Syed Zahoor Hassan, Muhammad Shakeel Sadiq Jajja, Muhammad Asif and George Foster
Small farmers, being the primary producers of crops, are the key players in the food supply chain. Yet, they remain the most marginalized in the value chain. The marginalization…
Abstract
Purpose
Small farmers, being the primary producers of crops, are the key players in the food supply chain. Yet, they remain the most marginalized in the value chain. The marginalization of small farmers can affect food sustainability. The purpose of this paper is to identify opportunities for bringing more value to small farmers in an agricultural value chain.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper makes use of action research, studying the potato value chain, in a developing agricultural country Pakistan. The authors conducted an in-depth study of 37 farmers in four regions, each being a large potato growing ecosystem. The study examined the end-to-end decision-making processes, sources of input (both physical and information), cultivation and sales practices, cost structure, productivity and profitability of the farmers in potato farming.
Findings
Large variations exist in the crop yield, cost structure and profitability of farmers within each of and among the four regions due to differences in cultivation practices and approach to sales. There is a significant potential to lower costs, increase yield and enhance overall profitability by using the existing better processes. By addressing the issues faced by small farmers their profits can be potentially doubled. The paper also discusses potential means of recrafting and streamlining the value chain to bring more value to small farmers.
Research limitations/implications
The paper provides a detailed account of how different interventions can increase the value for small farmers. Since the current food supply chain and sustainability are under stress, worldwide, the findings of this study have implications for farmers as well as policy makers.
Originality/value
The literature on streamlining the agricultural value chain and enhancing the share of small farmers is scarce. Improving the value chain and reducing the marginalization of small farmers is an essential step toward increasing food sustainability.
Details
Keywords
Muhammad Shakeel Sadiq Jajja, Vijay R. Kannan, Shaukat Ali Brah and Syed Zahoor Hassan
The purpose of this paper is to use resource dependence theory to hypothesize that a buyer’s innovation strategy enhances supplier innovation focus and a buyer-supplier…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to use resource dependence theory to hypothesize that a buyer’s innovation strategy enhances supplier innovation focus and a buyer-supplier relationship that supports product innovation. These in turn positively impact buyer product innovation outcomes and business performance. Moreover, it is argued that the buyer-supplier relationship positively moderates the impact of supplier innovation focus on product innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modeling and hierarchical linear regression are used to test hypotheses.
Findings
The results support all hypotheses and suggest that company (buyer) age and variables related to buyer engagement with international markets directly influence performance. The results also indicate that the buyer-supplier relationship does not moderate the relationship between innovation strategy and innovation performance.
Research limitations/implications
This study demonstrates that how a firm builds the conditions to effectively leverage the complementary resources and capabilities of suppliers directly influence innovation outcomes and business performance.
Practical implications
An important factor in firms achieving their product innovation goals is the selection and management of suppliers that are strategically aligned with regard to innovation. While managers need to develop internal innovation capabilities, partnering with like-minded organizations, and creating conditions for effective cooperation are key drivers of innovation outcomes.
Originality/value
In contrast to prior research that has examined operational issues, this study shows how the strategic alignment of buyers and suppliers with regard to innovation is an antecedent of product innovation outcomes. Moreover, it adds to a limited literature on supply chain management practices in emerging markets.
Details
Keywords
Muhammad Shakeel Sadiq Jajja, Vijay R. Kannan, Shaukat Ali Brah and Syed Zahoor Hassan
Supply chain strategy is widely recognized as being a crucial component of a broader corporate strategy. However, the relationships between a firm’s strategic supply chain focus…
Abstract
Purpose
Supply chain strategy is widely recognized as being a crucial component of a broader corporate strategy. However, the relationships between a firm’s strategic supply chain focus, the tactical orientation of its suppliers, and the firm’s performance, are less well understood. Much of what is known is also based on developed country contexts. The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine relationships between a buying firm’s supply chain strategy and operational dimensions of its suppliers in a developing country context.
Design/methodology/approach
A structural equation model is developed and tested using empirical data drawn from 296 organizations in India and Pakistan.
Findings
The results demonstrate a positive relationship between a firm’s strategic supply chain focus (lean and responsiveness) and key supplier practices (quality, cost effectiveness, delivery, and flexibility), which in turn have a positive impact on firm performance (operational, quality and market, and financial).
Practical implications
The study paper offers supply chain managers in developing markets with insights that can shape effective supplier selection and management and lead to positive performance outcomes.
Originality/value
The results provide insights into supply chain strategy, and empirically validate the importance of the alignment between strategy and the ability of suppliers to execute in a corresponding manner. It also offers evidence of the impact of the buyer-supplier interface in a developing market context.
Details
Keywords
Muhammad Shakeel Sadiq Jajja, Shaukat Ali Brah, Syed Zahoor Hassan and Vijay R. Kannan
The purpose of this paper is to explore the interface between buyers and suppliers in the context of product innovation in an emerging economy. Specifically, it examines the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the interface between buyers and suppliers in the context of product innovation in an emerging economy. Specifically, it examines the strategic and tactical initiatives necessary to drive inter-organizational alignment and thus positive innovation outcomes. It also examines the impact of organizational characteristics on product innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
Using survey data from 191 organizations in Pakistan, a structural equation model of the relationships between buyers’ and suppliers’ strategic focus on innovation, supplier innovation focus, collaborative innovation, and measures of product innovation and market performance is tested. In addition, hierarchical regression analysis is used to identify the impact of various organizational characteristics on product innovation performance.
Findings
The results suggest that a firm's product innovation performance is positively influenced by strategic buyer-supplier alignment with regard to product innovation, and the existence of mechanisms that foster inter-organizational collaboration. This in turn has a positive impact on market performance. Product innovation performance is also influenced by a firm's age, the nature of its ownership, and the extent to which it exports its products.
Originality/value
The study offers new insight into the role of inter-organizational collaboration as a driver of product innovation. Moreover, it adds to a limited literature on supply chain management in emerging economies generally, and on product innovation in the Indian sub-continent specifically.
Details
Keywords
Saeed Akbar, Shehzad Khan, Zahoor Ul Haq and Muhammad Ibrahim Khan
This study aims to compare capital structure determinants' effect on the leverage levels of Shariah-compliant (SC) and noncompliant (NC) firms in Pakistan. This study also…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to compare capital structure determinants' effect on the leverage levels of Shariah-compliant (SC) and noncompliant (NC) firms in Pakistan. This study also estimates and compares the capital structure adjustment speed for both firm types.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the Karachi Meezan Index screening criterion, a balanced panel of 117 SC and 68 NC firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange from 2008 to 2018 was constituted. This study used the generalized method of moments to identify the significant determinants of capital structure and estimate the speed of adjustment. In addition, the F-test was used to check whether the effect of the determinants on the leverage is same for SC and non-SC firms.
Findings
The authors found that different determinants affect both firm types' leverage levels (book and market) differently. The authors also found that the adjustment speed of SC firms toward their target leverage ratio is slower than their NC peers. Lastly, significant variation was observed in the results under different screening criteria.
Research limitations/implications
This study fills the literature gap by providing a comprehensive comparison of the capital structure decisions of the SC and non-SC firms. Because this study is limited to Pakistan, generalizability would be an issue.
Practical implications
This study will guide the management of SC and non-SC firms about which factors are reliably important in choosing their capital structure. The findings also call for bringing harmony in the different Shariah screening criteria being in practice.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comparative study that identifies the significant capital structure determinants for SC and NC firms and investigates their effect on the leverage of both firm types. By testing joint hypotheses of same relationship, this study seeks to determine if, because of Shariah restrictions, the capital structure determinants of SC firms are similar to NC firms or they exhibit different behavior. The authors also repeat their analysis using other prominent screening criteria to assess the consistency of their results.
Details
Keywords
Yasmine YahiaMarzouk and Jiafei Jin
Based on the dynamic capabilities view, the current study aims to empirically investigate the effects of organizational learning culture (OLC), strategic reconfiguration (SREC…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the dynamic capabilities view, the current study aims to empirically investigate the effects of organizational learning culture (OLC), strategic reconfiguration (SREC) and digital transformation (DT), altogether, on Egyptian private hospitals' strategic renewal in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a cross-sectional design to collect the data used to carry out mediation analysis. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample consisted of 264 Egyptian private hospitals. The smart partial least square structural equation modeling technique (PLS-SEM) was adopted to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The results demonstrate that OLC directly and positively affects SR. Besides, SREC and DT partially and serially mediate the OLC-SR relationship.
Research limitations/implications
The sample size was small, covering only Egyptian private hospitals. The results may be different in the manufacturing sector and in other countries. The study was cross-sectional which is limited to trace long-term effects of OLC, SREC and DT on SR. Accordingly, a longitudinal study may be undertaken.
Practical implications
Private hospitals' managers must actively explore and dig out valuable resources in order to discover potential information and trends endeavor to redesign internal structures, and reconfigure their current resources, structures and strategies to achieve strategic renewal. The findings also provide new insights to mangers of private sectors' institutions and direct their attention toward adopting the strategic renewal option to survive amidst crises instead of retrenchment, persevering, or quitting business.
Social implications
The study's results imply that health care providers have sought to improve the capacities of their health care systems to address the patient-level social needs through continuous learning, internal reconfigurations and the transformation toward digitalization to renew their services.
Originality/value
This study therefore contributes to SR literature by being the first empirical study to introduce an integrative model for the antecedents of SR amidst the pandemic.
Details
Keywords
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.
Details
Keywords
Mubashir Ahmad Aukhoon, Junaid Iqbal and Zahoor Ahmad Parray
The primary objective of this study was to understand the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Employee Green Behavior, examining the mediating role played by Green Human…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary objective of this study was to understand the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Employee Green Behavior, examining the mediating role played by Green Human Resource Management Practices and the moderating influence of Employee Green Culture.
Design/methodology/approach
To accomplish this, a careful research approach was taken, using a thoughtfully designed random sampling method to encompass 300 banking employees, ensuring a robust representation of the diverse workforce in the banking sector.
Findings
The empirical findings identified green human resource management practices as a pivotal mediator and employee green culture as a significant moderator. It elucidated how the strategic implementation of green human resource management practices can act as an amplifier, strengthening the positive effects of corporate social responsibility on employee green behavior. This insight underscores the strategic importance of aligning human resource practices with sustainability goals to further enhance the environmental consciousness of employees. It was revealed that the presence of a nurturing organizational culture, one that encourages and supports environmentally responsible behaviors can significantly bolster the association between corporate social responsibility and green behavior among employees.
Originality/value
These findings underscore the essential role of organizational culture as a catalyst for the successful implementation of corporate social responsibility initiatives and the cultivation of a sustainable corporate ethos. This comprehensive research underscores the profound significance of corporate social responsibility, green human resource management practices and employee green culture in fostering and promoting environmentally responsible behaviors within the banking industry. These findings hold substantial implications not only for businesses but also for policymakers.
Details
Keywords
Zainab Belal Lawhaishy and Anwar Hasan Abdullah Othman
This study aims to propose and verify the suitability and applicability of Islamic equity-based microfinance models for financing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to propose and verify the suitability and applicability of Islamic equity-based microfinance models for financing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the State of Libya. The proposed models combine the unique features of social solidarity, cooperation “Ta’awan,” meeting religious requirements and providing financing more fairly and equitably.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach is applied in this study through semi-structured interviews with several Libyan experts, including Islamic bankers, Shariah scholars, MSMEs experts, Islamic microfinance experts and academicians. The data collected from 2019 to 2021 and thematic analysis by computer-based software NVivo is used to analyze the data.
Findings
The results indicate that the proposed Islamic equity-based microfinance models are suitable and applicable in Libya. This study also reveals that the proposed models have numerous potential benefits not only in meeting the financial needs of MSMEs but also in meeting the government objectives in economic divarication and socioeconomic development.
Research limitations/implications
First, the study proposes the applicability and suitability of Islamic equity-based models in financing MSMEs only, while large firms are excluded from the study. Second, the study only proposes and tests the applicability of Islamic equity-modes of financing contracts, namely, Musharakah and Mudarabah, while Islamic debt-based financing models are not included. Finally, as there is no practical evidence of using those models for financing MSMEs in Libya, this study lacks empirical evaluations of equity models’ real benefits on income, employment generation, living standards improvement and business growth and sustainability.
Practical implications
Given the importance of the MSMEs sector for the State of Libya’s economic growth, it is expected that the findings of this study can be of assistance in formulating guidelines and implementing Islamic equity-based microfinance programs. Besides, it can be a valuable source of information for policymakers for improving the functions of the current microfinance programs in the country. Additionally, as studies concerning Islamic alternative models for financing MSMEs are scarce, the current study can also be a reference point for researchers, academicians, practitioners and other stakeholders.
Social implications
Providing capital support for the underfunded economy segment, attracting small savings, increasing investments and developing entrepreneurial skills could lead to improved economic productivity and growth.
Originality/value
The present study proposes the structure of Islamic equity-based microfinance models for MSMEs in Libya and verifies the suitability of those proposed models among Libyan experts. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has been conducted on uncovering and exploring the potentials of Islamic equity-based microfinance models for financing MSMEs in Libya.