Panida Rujirawanich, Ramzi Addison and Clive Smallman
The purpose of this paper is to look at a Thai manufacturing small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) in order to develop a basic understanding of the innovation concept and process…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to look at a Thai manufacturing small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) in order to develop a basic understanding of the innovation concept and process in Thailand, and to investigate how the five factors associated with innovation interact with Hofstede's five cultural dimensions to influence the innovation process.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs a qualitative methodology, using a case‐study approach.
Findings
All the studies of national culture and innovation potential use Hofstede's dimensions but this study suggests that in Thailand there may be cultural factors other than Hofstede's that influence innovation and that modify the effects of Hofstede's model on innovation. Allied to this, it appears that the traditional cultural values could be shifting, as younger people absorb an increasing amount of influence from Western media. The first finding from this study suggests that Thai SMEs may tend to more effectively produce or adopt incremental innovations rather than radical ones. The second finding is that, if the research company is typical of Thai SMEs, Thai SMEs are likely to experience difficulties with adopting completely novel innovations effectively. This is because four (except the dimension of long versus short‐term orientation) of Hofstede's five Thai cultural dimensions were clearly found to obstruct the innovation process. Also there are some cultural factors peculiar to Thailand, not mentioned by Hofstede, that impact on the innovation process.
Research limitations/implications
The paper underlines the need to understand local culture and environment, which play a crucial role in the success or failure of innovation activities of firms, particularly SMEs.
Originality/value
There have been very few studies on innovation with reference to Thai SMEs.
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Sujood, Samiha Siddiqui, Naseem Bano and Ramzi Al Rousan
In 2019, Generation Z (Gen Z) accounted for 32% of the world population, as per the report by Bloomberg, Gen Z in India is world's largest with 472 million people, still there is…
Abstract
Purpose
In 2019, Generation Z (Gen Z) accounted for 32% of the world population, as per the report by Bloomberg, Gen Z in India is world's largest with 472 million people, still there is very limited research conducted to explain their intention to visit heritage sites. This paper aims to report the findings of an empirical research focussing on Gen Z Indians' intention to visit heritage sites by applying theory of planned behaviour (TPB) with two additional constructs, i.e. environmental concern (EC) and environmental friendly activities (EFA).
Design/methodology/approach
As a fundamental theoretical framework, the TPB model is used. Data consists of responses of 434 Gen Z Indians which were collected through online questionnaires. Using structural equation modelling (SEM) technique, the measurement and structural model were tested with the help of AMOS 22 and SPSS 25 software.
Findings
The results of SEM indicate that the hypothesized relationships between attitude (AT), subjective norms (SN), EC, EFA and intention to visit heritage sites were all supported. However, perceived behavioural control (PBC) did not influence intention.
Research limitations/implications
The study's findings have substantial practical implications for organizations/travel companies that primarily deal in heritage sites. The findings of this study contribute to the body of knowledge about intention to visit heritage sites. As the study focuses mostly on Gene Z Indians, it is difficult to extrapolate the findings to other countries.
Originality/value
This paper will help the researchers and practitioners to understand the Gen Z Indians' intention of visiting heritage sites. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that predicts intention of Gen Z Indians to visit heritage sites.
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Ramzi Al Rousan, Nermin Khasawneh, Sujood Sujood and Naseem Bano
This paper aims to predict the post-pandemic intention of Indian consumers to participate in tourism and hospitality T&H events by incorporating the perception of Covid-19 (PCOV…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to predict the post-pandemic intention of Indian consumers to participate in tourism and hospitality T&H events by incorporating the perception of Covid-19 (PCOV) into the theory of planned behavior (TPB). It also examines the relationship among attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention and PCOV.
Design/methodology/approach
This research employed a quantitative research technique, with data collected using an online questionnaire-based survey from August 23 to October 29, 2021. The sampling approach is convenient, and the sample of this study is comprised of individuals who follow events pages on social networking sites.
Findings
The findings of SEM revealed that the proposed model has better explanatory and predictive power. The path analysis showed that all the variables of the TPB are significantly and positively associated with the post-pandemic intention to participate in the T&H events. However, the PCOV is negatively associated with the post-pandemic intention.
Research limitations/implications
The results of this study give an idea about the post-pandemic intention of Indian consumers to participate in T&H events. The results of this study revealed important practical implications for event management organizations, travel agencies that deal in events, the T&H industry, tourism planners and other stakeholders, as these findings may be used to develop effective marketing strategies.
Originality/value
There has been a lot of research on TPB in the context of coronavirus, but to the best of the authors' knowledge, there is a gap in the literature regarding the intention to participate in T&H events. Hence, this research fills that gap.
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Dalia Khalil, Omar Ramzy and Rasha Mostafa
The aim of this paper is to measure students' perception towards sustainable development (SD) concept. The paper highlights students' perception before and after joining…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to measure students' perception towards sustainable development (SD) concept. The paper highlights students' perception before and after joining Heliopolis University (HU). Also, the research underscores different activities, facilities and methods HU is implementing to sharpen the delivery of SD concept. Furthermore, the study emphasizes on the extent to which students are anticipating implementing SD concept in their life.
Design/methodology/approach
The research paper is an exploratory qualitative research design. The sample frame was the database of HU. A non-probability convenient sampling approach was applied to select 26 elements of the study. In-depth personal interviews were conducted. Questions were coded to facilitate analysis and to link respondents' answers with different questions. Accordingly, 12 structured open-ended questions were designed to gain clear insights regarding students' awareness of SD. Personal interviews took place at the end of fall semester 2012.
Findings
Students' responses were classified into observations and realization, needs and suggestions, and future plans. All students confirmed interest to apply SD in their lives.
Research limitations/implications
This research is limited only to HU students, which is considered a limitation of the research findings. Another limitation is that the study is an exploratory qualitative research, which could be enhanced if a conclusive design is applied. However, both limitations are considered within the context of conducting future research. One is related to the expansion of the sample frame to include more diversified students, and the other to conduct a conclusive research for fine-tuning the results and recommendations.
Originality/value
The paper's value stems from measuring multi-disciplinary freshmen perception regarding SD concept at HU, which is the first non-for-profit university in Egypt and the Middle East declaring SD as its overall guiding principle and specialization. Moreover, the paper provides insights on SD concept from a developing country perspective.
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Tarek Eldomiaty, Mohamed Behery, Chong Ju Choi and Omar A. Ramzy
The purpose of this paper is to examine and analyze the significant qualitative factors that affect the financial performance of financial firms. The authors argue that those…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine and analyze the significant qualitative factors that affect the financial performance of financial firms. The authors argue that those factors can be used as “indices of identity” or external cues that help financial firms enhance their relative position in the marketplace. This can be done by focusing on the indices that are highly and positively associated with financial performance measures. This is a practical approach since the financial products are characterized by intrinsic intangibility.
Design/methodology/approach
The researchers empirically test this framework in a sample of the European banking industry. The methodology utilizes the benefits of the “content analysis,” that focuses on the critical observed elements of firm identity as published in the most recognized publications. The indices of identity examined in this paper are reputation for clients, age, CEO, size, country of origin, geographic spread, and profits. Measures of financial performance include: return on assets, non‐performing loans/total loans, shareholder equity/total assets and deposits/total assets.
Findings
The results show that indices of identity are positively related to corporate financial performance and thus can effectively help firms be well recognized by other actors in the marketplace.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the literature in two ways. First, the paper shows how firm's indices of identity can be quantified through the use of content analysis. Second, the paper creates an association between the indices of identity and financial performance. This association offers a quantitative approach that shows the possibilities of overcoming the problems of intangibility in the marketplace.
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Paul Alonso Gaona-García, David Martin-Moncunill and Carlos Enrique Montenegro-Marin
This paper aims to present an overview of the challenges encountered in integrating visual search interfaces into digital libraries and repositories. These challenges come in…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present an overview of the challenges encountered in integrating visual search interfaces into digital libraries and repositories. These challenges come in various forms, including information visualisation, the use of knowledge organisation systems and metadata quality. The main purpose of this study is the identification of criteria for the evaluation and integration of visual search interfaces, proposing guidelines and recommendations to improve information retrieval tasks with emphasis on the education-al context.
Design/methodology/approach
The information included in this study was collected based on a systematic literature review approach. The main information sources were explored in several digital libraries, including Science Direct, Scopus, ACM and IEEE, and include journal articles, conference proceedings, books, European project reports and deliverables and PhD theses published in an electronic format. A total of 142 studies comprised the review.
Findings
There are several issues that authors did not fully discuss in this literature review study; more specific, aspects associated with access of digital resources in digital libraries and repositories based on human computer interaction, i.e. usability and learnability of user interfaces; design of a suitable navigation method of search based on simple knowledge organisation schemes; and the use of usefulness of visual search interfaces to locate relevant resources.
Research limitations/implications
The main steps for carrying out a systematic review are drawn from health care; this methodology is not commonly used in fields such as digital libraries and repositories. The authors aimed to apply the fundamentals of the systematic literature review methodology considering the context of this study. Additionally, there are several aspects of accessibility that were not considered in the study, such as accessibility to content for disabled people as defined by ISO/IEC 40500:2012.
Originality/value
No other systematic literature reviews have been conducted in this field. The research presents an in-depth analysis of the criteria associated with searching and navigation methods based on the systematic literature review approach. The analysis is relevant for researchers in the field of digital library and repository creation in that it may direct them to considerations in designing and implementing visual search interfaces based on the use of information visualisation.
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Abi Huraira Rifas, Asmak Ab Rahman, Ahmad Hidayat Buang and Muzalwana Abdul Talib
Takaful is a social security approach that guarantees business risks in light of shari’ah, thus playing a crucial role in human life and the economy. The purpose of this study is…
Abstract
Purpose
Takaful is a social security approach that guarantees business risks in light of shari’ah, thus playing a crucial role in human life and the economy. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that influence the behavioural intention of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) entrepreneurs to participate in takaful in Sri Lanka.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is designed quantitatively with deductive approach using the theory of planned behaviour. A total of 432 MSMEs in Sri Lanka were surveyed using convenience sampling to measure the intention to participate in takaful as a risk mitigation. The collected data were analysed through partial least square-structural equational modelling.
Findings
Attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control variables positively influenced the intention, with t-values of 3.216, 3.813 and 3.859, respectively. The influence of these variables exhibits not much difference.
Research limitations/implications
This study only focuses on MSMEs and a general takaful scheme. Future researchers may consider family takaful involvement among Sri Lankan business entrepreneurs.
Practical implications
Takaful practitioners should gain from the entrepreneurs’ intention to participate in takaful. Findings from this study could help marketing managers to revamp their strategies to further attract the entrepreneurs and make them to understand risk they are facing and, subsequently, participate in the takaful scheme.
Originality/value
This paper focuses on the context of Muslim minority among pluralism, where there is no regulation for Islamic financial products and services, and under the Islamic financial market crisis. This unleashes how business owners feel about takaful system on different dimensions.