Search results
1 – 10 of 131Tanvir Ahmed, Waseem Ahmad and Bashir Ahmad
Mobile phone network third-generation (3G) and fourth-generation (4G) modes are the most commonly used modes in many developing countries. This study aims to assess the impact of…
Abstract
Purpose
Mobile phone network third-generation (3G) and fourth-generation (4G) modes are the most commonly used modes in many developing countries. This study aims to assess the impact of these network modes and other mobile phone attributes on their retail prices in Pakistan, the fifth most populous and developing country.
Design/methodology/approach
This study has been conducted in Punjab province, which shares about 53% of the Pakistan’s population. Hedonic price analysis was carried out on all new mobile phone attributes sold in Punjab’s markets at the retail level. Various econometric tests, that is, Ramsey regression equation specification error, Breusch–Pagan/Cook–Weisberg and variance inflation factor, were calculated to check the robustness of the results.
Findings
Results of this study indicated that the mobile phone prices were significantly higher for the sets having 4G network mode than the 3G mode. In addition to this, other mobile phone attributes that significantly influenced their prices were brand, weight, camera, random access memory (RAM), memory size, operating system, battery capacity and display size.
Research limitations/implications
This study has implications for mobile phone sales and marketing strategies of the manufacturers, importers, retailers and others involved in the mobile phone business in developing countries like Pakistan. Mobile phone manufacturers/importers can increase their profits by producing/importing the 4G enabled devices.
Originality/value
Although many studies in the literature estimated the implicit price of mobile phone attributes, none of these had explicitly assessed the impact of network mode generation of mobile phones on their prices.
Details
Keywords
Tanvir Ahmed, Waseem Ahmad and Bashir Ahmad
The purpose of the study was to find out the impact of the castrated and intact attribute of the male goat on its price in Pakistan.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study was to find out the impact of the castrated and intact attribute of the male goat on its price in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
Five major goat markets of Punjab, Pakistan, representing various cropping systems, climatic conditions and socio-economic conditions, were selected for the study. Data about the market location, traits of traded male goat (weight, age, breed, castration, etc.), buyer attributes (education level, experience of buying goats), the purpose of buying and price of 383 traded male goats were collected by using a pretested questionnaire. The hedonic regression model was used to estimate the impact of male goat attributes on its price.
Findings
Results indicated a significant price difference between castrated and intact male goats and recommended castration of male goats for a better price. Additional findings showed a significant positive impact of live weight, age, breed and the selling marketplace on the male goat prices.
Research limitations/implications
By targeting and marketing male goat characteristics like castration, weight, breed and selling markets, goat producers can receive a premium price for their animals.
Originality/value
In livestock markets of developing countries, buyers strongly prefer castrated or intact male goats for several reasons. However, as existing literature did not document the effect of male goat's castrated and intact attribute on its price; therefore, the study is important to fill this gap.
Details
Keywords
Waseem Ahmad Parray, Mohammed Ayub Soudager, Zubair Ahmad Dada, Effat Yasmin and Tanveer Ahmad Darzi
Many tourism academics have investigated the linkages between tourism, power and space; few have specifically addressed the profound links between tourism and geopolitics. In view…
Abstract
Purpose
Many tourism academics have investigated the linkages between tourism, power and space; few have specifically addressed the profound links between tourism and geopolitics. In view of the restrictive assumptions of the linear framework used in the earlier studies, and hidden asymmetries present in the time series data. Against this backdrop, the study tries to find out how tourists may respond differently to favourable and unfavourable shocks in geopolitical risk (GPR).
Design/methodology/approach
In order to capture this asymmetric nature of the problem, the study employs the non-linear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model to evaluate data from 2001Q1 to 2019Q4.
Findings
The results show that both positive and negative shock to GPR does not produce results of equal magnitude. A positive shock to GPR has a more detrimental effect on foreign tourist arrivals (FTA) than a beneficial effect a negative shock produces. Besides this, the present study also looks at the effect of other macro-economic variables on FTA. An ascend in the real effective exchange rate (REER) i.e. appreciation of the domestic currency has an unfavourable impact on foreign visitor arrivals, while an increase in world gross domestic product amplify it. The results of the study are robust to alternative measures of the control variable.
Practical implications
The study is significant for policymakers in understanding the short and long-run implications of GPR on FTA in India. The present study can assist policymakers, and destination managers to manage the external and internal risks and minimise the consequences of geopolitical threats on the Indian tourism industry. Consequently, destination managers can utilise the study's findings in calibrating their operations and designing crisis marketing strategies within the geopolitical dynamics of the Indian state.
Originality/value
The study tries to find out how tourists may exhibit distinct reactions to positive and negative disturbances in GPR. The study provides first-hand evidence of how GPR impacts tourism demand. The paper also includes the existing body of literature related to GPR factors and their effect on tourist influx, specifically in the framework of the Indian tourism sector.
Details
Keywords
Muhammad Abbas Ranjah, Amir Ismail, Muhammad Waseem, Saira Tanweer, Baila Ahmad, Tahir Mehmood, Faiz-Ul-Hassan Shah, Zulfiqar Ahmad, Majid Hussain and Tariq Ismail
This study aims to compare the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of different parts (tip, mid and base portion) of lemongrass leaves for application as a natural ingredient…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to compare the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of different parts (tip, mid and base portion) of lemongrass leaves for application as a natural ingredient in the functional drink.
Design/methodology/approach
Lemongrass leaf powder was prepared from different parts of leaves and evaluated for nutritional composition. Additionally, the extracts of different portions of lemongrass leaves were analyzed for total phenolics, free radical scavenging activities, ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) and antimicrobial activities for their application in food products.
Findings
Tip portion of lemongrass leaf anticipated significantly (p < 0.05) higher contents of ash, protein, calcium, potassium and iron i.e. 6.2 mg/100 g, 18 mg/100 g, 340 ppm, 819 ppm and 32 ppm, respectively. Maximum (p < 0.05) phenolics (14.7 mg GAE/100 g), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydroxyl (86.3%) and FRAP (200 mmol/100 g) were observed in lemongrass leaf tip methanolic extracts. Moreover, lemongrass leaf tip hydro-methanolic extracts portrayed maximum zone of inhibition against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus i.e. 16.7 and 18.2 mm, respectively.
Practical implications
This study demonstrated higher antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the tip of lemongrass leaves as compared with mid and base portions, hence suggesting its role in the improvement of physicochemical, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of food products. Consequently, the application of lemongrass methanolic extract up to 10% remarkably enhanced the nutritional value and sensorial acceptance of the beverages.
Originality/value
The present research draws evidence from laboratory analysis of fresh lemongrass grown in Pakistan. The findings suggest that lemongrass methanolic extracts could be used as a nutritionally rich source of antioxidant activity in functional drinks.
Details
Keywords
Min Zhao, Fuan Li, Francis Cai, Haiyang Chen and Zheng Li
This study aims to examine the ability of Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4 (GPT-4), one of the most powerful large language models, to generate a literature review for…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the ability of Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4 (GPT-4), one of the most powerful large language models, to generate a literature review for peer-reviewed journal publications. The objective is to determine whether business scholars can rely on GPT-4’s assistance with literature reviews and how the nature of human–artificial intelligence (AI) interaction may affect the quality of the reviews generated by GPT-4.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey of 30 experienced researchers was conducted to assess the quality of the literature reviews generated by GPT-4 in comparison with a human-authored literature review published in a Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) journal. The data collected were then analyzed with analysis of variance to ascertain whether we may trust GPT-4’s assistance in writing literature reviews.
Findings
The statistical analysis reveals that when a highly structured approach being used, GPT-4 can generate a high-quality review comparable to that found in an SSCI journal publication. However, when a less structured approach is used, the generated review lacks comprehensive understating and critical analysis, and is unable to identify literature gaps for future research, although it performed well in adequate synthesis and quality writing. The findings suggest that we may trust GPT-4 to generate literature reviews that align with the publication standards of a peer-reviewed journal when using a structured approach to human–AI interaction.
Research limitations/implications
The findings suggest that we may trust GPT-4 to generate literature reviews that align with the publication standards of a peer-reviewed journal when using a structured approach to human–AI interaction. Nonetheless, cautions should be taken due to the limitations of this study discussed in the text.
Originality/value
By breaking down the specific tasks of a literature review and using a quantitative rather than qualitative assessment method, this study provides robust and more objective findings about the ability of GPT-4 to assist us with a very important research task. The findings of this study should enhance our understanding of how GPT-4 may change our research endeavor and how we may take a full advantage of the advancement in AI technology in the future research.
Details
Keywords
Tehreem Fatima, Ahmad Raza Bilal and Muhammad Kashif Imran
The case will offer insight to the students regarding the idea generation and development of a viable sustainable venture. It will promote the understanding of students regarding…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
The case will offer insight to the students regarding the idea generation and development of a viable sustainable venture. It will promote the understanding of students regarding SDGs and how SMEs can contribute towards their attainment. They will learn to develop the action plan for a green business venture and understand how each of the business activity in each phase of value chain contributes towards environmental, economic and social sustainability.
Case overview/synopsis
Rana Waseem, a young business graduate started a small ecopreneurial venture to offer sustainable food from raw material till disposal in developing nation context named as Dhuaan ‘n’ Dukhaan (D ‘n’ D) in Sargodha, Pakistan. He had an aim to create a model of business that not only supports the local economy in terms of offering decent employment but also promotes a food business that generates nutritional self-sufficiency as per the triple bottom line concept. This case gives an exploratory insight into the actual sustainable operations that have survived eight months successfully and on the path of growth without profit being the sole aim. D ‘n’ D has benefited the lives of people in Sargodha by offering job opportunities, a decent wage, healthy food at affordable rates, reduction in diseases, reducing food wastage and efficient resource usage with a positive impact on the environment.
Complexity academic level
The case is suitable for undergraduate and post graduate students studying entrepreneurship and small business management.
Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Subject code
CSS 3: Entrepreneurship
Details
Keywords
Asad Hassan Butt, Hassan Ahmad, Asif Muzaffar, Waseem Irshad, Muhammad Usman Mumtaz and Talha Zubair Ahmad Khan
This study aims to investigate how gamification, namely, WeChat’s cultural gifting function, improves emotional involvement among three generations (Y, X and silver) in mobile…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate how gamification, namely, WeChat’s cultural gifting function, improves emotional involvement among three generations (Y, X and silver) in mobile payments. It draws attention to the beneficial effects of cultural components and digital intimacy on gamified mobile payment systems.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected from Y, X and silver generation in Dalian, China. The users were well equipped with the WeChat pay features and had experience. The PLS-SEM software was used to assess the data.
Findings
The findings show that consumer word of mouth and loyalty are positively impacted by perceived utility, fun, and enjoyment. Besides, gamification components like fun and playfulness have a favourable effect on how useful mobile payments are judged to be. It demonstrates how delighted and ecstatic users are with WeChat Hongbao. In addition, the positive moderation effect of intimacy on the hypothesised connections shows that all three generations are likely to accept gamified money features. These results provide a substantial contribution to our comprehension of gamification in the context of mobile payment services for all three generations.
Originality/value
The study is distinctive because it focuses on how China’s three generations use WeChat Pay for routine transactions. The framework confirms that the gamification elements improve user performance and encourage continued usage of mobile payment systems.
Objetivo
Este estudio investiga cómo la gamificación, específicamente la función de regalos culturales de WeChat, mejora la participación emocional entre tres generaciones (Y, X y plata) en los pagos móviles. Se presta atención a los efectos beneficiosos de los componentes culturales y la intimidad digital en los sistemas de pago móvil gamificados.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque/Metodología/Enfoque
Los datos fueron recopilados de las generaciones Y, X y plata en Dalian, China. Los usuarios estaban familiarizados con las características de pago de WeChat y tenían experiencia. Se utilizó el software PLS-SEM para evaluar los datos.
Resultados
Los resultados muestran que la reputación y la lealtad del consumidor son positivamente influenciadas por la utilidad percibida, la diversión y el disfrute. Los componentes de gamificación, como la diversión y la jugabilidad, tienen un efecto favorable en cómo se juzga la utilidad de los pagos móviles. Se demuestra cuán encantados están los usuarios con WeChat Hongbao. Además, la moderación positiva de la intimidad en las relaciones supuestas muestra que las tres generaciones tienen probabilidades de aceptar las características de dinero gamificado. Estos resultados contribuyen sustancialmente a nuestra comprensión de la gamificación en el contexto de los servicios de pago móvil para las tres generaciones.
Originalidad
El estudio es novedoso ya que se centra en cómo las tres generaciones de China utilizan WeChat Pay para transacciones rutinarias. El marco confirma que los elementos de gamificación mejoran el rendimiento del usuario y fomentan el uso continuado de los sistemas de pago móvil.
目的
本研究探讨了游戏化, 即微信的文化赠送功能, 如何提高三代人(Y、X和银发族)在移动支付中的情感投入。它引起了人们对文化成分和数字亲密关系对游戏化移动支付系统的有益影响的注意。
设计/方法/途径
数据来自中国大连市的Y、X和银发族用户。用户对微信支付功能非常熟悉, 并具有使用经验。采用PLS-SEM软件对数据进行评估。
研究结果
结果表明, 消费者的口碑和忠诚度受到了感知效用、乐趣和享受的积极影响。乐趣和趣味等游戏化组件对移动支付的有用性评估产生了积极影响, 展示了用户对微信红包的喜悦和兴奋程度。此外, 亲密关系对假设连接的正向调节效应表明, 三代人都可能接受游戏化货币功能。这些结果为我们理解移动支付服务背景下游戏化对三代人的贡献提供了实质性的帮助。
创新性
该研究独特之处在于它着眼于中国三代人如何将微信支付用于日常交易。该框架证实了游戏化元素如何提高用户绩效并鼓励继续使用移动支付系统。
Details
Keywords
Muhammad Umar, Maqbool Hussain Sial, Syed Ahmad Ali, Muhammad Waseem Bari and Muhammad Ahmad
This paper aims to investigate the tacit knowledge-sharing framework among Pakistani academicians. The objective is to study trust and social networks as antecedents to foster…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the tacit knowledge-sharing framework among Pakistani academicians. The objective is to study trust and social networks as antecedents to foster tacit knowledge sharing with the mediating role of commitment. Furthermore, the moderating role of organizational knowledge-sharing culture is also examined.
Design/methodology/approach
The study applied a survey-based quantitative research design to test the proposed model. The nature of data are cross-sectional and collected with stratified random sampling among public sector higher education professionals of Pakistan. The total sample size for the present research is 247 respondents. The variance-based structural equation modeling technique by using Smart_PLS software is used for analysis.
Findings
Data analysis and results reveal that trust and social networks are significant predictors of tacit knowledge sharing among Pakistani academicians while commitment positively mediated the relationships. While the moderating role of organizational knowledge-sharing culture is also established.
Research limitations/implications
The current research explains tacit knowledge sharing among academics with fewer antecedents i.e. social network and trust with limited sample size and specific population. There is still a great deal of work to be done in this area. Hence, the study provides direction for including knowledge-oriented leadership and knowledge governance in the current framework. Moreover, the framework can be tested in different work settings for better generalization.
Practical implications
The study gives an important lead to practitioners for enhancing tacit knowledge sharing at the workplace through a robust social network of employees, building trust and boosting employees’ commitment, as well as through supportive organizational knowledge sharing culture.
Originality/value
The research comprehends the tacit knowledge sharing framework with theoretical arrangements of trust, social networks, commitment and culture in higher education workplace settings under the umbrella of social capital theory.
Details
Keywords
Zeshan Ahmad, Shahbaz Sharif, Iftikhar Ahmad, Syed Muhammad Waseem Abbas and Mussrat Shaheen
Present study investigated the influence of female descendent entrepreneur's self-compassion on the perceived succession success of small-family businesses (S-FB) with the…
Abstract
Purpose
Present study investigated the influence of female descendent entrepreneur's self-compassion on the perceived succession success of small-family businesses (S-FB) with the mediating mechanism of financial literacy.
Design/methodology/approach
The primary data was collected from 319 female descendent entrepreneurs who were designated as chairwomen, and managing director positions in their retails sector S-FBs. The purposive sampling technique was used to collect the data. The provided hypotheses are tested using the partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. This study followed multiple regression analyses to see the influence of self-compassion (mindfulness, self-isolation, self-judgment and over-identification) on financial literacy and perceived succession success.
Findings
The results reveal that female descendent entrepreneurs mindfulness and over-identification significantly increase but self-isolation decreases the likelihood of successful succession transition. Moreover, female descendent entrepreneur's financial literacy increases mindfulness and overidentification while it decreases self-isolation and improves the likelihood of succession success. However, financial literacy does not influence self-judgmental traits and perceived succession success.
Practical implications
This study highlights a vital issue, how the financial literacy of female descendent entrepreneurs manages their self-compassion and increases the likelihood of succession success. In addition, it covers a research gap and helps the S-FBs to improve their survival rate by focusing on the descendent entrepreneur's self-compassion and financial literacy.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the body of knowledge by emphasizing predictors that influence the successful succession transition to subsequent generations. This study determines the influence of self-compassion of female descendent entrepreneurs on perceived succession success and financial literacy as a mediator by using the self-control theory. The study can be useful to family business consultants, policymakers and family businesses.
Details
Keywords
Muhammad Waseem Bari, Misbah Ghaffar and Bashir Ahmad
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between knowledge-hiding behaviors (evasive hiding, playing dumb and rationalized hiding) and employees’ silence…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between knowledge-hiding behaviors (evasive hiding, playing dumb and rationalized hiding) and employees’ silence (defensive silence, relational silence and ineffectual silence). Besides, this paper investigates the relation mediated by psychological contract breach.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected with three-time lags (40 days each) through a structured questionnaire from 389 employees of registered software houses in Pakistan. The structural equation modeling (partial least squares) approach is used for data analysis.
Findings
The findings of this study confirm that knowledge-hiding behaviors have a significant and positive relationship with employees’ silence, and psychological contract breach significantly mediates the relationship between knowledge-hiding behaviors and employees’ silence.
Practical implications
The implications of this study are very supportive to the knowledge-intensive organizations, i.e. software houses. The management should increase the knowledge sharing and trust culture among employees to discourage the knowledge-hiding behaviors among employees. Moreover, supervisors should develop trust among employees, motivate them to avoid knowledge hiding and encourage the employees to raise their voices against their problems in a formal way.
Originality/value
The present study highlights the impact of different dimensions of knowledge hiding on employees’ silence and the role of psychological contract breach as a mediator in this scenario.
Details