Muhammad Arsalan Nazir, Raza Saleem Khan and Mohsin Raza Khan
The link between SME performance, growth and development is well established; however, the characteristics of SMEs that allow firms to be successful in the long run in an…
Abstract
Purpose
The link between SME performance, growth and development is well established; however, the characteristics of SMEs that allow firms to be successful in the long run in an underdeveloped country context, i.e. Pakistan, are still unclear. This paper aims to bridge this gap by identifying the SMEs’ characteristics that set them apart from their rivals and become successful.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses Storey’s development framework to identify the SMEs’ characteristics. Data is gathered using the case study method from SMEs with a metropolitan context in Pakistan. A narrative methodological framework was used during the data gathering and analysing stages.
Findings
Findings of this study indicate that the prosperity of SMEs in Pakistan is dependent on a combination of characteristics, including entrepreneurial characteristics of owner–managers, knowledge of business operating models, social networks and relationship building and innovation in business style. Additionally, other factors such as governance structure, strategic planning of market diversification and export characteristics also influence the prosperity of an SME. These findings may have several important implications for key stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, SMEs and policymakers in the government.
Originality/value
This research provides evidence about factors that can help an SME to become successful in uncertain situations surrounding a business environment. Theoretically, the contribution of this research is that it demonstrates that entrepreneurial characteristics and the effective leadership style of owner–managers can help SMEs achieve prosperity in external unforeseeable situations.
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This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.
Design/methodology/approach
This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.
Findings
This paper identified the different characteristics that can help SMEs, within an underdeveloped country context.
Originality/value
The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
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Muhammad Faisal Sultan, Muhammad Asim, Raza Ali Khan and Sadia Shaikh
Digital financial inclusion is a need of the recent era in order to flourish the growth of economies as well as businesses and individuals. Thus, varieties of digital technologies…
Abstract
Digital financial inclusion is a need of the recent era in order to flourish the growth of economies as well as businesses and individuals. Thus, varieties of digital technologies are launched to provide ease and leverage to customers’ financial needs. Among the well-known digital technologies, Fintech emerged as a well-known and accepted form of digital technologies. However, the acceptance level is much lower, especially in developing sides of the world like Pakistan where issues related to cyber-security are the major hindrance in the way of digitization and n-tier online payments. However, with a massive youth population, Pakistan also has the opportunity to use Fintech as the major tool for economic and social development. Therefore, this chapter has been written purposely to shed light on the importance, use, and role of Fintech in the growth of developing countries like Pakistan. The purpose is to increase the knowledge of youth about financial technologies especially Fintech so they may embrace their abilities with technological innovation, especially for their financial needs. On the other side, the chapter will also address the lack of research on this emerging trend to diverge the focus of researchers and academicians towards Fintech and its uses, scope, implications, and benefits for developing countries.
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Sohail Raza Chohan, Guangwei Hu, Asad Ullah Khan, Ahmed Tisman Pasha, Fizzah Saleem and Muhammad Atif Sheikh
The public sector use of the internet of Things (IoT) technology is an emerging field with a potential for a variety of institutional applications in the fields of information…
Abstract
Purpose
The public sector use of the internet of Things (IoT) technology is an emerging field with a potential for a variety of institutional applications in the fields of information gathering and policy implementation to establish resilience for modern society. In this context, we aim to investigate the success factors which can positively influence the continuous usage intention of IoT service with the mediation effect of perceived public value.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual model based on the strong literature and theoretical background is tailored to provide factors for IoT services success in the public sector. A quantitative survey was conducted through 381 citizens using IoT services to validate the proposed conceptual model using structural equation modeling approach in order to examine the influence of identified constructs on the continuous usage intention.
Findings
The results highlighted that the proposed model successfully accounted for about 59% perceived variance in public value creation and 63% perceived variance in citizens' continuous usage intention. IoT services success is best dignified by the perceptions of citizens who use the services, therefore, this study identifies the positive role of digital society affinity in context of social sustainability and it climaxes that the real value of IoT in public sector comes from establishment of services on top of the service delivery and that's where the public value is going to be created.
Practical implications
The use of IoT technology in public services will fetch much benefit to the citizens as well as to the government. The study findings are significant in identifying good practices for generating public value in digital society affinity.
Originality/value
The integrated conceptual model explores the driving factors of citizens' inclination towards IoT technology in a social context. Through this study, we can analyze the role of perceived public value in enhancing the citizens' engagement with IoT services. The government policymakers and ICT managers take help from this study to designing IoT public services with making the government more responsive to citizens.
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Salman Butt, Ahmed Raza, Rabia Siddiqui, Yasir Saleem, Bill Cook and Habib Khan
This literature review aims to assess the current research on healthcare job availability and skilled professionals. The objective of this research is to identify challenges…
Abstract
Purpose
This literature review aims to assess the current research on healthcare job availability and skilled professionals. The objective of this research is to identify challenges caused by the imbalance between healthcare service demand and qualified professionals and propose potential solutions and future research directions.
Design/methodology/approach
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method was employed as the guiding framework for conducting this review. A qualitative research design analyzed 38 peer-reviewed, evidence-based research works from 50 journal publications. Inclusion criteria focused on empirical studies, observational research and comprehensive reviews published within the last ten years. Thematic and discourse analysis categorized themes and factors explored in selected publications.
Findings
The findings highlight significant challenges in the healthcare sector regarding job availability and skilled professionals. Developed countries face understaffed healthcare facilities, resulting in increased workloads and compromised care. Developing countries experience high rates of unemployment among healthcare graduates due to limited resources and mentorship.
Practical implications
Improving educational infrastructure, expanding training opportunities and increasing healthcare investments are crucial for nurturing a skilled workforce. Implementing effective retention policies, fostering international collaborations and addressing socioeconomic determinants can create a sustainable job market.
Originality/value
The healthcare sector faces critical challenges in balancing job availability and skilled professionals. Strategic solutions are proposed to create a sustainable and equitable healthcare workforce. By implementing recommendations and conducting further research, access to quality healthcare and global public health outcomes can be improved.
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Muhammad Ali, Ali Nawaz Khan, Mubbsher Munawar Khan, Atif Saleem Butt and Syed Hamad Hassan Shah
This study aims to analyze the relationship between mindfulness and study engagement focusing on the mediating mechanism between the relationships proposed. Based on the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyze the relationship between mindfulness and study engagement focusing on the mediating mechanism between the relationships proposed. Based on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, the authors examine whether psychological capital (PsyCap) and intrinsic motivation mediate the relationship between mindfulness traits and study engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
Path analysis was conducted to test the hypothesized relationships among a sample of 428 international students studying in Chinese universities in Shanghai.
Findings
The results support the hypothesized relationships and imply that mindfulness is an essential antecedent of study engagement and more mindful students are more engaged in studying. Besides, the relationship between self-rated mindfulness and study engagement is mediated by PsyCap and intrinsic motivation.
Research limitations/implications
For universities, these findings help develop unique educational strategies to resolve issues related to study involvement. The study has several theoretical and practical implications.
Originality/value
The current study explored the relationship between mindfulness and study engagement in international students studying in Chinese universities – an understudied context in higher education. The authors find that mindfulness has positive effects on study engagement through PsyCap and intrinsic motivation.
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Tehzeeb Sakina Amir and Rabia Sabri
This chapter The Grass Is Greener Where You Water It! delves deeper into explicating Employee Green Behaviour (EGB), which outlines the eco-friendly behaviours practiced by…
Abstract
This chapter The Grass Is Greener Where You Water It! delves deeper into explicating Employee Green Behaviour (EGB), which outlines the eco-friendly behaviours practiced by employees. The section provides a more thorough explanation of EGB, including its origins, theoretical foundations, and practical applications in a social and physical environment to create environmentally conscious workplaces. The in-role and extra-role of EGB are discussed to strengthen its execution, and its significance considering the present ecological exigency. This chapter outlines the five-features-hierarchical framework for EGB: Sustainability Initiatives, Non-Harmful Action, Resource Conservation, Peer Influence, and Individual Commitment. The environmental history, ecosystems, and biodiversity and their interaction with humans from the ancient period to the present day are provided. The later unit explores organizational plans to encourage EGB, focussing on the role of HR policies, practices, and systems in nurturing the culture of sustainability within organizations. This chapter reviews current studies on EGB, emphasizing the role of employee engagement, transformational environmental leadership, and corporate culture in promoting green practices. It contributes to the academic literature by analyzing EGB, its relevance, and the effects it can have on organizations and society. It is a great tool for academics, government officials, and business heads to make workplaces environmentally friendly.
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Abraham Ansong, Raphael Papa Kweku Andoh, Linda Obeng Ansong, Cecilia Hayford and Nester Kumiwaa Owusu
The purpose of this study was to investigate the implications of green knowledge sharing, green empowerment and participation and green values toward hotel employees’ green…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the implications of green knowledge sharing, green empowerment and participation and green values toward hotel employees’ green creativity.
Design/methodology/approach
Data was gathered from operational level employees of hospitality facilities Ghana. Through the partial least square structural equation modeling, bias-corrected and accelerated (BCa) confidence intervals obtained from 10,000 bootstrap subsamples were used to determine the significance of the hypothesized paths. This was preceded by examining the quality of the measurement and structural models.
Findings
It was established that green knowledge sharing is a positive predictor of green empowerment and participation. Green empowerment and participation also positively predicted employee green behavior and also partially mediated the link between green knowledge sharing and employee green behavior. Green values also positively moderated the connection green knowledge sharing has with employee green behavior.
Practical implications
To enhance the green creativity of their employees so that the sustainability objectives are attained, general managers in hotels should institute strategies that promote green knowledge sharing among their employees, ensure the green empowerment and participation of their employees and inculcate green values in their employees.
Originality/value
This study expands the hotel greening literature by establishing the mediating and moderating processes for employee green creativity which is underrepresented in the literature. Besides, it extends the social learning theory in a green context.
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Muhammad Ahmad Raza Tahir, Muhammad Mubasher Saleem, Syed Ali Raza Bukhari, Amir Hamza and Rana Iqtidar Shakoor
This paper aims to present an efficient design approach for the micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometers considering design parameters affecting the long-term…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present an efficient design approach for the micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometers considering design parameters affecting the long-term reliability of these inertial sensors in comparison to traditional iterative microfabrication and experimental characterization approach.
Design/methodology/approach
A dual-axis capacitive MEMS accelerometer design is presented considering the microfabrication process constraints of the foundry process. The performance of the MEMS accelerometer is analyzed through finite element method– based simulations considering main design parameters affecting the long-term reliability. The effect of microfabrication process induced residual stress, operating pressure variations in the range of 10 mTorr to atmospheric pressure, thermal variations in the operating temperature range of −40°C to 100°C and impulsive input acceleration at different input frequency values is presented in detail.
Findings
The effect of residual stress is negligible on performance of the MEMS accelerometer due to efficient design of mechanical suspension beams. The effect of operating temperature and pressure variations is negligible on energy loss factor. The thermal strain at high temperature causes the sensing plates to deform out of plane. The input dynamic acceleration range is 34 g at room temperature, which decreases with operating temperature variations. At low frequency input acceleration, the input acts as a quasi-static load, whereas at high frequency, it acts as a dynamic load for the MEMS accelerometer.
Originality/value
In comparison with the traditional MEMS accelerometer design approaches, the proposed design approach focuses on the analysis of critical design parameters that affect the long-term reliability of MEMS accelerometer.
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Amjad Ali Rind, Muhammad Mujtaba Asad and Fahad Sherwani
The main purpose of this review was to synthesize pre-service teachers' digital self-efficacy in the context of education 5.0 and to identify the elements that affect pre-service…
Abstract
The main purpose of this review was to synthesize pre-service teachers' digital self-efficacy in the context of education 5.0 and to identify the elements that affect pre-service teacher's digital self-efficacy and preparedness for future technologies. A systematic review approach was employed to analyze the 22 articles about the pre-service teachers' digital self-efficacy of in the paradigm of education 5.0. The review was conducted from 2012 to 2022 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. In this study, PICO model was used in framing research questions. The findings of the review revealed that limited study has been carried out in the context of digital self-efficacy in the context of education 5.0. It was found that previous studies were only focusing general digital self-efficacy through traditional ways. Moreover, findings revealed there is lack of research on digital self-efficacy pre-service teachers in the realm of education 5.0 paradigm in the literature. More specifically, the results revealed that implementation of education 5.0 into teacher preparation programmes faces numerous challenges, including a lack of technological approach, poor digital infrastructure, the digital divide, a paucity of professional training opportunities for teachers and a lack of importance in policies. This synthesis of the literature review has practical implications for pre-service teachers along with policymakers. Pre-service teachers are required to increase their digital skills for the reason that they could teach the advanced generation. The policymakers can revisit and update the curriculum to incorporate education 5.0 principles in the teacher education programmes. This comprehensive review helps to better understand the pre-service teachers' digital self-efficacy towards education 5.0 and contributes to the body of existing knowledge on digital self-efficacy. Moreover, this study gives valuable insights on the incorporation of education 5.0.