Ibrahim Al Rashdi, Sara Al Balushi, Alia Al Shuaili, Said Al Rashdi, Nadiya Ibrahim Al Bulushi, Asiya Ibrahim Al Kindi, Qasem Al Salmi, Hilal Al Sabti, Nada Korra, Sherif Abaza, Ahmad Nader Fasseeh and Zoltán Kaló
Health technologies are advancing rapidly and becoming more expensive, posing a challenge for financing healthcare systems. Health technology assessment (HTA) improves the…
Abstract
Purpose
Health technologies are advancing rapidly and becoming more expensive, posing a challenge for financing healthcare systems. Health technology assessment (HTA) improves the efficiency of resource allocation by facilitating evidence-informed decisions on the value of health technologies. Our study aims to create a customized HTA roadmap for Oman based on a gap analysis between the current and future status of HTA implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
We surveyed participants of an advanced HTA training program to assess the current state of HTA implementation in Oman and explore long-term goals. A list of draft recommendations was developed in areas with room for improvement. The list was then validated for its feasibility in a round table discussion with senior health policy experts to conclude on specific actions for HTA implementation.
Findings
Survey results aligned well with expert discussions. The round table discussion concluded with a phasic action plan for HTA implementation. In the short term (1–2 years), efforts will focus on building capacity through training programs. For medium-term actions (3–5 years), plans include expanding the HTA unit and introducing multiple cost-effectiveness thresholds while from 6–10 years, publishing of HTA recommendations, critical appraisal reports, and timelines is recommended.
Originality/value
Although the HTA system in Oman is still in its early stages, strong initiatives are being taken for its advancement. This structured approach ensures a comprehensive integration of HTA into the healthcare system, enhancing decision-making and promoting a sustainable, evidence-based system addressing the population’s needs.
Details
Keywords
Waqar Ahmed and Muhammad Zaki Rashidi
Risk is primarily managed by developing the right strategies. Effective alignment of lean and agile strategies is always challenging for practitioners to create firm’s…
Abstract
Purpose
Risk is primarily managed by developing the right strategies. Effective alignment of lean and agile strategies is always challenging for practitioners to create firm’s competitiveness. The purpose of this study is to comprehend the behavior of these fundamental supply chain (SC) strategies by using the Triple-A framework.
Design/methodology/approach
Sample data is collected from 257 SC professionals serving in manufacturing firms through a self-administered structured questionnaire. The statistical technique used to perform hypotheses testing is structural equation modeling.
Findings
This study discloses a few critical attributes of lean and agile strategies while attempting to create strategic alignment and gain maximum benefits out of it. One of the key findings is that a lean strategy finds it challenging to create adaptability. However, better alignment among the market priorities and operational capabilities may improve risk management capabilities.
Practical implications
This study posits various vital insights for strategy-makers. For instance, it is advised to the operations managers that lean resources are usually never capable of adopting change but can be aligned with the market changes to create a SC risk management capability for the firm.
Originality/value
This is an original research with various useful insights for SC operations strategy-makers and academic researchers as it reveals a key empirical evidence of past vital concepts.
Details
Keywords
Waqar Ahmed and Muhammad Zaki Rashdi
Lean and agile strategies are two basic supply chain paradigms that strategist decouples based on their internal and external environment. This study aims to identify the…
Abstract
Purpose
Lean and agile strategies are two basic supply chain paradigms that strategist decouples based on their internal and external environment. This study aims to identify the influence of market orientation (MO) and quality management (QM) deployment on the supply chain strategies. Furthermore, this study also seeks empirical evidence of the impact of these core strategies on creating risk management capabilities.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative research technique is deployed to explain the phenomenon. The data was gathered through a structured scale questionnaire from supply chain professionals working at different manufacturing firms. Valid data of 134 respondents is then analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling for further empirical understanding.
Findings
The outcome of the research indicates that MO capability; as an external drive is a key to make an operational strategy. QM as an internal control is more prone to formulating a lean strategy (LS). Another important finding is that LS does not complement risk management capabilities especially in an uncertain market condition.
Practical implications
The study suggested concrete implications for risk management through the right mix of lean and agile supply chain strategies. There are some good insights for the supply chain policy-makers working in a developing country.
Originality/value
This study will provide empirical evidence for managing supply chain risk through an effective strategy making.
Details
Keywords
Obed Rashdi Syed, Saeed Siyal, Abdullah Zafar, Munwar Hussain Pahi and Shahid Rasool
Drawing on the equity theory, this study examines the influence of ethical leadership on counterproductive work behaviors. Furthermore, it tests the mediating influences of…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on the equity theory, this study examines the influence of ethical leadership on counterproductive work behaviors. Furthermore, it tests the mediating influences of organizational citizenship behavior and psychological entitlement on the relationship between ethical leadership and counterproductive work behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a survey questionnaire employing a random sampling technique to collect the data from hotels and restaurants. Data were collected from 329 supervisors and employees working in different hotels and restaurants in Karachi, Pakistan. For the purpose of analysis and to predict hypothesized relationships, the study used PLS-SEM techniques.
Findings
The study’s results indicated support for all hypothesized relationships. We found a negative relationship between ethical leadership and counterproductive work behavior. The findings also suggest that organizational citizenship behavior positively mediates between ethical leadership and counterproductive work behavior, which was unexpected. Furthermore, the findings also reveal that psychological entitlement positively mediates between ethical leadership and counterproductive work behavior.
Originality/value
The study examines the direct relationship between ethical leadership and counterproductive work behaviors and through the lens of organizational citizenship behavior and psychological entitlement. The relationships were founded on the theoretical underpinning of equity theory.
Details
Keywords
Rosmini Omar, Obed Rashdi Syed, Binyao Ning, Stefanos Vagenas and Faizan Ali
Ethnic food is a pivotal polysemic artifact, yet commonly studied based on experience. This leaves an eclipse in understanding its overall significance and implications. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Ethnic food is a pivotal polysemic artifact, yet commonly studied based on experience. This leaves an eclipse in understanding its overall significance and implications. The purpose of this paper is to explore the interactions of experience, intimacy and embodiment from the lens of alternative tourism and Asia as a destination image.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted four focus group that include Asians who take experiential learning trips and spiritual journeys across Asia-Pacific.
Findings
Alternative tourists promote the growth of ethnic foodies who value impact which they determine as quality food-scape, longitudinal caring interactions with and the constant assurance of consuming food which are safe and healthy to their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Research limitations/implications
Although our research does not employ any quantitative technique and devoid of inferential analysis, the rich qualitative data offer insights for further work that benefit ethnic food industry.
Practical implications
Industry and policy makers are encouraged to generate contextual solutions for management of the ethnic food industry. Ethnic food consumption may flourish if the industry leads its growth through a post-modernist approach.
Social implications
A broad perspective in growing the frontiers of ethnic food tourism beyond the landscape of an economic or consumerism-dominated approach would benefit the cross-mobility of quality talents and skills as this fosters cross-cultural literacy.
Originality/value
The authors develop the Ethnic Foodies Perspective-Ethnic Food Destination Image Matrix as a pathway to further motivate knowledge cross-fertilization in ethnic food tourism studies and leverage on the transdisciplinary science, innovation, socio- and sensuous geographic arena. A constellation of ethnic food innovation should link the economic side of exotic differentiation and heritage with food processing, safety and traceability.
Details
Keywords
Faisal Qamar, Sanam Soomro and Obed Rashdi Syed
Roles and responsibilities of higher education academics (educators) have dramatically changed since COVID-19 outbreak. Considering this, the present study applies servant…
Abstract
Purpose
Roles and responsibilities of higher education academics (educators) have dramatically changed since COVID-19 outbreak. Considering this, the present study applies servant leadership and social cognitive theories to test three determinants of pedagogical resilience, i.e. servant leadership, professional self-efficacy and workplace thriving. The study also tests moderation of professional self-efficacy between servant leadership and pedagogical resilience.
Design/methodology/approach
Applying snowball sampling, time-lagged data were collected on T1 and T2 through survey questionnaire from 205 employees of six higher education institutes (HEIs) in Sindh, Pakistan. For data analysis, the study employed structural equation modeling using SmartPLS.
Findings
Results indicate that servant leadership and professional self-efficacy predict pedagogical resilience of educators. Moreover, professional self-efficacy moderates the relationship between servant leadership and pedagogical resilience.
Research limitations/implications
This study has a few limitations. The study was conducted in HEIs of Pakistan, which are non-profit organizations. Given this, generalizability of findings in profit-making organizations is suggested with caution. Cross-cultural and cross-regional generalizability may also be challenging.
Practical implications
Training, coaching and role modeling may improve efficacy of educators, which is vital to pedagogical resilience. Furthermore, servant leadership attributes (i.e. emotional support and empathy) may also enhance resilience. Rolling-out tailored training programs for boosting professional efficacy of existing faculty could be helpful in building pedagogical resilience. Fostering a culture of teamwork through adopting collaborative and state of the art educational technologies could also enhance self-efficacy, which is vital to resilience. This could be done when vice chancellors, rectors, HODs, etc., adopt servant leadership attributes to play their role by navigating a paradigm shift from traditional teaching platforms and physical meetings to digital educational tools.
Originality/value
Post-pandemic educational management necessitates resilient workforce to handle any uncertain situation. Given this, the authors apply servant leadership and social cognitive theory and introduce a novel construct of “pedagogical resilience”. This paper offers unique theoretical contributions and suggests universities/HEIs to adopt servant leadership model and foster professional self-efficacy of educators for boosting their pedagogical resilience in times of uncertainty. Pedagogically resilient educators may be well equipped to adopt venerable pedagogical competencies, and could contribute significantly to the quality of higher education.
Details
Keywords
This chapter approaches the topic of teaching the Western scholarly tradition in non-Western countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from three perspectives employing the…
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter approaches the topic of teaching the Western scholarly tradition in non-Western countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from three perspectives employing the following metaphors: as a Public Servant motivated by public service to the goals and aims of the country’s development articulated by UAE rulers and its citizens; as Cultural Diplomat, representing the Western tradition and its scholarly achievements while respecting other traditions; and as Intellectual Imperialist, aiming at a colonising incorporation of the UAE into the Western academic world.
Methodology/approach
The main methodology adopted is the Weberian ideal type, located within a comparative and historical context that produces the metaphors as analytically possible perspectives as a western expatriate faculty member. Additional critique is drawn from Bourdieu, Said, Freire, Giroux, Foucault, Goffman and cross-cultural organisation studies.
Findings
The findings consist of an analytic framework consisting of public servant, cultural diplomat and intellectual imperialist as a set of conceptions for analysing possible orientations of Western expatriate academics in developing countries.
Social implications
The implications are threefold: on a personal level, what experientially does each of the metaphors mean for one’s sense of identity, profession, values and relationships; on a pedagogical level, what principles and values distinguish the curriculum and teaching styles as well as orientation to Arab and Islamic scholarship; and politically, what is the potential impact and unintended consequences for the indigenous culture, sovereignty and societal survival of a country under the heavy influence of globalisation. The contention of this chapter is that one cannot avoid adopting one or more of these roles and may even perform in contradictory ways.
Originality/value
The originality is in establishing a new set of analytic categories drawing on post-colonial, diplomacy and critical studies.
Details
Keywords
Integrating the lean (LSTs) and agile (ASTs) strategies to effectively create the competitiveness of the firm is always challenging for the strategy makers. This research aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
Integrating the lean (LSTs) and agile (ASTs) strategies to effectively create the competitiveness of the firm is always challenging for the strategy makers. This research aims to comprehend the behavior of these core strategies by using the Triple-A framework.
Design/methodology/approach
Data are gathered from the supply chain (SC) professionals serving in manufacturing firms through a structured questionnaire. Structured equation modeling (SEM) is performed to test the hypotheses on 257 valid responses.
Findings
The result of this study reveals a few key attributes about LST and AST while attempting to align and gain maximum benefit. One of the key findings is that an LST finds it difficult to create adaptability (ADP). But better alignment (ALN) among the market priorities and operational capabilities may improve the firm's competitive capabilities (FCCs).
Practical implications
This study posits various important insights for strategy decision makers, just for instance, it is advised to the operations managers that lean resources are usually never capable to adapt change but can be aligned with the market changes to create a competitive capability for the firm.
Originality/value
This is original research that has various useful insights for SC and operations strategy makers and also for the academic researchers as it reveals empirical evidence of the past key concepts.
Details
Keywords
Hira Rani, Obed Rashdi Syed, Muslim Amin, Waheed Ali Umrani and Halimin Herjanto
This study attempts to examine how employee orientations and paranoid arousal intersect and influence the voice behaviors of employees, as they significantly influence workplace…
Abstract
Purpose
This study attempts to examine how employee orientations and paranoid arousal intersect and influence the voice behaviors of employees, as they significantly influence workplace practices.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on a multi-source and multi-time-based survey, the data were collected from 37 supervisors and 270 employees in 80 branches of 11 microfinance banks. SmartPLS-4.1 was used to test the measurement and structural model. A total of 307 questionnaires were used for the data analysis.
Findings
This research presents the contrasting results of employee orientations with voice behavior. Results support the direct relationship between paranoid arousal and promotive-prohibitive voice behaviors. However, no support was found for approach-avoidance orientation and promotive-prohibitive voice behaviors.
Practical implications
Employees' ability to voice-out in organizations depends on several motivational factors, consolidated into three areas – organizational culture, leadership, and individual traits. Organizations must implement a culture of transparency and open communication. Participative and inclusive leadership styles increase the quality of relationships with employees, stimulating a promotive voice. A support system for employees is needed to advance in their careers, increasing promotive behaviors.
Originality/value
The study adds value to the existing body of knowledge by studying approach-avoidance orientations and voice behaviors through the lens of paranoid arousal in the framework.
Details
Keywords
Amna Akhound, Aseem Majeed Rizvi, Waqar Ahmed and Muhammad Nadeem Khan
Energy-saving behavior of individuals is essential to minimize energy use and reduce the emission of toxic gases. This study's actual focus is to find out the determinants of the…
Abstract
Purpose
Energy-saving behavior of individuals is essential to minimize energy use and reduce the emission of toxic gases. This study's actual focus is to find out the determinants of the energy-saving behavior of individuals in the workplace.
Design/methodology/approach
As a theoretical research model, the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) has been used to analyze the determinants of energy-saving intentions. A survey method is used to collect 289 valid data, and structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to analyze the data.
Findings
The final result shows that the variables attitude at home, subjective norm (SN) and descriptive norms positively impact intention to save energy at the workplace. In contrast, the construct attitude and perceived behavior control is insignificant in this research. On the other hand, the personal moral norm (PMN) is a powerful predictor of individual energy-saving intentions at the workplace.
Originality/value
This research provides insights that will help the organizations understand the behavior of individuals at the workplace for energy-saving intentions to formulate such policies that will enhance individuals' practice for energy savings.