Samira Omar Asem and Waleed Y. Roy
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the various consequences of climate change on the biodiversity of Kuwait. Many world organizations have established strategic plans for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the various consequences of climate change on the biodiversity of Kuwait. Many world organizations have established strategic plans for climate change, such as The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, which is adopted in 2002 by the Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper utlizes a wide range of research projects completed at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), which provide information leading to the degradding effects and risks of climate change on the biodiversity and ecosystem services of Kuwait.
Findings
The biodiversity of Kuwait is under severe stress due to natural and anthropogenic factors. The region is also threatened physically and biologically by the global warming phenomena. More severe and harsh climatic conditions will cause increase in formation of sand dunes, sand encroachment, and extreme dust storms. In 2008, Kuwait has the worst ever reported summer since 1991 with increase in intensity and frequency of dust storms. Drought will cause more water demand for local consumption and irrigation. The seawater temperature increase would affect the spawning period of fish and shrimp and would cause migration of fish to other more suitable areas. This would cause severe impact on the fish industry in Kuwait and the region. Losses in plant cover will be due to sand encroachment or erratic rainfall periods causing runoff and flooding.
Research limitations/implications
The work is based on various projects at the KISR and by some journal publications that relate to climate change impact on biodivesity. More research work is needed to test the long‐term impact of climate change on bidivesity of Kuwait.
Originality/value
There is a need to develop a strategic plan for climate change mitigation and adaptation in Kuwait. Specific elements of the plan would include: research for identification of vulnerable species, collecting field population data, conducting modeling research to inform conservation programs; monitoring key species; ex situ conservation using living collection and ensuring representation in conservation collection; in situ conservation and increase in protected areas; education and public awareness programs; networking; and sharing knowledge.
Shahzeb Hussain, Suyash Khaneja, Kinnari Pacholi, Waleed Yousef and Michael Kourtoubelides
This study aims to examine the relationship between the personality dimensions of consumers and celebrities; the effect of celebrity personality on attitude towards the celebrity;…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationship between the personality dimensions of consumers and celebrities; the effect of celebrity personality on attitude towards the celebrity; and the effect of attitude towards the celebrity on purchase intention.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were gathered from 400 respondents in the North of England to explore the connections between five consumer personality dimensions (agreeableness, extroversion, openness, conscientiousness and neuroticism) and nine celebrity personality dimensions (neuroticism, extroversion, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, sincerity, excitement, stylishness and positivity) and were analysed using structural equation modelling.
Findings
The findings suggested that some dimensions of consumer personality, i.e. conscientiousness, extroversion and openness, were significantly related to all the celebrity personality dimensions. Moreover, all the celebrity personality dimensions had a significant effect on consumers’ attitude towards the celebrity; however, only neuroticism, extroversion, openness, sincerity and positivity significantly affected purchase intention. Finally, attitude towards the celebrity had a significant effect on purchase intention.
Originality/value
The study introduces a celebrity personality scale and explores a topic that has not previously been researched.
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Keywords
Hamad Balhareth, Ahmad Samed Al-Adwan, Anas Ratib Alsoud, Omar Abd-Aljaber, Waleed Mugahed Al-Rahmi and Marta Urbaníková
This study aims to investigate the determinants of meta-commerce (metaverse commerce) adoption intention from the consumer perspective.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the determinants of meta-commerce (metaverse commerce) adoption intention from the consumer perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
This research conducted a quantitative cross-sectional field survey to gather primary data from consumers in Jordan. The study aimed to analyze the adoption of meta-commerce from the consumer perspective. The survey collected responses from 574 participants, and the obtained data set was subjected to rigorous analysis using SmartPLS4 to test the proposed hypotheses.
Findings
While perceived herd behavior, consumer innovativeness, perceived ease of use, hedonic motivation and perceived usefulness positively influence consumers’ meta-commerce adoption intention, perceived cyber risks negatively influence it. Furthermore, perceived herd behavior and consumer innovativeness positively affect ease of use and usefulness perceptions.
Originality/value
This study presents a significant theoretical contribution by examining meta-commerce adoption from the consumer’s perspective, addressing a gap in the literature. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first empirical investigations to explore meta-commerce adoption intentions from the consumer standpoint. Furthermore, it provides a novel extension of the “Technology Acceptance Model” for understanding meta-commerce adoption intention that captures the interplay between enablers (perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness), barriers (perceived cyber risks), intrinsic motivation (hedonic motivation), social factors (perceived herd behavior) and personal characteristics (consumer innovativeness), thereby extending previous research on the effects of these factors on the adoption of meta-commerce.
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Sharaf AlKheder, Waleed Abdullah and Hussain Al Sayegh
This paper aimed to study the optimal way to implement and subsequently manage the new metropolitan lines in the Kuwait city as well as to justify them from a social and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aimed to study the optimal way to implement and subsequently manage the new metropolitan lines in the Kuwait city as well as to justify them from a social and economic-financial viability standpoint and the most important aspects of transport infrastructure projects viability. The implementation of new modes of transport in an urban environment requires the study of several factors that allow their incorporation on the transport system in the most efficient method. These factors include reviewing the organization of the transport system. The concept of transport system organization, financing models and common trends was defined. Finally, the Public Transport Authority was created to define global objectives and establish specific policies to achieve them was suggested.
Design/methodology/approach
After the analysis of the “status quo” of transport systems organization, the financing and management schemes, both infrastructure projects and the provision of rail service were analysed. The characteristics of the PPP scheme (Public–Private Participation) contract, advantages and disadvantages, its structure, and the definition and share of risk (matrix of risk, rights and obligations of the parties) as a key element of the PPP contracts were defined. From this point onwards, the legal framework in force in Kuwait was analysed, particularly the administrative and commercial regulations applying to this project and the authors verified that the economic-financial viability analysis suggested before can be established under this framework.
Findings
For the viability of these alternatives, the authors developed a simulation economic-financial model that reflects Financial Statements for the “Society Vehicle Project” and are considered some minimum thresholds of profitability, both from the viewpoint of the partners sponsoring the project as from the standpoint of lenders, which make attractive participation of private initiative. Finally, there was a short socio-economic analysis to justify the project implementation from a social standpoint. It analyses and quantifies the reduction of operating expenses of other modes of transport, travelling times, accident rates, environmental pollution etc. All these factors affect the quality of life of the population of Kuwait and are the main reason to carry out this project. Several recommendations were raised that aimed at preparing the projects, bidding and selection of private partner and the articulation and implementation of projects.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge through setting the framework for metro projects in arid regions with the hottest temperature on Earth such as Kuwait where such projects are missing completely. This work will be very helpful to governments and municipalities in taking investment decisions. It sets the strategy for utilizing the best of decision-making theory, identifying the reliability advantages and finding the larger economic effects. This work identified, through the analysis of alternative management options generally used in underground and rail projects in different parts of the world, the most convenient alternative in developing countries. It also clearly showed, through the analysis carried out on governmental contributions, how to obtain economic viability for such types of projects. Finally, it helped drawing a roadmap for preparing the projects, bidding and selection of private partner and the articulation and implementation of projects in Kuwait and Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC).
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Shuangyan Li, Muhammad Waleed Younas, Umer Sahil Maqsood and R. M. Ammar Zahid
The increasing awareness and adoption of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), reshapes industries and daily life, fostering a proactive approach to risk…
Abstract
Purpose
The increasing awareness and adoption of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), reshapes industries and daily life, fostering a proactive approach to risk management and leveraging advanced analytics, which may affect the stock price crash risk (SPCR). The main objective of the current study is to explore how AI adoption influences SPCR.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) fixed-effect regression model to explore the impact of AI on SPCR in Chinese A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2020. Further, number of robustness analysis (2SLS, PSM and Sys-GMM) and channel analysis are used to validate the findings.
Findings
The primary findings emphasize that AI adoption significantly reduces SPCR likelihood. Further, channel analysis indicates that AI adoption enhances internal control quality, contributing to a reduction in firm SPCR. Additionally, the observed relationship is notably more pronounced in non-state-owned enterprises (non-SOEs) compared to state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Similarly, this distinction is heightened in nonforeign enterprises (non-FEs) as opposed to foreign enterprises (FEs). The study finding also supports the notion that financial analysts enhance transparency, reducing the SPCR. Moreover, the study results consistently align across different statistical methodologies, including 2SLS, PSM and Sys-GMM, employed to effectively address endogeneity concerns.
Research limitations/implications
Our study stands out for its distinctive focus on the financial implications of AI adoption, particularly how it influences firm-level SPCR, an area that has been overlooked in previous research. Through the lens of information asymmetry theory, agency theory, and the economic implications of integrating AI into financial markets, our study makes a substantial contribution in mitigating SPCR.
Originality/value
This study underscores the pivotal role of AI adoption in influencing stock markets for enterprises in China. Embracing digital strategies, fostering transparency and prioritizing talent development are key for reaping substantial benefits. The study recommends regulatory bodies and service providers to promote AI adoption in strengthening financial supervision and ensure market stability, emphasizing the importance of investing in technologies and advancing talent development.
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Mahdi Waleed Ziyadeh, Mohammed Othman and Ahmed Adnan Zaid
The paper aims to examine the association of green human resource management (GHRM) with organisational sustainability (OS) through the mediating function of corporate social…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to examine the association of green human resource management (GHRM) with organisational sustainability (OS) through the mediating function of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and organisational citizenship behaviour for the environment (OCBE) in Palestinian health-care organisations.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper applied a quantitative method in which data are collected from a survey with 88 human resources and quality managers who work in Palestinian health-care organisations. Furthermore, the structural equation modelling method of partial least squares was used for the data analysis.
Findings
The results demonstrated that GHRM practices positively influenced CSR and OCBE, which eventually influenced OS. Notably, this study offers empirical insights into how to improve OS through CSR, OCBE and GHRM approaches.
Originality/value
This paper presents the implications for achieving the health care sector’s long-term sustainability by linking strategic environmental goals of human resources management practices with practices of social responsibility and organisational citizenship behaviour, which ensures employee participation in formulating policies and strategies for the organization.
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Samina Gul, Ricardo Limongi and Hassan Waleed Ul Syed
Social entrepreneurship is a topical issue in the context of entrepreneurial intention. Our quantitative study seeks to explore the complex and dynamic nexus of the ever-evolving…
Abstract
Purpose
Social entrepreneurship is a topical issue in the context of entrepreneurial intention. Our quantitative study seeks to explore the complex and dynamic nexus of the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurial intentions, which results in socioeconomic development through the mediating influence of entrepreneurial knowledge.
Design/methodology/approach
The South Asian region was considered a research population, considering its characteristics and inclination toward social entrepreneurial activities. The required data were collected using an online survey questionnaire. 330 questionnaires were mailed online to the targeted participants, and 239 responses were received and analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software.
Findings
The study found a significant positive relationship between entrepreneurial intention and socioeconomic development. A 1% improvement in entrepreneurial intention corresponds to a 40% increase in socioeconomic development and 17% enhancement in entrepreneurial knowledge. Our study also demonstrates that a 1% improvement in entrepreneurial intention brings about a substantial improvement of 26% in socioeconomic development when mediated by entrepreneurial knowledge.
Research limitations/implications
It is recommended that intentional learning spaces focus on intensifying social entrepreneurial intention and develop mechanisms for knowledge transfer platforms to facilitate knowledge sharing among social entrepreneurs. Organizations may support and take initiatives to bridge the gap between experienced and novice social entrepreneurs. Institutions may introduce incentive structures that promote sustainable entrepreneurship, highlight social entrepreneurs’ success stories, and emphasize the linkage between intention, knowledge, and positive societal outcomes.
Originality/value
Owing to the lack of literature and inadequate empirical research, our study was articulated to enhance existing knowledge and postulate the basis for high-order empirical studies in the context of social entrepreneurial intention backed by entrepreneurial knowledge. Moreover, this study provoked entrepreneurial intention based on the theory of planned behavior with the mediating influence of entrepreneurial knowledge, which adds a distinctive dimension to social entrepreneurial intention, enhances research originality, and provides practical implications for individuals seeking to thrive in dynamic environments.
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The study aims to analyze research trends and hotspots in the field of food and nutrition literacy to inform evidence-based policymaking, and promote the health and well-being of…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to analyze research trends and hotspots in the field of food and nutrition literacy to inform evidence-based policymaking, and promote the health and well-being of the general population.
Design/methodology/approach
The Scopus database was used to retrieve relevant research articles using specific keywords related to food or nutritional literacy.
Findings
The analysis included 341 research articles, predominantly authored by scholars from the USA. Growth pattern of publications indicated recent evolution of the food and nutrition literacy concepts. The research hotspots identified included the development of tools to assess literacy, assessing food and nutritional literacy competencies among school children and adolescents and finally, cross-sectional survey studies on various international cultures to assess food and nutritional literacy. The top cited articles in the field focused on the operational definition and difference between nutrition literacy and food literacy.
Research limitations/implications
The findings underscore the need for comparative studies across countries, and advocacy for policy change to advance food and nutrition literacy among school students and vulnerable populations.
Practical implications
Policymakers, public health officials and practitioners can use the research findings to inform the development of evidence-based policy frameworks and interventions aimed at addressing the gaps in food and nutrition literacy.
Social implications
By promoting and advocating for policy reforms, and addressing gaps in food and nutrition literacy, the study contributes to fostering global future public health.
Originality/value
The study provides insights into the evolving research landscape on food and nutrition literacy, emphasizing the growing scholarly interest in understanding the concept and its public health impact.