Search results

This paper aims at analysing the socio-economic characteristics, mobile phone ownership and banking behaviour as key determinants of digital financial inclusion in India.

This study is based on the Global Findex Survey of the World Bank covering 3,000 adult individuals in India. Simple statistical tools such as descriptive statistics, chi-square test and regression analysis with a marginal effect have been used for the data analysis.

About 35.2% of respondents have reported using digital financial services in the country. There is a significant association between the socio-economic profiles of individuals with the adoption of digital financial services in terms of gender, age, education, occupation and income. The marginal effect indicates that socio-economic factors, mobile phone ownership and banking behaviour of individuals towards borrowings and savings have indicated significant influence on digital financial inclusion. The analysis depicts that male with higher age, education, working status and higher income are more likely to adopt digital financial services. Further, individuals with mobile phone ownership and utilising banking in terms of borrowings and savings are more likely to adopt digital financial services.

As digital banking services have emerged as a preferred channel for financial service delivery, this study provides timely insights on developing user driven-strategies for promoting digital financial services.

Socio-economic characteristics, mobile phone ownership and banking behaviour are critical determinants of financial inclusion, so assessing its implications in the era of digitisation becomes imperative.

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-10-2022-0673.

This paper aims to analyse the effect of mandatory corporate social responsibility expenditure (CSRE) on the performance of food and agribusiness firms in India.

This study is based on the firm-level data collected from the Prowess database of the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy in the year 2019. The data on key characteristics, business performance and CSRE has been compiled from 362 food and agribusiness firms. The descriptive statistics, t-test for equality of means and Spearman correlation analysis have been undertaken to understand the relationship between mandatory CSRE and firm performance across food and agribusiness sectors.

Out of 362 food and agribusiness firms, 52.2% have reported expenditure in the implementation of social initiatives under their corporate social responsibility. The results show a significant difference in the firm’s characteristics vis-à-vis with and without CSRE. Further, the findings highlight a positive and significant correlation and causal impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on return on sales, return on assets and profit after tax.

The study provides insights for implementing strategic CSR in food and agribusiness firms and gives an adequate justification for incurring CSRE.

This paper increases the understanding of CSR in the food and agribusiness sector. Besides, provisioning mandatory CSR seems to be a beneficial proposition for enhancing a firm’s performance.

This paper aims at measuring the factors affecting early-stage entrepreneurial activity by opportunity vs necessity motives in India using theory of planned behaviour.

The study is based on the Adult Population Survey (APS) of Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), covering 4,165 respondents in 2018. The data has been analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, analysis of variance and logistics regression. The theory of planned behaviour has been used to identify the determinants of early-stage entrepreneurial activity by opportunity vs necessity motives.

About 13.1% of the respondents reported early-stage entrepreneurial activity, of which opportunity motives were reported by 6.5% respondents, necessity motives by 5.4% respondents and the remaining 1.2% respondents reported other motives. Further, the mean difference in early-stage entrepreneurial activities by motives shows the domination of opportunity-driven entrepreneurial activities. Finally, marginal effects of all determining variables and three components of the theory of planned behaviour, i.e. attitude towards entrepreneurship (ATE), perceived subjective norm (PSN) and perceived behavioural control (PBC), have been estimated on opportunity vs necessity motives of early-stage entrepreneurial activities.

This paper contributes theoretically and practically to the existing body of knowledge by predicting the factors affecting opportunity vs necessity motives of early-stage entrepreneurial activities by applying the theory of planned behaviour. Considering the current focus of the government on promoting entrepreneurship, this piece of research can be valuable in adopting a motive-based approach in implementing entrepreneurial initiatives.

This paper provides unique insights into developing a policy framework for promoting new ventures based on the perceived motives of the entrepreneurs.

This study aims at analysing the influence of religiosity, entrepreneurial ecosystem (EES) and economic development (ED) on entrepreneurial behaviour across countries.

Data from 54 countries on religiosity, entrepreneurial behaviour, EES and ED have been used for undertaking this research. Correlation, curve estimate and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) have been utilised for analysing the relationship between the variables.

Findings suggest a positive and significant correlation between religiosity, entrepreneurial intention (EI) and attitude towards entrepreneurship (ATE), and a negative and significant correlation between religiosity, EES, and ED. Similarly, the curve estimate indicates a positive and significant effect of religiosity on EI and attitude, and a negative and significant influence on EES and economic growth. Finally, the results of PLS-SEM show a significant and positive influence of religiosity on EI and ATE; no significant influence on the EES and an inverse influence on ED.

It is evident from the analysis that religiosity has positive and significant impacts on EI and ATE, while having mixed implications for creation of a formal EES and bringing about ED. This implies that an increase in the level of religiosity in a country is more likely to enhance EI due to the creation of strong informal social networks.

The unique findings of this study would be useful for promoting entrepreneurship, EES and ED based on insights into the level of religiosity of a country.

Over the next decade, humanity is going to face big environmental problems, and considering these serious issues, businesses are adopting environmentally responsible practices. To put forward specific measures to achieve a more prosperous environmental future, this study aims to develop an environment-based perspective framework by integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) technology into a sustainable automotive supply chain (SASC).

The study presents a conceptual environmental framework – based on 29 factors constituting four stakeholders' rectifications – that holistically assess the SASC operations as part of the ReSOLVE model utilizing IoT. Then, experts from the SASC, IoT and sustainability areas participated in two rigorous rounds of a Delphi study to validate the framework.

The results indicate that the conceptual environmental framework proposed would help companies enhance the connectivity between major IoT tools in SASC, which would help develop congruent strategies for inducing sustainable growth.

This study adds value to existing knowledge on SASC sustainability and digitalization in the context where the SASC is under enormous pressure, competitiveness and increased variability.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate, from a thorough review of the literature, the role of metaverse-based quality 4.0 (MV-based Q4.0) in achieving manufacturing resilience (MFGRES). Based on a categorization of MV-based Q4.0 enabler technologies and MFGRES antecedents, the paper provides a conceptual framework depicting the relationship between both areas while exploring existing knowledge in current literature.

The paper is structured as a comprehensive systematic literature review (SLR) at the intersection of MV-based Q4.0 and MFGRES fields. From the Scopus database up to 2023, a final sample of 182 papers is selected based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria that shape the knowledge base of the research.

In light of the classification of reviewed papers, the findings show that artificial intelligence is especially well-suited to enhancing MFGRES. Transparency and flexibility are the resilience enablers that gain most from the implementation of MV-based Q4.0. Through analysis and synthesis of the literature, the study reveals the lack of an integrated approach combining both MV-based Q4.0 and MFGRES. This is particularly clear during disruptions.

This study has a significant impact on managers and businesses. It also advances knowledge of the importance of MV-based Q4.0 in achieving MFGRES and gaining its full rewards.

This paper makes significant recommendations for academics, particularly those who are interested in the metaverse concept within MFGRES. The study also helps managers by illuminating a key area to concentrate on for the improvement of MFGRES within their organizations. In light of this, future research directions are suggested.

COVID-19 has been the subject of a number of inquiries recently. All country's capital market practices have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Economic woes, along with the stock market crash, have hit emerging markets and developing economies in a variety of directions.

This study is an attempt to focus on the Indian economy to provide the gist of the situation and recovery mode of an economy with the help of growth indicators of the economy.

This study is based on secondary data. The researchers applied some econometric tools, viz, unit root test Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF), Panel Granger Causality, and Panel ARDL Bound Test were applied to examine the relationship of economic indicators and stock market benchmark in two periods: March 2020–June 2021 (during period) and July 2021 to March 2022 (post period).

The findings of this study explored the different causal relationships for the selected variables in both periods. The study discussed the reasons for ARDL (Auto Regressive Distributed Lag) bound for all selected factors. The study revealed the story of crude oil prices and Gold as trusted investment avenues during the crises.

As we know, the capital market's backlash is reflected in movements in stock prices and stock exchange volume, which are concerned with the economic effects of the pandemic and urged the segment to react. Investors can use the information in the event to make investment decisions.

This study aims to investigate the behavior of different types of stone columns, including the short and floating columns, as well as the ordinary and the geosynthetic encased stone columns (OSC and GESC). The effectiveness of the geosynthetic encasement and the impact of the installation using the lateral expansion method on the column performance is evaluated through a three-dimensional (3D) unit cell numerical analysis.

A full 3D numerical analysis is carried out using the explicit finite element code PLAXIS 3D to examine the installation influence on settlement reduction (ß), lateral displacement (U_x) and vertical displacement (U_z) relative to different values of lateral expansion of the column (0% to 15%).

The findings demonstrate the superior performance of GESC, particularly short columns outperforming floating counterparts. This enhanced performance is attributed to the combined effects of geosynthetic encasement and increased lateral expansion. Notably, these strategies contribute significantly to decreasing lateral displacement (U_x) at the column’s edge and reducing vertical displacement (U_z) under the rigid footing.

In contrast to previous studies that examined the installation effect of OSC contexts, this paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the effect of geosynthetic encasement and the installation effects using the lateral expansion method in very soft soil, using 3D numerical simulation. The study emphasizes the significance of the consideration of geosynthetic encasement and lateral expansion of the column during the design process to enhance column performance.

Despite the significant growth in Islamic economies and the increasing number of Muslim youths inclining digital services, empirical-based research addressing the adoption of digital Islamic services is still scarce. Particularly, as a new term in the Islamic finance industry, ZakaTech has recently emerged as a modern term describing novel technologies adopted by zakat (compulsory levy on all believing and practicing high-net-worth Muslims) institutions; yet, it has largely been neglected in the literature. Therefore, this paper aims to propose an integrated model that scrutinizes the factors of unified model of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) of ZakaTech, combined with social cognitive theory (SCT), especially in a time of COVID-19 social distancing.

The UTAUT–SCT model was validated via SmartPLS structural equation modeling by using a valid sample of 510 users (individual zakat payers) from Saudi Arabia.

The results demonstrated the suitability of the integrated UTAUT–SCT model in predicting zakat payers’ intention to use ZakaTech services. This proposed model has 70% explanatory power to explain variance in intention. All UTAUT constructs are statistically significant, except for effort expectancy. Social isolation caused by the pandemic and trust in e-zakat system exerted a significant influence on the inclination to uptake ZakaTech services.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is among the first research that studies Muslims’ adoption of ZakaTech during COVID-19. Particularly, this study could add value to FinTech acceptance literature by empirically examining an integrated framework of UTAUT–SCT in a context as modern and unique as ZakaTech.