Shawkat Alam and George F. Tomossy
The purpose of this paper is to address the challenges developing countries face in attempting to balance sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS) health and safety measures…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address the challenges developing countries face in attempting to balance sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS) health and safety measures against concerns about protectionism, illustrated by the impact of trade barriers on the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Bangladesh. The paper then provides recommendations to overcome the effects of these trade barriers.
Design/methodology/approach
The author uses a close doctrinal approach for the first three parts of the paper by analysing the provisions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) SPS Agreement and the effect of those provisions in creating domestic compliance gaps in the Bangladeshi fisheries and aquaculture sector. A qualitative approach is then adopted in suggesting potential reforms and future directions to assist the Bangladeshi fisheries and aquaculture sector overcome SPS trade barrier issues.
Findings
To overcome the market access issues created by SPS trade barriers, Bangladesh and other developing countries require multilateral assistance, accommodation by trading partners and internal reforms. This includes reforming internal governance structures, improving trade participation and negotiation, increasing infrastructure investment and learning from similar countries who have improved their supply chain management.
Research limitations/implications
This paper will have significant implications by contributing to law and policy reform debates involving international trade law and domestic compliance gaps. It will also assist other developing countries that experience SPS trade barriers to learn from the experience of the Bangladeshi fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Practical implications
This paper has practical implications by providing recommendations for how Bangladesh can overcome SPS trade barriers and improve its market access. This will help Bangladesh integrate into the global trading system by enhancing its participation in the SPS framework.
Social implications
By addressing and providing recommendations for the SPS trade barrier challenges faced by Bangladesh fishery and aquaculture sector, this paper provides a framework to improve the economic development and global competitiveness of the industry. This will contribute the gross domestic product growth and help increase the overall living standards of the people involved in the fisheries and aquaculture business in Bangladesh.
Originality/value
This paper is an original work that has not been published elsewhere. It is the first time a paper has dealt with the legal, policy and compliance challenges faced by the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Bangladesh.
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M. Rafiqul Islam, Shawkat Alam and Pundarik Mukhopadhaya
The multilateral liberalisation of trade in education under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) has achieved little progress. In a bid to overcome this lacklustre…
Abstract
Purpose
The multilateral liberalisation of trade in education under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) has achieved little progress. In a bid to overcome this lacklustre education trade liberalisation under the World Trade Organization (WTO), the purpose of this paper is to examine education trade bilateralism between Australia and India as an alternative to multilateralism. The end is to maximise bilateral trade liberalisation in education as a means to facilitate dynamic productivity gains, export opportunities, market competition, and FDI in the sector. The combined effect of this bilateralism would help accelerate economic growth in both countries, which is likely to generate domino effects on other WTO members, thereby contributing to the multilateral liberalisation of trade in services under the WTO.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology is analytical, based on pertinent empirical and secondary information.
Findings
Strong complementarities and synergies are found for the integration of trade in education services between Australia and India. Of the major exporters of education services, Australia enjoys the most competitive edge and comparative advantage in the Asia‐Pacific. India faces strong demands for quality education services due to its economic reforms and expansion requiring knowledge‐based workforce for high efficiency and productivity and has become a major importer of education services in the region.
Originality/value
The paper identifies new means of consolidating Australia and India's existing trade, niche areas of further opportunities, and potential challenges to be confronted for greater economic integration through trade in education. The originality of the paper lies in its core message that education trade bilateralism can be a valuable stepping stone, in many instances, to multilateral trade in education.
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Roslina Mohamad Shafi and Yan-Ling Tan
This study aims to explore the evolution of the Islamic capital market (ICM) from the perspective of research publications.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the evolution of the Islamic capital market (ICM) from the perspective of research publications.
Design/methodology/approach
A bibliometric analysis was applied based on selected publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database from 2000 to 2021. The study adopted VOSviewer software which was developed by Leiden University.
Findings
This study has some implications that need urgent action. Firstly, there are some areas that have received little attention among researchers, although they are relevant to the industry, for instance, in fintech and blockchain in ICM. Secondly, the inconsistent frequency of publications in some niche areas may suggest that there are unprecedented events that hinder further research; probably, the researcher may anticipate more information and progress in the industry. Thirdly, the need to strengthen the collaboration between industry and academia to advance research.
Research limitations/implications
This study considered only the WoSCC database. The provider of WoSCC is Clarivate (formerly known as Thomson Reuters), where access to publications is limited to institutional subscribers. The implications of this study are to identify and propose future research trends in the field of ICM.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study is among the pioneer studies in analysing bibliometric focusing on ICM. Previous research has focused on Islamic finance and banking, and not specifically on ICM. Accordingly, this study sheds light on research gaps in ICM.
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Sohail Tahir Inayatullah, Shakil Ahmed, Pushpita Alam, Susan Davis and Syed Hashemi
This article aims to present the scenarios, visions and strategies that resulted from a three day foresight workshop for BRAC University in Rajendrapur, Bangladesh.
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to present the scenarios, visions and strategies that resulted from a three day foresight workshop for BRAC University in Rajendrapur, Bangladesh.
Design/methodology/approach
The workshops used the “six pillars” approach to foresight. The methods used included: The futures triangle, emerging issues analysis, the futures wheel, The Sarkar game and macrohistory, causal layered analysis, the integrated scenario method, visioning and backcasting. The workshop was held over three days in Rajendrapur, Bangladesh.
Findings
Three visions were developed: “Advancing knowledge with a human face” – a future that integrates liberal arts and real world specialization; “BRAC to the future – an eco‐system of leaders” – a future where the university becomes a social laboratory of innovation; and, “BUG – BRAC University Global,” – a global future where the university leverages BRAC's mission to save and serve the world.
Research limitations/implications
The visions are considered complementary and are being used to develop the university's strategic plan and new campus design.
Practical implications
This model of foresight provides a practical model for engaging in planning the long‐term future especially when there are a diversity of interests and stakeholders. The workshop has led to real world changes in strategy and funding.
Social implications
This model of foresight provides a practical model for engaging in planning the long‐term future especially when there is a diversity of interests and stakeholders. The workshop has led to real world changes in strategy and funding.
Originality/value
This was the first foresight project/workshop held for BRAC University.
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Ahmad Alrazni Alshammari, Othman Altwijry and Andul-Hamid Abdul-Wahab
From 1979 to 2023, the takaful structure has been adopted in many jurisdictions, making the documenting of its early days of establishment relatively difficult and somewhat…
Abstract
Purpose
From 1979 to 2023, the takaful structure has been adopted in many jurisdictions, making the documenting of its early days of establishment relatively difficult and somewhat unreliable. This is unlike conventional insurance, where the history and legislation are well documented and archived in various research (Hellwege, 2016; Marano and Siri, 2017). The purpose of this paper is to provide a chronology for the establishment and development of takaful via the takaful establishment in each jurisdiction, documenting its first takaful operator and first takaful regulation.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper has used a qualitative method in the form of reviewing literature and available data such as journals, books and official resources. The data is thoroughly analysed in order to build the chronology for takaful. It adopted an exploratory research design, which is deemed suitable in situations where few works of literature have examined the subject (Neuman, 2014). The paper explores the establishment and non-establishment of takaful in 57 countries. The paper categorises the countries into seven regions starting with the GCC, Levant, Asia, Central Asia, Africa, Europe and Others.
Findings
The takaful chronology presented in this paper shows that takaful operations exist in 47 jurisdictions, starting from Sudan and the UAE in 1979, with the most recent adopters being Morocco and Iran in December 2021. It is found that 22 jurisdictions do not have takaful regulations, and the Takaful Act 1984, issued in Malaysia, is considered the first takaful regulation that sets the basis for other regulations that follow.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive chronology of takaful, especially as the few existing timelines have been found to be incomplete and consist of contradictory information.
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Billy T.W. Yu and Stella T.X. Liu
This analysis examines the evolving role of deep learning in engagement marketing research. It tries to address a critical knowledge gap despite the rapid growth of artificial…
Abstract
Purpose
This analysis examines the evolving role of deep learning in engagement marketing research. It tries to address a critical knowledge gap despite the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in this field.
Design/methodology/approach
Using bibliometric techniques, this study analyzes Scopus data to investigate the evolution of engagement marketing research influenced by technology. Overlapping maps, evolution maps and strategic diagrams reveal key trends and intellectual structures within this dynamic field.
Findings
Our analysis reveals key trends in deep learning applications, like focuses on language-interaction, interactivity-privacy and human-focus satisfaction. While results show the contribution in foundational works like linguistics, algorithms and interactive marketing, they also raise concerns about the algorithmic bias, privacy violations and etc.
Research limitations/implications
While Scopus data offers valuable insights, our analysis acknowledges its limitations on publication language. Future research should treasure foundational works and historical context for comprehensive understandings. Additionally, addressing emerging challenges such as negative customer experiences and fairness is crucial for future studies.
Originality/value
This review provides a comprehensive perspective on deep learning applications on engagement marketing research in the context of interactive marketing. We present trends and thematic structures with practical implications for scholars and practitioners. It presents a fuller intellectual landscape and suggests that future research directions shall prioritize a human-centered approach to AI implementation, ultimately fostering genuine customer connections.
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Maszura Abdul Ghafar and Rahinah Ibrahim
This paper discussed quantifying architect, engineer and contractor (AEC) professionals' cross-work culture productivity by comparing between Malaysian and United Kingdom (UK…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper discussed quantifying architect, engineer and contractor (AEC) professionals' cross-work culture productivity by comparing between Malaysian and United Kingdom (UK) projects during industrialized building project delivery. This study addressed the second part of a mixed method research design study.
Design/methodology/approach
This study hypothesized that with understanding of cultural work knowledge between professionals during design phase coupled with competent technological support, productivity can be improved. It utilized Cognitive Organizational Theory (COT) protocols to test conceptual models in SimVision®. Organizational structure, project intensity, and statistical validations parameters were performed to obtain the reliability and generalization of the result.
Findings
This study found that with Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology intervention, the handling of exception, coordination and decision-making time could be improved, resulting in better project performances. The result also indicated that in choosing organizational fit, national culture factor needed to be considered; otherwise, organizational change would be unacceptable. By changing the operational process from intensive to reciprocal task intensity with BIM technology intervention, the effect on productivity would be similar to changing hierarchical organizational structure to flatter organizational structure.
Research limitations/implications
Project discrepancies issues are limitedly discussed due to companies' confidentiality. The paper only focuses on understanding the effects of human factors during the integrated project delivery phase.
Practical implications
The findings could support developing countries' professionals to collaborate effectively with developed countries' professionals.
Originality/value
The development of the project's cultural knowledge experimentations will provide guidance to teams involved in international projects from developed and developing countries in pursuing joint ventures in project deliveries in either country successfully.
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Bruno Lot Tanko, Wyom Paul Zakka and Wee Nie Heng
The purpose of this study is to explore existing literature on Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Malaysia and examine the perception of practitioners about the potential of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore existing literature on Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Malaysia and examine the perception of practitioners about the potential of BIM applications in reducing construction waste and enhancing productivity.
Design/methodology/approach
First, using 244 bibliographic data extracted from the Scopus database, the paper used scientometric analysis and VOSviewer mapping technique to assess the most impactful publication literature on BIM in Malaysia to identify the existing research gaps. Second, using a structured questionnaire, a total of 100 questionnaires were distributed to practising practitioners who incorporate BIM in the delivery of their projects. Descriptive analysis using cross-tabulation in SPSS software, radar chart, relative importance index and Pearson’s correlation were used to analyze the data.
Findings
The research gaps are in the fields of construction projects, buildings, energy efficiency, lifecycle and housing. The findings of the survey indicate that quantity take-off, clash detection, site utilization planning, digital fabrication as well as 4D stimulation were the main BIM applications used among the practitioners in Johor and Selangor.
Practical implications
By assessing the state-of-the-art of BIM and BIM applications in this region, the practical implications of this study provide useful insights to construction stakeholders, funding organizations, policymakers, research institutions, professionals, journal editors, reviewers and researchers to understand the overall trend of BIM in Malaysia and its usage.
Originality/value
This paper is the first to use science mapping using scientometrics to reveal the current BIM research in “Malaysia only”. Relying on the identified gaps, the study further examined the usage of BIM applications in Malaysian construction projects.
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Devi Lusyana and Mohamed Sherif
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the Indonesia Shariah-compliant Stock Index (ISSI) on the performance of included shares. In essence, the authors ask…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the Indonesia Shariah-compliant Stock Index (ISSI) on the performance of included shares. In essence, the authors ask whether the establishment of the ISSI provides abnormal returns for the firms that are not included in the Jakarta Index.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use an event study methodology to estimate cumulative abnormal returns in the days surrounding the event to examine the relationship between Shariah-compliant investments and stock returns. The estimation window of 90 trading days prior to the event (−30) to day 60 after (+60) is adopted. They also use a range of investment performance measures to provide new evidence on whether faith-based ethical investments generate superior performance compared to their unscreened benchmarks.
Findings
Using daily returns, the Indonesia ISSI and panel data model, the findings show that the inclusion of the ISSI has a positive impact on the financial performance of the included shares during the 41-day event window. The evidence also suggests that the ethical investment has a significant influence on the performance of stock market returns.
Research limitations/implications
This study offers insights to policymakers, investors and fund managers interested in the indices’ performance. A key conclusion that could be derived by bodies that regulate Islamic products and services is that investors are not only concerned about what is profitable but also what makes their investments ethical.
Originality/value
Although the global growth of the Islamic capital market products and services has been tremendous in recent years, very few studies focus on the Indonesian market and indeed, none of them devote sufficient attention to Shariah-compliant investments and stock returns.