Sulaman Hafeez Siddiqui, Muhammad Zafarullah, Muhammad Ijaz Latif and Ghulam Shabir
The purpose of this paper is to postulate the impact of preferential trade agreements (PTAs) on internationalization strategies of member countries’ firms. The study also aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to postulate the impact of preferential trade agreements (PTAs) on internationalization strategies of member countries’ firms. The study also aims to triangulate the proposed model using empirical data from PTA partner economies.
Design/methodology/approach
The mixed methods research design is used for the purpose of inquiry as suggested by Creswell. The inductive reasoning based on critical literature review and grounded theory methodology is used to postulate the model. Explanatory strength of the model is triangulated using empirical longitudinal trade data of Pakistan with her bilateral PTA partners, i.e. Malaysia, Mauritius, Iran, Sri Lanka and China. Internationalization indices are adapted following the Ietto-Gillies and London (2009) and Petri (1994) to measure the intensity and geographical diversification dimensions of internationalization. Country-level trade statistics are used as a proxy of firm-level data to explain the international expansion of home firms resulting from PTAs.
Findings
Empirical results confirm a strong and long-term impact of PTAs on the intensity and extensity dimensions of internationalization over post-agreement period in Pakistan and member economies. Gravity index depicts greater concentration of Pakistan's trade in FTA markets and thereby confirms the influence of PTAs on international market selection. Analysis at sectoral level depicts a contraction in services trade whereas expansion in the manufacturing firms’ export growth to member economies.
Originality/value
The paper extends the theory of internationalization by identifying PTAs as exogenous variable influencing internationalization strategies of member countries’ firms in a developing South Asian context. Coupled with findings from empirical data, the study identifies PTAs as a new strategic trade policy tool available to policy makers for promoting and influencing the home firms’ internationalization strategies.
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Ganjar Alfian, Muhammad Fazal Ijaz, Muhammad Syafrudin, M. Alex Syaekhoni, Norma Latif Fitriyani and Jongtae Rhee
The purpose of this paper is to propose customer behavior analysis based on real-time data processing and association rule for digital signage-based online store (DSOS). The…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose customer behavior analysis based on real-time data processing and association rule for digital signage-based online store (DSOS). The real-time data processing based on big data technology (such as NoSQL MongoDB and Apache Kafka) is utilized to handle the vast amount of customer behavior data.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to extract customer behavior patterns, customers’ browsing history and transactional data from digital signage (DS) could be used as the input for decision making. First, the authors developed a DSOS and installed it in different locations, so that customers could have the experience of browsing and buying a product. Second, the real-time data processing system gathered customers’ browsing history and transaction data as it occurred. In addition, the authors utilized the association rule to extract useful information from customer behavior, so it may be used by the managers to efficiently enhance the service quality.
Findings
First, as the number of customers and DS increases, the proposed system was capable of processing a gigantic amount of input data conveniently. Second, the data set showed that as the number of visit and shopping duration increases, the chance of products being purchased also increased. Third, by combining purchasing and browsing data from customers, the association rules from the frequent transaction pattern were achieved. Thus, the products will have a high possibility to be purchased if they are used as recommendations.
Research limitations/implications
This research empirically supports the theory of association rule that frequent patterns, correlations or causal relationship found in various kinds of databases. The scope of the present study is limited to DSOS, although the findings can be interpreted and generalized in a global business scenario.
Practical implications
The proposed system is expected to help management in taking decisions such as improving the layout of the DS and providing better product suggestions to the customer.
Social implications
The proposed system may be utilized to promote green products to the customer, having a positive impact on sustainability.
Originality/value
The key novelty of the present study lies in system development based on big data technology to handle the enormous amounts of data as well as analyzing the customer behavior in real time in the DSOS. The real-time data processing based on big data technology (such as NoSQL MongoDB and Apache Kafka) is used to handle the vast amount of customer behavior data. In addition, the present study proposed association rule to extract useful information from customer behavior. These results can be used for promotion as well as relevant product recommendations to DSOS customers. Besides in today’s changing retail environment, analyzing the customer behavior in real time in DSOS helps to attract and retain customers more efficiently and effectively, and retailers can get a competitive advantage over their competitors.
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Syed Waqar Akbar, Ajid Ur Rehman and Muhammad Shahzad Ijaz
This paper aims to examine the impact of corruption on bank stability and bank profitability separately for Islamic banks as well as conventional banks. Moreover, it also…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the impact of corruption on bank stability and bank profitability separately for Islamic banks as well as conventional banks. Moreover, it also investigates whether the existence of Islamicity and corruption in the environment can moderate the Islamic banks-stability and Islamic banks-profitability relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
Sample of the study consists 136 banks comprising 70 Islamic and 66 conventional banks over the period 2015–2021 from nine countries with dual banking systems. Panel data fixed effect estimator with year effects is used to estimate the results.
Findings
Results of the study show that Islamicity is positively and corruption is negatively related to bank stability as well as bank profitability. Further, it is found that the effect of corruption is significantly different between Islamic and conventional banks, wherein conventional banks are more adversely affected than Islamic banks. However, an insignificant difference between Islamic and conventional banks is observed in the case of Islamicity.
Practical implications
The study provides theoretical and practical implications. On theoretical side, the study presents Islamicity as more reliable measure of religiosity based on Islamic values that can help in control of corruption by moderating corruption-bank stability nexus especially in dual banking economies which have high share of Muslim population. On practical side, the study recommends policy and operational measures for mitigating corruption aiming bank stability.
Originality/value
The results of this study contribute to the corruption-finance, religion-finance and dual banking literature. This study suggests that regulators and bank management must consider corruption and Islamicity while formulating their policies for better bank performance/stability.
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Suhaiza Zailani, Kanagi Kanapathy, Mohammad Iranmanesh and Marco Tieman
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that motivate the halal food firms in Malaysia to practice halal orientation strategy (HOS).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that motivate the halal food firms in Malaysia to practice halal orientation strategy (HOS).
Design/methodology/approach
Data were obtained from a survey of 137 halal food firms in Malaysia, and analyzed using the partial least squares technique.
Findings
Results showed that halal market demand, government support, expected business benefits, and integrity positively affect HOS.
Practical implications
The findings of the study will help policy makers and managers of halal food firms to understand external and internal drivers of HOS, which may lead to successfully motivating the implementation of HOS in halal food firms.
Originality/value
Although HOS plays a key role in protecting the halal status of any given product, this topic is rarely explored. This study thus contributes to the advancement of knowledge on factors that motivate the halal food firms to practice HOS.
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Syed Ahmad Ali, Aida Loussaief and Muhammad Ahmed
Islamic banking industry with all of its exponential growth and global recognition has been under criticism for the past two decades. However, the problem signifies further when…
Abstract
Purpose
Islamic banking industry with all of its exponential growth and global recognition has been under criticism for the past two decades. However, the problem signifies further when such criticism is made from within the organization and is well supported by outside (the customers). The purpose of this study is to provide a coherent exploration to investigate the factors that polarize its employees and customers across many parts of the world.
Design/methodology/approach
To investigate the phenomenon, a total of 30 responses were taken through interviews 15 each from customers and employees. Afterwards, the data was analysed and summarized into two categories. In doing so, the top five Malaysia’s Islamic banks were shortlisted to collect data from employees and customers.
Findings
A detailed thematic analysis resulted in six themes (Contradiction between theory and practice, Islamic banking knowledge and awareness, inadequate Shariah training, employees’ background, Shariah compliance, Islamic banking benefits) for employees and five (Islamic banking benefits, applying Shariah in Islamic banking, knowledge of Islamic banking, Islamic banking promotion, Islamic banking employees’ behaviour) for customers, respectively.
Research limitations/implications
The results have stronger implications for both practice and theory as organizations can assess stakeholders and their perceptions about Islamic banking. Another implication is the comparative examination of employees and customers which can potentially affect decision and policy making in Islamic banks. Islamic banks can also address employment-related issues related to employees’ behaviour vis-à-vis marketing-related problems faced by its customers that will ultimately improve its global market share and strategic positioning.
Originality/value
The study is based on the importance of Islamic banking in Malaysia and explores the factors that potentially create a positive or negative insight into Islamic banking – both in employees and customers.
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Ariful Islam, Sazali Abd Wahab and Shehnaz Tehseen
Malaysian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are critical for economic development and meeting the sustainable development goals (SDGs); however, many struggle to survive…
Abstract
Purpose
Malaysian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are critical for economic development and meeting the sustainable development goals (SDGs); however, many struggle to survive in the long term. So, this study aims to present a model for sustainable growth that bridges the gap between desired growth and managerial competencies. By configuring university helix-induced crowdfunding and opportunity recognition competencies with industry helix-driven innovation, the study encourages a quadruple bottom line (QBL) strategy, helping SMEs attain competitiveness for sustainable growth.
Design/methodology/approach
This pilot study used a sequential mixed methods design and adhered to the pragmatic research paradigm. A survey of 52 SCORE-listed manufacturers yielded quantitative data, complemented by qualitative interviews with 7 SME decision makers. This study used NVivo 10 and SmartPLS 4.0 for the necessary analysis. In addition, an effective triangulation strategy has been implemented to explain causation among selected variables.
Findings
The findings show that opportunity recognition and crowdfunding are positively associated with SMEs’ ability to grow in a sustainable manner and that exploitative and explorative innovation also mediate those relationships. The qualitative part highlighted key insights for successfully applying this model in Malaysian SMEs. The interview results also suggest that corporate spirituality might help SMEs adopt sustainability-focused practices.
Research limitations/implications
More research is required regarding both the methods and results of this pilot study. Although conducting a pilot study increases the likelihood of success in the main study, it does not ensure it.
Practical implications
This study equips Malaysian SMEs with a roadmap for achieving sustainable growth. The obtained findings indicate that Malaysian SMEs that develop strong crowdfunding and opportunity recognition competencies are more likely to achieve innovation-focused long-term survival. In addition, incorporating corporate spirituality can enhance their economic, social and environmental performance.
Social implications
By supporting more innovation in SMEs, which can improve sustainability-oriented successes and support a healthy economic system, these findings may have a beneficial social change impact. The concept may also act as the foundation for SMEs’ promotion of the SDGs.
Originality/value
The study uniquely offers a holistic growth model for Malaysian SMEs founded on the helix-QBL understanding that explains a firm’s sustainability-focused competitive advantage.
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Shazia Nazir, Khurram Shahzad and Shakeel Ahmad Khan
This study aims to investigate the adoption of cloud computing by university libraries in Punjab province, Pakistan, identify the awareness of university librarians about the use…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the adoption of cloud computing by university libraries in Punjab province, Pakistan, identify the awareness of university librarians about the use of cloud computing in libraries, reveal the problems faced by university libraries in adopting cloud computing and develop a framework for cloud computing adoption in academic libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a quantitative research method by using a questionnaire as an instrument to address the study’s objectives. A total of 65 university libraries of Punjab Province were the population of the study. A purposive sampling technique was used. The SPSS software was used for the analysis of data.
Findings
The study found that the majority of university libraries in the Punjab province have the necessary information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure. Among the three cloud computing models (SaaS, PaaS and IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS) was the most widely adopted model in university libraries. The study identified various cloud-based services provided by university libraries. Librarians showed limited awareness of cloud service providers, with the majority only being aware of Amazon Web Services. Librarians acknowledged various challenges in adopting cloud-based library services, including poor internet connectivity, high subscription and renewal costs, data security and privacy concerns.
Originality/value
This study has provided a framework based on empirical findings of the study to efficiently adopt cloud-based library services in academic libraries.
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Sri Herianingrum, Indri Supriani, Raditya Sukmana, Effendie Effendie, Tika Widiastuti, Qudsi Fauzi and Atina Shofawati
This study aims to analyze the concept of Zakat as an instrument to increase the economy and poverty eradication in Indonesia.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyze the concept of Zakat as an instrument to increase the economy and poverty eradication in Indonesia.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a qualitative method based on library research sourced from books, financial reports and another previous research.
Findings
The results show that the empowerment programs conducted by Zakat institutions in Indonesia are based on the scale of priorities and the potential of Mustahik. Zakat management considers the level of productivity and long-term impacts that improve Mustahik Economy. Thus, the empowerment programs lead to the reduction of Mustahik living below poverty line.
Research limitations/implications
This study contributes in two ways: first, it analyzes a model to identify the Mustahik’s potential for the Zakat institution in Indonesia. Second, it encourages the awareness of Muzakki and Mustahik regarding the role of Zakat in the Indonesian economy. This is expected to prompt their level of participation in optimizing the potential of Zakat in Indonesia.
Originality/value
Given the scarce literature that provide qualitative and critical reviews of the implementation Zakat empowerment programs to alleviate poverty conducted by the Zakat institutions in Indonesia, this research can act as a bridge for future research in performing empirical studies regarding the impact of a Zakat empowerment program on society.
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objective of the present investigation is to examine the influence of Hall on the peristaltic mechanism of Johnson-Segalman fluid in a heated channel with elastic walls. The…
Abstract
Purpose
objective of the present investigation is to examine the influence of Hall on the peristaltic mechanism of Johnson-Segalman fluid in a heated channel with elastic walls. The transmission of heat is carried out. Relevant equations are computed for heat transfer coefficient, temperature and velocity. Low Reynolds number assumptions and long wavelength are employed. The interpretation of various parameters is analyzed. The results indicate that the heat transfer coefficient, temperature and velocity are larger for viscous material in comparison with Johnson-Segalman material.
Design/methodology/approach
The transmission of heat is carried out. Relevant equations are computed for heat transfer coefficient, temperature and velocity. Low Reynolds number assumptions and long wavelength are employed. The interpretation of various parameters is analyzed. The results indicate that the heat transfer coefficient, temperature and velocity are larger for viscous material in comparison with Johnson-Segalman material.
Findings
The formulation of paper is executed as follows. Section 2 comprises problem summary and mathematical design. Solution methodology is discussed, and expressions for temperature, velocity and coefficient of heat transfer are derived in Section 3. Graphical outcomes for the parameters are reported in Section 4. Conclusions are outlined in Section 5.
Practical implications
Peristaltic phenomenon of fluids has a definite role in many physiological, industrial and engineering processes. The mechanical devices for instance finger and roller pumps operate via this process, and it is quite significant for vasomotion of blood vessels, consumption of food via esophagus, chyme flow in gastrointestinal zone, toxic liquid flow in nuclear industry and transport of corrosive fluids.
Originality/value
Literature review witnesses that information about peristalsis of conducting fluid in a heated channel with flexible walls and Hall effect is scarce. So, our goal is to discuss the peristaltic activity of non-Newtonian fluids in flexible channel. Johnson-Segalman fluid is taken into account. This model is used to allow non-affine deformations. Experimentalists relate “spurt” with wall slip. That is why the work presented is original.