Muhammad Ikram, Yichen Shen, Marcos Ferasso and Idiano D’Adamo
This study aims to explore the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on exports of goods and services, logistics performance, environmental management system (ISO 14001) certification…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on exports of goods and services, logistics performance, environmental management system (ISO 14001) certification and quality management system (ISO 9001) certification in top affected Asian countries of India, Iran, Indonesia, Philippines, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
A novel grey relational analysis models’ approach is used to examine the inter-relationship between COVID-19 economic growth and environmental performance. Moreover, the authors applied a conservative (maximin) model to investigate which countries have the least intensifying affected among all of the top affected COVID-19 Asian countries based on the SS degree of grey relation values. The data used in this study was collected from multiple databases during 2020 for analysis.
Findings
Results indicate that the severity of COVID-19 shows a strong negative association and influence of COVID-19 on the exportation of goods and services, logistics performance, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications in all the six highly affected countries during a pandemic outbreak. Although the adverse effects of COVID-19 in exporting countries persisted until December 31, 2020, their magnitude decreased over time in Indonesia and Pakistan. During the COVID-19 outbreak, Pakistan showed comparatively better performance among the six top highly affected Asian countries due to its smart locked down strategy and prevents its economy from severe damages. While India and Iran export drastically go down due to a rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths.
Research limitations/implications
The research findings produce much-required policy suggestions for leaders, world agencies and governments to take corrective measures on an emergent basis to prevent the economies from more damages and improve their logistics, environmental and quality performance during the pandemic of COVID-19.
Originality/value
This study develops a framework and investigates the intensifying effects of COVID-19 effects on economic growth, logistics performance, environmental performance and quality production processes.
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Abdul Haseeb Aamir Sheikh, Muhammad Ikram, Rana Mamoon Ahmad, Hamza Qadeer and Muhammad Nawaz
The quality of construction projects is mainly dependent on the process quality during the construction phase than product quality. The key factors that influence the process…
Abstract
Purpose
The quality of construction projects is mainly dependent on the process quality during the construction phase than product quality. The key factors that influence the process quality of building projects in Pakistan during the construction phase of building life cycle are evaluated from literature. This paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The factors were ranked using the traditional relative importance index (RII) and the second synthetic grey relational analysis method. The findings indicate that during the construction phase the selection of an appropriate contractor is the most important factor. The existence of feedback system and quality of shop drawings received from subcontractors are also very significant factors, according to the grey relational model.
Findings
Measures for the improvement of process quality in Pakistan are suggested. The results from both methods are not entirely comparable; however, if one considers uncertainty in data, then the second synthetic GRA-based ranking should be preferred over RII in decision making.
Originality/value
The study is pioneer in the evaluation of key factors influencing process quality during building construction projects in Pakistan using a set of traditional and novel methods. The results of this study are significant in improving the process quality during different phases of construction.
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Muhammad Ikram, Robert Sroufe, Muhammad Mohsin, Yasir Ahmed Solangi, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah and Farrukh Shahzad
This study aims to examine whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities influence firm performance based on a longitudinal survey for small and medium-sized…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities influence firm performance based on a longitudinal survey for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. Empirical studies suggest that the SME sector plays an essential role in the economic development of Pakistan and can be considered the backbone of the economy.
Design/methodology/approach
The data for this study were collected from SMEs located in the cities of Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad in Pakistan. A well-designed questionnaire was administrated over 240 entrepreneurs to analyze and measure the impact of CSR on financial performance for a 12-month period. The authors used econometric analysis of the data using structural equation modeling.
Findings
Results reveal significant relationships between CSR and two determinants of firm performance, namely, employee commitment and corporate reputation.
Research limitations/implications
Findings of the study are important for policymakers, entrepreneurs and other professionals in SMEs sectors both in under-developed and, with further application and exploration, in developing countries.
Originality/value
There is no single longitudinal study prior to this has been carried out on the relationships of CSR and firm performance in the SME sector in the context of the Pakistani economy. Hence, this study significantly fills an important gap in the research.
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Dominik Zimon, Peter Madzík, Scott Dellana, Robert Sroufe, Muhammad Ikram and Kateryna Lysenko-Ryba
Comprehensive management systems such as ISO 9001 or ISO 14001 are designed to help organizations improve processes, ensure customer satisfaction, efficient information flow…
Abstract
Purpose
Comprehensive management systems such as ISO 9001 or ISO 14001 are designed to help organizations improve processes, ensure customer satisfaction, efficient information flow, efficient use of resources and many other prosperous management areas. These systems can also bring unintended direct and indirect effects on organizations. In this study, the authors examine the environmental effects that the implementation of these management systems cause.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey-based methodology was used for this study, with textile organizations in three countries – Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The research focused on four areas related to environmental effects. The first area was the level of improvement of the organizations' environmental performance, which was examined by the methods of descriptive statistics. The second area was analyzing differences in environmental effects concerning the implementation of the systems using inferential statistics. The third area was the analysis of latent links between individual effects using factor analysis.
Findings
This study's insights shed some light on the benefits of implementing more, not fewer systems with benefits to organizations and entire industries with new possibilities for economic growth that do not have to come at the expense of the environment.
Originality/value
Organizations implementing management systems can realize dynamic benefits across a supply chain and within a manufacturing organization. Here the authors see an opportunity for ISO systems as a stepping stone to a more sustainable textile manufacturing economy.
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Zulkaif Ahmed Saqib, Muhammad Ikram and Luo Qin
This research aims to explore how policymakers manage the information and communication of green behavior on social platforms to support their growth in corporate social…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to explore how policymakers manage the information and communication of green behavior on social platforms to support their growth in corporate social responsibility (CSR). Social platforms play a strategic and interactive role through electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM), which brings unprecedented green purchase opportunities.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on stakeholder theory, a conceptual framework is designed to investigate the influence of green behavior interactions (GBIs) on CSR under the mediating effects of eWOM subfactors (eWC = eWOM communication, eWIA = eWOM information adoption and eWSC = eWOM source credibility). Data from 414 regular stakeholders of logistics firms were analyzed via structural equation modeling.
Findings
The results reveal positive influences of the GBI on eWC, eWIA, eWSC and CSR, with path coefficients of 0.329, 0.713, 0.809 and 0.316, respectively. The mediating effects of eWC and eWSC from the GBI to CSR were discovered with path coefficients of 0.105 and 0.226, respectively. Coincidentally, the mediating role of eWIA was positive but not supported. The outcomes of this study indicate that the administration of GBI and eWOM from a green purchase perspective is essential for a firm. The CSR practices of green logistics firms can be successfully supported by the administration of the GBI and eWOM indicators.
Originality/value
This study develops a novel multidimensional framework that illustrates the impact of eWOM on reducing information asymmetry, enhancing credibility, supporting informed decision-making and improving green consumer behavior. By amplifying positive reviews, increasing engagement and establishing a feedback loop, this framework aims to provide comprehensive insights into the efficacy of eWOM for firms’ products and services.
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Amin Mahmoudi, Mehdi Abbasi, Xiaopeng Deng, Muhammad Ikram and Salman Yeganeh
Selecting a suitable contract to outsource construction projects is an ongoing concern for project managers and organizational directors. This study aims to propose a…
Abstract
Purpose
Selecting a suitable contract to outsource construction projects is an ongoing concern for project managers and organizational directors. This study aims to propose a comprehensive model to manage the risks of outsourced construction project contracts.
Design/methodology/approach
To employ the proposed model, firstly, the types of contracts and risks in the organization should be identified, then, to prioritize the contracts, the identified risks are considered as criteria. After receiving the experts' opinions, the best–worst method (BWM) integrated with grey relation analysis (GRA) method was used to prioritize the contracts. BWM and GRA are multi-criteria decision-making methods with different approaches and applications. In the current study, BWM has been employed to calculate the weights of criteria because it has better performance than other methods such as the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). After calculating the weights of criteria, the GRA method has been utilized for ranking the alternatives.
Findings
According to the results obtained from the case study, the cost plus award fee contract is the most suitable alternative for outsourcing construction projects. The proposed methodology can be practically applied through different types of the projects such as construction or “engineering, procurement and construction”.
Originality/value
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a conceptual model has been proposed to select an appropriate contract for construction projects. Also, for the first time, the BWM integrated with GRA method has been used to prioritize project contracts based on the potential risks. The proposed model can contribute to project managers for selecting a suitable contract with the least risk in construction projects.
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Saad Ahmed Javed, Muhammad Ikram, Liangyan Tao and Sifeng Liu
Tourism industry is a highly complex system surrounded by many uncertainties because of its innumerable connections with other supporting systems. Considering tourism, a grey…
Abstract
Purpose
Tourism industry is a highly complex system surrounded by many uncertainties because of its innumerable connections with other supporting systems. Considering tourism, a grey system, the current study proposes optimistic–pessimistic method (OPM). This technique can aid in improving forecast accuracy of four tourism-related indicators, inbound tourism to China, outbound tourism from China, revenues collected through inbound tourism and expenses incurred on outbound tourism.
Design/methodology/approach
The study integrates OPM into EGM and then using the secondary data collected from the World Bank database, predicts the four tourism-related indicators. The mean absolute percentage error steered the performance of the models.
Findings
One of the main contributions of the study lies in its overall evaluation of one of the major travel and tourism countries of the world in light of four crucial indicators. The study highlights, four tourism-related indicators' recent information, contains more valuable information about the future.
Originality/value
OPM represents a novel application of concept of whitenization of interval grey number in grey forecasting theory.
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Panos T. Chountalas and Athanasios G. Lagodimos
Significant interest in Integrated Management Systems (IMS), as a key area within ISO-related Management System Standards (MSS) literature, has been evident from both academia and…
Abstract
Purpose
Significant interest in Integrated Management Systems (IMS), as a key area within ISO-related Management System Standards (MSS) literature, has been evident from both academia and industry over the past three decades. This study aims to map the evolution and current state of IMS research and propose possible directions for future studies.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive content and bibliometric analysis of 846 documents from the Scopus database across the period 1995 to 2023 was conducted. This included performance analysis to track publication trends and identify key contributors, and content analysis to specify dominant research methodologies and the MSS most commonly integrated. Furthermore, science mapping techniques—such as co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence analysis, and bibliographic coupling—were utilized to outline the collaborative networks and the conceptual and intellectual structure of the field.
Findings
The study identifies three principal IMS research themes: the practical implementation of IMS, their role in promoting sustainability and social responsibility, and their impact on continuous performance improvement. It also highlights the field’s evolution and key research constituents—including influential works, prolific authors, leading academic institutions and countries, and top publishing journals. It further reveals that IMS research exhibits strong collaboration across authors and countries, and a rich methodological plurality, notably with a marked increase in empirical surveys in recent years. Additionally, it identifies the most frequently referenced MSS for integration, prominently featuring ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001/OHSAS 18001.
Originality/value
This study is original in its application of a dual analytical approach—bibliometric and content analysis—to provide a holistic overview of IMS research. It offers new insights into the integration of diverse MSS and proposes several promising paths for future research. Among the most prominent are standardizing IMS fundamental specifications, conducting more empirical research with advanced methods to evaluate the effects of MSS integration, providing practical support for organizations in IMS implementation through tailored methodologies and tools, and exploring the potential of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies to advance IMS practices.
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Thais Coutinho Gonçalves Silva, Rosley Anholon, Izabela Simon Rampasso, Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves Quelhas, Walter Leal Filho, Luis Antonio Santa-Eulalia and Francisco Rodrigues Lima Junior
This article aims to evaluate the integration level of a quality management system (QMS) and an environmental management system (EMS) in a tire manufacturer and propose a guide to…
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to evaluate the integration level of a quality management system (QMS) and an environmental management system (EMS) in a tire manufacturer and propose a guide to evaluate the integration of these systems in companies.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodological strategies used in this research were literature review; and case study, with interviews to verify professionals' perception about benefits from integration. Data from interviews were analyzed through Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS).
Findings
The results showed that the studied company has a simple level of integration, observing only some low intensity benefits. Thus, it was recommended that the company partially integrate its management systems (MSs) before evolving into something more complex. The literature and the findings of case study were used as basis for proposing a guide to evaluate MS integration.
Originality/value
Lessons learned throughout the study and the suggested guide can support other companies to assess the integration level of their QMS and EMS. Thus, the findings presented here can be useful for researchers and managers.
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Maryam Ikram, Syed Muhammad Umer Saleem and Waqas Mehmood
This study aims to determine the impact of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) education quality indicators nexus using teaching and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine the impact of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) education quality indicators nexus using teaching and learning materials, physical infrastructure and facilities, teaching methods and assessment on students’ satisfaction (SS) in Pakistani higher education institutions (HEIs).
Design/methodology/approach
An investigation was conducted using empirical research involving 440 postgraduate students from 11 private universities in Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. Participants were selected using a stratified sampling technique, and the data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.
Findings
The findings proved the existence of a significant and positive relationship between teaching and learning materials, physical infrastructure and facilities, teaching methods and assessment of SS in Pakistani HEIs.
Originality/value
The novelty of this article lies in the fact that it addresses the gap in the existing literature by exploring the impact of teaching and learning materials, physical infrastructure and facilities, teaching methods, assessment and student satisfaction in the context of private higher education in Pakistan.