Salman Iqbal, Sami Ullah, Amina Rizwan, Naima Nazeer, Mamoona Rasheed and Ahmed Faisal Imtiaz Siddiqi
Microfinance institutions (MFI) must adapt to rapidly changing market conditions, including stringent regulations and diverse customer demands, necessitating a high absorptive…
Abstract
Purpose
Microfinance institutions (MFI) must adapt to rapidly changing market conditions, including stringent regulations and diverse customer demands, necessitating a high absorptive capacity. This research elucidates how organizational culture promotes knowledge sharing, thereby enhancing an organization’s ability to absorb and utilize new knowledge, with particular attention to the moderating role of MFI size.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 450 randomly selected employees of MFIs in Pakistan. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling in WarpPLS 8.0.
Findings
The findings show that knowledge sharing mediates the relationship between organizational culture and absorptive capacity. The impact is more pronounced in larger MFIs, while smaller MFIs exhibit greater agility in adapting to new knowledge.
Practical implications
MFIs, particularly in dynamic markets like Pakistan, should enhance their absorptive capacity by fostering an organizational culture that promotes knowledge sharing. While larger MFIs benefit from structured knowledge-sharing practices, they should address potential bureaucratic impediments to maintain agility.
Social implications
By improving absorptive capacity, MFIs can better innovate and tailor their services to underserved communities, contributing to financial inclusion and poverty alleviation in Pakistan. This research provides insights for policymakers and practitioners on fostering sustainable development through strategic organizational practices in MFIs.
Originality/value
The findings offer a practical framework linking theoretical concepts from the resource-based and knowledge-based views to real-world applications, particularly in developing economies. It emphasizes the crucial role of organizational culture in enabling MFIs to adapt and thrive in challenging environments.
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Jobaer Al Mahmud, Shamsul Arefin and Md Imtiaz Ahmmed
This study aims to examine the historical development, present state and potential future directions of the integration between building information modeling (BIM) and life cycle…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the historical development, present state and potential future directions of the integration between building information modeling (BIM) and life cycle assessment (LCA) in the field of construction. Additionally, this paper identifies current problems while offering insight into worldwide BIM research trends.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses text mining on unstructured abstracts, a novel approach not previously documented in BIM research. By conducting a comprehensive systematic assessment of academic literature, this work uses advanced bibliometric approaches to examine the developmental trajectory of the integration of BIM and LCA. The research incorporates co-citation and keyword co-occurrence mapping, providing a complex visual depiction of the interconnectedness of information across different periods.
Findings
The results of this analysis reveal the historical development of the integration of BIM and LCA, including its roots and the initial research that established the foundation for further investigations. The aforementioned seminal works signify the inception of the discipline, serving as a source of inspiration for current scholarly investigations. Currently, there is a complex network of interdisciplinary cooperation that can be observed, combining knowledge and perspectives from the fields of design, engineering, construction and sustainability.
Originality/value
This research contributes novelty to the scholarly discourse by offering a holistic and up-to-date panorama of the dynamic BIM and LCA research landscape. It identifies emerging trends, influential contributors and uncharted territories, thus providing a foundation for scholars to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge in sustainable construction practices.
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Zainab Mohsin, Arisha Faiq, Tahira Naqvi, Sameen Rehman, Saffia Imtiaz Ahmed, Khadija Farrukh, Faiza Siddiqui, Arifa Ali Asghar and Murk Lakhani
The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of head and neck cancers (HNCs), their risk factors, signs and symptoms among the general public of Karachi, Pakistan.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of head and neck cancers (HNCs), their risk factors, signs and symptoms among the general public of Karachi, Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
Initially, 503 individuals were approached for data collection, out of which 404 fit the inclusion criteria (response rate = 80.03%). Nonprobability convenience sampling was utilized to select participants who fell under the age group of 15–60 years, barring the fields of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelors of Surgery (MBBS) and Bachelors of Dentistry (BDS). Knowledge was evaluated by a 9-item questionnaire, the scores of which yielded the following interpretations: No (0), low (1–3), moderate (4–6) and high (7–9) knowledge.
Findings
Of the 404 participants who completed the questionnaire, 357 (88.4%) participants claimed to be aware of HNC. The HNC knowledge scores had a statistical relevance with socioeconomic status (p = <0.01) and level of education (p = 0.02). Most participants recognized a “lump or swelling in the throat” (87.1%) as the most common symptom, followed by “bleeding in mouth or throat” (84.7%). Surprisingly, 75.25% of participants thought HNCs were inclusive of brain cancer.
Originality/value
Overall, knowledge of HNCs among the general public of Karachi surpasses the knowledge in other regions around the world. Our study demonstrated that people indulge in unhealthy habits despite having sufficient knowledge and this warrants prompt interventions and counseling of the people.
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Imtiaz Ahmed, Ineen Sultana, Sanjoy Kumar Paul and Abdullahil Azeem
Managers encounter many decisions that require the simultaneous use of different types of data in their decision‐making process. A critical decision area for managers is the…
Abstract
Purpose
Managers encounter many decisions that require the simultaneous use of different types of data in their decision‐making process. A critical decision area for managers is the performance evaluation of personnel, whether individually or as a member of a team. Performance evaluation is critically essential for the effective management of the human resource of an organization and evaluation of staff that help develop individuals, improve organizational performance, and feed into business planning.
Design/methodology/approach
Performance evaluations require and often involve disparate types of information that are vague, incomplete, objective, and subjective. This paper proposes a performance evaluation system of employees considering various performance evaluation criteria using fuzzy logic. The main task in the proposed approach involves determining the performance indices of employees considering their respective performance in various qualitative and quantitative evaluation criteria and then selecting the best employee who holds highest performance index comparing all the indices.
Findings
A model is developed for any kind of organization where performance evaluation is significantly important for staff motivation, attitude and behavior development, communicating and aligning individual and organizational aims, and fostering positive relationships between management and staff. Fuzzy control is used to determine the overall performance index by combining results of the performance in selected criteria and provided it in numerical values which will undoubtedly ensure convenience of the concerned human resource personnel during performance rating calculation.
Originality/value
This is the first time, a performance evaluation model is developed using fuzzy approach for any kind of organization where performance evaluation is significantly important for staff motivation, attitude and behavior development, communicating and aligning individual and organizational aims, and fostering positive relationships between management and staff.
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Khuram Shahzad, Sami Ullah Bajwa, Ahmed Faisal Imtiaz Siddiqi, Farhan Ahmid and Ali Raza Sultani
– This study aims to identify if an integration between knowledge strategy and knowledge management (KM) processes leads to organizational creativity and performance.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify if an integration between knowledge strategy and knowledge management (KM) processes leads to organizational creativity and performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative strategy and cross-sectional survey method were used to collect data. In all, 219 randomly selected respondents from 173 listed companies provided feedback through self-administered questionnaire. Factor analysis and multiple regression techniques were used to test multiple hypotheses.
Findings
Results revealed the significant positive impact of system-oriented KM systems strategy on KM process capabilities, creativity and organizational performance. No significant impact has been found of human-oriented KM strategy on different KM processes and organizational performance. However, it interestingly has a significant negative relationship with organizational creativity. KM processes have significant impact on organizational creativity and performance. Organizational creativity has also been identified as having a strong significant impact on organizational performance.
Originality/value
This paper fills the knowledge gap by undertaking a study which has not been conducted before.
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Lerato Aghimien, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa and Douglas Aghimien
In the quest for better construction workforce management, this chapter explored the background of workforce management and related theories, models, and practices. Through a…
Abstract
In the quest for better construction workforce management, this chapter explored the background of workforce management and related theories, models, and practices. Through a review, the chapter provided meaning to the concept of construction and workforce management. The chapter concluded that while the construction industry worldwide is important to the economic growth of the countries where it operates, the industry’s management of its workforce is challenged by several problems. These problems include the nature of the industry, skill shortage, unhealthy working environment, and poor image of the industry, among others. Also, while the construction industry is rich in diversity, this has been a major source of problems for workforce management. The chapter further revealed that to improve workforce management and attain better-performing construction organisations, careful recruitment, effective training, providing a safe working environment, putting policies to promote diversity, and ensuring innovativeness, among others, are essential.
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Mehree Iqbal, Louis Geneste and Paull Weber
This paper aims to contribute to the field of social entrepreneurship by exploring the interrelationships among the antecedents of social entrepreneurial intention (SEI) through…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to contribute to the field of social entrepreneurship by exploring the interrelationships among the antecedents of social entrepreneurial intention (SEI) through the lens of Mair Noboa model (MNM). In recent years, many researchers have applied the antecedents of MNM to determine SEI. However, interrelationship among these antecedents has not been a focus of enquiry despite the repeated scholarly calls.
Design/methodology/approach
Applying quantitative methodology, the data was collected from a Web-based survey distributed across Bangladesh (N = 412). Data analysis was carried out based on the covariance-based structural equation modelling technique to confirm the hypotheses. The final measurement and structural models met all the requirements for reliability, model fit, convergent validity and discriminant validity. The proposed hypotheses were tested based on direct relationships and mediating effects.
Findings
The findings suggested that interrelationships among these antecedents do increase individuals’ intentions to become social entrepreneurs.
Originality/value
This paper fills an important knowledge gap by exploring the interrelationships among moral obligation, empathy, perceived social support and social entrepreneurial self-efficacy. This paper stressed identifying whether the SEI enhances through the interrelationships among these antecedents or not. The study findings bring new theoretical and practical implications on the role of empathy, moral obligation, perceived social support and social entrepreneurial self-efficacy.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine how specific macroeconomic indicators and conditions impact short- and long-run loan delinquency rates among US commercial banks under…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine how specific macroeconomic indicators and conditions impact short- and long-run loan delinquency rates among US commercial banks under various economic episodes.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs an autoregressive distributed lag framework (ARDL) and error correction model in its examination of how loan delinquency rates are impacted by specific macroeconomic variables and conditions.
Findings
This study finds that in both the short and long run, a percentage growth in macroeconomic indicators, such as industrial productivity and private domestic investments, reduces loan delinquency rates among commercial banks, given all things being equal. Additionally, this study also finds that adverse macroeconomic conditions, such as inflation, economic policy uncertainty and volatility, associated with specific macroeconomic variables, such as investment growth, etc., tend to worsen loan delinquency rates. Empirical results further suggest that among the various macroeconomic conditions examined, inflationary pressures tend to have the most significant heightening impact on loan delinquency rates among commercial banks.
Originality/value
The uniqueness of this study, compared to similar studies found in the literature, has to do with its verification of potential association between loan delinquency rates and specific hitherto unexamined macroeconomic conditions. Compared to similar studies on loan delinquency, this study collectively examines how conditions of uncertainty, volatility and expectations of macroeconomic conditions shape loan delinquency rates among commercial banks.
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Richard Stuart Dilawo and Zahra Salimi
The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that affect TQM implementation in construction companies and it suggests solutions for TQM implementation in a difficult…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that affect TQM implementation in construction companies and it suggests solutions for TQM implementation in a difficult environment.
Design/methodology/approach
Studies were carried out at six large construction companies who ply their trade in Southern Africa and in-depth investigations were conducted to assess TQM implementation practices and associated TQM barriers. Interviews were conducted on directors and key personnel that play important roles in TQM implementation in their respective organisations. The empirical study also utilised a number of organisational documents which added rigour to the findings.
Findings
This study identified three core categories and ten main barriers affecting TQM implementation in Southern Africa construction companies. The core categories are motivation, infrastructure and penchants and tendencies while the factors are lack of quality support, poor TQM knowledge and TQM awareness, poor information sharing, temporary workers, overdependence on contract document, poor data collection measurement, undefined TQM roles and responsibilities, award to lowest bidder tendency, poor business environment and corruption.
Research limitations/implications
The study was conducted based on companies plying their trade in Southern Africa and mostly around Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique. It does not study companies in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Angola, South Africa and Botswana.
Practical implications
TQM cannot be exported wholly from another region to a new setting without taking into consideration the local factors associated with that setting. For successful TQM implementation in construction in Southern Africa, characteristics of this region have to be known. This study illuminates a number of TQM implementation barriers associated with construction especially applied to this difficult environment. Application of this knowledge would enhance TQM and heighten competitive advantage initiatives. The proportions highlighted in this study therefore help build up the TQM implementation awareness.
Social implications
At society level, the findings of this study indicate societal problems such as corruption and business environment which require wide level approaches to deal with these barriers. In addition, if TQM applied in road construction projects, the quality of the roads will be improved, this in turn will have direct impact on quality of life in the society, better roads means easier access to hospitals, schools and public places, better transport and movements of goods and services, etc. It can also save money for the country in long run and economic benefits to the society.
Originality/value
The factors identified in this study are based on current TQM implementation practices at established construction companies in Southern Africa. They provide a practical basis for guiding TQM in construction companies operating in difficult environments.
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This study evaluates the implementation of ISO 9001 using total quality management on the engineering, procurement and construction phases in the Jordanian construction sector.
Abstract
Purpose
This study evaluates the implementation of ISO 9001 using total quality management on the engineering, procurement and construction phases in the Jordanian construction sector.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative design has been employed with a total of 132 project team members selected from 5 construction organizations working in Jordan. A close-ended questionnaire was used to gather data which was later evaluated using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings
The results show a significant role in project performance, customer satisfaction, project quality, cost-effectiveness, time effectiveness, shared cooperation and motivation of employees. It emphasizes the role of engineering in achieving the ISO 9001 standard. Quality standards in the construction project were also endorsed by 46.2% of participants, while 33.3% responded neutrally. The time effectiveness aspects of ISO 9001 endorsed by 38.5% participants 33.3% participants disagreed. Majority of the managers (61.5%) agreed that poor planning is a major barrier in the engineering phase (p-value, 0.011), followed by the incomplete design (56.4%) as the prime impeding factors linked to the decline of the quality in the construction sector.
Originality/value
With the integration of the ISO 9001 quality standard, project managers can improve the project quality and make it cost-effective. The successful adaptation of the ISO 9001 certification allows the company to not only market its product/service but also internally audit itself for the possible deficits in its work capacity.