Imtiaz Ahmad, Maha Ahmad, Ghulam Qadir and Asad Khan Afridi
This study aims to estimate Pakistan’s export potential in new and existing export products, as well as their potential destination markets.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to estimate Pakistan’s export potential in new and existing export products, as well as their potential destination markets.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a nonparametric approach based on demand, supply and easiness factors for estimating export potential at disaggregated product and destination levels.
Findings
A significant number of new export products (extensive margin) and existing products (intensive margin) are identified that have export potential. The estimated unrealized export potential at extensive margins is $2bn and at intensive margins is $5bn. The range of new products included value-added products, semifinished products and intermediate products. Surprisingly, there is high potential to diversify in China and export existing products more intensively in the EU. Moreover, the potential at extensive margins is regional diverse compared to intensive margins.
Research limitations/implications
The methodology used in this paper only provides export potential for short-to-medium term period because the global demand conditions are varying. Also, the mineral and resource-based products cannot be included in the analysis because their exports are heavily dependent on the availability of natural resources.
Practical implications
The findings have important policy implications in terms of providing guidelines for government policies related to industrial development, international trade and export promotion at the product and destination level. Overall, the study reveals that traditional sectors lack room for product diversification. As the existing export incentives favor major industries. To foster diversification, existing incentives must be redesigned to cover new products or sectors. Moreover, China has the greatest potential for product diversification, while Europe has the greatest potential to export current products more intensively. Further research is needed to simulate trade policy scenarios and estimate demand, supply and ease factors in export potential.
Originality/value
This study provides a unique perspective on export potential assessment at disaggregated product and destination levels, reinforcing the importance of redesigning trade policies and export incentives separately for export diversification.
Details
Keywords
Hesham S. Ahmad, Maha D. Ayoush and Majed S. Al-Alwan
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the main causes of delay in public construction projects. This is motivated by feedback from public construction experts concerning…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the main causes of delay in public construction projects. This is motivated by feedback from public construction experts concerning substantive delays during the last decade. The study thus seeks to help decision makers in Jordan and elsewhere identify problems and develop mitigating strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
Causes of delay were identified from previous related studies and then augmented after consultation with experts. This resulted in 56 delay factors classified into eight groups. The sampling frame for the study was defined in terms of public construction projects (mostly related to roads) owned by the Ministry of Public Works and Housing in Jordan. A survey was conducted with engineers working as representatives of the owner, contractors or consultants to elicit and evaluate the importance of the 56 delay factors.
Findings
Overall, 113 completed questionnaire responses were returned and analyzed to rank the causes of delay using the relative importance index method. Owners and consultants showed more interest in factors related to themselves, while contractors showed highest interest in an external factor related to the owner of services. Four recommendations are put forward for decision makers to mitigate against delays.
Originality/value
This research investigates a relatively large number of delay factors compared to other studies and these are categorized into groups to facilitate thematic understanding. Further, compared to previous related research, this research fills a gap by exploring the opinions of different contract parties.
Details
Keywords
Carrie Amani Annabi, Amanda L. McStay, Allyson Fiona Noble and Maha Sidahmed
High levels of absenteeism have been observed amongst male students attending two transnational higher education (TNHE) institutions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). One reason…
Abstract
Purpose
High levels of absenteeism have been observed amongst male students attending two transnational higher education (TNHE) institutions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). One reason offered is an obligation to attend engagement ceremonies. Many ceremonies are linked to arranged marriages. The purpose of this paper is to contradict assumptions that suggest that higher education reduces arranged marriages, and to highlight that university policies overlook cultural nuances.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 male postgraduate students aged between 22 and 45. Content analysis was used to analyse and interpret the data.
Findings
Several interviewees chose to have an arranged marriage and some saw their postgraduate studies as an opportunity to have a better chance of securing a wife. Equally, several students felt that university policies were unsympathetic to cultural obligations.
Research limitations/implications
This research was restricted to male students from two TNHE institutes in the UAE.
Practical implications
This research provides insight for TNHE managers by providing student-centric research into cultural reasons that prevent student attendance.
Social implications
TNHE is not fully responsive to familial obligations within collective societies. In consequence, there has been a lack of sympathy within policies regarding students’ requirement to fulfil cultural commitments.
Originality/value
The paper explores the challenges of creating culturally sensitive educational policy and practices.
Details
Keywords
Maha Hosny Elgewely, Wafaa Nadim, Ahmad ElKassed, Mohamed Yehiah, Mostafa Alaa Talaat and Slim Abdennadher
This research proposes a virtual reality (VR) platform for construction detailing that provides experiential learning in a zero-risk environment. It builds on integrating VR…
Abstract
Purpose
This research proposes a virtual reality (VR) platform for construction detailing that provides experiential learning in a zero-risk environment. It builds on integrating VR technology as a medium and building information modeling (BIM) as a repository of information and a learning tool.
Design/methodology/approach
This work discusses the proposed environment curricular unit prototype design, implementation and validation. The validation of the VR environment was conducted in three phases, namely, piloting, testing (system usability and immersion) and learning gain validation, each of which has its aim and outcomes and has been assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Findings
After considering the feedback, the VR environment prototype is then validated on the level of learning outcomes, providing the evidence that it would enhance students' engagement, motivation and achievement accordingly. The results indicated 30% learning progress after experiencing the VR environment vs. 13.8% for paper-based studying.
Originality/value
In reference to building construction education, construction site visits provide students with real-life practical experience which are considered an extension for classroom. Nevertheless, it is challenging to integrate construction site visits regularly during the academic semester with respect to the class specific needs. The research at hand adopts integrating VR and BIM in AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) education by proposing a system that can work as a mainstream complementary construction detailing learning method for architecture students. The proposed VR system facilitates a virtual construction site that meets the learning needs where students can explore and build in a real scale environment.
Details
Keywords
Oussama Saoula, Muhammad Farrukh Abid, Munawar Javed Ahmad, Amjad Shamim, Ataul Karim Patwary and Maha Mohammed Yusr
It is widely evident that trust and commitment are important pillars for strengthening the relationship between financial service firms and their customers. However, it has not…
Abstract
Purpose
It is widely evident that trust and commitment are important pillars for strengthening the relationship between financial service firms and their customers. However, it has not been explored how the service quality, perceived cost and role of agents are important for financial service firms. To overcome this gap, this study aims to investigate the role of service quality, perceived cost and the role of agents as the commitment–trust factors in the financial insurance service (Takaful) in Malaysia, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
The study follows a quantitative design in which primary data was collected using a survey instrument. The measurement instrument was adapted from the previous research, and data were collected from 264 customers of the Takaful financial service organizations in Malaysia. The data were analyzed using variance-based structural equational modeling in Smart-PLS software.
Findings
This research has revealed several useful insights that demonstrate a significant impact on service quality, perceived cost and the agents’ role in forging close relationships with their customers. Corporate image has a moderating role in relationships and has significantly impacted takaful insurance companies. The results imply that regardless of the corporate image of the financial service organizations, customers are concerned about the prices and the quality of the agents’ services.
Research limitations/implications
In this study, only the predictors such as service quality, perceived costs and agents’ roles as trust–commitment factors were examined to determine customer satisfaction. Other investigations are highly recommended, such as value co-creation in takaful, takaful customer experience and takaful trust. This study offers insights to takaful insurance companies on how to keep up a positive corporate image, which will boost their trust–commitment factors and ultimately increase customer satisfaction.
Originality/value
By presenting commitment–trust factors and company image in an identifiable framework, the current study has expanded the discussion on takaful financial insurance services. The methodology is developed and rigorously tested to gauge customer satisfaction in takaful financial service organizations’ context.
Details
Keywords
Raji Ajwani-Ramchandani and Sonali Bhattacharya
COVID-19 not only has impacted adversely the health infrastructure, taking away lives of millions of people but it has also crippled the economy. The worst effected were food…
Abstract
Purpose
COVID-19 not only has impacted adversely the health infrastructure, taking away lives of millions of people but it has also crippled the economy. The worst effected were food supply chain due to restrictions imposed on operations of shops and retail outlets. The consumers were suffering due to lack of supply. Similarly, agriculture produce were getting wasted due to lack of cold storage.
Methodology
In this case we have proposed how a mobile-based application solution during COVID lockdown can successfully transform the livelihood of rural farmers in the state of Maharashtra (India), a state worst affected by the pandemic.
Result
The technology-integrated supply chain model jointly developed by financial institutions, self-help groups (SHGs) and NGOs has enabled direct selling of fresh produces by rural women farmers to urban large residential societies at their doorsteps. It has provided a solution of municipality waste management by converting the waste to compost, getting them collected and used in the farmlands.
Implications
It will help the urban consumers to have the continuous supply of fresh vegetables and fruits available at their doorsteps, and keep a track of transport of foods from farm to fork. The farmers will be able to get better price for their produce. The model will also contribute towards circular economy (CE) through citizen partnership.
Details
Keywords
Rashed Al Karim, Mirza Mohammad Didarul Alam and Maha Khamis Al Balushi
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of customer relationship management (CRM) components on competitive advantage through customer loyalty in the banking sector of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of customer relationship management (CRM) components on competitive advantage through customer loyalty in the banking sector of Bangladesh.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire was used for the data collection process. In all, 326 respondents were participated in the survey and selected conveniently from the commercial banks of Bangladesh. Data were analyzed by using Smart-PLS software.
Findings
The outcomes of this study indicate that customer orientation and technology capability have a positive impact on competitive advantage, while customer knowledge does not. Besides, customer loyalty significantly mediates the relationship between customer orientation and technology capability with competitive advantage, while this mediation effect appears insignificant between customer knowledge and competitive advantage.
Practical implications
This study's findings can help Bangladeshi bank managers communicate with new customers about their promotional activities while keeping old customers informed about new CRM initiatives.
Originality/value
This study adds to the existing pool of knowledge on CRM components, customer loyalty and competitive advantage literature. Particularly, the mediating role of customer loyalty between the CRM components (customer orientation and technology capability) and competitive advantage is the unique contribution of this research.
Details
Keywords
Malek Abu Rumman, Mohammad Hiyassat, Bashar Alsmadi, Ahmad Jamrah and Maha Alqam
The purpose of this paper is to assess the long‐term ability of the Integrated Southern Ghor Project (ISGP) to meet the required water demands, assess the resulting energy…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the long‐term ability of the Integrated Southern Ghor Project (ISGP) to meet the required water demands, assess the resulting energy requirements, pumping costs, water transfers, benefits of the current system with respect to predevelopment conditions and effect of projected water demands increase on the resulting water deficits.
Design/methodology/approach
A surface water resources management model is developed using dynamic programming. The model inputs are the hydrological inflows from the different wadis in the project area, reservoirs characteristics and evaporation rates, system water demands. The model outputs are water deficits at the different demand areas, reservoirs storage and release sequences, water transfers and energy requirements and the associated costs. The average annual values of different performance criteria with the annual frequency curves are used to evaluate the implications of different water scenarios on the ISGP.
Findings
The results show the efficiency of the ISGP model in reducing the water deficits in the demand areas as compared to predevelopment conditions. Increased demand scenario showed the importance of finding new water projects to supplement the Southern Ghor Area in the future in order to meet the increasing water demands. The proposed water transfer will reduce the resulting deficits at the agricultural areas without the expenses of increasing the water deficits at other demand areas. The application of this model is expected to enhance decision making regarding water policies in Jordan.
Originality/value
This paper provides critical quantitative information to decision makers in Jordan about the potential of the different storage facilities and proposed transfers in meeting the required water demands in the Southern Ghor Project and assesses the required energy for that. This can help decision makers to have a holistic view about the expected water deficits in the area and therefore assist them in determining the areas impacted most and what alternative solution to use. The paper also shows the importance of using optimal control/management models to support water resources decision making in Jordan.
Details
Keywords
Rafiu O. Yusuf, Zainura Zainon Noor, Ahmad Halilu Abba, Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan, Mohammed Rafee Majid and Nasiru Idris Medugu
The purpose of this paper is to compute the amount of methane generated from the waste of livestock from 1980 to 2008; then use the information in forecasting subsequent methane…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to compute the amount of methane generated from the waste of livestock from 1980 to 2008; then use the information in forecasting subsequent methane emissions by the sector in Malaysia from 2009 to 2020.
Design/methodology/approach
The research study employed two approaches; computing methane emissions from 1980 to 2008 using the IPCC guidelines, and forecasting methane emissions for the animals from 2009 to 2020 using the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model from the predictive analysis software (PASW-SPSS 18.0).
Findings
Methane emissions from cattle, buffaloes and pigs accounted for over 95 per cent of total emissions and emissions from cattle are predicted to increase from 67.0 Gg in 2009 to 77.0 Gg by 2020. Emissions from the others will not be appreciable although poultry emissions will rise to 11.0 Gg by 2020. Attempt by the Malaysian Government to increase cattle production is not necessary at the moment as protein requirement has been met.
Research limitations/implications
ARIMA model suffers from linear and data limitation: the future value of a variable assumed to be a linear function of several past observations in ARIMA is sometimes unrealistic. Large amounts of historical data are needed in ARIMA models in order to get desired results. The inventory of the animals was taken from 1980 to 2008.This needs to be improved upon by updating it to cover up to 2011 so that the forecast will start from 2012.
Practical implications
The chosen ARIMA method has demonstrated its correctness in being adequate as a predicting tool for animal methane emissions. Policy makers can apply it so as to take practical steps to avoid these emissions.
Originality/value
This is a novice idea as animal methane emission forecasting tool. This model will be of immense use and help in predicting methane emissions from livestock.
Details
Keywords
This study attempts to identify and analyze the pragmatic functions of religious expressions, that is, invocations that include the name of Allah (God), in naturally occurring…
Abstract
Purpose
This study attempts to identify and analyze the pragmatic functions of religious expressions, that is, invocations that include the name of Allah (God), in naturally occurring social interactions in Najdi Arabic, which is spoken in Central Saudi Arabia.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on the speech act theory and politeness model, an analysis of the data illustrates that religious expressions, in addition to their prototypical religious meanings and uses in everyday interactions, are employed to communicate a wide range of pragmatic functions.
Findings
These include signaling the end of a conversation, persuading, mitigating and hedging, showing agreement and approval, reinforcing emphasis, expressing emotions, seeking protection from the evil eye, conveying skepticism and ambiguity, expressing humor and sarcasm, and showing respect and honor. The embedded multifunctional dimension of religious expressions in the present data is interpreted as serving as a politeness marker with which speakers promote both positive politeness (by showing solidarity, claiming common grounds, and building rapport) and negative politeness (by reducing imposition and emphasizing personal autonomy).
Originality/value
This study further highlights the interplay between religion, culture, and language use in Najdi Arabic.