Alexander W. Wiseman, Naif H. Alromi and Saleh Alshumrani
This chapter presents a theoretical and evidence-based investigation of the contribution that national educational systems make to the development of and transition to a knowledge…
Abstract
This chapter presents a theoretical and evidence-based investigation of the contribution that national educational systems make to the development of and transition to a knowledge economy in the Arabian Gulf, generally, and Saudi Arabia, specifically. The challenges to creating an Arabian Gulf knowledge economy are twofold. One is a functional and structural challenge of developing a knowledge economy-oriented mass education system. The other is a cultural and contextual challenge of aligning Arabian Gulf expectations, traditions, and norms with institutionalized expectations for knowledge economies. The knowledge economy development challenge that is specific to national versus non-national Gulf populations, information and communication technology (ICT), and formal mass education systems is highlighted. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the role that national innovation systems play in knowledge economy development in the Arabian Gulf countries.
Details
Keywords
Aref A. Al‐Ashban and Mohammed A. Burney
Currently, the banking industry is facing increasingly demanding customers and quickly eroding competitive edges. Recent technological breakthroughs in various areas, however…
Abstract
Currently, the banking industry is facing increasingly demanding customers and quickly eroding competitive edges. Recent technological breakthroughs in various areas, however, offer opportunities for the banks to excel in customer service quality and convenience. One area of major breakthroughs is the service delivery systems that are reshaping the banking business radically. However, there are relatively few empirical analyses of the impact of tele‐banking service technology on customers. Examines the adoption of tele‐banking in Saudi Arabia. The field findings reveal that customers increasingly extend their use of tele‐banking as their experience grows with the system. The results also indicate that in general Saudi consumers’ income levels and education play a vital role in their adoption and usage of tele‐banking technology.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to provide leadership studies educators with a resource to examine the work of a leader who displays characteristics of servant leadership. The lesson…
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to provide leadership studies educators with a resource to examine the work of a leader who displays characteristics of servant leadership. The lesson allows students to study a modern servant leader by examining their work on a specific issue and how their efforts resulted in significant change in an area of human rights. Using a YouTube video for this lesson makes this a teaching tool that can be implemented in face-to-face class meetings or online learning environments.
Dessie Lebassi Gebrehiwet and Ghanshyam Pandey
The main purpose of this study is to assess the impact of small-scale irrigation on the total income of small farm households. Additionally, it aims to identify the factors…
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this study is to assess the impact of small-scale irrigation on the total income of small farm households. Additionally, it aims to identify the factors influencing the total income of households who have adopted small-scale irrigation methods.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilized cross-sectional data sourced directly from primary channels. Primary data collection was facilitated through the administration of semi-structured questionnaires and conducting in-depth interviews. Both propensity score matching (PSM) and an ordinary least squares (OLS) model were employed to assess the impact of small-scale irrigation on total income and to identify factors affecting the effectiveness of SSI. In order to ensure that the PSM model’s findings were consistent, we used instrumental variables (IV) estimation, which was conducted using two stages least squares (2SLS) regression.
Findings
The study findings reveal that small-scale irrigation adopters earn, on average, 12,947.32 Birr more than non-adopters. The PSM model reveals that households engaged in small-scale irrigation experience a significant increase in total income compared to non-irrigating households. The study underscores the need to address key factors influencing the treatment effect on household income, including distance to farm training centers, proximity to water sources, access to transportation, availability of family labor and frequency of extension contact.
Research limitations/implications
This paper only examines the effect of small-scale irrigation on small farm households’ total income. This study encourages future studies to investigate the effects of small-scale irrigation on small farm household food security, total spending, poverty reduction, welfare and net earnings in the study area.
Originality/value
Most studies only analyze how small-scale irrigation affects the total income of small-scale farm households. This study fills a knowledge gap by identifying the key elements that influence the extent of the impact on user households.
Details
Keywords
Kevin Baird, Amy Tung, Thanh Phan and Mohammed Bhuyan
This study examines the effect of Human Resource Management (HRM) policies in respect to workplace flexibility and employee empowerment on two employee behaviour related outcomes…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the effect of Human Resource Management (HRM) policies in respect to workplace flexibility and employee empowerment on two employee behaviour related outcomes (employee organisational commitment (EOC) and collegiality) and organisational resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected using an online survey questionnaire managed by Qualtrics. The questionnaire was distributed to the lower, middle and senior managers of 1,000 Australian organisations with 337 responses used in the analysis.
Findings
The findings indicate that workplace flexibility exhibits a direct and indirect (through collegiality) significant positive association with organisational resilience, and employee empowerment exhibits a direct and indirect (through both EOC and collegiality) significant positive association with organisational resilience.
Originality/value
The results highlight the importance of implementing desirable HRM policies in respect to empowering employees and enhancing workplace flexibility due to their role in facilitating organisational resilience both directly and indirectly through their influence on employee behaviour related outcomes, specifically EOC and collegiality.
Details
Keywords
Thanika Devi Juwaheer, Sharmila Pudaruth and Priyasha Ramdin
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of internet banking services in Mauritius. Drawing from the technology acceptance model, theory of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of internet banking services in Mauritius. Drawing from the technology acceptance model, theory of reasoned action, theory of planned behaviour and the extensive literature on demographic profiling of internet banking users, trust and security aspects associated with adoption rate of internet banking, this paper combines various predetermined constructs in one model. The different constructs such as perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, subjective norms, attitudes, behavioural intentions, security and trust aspects, the level of awareness on internet banking services and demographic variables such as age, income, gender and education into one integrated framework. Hence, the paper will deepen understanding of the specific factors underpinning the adoption of internet banking in Mauritius.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper reports upon the empirical findings of the customer survey on the various factors impacting on the adoption of internet banking by the questionnaire method. The Internet Banking Services Acceptance Model (IBSAM) is further validated through a survey instrument administered to 384 respondents visiting various banking institutions across the nine districts throughout Mauritius to ensure proper geographical coverage. The questionnaires were further processed and analysed with the statistical programme SPSS, by using descriptive and inferential analysis.
Findings
Data analysis showed that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness have a direct influence on the adoption of internet banking in Mauritius. Results have also indicated that both trust and security aspects are deemed crucial factors to explaining internet banking adoption in Mauritius. Further examination of the inferential analysis highlighted that level of education and income level of respondents may be a major determinant in influencing the adoption of internet banking.
Practical implications
This research provides banking institutions with significant information on the various aspects that need to be highlighted in their banking communications strategies to increase the adoption rate of internet banking services. Banking institutions need to stress upon the benefits of internet banking services, ease to use, trust and security aspects. The ndings of the research provide valuable insights for the banking industry and also urge upon a reshaping of their e-marketing strategy in relation to internet banking services in Mauritius. The research findings revealed that secured web contents and design are key tools to increase the adoption rate of internet banking. Practical recommendations to increase web usefulness and trust, and guidelines to reduce perceived risk are also provided in the present research paper.
Originality/value
The purpose of the study is to fill up significant gaps in the literature on internet banking landscape in the context of developing countries like Mauritius. The findings are expected to be of significant use to the commercial banks and other financial institutions offering or planning to offer internet banking solutions in the near future. An understanding of the factors influencing the adoption of internet banking services is essential for marketing practitioners so as to capitalize upon the underlying benefits of internet banking and hence, offer banking customers an online experience coupled with a greater level of personalization and customization.
Details
Keywords
Although there have been several studies on corporate justice and employee ethical behavior, little is known about the conditions in which this link develops. The purpose of this…
Abstract
Purpose
Although there have been several studies on corporate justice and employee ethical behavior, little is known about the conditions in which this link develops. The purpose of this study is to investigate the direct effect of organizational justice and moral attentiveness toward employee ethical behavior. Importantly, this study also considers the moderating role of moral attentiveness on the links between organizational justice and employee ethical behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
The data was collected from 350 employees who were assessed directly to supervisors in 12 manufacturing companies placed in Malaysia, operated full-time, and had regular interaction with their direct supervisors. In particular, using two-wave survey data obtained from 270 employees working in the manufacturing industry in Malaysia.
Findings
Results showed that organizational justice and moral attentiveness positively impact the employee ethical behavior as predicted. New to the literature, findings disclose that moral attentiveness strengthens this relationship. Importantly, the positive impact of organizational justice is sharply positive under high than low moral attentive employees and ceases to be significant among low morally attentive personnel.
Research limitations/implications
This research focused on the notion of ethics and how important it is for society. The principles, norms and ideals that guide an individual’s behavior are referred to as ethics. Because the authors need to be treated with dignity as human beings, ethical behavior is essential in society.
Practical implications
The findings of this study send a clear signal to managers that “failing to ensure that their employees perceive organizational justice” may undermine every effort made by them to improve their organizations’ ethical quality. Importantly, the findings emphasize the role of moral attentiveness in improving the ethical behavior of employees both directly and by strengthening the effectiveness of organizational justice to impact such a behavior positively. So, given the advantages of moral attentiveness in terms of improving employee ethical conduct, businesses should make every effort to hire and choose people who meet this requirement because it is not easy to spot this personality trait. Human resource managers may assess candidates’ moral attentiveness using a range of methods such as group debate, an in-basket exercise, organized interviews and business games that concentrate on specific ethical concerns.
Social implications
This research focused on the notion of ethics and how important it is for society. The principles, norms and ideals that guide an individual’s behavior are referred to as ethics. Because the authors need to be treated with dignity as human beings, ethical behavior is essential in society.
Originality/value
The results of this study demonstrate how the eye is put to attain organizational moral excellence; the outcomes have shown that acutely attentive employees to the moral cues offered by the organization is vital.
Details
Keywords
Jie Lei, Jianming Liu and Wu Li
Hospital information system (HIS) can be examined as a vital factor for developing the quality of health care and cost managing. There exists abundant literature on HISs, but…
Abstract
Purpose
Hospital information system (HIS) can be examined as a vital factor for developing the quality of health care and cost managing. There exists abundant literature on HISs, but implementation-based literature of HIS is rare, typically about progressive countries. However, a study that can comprehensively review published articles is scarce. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the systematic and comprehensive study of HIS in developed countries. Together, the benefits and harms relevant to HIS’s different mechanisms have been considered, and the fundamental challenges of them are addressed to design more efficient HIS in the future.
Design/methodology/approach
HIS has been used globally for numerous years and is now being used in a wide area. HIS is broadly used in clinical settings. Information technology (IT) and information system have been suggested as a required piece to solve the health-care-related issues. Hence, to improve HIS’s ability, this paper conducted a review method concentratating on research related to HIS until 2019. A total of 21 papers were recognized and examined as principal research for the summary.
Findings
The authors found that HIS can help in reduction of medical mistakes, enhancement doctors’ performance and increase in the quality of the care provided. HIS management can be used to provide better health-care services. Therefore, HIS must be sensible and use clear structures. The authors conclude that, generally, with an increase in awareness, acceptability and the need for HIS worldwide, there will be more strategies and approaches available.
Research limitations/implications
First, this paper provides an outline of the status of HIS. Second, it identifies some distinct research gaps that could be worth studying. Some flawless work may be removed because of applying some filters to select the original articles. Surveying all the papers on the topic of HIS is impossible, too.
Practical implications
Design and sustainability of HIS is still a big issue for most developing countries, despite its wide usage in the developed countries. The technology is changing rapidly, so the field should be reviewed regularly. This paper suggests a suitable framework that will guide HIS in the local conditions of developing countries.
Social implications
The government will be assisted by the suggested solving ways in its performance and design of electronic health-care projects.
Originality/value
The study brings the viewpoints on the state of HIS mechanisms in developing countries. The paper’s results can offer visions into future research requirements. By providing comparative information and analyzing the current growths in this area, this study will support researchers and professionals to understand the progress in HIS mechanisms better.
Details
Keywords
Mohamad AL‐Najem, Hom Dhakal, Ashraf Labib and Nick Bennett
The purpose of this paper is to develop a measurement framework to evaluate the lean readiness level (LRL) and lean systems (LS) within Kuwaiti small and medium‐sized…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a measurement framework to evaluate the lean readiness level (LRL) and lean systems (LS) within Kuwaiti small and medium‐sized manufacturing industries (K‐SMMIs). A measurement framework which encompasses the quality practices related to LS (processes; planning and control; human resources; top management and leadership; customer relations; and supplier relations) is used to assess the quality practices in K‐SMMIs and determine whether they have the foundation to implement LS.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a comprehensive literature review, semi‐structured interviews with 27 senior managers, and a quantitative survey administered to 50 K‐SMMIs. The responses were entered into SPSS software to conduct a reliability test and independent sample t‐test.
Findings
The results indicate that current quality practices within K‐SMMIs are not very supportive towards LS. Many factors are revealed to affect K‐SMMIs with respect to LS, including language barriers, and deficiencies in aspects including quality workers in terms of education and skills; technology; government attention; know‐how regarding LS; market competitiveness; and urgency for adopting LS.
Research limitations/implications
Very limited information is available on LS and QI in Kuwait. The LRL framework should be tested in small and medium‐sized manufacturing industries (SMMIs) that successfully use LS, in order to provide a benchmark. The study's findings can be used as an internal checklist prior to and during lean implementation.
Originality/value
This LS and LRL measurement framework relating to K‐SMMIs represents a unique effort in the area of lean management.
Details
Keywords
Choon Hee Ong, You Ying Koo, Owee Kowang Tan and Chin Fei Goh
This paper aims to examine the role of rational culture in the relationship between lean manufacturing practices and operational productivity in the machinery and equipment…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the role of rational culture in the relationship between lean manufacturing practices and operational productivity in the machinery and equipment industry.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a cross-sectional quantitative approach to conduct the research. Using an online survey questionnaire, 118 responses were collected. SPSS was used to assess validity, reliability and hypothesis testing of the study variables. Hierarchical regression analysis was employed to investigate the moderating effects of rational culture.
Findings
The study results reveal that quick setup and quality control were significantly related to operational productivity. Rational culture was a significant quasi-moderator.
Practical implications
This study highlights the importance of quick setup and quality control for machinery and equipment firms to gain higher operational productivity. Rational culture could be used to drive the firms toward greater achievements in this regard.
Originality/value
The use of rational culture as a quasi-moderator in the relationship between lean manufacturing practices and operational productivity is unprecedented. This study offers new findings by introducing the role of rational culture to enhance the effects of lean manufacturing practices on operational productivity.