Kimia Ghaffari, Mohammad Lagzian, Mostafa Kazemi and Gholamreza Malekzadeh
Prior research on the area of internet of things (IoT) development has primarily emphasized the overview descriptions and rarely investigated this area from a socio-technical…
Abstract
Purpose
Prior research on the area of internet of things (IoT) development has primarily emphasized the overview descriptions and rarely investigated this area from a socio-technical standpoint. However, IoT development is a socio-technical ensemble, which requires analysis with a simultaneous focus on both technical and non-technical issues. Hence, this paper aims to analyze the development of IoT through the lens of the socio-technical system (STS) theory.
Design/methodology/approach
Having reviewed the STS theory, the key components of the IoT development are identified using prior literature review and semi-structured interviews with experts involved in the Iranian IoT development effort.
Findings
As a result, this paper provides insight into the key socio-technical issues in the IoT development classified under technology, tasks, structure and actors as four components of STS. Moreover, the close connections between the components are clarified.
Originality/value
This research is among the earliest studies, which use the STS theory to investigate the IoT development. The conducted socio-technical analysis of this study may assist the governments, industries and entrepreneurs as the chief stakeholders of IoT development to better align their actions with each other and achieve a balance between both technical and social sides.
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Kimia Ghaffari, Mohammad Lagzian, Mostafa Kazemi and Gholamreza Malekzadeh
Despite the availability of prior studies on the Internet of Things (IoT) development, they have largely focused on challenges associated with evolving IoT. Hence, identifying…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the availability of prior studies on the Internet of Things (IoT) development, they have largely focused on challenges associated with evolving IoT. Hence, identifying requirements for IoT development, as a multifaceted phenomenon, whereby the challenges would be tackled remains a less-explored valuable line of inquiry. The purpose of this paper is to present a holistic view of crucial building blocks of IoT development, in order to fill this gap.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper conducts empirical research using a grounded theory (GT), centering on semi-structured interviews with 25 experts involved in the Iranian IoT development effort. Data were analyzed by using MAXQDA software.
Findings
This study presents a conceptual framework of requirements for IoT development, consisting of 14 concepts and 5 categories. The findings reveal that strategic, interactive, institutional, market-oriented and information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure requirements play a salient role in facilitating IoT development.
Practical implications
The findings of this study shed some light on the momentous aspects of IoT development. Practitioners including governmental policymakers, industry and private sectors could benefit from the policy recommendations offered in this study in terms of strategic viewpoint, legal issues, business perspective and technological readiness.
Originality/value
From the methodological aspect, the present research is among the first studies on utilizing GT for exploration of requirements for IoT development. From the theoretical perspective, a remarkable achievement of this study is to profoundly discover some less-explored concepts of IoT development such as commercialization, feasibility study, futurology and institutional aspects. Furthermore, findings of this study highlight the contribution of innovation systems theory for the IoT development area in terms of alignment of the emerged requirements for IoT development with the functions of this theory.
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Mostafa Kazemi and Maral Zafar Allahyari
To survive high‐level management needs business intelligent information to efficiently manage corporate operations and support its decision making. Knowledge management (KM) is…
Abstract
Purpose
To survive high‐level management needs business intelligent information to efficiently manage corporate operations and support its decision making. Knowledge management (KM) is recognized as one of the most critical factors for obtaining organizational competitive advantage. A variety of factors determines significant success ingredients for successful implementation of KM in any organization. The primary challenge in KM initiation is how to integrate the above factors with organizational and personnel constraints and capabilities. This paper aims to develop a priority framework based on multi‐criteria decision making (MCDM) to help organizations build awareness of the critical influential factors affecting successful implementation of KM.
Design/methodology/approach
To identify critical influential factors, the authors studied and reviewed relevant literature from numerous fields of study associated with the essential issues of KM projects implementation. These cover the factors that affect a KM implementation based on comprehensive analysis of KM literature from numerous research studies. Research methodology used in this study is based on a combination of other methodologies such as action research, group discussion, documentary study and questionnaire research. For this purpose a group of experienced managers were selected and discussion sessions were held to set objectives and road map the study. Finally group analysis hierarchy process (GAHP) was used to analyse questionnaires and prioritize influential factors.
Findings
The conceptual framework presents a roadmap for success of KM programs in the organizations. The paper identifies eight major aspects, 44 influential factors and a conceptual framework to assisting managers to design and implement a KM system in their organizations. The results show top management, executive management and culture have great impact on success of KM implementation among main aspects. The conceptual framework presents guidelines for success of KM implementation in organizations.
Practical implications
The result of this study not only validates theory with reality, but it also provides a reference for the academic as well as the business world. It is hoped that the factors proposed in this study help organizations to manage knowledge activities effectively and implement knowledge projects smoothly in order to maximize benefits from KM projects and returns from knowledge assets.
Originality/value
This study is the first to provide an integrated perspective of critical success factors in KM implementation in Khorasan Science and Technology Park (KSTP). It gives valuable guidelines for top managers and leaders to accomplish KM projects effectively.
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Dima Jamali, Yusuf Sidani and Assem Safieddine
The ascendancy of women to top management positions is a perennial problem plaguing organizations worldwide. The purpose of this paper is to present some insights relating to this…
Abstract
Purpose
The ascendancy of women to top management positions is a perennial problem plaguing organizations worldwide. The purpose of this paper is to present some insights relating to this pervasive phenomenon from a Middle Eastern context by exploring the constraints reported by Lebanese women managers throughout their careers.
Design/methodology/approach
Literature review and qualitative research methodology consisting of interviews with 62 Lebanese women managers in different fields of occupation.
Findings
The findings suggest that the constraints reported by Lebanese women managers are similar to those reported worldwide. The main differences revolve around the strongly felt salience of cultural values and expectations constraining women to traditional roles and a more accentuated sense of patriarchy.
Originality/value
The value added of this research is to present an insider view and fresh perspective into career constraints facing women from a non‐traditional context, namely Lebanon. In view of the Western‐centric nature of academic publication on the topic, there is a real need and added value in empirical research stemming from an Arab‐Middle Eastern context.
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Rahul Khurana and Santosh Rangnekar
The study emphasizes the role of an individual's mindfulness and temperance in making employees fit their organizations by comparing the direct effect of mindfulness and its…
Abstract
The study emphasizes the role of an individual's mindfulness and temperance in making employees fit their organizations by comparing the direct effect of mindfulness and its indirect effect through temperance on the employees' person–organization fit (P-O fit). Data were collected from 185 Indian employees working at managerial positions in manufacturing and service industries through an online questionnaire in a cross-sectional research design. Structure equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the associations, and it was observed that mindfulness among employees is positively related to their P-O fit. Similarly, employees' temperance is also positively associated with their P-O fit. Furthermore, it is observed that temperance acts as a partial mediator between mindfulness and P-O fit. Mindful employees would be more aware of their surroundings, making them aware of the values that the workplace demands. The same awareness would compel the employees to have temperance (self-control) to keep their values in line with organizational values. The study contributes to the virtue theory and the value congruence theory in the organizational context. This study recommends that the management promotes mindfulness and temperance among the employees through various interventions and new technological aids to promote the P-O fit of the employees. To the best of our knowledge, this original work has novelty to investigate the relationship of mindfulness with P-O fit, taking into account the role of temperance of the employee.
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Parisa Amirtash, Majid Parchami Jalal and Mostafa Babaeian Jelodar
International Engineering, Procurement and Construction (IEPC) projects deliver complex and critical infrastructure and construction projects. However, these projects face…
Abstract
Purpose
International Engineering, Procurement and Construction (IEPC) projects deliver complex and critical infrastructure and construction projects. However, these projects face multiple challenges, especially in foreign construction markets, to the main contractors. The purpose of this article is to develop a tool for effective implementation of project management services for these international projects through upskilling and incorporate local expertise. Accordingly, the employment of a Native Project Management Consultant (NPMC) by the main contractor is proposed and investigated.
Design/methodology/approach
A three-stage research method was employed for triangulation of knowledge. Initially, a comprehensive literature review was carried out to examine the theoretical foundations of the study. The concepts were further explored through a survey and expert interviews. The study was performed in Iran as the host nation of multiple IEPC projects.
Findings
It was found that NPMC involvement has a significant contribution to the success of nearly all project management areas in IEPC projects. However, quality, schedule and budget management were the top-ranked areas. The study combines the results of previous studies with the interviews and questionnaire to create a tool designed to capture strategy actions and detailed activities designed to build capabilities in IEPC teams through the involvement of NPMCs.
Practical implications
A practical tool is developed which aims to enhance NPMC integration into IEPC projects. The tool is in-line with the project management concept of work-breakdown structure; which is understandable by project stakeholders.
Originality/value
The employment of NPMCs, and their potential role in IEPC projects has not been formally investigated and guidelines for such collaborations do not exist. The current study provides a platform for regulating such facilitators and enhancing project success.
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Ali Nikseresht, Davood Golmohammadi and Mostafa Zandieh
This study reviews scholarly work in sustainable green logistics and remanufacturing (SGLR) and their subdisciplines, in combination with bibliometric, thematic and content…
Abstract
Purpose
This study reviews scholarly work in sustainable green logistics and remanufacturing (SGLR) and their subdisciplines, in combination with bibliometric, thematic and content analyses that provide a viewpoint on categorization and a future research agenda. This paper provides insight into current research trends in the subjects of interest by examining the most essential and most referenced articles promoting sustainability and climate-neutral logistics.
Design/methodology/approach
For the literature review, the authors extracted and sifted 2180 research and review papers for the period 2008–2023 from the Scopus database. The authors performed bibliometric and content analyses using multiple software programs such as Gephi, VOSviewer and R programming.
Findings
The SGLR papers can be grouped into seven clusters: (1) The circular economy facets; (2) Decarbonization of operations to nurture a climate-neutral business; (3) Green sustainable supply chain management; (4) Drivers and barriers of reverse logistics and the circular economy; (5) Business models for sustainable logistics and the circular economy; (6) Transportation problems in sustainable green logistics and (7) Digitalization of logistics and supply chain management.
Practical implications
In this review, fundamental ideas are established, research gaps are identified and multiple future research subjects are proposed. These propositions are categorized into three main research streams, i.e. (1) Digitalization of SGLR, (2) Enhancing scopes, sectors and industries in the context of SGLR and (3) Developing more efficient and effective climate-neutral and climate change-related solutions and promoting more environmental-related and sustainability research concerning SGLR. In addition, two conceptual models concerning SGLR and climate-neutral strategies are developed and presented for managers and practitioners to consider when adopting green and sustainability principles in supply chains. This review also highlights the need for academics to go beyond frameworks and build new techniques and instruments for monitoring SGLR performance in the real world.
Originality/value
This study provides an overview of the evolution of SGLR; it also clarifies concepts, environmental concerns and climate change practices, particularly those directed to supply chain management.
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Islam urges all Muslims to perform their utmost best when they work. Giving the best requires full commitment. Employees' commitment is influenced by many factors, including the…
Abstract
Purpose
Islam urges all Muslims to perform their utmost best when they work. Giving the best requires full commitment. Employees' commitment is influenced by many factors, including the management styles within the organisation. This paper aims to examine the management of human resources from the Islamic perspective and its effects on organisational commitment among selected employees in Islamic organisations in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed a self‐developed questionnaire that was personally distributed to employees. In total, 121 Muslim employees who work in various positions in eight Islamic organisations participated as respondents of this study.
Findings
The findings revealed that the selected organisations frequently practise the Islamic approach in all its human resource management (HRM) functions. The results of correlation and regression analysis show that the Islamic approach in HRM was highly and significantly correlated to organisational commitment. About 45 per cent of the organisational commitment variance was explained by the Islamic approach in HRM.
Practical implications
An introduction to the Islamic approach in HRM practices is an initial attempt to provide managers with an effective way of managing and understanding the people they work with. This knowledge would be useful to even non‐Muslim managers. For Muslim human resource managers, it is essential for them to not only know but also to apply the Islamic approach in managing employees. Non‐Muslim managers will have a better understanding of the expected behaviours of their Muslim employees. Muslim employees regardless for who they work are expected to be honest, trustworthy, and determined to continuously strive for the best.
Originality/value
This study is unique from other previous studies. Instead of discussing Islamic management in general, this study explores in‐depth every function of HRM based on authentic Islamic sources, as well as providing empirical evidence.
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Dwi Iryaning Handayani, Ilyas Masudin, Abdul Haris and Dian Palupi Restuputri
This paper aims to provide a brief bibliometric review of previous literature reviews in understanding halal suppliers in the food supply chain to achieve halal standards from…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide a brief bibliometric review of previous literature reviews in understanding halal suppliers in the food supply chain to achieve halal standards from upstream to downstream.
Design/methodology/approach
The method used was a structured literature review sample of during 2008–2020 totalling 142 articles. The authors use the R-package bibliometric and VOSviewer to find out information about journals, articles, authors, citations, keywords and word hierarchy maps.
Findings
The analysis reveals five research clusters: halal supply chain, food supply chain, supply chain integration, halal lifestyle, halal logistics.
Research limitations/implications
This study focuses on articles that discuss halal suppliers in the food supply chain.
Originality/value
Bibliometric reviews related to suppliers in the halal food supply chain in this study will help explore halal suppliers and be useful for researchers and practitioners in their fields as well as assist supplier management in the halal food supply chain.
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Mushtaq Ahmad Darzi, Sheikh Basharul Islam, Syed Owais Khursheed and Suhail Ahmad Bhat
The purpose of this study is to summarize the available pool of literature on service quality to identify different dimensions of service quality in the healthcare industry and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to summarize the available pool of literature on service quality to identify different dimensions of service quality in the healthcare industry and understand how it is measured. The study attempts to explore the research gaps in the literature about different service quality dimensions and patient satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review process was followed to achieve the objectives of the study. Various inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select relevant research articles from 2000–2020 for the study, and a total of 100 research articles were selected.
Findings
The study identified 41 different dimensions of healthcare service quality measurement and classified these dimensions into four categories, namely servicescape, personnel, hospital administration and patients. It can be concluded that SERVQUAL is the most widely used service quality measurement tool.
Originality/value
The study identified that a majority of the researchers deduced a positive relationship between SERVQUAL dimensions and the quality of healthcare services. The findings of study will assist hospital executives in formulating effective strategies to ensure that patients receive superior quality healthcare services.