Search results
1 – 10 of 80Harvinder Singh, Rashmi Kumar Aggarwal and Aakriti Bansal
The learning outcome of this paper is to understand the geopolitical aspects of international business. Assessing the political risk inherent in international investment projects…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
The learning outcome of this paper is to understand the geopolitical aspects of international business. Assessing the political risk inherent in international investment projects. Maintaining a favorable corporate image in the host country despite apparent hostilities. Analyzing the risks associated with doing business in an emerging market.
Case overview/synopsis
In February 2019, local newspapers in the Maldives published unconfirmed reports that the Indian company GMR was reinvesting in the Maldives. GMR had secured a contract in 2010 for renovation/expansion of The Maldives International Airport. However, the contract created political turmoil, with opposition parties objecting to some clauses. People considered GMR closer to the incumbent President, Mohammed Nasheed. The unstable political scenario forced President Nasheed to resign amidst allegations of corruption. The new President showed hostility toward India and GMR while making overtures to China. He canceled the airport contract and awarded it to a Chinese company. GMR went to the international Tribunal in Singapore. The tribunal upheld the Maldivian government’s right to terminate the agreement but awarded GMR a compensation of US$270m. In 2019, a new government came to power in the Maldives, with Mohammed Nasheed enjoying a commanding position. The government pledged to accept the judgment of the Singapore International Tribunal. The local media discussed the possibility of the return of GMR to the Maldives after seeing some senior GMR officials in the Maldives. However, it was not clear whether it would be a good idea for GMR.
Complexity academic level
Master's level program.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CCS 11: Strategy.
Details
Keywords
Ugur Yavas and Abdulla Abdul‐Gader
A sample of 217 Saudi children was surveyed to determine the impactof television commercials on their purchase behaviour. Reports theresults of this survey, broken down by gender…
Abstract
A sample of 217 Saudi children was surveyed to determine the impact of television commercials on their purchase behaviour. Reports the results of this survey, broken down by gender and discusses their implications. Offers suggestions for future research.
Details
Keywords
Rima Abdul Razzak, Mohamed Wael Mohamed, Abdulla Faisal Alshaiji, Abdulrahman Ahmed Qareeballa, Jeff Bagust and Sharon Docherty
Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) has produced heterogeneous and domain-specific effects on cognitive function. This study aims to investigate the effect of RIF on verticality…
Abstract
Purpose
Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) has produced heterogeneous and domain-specific effects on cognitive function. This study aims to investigate the effect of RIF on verticality perception or estimation of subjective visual vertical (SVV) in young adults. The significance of SVV is that it is essential for spatial orientation, upon which many daily activities depend.
Methodology
Verticality perception was assessed with a computerized rod and frame test (CRFT) in two visual conditions: without a surrounding frame and with a distracting tilted frame. The tilted frame condition measures level of visual dependence or reliance of visual cues for posture and orientation. In total, 39 young adult men were recruited at different stages of Ramadan fasting: 21 were tested at the end of the first week (Week 1) and 18 others at the end of the third week (Week 3) of Ramadan. Also, 39 participants were recruited to serve as a non-fasting control group. Factorial ANOVA analyses were conducted to identify the main effects of fasting status, time-of-day and the interaction between them on blood glucose levels, nocturnal sleep duration and vertical alignment errors.
Findings
The main effect of fasting status on glucose level was significant (p = 0.03). There was a significant time-of-day main effect on glucose levels (p = 0.007) and sleep duration (p = 0.004) only in fasting participants. Neither the main effects of fasting status nor time-of-day were significant for rod alignment errors in both visual conditions. The interaction of fasting status and time-of-day was not significant either. This may indicate that any negative effect of Ramadan fasting on activities that are critically dependent on verticality perception and spatial orientation, such as sports and driving, may not be due to verticality misperception.
Originality
The present study was the first to investigate the effect of Ramadan fasting on spatial orientation. It demonstrated robustness of verticality perception to fasting status and the point of fasting during Ramadan. Verticality perception was also unaffected by time-of-day effects in non-fasting and fasting groups at two different points of Ramadan. This study corroborates others reporting heterogeneous effects of Ramadan fasting on cognitive function.
Details
Keywords
Samer Al-Shami, Abdul Hadi Al-Hammadi, Abdulla Al Hammadi, Nurulizwa Rashid, Hayder Al-Lamy and Dheyab Eissa
The purpose of this study is to examine the role of social network websites (SNWs) on hotels’ performance through innovation, especially in emerging countries, which is still…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the role of social network websites (SNWs) on hotels’ performance through innovation, especially in emerging countries, which is still lacking.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was randomly distributed to 219 of 4- and 5-star hotels in Malaysia and the data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling.
Findings
The results confirm that the SNWs have a positive effect on the innovation capacity; meanwhile, the innovation capacity fully mediated the association between online social networks and the firm’s performance. Moreover, the association between SNWs and innovation is partially mediated by absorptive capacity (AC).
Originality/value
This paper deliberates the significance of online social networking websites in the improvement of innovation capabilities through business intelligence and information management that improve hotels’ performance. This paper also deliberates the methods in which online social networking websites improve AC and information management.
研究目的
本论文旨在研究社交网路网站(SNWs)通过创新对于酒店绩效的作用, 这点在新兴国家还属于发展阶段。
研究设计/方法/途径
采样方法为随即问卷, 采样地点在马来西亚4-/5-星酒店, 样本数据采用结构方程模型的方法进行分析。
研究结果
本论文结果肯定了SNWs对于创新能力的积极作用, 同时, 创新能力起到SNWs和企业绩效关系的全中介作用。此外, SNWs和创新之间受到吸收能力的部分中介影响。
研究原创性/价值
本论文诠释了在线社交网络网站通过商业智能和信息管理对于提高创新能力以及提高酒店绩效的重要作用。本论文还展示了在线社交网络网站如何提高吸收能力和信息管理的方法。
关键词
社交网络、网站、创新、吸收、能力、绩效、酒店
论文类型
研究型论文
Details
Keywords
Abdul Raheem Jasim Mohammed, Mohd Salehuddin Mohd Zahari, Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah and Abdul Rais Abdul Rahman
This paper aims to investigate the relationships between travel satisfaction, commitment and revisits intention among the UAE international tourists as well as the moderating…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the relationships between travel satisfaction, commitment and revisits intention among the UAE international tourists as well as the moderating effect of environmental turbulence.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the quantitative approach, the experience of individual foreign tourists who travelled to three UAE major cities, namely, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, were probed. Through a drop-off and collect approach survey, 413 usable questionnaires were successfully collected and analysed.
Findings
The results of multiple regression path analysis confirm tourist satisfaction towards UAE tourism product and services influences their travel commitment and boosts tourist revisit intention behaviour. This paper also demonstrates how the Arab environmental turbulence moderates tourist satisfaction’s effect on revisit intention adversely.
Originality/value
This study offers valuable input to the UAE’s tourism governing bodies and industry practitioners. While continuously boosting the quality of tourism products and services, they also need to curb the effect of environmental turbulence as it would discourage tourists from revisiting UAE in the future.
Details
Keywords
Sirinya Phulkerd, Sasinee Thapsuwan, Natjera Thongcharoenchupong, Rossarin Soottipong Gray and Aphichat Chamratrithirong
The sociodemographic determinants of insufficient fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption in the general population in Thailand remain understudied. The purpose of this study was to…
Abstract
Purpose
The sociodemographic determinants of insufficient fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption in the general population in Thailand remain understudied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between sociodemographic characteristics and insufficient FV consumption in Thailand.
Design/methodology/approach
This nationally representative survey employed a cross-sectional multi-stage sampling design. A total of 6,991 individuals aged 15 years or older participated in the study. Information on participants' FV consumption and sociodemographic characteristics were collected via questionnaire. The data were analyzed using binary logistic regression.
Findings
The overall prevalence of insufficient FV consumption in the study sample was 65.6%. Age of the participants, sex, marital status, place of residence, occupation, income and education were found to be significantly associated with insufficient FV consumption among this sample of the Thai population.
Originality/value
Findings suggest the need for promotion of FV consumption and intervention policies aimed at increasing FV intake by taking into account sociodemographic characteristics of the population.
Details
Keywords
Bo Pu, Lu Zhang, Wenyuan Sang and Siyu Ji
This study aims to explore the influence of appearance comparison on fitness intention. Specifically, it analyzes the mediating effect of appearance-based exercise motivation and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the influence of appearance comparison on fitness intention. Specifically, it analyzes the mediating effect of appearance-based exercise motivation and perceived behavioral control between appearance comparison and fitness intention.
Design/methodology/approach
434 samples were obtained by the network survey in China. Hierarchical regression analysis and the Hayes' SPSS PROCESS macro were used to verify the hypotheses.
Findings
Appearance comparison has a positive influence on fitness intention. Appearance-based exercise motivation mediates appearance comparison and fitness intention. Appearance comparison can produce a positive effect on fitness intention via appearance-based exercise motivation and perceived behavioral control in sequence.
Practical implications
The findings have some practical implications for both individuals and fitness center managers. First, people can view appearance comparison rationally, understand the process of its transformation into fitness intention and enhance fitness intention. Second, fitness center managers can make some reasonable marketing plans according to this study.
Originality/value
This study explores the positive effects of appearance comparison combining social comparison theory, social cognitive theory and the theory of planned behavior. It contributes to extant literatures about appearance comparison and fitness intention by promoting the understanding of the influence mechanism of fitness intention.
Details
Keywords
– The purpose of this paper is to employ agency theory to identify the determinants of the audit delay among Palestinian companies listed on Palestine Stock Exchange (PSE).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to employ agency theory to identify the determinants of the audit delay among Palestinian companies listed on Palestine Stock Exchange (PSE).
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on the agency theory, eight hypotheses are tested using data collected from the year 2011 annual reports for all the 46 listed companies on PSE. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the influence of a set of company characteristics, ownership structure variables, and corporate governance mechanisms.
Findings
The result of the analysis demonstrated that the audit reporting delay is influenced by the board size, corporate size, status of audit firm, company complexity, existence of audit committee, and ownership dispersion.
Research limitations/implications
The main shortcoming of the current study is that the analysis covered the Palestinian companies’ annual reports for only one year. A time series analysis might give fuller and understandable picture about the audit report lag (ARL) determinants. The outcome of the study can be used by companies’ managements and policy makers in Palestine to improve future disclosure.
Originality/value
This paper adds to the limited audit delay literature in Middle East countries in general and Arab World in particular. This paper not only examines the determinants of the audit delay but also attempts to theorize such delay.
Details
Keywords
Fawzeia Abdulla Al Marzooqi and Syed Zamberi Ahmad
Growth strategies, marketing strategy, resources-based value theory, alliance network model, logistic and supply chain.
Abstract
Subject area
Growth strategies, marketing strategy, resources-based value theory, alliance network model, logistic and supply chain.
Study level/applicability
This case can be used in undergraduate and graduate classes as well as development programmes for managers in small to medium-size enterprises. The case suits courses in business, strategy, marketing and freight forwarding.
Case overview
Union National Air, Land and Sea Shipping Co (LLC) (UNASCO) is a small to medium-sized freight forwarding company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It has three offices, two in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi. UNASCO handles commercial imports/exports from/to many destinations, including Europe, Asia, the USA, India, the Far East, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Middle East (ME) and Africa. UNASCO has been in business for more than 35 years and has run the business smoothly. Recently, the company has faced several internal and external challenges that impact business performance. These challenges are high operating expenses, stiff competition and low market demand. Due to these challenges, the sales staff is being pressured to generate more income to ensure that the company is not experiencing a loss. Now, UNASCO is uncertain how to sustain the business.
Expected learning outcomes
The learning outcomes are as follows: to learn about the freight forwarding industry, the competitive landscape and the challenges surrounding it; to enable the participant to generate a list of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) for UNASCO and to gain skill at using SWOT analysis; to increase the participant’s ability to evaluate a situation and effectively communicate remedies about it both in writing and verbally; to enable the participant to analyse a problem using the Fishbone Diagram cause and effect tool; to enable the participant to use the Six Thinking Hats technique to make more reliable and sounder decisions; to gain skill at using Porters Five Forces tool, understand the competitiveness of UNASCO’s business environment, and identify the potential for business growth; and to gain skills at developing a marketing strategy using the 4Ps model.
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 11: Strategy.
Details
Keywords
Osama Sam Al-Kwifi, Hamid Mahmood Hamid Gelaidan and Abdulla Hamad M. A. Fetais
Halal markets are rapidly growing in terms of market size and global coverage; therefore, there is a critical demand to have a deeper understanding of the consumption behavior of…
Abstract
Purpose
Halal markets are rapidly growing in terms of market size and global coverage; therefore, there is a critical demand to have a deeper understanding of the consumption behavior of Muslim consumers. This study aims to explore the influence of using the Halal logo on Muslim consumers’ attitudes toward food products using the neuroscience technology of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
Design/methodology/approach
The theory of planned behavior represents the foundation of this research, where consumer attitudes during an fMRI experiment were evaluated based on two different groups of images: images of just the Halal logo and images of meat labeled with the Halal logo. The study used the blocked design approach to track brain responses produced from displaying the two groups of images to study participants, where brain activity represents participants’ attitudes toward selecting the products.
Findings
There were no significant variations in brain activity when participants viewed Halal and non-Halal logos; in contrast, there were significant brain changes in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex region when meat images were labeled with Halal and non-Halal logos. This suggests that the Halal logo only has an influence on perception when it co-occurs with a product.
Research limitations/implications
Tracking Muslim consumption patterns is important for managers to be able to establish strategies to target Muslim consumers. This study uses a unique technique to study the behavioral attitude of a rapidly growing market segment, which can help marketing managers tailor their advertisement strategies to be more effective.
Originality/value
Previous research on the consumption of Halal products uses conventional approaches to study the influence of the Halal logo; however, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the influence of the Halal logo on Muslim consumers’ attitudes using fMRI technology.
Details