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1 – 10 of 19
Article
Publication date: 17 March 2022

Maher Taha El-Nimr, Ali Mohamed Basha, Mohamed Mohamed Abo-Raya and Mohamed Hamed Zakaria

To predict the real behavior of the full-scale model using a scale model, optimized simulation should be achieved. In reinforced concrete (RC) models, scaling can be substantially…

Abstract

Purpose

To predict the real behavior of the full-scale model using a scale model, optimized simulation should be achieved. In reinforced concrete (RC) models, scaling can be substantially more critical than in single-material models because of multiple reasons such as insufficient bonding strength between small-diameter steel bars and concrete, and excessive aggregate size. Overall, there is a shortfall of laboratory and field-testing studies on the behavior of secant pile walls under lateral and axial loads. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to investigate the validity and the performance of the 1/10th scaled RC secant pile wall under the influence of different types of loading.

Design/methodology/approach

The structural performance of the examined models was evaluated using two types of tests: bending and axial compression. A self-compacting concrete mix was suggested, which provided the best concrete mix workability and appropriate compressive strength.

Findings

Under axial and bending loads, the failure modes were typical. Where the plain and reinforced concrete piles worked in tandem to support the load throughout the loading process, even when they failed. The experimental results were relatively consistent with some empirical equations for calculating the modulus of elasticity and critical buckling load. This confirmed the validity of the proposed model.

Originality/value

According to the analysis and verification of experimental tests, the proposed 1/10th scaled RC secant pile model can be used for future laboratory purposes, especially in the field of geotechnical engineering.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 20 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 October 2021

Mona M. Abdelhamid, Amira Hassan El Hakeh and Mohamed M. Elfakharany

The paper aims to clarify threats facing heritage management in developing countries. It investigates the challenges facing the application of the historic urban landscape…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to clarify threats facing heritage management in developing countries. It investigates the challenges facing the application of the historic urban landscape approach (HUL) in the city of Alexandria in Egypt, where heritage is trapped between unplanned developments from one side and deterioration from another side.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses SWOT analysis regarding the heritage management approach of the historic site. Site observation, documentary reviews, an online questionnaire (due to the COVID situation) and some interviews with park visitors and shopkeepers have been adopted to capture the changes in the site management, specifically capturing the current status of the site.

Findings

The paper presented an empirical study covering the evolution of heritage management practices. It suggests that building and maintaining the synergy between the government, the private sector and the public is essential for the sustainability of urban development in the city of Alexandria. It also asserts that heritage is a major catalyst of urban regeneration in the city.

Research limitations/implications

This paper highlights major threats facing Alexandrian heritage. However, it lacks generalizability.

Practical implications

It suggests inclusive urban conservation strategies that are based on the HUL approach that would revitalize the historic core and assist in preserving both its tangible and intangible heritage. These strategies can help decision makers to develop more sustainable approaches in managing city heritage and achieving sustainable development of the city core.

Social implications

The paper presents a social implication through involving stakeholders in the sustainable revitalization project of Al-Shalalat district located in the city center of Alexandria.

Originality/value

The paper presents an empirical study that fulfills an identified need for adopting more sustainable strategies in heritage management in Alexandria.

Details

Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 March 2024

Mohamed Bilal Basha, Fatma Sultan Khalfan Helis Al Ali, Pravin Kumar Balaraman, Jonathan Liu, Gail AlHafidh and Ramesh Gupta

This study aims to investigate the determinants of United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar consumers’ perceptions of organic food.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the determinants of United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar consumers’ perceptions of organic food.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey approach and focusing on six known determinants identified from empirical studies, data were analysed using a mean difference analysis and a multi-regression model.

Findings

Citizens in both countries had similar access to organic food products, yet consumer perceptions differed significantly. Given the geographical, cultural and topographical proximity and similarities of these countries, differences in the mean values indicate that targeted or bespoke marketing is required to attract customers.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study its sample size that may limit the generalizability of its results. However, the highly statistically significant results offset this to some extent as the differences the authors have demonstrated are likely to be real. These do require confirmation by further similar studies. The study relied on a random sample of respondents who might have exhibited bias in answering questions.

Practical implications

The two countries central to this research study, the UAE and Qatar, have vested interests in supporting the organic food product market that mainly concern supporting and promoting the health of their citizens and the environment. As shown in this paper, the key obstacles preventing consumers’ accessing organic products are availability and price. With appropriate governmental subsidies and logistics support, however, these barriers can be overcome.

Social implications

If governments are sincere in their declarations that the health and welfare of their citizens is of prime importance, they will support attempts to promote the sale and consumption of organically grown food. The results of this study can help to inform such policies.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into the most important factors that influence consumers’ attitudes towards organic foods. This study fills a gap in the existing research on consumer buying behaviour for organic food in two Middle Eastern countries.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 15 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 June 2019

Mohammad Ali Ashraf

The purpose of this paper is to examine consumer behavior toward halal food purchase in Bangladesh. Specifically, how do individual beliefs about trustworthiness of the halal food…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine consumer behavior toward halal food purchase in Bangladesh. Specifically, how do individual beliefs about trustworthiness of the halal food products affect individual intentions to purchases and actual purchasing behavior?

Design/methodology/approach

To answer this question, a theoretical framework using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as its basis was established. Using measurement scales created to assess different aspects of trustworthiness, and perceived behavioral control and subjective norms, a survey instrument was developed to test the various relationships implied by TPB. Data were collected from the households located in the metropolitan city of Dhaka during the months of November and December 2017, and the analysis of this data helps answer questions about the different relationships of the constructs of the study.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that four factors, namely, trustworthiness, attitude, normative structure and self-efficacy, significantly influence halal food purchasing. The results also demonstrated that trustworthiness of halal food is one of the most important variables of food marketing in Bangladesh.

Research limitations/implications

In reality, there is a serious lacking of halal food marketing particularly in Bangladesh. In this respect, this study can be a pioneer one and may have some limitations in terms of research procedures.

Practical implications

It is crucial for the halal food marketing and its management organizations to provide their products and services in Islamic way, because it is different from the conventional way of modern marketing.

Social implications

This result specifically implies that like normative structure and self-efficacy, trust in the authenticity of halal food is particularly important to influence attitude toward halal food purchase in Bangladesh.

Originality/value

This study is perhaps the first study in the context of Bangladesh food market that deals with the halal food purchase behavior of the consumers. In this regard, the findings of the study are important in Islamic marketing and halal food marketing.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 May 2023

Veronica Marozzo, Alessandra Costa, Antonio Crupi and Tindara Abbate

This study aims to examine the most influential drivers, both product-specific and consumer-specific, affecting Asian consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for organic olive oil.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the most influential drivers, both product-specific and consumer-specific, affecting Asian consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for organic olive oil.

Design/methodology/approach

To individuate the most influential drivers of WTP for organic products and to assess their effect, in terms of configurational paths and consumer profiles, this study sequentially employs explorative factor analysis approach and a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis method. The survey is carried out in different areas of Asia (e.g. Pakistan, Vietnam and China).

Findings

The results suggest that Asian consumers' WTP for organic products is described by consumer-specific drivers (gender, occupation and household size) as well as product-specific drivers (product authenticity and sustainability, consumer ethnocentrism and food fraud risk perception).

Originality/value

The findings of the study permit the identification of different drivers that move consumers' WTP for organic olive oil. The study contributes to setting the ground for companies to propose and implement efficacious marketing strategies for organic olive oil in importing countries, such as Asia.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 26 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 October 2019

Syed Ali Raza, Rehan Ahmed, Muhammad Ali and Muhammad Asif Qureshi

The role of insurance is a backbone for consumers to secure their future. It is important to know where to invest and what are the benefits. Therefore, for the Muslim segment…

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Abstract

Purpose

The role of insurance is a backbone for consumers to secure their future. It is important to know where to invest and what are the benefits. Therefore, for the Muslim segment, Islamic insurance system provides Riba (interest)-free environment where consumers invest their money and recover their losses according to sharia. This paper aims to examine the determinants that influence purchase intention of consumers toward Islamic insurance (Takaful) adoption in Pakistan with the help of the modified theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors added four specific variables related to Islamic sharia compliance in the conventional form of the TPB. The relationship among the variables is assessed by using partial least squares structural equation modeling, while the data are collected from 305 respondents.

Findings

The results suggest that attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control are strong predictors of an Islamic insurance adoption in Pakistan. Moreover, factors such as compatibility, relative advantage and awareness have positive and significant impacts on takaful participation. A negative but insignificant relation is found between perceived risk and intention.

Practical implications

This paper provides insight for understanding the factors that lead to consumers' purchase intention of Islamic insurance.

Originality/value

This paper makes a unique contribution to the literature with reference to Pakistan, being a pioneering attempt to investigate the factors of Islamic insurance adoption by modifying the TPB and applying more rigorous statistical techniques like confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and partial least square structural equation modeling.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 11 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2020

Eugene E. Mniwasa

This paper aims to examine the money laundering vulnerability of private legal practitioners in Tanzania, the involvement of these practitioners in money laundering activities and…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the money laundering vulnerability of private legal practitioners in Tanzania, the involvement of these practitioners in money laundering activities and their role in preventing, detecting and thwarting money laundering and its predicate crimes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies the “black-letter” law research approach to describe, examine and analyze the anti-money laundering law in Tanzania. It also uses the “law-in-context” research approach to interrogate the anti-money laundering law and to provide an understanding of factors impacting on the efficacy and readiness of private legal practitioners in Tanzania to tackle money laundering. The review of literature and analysis of statutory instruments and case law, reports of the anti-money laundering authorities and agencies and media reports-generated data are used in this paper. This information was complemented by data from interviews of purposively selected private legal practitioners.

Findings

Private legal practitioners in Tanzania are vulnerable to money laundering. There is an emerging evidence that indicates the involvement of some private legal practitioners in the commission of money laundering and/or its predicate crimes. The law designates the legal practitioners as reporting persons and imposes on the obligation to fight against money laundering. Law-related factors and practical challenges undermine the capacity of the legal practitioners to curb money laundering. Additionally, certain hostile perceptions contribute to the legal practitioners’ unwillingness, indifference or opposition against the fight against money laundering.

Research limitations/implications

The paper underscores the need for Tanzania to reform its policy and legal frameworks to create enabling environment for anti-money laundering gatekeepers, including private legal practitioners to partake efficiently in the fight against money laundering. It also underlines the importance of incorporating the principles that govern the private legal practise to enable the practitioners to partake effectively in tackling money laundering.

Originality/value

This paper generates useful information to private legal practitioners, policy makers and academicians on issues relating to money laundering and its control in Tanzania and presents recommendations on possible policy and legal reforms that can be adopted and applied to augment the role of the legal practitioners in Tanzania to combat money laundering.

Details

Journal of Money Laundering Control, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-5201

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 November 2018

Mohamed Mahdy Marzouk and Emad Fayez Gaid

The construction sector is a major contributor to the Egyptian economy and gross domestic products, plus considered as one of its fastest-growing sectors. Various deficiencies…

Abstract

Purpose

The construction sector is a major contributor to the Egyptian economy and gross domestic products, plus considered as one of its fastest-growing sectors. Various deficiencies such as low productivity, delays, cost overrun, poor quality, etc. have plagued the construction sector, leading to undesirable project performance across Egypt and several other countries. One of the best methods to measure and improve performance evaluation and consequently a step toward industry improvement is key performance indicators (KPIs). The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted to identify the importance index for 35 KPIs. The KPIs were identified and selected based on an extensive literature review and one on one interview with expert construction professionals. Moreover, exploratory factor analysis method has been used to analyze and determine the inter-relationships between the set of indicators.

Findings

Seven indicators that have the highest importance indicator were selected to create project overall performance indicator assessment models to consistently measure the performance of different construction projects. Seven equations are introduced reflecting the output of the research while considering both organization size and project type.

Practical implications

The proposed evaluation assessment models can be used to: evaluate the relative success of projects; indicate the areas of strengths and weaknesses in performance and establish company benchmarking. Three projects were selected to validate the performance evaluation models.

Originality/value

This paper provides mathematical assessment models for evaluating overall construction project performance in Egypt, taking into consideration organization size and project type. Previously published research works on the subject matter are quite limited, and frequently deal with only one or two selected aspects.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 67 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2023

Qaisar Ali, Shazia Parveen, Tasya Aspiranti, Nunung Nurhayati and Sulistya Rusgianto

The adoption of Islamic banking (AIB) among customers has remained in the limelight due to its significance in the strategic marketing of Islamic banking (IB) services. Although…

Abstract

Purpose

The adoption of Islamic banking (AIB) among customers has remained in the limelight due to its significance in the strategic marketing of Islamic banking (IB) services. Although researchers have devoted a significant effort to investigating the drivers of AIB, little is known about the exclusive barriers hampering AIB. Accordingly, this paper aims to examine the underlying barriers to the adoption of Islamic banking (BAIB) and categorize them into different research clusters using bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected from 132 articles published in Scopus database between 2007 and 2022 and analyzed using VOSviewer to explore BAIB.

Findings

The findings clustered the barriers to AIB into three groups, namely, efficiency of IB products and services (service quality, Shariah compliance level, availability of services), behavioral (knowledge and awareness, religiosity, trust and intention) and personal attributes (innovativeness, understanding of mobile/internet banking and technology acceptance) factors of Islamic bank customers.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size of this study is relatively small, as the data was imported from Scopus database only to perform Bibliometric analysis. Future studies may use larger sample size by retrieving data from other databases such as Web of Science and PubMed to develop better research clusters of BAIB.

Practical implications

The dynamic business environment and unprecedented changes in consumer behavior require managers creating suitable conditions to foster adoption of their services and capture a better market share.

Originality/value

Following the findings of this research, future research avenues are identified for strategic embeddedness and global development of IB by overcoming BAIB.

Details

International Journal of Ethics and Systems, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9369

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2021

Firdaus Firdaus Halimi, Serge Gabarre, Samar Rahi, Jassim Ahmad Al-Gasawneh and Abdul Hafaz Ngah

The purpose of this paper is to extend the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to identify the factors influencing Muslim customers’ intention to revisit non-halal certified…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to identify the factors influencing Muslim customers’ intention to revisit non-halal certified restaurants.

Design/methodology/approach

A purposive sampling method was applied. Self-administered survey questionnaires were distributed around shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, the Northern region and the East Coast of Malaysia. From 601 questionnaires collected, only 578 questionnaires were satisfactory. SMART-PLS 3.3.2. was used to analyse the data for this study using a structural equation modelling approach.

Findings

The findings confirmed that price fairness and food quality positively influenced attitude perceived behavioural control and food quality affecting the customers’ intention to revisit non-halal certified restaurants. Subjective norm was found to be an insignificant factor towards revisit intention. In addition, the attitude was found to mediate the relationship between price fairness and revisit intention and between food quality and revisit intention. Trust was highlighted as moderating the relationship between attitude and revisit intention.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will primarily benefit food premises, whether halal-certified or otherwise.

Originality/value

The study extends the TPB with food quality and price fairness to identify the factors of revisit intention for the non-halal certified restaurant among Muslim consumers in Malaysia. The study shows the mediating effects of attitude for the relationship between food quality and price fairness towards revisit intention. On top of that, the study also included the moderating effect of trust on the TPB. The findings also enrich the literature on the non-halal certified context.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 13 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

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