Hsiao-Ting Tseng, Shizhen (Jasper) Jia, Tahir M. Nisar, Nick Hajli and Haseeb Shabbir
The recent proliferation of social media platforms has witnessed a growth in social commerce by using social media to facilitate interactivity between customers and vendors. While…
Abstract
Purpose
The recent proliferation of social media platforms has witnessed a growth in social commerce by using social media to facilitate interactivity between customers and vendors. While emergent studies on social commerce are growing, their focus tends to be on millennials and cross-age groups. Given the growth of digital natives in shaping the online shopping experience of the future, we deemed an application to Generation Z necessary and overdue.
Design/methodology/approach
We draw on the existing literature and develop a framework to understand social commerce dynamics for digital natives. We employ PLS and CB-SEM to test our proposed model.
Findings
Our findings demonstrate the importance of social commerce information sharing activities in facilitating social support, a sense of warmth and belongingness, and online trust for Generation Z platform users. We also investigate the roles of online trust and perceived risk on intention to purchase and find support for both relationships. Finally, we discuss the findings in terms of theoretical and managerial contributions and conclude the study with limitations and future research directions.
Originality/value
This research is unique by using social commerce theory to explore Gen Z platform users. The finding will contribute to information system literature by expanding the social commerce research stream.
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M.A. Abou‐Khalil, S.M. El‐Saawy and N.A. Ghanem
Different methods have been carried out to prepare barium metaborate pigments and to find out the suitable method of preparation taking into account ease of industrial application…
Abstract
Different methods have been carried out to prepare barium metaborate pigments and to find out the suitable method of preparation taking into account ease of industrial application and the yield of the product. The properties of the prepared pigments were tested and compared with those of the commercial pigment. The solubility of the prepared pigment was found to be high and needed to be decreased. Many different methods of treatment were used and six grades of barium metaborate pigment were obtained. It was found that the addition of silicate to the prepared pigments has decreased their solubilities.
Sven-Olof Yrjö Collin, Jenny Ahlberg, Karin Berg, Pernilla Broberg and Amelie Karlsson
The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a concept of auditor as consigliere in family firms, that captures additional functions to monitoring, those of advice, mediating…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a concept of auditor as consigliere in family firms, that captures additional functions to monitoring, those of advice, mediating, and conveying.
Design/methodology/approach
The concept is tested through a survey conducted on 309 Swedish auditors.
Findings
The data indicate that the consigliere role is generally not emphasized, indicating that auditors primarily perform the monitoring role of the audit. However, the authors do find indications of the auditor performing the consigliere role, through performing the advisory and mediating functions and, to a smaller degree, the conveying function.
Research limitations/implications
The survey is limited in response rate and in separating governance situations from consigliere functions.
Practical implications
With reservation for professional independence, the auditor as consigliere could be part of the governance of the family firm, but should be trained for this activity.
Social implications
Regulators should pay attention to the consigliere role when, for example, stipulating compulsory rotation of auditors.
Originality/value
The paper shows that the auditor is more than a monitor in family firms. The consigliere role, even if not at all dominating, has to be considered, at least in family firms.
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To introduce recent research and development of biopolymer deposition for freeform fabrication of three‐dimensional tissue scaffolds that is capable of depositing bioactive…
Abstract
Purpose
To introduce recent research and development of biopolymer deposition for freeform fabrication of three‐dimensional tissue scaffolds that is capable of depositing bioactive ingredients.
Design/methodology/approach
A multi‐nozzle biopolymer deposition system is developed, which is capable of extruding biopolymer solutions and living cells for freeform construction of 3D tissue scaffolds. The deposition process is biocompatible and occurs at room temperature and low pressures to reduce damage to cells. In contrast with other systems, this system is capable of, simultaneously with scaffold construction, depositing controlled amount of cells, growth factors, or other bioactive compounds with precise spatial position to form complex cell‐seeded tissue constructs. The examples shown are based on sodium alginate solutions and poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL). Studies of the biopolymer deposition feasibility, structural formability, and different material deposition through a multi‐nozzle heterogeneous system are conducted and presented.
Findings
Provides information about the biopolymer deposition using different nozzle systems, the relations of process parameters on deposition flow rate and scaffold structural formability. Three‐dimensional alginate‐based scaffolds and scaffold embedded with living cells can be freeform constructed according to various design configurations at room temperature without using toxic materials.
Research limitations/implications
Other biopolymers may also be studied for structure formation. Studying cell viability and cellular tissue engineering behavior of the scaffolds after the cell deposition should be further investigated.
Practical implications
A very useful and effective tool for construction of bioactive scaffolds for tissue engineering applications based on a multi‐nozzle biopolymer deposition.
Originality/value
This paper describes a novel process and manufacturing system for fabrication of bioactive tissue scaffolds, automatic cell loading, and heterogeneous tissue constructs for emerging regenerative medicine.
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Mukaram Ali Khan, Kashif Rathore, Syed Sohaib Zubair, Aamna Tariq Mukaram and Kareem M. Selem
The study aims to investigate the effect of entrepreneurial leadership (EL), competencies (ECs) and intentions (EIs) on enterprise performance (EP) via entrepreneurial resilience…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to investigate the effect of entrepreneurial leadership (EL), competencies (ECs) and intentions (EIs) on enterprise performance (EP) via entrepreneurial resilience (ER) and risk-taking propensity (RTP).
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 403 early-stage small and medium enterprise (SME) owners in Pakistan at two-time intervals and were analyzed using AMOS 22.
Findings
All predictors (i.e. EIs, EL and ECs) positively affected EP and ER, except for EL and ER. Furthermore, RTP and ER were serially mediated in linking EIs and ECs with EP but could not establish a link between EL and EP.
Research limitations/implications
The findings reveal that the Pakistani government and business owners must focus on SMEs’ sustained development and prioritize ECs.
Originality/value
This paper is unique in nature, as understanding EIs, EL and ECs in a holistic framework has never been tested before in relation to EP.
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Asma Alwreikat, Ahmed Shehata and Metwaly Ali Mohamed Edakar
This study investigates the effect of protection motivation theory (PMT) constructs on Arab women's feelings while seeking information during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the effect of protection motivation theory (PMT) constructs on Arab women's feelings while seeking information during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
The study has adopted a mixed-method approach using semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire to explore PMT constructs' impact on women's feelings while seeking information on COVID-19. Several tests, such as standard deviation, mean, skewness, kurtosis and persons, were used to check the reliability of data and inter-relationships between constructs.
Findings
The study results show a significant positive correlation between PMT constructs (perceived vulnerability, perceived severity, response efficacy, self-efficacy and response cost) with the feelings of Arab women during information seeking on COVID-19. However, the relationship between threat appraisal and feelings during information seeking was more substantial than coping appraisal and feelings during information seeking. The researchers hope that this study creates a baseline of cross-cultural studies on PMT constructs' effect on women's feelings while seeking health information.
Research limitations/implications
The current study was conducted on female participants only. While the study intended to examine Arab women's feelings during information seeking with PMT's application, the results may be affected by other factors that were not considered in the current study. Furthermore, the questionnaire was distributed in three Arab countries, which means that the results cannot be generalized in other geographical contexts. Therefore, similar studies need to be conducted in larger geographical areas as cultural factors may produce different results.
Originality/value
This study explores women's feelings while seeking COVID-19 information using the PMT constructs. As far as we know, this study is the first study to investigate Arab women's feelings while seeking health information during pandemics. PMT utilization is considered a new approach to discover and measure informational needs and feelings associated with it during pandemics.
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This research endeavors to conduct a thorough and holistic analysis of the foundational elements that empower the cultivation of dynamic capabilities in micro, small and…
Abstract
Purpose
This research endeavors to conduct a thorough and holistic analysis of the foundational elements that empower the cultivation of dynamic capabilities in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The purpose of this study is to determine whether these capabilities have a noticeable impact on the sustainable performance of these enterprises. The study aims to support future research efforts in understanding this phenomenon by filling this knowledge gap and presenting a conceptual framework, thereby enhancing the scholarly discourse in this field.
Design/methodology/approach
The study consists of a systematic review of 126 articles meticulously chosen through a series of screening stages employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. This examination is conducted within the organized framework of antecedents, decisions and outcomes-theory, context and methods (ADO-TCM), ensuring a structured and comprehensive analysis.
Findings
The study uncovers significant insights, identifying four key antecedents: resource base, organizational learning, managerial expertise and external environment management. These factors are instrumental in fostering dynamic capabilities within the enterprise, leading to sustainable entrepreneurial success and a competitive advantage over rivals.
Research limitations/implications
By comprehending the mechanisms by which dynamic capabilities are established within the enterprise, this study provides a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, professionals and managers, offering them practical insights to leverage.
Originality/value
This systematic literature review is the initial attempt to explain how dynamic capabilities can be used to enhance and accomplish sustainable performance in the context of MSMEs.
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Ahmed Moawad Mabrouk, Ahmed Rabea Abd-Elgawad and Hani S. Abd El-Montaleb
The purpose of this study is to investigate the viability of probiotics, physicochemical and sensory properties of reduced fat synbiotic ice cream.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the viability of probiotics, physicochemical and sensory properties of reduced fat synbiotic ice cream.
Design/methodology/approach
The treatments were as follows: control was made by the addition of Lactobacillus salivarius NBIMCC 1589 and Lactobacillus crispatus NBIMCC 2451 (1:1). The treatments (T1, T2 and T3) were made with the addition of L. salivarius NBIMCC 1589 and L. crispatus NBIMCC 2451 (1:1) + 2% oat flour, 2% inulin and 4% oat flour + inulin (1:1). Physiochemical parameters (pH, moisture, fat, protein, fibre, ash, overrun, first dripping time and melting rate) were determined.
Findings
The ice cream with inulin and oat flour had lower moisture content, which was recorded 70.41, 69.88 and 68.82% for T1, T2 and T3, respectively. While the protein, fat and ash content of treated samples increased. The highest acidity (0.43%) was recorded in T3. The overrun increased by around 43% in T3 compared with control. The viable counts of probiotics were significantly (p = 0.05) decreased by two or three log cycles. Finally, T3 received the highest sensory score, which could be due to the combination between oat flour and inulin.
Originality/value
A novel ice cream was produced using a combination of inulin and oat flour, which enhanced the viability of added probiotics. Reduced fat synbiotic ice cream was a good carrier for probiotics, which facilitates the production of healthy dairy products.
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Satyanarayana Pamarthi and R. Narmadha
Nowadays, more interest is found among the researchers in MANETs in practical and theoretical areas and their performance under various environments. WSNs have begun to combine…
Abstract
Purpose
Nowadays, more interest is found among the researchers in MANETs in practical and theoretical areas and their performance under various environments. WSNs have begun to combine with the IoT via the sensing capability of Internet-connected devices and the Internet access ability of sensor nodes. It is essential to shelter the network from attacks over the Internet by keeping the secure router.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper plans to frame an effective literature review on diverse intrusion detection and prevention systems in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) and Mobile Ad hoc NETworks (MANETs) highly suitable for security in Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The literature review is focused on various types of attacks concentrated in each contribution and the adoption of prevention and mitigation models are observed. In addition, the types of the dataset used, types of attacks concentrated, types of tools used for implementation, and performance measures analyzed in each contribution are analyzed. Finally, an attempt is made to conclude the review with several future research directions in designing and implementing IDS for MANETs that preserve the security aspects of IoT.
Findings
It observed the different attack types focused on every contribution and the adoption of prevention and mitigation models. Additionally, the used dataset types, the focused attack types, the tool types used for implementation, and the performance measures were investigated in every contribution.
Originality/value
This paper presents a literature review on diverse contributions of attack detection and prevention, and the stand of different machine learning and deep learning models along with the analysis of types of the dataset used, attacks concentrated, tools used for implementation and performance measures on the network security for IoT applications.
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Hajer Zarrouk, Khoutem Ben Jedidia and Mouna Moualhi
The purpose of this paper is to ascertain whether Islamic bank profitability is driven by same forces as those driving conventional banking in the Middle East and North Africa…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to ascertain whether Islamic bank profitability is driven by same forces as those driving conventional banking in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Distinguished by its principles in conformity with sharia, Islamic banking is different from conventional banking, which is likely to affect profitability.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper builds on a dynamic panel data model to identify the banks’ specific determinants and the macroeconomic factors influencing the profitability of a large sample of 51 Islamic banks operating in the MENA region from 1994 to 2012. The system-generalized method of moment estimators are applied.
Findings
The findings reveal that profitability is positively affected by banks’ cost-effectiveness, asset quality and level of capitalization. The results also indicate that non-financing activities allow Islamic banks to earn higher profits. Islamic banks perform better in environments where the gross domestic product and investment are high. There is evidence of several elements of similarities between determinants of the profitability for Islamic and conventional banks. The inflation rate, however, is negatively associated with Islamic bank profitability.
Practical Implications
The authors conclude that profitability determinants did not differ significantly between Islamic and conventional banks. Many factors are deemed the same in explaining the profitability of conventional as well as Islamic banks. The findings reported in the current paper might be of interest for policy makers. It is recommended to better implement non-financing activities to improve Islamic bank profitability.
Originality/value
Unlike the previous empirical research, this empirical investigation assesses the issue whether Islamic banks profitability is influenced by same factors as conventional model. It enriches the literature in this regard by considering the specificities of Islamic banking to identify the determinants of profitability. Moreover, this study considers a large sample (51 Islamic banks) through a different selection of countries/banks than previous studies. In addition, the period of study considers the subprime crisis insofar it ranges from 1994 to 2012. Hence, this broader study allows the authors to draw more consistent conclusions.