Benjamin Kwakye, Frank Gyamfi-Yeboah, Ebenezer Afrane and Jannat Abbas
The primary objective of establishing customary land secretariats (CLSs) is to enhance land governance at the local level. However, many have questioned the effectiveness of CLSs…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary objective of establishing customary land secretariats (CLSs) is to enhance land governance at the local level. However, many have questioned the effectiveness of CLSs after their establishment and the probable factors accounting for their inefficiencies. In this paper, we examine the impacts of socioeconomic indicators on sustainable CLSs in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
We employed a mixture of cointegration techniques namely the dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS), the fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) and the canonical cointegrating regression (CCR), contemporaneous with graphical analysis using secondary data from the Duayaw Nkwanta CLS.
Findings
From the Johansen Cointegration test, the study found land transaction recordings to be cointegrated with the explanatory variables. Local demand for land, land access, average land values and the rate of unemployment were discovered as the principal impacting factors on the CLS. Also, evidence from the graphical analysis depicts that there is a significant improvement in the acquisition of land by women: and land transaction recordings have kept rising after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Practical implications
We conclude that to promote local land governance for the rural-urban poor and the underrepresented, sustaining the CLSs post-establishment in the local communities is of utmost importance.
Originality/value
This paper serves as one of the maiden editions to apply econometrics in customary land administration in Ghana for long-term policy directions. Besides, it serves as a reflection on the existing performance of the CLSs based on the available dataset.
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Jannat Abbas, Tahiru Alhassan, Augustine Ohene Adu and Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed
This paper aims to assess user awareness of electricity consumption at a public university in Ghana based on the norm activation model (NAM).
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to assess user awareness of electricity consumption at a public university in Ghana based on the norm activation model (NAM).
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a survey design, using closed-ended questionnaires as the main data collection instruments. Data was collected from 300 respondents (staff and students) of the university and analysed descriptively using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.
Findings
The study found that the level of user awareness (as defined by NAM) of electricity consumption among staff and students is moderate. Therefore, the more energy campaigns users are exposed to the higher their level of user awareness (awareness of consequence, ascription of responsibility and personal norm).
Practical implications
The findings of this study can assist university management boards and other organisations in recognising the potential for reducing electricity use by increasing user knowledge. Ultimately, this can result in added value.
Originality/value
The study makes a significant contribution to the literature on the NAM by exclusively focusing on the variables of NAM to assess the level of user awareness of electricity consumption in a university setting.
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Bilal Khan, Ayesha Farooq and Zareen Hussain
Organizations manipulate themselves as per the legal, political, and social values of the particular country where they operate. As a result, the operations and human resources…
Abstract
Purpose
Organizations manipulate themselves as per the legal, political, and social values of the particular country where they operate. As a result, the operations and human resources (HRs) of business corporations are handled as the environmental fabric of that country suggests. The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework describing the aspects of modern day human resource management (HRM) and HRM from Islamic perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
The framework is presented in five broad categories – the message of Islam, Islam in different nations, Islam and work, Islam and managerial dimensions, and Islam and HRM practices. Secondary data have been used to gain knowledge about teachings of Islam and how they can be practiced in order to manage HR effectively. Detailed discussion has been incorporated regarding the Islamic culture and how it can be practiced in the organizations while conducting different HR activities. It has been kept in mind to maintain the originality of the paper though any changes in the message of Quran and Prophet (s.a.w.) cannot be incorporated. If the organizations will be managed from Islamic perspective, managers will not only gain success but will also be at peace knowing that they are doing work for Allah.
Findings
This paper concludes Islam is more a “way of life” than a mere religion. In a nutshell, it teaches how a believer has to oblige to the commitment to his faith. Businessmen believe materialistic accumulation is all they are living for. But in reality, it is temporary. Their good deeds and behavior with people irrespective of any discrimination will remain forever.
Originality/value
A conceptual model of HRM and Islam is presented that provides an explanation of the linkage between the two.
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ShabbirHusain R.V., Balamurugan Annamalai and Shabana Chandrasekaran
This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review on consumer behavior (CB) in Islamic banking (IB), encompassing an overview of researched contexts and topics…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review on consumer behavior (CB) in Islamic banking (IB), encompassing an overview of researched contexts and topics, identifying literature gaps and proposing a comprehensive future research agenda.
Design/methodology/approach
By using bibliometric citation and content analysis, this study investigates 135 documents sourced from Scopus indexed publications.
Findings
This study delves into the growing field of CB in IB, offering a comprehensive understanding that encompasses influential journals, theories, research context, characteristics and methods used in IB research.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to provide a comprehensive review of CB studies in the IB domain detailing research topics, prevailing theories, research settings, important variables and research methods.
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The current pandemic will introduce many novel policies, adaptations, innovations and procedures by innovative human resource (HR) creativity. In particular, information…
Abstract
Purpose
The current pandemic will introduce many novel policies, adaptations, innovations and procedures by innovative human resource (HR) creativity. In particular, information technology (IT) implementation is a field that needs more significant focus and a wider range of creative interventions. The author would undoubtedly see a more human-focused approach to HR management (HRM) in the post-coronavirus disease 2019 (post-COVID-19) era, where enterprises and workers have had to reinvent themselves in a brief amount of time drastically. Following the nationwide lockdown caused by COVID-19, many companies were pushed to opt for remote working, which presents both difficulties and benefits for workers and employers. So the purpose of this study is to investigate some key consequences resulting from COVID-19’s effect on multiple HRM roles, how technology is empowering and fostering HRM, informative forecasts based on how organizations are coping and finally, the path in the post-pandemic environment.
Design/methodology/approach
The COVID-19 epidemic has had a significant effect on every area of the global economy. It has had severe implications for public institutions and raises particular questions for medical schools. The emergence of COVID-19 has disrupted many activities and requires intense and prompt attention from medical educators. So, HR leaders now face the difficult task of managing the interests of workers and their corporations. The outbreak of COVID-19 has proved that this is not just a difficult time but rather a testing time for companies across the globe to check and ensure how swiftly they adapt themselves by thinking and planning differently. An enterprise evolves with nature, and change is unavoidable if performance and productivity are to improve. Changes in structure, technology and priorities are overgrowing, posing big obstacles to leaders. Corporations worldwide have looked to technology to pursue creative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems. This study provides a review of articles related to the role of technology in HRM in the COVID-19 period. The analyzed articles are divided into three groups, including articles related to the role of information communication technology, cloud computing and teleworking in HRM in the COVID-19 era. Also, the most important key challenges are collected, and solutions are provided for them.
Findings
In times of trouble, authentic leadership shines through. The actions of pioneering HR leaders throughout the COVID-19 epidemic will significantly affect their respective organizations. When COVID-19 expanded around the world, HR agencies made their workers’ health and welfare a top priority. HRM’s long-term sustainability can be dictated by how they deal with the current crisis. Web-based solutions, such as cloud computing, will also address a vital resource allocation gap. It illustrates the possible efficacy of patient-oriented, web-based applications built on result-driven design, which continues to be validated by more testing and assessment. Many studies have emphasized business innovation as a necessity due to changes in the environment and various challenges and requirements facing businesses. The challenge of observing social distance and limiting face-to-face business services is the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic era.
Research limitations/implications
This study could entail a joint international collaboration initiative among research centers, allowing information about COVID-19 impacts to be shared more easily. It will favor a worldwide policy to find a response to the epidemic but still address cultural and social issues.
Practical implications
The survey concludes that, whenever possible, employers and medicals should explore remote working opportunities in all industries to alleviate uncertainty and improve employee psychological well-being. The facilitating considerations and problems are often addressed in order to supply practical views for developing cloud-based solutions.
Originality/value
This research aims to lead to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the HRM area through the use of IT-based technology. It allows businesses to reinvent HRM techniques to save money and maximize efficiency without compromising their employees’ life quality and well-being. More in-depth studies at various pandemic stages would yield more valuable insights into HRM’s emerging position.
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Sujood, Samiha Siddiqui, Sehar Nafees and Naseem Bano
Following a crucial COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the coronavirus has affected every academic institution, particularly libraries and information centres. To address this…
Abstract
Purpose
Following a crucial COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the coronavirus has affected every academic institution, particularly libraries and information centres. To address this unprecedented scenario, libraries’ staff has decided to provide their services via digital access while staying close to the users. To predict users’ intention to use digital libraries after COVID-19, the authors combined the technology acceptance model (TAM), the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and perceived risk.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected via a paper-based questionnaire using a convenient sampling method which was distributed at two major libraries; Maulana Azad Library, Aligarh Muslim University and Dr Zakir Husain Library, Jamia Millia Islamia in India.
Findings
Empirical findings suggested that all the proposed hypotheses were supported, and the integrated model had strong explanation power as the proposed model explained a 74.5% variance in users’ intention to use digital libraries after COVID-19.
Research limitations/implications
This study offers substantial information to librarians, digital libraries, universities, institutes and other stakeholders and sheds light on the potential for a developing nation to transition to an economy with a strong digital infrastructure. The scope of the study is constrained to the users in India only, hence, leading to the possibility that it may be challenging to generalize the findings.
Originality/value
According to the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is one of the few studies to predict users’ intentions for using digital libraries after COVID-19 by applying the integrated model of TPB and TAM in an emerging economy. It helped understand the users’ attitudes towards using the digital services and resources available at the respective libraries. It also contributed considerably to the argument that users have grown accustomed to harnessing digital libraries during the post-COVID-19 period.
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Tat-Huei Cham, Jun-Hwa Cheah, Boon-Liat Cheng and Xin-Jean Lim
Since its inception, mobile payment is rapidly gaining popularity over the years, and starting to replace traditional modes of payment. The usage of mobile payments has further…
Abstract
Purpose
Since its inception, mobile payment is rapidly gaining popularity over the years, and starting to replace traditional modes of payment. The usage of mobile payments has further escalated following various precautionary measures (i.e. social distancing) in curbing the transmission of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, most of the elderlies are still sceptical about the usage of mobile payment services. The current study was set to investigate the impact of functional, psychological and risk barriers that resulted in elderlies' resistance towards using such services. The impact of stickiness to cash was also examined as a moderator on the investigated relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
Online survey questionnaires were used to collect the responses from 400 elderly consumers at the age of 60 and above. Data analysis was then performed using the SPSS and AMOS statistical software packages.
Findings
Findings obtained acknowledged the significance of functional (i.e. perceived complexity, perceived incompatibility and perceived cost), psychological (i.e. lack of trust, inertia, and technological anxiety) and risk (i.e. privacy risk, security risk, financial risk and operational risk) barriers in influencing resistance towards mobile payment services among the elderlies. Consequently, resistance would influence their attitude and non-adoption intention; with attitude as the mediator between resistance and non-adoption intention. Finally, moderation analysis also confirmed the moderating effect of stickiness to cash towards elevating the correlation between resistance and non-adoption intention.
Originality/value
This study is one of the very few studies that explored the minimally investigated territory on the consequential importance of mobile payment usage among the elderlies, specifically, through extending the literature on the impact of functional, psychological and risk barriers towards the individuals' resistance. Besides, this study also successfully contributed to existing body of knowledge by highlighting the mediating role of attitude and moderating role of stickiness to cash in the interrelationships between resistance, attitude and non-adoption intention.