Mauro Sciarelli, Mohamed Hani Gheith and Mario Tani
This paper aims to investigate the effects of quality management practices (QMPs) on innovation in higher education (HE), and how organizational innovation (OI) may influence…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the effects of quality management practices (QMPs) on innovation in higher education (HE), and how organizational innovation (OI) may influence technical innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
The hypotheses were tested with partial least squares structural equation modeling on a sample of 449 valid responses by faculty members in Naples (Italy) public universities.
Findings
The findings support the interdependent relationships between QMPs and their positive impact on innovation. It was found that some QMPs impact on innovation through people and process management, and that OI predicts the technical one.
Practical implications
Directors should recognize the differences between QMPs to implement effective quality management (QM) strategy. Furthermore, they should combine technical and OIs.
Originality/value
Despite the existence of several studies on QM and innovation in manufacturing and services, there are only a few in HE. Based on a multi-dimensional QM approach, this paper investigates the different effects each QMP has on both the other QMPs and innovation in HE.
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Mauro Sciarelli, Mohamed Hani Gheith and Mario Tani
This study aims to empirically investigate the effects of both soft and hard quality management (QM) on innovation and organizational performance. It also examines the mediating…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to empirically investigate the effects of both soft and hard quality management (QM) on innovation and organizational performance. It also examines the mediating role of hard QM, administrative innovation and technical innovation on the relationship between soft QM and organizational performance in higher education (HE).
Design/methodology/approach
The approach of this study is quantitative. The data used to test the hypotheses were obtained through online questionnaire sent to the academic staff of public universities in Naples (Italy). The hypothesized relationships are tested with data collected from 356 respondents by using the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique (PLS-SEM).
Findings
The results show that quality practices improve innovation and organizational performance, while innovation positively impacts organizational performance. The findings also indicate that soft QM affects organizational performance directly and indirectly through hard QM. Hard QM and innovation show a partial sequential mediating effect on soft QM-performance relationship
Practical implications
In order to implement quality management properly in HE, directors need to recognize the different roles that soft and hard QM can have on innovation and organizational performance. It is important that higher education institutions (HEIs) allocate resources to establish both types of QM practices to achieve the effectiveness of the whole QM system.
Originality/value
Despite the existence of numerous studies on the relationship between QM, innovation and organizational performance in manufacturing and services, studies conducted in higher education are still few. This is one of the earliest studies that adopt the multidimensional approach of QM in HE which could help directors understand the interdependencies and different roles of soft and hard quality practices.
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Pierluigi Rippa, Giovanni Landi, Silvia Cosimato, Lorenzo Turriziani and Mohamed Gheith
Over the last decades, the importance of entrepreneurial education (EE) for the personal development of young generations has gained momentum among policymakers, practitioners and…
Abstract
Purpose
Over the last decades, the importance of entrepreneurial education (EE) for the personal development of young generations has gained momentum among policymakers, practitioners and scholars. This paper offers some insights into the way T-shaped PhD programs can trigger transdisciplinary abilities of STEM students, making them even more ready toward venturing activities.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the purpose of the study, the effectiveness of a new T-shaped doctoral model was explored, testing it on a sample of STEM PhD students at Polytechnic School of University of Naples Federico II, using a qualitative-quantitative approach.
Findings
The results prove the positive influence that the T-shaped PhD program has on students in terms of vertical skills and horizontal capabilities attainment for entrepreneurial readiness.
Practical implications
This study advances interesting managerial and policy implications for activating virtuous collaborations to better respond to the need of current socioeconomic scenarios through academic knowledge.
Originality/value
Despite the growing relevance of EE, research about its influence at PhD level and the effect of different pedagogical methods remains scarce and controversial. Thus, this research explores if EE can support PhD students in science and technology transdisciplinarity terms of innovation management.
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Mauro Sciarelli, Anna Prisco, Mohamed Hani Gheith and Valerio Muto
The present research aims to identify the determinants for users' behavioral adoption of Blockchain, exploring the relationships among these variables and investigating whether…
Abstract
Purpose
The present research aims to identify the determinants for users' behavioral adoption of Blockchain, exploring the relationships among these variables and investigating whether the proposed model can provide a more comprehensive manner to understand the adoption of Blockchain technology.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) approach and extends it with external constructs: “reduced cost” and “efficiency and security”. This paper used a quantitative and exploratory approach through the collection and analysis of data from a total of 108 Italian innovative SME. We have used the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach using SmartPLS for model evaluation.
Findings
The results show that “efficiency and security” is an important driver of firms' decision-making process to adopt Blockchain. Moreover, the results show that perceived usefulness is a strong predictor of the intention to use Blockchain in business processes.
Originality/value
This research advances the literature on technology adoption in business processes, focusing on a particular technology: Blockchain. The field has been strengthened by investigating the determinants of technology adoption, adding new perspectives; both reduced cost and efficiency, and security.
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The increasing need for student engagement and the wide availability of digital teaching resources are providing opportunities for careful consideration and planning of…
Abstract
Purpose
The increasing need for student engagement and the wide availability of digital teaching resources are providing opportunities for careful consideration and planning of assignments within and among business management courses. This paper aims to examine implementation strategies for integrating multiple business simulations with gradually increased assignment weighting and coordinated implementation in a university business curriculum.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study research design with a pattern-matching logic is used to represent a critical test of formulated programmatic and learning theories that have a set of propositions and circumstances with which the proposals are believed to be true. Applied digital management education tools used in a graduated weighting scheme compare an empirically-based pattern with a predicted pattern.
Findings
Systemic program-wide implementation of teaching resources such as simulations, microsimulations and application-based activity role-playing assignments can deliver engaging internal course and coordinated management program experiential-type learning. Carefully planning graduated assignment weights can be a practical strategy for using a low-risk approach to enhance experiential learning.
Practical implications
The strategies proposed provide a practical approach for controlling the learning pace and facilitating low-risk experiential learning through the modern digital business education landscape.
Originality/value
This paper investigates innovative implementation ideas to strategically arrange simulation assignments that can enhance success and prepare students future management work-based training. It explores the value of incorporating different types of business simulations and advanced active learning activities to provide students with engaging experiential learning experiences.
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Cong Doanh Duong, Thanh Hieu Nguyen, Tuan Vu Chu, Thanh Van Pham and Ngoc Diep Do
This study aims to integrate the Social Cognitive Career Theory with the Theory of Planned Behavior to unravel the intricate dynamics of how engaging with ChatGPT affects…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to integrate the Social Cognitive Career Theory with the Theory of Planned Behavior to unravel the intricate dynamics of how engaging with ChatGPT affects individuals’ digital entrepreneurial intention, underlying the serial mediation mechanism of the cognitive and reasoned career process.
Design/methodology/approach
This research use a cross-sectional design, drawing on a sample of 604 higher education students from six universities in Vietnam. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the formulated hypotheses after assessing the reliability and validity of scales through Cronbach’s alpha and confirmatory factor analysis.
Findings
The results indicate that ChatGPT adoption significantly increases perceived AI competencies, entrepreneurial opportunity recognition and digital entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Digital entrepreneurial self-efficacy was found to have a positive impact on attitudes toward digital entrepreneurship, which, in turn, fosters digital entrepreneurial intention. ChatGPT adoption thus poses serial indirect impacts on digital entrepreneurial intention through the sequential pathways of enhanced digital entrepreneurial self-efficacy and positive attitudes.
Practical implications
This study’s findings provide valuable recommendations for entrepreneurs, higher education institutions and policymakers.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the entrepreneurship literature by integrating two prominent theoretical frameworks to elucidate how ChatGPT adoption impacts digital entrepreneurial intentions. The serial mediation model expands that understanding of the complex cognitive and reasoned processes involved, providing a novel perspective on the role of AI in entrepreneurship.
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Abuaraki Osman Ahmed, Abdelgadir Mohamed Abdalla and Adam Mohamed Ali
This study aims to investigate and analyze the impact of soft total quality management (TQM) practices on employees’ organizational commitment in Sudanese governmental petroleum…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate and analyze the impact of soft total quality management (TQM) practices on employees’ organizational commitment in Sudanese governmental petroleum organizations and to propose targeted strategies on how to enrich the soft TQM practices.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used questionnaires to gather data from employees at Sudanese governmental petroleum organizations that adopt quality programs. A stratified random sampling procedure was followed and generated a sample size of 253. Data were analyzed via regression.
Findings
The study examined the relationship between employee’s organizational commitment and five soft TQM practices, namely training and education, top management commitment, employee empowerment, involvement and teamwork. These practices collectively explain most of the variance in the employees’ organizational commitment in Sudanese governmental petroleum organizations with R2 = 75%. All independent variables are positively and statistically significant at a 5% significance level. Training/education was inferred as the most influencing factor, and teamwork was the least important among the five practices.
Practical implications
The positive relationship between soft TQM practices and organizational commitment suggests several actionable strategies for organizations. By fostering a culture that emphasizes continuous learning, empowerment and involvement, organizations can improve not only the quality of their products and services but also overall productivity. High levels of organizational commitment reduce turnover rates, which in turn lowers recruitment and training costs associated with replacing employees. Encouraging teamwork and employee involvement fosters a collaborative environment where innovation can thrive. Finally, policymakers could use these findings to advocate for the adoption of TQM practices in public sector organizations.
Originality/value
The findings from this study underscore the importance of soft TQM practices – specifically training and education, top management commitment, employee empowerment, involvement and teamwork – in enhancing employees’ organizational commitment. This focus on human-centric practices provides an important contribution to existing literature, particularly in contexts that are underrepresented in TQM research, such as developing countries and governmental organizations. It demonstrates how abstract TQM principles translate into practical outcomes like increased employee commitment, which is a crucial factor for organizational success.
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This study aims to explore both the drivers (performance expectancy and perceived usefulness of ChatGPT) and the barrier (effort expectancy) that Indonesian youth encounter when…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore both the drivers (performance expectancy and perceived usefulness of ChatGPT) and the barrier (effort expectancy) that Indonesian youth encounter when adopting generative AI technology, such as ChatGPT, as they pursue digital entrepreneurship.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilizes Hayes' Process Model to evaluate the proposed hypotheses through survey data collected from 518 Indonesian youth.
Findings
This study's findings highlight a paradoxical relationship that emerges when effort expectancy intersects with performance expectancy and perceived usefulness of ChatGPT. Specifically, we discovered that when young individuals perceive the adoption of generative AI technology as requiring significant effort, their motivation to engage in digital entrepreneurship is significantly enhanced if they also view the tool as highly useful and beneficial to their future business endeavors.
Practical implications
The findings provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers focused on advancing digital entrepreneurship in developing nations through the integration of generative AI technology.
Originality/value
Our study enriches an underexplored niche within the field of entrepreneurship by examining the intersection of Indonesian youth, generative AI technology and digital entrepreneurship. By incorporating the Expectancy-Value Theory, it brings a fresh perspective to the study of paradoxical relationships in contemporary research in this domain.
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Marwa Ben Moallem, Ayoub Tighazoui, Remy Houssin, Mohamed Haykal Ammar, Diala Dhouib and Amadou Coulibaly
This paper treats the problem of scheduling seafaring staff inspired from a real case study, where the shipowner operates several vessel categories that require specific skills…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper treats the problem of scheduling seafaring staff inspired from a real case study, where the shipowner operates several vessel categories that require specific skills aiming to achieve a fair workload distribution and minimizing incompatibility between workers while meeting legal constraints, including requirements for days off and rest intervals between shifts.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed integer linear problem (MILP) formulation has been built to address the seafaring staff scheduling problem by integrating multiple objectives and constraints. The model’s performance is tested through experimental results across varying parameter adjustments.
Findings
Our model was tested and validated using the XPRESS solver, and the results demonstrate its effectiveness in meeting the specified objectives and constraints. Notably, findings reveal that increasing the number of qualified workers leads to improved gains, until a certain threshold. Additionally, expanding the size of the workforce can result in longer execution times, specifically when incompatibility increases.
Originality/value
The originality of this study lies in proposing a generic novel model that deals with maritime staff scheduling, incorporating worker incompatibilities and workload fairness as key objectives.
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Total quality management (TQM) and knowledge management (KM) are two similar and complementary management philosophies synergistic combinations that can form a cycle of…
Abstract
Purpose
Total quality management (TQM) and knowledge management (KM) are two similar and complementary management philosophies synergistic combinations that can form a cycle of improvement and development. This paper aims to investigate the impact of TQM factors on knowledge creation in the organizations of Bangladesh.
Design/methodology/approach
A list of TQM factors was identified through reviewing the relevant literature. Knowledge creation was analyzed through the framework proposed by Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995). Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire survey among 450 top and mid-level managers of the organizations. A quantitative research approach, namely, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used in the study. The data were analyzed in SmartPLS 3.
Findings
From the study, it is found that a positive and significant relationship exists between leadership, employee empowerment, benchmarking, customer focus and information technology with the knowledge creation process and four knowledge conversion modes. In contrast, a negative and significant relationship has been found between employee training and continuous improvement with the knowledge creation process and three knowledge conversion modes.
Research limitations/implications
Previous researches in Bangladesh empirically validated the effect of TQM on organizational performance, competitive advantage, financial performance, market performance and productivity. But, no such study was undertaken to empirically validate the effect of TQM on knowledge creation process for organizations of Bangladesh. Here, the study has a unique contribution. The empirical support for the hypotheses to explain and predict the contribution of the TQM in promoting knowledge creation.
Practical implications
The findings highlight the role of leadership practices. Organizational leadership needs to focus more on following issues: gathering required knowledge from the superior sources; transforming prevailing knowledge into a meaningful format to perform activities in better and innovative ways; employing opinions from experiences; facilitating mechanism for employees to update their knowledge; creating a virtual network; implementing customer relationship management system and providing tools and technologies to employees for performing KM activities more efficiently. On the other hand, negative effect of employee training and continuous improvement on knowledge creation sheds light on understanding the reasons for this kind of relationship and formulating effective strategies to resolve problems inside the organizations. In this regard, employees need to be well equipped through regular and appropriate training. Also, employees need to use problem-solving approach to identify problems inside the organizational system thereby availing opportunities for continuous improvement.
Originality/value
This study was conducted to identify factors that enable knowledge creation in organizations from developing countries like Bangladesh. TQM has been adopted in many organizations. But, its effect was mostly measured to determine its impact on improving organizational performance or competitiveness or identifying its critical success factors of implementation. Hence, this study sheds light on identifying the effect of TQM from a new perspective.