Matthew H. Sauber, Andrew G. Snyir and Mohsen Sharifi
Previous studies analyze turnover in public accounting by focusing on why employees leave. None has discussed the critical question of why employees stay. The present article…
Abstract
Previous studies analyze turnover in public accounting by focusing on why employees leave. None has discussed the critical question of why employees stay. The present article reports results from a survey of Big Eight public accounting employees who discussed their reasons for staying, and suggests approaches for improving retention.
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Mohammad Hossein Saraei, Ayyoob Sharifi and Mohsen Adeli
The purpose of this study is to optimize the location of hospitals in Gorgan, Iran, to provide desirable services to citizens in the event of an earthquake crisis.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to optimize the location of hospitals in Gorgan, Iran, to provide desirable services to citizens in the event of an earthquake crisis.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper, due to target, is practical and developmental, due to doing method is descriptive and analytical and due to information gathering method is documental and surveying. In the present study, the capabilities of genetic algorithms and imperialist competition algorithm in MATLAB environment in combination with GIS capabilities have been used. In fact, cases such as route blocking, network analysis and vulnerability raster have been obtained from GIS-based on current status data, and then the output of this information is entered as non-random heuristic information into genetic algorithms and imperialist competition algorithm in MATLAB environment.
Findings
After spatial optimization, the hospital service process has become more favorable. Also, the average cost and transfer vector from hospitals to citizens has decreased significantly. By establishing hospitals in the proposed locations, a larger population of citizens can access relief services in less time.
Originality/value
Spatial optimization of relief centers, including hospitals, is one of the issues that can be of significant importance, especially in the event of an earthquake crisis. The findings of the present study and the originality, efficiency and innovation of the used methods can provide a favorable theoretical framework for the success of earthquake crisis management projects.
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Reza Kazemi, Mohsen Fallah, Bijan Abbasi and Seyyed Hossein MohseniArmaki
The purpose of this study is to achieve the low-cost, light-weight and compact antenna array with wide bandwidth and low side lobe levels for synthetic aperture radar (SAR…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to achieve the low-cost, light-weight and compact antenna array with wide bandwidth and low side lobe levels for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) applications in Ku frequency band.
Design/methodology/approach
A compact design of a rectangular microstrip patch antenna array using multilayered dielectric structure is presented in Ku-band for advanced broadband SAR systems. In this design, stepped pins are used to connect the microstrip feed lines to the radiating patches.
Findings
The simulation and fabrication results of the multilayered antenna and a 1×16-element linear array of the antenna with Taylor amplitude distribution in the feeding network are presented. The antenna element has a 10-dB impedance bandwidth of more than 26%, and the linear array shows reduction in bandwidth percentage (about 15.4%). Thanks to Taylor amplitude tapering, the side lobe level (SLL) of the array is lower than −24 dB. The maximum measured gains of the antenna element and the linear array are 7 and 19.2 dBi at the center frequency, respectively.
Originality/value
In the communication systems, a high gain narrow beamwidth radiation pattern achieved by an array of multiple antenna elements with optimized spacing is a solution to overcome the path loss, atmospheric loss, polarization loss, etc. Also, wideband characteristics and compact size are desirable in satellite and SAR systems. This paper provides the combination of these features by microstrip structures.
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Afnan Shajrawi and Faisal Aburub
Several different factors have an influence on the hotel sector in Jordan. Due to the different circumstances and the turbulence in this region, hotels face a competitive and…
Abstract
Purpose
Several different factors have an influence on the hotel sector in Jordan. Due to the different circumstances and the turbulence in this region, hotels face a competitive and dynamic economic environment, which causes these hotels to seek differentiation. Consequently, hotels need different strategies and support from information technology to achieve a competitive advantage. The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent to which enterprise resource planning ERP system usage affects service differentiation in the hotel sector in Jordan and examine the mediating effect of organizational agility on the aforementioned relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
Questionnaires were used to collect data from the hotel sector in Jordan. The response percentage was 75.41%.
Findings
The result showed that there is a significant effect of ERP system usage on service differentiation in Jordanian hotels, and this relationship was mediated by organizational agility. Organizational agility and its dimensions have a partial mediating role on the relationship between ERP system usage and service differentiation except for responsiveness which has a full mediating role. So, being an agile hotel will increase the ability to achieve service differentiation by using ERP systems.
Practical implications
This research focuses on investigating the mediating role of organizational agility in the relationship between ERP system usage and service differentiation within hotel sector in Jordan. Moreover, this research investigated the applicability of organizational agility on the hotel sector as it is mainly implemented in the manufacturing sector. The results show that organizational agility and its dimensions have a partial mediating role on the relationship between ERP system usage and service differentiation except responsiveness which has a full mediating role. So, being an agile hotel will increase the ability to achieve service differentiation by using ERP systems. Therefore, hotel practitioners in Jordan should focus on applying the required technologies and achieving organizational agility in order to achieve service differentiation. In addition, this study highlights that ERP usage has a positive impact on achieving organizational agility and service differentiation; hence, using these systems will help hotels in Jordan to implement agility capabilities which, in turn, help to achieve service differentiation. However, there are real challenges in hotel sector as implementation of ERP is expensive and time-consuming. The outcomes of this research can have additional reference that could benefit researchers in the future and bring attention of hotel managers in Jordan to the importance and advantages of this research.
Originality/value
A new model has been developed. An empirical investigation was performed on the hotel sector in Jordan to test the new model.
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Mohsen Nazarzadeh Zare and Ehsan Parvin
The present study aims to investigate the reasons for the gap between academic education and the required skills of the labor market in Iran.
Abstract
Purpose
The present study aims to investigate the reasons for the gap between academic education and the required skills of the labor market in Iran.
Design/methodology/approach
For this purpose, the authors adopted a thematic analysis method. The participants in the study were connoisseurs from universities and research institutes in Iran, who were selected with purposeful sampling methods of snowball type. To collect the data, the authors used a semi-structured interview and performed a thematic analysis for data analysis.
Findings
The findings showed that the views and perceptions of the connoisseurs participating in the study about the reasons for the gap between academic education and the skills required in the labor market in Iran can be classified into four main themes including lack of attention to labor market needs in the academic curricula, lack of attention to practical and entrepreneurial skills in the academic curricula, the weak link between universities and industry and society, and shortage of academic resources and equipment in some academic disciplines.
Originality/value
The present study had three implications. First, the human capital theory, the social closure theory, the positional conflict theory and the labor market segmentation theory are more compatible with the labor market of Iranian graduates, compared to other theories of the labor market. Second, the lack of coordination between academic education and the required skills in the labor market has weakened the Iranian economy. Third, the absence of practical and entrepreneurial skills in academic graduates has led to increased unemployment in Iranian society.
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This chapter presents a comprehensive framework for advancing smart cities in Bahrain, focusing on innovation, development, transformation, and prosperity. The framework…
Abstract
This chapter presents a comprehensive framework for advancing smart cities in Bahrain, focusing on innovation, development, transformation, and prosperity. The framework integrates technological advancements with sustainable practices to enhance societal well-being, economic growth, and overall development. It aligns with Bahrain’s 2030 Vision, aiming to create Next Generation Smart Cities. The chapter emphasizes enhancing social impact, healthcare access, and promoting a healthy lifestyle, driving economic growth through digital infrastructure, and promoting sustainability through renewable energy and smart urban planning. It provides a roadmap for integrating smart technologies into urban planning, infrastructure development, and service delivery, improving residents’ quality of life and promoting economic growth. The framework highlights the importance of sustainability, emphasizing environmentally friendly practices and energy-efficient solutions. Bahrain’s smart city initiatives are multifaceted, encompassing social, economic, and sustainability agendas. Socially, the focus is on promoting cohesion and community engagement through smart parks, community centers, and digital platforms that facilitate communication and collaboration. Economically, Bahrain aims to drive growth and innovation by investing in digital infrastructure and deploying smart technologies across sectors like finance and tourism. Additionally, the kingdom is developing a skilled workforce in emerging technologies to enhance competitiveness. Sustainability is a key pillar, with Bahrain investing in renewable energy sources and smart grid technologies to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve energy efficiency. These initiatives collectively aim to enhance the quality of life, drive economic prosperity, and promote environmental sustainability in Bahrain’s smart cities.
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Nabi Moradpour, Ahmad Pourahmad, Hossein Hataminejad, Keramatollah Ziari and Ayyoob Sharifi
In Iran, the frequent occurrence of disasters has always been a major problem. In recent decades, disasters have created considerable challenges, especially in cities. Hence…
Abstract
Purpose
In Iran, the frequent occurrence of disasters has always been a major problem. In recent decades, disasters have created considerable challenges, especially in cities. Hence, understanding the levels of urban resilience (UR) and planning for addressing vulnerabilities plays a key role in the era of increasing risks and uncertainties. The present study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of resilience of Iranian cities.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review method was used to determine how resilient Iranian cities are. To find relevant studies, the authors searched Iranian and international databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, SID and Magiran. There was no restriction on the inclusion date, meaning that all papers published up until September 16, 2021 were considered for inclusion. The PRISMA framework was used for literature search and selection and, finally, 153 studies focused on 52 cities of Iran were selected for the systematic review.
Findings
In general, the results showed that the level of resilience was low in Iranian cities. Also, informal settlements, worn-out urban fabrics and the central parts of cities showed lower resilience than other parts.
Originality/value
The results of the study can be used to inform municipal authorities, urban planners and non-governmental organizations of the actions that need to be taken to enhance the resilience of Iranian cities.
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In this paper, a new general system consisted of l subsystems connected in series is introduced. Each subsystem connected in K-out-of-(n + m): G mixed standby configuration.
Abstract
Purpose
In this paper, a new general system consisted of l subsystems connected in series is introduced. Each subsystem connected in K-out-of-(n + m): G mixed standby configuration.
Design/methodology/approach
The lifetime of the system's units is assumed to be exponentially distributed and there is elapsed repair time with general distribution. The switch in each subsystem is assumed to be imperfect with the failure process follows an exponential distribution. A genetic algorithm is applied to the system to obtain the optimal solution of the system and solve the redundancy allocation problem.
Findings
Analysis of availability, reliability, mean time to failure and steady-state availability of the system is introduced. The measures of the system are discussed in special two cases when the elapsed repair time follows gamma and exponential distribution. An optimization problem with bi-objective functions is introduced to minimize the cost of the system and maximize the reliability function. A numeric application is introduced to show the implementation and effectiveness of the system and redundancy allocation problem.
Originality/value
A new general K-out-of-(n + m): G mixed standby model with elapsed repair time and imperfect switching is introduced.
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Mohsen Pakdaman, Sara Geravandi, Ali Hejazi, Mobin Salehi and Mahboobeh Davoodifar
Currently, the health system is a treatment-oriented system focused on service providers. In this system, the main focus is on the health market, with little attention on insured…
Abstract
Purpose
Currently, the health system is a treatment-oriented system focused on service providers. In this system, the main focus is on the health market, with little attention on insured. One way to get out of existing conditions is to empower the insured in order to involve them actively in maintaining and improving health. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study was done using the content analysis method. Based on the purposive sampling method and theoretical saturation criterion, 24 individuals including 12 health insurance experts and 12 insured participated in the study in 2018. The semi-structured interview method was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using MAXQDA10 software.
Findings
Having analyzed the interviews, 750 codes were obtained. These codes were categorized into two categories of “insurance experts” and “insured” and ten subcategories of “informing and educating, cost reduction, intersectional activities, expectations from the insured, services package, access to services, inability to pay costs, participation, and expectations from the insurance organization.”
Originality/value
This qualitative study was conducted to assess and determine the effective strategies for empowering the insured under health insurance. The results of this study are helpful to the health insurance organizations and health decision makers to detect the effective ways to develop the quality of insurance services, improve the status of insured, and increase access to health care goods and services.