who traveled to Mazandaran province in Iran as a sport tourism destination in 2012. A random sample of 1,250 tourists was asked to respond to questionnaires from which 886 accurate questionnaires were used for analysing data. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to explore the relationships among the research variables.
Findings
The results showed that sport tourists’ perception of destination image, perceived quality and perceived value influenced their satisfaction and revisit intention positively.
Originality/value
The results of this research help to better understand the behavioral intentions, which can be an acceptable basis to increase sport tourists’ visit and revisit of a sport destination.
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Fatemeh Khozaei Ravari, Ahmad Sanusi Hassan, Muhammad Hafeez Abdul Nasir and Mohsen Mohammad Taheri
The study's main objective is to evaluate the morphological developments in the characteristics of the spatial configurations of the residential layouts in Kerman, Iran, in…
Abstract
Purpose
The study's main objective is to evaluate the morphological developments in the characteristics of the spatial configurations of the residential layouts in Kerman, Iran, in examining the impact on the level of visual privacy through the spectrum of permeability and wayfinding in space syntax analysis.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, plan graph analysis is used to measure the syntactic properties of seven topological residential architecture plans in Kerman, Iran, built from the 1970s to 2010s. The methodology involves the development of mathematical measurements to signify permeability and simulation of visibility graph analysis (VGA) to indicate wayfinding.
Findings
The findings reveal the residential layouts of Iranian houses tend to be less integrated over decades of design development from the 1970s to 2010s. Reduction in spatial integration corresponds to increase segregation allowing for enhanced visual privacy. The study underpins that, even with the constraints in the scale of the house and reduction in the number of nodes, as evident in the design of the modern residential layout, the efficient level of visual privacy is still achievable with regards to the standards demanded by the local culture.
Originality/value
The study examines the development in residential spatial configuration and building scale on visual privacy through a proposed methodology based on the level of permeability and wayfinding measured as a combined effect using the space syntax analysis and visual accessibility.
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Rami Al-Asadi, Shahnawaz Muhammed, Oualid Abidi and Vladimir Dzenopoljac
The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which perceived servant leadership of the supervisors impacts the intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction of the followers.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which perceived servant leadership of the supervisors impacts the intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction of the followers.
Design/methodology/approach
Servant leadership factor structure was evaluated by applying Liden et al.’s (2008) measure, and used the second-order model to test its relationship with the intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to test data from 205 individuals working in service-sector organizations in Kuwait.
Findings
The seven-factor structure proposed by Liden et al. (2008) holds valid in this sample, thus providing greater validity for this measure to be used in similar contexts. The results also indicate that second-order factor of servant leadership positively affects both intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction.
Research limitations/implications
Servant leadership was measured using follower perception of their leader attributes. Next, the cross-sectional data limit the ability to demonstrate causality between servant leadership and employee satisfaction. Further, data were collected only from service-sector organizations in Kuwait, which limits the generalizability of results.
Practical implications
This research helps in highlighting the significance of embracing more altruistic leadership approach in enhancing job satisfaction. Leaders in the analyzed region must be aware of the positive outcomes of this approach on job satisfaction, which can eventually contribute to engaged employees and their performance.
Originality/value
This research tries to add to the growing body of knowledge in terms of assessing relationship between servant leadership and job satisfaction in the service sector in the Middle East.
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Tooraj Karimi and Arvin Hojati
In this study, a hybrid rough and grey set-based rule model is designed for diagnosis of one type of blood cancer called multiple myeloma (MM). The grey clustering method is used…
Abstract
Purpose
In this study, a hybrid rough and grey set-based rule model is designed for diagnosis of one type of blood cancer called multiple myeloma (MM). The grey clustering method is used to combine the same condition attributes and to improve the validity of the final model.
Design/methodology/approach
Some tools of the rough set theory (RST) and grey incidence analysis (GIA) are used in this research to analyze the serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) test results. An RST-based rule model is extracted based on the laboratory SPE test results of patients. Also, one decision attribute and 15 condition attributes are used to extract the rules. About four rule models are constructed due to the different algorithms of data complement, discretization, reduction and rule generation. In the following phases, the condition attributes are clustered into seven clusters by using a grey clustering method, the value set of the decision attribute is decreased by using manual discretizing and the number of observations is increased in order to improve the accuracy of the model. Cross-validation is used for evaluation of the model results and finally, the best model is chosen with 5,216 rules and 98% accuracy.
Findings
In this paper, a new rule model with high accuracy is extracted based on the combination of the grey clustering method and RST modeling for diagnosis of the MM disease. Also, four primary rule models and four improved rule models have been extracted from different decision tables in order to define the result of SPE test of patients. The maximum average accuracy of improved models is equal to 95% and related to the gamma globulins percentage attribute/object-related reducts (GA/ORR) model.
Research limitations/implications
The total number of observations for rule extraction is 115 and the results can be improved by further samples. To make the designed expert system handy in the laboratory, new computer software is under construction to import data automatically from the electrophoresis machine into the resultant rule model system.
Originality/value
The main originality of this paper is to use the RST and GST together to design and create a hybrid rule model to diagnose MM. Although many studies have been carried out on designing expert systems in medicine and cancer diagnosis, no studies have been found in designing systems to diagnose MM. On the other hand, using the grey clustering method for combining the condition attributes is a novel solution for improving the accuracy of the rule model.
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Parvathidevi A. and Naga Satish Kumar Ch
This study aims to assess the efficacy of thermal analysis of concrete slabs by including different insulation materials using ANSYS. Regression equations were proposed to predict…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess the efficacy of thermal analysis of concrete slabs by including different insulation materials using ANSYS. Regression equations were proposed to predict the thermal conductivity using concrete density. As these simulation and regression analyses are essential tools in designing the thermal insulation concretes with various densities, they sequentially reduce the associated time, effort and cost.
Design/methodology/approach
Two grades of concretes were taken for thermal analysis. They were designed by replacing the natural fine aggregates with thermal insulation aggregates: expanded polystyrene, exfoliated vermiculite and light expanded clay. Density, temperature difference, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity and time were measured by conducting experiments. This data was used to simulate concrete slabs in ANSYS. Regression analysis was performed to obtain the relation between density and thermal conductivity. Finally, the quality of the predicted regression equations was assessed using root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), integral absolute error (IAE) and normal efficiency (NE).
Findings
ANSYS analysis on concrete slabs accurately estimates the thermal behavior of concrete, with lesser error value ranges between 0.19 and 7.92%. Further, the developed regression equations proved accurate with lower values of RMSE (0.013 to 0.089), MAE (0.009 to 0.088); IAE (0.216 to 5.828%) and higher values of NE (94.16 to 99.97%).
Originality/value
The thermal analysis accurately simulates the experimental transfer of heat across the concrete slab. Obtained regression equations proved helpful while designing the thermal insulation concrete.
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In recent years, housing prices and rents have recorded impressive growth in Iran. Several observers believe that real estate agents have had a significant effect on this…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent years, housing prices and rents have recorded impressive growth in Iran. Several observers believe that real estate agents have had a significant effect on this phenomenon. However, some do not agree with this viewpoint and argue that the role of real estate agents is not that much and housing prices and rents are affected by macroeconomic factors. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether real estate agents can influence housing prices and rents across provinces of Iran.
Design/methodology/approach
Applying panel data technique, this paper uses observations from 28 provinces of Iran covering 2000 and 2003 to examine the role of real estate agents on housing prices and rents.
Findings
The empirical results indicate that the increased number of real estate agents and their activities positively significantly stimulate housing prices and rents.
Research limitations/implications
To the author's knowledge, most studies in this area cover the US and European real estate markets. Since findings for developed countries might not be directly transferable to emerging market economies such as Iran, more work is necessary to obtain a clearer picture of the role of real estate agents on housing prices and rents in emerging economies.
Originality/value
Although there has been a series of cross‐sectional studies published in this area, few empirical works have examined the effects of real estate agents on housing prices and rents by applying panel data set. The paper begins to fill this gap by analyzing a data sample of 28 provinces of Iran covering 2000 and 2003.
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Shumaila Naz, Syed Arslan Haider, Shabnam Khan, Qasim Ali Nisar and Shehnaz Tehseen
At the forefront of current research is the investigation of how big data analytics capability (BDAC) and artificial intelligence capability (AIC) can enhance performance in…
Abstract
Purpose
At the forefront of current research is the investigation of how big data analytics capability (BDAC) and artificial intelligence capability (AIC) can enhance performance in concert. Therefore, current study intended to conduct more deep research into emerging phenomena and attempts to cover the gap by exploring how entrepreneurial orientations (EO) emphasize the use of two emerging capabilities under the moderating role of environmental dynamism which in turn augment co-innovation and hotel performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from four-star and five-star hotels located in Kula Lumpur and Langkawi in Malaysia. A total of 260 responses were obtained from IT staff and senior managers with the assistance of a Manpower agency for data analysis. The hypotheses were examined by analyzing the data using PLS-SEM technique through Smart PLS 3 software.
Findings
The result revealed that EO has a positive and significant effect on co-innovation (CIN). Additionally, the BDAC and AIC have been tested and proven to be potential mediators between EO and CIN. Also, environmental dynamism as moderator has positive and significant effect on BDAC and co-innovation performance, however, not significant impact on AIC and co-innovation performance. Lastly, findings displayed positive and significant moderated mediation impact of environmental dynamics on BDAC and CIN with hotel performance, but not significant influence on AIC and co-innovation with hotel performance. For theoretical corroboration of the research findings, the current study integrated EO, resource-based view theory and contingent dynamic capabilities (CDC), because neither single stance can explicate an extant research framework.
Practical implications
This study anticipated the several implications for the entrepreneurs of hospitality industry. Managers are recommended to invest in the entrepreneurial traits of the employees/organizations and make strategic readjustment of their capabilities for sustained business performance.
Originality/value
The study goes beyond the normal inquiry by investigating moderated mediation impact of environmental dynamism between two emerging capabilities, co-innovation and hotel performance relationships. Another novelty of this study is to culminate the exploitation and adoption of emerging IT-based capabilities in cross domains of management, entrepreneurship, information systems management within the hotel industry.
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Aemin Nasir, Nazlina Zakaria, Nhu Do and Santiago Velasquez
This study aims to investigate the emerging and attractive phenomenon of sustainable performance influenced by the role of effective knowledge management with the mediation effect…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the emerging and attractive phenomenon of sustainable performance influenced by the role of effective knowledge management with the mediation effect of green innovation. This study incorporated the formative construct of knowledge management, which consists of knowledge creation, acquisition, knowledge sharing and knowledge application that collectively predict sustainable performance and enable the firms to become innovative under a greening perspective. This study contributed to the body of knowledge by explaining the effect and influence of knowledge management practices and greening perspective on sustaining performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical evidence of this relationship is examined in the current research to establish effective knowledge management practices for ensuring sustainability in Malaysia’s production and service industry. The data was collected from individuals from Malaysia’s small and medium enterprise (SME) sector by using a convenience sampling technique, and analysis was performed by using the SmartPLS4.
Findings
This study’s results revealed that knowledge management influences performance by inclusion of green practices. Similarly, green innovation predicts sustainable performance; finally, green innovation mediates the relationship between knowledge management and sustainable performance. Organizations are required to ensure knowledge management practices, including the creation of knowledge, acquisition, sharing and application of knowledge to sustain performance, with a mediation effect and an essential element of green innovation that empirically explains the association between knowledge management practices and performance.
Research limitations/implications
The scope of research is limited and restricts the capacity of findings for a broader context inside Malaysia. There is a need to consider the organizational culture, contextual elements and leadership styles in investigating and explaining the critical phenomenon of sustainable performance.
Practical implications
Organizations are required to ensure knowledge management practices, including the creation of knowledge, acquisition, sharing and application of knowledge to sustain performance, with a mediation effect and an essential element of green innovation that empirically explains the association between knowledge management practices and performance.
Social implications
Sustainable performance has the potential to increase the economic, social and environmental concerns of the firm, as strategies must be performance-centric to achieve the objectives. This research effort can assist Malaysia’s SME sector from various perspectives. This study provides the basis for taking the initiatives for knowledge management by focusing on creation, acquisition, sharing and application practices for achieving sustainable performance. This study incorporated the emerging concept of green innovation for its actions and strategies to achieve sustainable performance, and the actions of firms to adopt and implement the green practices that influence sustainable performance.
Originality/value
The framework for this study is novel. This study has been conducted to determine the sustainable business performance influenced by knowledge management, technological advancements and green supply chain management, moderated by leadership support. This study incorporated the formative construct of knowledge management, which consists of knowledge creation, acquisition, knowledge sharing and knowledge application that collectively predict sustainable performance and enable the firms to become innovative under a greening perspective. This study contributed to the body of knowledge by explaining the effect and influence of knowledge management practices and greening perspective on sustaining performance.
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Umar Muhammad Modibbo, Musa Hassan, Aquil Ahmed and Irfan Ali
Supplier selection in the supply chain network (SCN) has strategic importance and involves multiple factors. The multi-criteria nature of the problem coupled with environmental…
Abstract
Purpose
Supplier selection in the supply chain network (SCN) has strategic importance and involves multiple factors. The multi-criteria nature of the problem coupled with environmental uncertainty requires several procedures and considerations. The issue of decision-making in selecting the best among various qualified suppliers remains the major challenge in the pharmaceutical industry. This study investigated the multi-criteria multi-supplier decision-making process and proposed a model for supplier selection problems based on mixed-integer linear programming.
Design/methodology/approach
The concept of principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reduce data dimensionality, and the four best criteria have been considered and selected. The result is subjected to decision-makers’ (DMs’) reliability test using the concept of a triangular fuzzy number (TFN). The importance of each supplier to each measure is established using fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution approach, and the suppliers have ranked accordingly.
Findings
This study proposes a mixed integer linear programming model for supplier selection in a pharmaceutical company. The effectiveness of the proposed model has been demonstrated using a numerical example. The solution shows the model's applicability in making a sound decision in pharmaceutical companies in the space of reality. The model proposed is simple. Readily commercial packages such as LINDO/LINGO and GAMS can solve the model.
Research limitations/implications
This research contributed to the systematic manner of supplier selection considering DMs’ value judgement under a fuzzy environment and is limited to the case study area. However, interested researchers can apply the study in other related manufacturing industries. However, the criteria have to be revisited to suit that system and might require varying ratings based on the experts' opinions in that field.
Practical implications
This work suggests more insights practically by considering a realistic and precise investigation based on a real-life case study of pharmaceutical companies with six primary criteria and twenty-four sub-criteria. The study outcome will assist organizations and managers in conducting the best decision objectively by selecting the best suppliers with their various standards and terms among many available contenders in the manufacturing industry.
Originality/value
In this paper, the authors attempted to identify the most critical attributes to be preserved by the top managers (DMs) while selecting suppliers in pharmaceutical companies. The study proposed an MILP model for supplier selection in the pharmaceutical company using fuzzy TOPSIS.