Naser Valaei, Sajad Rezaei and Maryam Emami
The purpose of this paper is to examine the structural relationships among explorative learning strategy, improvisational creativity, compositional creativity, and innovation in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the structural relationships among explorative learning strategy, improvisational creativity, compositional creativity, and innovation in information and communication technology small- and medium-sized enterprises (ICT-SMEs).
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 213 valid questionnaires from SMEs’ top management positions were evaluated to investigate the proposed model of the research empirically. As a methodological approach, partial least square (PLS) path modeling approach, a variance-based structural equation modeling was employed.
Findings
The statistical results imply that explorative learning has a positive impact on improvisational creativity and innovation while improvisational creativity has a positive influence on compositional creativity and innovation as well. Compositional creativity and innovation are also positively associated. Surprisingly, improvisational creativity mediates the relationship between explorative learning and innovation. Furthermore, PLS-multi group analysis reveals that heterogeneity exists in the collected data and number of employees is a moderating variable. The results of the research indicate that companies with number of employees between 51 and 100 are more creative and innovative in comparison with other groups. On the other hand, the positive relationship between explorative learning and compositional creativity was not supported in this research.
Originality/value
This study is one of the few research works in the realm of examining the structural relationship among explorative learning strategy, improvisational creativity, compositional creativity, and innovation in ICT-SMEs, regarding the number of employees as a moderating variable.
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Maryam Emami, Sajad Rezaei, Naser Valaei and John Gardener
The objective of this study is to examine the structural relationship between creativity-relevant processes, domain-relevant skills, intrinsic task motivation, creativity and the…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this study is to examine the structural relationship between creativity-relevant processes, domain-relevant skills, intrinsic task motivation, creativity and the moderating effect of social environment (sufficient resources, workgroup support, realistic work pressure and lack of organizational impediments).
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 289 valid questionnaires were collected from engineering students in Malaysian universities to test the measurement as well as the structural model using partial least squares (PLS) path modelling.
Findings
This study reveals that while a high level of domain-relevant skills, intrinsic task motivation and creativity-relevant processes influence creativity among the sample of engineering students, social environment acts as an insignificant moderator to the creativity perception. While the statistical results support the structural relationships (direct effects), the social environment shows the insignificant moderating effect (except creativity relevant process to sufficient resource to creativity). Work-group support, sufficient resources and lack of organizational impediments, as the three factors of the social environment, will not have any effect on creativity of upcoming engineers.
Originality/value
While businesses in the emerging markets mostly neglect the concept of developing creative mindsets among engineering students, in the competitive world of business that is extremely fast-paced, being creative within a business setting will act as a paramount criterion to differentiate. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
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Sajad Rezaei, Maryam Emami and Nurlida Ismail
Despite the tremendous advancement of information technology worldwide, a few attempts have been made to uncover the effectiveness of paid internet advertising (PIA) on consumers…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the tremendous advancement of information technology worldwide, a few attempts have been made to uncover the effectiveness of paid internet advertising (PIA) on consumers buying decisions for retail enterprises in emerging markets. The purpose of this paper is to examine the structural relationships between consumer self-confidence, perceived intrusiveness, continuance search intention, attitude towards PIA and frequency of apps-buying decisions.
Design/methodology/approach
A total number of 515 online questionnaires were obtained from a sample of experienced apps shoppers who were disposed to PIA, in order to evaluate the theoretical model. VB-SEM, which is a variance-based structural equation modelling technique, was applied to assess the measurement scales and structural relationship between exogenous and endogenous constructs.
Findings
Overall, the structural results imply that the proposed model explains 0.738 per cent of variances in consumer’s continuance search intention and 0.756 per cent of the frequency of apps-buying decisions. The results support that consumer self-confidence positively influences attitude towards PIA, continuance search intention and frequency of apps-buying decisions; however, consumer self-confidence is negatively related to perceived intrusiveness. Similarly, attitude towards PIA is positively related to continuance search intention and frequency of apps-buying decision. Besides, perceived intrusiveness negatively influences attitude towards PIA, continuance search intention and frequency of apps-buying decisions. Finally, continuance search intention and the frequency of apps-buying decisions are positively related.
Originality/value
Despite the fact that PIA and its utilisation has been a recent growing trend in managing retail enterprises worldwide, a few studies have been conducted on possible end results of PIA, including consumer continuous apps search intention and purchase decisions.
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Elmira Janavi and Maryam Emami
The goal of this study was to investigate the co-citation of information security patents in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database.
Abstract
Purpose
The goal of this study was to investigate the co-citation of information security patents in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database.
Design/methodology/approach
This research is a scientometrics study that has been conducted using the co-citation analysis. The statistical population of the present study includes all patents of information security filed in the USPTO database from 1971 to 2015. As a result of this search, 30,736 patents were retrieved. In this investigation, UCINET software and its complementary package (NetDraw) were employed to plot scientific maps.
Findings
The findings of this study indicated an upward trend of patents in the field of information security between 1971 and 2015. The “California State” has the top world rank in information security inventions, followed by “Japan” and the “Washington State.” “VAN WIE, DAVID M” is the most cited inventor in the field of information security. The analysis of inventors' co-citation data indicated that “ADAMS, NEIL- LITTLE” and “HERBERT ANTHONY” had the highest co-citation rates with each other and were ranked first. The survey of high-citation inventors based on centrality indices indicated that “LEACH, PAUL J” graded first in degree centrality, “BENALOH, JOSH D” in betweenness centrality and “BENALOH, JOSH D” in closeness centrality.
Originality/value
The co-citation analysis of patents can show the most important patents and the relationships between them. Such analyses can be useful for large-scale policymaking or identification of existing gaps and attempting to address them.
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Maryam Amini, Armin Mahmoodi, Leila Hashemi, Reza Kiani Aslani, Arash Taheri and Mohammad Kiani
The contemporary landscape of supply chains necessitates a comprehensive integration of multiple components encompassing production, distribution and customer engagement. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The contemporary landscape of supply chains necessitates a comprehensive integration of multiple components encompassing production, distribution and customer engagement. The pursuit of supply chain harmony underscores the significance of pricing strategies within the framework of dual-channel distribution, particularly when confronted with the dynamics of asymmetric demand performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper delves into a nuanced decision-making challenge anchored in a dual-channel distribution context featuring a retailer and two distinct products. Notably, the retailer’s decision-making process employs the computational framework of dual grey numbers, a robust tool for handling uncertainty.
Findings
This study revolves around applying game theory to manufacturers. Each manufacturer presents its aggregated price proposition to the retailer. Subsequently, the retailer identifies the optimal pricing configuration among the manufacturers' aggregate prices while adhering to constraints such as spatial classification and inventory costs. This article’s contribution extends to delineating the retailer’s capacity to discern the influence of product market potential and the aggregate product cost on the overall demand.
Originality/value
The model’s innovation lies in its harmonious fusion of spatial classification, pricing strategies and inventory control. Notably, this novel integration provides a platform for unraveling the intricate interplay between non-symmetric market potential, production costs and cross-sensitivity. The investigation is underscored by the utilization of the double interval grey numbers, a powerful computational approach that accommodates the inherent uncertainty pervasive in the domain. This study fills a gap in the existing literature by offering an integrated framework unifying spatial allocation, pricing decisions and inventory optimization.
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The purpose of this paper is to provide information on the importance of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and social media for the development of informal…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide information on the importance of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and social media for the development of informal home-based business (HBBs) community in Kuwait City.
Design/methodology/approach
This research is used as a qualitative methodology, which helps the researcher to come to original and direct quotations about the HBBs owners’ thoughts and experiences. In this paper, a multi case-based approach was used, respectively, we have used 14 cases, where 7 operate in the food sector and 7 in the entertainment/game sector. All these informal HBBs are located in Kuwait City.
Findings
The results of the research showed that the respondents use Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, email and websites to communicate with customers and cooperate with business partners. Banks’ applications, such as “Edfali”, are used for doing the payments related to the business. Home-based owners are usually motivated by passion and love for the business, independence, additional source of income, succeeding in a family business, hobby or not finding an appropriate job in other companies.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had the opportunity to interview only 14 HBBs and only from two sectors, the food and entertainment/game sector. Further research can be done with more cases and more sectors to see how ICTs and social media help these businesses to develop their activity and spread the business in different places.
Practical implications
This paper provides useful information on the role of ICTs and social media for the informal HBBs, especially during the crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It might help business owners to prepare adequate strategies to cope with difficult situations and create better conditions for their businesses.
Originality/value
This paper is the first research that treats the informal HBB community in Kuwait City. It could serve as a good base for further studies related to the impact of ICTs and social media on the business performance.
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Maryam Dastoorpoor, Narges Khodadadi, Seyed Hamid Borsi, Farkhondeh Jamshidi, Alireza Babaei Farsani and Mehrdad Noorzadeh
Prisoners are at greater risk of infectious diseases compared to the general population. While imprisoned, it is often difficult to observe Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) prevention…
Abstract
Purpose
Prisoners are at greater risk of infectious diseases compared to the general population. While imprisoned, it is often difficult to observe Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) prevention strategies such as social distancing. To the authors’ knowledge, no study has been conducted worldwide to examine the condition of female prisoners with COVID-19. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the epidemiological, clinical and imaging characteristics of prisoners with COVID-19 in Ahvaz Women’s Prison (southwest, Iran).
Design/methodology/approach
The data for this descriptive cross-sectional study was collected using a checklist including epidemiological information, clinical symptoms, X-ray and computed tomography scan findings of the chest, underlying diseases and the final status of all female prisoners whose COVID-19 test was positive.
Findings
This study included 139 female prisoners with COVID-19 with a mean age of 37.19 ± 12.67 years. The most common underlying diseases were hypertension (14.4%), obesity (10.8%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (9.4%). The most common symptoms at the onset of the disease were myalgia (59.0%), cough (41.0%) and dyspnea (37.4%). The most common radiological symptoms were ground-glass opacity (12.9%) and atelectasis (7.2%). In terms of extension of involvement, both lungs were involved in 8.6% of patients. In terms of zonal involvement, the lower lobes were more involved (8.6%). In terms of involvement position, the most common was sub-pleural (10.1%). None of the patients died.
Originality/value
Because the incidence, morbidity and mortality rate of COVID-19 in the prison population are likely to differ from those of the public. This study sought to investigate the situation of prisoners with COVID-19 in Ahvaz Prison, Khuzestan Province. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first worldwide study in this regard in women’s prisons.
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Mehdi Habibi and Maryam Fanaei
The purpose of this paper is to present a DNA hybridization detection sensor. An inexpensive fabrication procedure was used so that the sensors can be disposed economically after…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a DNA hybridization detection sensor. An inexpensive fabrication procedure was used so that the sensors can be disposed economically after the measurement is completed.
Design/methodology/approach
Field effect transistor (FET) devices are used in the proposed structure. The FET device acts as a charge detection element and produces an amplified output current based on surface charge variations. As amplification is performed directly at the sensor frontend, noise sources have less effect on the detected signal, and thus, acceptably low DNA concentrations can be detected with simple external electronics. ZnO nano layers are used as the FET active semiconductor channel. Furthermore, a photobiasing approach is used to adjust the operating point of the proposed FET without the need for an additional gate terminal.
Findings
The proposed sensor is evaluated by applying matched and unmatched target DNA fragments on the fabricated sensors with capture probes assembled either directly on the ZnO surface or on a nano-platinum linker layer. It is observed that the presented approach can successfully detect DNA hybridization at the nano mole range with no need for complex laboratory measurement devices.
Originality/value
The presented photobiasing approach is effective in the adjustment of the sensor sensitivity and decreases the fabrication complexity of the achieved sensor compared with previous works.
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Zahed Ghaderi, Brian Edward Melville King and Sarasadat Makian
This study aims to explore how the treatment, well-being and satisfaction of health tourists are affected by what is characterized as the hospitality culture of health care.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore how the treatment, well-being and satisfaction of health tourists are affected by what is characterized as the hospitality culture of health care.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research design focusing on in-depth semi-structured interviews was conducted with 28 Omani health tourists who visited Iran and received health-care services. Data were analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti software.
Findings
The results revealed that a caring health professional is essential for patient healing and well-being. Cultural congruence is enhanced through effective communication between patients and health-care service providers. Additionally, a hospitality-certified workforce is essential for customer satisfaction and overall well-being. Finally, a hospitality-style approach and home-like atmosphere improve patient rehabilitation and performance.
Research limitations/implications
The study’s exclusive focus on Omani health tourists necessitates caution in generalizing findings. Future research could encompass more diverse populations and inclusive samples to broaden applicability.
Practical implications
The study highlights the key role of hospitality culture in the health-care sector, emphasizing the significance of building a culturally sensitive and hospitable environment to improve patient satisfaction and overall well-being. This includes the creation of welcoming environments and customized health-care experiences congruent with patients’ cultural values and beliefs.
Originality/value
The study emphasizes the crucial role of hospitality culture in health tourism and the potential to create a culture of care and respect in health-care settings, addressing patients’ holistic needs beyond physical amenities and enriching the patient experience. It also applies Leininger’s Culture Care Theory to hospitality, providing a novel viewpoint on culturally congruent, safe and meaningful care for health tourists.