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1 – 10 of 47Jashim Uddin Ahmed, Mohammad Asif Gazi, Rifat Iqbal, Quazi Tafsirul Islam and Niza Talukder
Maternal mortality is an acute problem for many countries around the world, particularly those at the bottom of the pyramid (BoP). Most remote locations in these underdeveloped…
Abstract
Purpose
Maternal mortality is an acute problem for many countries around the world, particularly those at the bottom of the pyramid (BoP). Most remote locations in these underdeveloped nations, for instance, in Africa, have to cope with the problem of interrupted electricity supply making healthcare practitioners often experience a helpless compulsion to compromise in providing quality medical attention, especially during childbirth. Along with many public, private and nongovernment initiatives, WE CARE Solar (hereafter WCS) – a social innovation venture comes with an idea of developing portable solar suitcases to respond to this intransigent problem.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper introduces a social enterprise that established its operation in Africa and so far has served in more than 30 similarly impoverished economies. Data was collected, analyzed using documentary research method. The authors have also collected and correlated the statements from the founder of WCS to complement the authors’ findings. With this paper, the authors intend to establish the type of innovation tools that are needed to provide value with a social innovation initiative in the health sector in the least developed country perspective. To facilitate better social outcomes and to ensure greater good, innovation requires to be accompanied by stakeholders’ involvement.
Findings
The findings indicate that WE CARE Solar has a positive social contribution toward ensuring safe motherhood and childbirth in underdeveloped countries by providing access to reliable solar power sources. The six-step social innovation process can be adopted by other social ventures to propose innovative solutions to social needs. Analyzing WCS's service delivery from the perspective of the 4As framework and value co-creation model, it is suggested that sustainable social change can be established with value co-creation through community engagement with multiple stakeholders.
Research limitations/implications
This research was solely focused on one organization alone. Future research could look into the model to ascertain its acceptability in similar social innovation in healthcare initiatives.
Originality/value
This paper attempts to address a gap in social innovation in healthcare and its adaptability using the 4As framework with the value co-creation model. The authors propose this model from the data accumulated throughout the research, which could also serve to assist organizations looking for scalable and sustainable change.
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Jashim Uddin Ahmed, Quazi Tafsirul Islam, Asma Ahmed, Anisur R. Faroque and Mohammad Jasim Uddin
Although corporate social responsibility is a well-researched concept, very few studies have studied organizational social responsibility in the face of internal/external crises…
Abstract
Purpose
Although corporate social responsibility is a well-researched concept, very few studies have studied organizational social responsibility in the face of internal/external crises. Therefore, this paper aims to examine various firms' organizational social responses to COVID-19 as an external crisis, particularly in terms of the way organizations use their resources to address social problems and the real intention behind these, and the changing organizational drivers influencing such behaviors.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors explore the initiatives of seven organizations from three different industries in several countries and their actions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. A case study approach was taken to collect data and reach a conclusion. A combination of interviews, online communication using semi-structured questionnaires and documentary information available in the public domain was used to collect data and analyze and triangulate the events.
Findings
Similar internal resources and capacities of the seven organizations resulted in similar responses as they launched proactive initiatives to prepare sanitizers. This research indicates that these organizations pursued other goals besides economic one. When society needed help, these organizations responded quickly, using and reorganizing their resources to assist communities in need. Different organizations from different sectors all behaved in a similar manner, making genuine contributions to the pandemic as each was uniquely capable of doing. These organizations also used their unique capabilities to offer their resources to local communities and governments.
Originality/value
During the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts by corporate entities to facilitate social reform and recovery have been seen around the globe. The findings could help in understanding the responses of organizations engaging in socially responsible behaviors to overcome external crises. This paper also identifies changing organizational values and their possible impact on society and overall industry philanthropy practices in the future.
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Jashim Uddin Ahmed, Md. Kamrul Hasan, Quazi Tafsirul Islam, Mohammad Jasim Uddin, Anisur R. Faroque and Md. Humayun Kabir Chowdhury
COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the lives of people and businesses around the world in different ways. France, Spain, Italy and the UK are among the worst affected…
Abstract
Purpose
COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the lives of people and businesses around the world in different ways. France, Spain, Italy and the UK are among the worst affected countries by this pandemic. The purpose of this paper is to identify and compare different corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities taken by the clubs and player of the major football leagues of these four countries to develop a more comprehensive model of intervention.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper has analyzed the initiatives taken by these football clubs and players to address financial vulnerabilities, mental health problems and domestic violence among the stakeholders and compared them with the existing CSR and humanitarian models. A case study approach has been used to collect and analyze data related to the CSR activities taken by the players and club management. Official websites of the clubs, newspaper and journal articles were among the major sources used to collect data for the paper.
Findings
Football clubs and players of the four major leagues have raised funds through different campaigns and delivered foods and essential medical supplies to the communities and hospitals to address financial vulnerabilities, mental health issues and domestic violence within their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have provided guidance to their followers using social and television media to improve their physical and mental health during the pandemic. Online competitions, quizzes or virtual hangouts have also been used by the players to engage the stakeholders on a frequent basis. Football clubs have also initiated campaigns to raise awareness within the community on available medical services for the victims of domestic violence and also provided them with shelter, food, medical, legal and online counseling services.
Originality/value
Football clubs and players of the major leagues were always at the forefront to help the communities and hospitals to address issues related to mental health problems, financial vulnerabilities and domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this paper could help and guide other entities in designing a more comprehensive model of CSR interventions during pandemics or crisis situations to address financial vulnerabilities, mental health problems and domestic violence within their communities.
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Adeyl Khan, Md. Shamim Talukder, Quazi Tafsirul Islam and A.K.M. Najmul Islam
As businesses keep investing substantial resources in developing business analytics (BA) capabilities, it is unclear how the performance improvement transpires as BA affects…
Abstract
Purpose
As businesses keep investing substantial resources in developing business analytics (BA) capabilities, it is unclear how the performance improvement transpires as BA affects performance in many different ways. This paper aims to analyze how BA capabilities affect firms’ agility through resources like information quality and innovative capacity considering industry dynamism and the resulting impact on firm performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper tested the research hypothesis using primary data collected from 192 companies operating in Bangladesh. The data were analyzed using partial least squares-based structural equation modeling.
Findings
The results indicate that BA capabilities improve business resources like information quality and innovative capacity, which, in turn, significantly impact a firm’s agility. This paper also found out that industry dynamism moderates the firms’ agility and, ultimately, firms’ performance.
Practical implications
The contribution of this work provides insight regarding the role of business analytics capabilities in increasing organizational agility and performance under the moderating effects of industry dynamism.
Originality/value
The present research is to the best of the authors’ knowledge among the first studies considering a firm’s agility to explore the impact of BA on a firm’s performance in a dynamic environment. While previous researchers discussed resources like information quality and innovative capability, current research theoretically argues that these items are a leveraging point in a BA context to increase firm agility.
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Quazi Tafsirul Islam, Jashim Uddin Ahmed and Afnan Sayed
Digitization is the process of transforming analog systems into digital ones, and it has become a crucial factor in the sustainable development of emerging economies. Although…
Abstract
Digitization is the process of transforming analog systems into digital ones, and it has become a crucial factor in the sustainable development of emerging economies. Although implementing digitization may be challenging due to limited budgets, missing strategies, pushback from employees, and the existing organizational structure, it can bring multifaceted benefits to the economy, such as improved employment and income, enhanced access to knowledge and education, and reduced costs for companies and countries. Moreover, digitization can significantly impact economic growth, as it can create new job opportunities, foster innovation, and improve infrastructure, among other benefits. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global agenda for creating a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future by 2030, and digital technologies have become increasingly important in addressing the challenges of achieving these goals, particularly for emerging economies. However, achieving these ambitious goals presents significant challenges, particularly for emerging economies. Hence, this literature review aims to discuss the potential impact of digital technologies on the implementation of the SDGs in emerging economies, supported by scholarly research and opinions. In conclusion, digital technologies have significant potential to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs by promoting economic growth and innovation while also promoting sustainability, creating a more prosperous and equitable world for all.
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Vasim Ahmad, Lalit Goyal, Tilottama Singh and Jugander Kumar
This chapter explores the significance of blockchain technology in protecting data for intelligent applications across various industries. Blockchain is a distributed ledger that…
Abstract
This chapter explores the significance of blockchain technology in protecting data for intelligent applications across various industries. Blockchain is a distributed ledger that ensures the immutability and security of transactions. Given the increasing need for security measures in industries, understanding blockchain technology is crucial for preparing for its future applications.
This chapter aims to examine the use of blockchain technology across industries and presents a compilation of existing and upcoming blockchain technologies for intelligent applications. The methodology involves reviewing research to understand the security needs of different industries and providing an overview of methods used to enhance multi-institutional and multidisciplinary research in areas like the financial system, smart grid, and transportation system.
The findings highlight the benefits of blockchain networks in providing transparency, trust, and security for industries. The Responsible Sourcing Blockchain Network (RSBN) is an example that utilizes blockchain's decentralized ledger to track sustainable sourcing from mine to final product. This information can be shared with auditors, corporate governance organizations, and customers.
The practical implications of this chapter are significant, serving as a valuable resource for industries concerned with identity privacy, traceability, immutability, transparency, auditability, and security. Understanding and implementing blockchain technology can address the growing need for secure and intelligent applications, ensuring data protection and enhancing trust in various sectors.
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Syed Far Abid Hossain, Arfan Shahriar, Nazmul Hasan Wanjan, Dewan Nailat Islam Neera, Juairya Ashger Khan and Zarin Tasnim Nira
In this research, we magnify the role of hybrid leadership style in facing uncertain turbulence in the market. Due to the rapid change in innovation and other macroeconomic…
Abstract
In this research, we magnify the role of hybrid leadership style in facing uncertain turbulence in the market. Due to the rapid change in innovation and other macroeconomic developments, the already existing market turbulence has become uncertain. This uncertainty has further been accentuated by recent events like COVID-19 and Russia–Ukraine invasion. One solution that is crucial in facing this uncertainty is effective leadership. However, taking the wide groups of individuals present in the market into account, this leadership has to be tailored for each, and this is where the topic for this research, hybrid leadership style to face uncertain market turbulence, comes to play. Here, we gather the existing roles of different leadership styles in different businesses that help in facing the uncertainties and explore the possibilities of new ones. This work can therefore act as a guide to practice hybrid leadership style during market turbulences where following a single specific style may prove unhelpful or lead to dissatisfaction and even aggravation.
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