Nelvin XeChung Leow and Jayaraman Krishnaswamy
A lesson has been learned from the pandemic experience that less damages to the environment and realizing more social responsibilities would be the direction of the post-pandemic…
Abstract
Purpose
A lesson has been learned from the pandemic experience that less damages to the environment and realizing more social responsibilities would be the direction of the post-pandemic period globally. The purpose of this study is to focus on identifying the appropriate determinants of the proposed urban travel behavior model to develop Smart Mobility in Smart Cities to protect the environment. Potential to realize Smart Cities with infrastructure development has been explored in this study if road users are keen to combat climatic change which is clear from the challenges of flattening the infection rate through the enforcement of rules and regulations by the various government.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed urban travel behavior model includes sub-drivers for each of the main drivers in the theory of interpersonal behavior (TIB). These sub-drivers emphasize in forming intentions to perform the behavioral changes while driving on urban roads during COVID-19 and post-pandemic periods. A primary online survey was conducted among road commuters in the most crowded place in Malaysia, the Greater Kuala Lumpur. A total of 383 respondents who frequently drive on road during the past one year were surveyed for this study. This data analysis of this quantitative study applied a partial least squares-structural equation modeling approach to determine the significant findings and results.
Findings
The significant findings of the study reveal that environmental consciousness and timely deviation in driving during traffic congestion are positively and significantly influencing the travel behavior performance (TBP) of commuters on urban roads. On the other hand, wet conditions due to weather, narrow road infrastructure and habits of road commuters are negatively influencing TBP. Social responsibility is positively and significantly influencing TBP through the mediating effect of the intention of road commuters’ behavior.
Research limitations/implications
The current environmental concerns and societal adherence efforts in breaking the chain of the infectious COVID-19 among people can be manifested to develop Smart Cities with less air and noise pollution in the future. In this context, the present study proposes an urban travel behavior model and tests for its suitability of a greener and cleaner environment for the benefit of future generations. The limitation of the present study is that travel hazards are not included in the framework, as it is a topic of its own volume.
Originality/value
It is timely to implement Smart Mobility on road business models for Smart Cities as the consequences of the pandemic make us to realize the importance of environmental concerns and the social responsibilities of everyone. TIB considers four drivers, namely, attitude, subjective norm, affect and habit which induce intention to perform behavioral decisions. The novelty of the present study is the development of sub-drivers for these four drivers in the context of the urban travel behavior model.
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Mohammad Iranmanesh, KrishnaSwamy Jayaraman, Suhaiza Zailani and Seyed Mohammadreza Ghadiri
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of consumers’ perceptions towards volume discount (VD) benefits on their intention to purchase grocery products under this…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of consumers’ perceptions towards volume discount (VD) benefits on their intention to purchase grocery products under this scheme using deal proneness as a moderator.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were gathered through a survey of 583 Malaysian consumers, and were analysed using the partial least squares technique.
Findings
The results showed that perceived savings, self-expression value, and convenience positively affected consumers’ intention to purchase grocery products under VDs. Deal proneness negatively moderated the relationship between perceived quality, innovation, and consumers’ intention to purchase under VDs.
Practical implications
The findings of the study will help retailers to understand the effects of consumers’ perceptions of VD benefits on their intention to purchase products under VDs, thereby allowing retailers to promote products under VDs more effectively.
Originality/value
Although the VD is a common type of sales promotion, this topic is rarely explored. This study thus contributes to the advancement of knowledge by determining the effects of the potential benefits of VDs on consumers’ intention to purchase.
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Jayaraman Krishnaswamy, Cliftton Baba Nyepit and Nelvin XeChung Leow
This study explores the similarities and dissimilarities among master and bachelor students, which impetus on the marketing strategies for private higher education (HE…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the similarities and dissimilarities among master and bachelor students, which impetus on the marketing strategies for private higher education (HE) institutions to have more intake of master students.
Design/methodology/approach
The unit of analysis of the present study is the master and bachelor students from the four leading private universities in Malaysia. Based on the extensive literature review and expert opinion, the framework and the structured questionnaire have been conceptualized. A sample of 410 students responded to the structured survey questionnaire, and the question items were adapted from the existing literature.
Findings
There are statistically significant differences between master and bachelor students on the dimensions of smart classroom, peer support, patnership and perceived benefits. Interestingly, master students are highly influenced by smart classroom, peer support and perceived benefits, while bachelor students favor patnership.
Practical implications
The present study provides a conceptualized research framework with some new dimensions, which can be used to examine the factors influencing master's and bachelors' students. Further, the differences in the perceptions of the master and bachelor students were tested to study the performance of the private HE institutions.
Originality/value
This study suggests marketing strategies for private HE institutions in developing countries since the masters' intake of students has been declining. Findings of this study will help private universities in developing countries to enhance procedures and formalities of curriculum and functional operating systems to achieve Higher Education Success.
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Jayaraman Krishnaswamy, Zarif Hossain, Mohan Kumar Kavigtha and Annamalai Nagaletchimee
Within the higher education structure, students have the desire for both virtual and face-to-face learning and demand for diverse simulations from the higher education…
Abstract
Purpose
Within the higher education structure, students have the desire for both virtual and face-to-face learning and demand for diverse simulations from the higher education institutions. The purpose of this study is to highlight the significance of higher education success (HES) for one of the top private universities in Malaysia. In the paper, a research model for HES has been proposed and tested within the management perspectives. This research model has five dimensions, namely, smart classroom, user-friendly technology, peers support, partnership and social governance, as potential determinants for HES.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured survey questionnaire using an extensive literature review was conducted from a No. 1 private university in Malaysia. The target population included students who have passed out under-graduate or post-graduate or are studying in their final trimester. The questionnaire was administered to 107 respondents using an interview method in order to have scientific and authentic data with minimal common method bias. The data collection process was taken over a one-month period during May 2018 and it ensured the rectification of missing data. The study utilized an inclusive criterion as those students who have complete knowledge about the university in terms of academic, administrative and technical matters.
Findings
Out of 107 survey respondents, 76 (71 percent) respondents were favorable for HES, which implies that the targeted education institution strives toward career development for students. The study reveals that the partnership of the institution has a positive influence on HES. Smart classroom and social governance are the other determinants which have a positive impact on HES. An excellent infrastructure facility together with formal and informal activities to cultivate knowledge sharing, trustworthiness, quality education and academic excellence of the institution makes it a healthy atmosphere for students to pursue their studies. However, user-friendly technology and peers support were not found to be significant.
Practical implications
The proposed research model is crucial for educationalists to design the course curriculum for higher education institutions. The significant results and scope discussed in the present study can be applied and customized to any higher education institution in the globe for long-term sustainability to orient students toward career development.
Originality/value
Since the present paper investigates the No. 1 private university, the current findings can be used as a guide for other private universities to enhance their course curriculum. The conceptualization of the research model includes new dimensions which highlight the latest development in HES. Emerging studies have claimed that HES depends on effective administration of the institution by the management and appropriate industry linkages, with the highest priority for student learning capabilities to exhibit their talents.
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Mohamad Abu Huzaifah bin Magbool, Azlan Amran, Mehran Nejati and Krishnaswamy Jayaraman
This study aims to investigate whether organizations can leverage on their sustainable business practices to attract valuable talents to gain competitive advantage over their…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate whether organizations can leverage on their sustainable business practices to attract valuable talents to gain competitive advantage over their competitors.
Design/methodology/approach
Using factorial design, the authors conducted an experiment to assess the attractiveness of an organization in line with the social identity theory, based on the Bursa Malaysia corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework attributes (including environmental performance, community relation, workplace and marketplace performance).
Findings
The findings of the current study supported the notion of social identity theory, as study subjects were attracted more to organizations with high corporate sustainable business (CSB) practices than organizations with low CSB practices. Specifically, findings of the current study revealed that job applicants have a higher intention to join and willingness to accept a job offer from organizations with more sustainable business practices.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited by its sample size and selection, self-reported measures and its cross-sectional nature.
Practical implications
Understanding the most preferred attribute of CSB practices will enable organizations to focus their valuable resources rightfully to market their CSR efforts for obtaining higher organizational attractiveness and competitive advantage.
Social implications
As many organizations perceive sustainable outcomes to be costly, demonstrating the positive link between CSB practices and organizational attractiveness for talents warrants a win-win paradigm.
Originality/value
Talented workforce is essential for differentiating an organization from its competitors. As human resources are mostly unique and non-imitable, it has been recommended as a newly minted strategy to enable organization to achieve sustainable competitive advantages.
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K. Jayaraman, Nelvin XeChung Leow, David Asirvatham and Ho Ree Chan
Global issues on the environment, such as climate change, air pollution and carbon monoxide emission, are the primary concerns in any part of the world. The purpose of this paper…
Abstract
Purpose
Global issues on the environment, such as climate change, air pollution and carbon monoxide emission, are the primary concerns in any part of the world. The purpose of this paper is to construct a conceptual framework for the travel behavior performance of a commuter, and it is expected to mitigate air pollution from vehicle emission and to promote smart mobility on the road.
Design/methodology/approach
From the extensive literature review, the conceptual framework for the travel behavior performance of a commuter has been developed and is supported by the theory of interpersonal behavior (TIB), whose functions are attitude, social factor, affect and habit. In the present paper, attitude is conceptualized by four predictors, namely confidence in driving, green environment, social responsibility and deviation in driving. The social factor is characterized by subjective norms, social status and digitalization. Affect factor is conceptualized by accidents and damages, road infrastructure, and weather conditions. The mental block in following the ancestor’s way of owning a personal vehicle is the predictor for the habit.
Findings
One of the major contributors to environmental damages is road traffic. Notably, vehicle emissions are on the rise every year due to the increase of reliance on vehicles, and there is no alternative to this issue. Although Malaysia has a well-organized infrastructure with effective digitalized technology on the road for the transport system, there is severe traffic congestion in Klang Valley, Kuala Lumpur, because of a lack of travel plan behavior during peak hours. If the road commuters give the predictors constructed in the proposed conceptual framework the highest importance, then there will be much relief to traffic congestion on the road.
Research limitations/implications
Since the present study focuses on the conceptualization of an urban travel behavior model (UTBM), and also highlights the synchronization of the proposed framework with the management theory, the results are expected after the primary survey based on the cross-sectional study will be conducted.
Originality/value
The identification of the suitable predictors for the UTBM toward the travel behavior performance of a commuter is the real novelty of the present study. Also, the cause and effect relationships of different predictors in terms of path directions of the proposed research framework are the highlights of the study. Further, the predictors in the proposed framework and the TIB have been synchronized with operational definitions, which are the original contributions of the present study, which will enhance the sustainable environmental development for the society as a whole.
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Alexandra S. Kang, K. Jayaraman, Keng Lin Soh and Wai Peng Wong
The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of social sustainable consumption in the context of improved ridership in public bus transport (PBT). It…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of social sustainable consumption in the context of improved ridership in public bus transport (PBT). It investigated the social predictors and implementation intention of drivers to use PBT.
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical data were collected through online survey. The respondents of the online survey were 313 drivers in Penang, Malaysia. A conceptual model was designed to test implementation intention of the drivers in using the PBT. Data analysis was performed using the variance-based structural equation modeling technique of partial least squares.
Findings
The findings indicate that the drivers’ intention to use PBT is significantly influenced by their referent group, gender role, and commitment to environment. In addition, their implementation intention is significantly predicted by the intention to use PBT.
Research limitations/implications
This study was performed in Penang using convenience sampling method. The results need to be replicated using a different sample in other developing countries to test its stability.
Practical implications
Policy makers and transport managers need to be guided by the importance of the drivers’ referent group, gender role, commitment to environment, and intention in order to improve ridership of the PBT.
Originality/value
The research on referent group, gender role, commitment to environment, intention, and the implementation intention of the drivers using the theory of interpersonal behavior in PBT is unprecedented.
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Seyedeh Khadijeh Taghizadeh, Krishnaswamy Jayaraman, Ishak Ismail and Syed Abidur Rahman
The purpose of this paper is to validate scale measurements of dialogue, access, risk assessment and transparency (DART) constructs, as the process of value-co-creation, and then…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to validate scale measurements of dialogue, access, risk assessment and transparency (DART) constructs, as the process of value-co-creation, and then understand its effect on innovation strategy. Further, the paper explores the influence of innovation strategy on the market performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The model links four dimensions of DART as building blocks of value co-creation, to the innovation strategy. Further, the model links innovation strategy to the market performance. In total, five hypotheses are postulated. Testing was conducted through structural equation modeling using PLS-SEM, utilizing data from 249 managers of telecommunication companies in Malaysia.
Findings
The result of the analysis revealed dialogue, risk assessment and transparency having a significant positive relationship with innovation strategy. These results signified the importance of value co-creation to formulate an innovation strategy of the firms. The finding of the research shows that innovation strategy has a strong effect on market performance as well.
Practical implications
Implementing value co-creation process facilitates companies in formulating an innovation strategy that enhances market performance significantly.
Originality/value
The paper validated scale measurement of DART model which adds substantial knowledge and concepts in the areas of value co-creation process. It describes the first empirical research study on the practice of value co-creation and innovation strategy in developing country focusing on telecommunication industry. Further, the model examines the effect of DART dimensions on innovation strategy result in market performance enhancement.
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Tarig Khidir ElTayeb, Suhaiza Zailani and Krishnaswamy Jayaraman
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of four drivers, namely regulations (RG), customer pressures (CP), social responsibility (SR), and expected business benefits…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of four drivers, namely regulations (RG), customer pressures (CP), social responsibility (SR), and expected business benefits (EBB) on green purchasing (GP) in the Malaysian manufacturing sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers Directory 2007 and SIRIM organization, Malaysia, are the two sources provided the population units of 569, International Organization for Standardization 14001 certified manufacturing firms in Malaysia. Out of 569 firms, 132 (23.2 percent) positively responded for the mail survey on GP.
Findings
The empirical findings of the study suggest that GP is affected by the drivers namely RG, CP, EBB, and firm ownership. The results also suggest that, although Malaysian firms show a high level of SR, it does not constitute a genuine driver for these firms to adopt GP.
Research limitations/implications
This paper is considered as one of the first attempts to empirically investigate the drivers for GP. Further research in this area may focus on the other drivers such as supplier pressures, competitive pressures, community pressures, and employee pressures that motivate firms to adopt GP initiatives.
Practical implications
The Malaysian firms place a high consideration on external pressures and business benefits as the main criteria for deciding whether to adopt GP or not. Therefore, the high sense of SR, exhibited by these firms, does not constitute the true motivator for them to adopt GP activities.
Originality/value
The results of the paper provide insights into why Malaysian firms adopt GP activities. It also provides policy makers and managers with a list of drivers that can be used as directions for setting up appropriate policies that encourage firms to adopt GP initiatives.