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Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 6 November 2023

Mohammad Tayeh, Rafe’ Mustafa and Adel Bino

This study investigated the impact of corporate ownership structure on agency costs in the insurance industry.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study investigated the impact of corporate ownership structure on agency costs in the insurance industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample included 23 insurance companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) from 2010 to 2019. Panel regression was used to account for the firm- and time-specific unobservable variables and system-GMM estimation was used to address endogeneity concerns.

Findings

The results show that managerial ownership positively (negatively) affects selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses (assets turnover), implying that unmonitored managers engage in activities that serve their own interests rather than those of shareholders. The largest shareholder's ownership has no impact on agency costs, implying that the ownership of the largest shareholder is irrelevant. However, as the wedge between the percentage of capital owned by the largest shareholders and managers increases, SG&A expenses (efficiency ratio) decrease (increases), indicating that the existence of large non-management shareholders reduces agency costs. After accounting for the endogeneity problem, the impact of ownership structure on agency costs measured by asset turnover remains robust.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to provide unique evidence and useful insights into the determinants of agency costs from a frontier market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with a focus on the insurance sector. Additionally, this study uses a new measure of separation between ownership and control by calculating the wedge between managers' and large shareholders' ownership.

Details

Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Science, vol. 28 no. 56
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2077-1886

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Article
Publication date: 18 January 2021

Nisrein Jamal Abu-Darwish, Mohammed Mufaddy Al-Kasasbeh and Mohammad Mansour Al-Khasawneh

This study aims to identify the relationship between talent management and competitive advantages through cloud computing as a mediating factor in the private health sector in…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to identify the relationship between talent management and competitive advantages through cloud computing as a mediating factor in the private health sector in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the study, a questionnaire was developed as the main tool for data collection, which consisted of (39) paragraphs. Sequentially, the population of the study consisted of (200) outpatient clinics for private hospitals, therapeutic and diagnostic centers in the private health sector in Jordan. While (150) questionnaires were distributed to a random sample from the study population, (136) questionnaires were retrieved, (134) of them were valid for statistical analysis. Therefore, the percentage of return and valid questionnaires is (89.3%) out of the total distributed questionnaires.

Findings

Consequently, the results showed there is a statistically significant impact of talent management on the competitive advantages through cloud computing in the private health sector in Jordan.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the results reached, the study included some implications such as, enhancing the awareness of the importance of talent management in the private health sector and direct them toward the application of its practices because its role in achieving competitive advantages, increase its ability to survive and continue in the competitive environment.

Practical implications

Decision-makers of the private health sector are advised to prepare comprehensive plans that allow private health organizations to benefit more from cloud computing and the services it provides.

Originality/value

The importance of this study derives from linking important factors such as talent management, competitive advantages and cloud computing in one of the most vital sectors in Jordan, which is considered one of the critical tributaries of the Jordanian economy.

Details

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal , vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

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Book part
Publication date: 5 October 2018

Mohammad Raoufi, Nima Gerami Seresht, Nasir Bedewi Siraj and Aminah Robinson Fayek

Several different simulation techniques, such as discrete event simulation (DES), system dynamics (SD) and agent-based modelling (ABM), have been used to model complex…

Abstract

Several different simulation techniques, such as discrete event simulation (DES), system dynamics (SD) and agent-based modelling (ABM), have been used to model complex construction systems such as construction processes and project management practices; however, these techniques do not take into account the subjective uncertainties that exist in many construction systems. Integrating fuzzy logic with simulation techniques enhances the capabilities of those simulation techniques, and the resultant fuzzy simulation models are then capable of handling subjective uncertainties in complex construction systems. The objectives of this chapter are to show how to integrate fuzzy logic and simulation techniques in construction modelling and to provide methodologies for the development of fuzzy simulation models in construction. In this chapter, an overview of simulation techniques that are used in construction is presented. Next, the advancements that have been made by integrating fuzzy logic and simulation techniques are introduced. Methodologies for developing fuzzy simulation models are then proposed. Finally, the process of selecting a suitable simulation technique for each particular aspect of construction modelling is discussed.

Details

Fuzzy Hybrid Computing in Construction Engineering and Management
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-868-2

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Article
Publication date: 28 January 2021

Mohammad-Hadi Sehatpour, Behnam Abedin and Aliyeh Kazemi

The main aim of this research is to rank and prioritize the solutions to address the challenges for the successful implementation of talent management (TM) in government banks in…

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Abstract

Purpose

The main aim of this research is to rank and prioritize the solutions to address the challenges for the successful implementation of talent management (TM) in government banks in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has identified the challenges of TM implementation in government banks and proposed the solutions to address these challenges through a review of the extant literature. The identified challenges and solutions were ranked using two multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods called PROMETHEE and VIKOR based on the insights from 20 senior managers of government banks in Iran.

Findings

The challenges and solutions were categorized into cultural, managerial, human resources and environmental-related factors. “Building culture of TM in organizations”, “making TM as an ongoing process in organizations”, “commitment of senior managers to TM process”, “managing TM pipeline” and “focusing on meritocracy in recruitment and selections” were ranked as the top solutions to address cultural, managerial, human resources and environmental challenges, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The findings can provide a comprehensive view of different types of challenges and solutions in the TM process for government organizations and institutions. It also provides helpful insights for top managers to define their organizations' strategies effectively and to implement the TM process by ranking and prioritizing the solutions to address their challenges.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is to develop a comprehensive framework in which, identification of different types of challenges in the implementation of TM processes can be addressed and the approaches to remove or mitigate the effects of these challenges are ranked by using two well-established MCDM techniques.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 71 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

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Article
Publication date: 30 September 2024

Osama Mohammad Alkhasoneh, Hamiza Jamaludin, Abdul Rahman i Bin Zahar and Mohammed A. Al-Sharafi

Despite the widespread use of social media globally, SMEs exhibit a below-average adoption rate. This raises critical questions about the reasons behind SMEs' limited engagement…

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Abstract

Purpose

Despite the widespread use of social media globally, SMEs exhibit a below-average adoption rate. This raises critical questions about the reasons behind SMEs' limited engagement with this ubiquitous platform. The primary objective of this research is to explore the factors influencing the utilization of social media by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and assess its influence on brand awareness and customer engagement in the Jordanian context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes a quantitative research approach to examine SMEs' adoption of social media. Data are collected from 290 SMEs in Jordan through paper-based and online surveys employing purposive sampling. The validity of the proposed model is confirmed using a partial least squares (PLS) approach, specifically employing SmartPLS 4 for analysis.

Findings

The results reveal that the examined model successfully captures the dynamics of social media usage among SMEs, shedding light on the significant drivers influencing their decision to use social media in their activities. The findings also underscore the pivotal role of social media usage in SMEs, particularly in enhancing brand awareness and fostering customer engagement within the Jordanian business landscape.

Originality/value

This study significantly contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the practical implications of social media activity, specifically in the context of SMEs. Using the UTAUT2 model to examine the drivers of social media use among SMEs and extend it to assess the broader impact of social media usage on brand awareness and customer engagement adds uniqueness to the study, providing a more nuanced view of social media usage in the SME sector.

Details

Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-4323

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Article
Publication date: 4 December 2020

Adel Almasarwah, Mohammad Almaharmeh, Ahmed M. Al Omush and Adel Sarea

This study investigates the nature of the association between profit warnings and stock price informativeness in the context of Jordan as an emerging country.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates the nature of the association between profit warnings and stock price informativeness in the context of Jordan as an emerging country.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a large panel data set that related to stock price synchronicity and profit warnings percentages on the Amman Stock Exchange for the period spanning 2007–2018. Robust regression was used as a parametric test. This enabled us to obtain stronger results that fall in line with our prediction that a profit warning encourages firm investors to collect and process more firm-specific information than common market information.

Findings

Our findings show a significant positive effect of profit warnings on the amount of firm-specific information incorporated into stock price, which means that the greater the percentage of profit warnings the more likely that more firm-specific information will be incorporated in stock price synchronicity. In addition, corporate governance characteristics (moderating variables) significantly increase the level of the relationship between profit warnings and stock price synchronicity.

Practical implications

Our study results could be useful to investors, senior managers, and regulators in Jordanian firms, particularly in relation to decisions about enhancing the quality of financial statements. In addition, our results provide new evidence about the consequences of earnings announcements for information content and the informativeness of stock prices. Our methodology and evaluation of profit warnings may also demonstrate useful evidence for future researchers on profit warnings and stock price informativeness in developing economies, especially given that such evidence is scarce in developing economies.

Originality/value

This research is the first study of its kind on emerging markets, particularly in the Middle East. Moreover, entering the corporate governance variables as moderating variables to the robust regression was found to be more powerful than other regressions.

Details

Journal of Investment Compliance, vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1528-5812

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Article
Publication date: 21 October 2021

Ali Hauashdh, Junaidah Jailani, Ismail Abdul Rahman and Najib Al-Fadhali

The largest share of a building maintenance budget goes towards preventing or repairing building defects. Also, building defects shorten a building’s lifetime, impact the user’s…

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Abstract

Purpose

The largest share of a building maintenance budget goes towards preventing or repairing building defects. Also, building defects shorten a building’s lifetime, impact the user’s safety and health, prevent the buildings from performing their functions well and repairing building defects generates waste. Therefore, this study aims to specify the factors that affecting the number of building defects and how to reduce their negative impacts.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was used as a research strategy and convergent parallel mixed methods were used as research design. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected concurrently, followed by independent analyses of the quantitative and qualitative data, and then merged the two sets of results according to the procedure of using the convergent parallel design. Descriptive statistics analysed quantitative data, whilst qualitative data was analysed by the content analysis technique.

Findings

The findings of this study explored the factors that affect the number of defects in buildings, the significant factors were related to the building’s life cycle in terms of design, construction, operation and maintenance phase; relevant attributes were construction teams, building users and maintenance teams. The study also addressed the approaches to minimise the negative impacts of those factors. Their negative impacts mainly contributed to increased building defects that increase maintenance costs, affect users’ safety and health, reduce buildings’ lifespan and cause environmental impact due to resource extraction.

Originality/value

The existing studies have not adequately addressed the significant factors that affect the number of building defects. Also, emerging technologies and environmental sustainability considerations related to building defects have not been linked in previous related work. Therefore, the present study has contributed to filling this gap.

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Article
Publication date: 8 April 2021

Anna Klingmann

The purpose of this paper is to explore the planned urban renewal and re-scripting of Riyadh’s downtown as part of the capital’s aim to become a globally recognized city…

328

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the planned urban renewal and re-scripting of Riyadh’s downtown as part of the capital’s aim to become a globally recognized city. Specifically, this paper examines in how far internationally established values and narratives are leveraged in the creation of an urban mega-destination that seeks to attract a transnational class of knowledge workers and tourists. The question is explored, in how far and to what extent urban heritage sites and iconic architectural projects are used as strategic tools to promote a process of cultural and economic transformation and in how far the resulting symbolic capital is leveraged to create a status of singularization that appeals to a national and international audience. This study investigates several neighborhoods in the area, analyzing how these will be transformed by Riyadh’s plan to turn the downtown into a commercially viable mixed-use destination by means of designated heritage destinations and iconic architecture.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the views and experiences of governmental agencies, architects, developers and residents who are directly or indirectly involved with the planned restructuring of Riyadh’s historical downtown. In total, 40 semi-structured interviews were drawn from this stakeholder group to investigate their current understanding of the downtown associated with the effort to convert Riyadh’s historical downtown into a profitable urban destination. Five of these interviews were conducted with involved planning offices, and 35 with current residents in the area. In addition, a detailed site survey was conducted through a series of maps to reveal existing land uses, building typologies, states of disrepair, activity levels, pedestrian and car circulation patterns, as well as landmarks, and public spaces in each of the areas.

Findings

The subsequent data show that despite many positive outcomes in terms of commercial redevelopment, the adaptive reuse of the existing urban fabric is not considered, nor the preservation of underutilized or abandoned buildings along with its resident diverse communities, activities and milieus, many of which carry on evolving traditions.

Research limitations/implications

This is significant because this paper presents a massive case study that ties into a larger debate on cultural globalization where similar practices around the world entail a spatial reorientation of urban districts to attract a transnational cosmopolitan middle class along with a simultaneous displacement of diverse and migrant communities, albeit on a much larger scale. While highlighting the rationale and effectiveness of this approach to create a well-packaged commodity, this paper also underscores the ambiguous consequences of this strategy, which entails the loss of a layered urban fabric that documents the city’s evolution through different economic periods, along with the dispersal of migrant communities and their vernacular practices.

Social implications

Within this context, the current cultural value of the downtown as a heterogeneous, dynamic and multilayered fabric is debated, which documents the socio-economic conditions of the times in which these layers were formed. Departing from the UNESCO’s 2011 Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape and globally accepted sustainability standards, this study contrasts the proposed top-down tabula rasa approach proposed by the local authorities with an inclusive bottom-up approach, which would focus on the adaptive reuse of existing structures by taking into consideration the social meanings of belonging that heritage has for contemporary communities while fostering a more inclusive understanding of heritage as an ongoing cultural process.

Originality/value

The implications of the planned conversion of Riyadh’s historical downtown into an urban destination have not been previously explored and as a result, there is a conflict of interest between the creation of a marketable image, the preservation of heritage values, sustainable urban practices, social inclusion and Riyadh’s aim to become a globally recognized city.

Plain abstract

This paper explores the employment of urban renewal and city branding within the context of Riyadh’s aim to become a world city. Within this framework, the paper examines the capital’s plan to convert the historic downtown into a mega-destination for the country’s middle class and national and international tourists.

Details

Journal of Place Management and Development, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8335

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Article
Publication date: 18 September 2023

Mohammad Mayouf and Ciaran Gilligan

In construction projects, underpayments can be recognised as one of the significant drawbacks that impact the success of a project. Research into underpayments is considered…

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Abstract

Purpose

In construction projects, underpayments can be recognised as one of the significant drawbacks that impact the success of a project. Research into underpayments is considered ambiguous and provides a limited reflection of the issue, which makes it complicated to trace how it originates in the first place. This study aims to examine the causes that lead to underpayments and develop a holistic synthesis of underpayments for subcontractors in the lifecycle of a construction project.

Design/methodology/approach

An open-ended and closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect the data using purposeful sampling with 28 construction stakeholders who ranged from main contractors, subcontractors and others (Small medium enterprises SMEs, Consultancies, Clients etc.). Data collected was analysed to trace drivers and the impact of underpayment and suggested mitigation strategies to be identified whilst viewing the perspectives of a main contractor and subcontractor.

Findings

The findings show that the most prominent driver for underpayments is variation disputes followed by cash flow. The research also suggests mitigation strategies such as collaborative working, more robust budget control and early identification of risks as potential remedies to overcome the underpayment issue. The research concludes with a framework that elicits the complexity underlying underpayments for subcontractors in construction projects.

Originality/value

The research evolves the understanding that underpayment is a complex phenomenon, relying heavily on the data/information exchange mechanism between the main contractor and subcontractors. This research provokes the need to understand underpayment further so it can be mitigated.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction , vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

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Article
Publication date: 12 June 2020

Mohammad Alhadab, Modar Abdullatif and Israa Mansour

The purpose of this study is to examine the relation between related party transactions and both accrual and real earnings management practices in Jordanian industrial…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relation between related party transactions and both accrual and real earnings management practices in Jordanian industrial public-listed companies, taking into account the uniqueness of the Jordanian company ownership structure.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from Jordanian industrial public-listed companies for the period 2011–2017. Accrual earnings management is measured by using the modified Jones model, whereas real earnings management and related party transactions are measured by using relevant proxies. A regression model is developed and used to assess the relation between related party transactions and earnings management, taking into account the effects of ownership concentration, family ownership and institutional ownership levels of the companies involved.

Findings

Accrual earnings management is negatively associated with related party transactions. Regarding the role of ownership structure, the presence of institutional investors is positively associated with using both related party transactions and real earnings management, whereas ownership concentration plays an efficient role to mitigate the use of both accrual earnings management and related party transactions. No statistically significant relations between real earnings management and related party transactions exist.

Practical implications

This study has direct practical implications for the Jordanian regulatory authorities to enact regulations to limit the misuse of related party transactions and earnings management transactions and ensure sufficient monitoring of these transactions because of their prevalence. Jordanian companies should also enhance their corporate governance systems to better approve and monitor such transactions, including enhancing the role of independent and non-controlling board members in this process.

Originality/value

Related party transactions are considered as a major concern of financial reporting quality in developed countries, and such transactions are found to be relatively more problematic in developing countries, where corporate governance is generally weak, and there is limited disclosure and transparency in financial reporting. From this perspective, this study is one of the very few studies in developing countries that explore the issue of related party transactions and their association with earnings management practices. Thus, the findings of this study can arguably be to some extent generalized to other developing country contexts, because of relatively similar business environment conditions, and therefore potentially fill a gap represented by the paucity of similar studies in developing countries.

Details

Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-2517

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