Mahmoud Zamani and Changiz Valmohammadi
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of new methods of mass communication (employing customer relationship management (CRM) software and web site) in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of new methods of mass communication (employing customer relationship management (CRM) software and web site) in the development of tourism industry in Iran.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from managers and experts of companies involving in tourism field in Iran through survey questionnaire. The SPSS 17 and LISREL 8 statistical programs were used for the data analysis.
Findings
The results reveal that using CRM application is significantly correlated with the development of tourism industry. In addition, the findings indicated that using web site has a positive and significant relationship with the development of tourism.
Research limitations/implications
As this study is limited to Iran and given cultural differences among various nations cautions should be taken in generalizability of the obtained results. Also, to better clarify the role of mass communication methods, it is recommended similar study in other countries to be carry out in order to be able to compare the results.
Originality/value
To the best of knowledge of the authors this is the first endeavor toward the survey of the relationship and the effects of CRM application and internet advertisement on the development of tourism in the context of Iran. Also, the results obtained could act as a good guidance for Iranian tourism policy makers to make more effective decisions.
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Solmaz Abbasi, Mahmoud Zamani and Changiz Valmohammadi
The aim of this paper is to study the effects of enterprise resource planning (ERP) on management accounting in Iranian organizations. Preparing and offering different reports and…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to study the effects of enterprise resource planning (ERP) on management accounting in Iranian organizations. Preparing and offering different reports and budgets remain important activities for accountants, and directly implementing ERP systems improves the quality of these reports through real-time data transfer.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methods used in this paper are descriptive surveys with questionnaires and interviews as the main data collection tools. Statistical population comprises every organization which has implemented an ERP system with financial/accounting modules. The participating 12 organizations were selected based on consultation with experts, and a seven-item Likert questionnaire was prepared and its validity approved and used to collect data. The t-test and Friedman test were applied to assess the hypotheses and rank parameters.
Findings
Results revealed that the highest effects of implementing an ERP in surveyed Iranian organizations are improving standard levels and the quality of reports, creating more organizational integration and empowering personnel.
Research limitations/implications
As the implementation of ERP in Iran is still in its initial phases and the sample is restricted to only four organizations, when considering the generalizability of the obtained results, caution should be taken.
Originality/value
This research is among the few studies on the effects of ERP implementation on accounting management departments, particularly in the context of Iran.
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Ahmed Eid, Matevz Obrecht, Ahmed Hussein Ali and Mahmoud Barakat
Drawing on the reasoned action theory, this study aims to examine the impact of environmental knowledge (EK) and environmental sustainability performance (EP) on environmental…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on the reasoned action theory, this study aims to examine the impact of environmental knowledge (EK) and environmental sustainability performance (EP) on environmental behavior (EB) mediated by environmental attitude (ATT). Furthermore, to examine the moderating effect of environmental advertising (ADD) on the indirect relationship between EP and EB, mediated by ATT on the one hand, and EK on EB, on the other hand, mediated by ATT.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were gathered within an international context for passengers from North African countries (NAC) (Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Morocco and Sudan) using primary quantitative data from online and self-administered questionnaires. A total of 1,052 questionnaires were collected from passengers who traveled through Egyptian airports. The collected data were analyzed through covariance-based structural equation modeling.
Findings
The findings indicated that ATT moderates the relationship between environmental knowledge and behavior. In addition, ATT mediates the airports' environmental behavior and environmental sustainability performance. Moreover, ADD moderates the indirect association between EP and individuals' environmental knowledge and behavior through the mediated effect of ATT.
Research limitations/implications
This research output will help extend the theory’s scope by conceptualizing its abstract ideas using research variables and applying them in NAC countries. This can be a milestone for altering individuals' behavior toward the environment in airports.
Practical implications
This study aims to assist airport authorities in the development of standards for enhancing environmental performance. Enhancing environmental issues is of utmost importance, especially in the context of airports, which have been a subject of significant environmental concern. This study examined the environmental practices of airport passengers in NAC, given their significant role as the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions on the African continent. The present approach has the potential to be utilized in modifying airport conduct and enhancing stakeholder engagement, specifically within the context of NAC.
Social implications
The objective of this study is to enhance the relationship between nature and humans by endeavoring to modify human attitudes toward the environment. The objective of this initiative is to bridge the current disparity in the socio-environmental connection by fostering environmental consciousness among individuals who utilize airport facilities. The objective will be accomplished by the construction of a theoretical framework that integrates crucial elements acknowledged for their substantial influence on altering human attitudes, thus fostering a greater sense of environmental consciousness and ultimately improving societal well-being.
Originality/value
Since the global supply chain prioritizes environmental transportation systems, this study provides a conceptual framework for airport authorities to develop and create policies to push air passengers' behavior toward environmental practices in NAC.
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Maria Isabel Roque and Maria João Forte
Iranian history, with roots in the oldest civilizations in western Asia, has provided significant heritage, both tangible and intangible, allowing the country to be considered as…
Abstract
Iranian history, with roots in the oldest civilizations in western Asia, has provided significant heritage, both tangible and intangible, allowing the country to be considered as a major cultural tourism destination for both nationals and foreigners. The focus on Iranian history and heritage aims to confirm the country’s potential for attracting international tourists, while a negative image prevails abroad of a radical theocratic regime with a hostile internal political environment, alongside the instable geopolitical situation of the region. However, the changing political situation, now more secure and safe, allows an attempt to remove these prejudices, which may be achieved through the promotion of heritage and cultural tourism.
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Tamer Mohamed Shahwan and Mohamed Mahmoud Fathalla
This paper aims to investigate the impact of intellectual capital (IC) as a mediator variable on the association between corporate governance (CG) practices and firm performance…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the impact of intellectual capital (IC) as a mediator variable on the association between corporate governance (CG) practices and firm performance. This study also examines bi-causality linkages between these variables.
Design/methodology/approach
The designated corporate governance index and the value-added intellectual coefficient method were used to assess the level of CG practices and the performance of IC. Tobin’s Q (TQ) and operating efficiency ratio were used to measure firm performance.
Findings
The aggregate CG score has a significant positive impact on the IC and the two measures of firm performance. However, the IC has only a partial mediation effect on the relationship between the aggregate corporate governance score and a firm’s operational efficiency ratio. The IC has partial and full mediation effects in the relationship between the sub-dimensions of corporate governance and the performance of Egyptian corporates. Moreover, a bi-causality relationship can be observed between CG and TQ.
Research limitations/implications
Generalizing the obtained results would require the sample size to be extended.
Practical implications
The findings should alert legislative institutions and practitioners of the need to comply with good CG practices and develop the efficiency of IC to elicit a firm’s superior performance.
Originality/value
This study is one of the first attempts to investigate the causality relationships and the mediation impact of IC on the relationship between CG practices and corporate performance in the Egyptian context.
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Asef Karimi, Iraj Malekmohamadi, Mahmoud Ahmadpour Daryani and Ahmad Rezvanfar
This study seeks to build a conceptual model of agricultural extension intrapreneurship that discusses the concept and phenomenon of intrapreneurship as well as its prerequisites…
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to build a conceptual model of agricultural extension intrapreneurship that discusses the concept and phenomenon of intrapreneurship as well as its prerequisites and outcomes. The proposed model is intended to depict the main factors that affect the phenomena of intrapreneurship within the agricultural extension organizations and the impact of intrapreneurship on agricultural extension organizational outcomes, as well as factors influencing its continuous outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper identifies and describes the existence and past literature on prerequisites, phenomena and outcomes of intrapreneurship in organizations as a basis for analysis and developing an appropriate model of agricultural extension intrapreneurship. This is a conceptual paper selecting targeted scholarly works that provide support for the proposed model.
Findings
The paper presents a model of Iranian agricultural extension in which the organizational, behavioral and environmental factors influence intrapreneurship and the construct of intrapreneurship influences organizational outcomes. The paper provides a comprehensive analysis that develops an existing model for a systematic approach to the agricultural extension intrapreneurial process. The proposed model of agricultural extension intrapreneurship joins a growing number of works that explore how intrapreneurship contributes to organizational outcomes in an Iranian agricultural extension organization. It is suggested that the framework may help scholars identify potential strategies of intrapreneurial activity that could help extension organization position intrapreneurship as a vehicle for improving organizational outcomes.
Originality/value
Based on this exploration, new insights about agricultural extension intrapreneurship are developed, practical implications for agricultural extension intrapreneurs on how to approach agricultural extension entrepreneurship more systematically and effectively are presented and opportunities for further research are identified.
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Shiran Geng, Hing-Wah Chau, Se Yan, Wenyu Zhang and Chunyang Zhang
Spatial arrangement of hospital environments has been proven to have impacts on hospital users such as wayfinding, privacy and operational efficiency. Many studies examined the…
Abstract
Purpose
Spatial arrangement of hospital environments has been proven to have impacts on hospital users such as wayfinding, privacy and operational efficiency. Many studies examined the spatial quality of hospitals, but there is a lack of comparative research between Chinese and Australian hospitals. Hospitals in both countries have salient features that are worth to learn and can inform hospital stakeholders internationally on design decisions. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and compare the spatial quality of hospitals from both countries using space syntax approach and field observation.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses space syntax analysis and observation to provide qualitative and quantitative data. Illustrative case studies from both countries are selected for comparison. The main benchmarks involved in measuring the spatial qualities, such as step depth and visual connectivity, are analysed using Depthmap X before comparing with the results from observation.
Findings
For Chinese hospitals to be more human-centred, public space design and facility management need additional attention. Australian hospitals could learn from Hospital D on how to design highly centralised nursing stations that cope with a high patient flow. Global policy and decision-makers should consider the potential inconsistency between initial design intention and practical use.
Originality/value
Practical implications were made based on the results for bettering hospital environments. It is hoped that the methodology presented in this research is of significance to the enhancement of global healthcare environment research.
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Elyas Mohammadi-Gouraji, Mahmoud Sheikh-Zeinoddin and Sabihe Soleimanian-Zad
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the protective effects of Persian gum and gum Arabic on the survival of Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum PTCC 1896, Escherichia…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the protective effects of Persian gum and gum Arabic on the survival of Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum PTCC 1896, Escherichia coli, Xanthomonas axonopodis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae during freeze drying.
Design/methodology/approach
Cultures were harvested from the early stationary phase and enumerated after dilution according to the Milse Misra method. Bacterial suspensions were mixed with protective agents and frozen at –80°C before drying in a freeze dryer. Survival rates were determined both immediately during freeze drying and after 14 days of cold storage (at 4°C).
Findings
Compared to gum Arabic 5 and 10 percent (W/V) or skim milk 10 percent (W/V), Persian gum 1 percent (W/V) showed no significantly different effects on the survival of Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum PTCC 1896 (p<0.05). Similarly, no significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between Persian gum 6 percent (W/V), gum Arabic 6 percent (W/V), the combination of Persian gum 3 percent (W/V) and gum Arabic 3 percent (W/V), and skim milk 10 percent (W/V) in terms of their effects on the survival of Escherichia coli. Skim milk 10 percent (W/V) was, however, found to have significant (p<0.05) effects on the survival of Xanthomonas axonopodis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Statistically significant (p<0.05) effects were observed after 14 days of cold storage (4°C) by Persian gum 6 percent (W/V) on the survival of Escherichia coli and by gum Arabic 6 percent (W/V) on the survival of Xanthomonas axonopodis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It was concluded that protective agents could be replaced by Persian gum for its effect on the survival rate of Escherichia coli and by skim milk for its effects on the survival of Xanthomonas axonopodis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Persian gum 6 percent (W/V) seemed to be the best protective agent for Escherichia coli during 14 days of its storage as gum Arabic 6 percent (W/V) seemed to have the same performance for Xanthomonas axonopodis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Persian gum 1 percent (W/V) was also found an alternative protective agent for the freeze drying of Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum PTCC 1896.
Originality/value
As Iranian Persian gum is cheap due to its wide availability and seems to have effects similar to those of gum Arabic and skim milk at low concentrations, it may be considered a good candidate for industrial applications.
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This study aims to explore how perceived anthropomorphism, perceived warmth, and customer–artificial intelligence (AI) assisted exchange (CAIX) of service robots affect customers’…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore how perceived anthropomorphism, perceived warmth, and customer–artificial intelligence (AI) assisted exchange (CAIX) of service robots affect customers’ satisfaction via digital marketing innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
A customer satisfaction model was formulated based on the perspective of parasocial relationships and hybrid intelligence; 236 completed questionnaires were returned by partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis.
Findings
This study demonstrates that perceived anthropomorphism, perceived warmth and CAIX's impact on digital marketing innovation were supported, and customer satisfaction impacted the continued intention to use service robots.
Originality/value
Restaurants that leverage service robots differentiate themselves from competitors by offering innovative and technologically advanced dining experiences. Integrating AI capabilities sets these restaurants apart and attracts tech-savvy customers who value convenience and efficiency.
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Muhammad Ilyas Nadeem, Yasrul Izad Abu Bakar, Sana Akram and Atif Amin Baig
This study aims to determine the correlation of anthropometric measurements with serum lipid profile among Malay subjects in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine the correlation of anthropometric measurements with serum lipid profile among Malay subjects in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kuala Terengganu on a total of 193 individuals aged 18-60 years. Subjects were recruited via direct interview as per inclusion criteria and anthropometric measurements, i.e. body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio, abdominal volume index and conicity index, were taken using International Standards for Anthropometric Assessment Guidelines. Fasting blood samples were collected for serum lipid profile analysis that measures triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), TG/HDL, TC/HDL and LDL/HDL. Besides socio-demographic characteristics, means and association of anthropometric parameters with lipid profiles were performed using simple linear regression and multivariate-adjusted regression analysis.
Findings
The mean age of obese (male [39.2 ± 8.7] and female [41.1 ± 1.0]) and non-obese (male [29.8 ± 1.3] and female [33.3 ± 1.3]) respondents was compared. Means of anthropometric indices and lipid profile were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in obese than in non-obese group. Multivariate-adjusted regression showed that weight and BMI increased risks for prevalent high TC, TG, LDL, TC/HDL, TG/HDL, LDL/HDL, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and dyslipidemia. Regardless of sex, age and prevalent obese status, WHR increased risks for high prevalence of TC, TG, LDL, TC/HDL and LDL/HDL, and presents an independent risk factor for hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia. WC was highly associated with TG, while HC was associated with atherogenic lipid profile ratios: TC/HDL, TG/HDL and LDL/HDL.
Originality/value
In conclusion, the lipid profile (TC, TG and TG/HDL) of triglyceridemia and hypercholesteremia is highly correlated with anthropometric measurements (BMI, WC and WHR) of central obesity that predict obesity-associated cardiac risks.