Towhid Hasan, Marjia Sultana, Md. Tareq Hossain, Lima Khatun and Md. Alauddin
This research aimed to study patterns of energy drinks (ED) consumption among university students and to identify the determinants for their preferences.
Abstract
Purpose
This research aimed to study patterns of energy drinks (ED) consumption among university students and to identify the determinants for their preferences.
Design/methodology/approach
This cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 students from various departments of Jashore University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh, by convenience sampling. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used to collect data.
Findings
About 52.3 per cent of the students were between 21 and 23 years of age, and half of them were male. More than half (53 per cent) of the students had consumed ED at least once in their lifetime. Only 22.1 per cent of these consumers had any knowledge of the ingredients in ED, and 4.3 per cent did not know the possible negative impacts. Bivariate analysis was performed to identify the variables significantly associated with ED consumption among students. The risks of ED consumption were found to be: male gender (Odds Ratio (OR) = 4.04; 95 per cent Confidence Interval (CI) = 2.36–6.92), father educated up to SSC (OR = 18.47; 95 per cent CI = 2.30–148.90) or college and above (OR = 17.01; 95 per cent CI = 2.31–135.60), smoker (OR = 3.87; 95 per cent CI = 1.61–9.35) and doing irregular physical activity (OR = 2.43; 95 per cent CI = 1.23–4.78).
Originality/value
ED consumption among university students is high, but their perception regarding the ingredients and potential health hazards is opaque. Therefore, it is imperative that at both community and individual levels, interventions should focus on educating and empowering individuals to make firm and positive decisions concerning their dietary habits and health.
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Wenyan Xu, Qiran Zhao, Wei Si and Chen Zhu
While the adverse health consequences of obesity are well-documented, the causal effect between obesity and economic outcomes, particularly individual income in the labor market…
Abstract
Purpose
While the adverse health consequences of obesity are well-documented, the causal effect between obesity and economic outcomes, particularly individual income in the labor market, has yielded inconsistent findings. At the same time, China has the highest number of obese or overweight people around the world in recent years. However, limited research has examined the causal effect of obesity on Chinese rural residents’ income. To answer this question, our study aims to identify the causal impact of obesity on Chinese rural residents.
Design/methodology/approach
First, we conduct ordinary least squares, instrumental variable and Mendelian randomization methods to evaluate the impact of obesity on Chinese rural residents’ income. Then, we employ quantile regression and instrumental variable quantile regression to investigate the potential distributional impacts of obesity across various income segments. For the generality of our results, we also use 485,849 samples from the UK Biobank and the two-sample Mendelian randomization method to analyze.
Findings
Our one-sample Mendelian randomization analysis, based on a sample of 441 people collected from rural China in 2019 and 2021, revealed that obesity reduced residents’ annual income by 647.87 China Yuan. Results from the UK further support our findings. We also find that the adverse causal impact of obesity on income is significant in individuals within the above 50th percentile of the income distribution. Additionally, childhood obesity has a long-term adverse effect on income in adulthood.
Research limitations/implications
These results contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the economic costs of obesity. Weight penalties may lead to a deviation from the efficiency that should be pursued in the labor market and widen income disparity.
Originality/value
We provide novel and robust instrumental variables and utilize the Mendelian randomization method to analyze the effect of obesity on Chinese rural residents.
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Teresa Gajewska, Dominik Zimon, Grzegorz Kaczor and Peter Madzík
The purpose of this paper is to present the results of surveys conducted in the field of level of e-commerce services quality. The criteria of quality of e-commerce services were…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the results of surveys conducted in the field of level of e-commerce services quality. The criteria of quality of e-commerce services were identified. On this basis the hierarchy of importance of the adopted criteria for e-commerce service quality were proposed.
Design/methodology/approach
The level of customer satisfaction was measured using the Servqual method. In order to compare two groups: the quality of e-commerce services before purchase and the quality of e-commerce services after the purchase, a student’s t-test was used. To check if the relations between variables are sufficient to carry out the factor analysis (sampling adequacy), the Keizer–Meyer–Olkin test was used. The scope of the research included 23 selected criteria of customers satisfaction.
Findings
A comparison of the Servqual weighted and unweighted results shows that customers valued the guarantee/safety dimension the most. It can therefore be expected that customers perceive e-commerce services with increasing trust and consider them increasingly reliable which is also confirmed by the growing tendencies in the forecasts of e-commerce services in Poland.
Originality/value
Research allows to know the opinion and expectations related to the quality of services provided in the analysed area and to develop the strategy of company. The most important indicator of the quality of e-commerce services remains reliability (weighting = 0.34). However, the noticeable difference in opinions concerns the tangible elements index compared to the results of the Berry and Parasuraman team and amounted to 0.20.
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Md. Kausar Alam, Mohammad Shofiqul Islam, Fakir Tajul Islam, Mosab I. Tabash, Mohammad Sahabuddin and Muhammad Alauddin
The study aims to investigate the reasons behind the growing diverse practices of Shariah governance (SG) among Islamic banks in Bangladesh.
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to investigate the reasons behind the growing diverse practices of Shariah governance (SG) among Islamic banks in Bangladesh.
Design/methodology/approach
Data has been collected through a semi-structured interview process from the concerned authorities (Shariah supervisory board members, Shariah department officers, central bank executives and banking professional experts) related to SG and Islamic banks in Bangladesh. The data has been analyzed by NVivo software.
Findings
The results of the study show that SG mechanisms are different due to the lack of unique comprehensive SG guidelines and the absence of a Centralized Shariah Supervisory Board (CSSB) under the Central Bank. The self-developed practices, the diversified opinions and viewpoints of the Board of Directors (BOD), banks' policies, business motivations and profit intention are also responsible for diversified SG practices. The diverse understandings and explanations of Shariah, Madhab (school of thought) and rulings are also responsible for the different practices of SG in Bangladesh.
Research limitations/implications
The study has unique implications for the regulatory authorities and Islamic banks in Bangladesh. The study explored the diverse reasons for numerous applications of SG guidelines which will be beneficial for the central bank and regulators to resolve the issues by outlying unique SG guidelines.
Originality/value
This study outlines the reasons for dissimilar practices of SG by the Islamic banks in Bangladesh, which will be beneficial for Islamic banks and the central bank of Bangladesh.
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Siti Haerani, Rika Dwi Ayu Parmitasari, Elsina Huberta Aponno and Zany Irayati Aunalal
The purpose of this paper is to identify the effect of people’s personality on driving behavior and traffic accidents and violations in the province of South Sulawesi.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the effect of people’s personality on driving behavior and traffic accidents and violations in the province of South Sulawesi.
Design/methodology/approach
This research was conducted in order to determine the moderating effects of age on the relationship between personality variables, driving behavior and driving outcomes. The research was conducted over two years. For the first year of this study, research was conducted in the city of Makassar, the capital of the South Sulawesi province, which has the highest volume of accidents compared to other districts/cities in South Sulawesi. The approach used in conducting the data analysis was a quantitative approach; the inferential statistical analysis method of analysis used to test the hypothesis of the research was structural equation modeling.
Findings
The results of the analysis show that age is a moderating variable in the relationship between personality, driving behavior and driving outcomes. The higher the age, the stronger the influence of personality on driving behavior and driving outcomes, and the stronger the effect of driving behavior on driving outcomes.
Originality/value
Originality for this paper is shown as follows: using age on personality has a moderating effect on the relationship between driving behavior and driving outcomes; and the research would implicate driving behavior and inclined factors from the eastern part of Indonesia, since most research works were conducted in the western part of Indonesia and they hardly considered the moderating effect of age.
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Md. Wasiul Islam, Md. Mahfuz Ur Rahman and Shakil Ahmed
Visits to locations connected to historical atrocities, tragedy, suffering, or presumably dreadful events are referred to as “dark tourism”. While Bangladesh may not be widely…
Abstract
Visits to locations connected to historical atrocities, tragedy, suffering, or presumably dreadful events are referred to as “dark tourism”. While Bangladesh may not be widely known for dark tourism, several unexplored avenues may be of interest to those who engage in this type of unique and unconventional tourism experience. In addition to creating job opportunities and income generation in Bangladesh, it can achieve educational objectives, communicate with a broad audience, raise awareness of events of the past, and quench people's thirst for information, which can help them to comprehend a society. Though Bangladesh has several somber locations connected to tragic events including World War II, liberation war sites, mass killing sites, shipbreaking yards, Rohingya refugee camps, riots, and the mother language movement, traditional tourism predominates there. If managed responsibly, these varied resources, somber locations, and histories, some of which date back to 1800, could make Bangladesh a dark tourism destination. Although dark tourism in Bangladesh has the potential to contribute to historical awareness, preservation, educational opportunities, and socioeconomic development, it is yet unexplored due to a lack of knowledge, experience, policy, effective marketing, and some controversies. By approaching responsibly, Bangladesh can leverage its history to attract visitors' interests in exploring the darker aspects of the country's past. Hence, this chapter is designed to explore the status and potential significance, prospects, and challenges of dark tourism in Bangladesh. The findings will help policymakers, tourists, and other stakeholders to explore and enjoy enormous benefits from Bangladesh's untapped dark tourism opportunities.
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Md. Zillur Rahman Siddique, Goutam Saha and Aminur Rahman Kasem
This paper aims to examine the exogenous effects of experiential attitude toward green (EAG), instrumental attitude toward green (IAG), injunctive norms on green (ING)…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the exogenous effects of experiential attitude toward green (EAG), instrumental attitude toward green (IAG), injunctive norms on green (ING), descriptive norms about green (DNG), green perceived control (GPC) and green self-efficacy (GSE) on green purchase intention (GPI). Moreover, this paper also investigates the causal factors of green purchase behavior (GPB) considering green knowledge (GK), the salience of green behavior (SGB), environmental constraints (ECPG) and green habit (GH).
Design/methodology/approach
The research model was adopted to measure the green behavior of Bangladeshi consumers using an integrated behavior model (IBM). The data were randomly collected from 372 respondents and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach was used to test the hypotheses.
Findings
PLS results imply that all independent variables (EAG; IAG; ING; DNG; GPC and GSE) impact GPI; and SGB, GH and GPI influence GPB. On the other hand, GK and ECPG have no significant effect on GPB.
Research limitations/implications
There may present a gap in the outcomes of the study to signify the generalizability because the survey was conducted in some cities of Bangladesh which may not represent the country as a whole.
Practical implications
This study anticipates the cause-effect relationship between GPI, GPB and their determinants. The results of the study can help marketers understand green consumer behavior and design appropriate strategies and tactics for new marketing challenges.
Originality/value
This research investigates green purchase behavior in a developing country. It empirically confirms the validity of IBM in assessing green behavior, especially for Bangladesh, a booming economy and suitable for investment. Although ample research explored green purchase behavior, green habit and saliency have not been considered in measuring green purchase behavior.
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In writing a paper to honour Professor Clem Tisdell, it is apt to focus attention on the environmental and human costs of commercial agricultural production, especially the Green…
Abstract
In writing a paper to honour Professor Clem Tisdell, it is apt to focus attention on the environmental and human costs of commercial agricultural production, especially the Green Revolution technology in South Asia during the last few decades. This is an area where Professor Tisdell has done much research, amongst the multitude of other research interests he has pursued in his very illustrious career. Modern commercial agricultural practices involving chemical inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides have been associated with huge increases in food production never witnessed before and, in the case of cereal production (especially wheat) under Green Revolution technology, recorded spectacular growth. As statistics show, production and productivity have increased. However, the high chemical usage of fertilizers and pesticides to bring about these spectacular increases in food production is not without its problems. A visible parallel correlation between higher productivity, high chemical input use and environmental degradation and human health effects is evident in many countries where commercial agriculture is widespread. This paper discusses the environmental and health effects/costs arising from the high use of chemical inputs to increase production and productivity in South Asia, with a field study carried out in Sri Lanka to show the health costs arising from direct exposure to pesticides during pesticide handling and spraying on farms by small‐scale farmers.
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Nursuhana Alauddin and Shu Yamada
This paper aims to develop a total quality management (TQM) model based on the Deming prize criteria extracted from the Deming Prize. The proposed model is aligned with the school…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop a total quality management (TQM) model based on the Deming prize criteria extracted from the Deming Prize. The proposed model is aligned with the school education context and deployed with the goal of achieving school excellence.
Design/methodology/approach
The model is developed based on a literature review in which key concepts for formulating the criteria and sub-criteria were identified. A qualitative research approach is applied to validate the model’s effectiveness. Interviews and feedback from an international school in Japan which adopted the model are used to determine its impact.
Findings
The model emphasises the achievement of school objectives (A) by implementing TQM activities (B) and assessing their impact (C). Its implementation offers enhanced organisational ability and the achievement of society-oriented school objectives. The findings show that the model gives clarity to TQM application and offers benefits for schools’ future sustainability.
Originality/value
This research proposes the adoption of a TQM model for educational institutions based on Deming criteria. Based on a comparison with prescriptive models such as Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and ISO 9001, this study shows how the developed model ensures organisational ability in current practice and future growth towards school excellence. Through the formulation of society-oriented school objectives and their linkage with results, it enables schools to create a balanced recognition of important stakeholders and gain consensus in realising the school’s objectives.
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Md. Kausar Alam, Oli Ahad Thakur and Fakir Tajul Islam
Inventory is a crucial part of a systematic supply chain of a business. Small firms mostly neglect inventory management (IM) by accumulating excessive inventory for a time. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Inventory is a crucial part of a systematic supply chain of a business. Small firms mostly neglect inventory management (IM) by accumulating excessive inventory for a time. The study aims to examine the IM practices of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh.
Design/methodology/approach
The study applied a qualitative case study design. Data were collected from ten SME owners in Bangladesh. The study employed a purposive sampling technique to collect data. This study used semi-structured interviews to generate data. The NVivo software was used to analyze the data.
Findings
The findings show that most SME business owners collect raw materials from the local market. Along with the local sources, they collect raw materials from international markets. Some SME entrepreneurs collect raw materials throughout the country as they dealt with recycled products. Frequently, they used digital technologies and online media to manage raw materials. SME owners could not buy many raw materials due to financial crisis, wastage, and damage, leading to a ratio of 10–15% losses.
Research limitations/implications
This research contributes greatly to the government, SME Foundation, and trade associations concerning the SME IM system. The study recommends the government should reduce the tax rate on importing SME raw materials and inventories and exporting SME products.
Originality/value
This is the first study that focuses on the IM systems of SMEs in Bangladesh.