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Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 8 February 2018

Ismail Ismail, Muhammad Sohail, Hammad Gilani, Anwar Ali, Kiramat Hussain, Kamran Hussain, Bhaskar Singh Karky, Faisal Mueen Qamer, Waqas Qazi, Wu Ning and Rajan Kotru

The purpose of the study is to analyse the occurrence and distribution of different tree species in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, as a baseline for further inventories, and estimate…

9856

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to analyse the occurrence and distribution of different tree species in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, as a baseline for further inventories, and estimate the biomass per species and plot. Furthermore, it aims to measure forest biodiversity using established formulae for tree species diversity index, richness, evenness and accumulative curve.

Design/methodology/approach

Field data were collected, including stratification of forest sample plots. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out, and locally appropriate allometric equations were applied for biomass estimation.

Findings

Representative circular 556 forest sample plots of 1,000 m2 contained 13,135 trees belonging to nine tree species with a total aboveground biomass of 12,887 tonnes. Sixty-eight per cent of the trees were found between 2,600 and 3,400 masl; approximately 63 per cent had a diameter at breast height equal to 30 cm, and 45 per cent were less than 12 m in height. The Shannon diversity index was 1.82, and Simpson’s index of diversity was 0.813.

Research limitations/implications

Rough terrain, long distances, harsh weather conditions and location of forest in steep narrow valleys presented challenges for the field crews, and meant that fieldwork took longer than planned.

Practical implications

Estimating biomass in Gilgit-Baltistan’s forests using locally developed allometric equations will provide transparency in estimates of forest reference levels, National Forest Monitoring System in Pakistan and devising Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation national strategies and for effective implementation.

Originality/value

This paper presents the first detailed forest inventory carried out for the dry temperate and semi-arid cold region of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

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Article
Publication date: 22 June 2020

Naveed Imran, Maryiam Javed, Muhammad Sohail, S. Farooq and Mubashir Qayyum

Naturally, all the materials are not viscous (i.e. milk, mayonnaise, blood, vaccines, syrups, cosmetics, oil reservoirs, paints, etc.). Here present analysis focuses on the usage…

76

Abstract

Purpose

Naturally, all the materials are not viscous (i.e. milk, mayonnaise, blood, vaccines, syrups, cosmetics, oil reservoirs, paints, etc.). Here present analysis focuses on the usage of non-Newtonian fluid rheological properties enhancing, damping tools, protection apparatus individuals and in various distinct mechanical procedures. Industrial applications of non-Newtonian liquids include minimum friction, reduction in oil-pipeline friction, scale-up, flow tracers and in several others. The peristaltic mechanism is used as a non-Newtonian material carrier here. This mechanism occurs because of continuous symmetrical and asymmetrical propulsion of smooth channel walls. Peristalsis is a very significant mechanism for carrying drugs and other materials during sensitive diseases treatments.

Design/methodology/approach

Keeping in mind the considered problem assumptions (Rabinowitsch fluid model, thermal Grashof number, Prandtl number, density Grashof number, wall properties, etc.), it is found that the modeled equations are coupled and nonlinear. Thus here, analytical results are quite challenging to acquire and very limited to extremely venerated circumstances unsettled to their nonlinearity. Hence various developments found in computing proficiencies, numerical procedures that provides accurate, stable and satisfying solutions for non-Newtonian material flows exclusively in complex dimensions play a significant role. Here BVP4C numerical technique is developed to evaluate the nonlinear coupled system of equations with appropriate boundary constraints.

Findings

Due to convectively heated surface fluid between the walls having a small temperature. Sherwood and Nusselt numbers both deduce for fixed radiation values and different Rabinowitsch fluid quantity. Skin friction is maximum in the case of Newtonian, while minimum in case of dilatant model and pseudoplastic models. The influence of numerous parameters associated with flow problems such as thermal Grashof number, density Grashof number, Hartman number, Brownian motion, thermophoresis motion factor and slip parameters are also explored in detail and plotted for concentration profile, temperature distribution and velocity. From this analysis, it is concluded that velocity escalates for larger

Originality/value

The work reported in this manuscript has not been investigated so far by any researcher.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

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Article
Publication date: 5 July 2021

Abdullahi A. Shuaib and M. Sohail

This study aims to examine the role of Islamic social finance (ISF) instruments such as Zakah, Sadaqah and Waqf in the provision of social services by Islamic faith-based…

691

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of Islamic social finance (ISF) instruments such as Zakah, Sadaqah and Waqf in the provision of social services by Islamic faith-based organizations (IFBOs) in Southwest Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts exploratory approach based on field interviews conducted with leaders of IFBOs, whereas purposive sampling technique was used to select three case study organizations. Data collected from interviews and documents of case study organizations was analyzed using content and narrative analyses.

Findings

The first findings indicate faith in the Unseen God, scriptural texts and socio-economic factors as major motivation that accounted for the IFBOs’ concern for social services. The second finding shows that the ISF strategies used by the IFBOs to improve access to social services include Zakah, Awqaf, Sadaqah and gifts. The third finding reveals that the IFBOs have efficient stand-alone and windows operational structures that align with IFBOs corporate governance. The fourth finding also reveals the challenges facing the IFBOs such as inadequate funding, dearth of manpower, lukewarm and uncooperative attitude of Muslims and attitudinal behaviour of givers and takers.

Research limitations/implications

Absence of documented directory about the role IFBOs usage of ISF in providing social services in Southwest Nigeria affected the study. Many IFBOs were eliminated during the process of selection because of lack of records to indicate their social services relevant to the study. As such, information that could have been collected from the eliminated IFBOs could have contributed significantly to the study.

Practical implications

The major implications of the study are that ISF has been reinvented as an ethical social welfare framework for supporting the disadvantaged members of the society with ISF instruments and also highlighted the dichotomy existing between IFBOs in the North and Southwest Nigeria with respect to the legal and operational activities of IFBOs usage of ISF.

Originality/value

This study has contributed to a better understanding of the role of ISF instruments in the provision of social services in an area that is largely under-researched in Nigeria.

Details

International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8394

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 November 2021

Abul Hassan, M. Sadiq Sohail and Md Mahfuzur Rahaman Munshi

This study aims to investigate and point out the variations of agency theory in the context of Sharīʿah governance in Islamic banking operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia…

2947

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate and point out the variations of agency theory in the context of Sharīʿah governance in Islamic banking operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed the approach of quantitative Corporate Governance Index (CGI) by computing the Gov-index (Gompers et al., 2003) and the Gov-score (Brown and Caylor, 2004; Saffieddine, 2009) to examine corporate governance (CG) issues using primary as well as secondary data. The primary data was generated from three full-fledged Islamic banks (IBs) and nine traditional banks with Islamic banking wings, all operating in the KSA. The approach was to provide an insight into the agency structure in the context of Islamic banking, which may lead to a trade-off between the conformity of Sharīʿah (Islamic law) rules and processes followed in safeguarding the rights of investors.

Findings

The majority of the Islamic banking services that are surveyed in this study acknowledge the significance of Sharīʿah governance and have implemented the fundamental methods, in conformity with this system. Certain flaws in Sharīʿah governance principles pertaining to audit, control and transparency are reported.

Practical implications

The research outcomes will be invaluable to IBs aiming to improve existing SG practices. It also has implications for IB managers to design strategies while complying with regulations and to protect the interests of all investors without breaching the ethics of Sharīʿah.

Originality/value

This paper adds original value to the body of knowledge on agency relationship by analysing the dynamics of agency theory in the unique and complex context of Sharīʿah governance of IBs or those offering Islamic products in the KSA. The results can be used as a valuable feedback for improvement of Sharīʿah governance in the banking system in the KSA and the Gulf region at large.

Details

ISRA International Journal of Islamic Finance, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0128-1976

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 14 March 2019

Abdullah M. Baabdullah, Ali A. Alalwan, Nripendra P. Rana, Pushp Patil and Yogesh K. Dwivedi

The purpose of this paper is to identify and examine the most important factors that could predict the Saudi customer’s continued intention towards adoption of mobile banking.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and examine the most important factors that could predict the Saudi customer’s continued intention towards adoption of mobile banking.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed conceptual model was based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) and task-technology fit (TTF) model. This is also expanded by considering two additional factors: perceived privacy and perceived security. By using a self-administered questionnaire, the data were collected from a convenience sample of Saudi banking customers from different parts of Saudi Arabia.

Findings

The main results based on structural equation modelling analyses supported the impact of perceived privacy, perceived security, perceived usefulness and TTF on the customers’ continued intention to use mobile banking.

Research limitations/implications

The moderation influence of the demographic factors (i.e. age, gender, income level, educational level) was not tested. The data were also collected using a self-report questionnaire; however, it would be more accurate to utilise more statistics from the bank database about the users of m-banking.

Originality/value

This study represents a worthy attempt to test such novel technology (m-banking) in the KSA where there is a scarcity of literature. A considerable theoretical contribution was also made by integrating the TTF model with the TAM in addition to consider privacy and security in one single model. Moreover, considering both perceived privacy and security in the current model creates an accurate picture about the adoption of m-banking especially as there are a limited number of m-banking studies that have considered privacy and security alongside the TTF model and TAM in the same model.

Details

International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol. 37 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-2323

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 4 March 2021

M. Sadiq Sohail and Mehedi Hasan

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of service quality on student’s satisfaction.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of service quality on student’s satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Using empirical research, the study identified previously validated scales of service quality and student satisfaction. Using the SERVPERF scale, data were collected from 279 students studying in public and private universities across Saudi Arabia. The model fit of the scale was assessed to ensure that the data produced accurate outcomes. Structural equation modelling was used to test the effects of independent variables on dependent variables.

Findings

The results suggest that four of the five dimensions of service quality, namely, tangibility, reliability, responsiveness and assurance had a significant effect on students’ satisfaction. Empathy was not found to contribute to student satisfaction. The findings broaden and deepen our understanding of how the dimensions of service quality reinforce students’ satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Future research can also incorporate in the model other variables, academic and non-academic, related to student satisfaction.

Practical implications

The results have useful implications for decision-makers in higher education institutions who strive to enhance students’ satisfaction and increase the quality of higher education programmes, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region in general.

Originality/value

This study uses the SERVPERF scale, which is empirically superior to the SERVQUAL scale for measuring student satisfaction.

Details

Learning and Teaching in Higher Education: Gulf Perspectives, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2077-5504

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Article
Publication date: 3 June 2024

Nida Malik, Amir Zaib Abbasi, M. Sadiq Sohail, Ghazanfar Ali Abbasi and Ding Hooi Ting

There has been a dramatic rise in the use of online food delivery apps (FDAs) services since the COVID-19 pandemic. Though online FDAs have contributed significantly to the rise…

377

Abstract

Purpose

There has been a dramatic rise in the use of online food delivery apps (FDAs) services since the COVID-19 pandemic. Though online FDAs have contributed significantly to the rise in demand for products from the gourmet industry, little is known regarding the factors that inspire customers to order from online FDAs, subsequently influencing customers’ satisfaction. Considering the knowledge gap, this study utilizes the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model to conceptualize the factors: stimuli (eWOM, online reviews and online deals as external stimuli, and late-night craving and convenience as internal stimuli) that determine the organism level (i.e. customers’ inspiration) to subsequently generate the response (i.e. customers’ satisfaction).

Design/methodology/approach

We collected the data from 388 users and analyzed it via partial least squares – structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results reveal that online reviews, deals, late-night food cravings and convenience positively determine customers’ inspiration and satisfaction. In contrast, eWOM fails to impact customers’ inspiration directly and indirectly, affecting customers’ satisfaction through inspiration. Besides, customers’ inspiration positively mediates the relationship between stimuli (e.g. online reviews, online deals, late-night cravings and convenience) and customers’ satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study is novel in that it explores the impact of internal (late-night craving and convenience) and external (eWOM, online reviews and online deals) stimuli on customer inspiration and subsequently predicts customer satisfaction. We also expand prior studies on food delivery apps by studying customer inspiration as a mediating mechanism between internal and external stimuli and customer satisfaction.

Details

Aslib Journal of Information Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-3806

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 2 August 2011

M. Sadiq Sohail

With competitive pressures increasing, outsourcing has become a common phenomenon in today's global economy. While there is growing evidence of organizations increasingly seeking…

1147

Abstract

Purpose

With competitive pressures increasing, outsourcing has become a common phenomenon in today's global economy. While there is growing evidence of organizations increasingly seeking to outsource their information technology (IT) functions, there have been few comprehensive studies on this subject from the Middle East region. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the usage of IT outsourcing in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical research is used to study the extent that firms use the services of IT companies, the time period these have been used, the decision‐making process for outsourcing IT function, and its impact on the organization.

Findings

Results based on the analysis of data relating to 178 firms in Saudi Arabia indicate that most of these users are satisfied with the service providers and have largely seen positive developments within the organization.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of this paper relate to the relatively small size of the sample. This somewhat limits generalization of findings to the entire Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Practical implications

Findings have several practical implications for small startup companies and even larger companies that are deciding to outsource IT function in the Arabian Gulf region. The results provide managers with evidence supporting the benefits of IT outsourcing.

Originality/value

This paper makes a valuable contribution given the fact that there are only a limited number of comprehensive studies dealing with the assessment of IT outsourcing functions.

Details

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal, vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 4 October 2021

Syed Moudud-Ul-Huq, Kawsar Ahmed, Mohammad Ashraful Ferdous Chowdhury, Hafiz M. Sohail, Tanmay Biswas and Faisal Abbas

This study aims to investigate the relationship between capital regulation and risk-taking behavior (financial stability) concerning the impacts of the recent global (COVID-19…

651

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between capital regulation and risk-taking behavior (financial stability) concerning the impacts of the recent global (COVID-19) crisis and diverse ownership structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis uses an unbalanced panel data set from 32 commercial banks of Bangladesh for 2000–2020. The authors use the two-step system generalized method of moments and three-stage least squares to produce the study outcomes.

Findings

The robust results reveal that the relationship between capital regulation and risk (financial stability) is negative (positive) and bi-directional. More significantly, COVID-19 makes banks fragile and demands more capital to absorb risk. However, the effect of COVID-19 is heterogeneous when the authors consider ownership structure. Among the diverse ownership styles, Islamic and active shareholding show their controlling wheel on capital regulation and risk-taking aptitude (financial stability) during the global (COVID-19) crisis. In normal economic conditions, private banks and minority active shareholding can be a good determinant for capital regulation and risk (financial stability). On the other hand, state-owned and large banks have been found as less capitalized and highly risky.

Originality/value

This study is the pioneer in exploring capital regulation and risk toward the recent global (COVID-19) crisis.

Details

International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8394

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 11 July 2022

Liu Yao, Arslan Ayub, Mustafa Ishaq, Sania Arif, Tehreem Fatima and Hafiz M. Sohail

Employee silence is a pervasive workplace phenomenon that can cause severe economic losses to service organizations. Drawing on conservation of resource theory, the present…

1476

Abstract

Purpose

Employee silence is a pervasive workplace phenomenon that can cause severe economic losses to service organizations. Drawing on conservation of resource theory, the present research aims to investigate interpersonal antecedents of employee silence, specifically workplace ostracism while considering the moderating role of negative reciprocity beliefs (NRBs).

Design/methodology/approach

Two-wave data collected from 355 employees working in service organizations in Pakistan supported the theorized model. The study used SmartPLS (v 3.2.7) to examine the measurement model and the structural model.

Findings

As projected, the authors found that workplace ostracism was positively related to acquiescence silence and defensive silence, but not related to prosocial silence. Besides, this study’s findings supported two-way interaction involving workplace ostracism and NRB on acquiescence silence and defensive silence, but not on prosocial silence. In particular, the presence of high NRB makes the adverse effects of workplace ostracism even worse.

Originality/value

This study explores the boundary conditions under which employee silence is more likely or less likely to occur. This just makes the current research all the more salient that why and when ostracized employees resort to remain silent in the workplace.

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