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Article
Publication date: 29 February 2024

Abdullah Murrar, Veronica Paz, Madan Batra and David Yerger

Several studies have examined the relationship between service quality and willingness to pay in many industries. However, this relationship has not been explored through the lens…

Abstract

Purpose

Several studies have examined the relationship between service quality and willingness to pay in many industries. However, this relationship has not been explored through the lens of customer perceived value and their willingness to pay for improving and sustaining water service. This study aims to examine the impact of technical and functional service quality dimensions on customer perceived value and assess the influence of customer perceived value and socio-economic factors on customers' willingness to pay for improving and sustaining the water service.

Design/methodology/approach

Technical service quality includes core water service such as water delivery and maintenance, while functional service quality refers to the appearance of facilities, employees’ dress, and communication. SERVQUAL questionnaire responses were collected from 333 Palestinian household customers. Cronbach’s alpha was conducted to measure internal consistency and convergent validity. Path analysis was utilized to evaluate a causal diagram by examining the relationships among the constructs.

Findings

The results showed that technical and functional service quality and relative price explain 52% of the customer perceived value variation. Additionally, the results revealed that customer perceived value, technical service quality, and relative price significantly impact the customer’s willingness to pay for improving and sustaining service. In contrast, the functional service quality and socio-economic factors have insignificant effects. These predictors explain 60% of the customer’s willingness to pay for improving and sustaining service.

Practical implications

The study suggests that water providers should prioritize improving and sustaining technical service quality to increase customer willingness to pay. Furthermore, they should be aware that other factors, such as employee appearance and politeness, are less influential in driving customers’ willingness to pay.

Originality/value

The study presents a water service improvement model that utilizes data from a developing country to assess the influence of perceived customer value, along with its dimensions, on the willingness to pay for improving and sustaining water service quality.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 6 March 2024

Chuloh Jung, Muhammad Azzam Ismail, Mohammad Arar and Nahla AlQassimi

This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of various techniques for enhancing indoor air quality (IAQ) in construction. It analyzed the alterations in the concentration of indoor…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of various techniques for enhancing indoor air quality (IAQ) in construction. It analyzed the alterations in the concentration of indoor air pollutants over time for each product employed in controlling pollution sources and removing it, which included eco-friendly substances and adsorbents. The study will provide more precise and dependable data on the effectiveness of these control methods, ultimately supporting the creation of more efficient and sustainable approaches for managing indoor air pollution in buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The research investigates the impact of eco-friendly materials and adsorbents on improving indoor air quality (IAQ) in Dubai's tall apartment buildings. Field experiments were conducted in six units of The Gate Tower, comparing the IAQ of three units built with “excellent” grade eco-friendly materials with three built with “good” grade materials. Another experiment evaluated two adsorbent products (H and Z) in the Majestic Tower over six months. Results indicate that “excellent” grade materials significantly reduced toluene emissions. Adsorbent product Z showed promising results in pollutant reduction, but there is concern about the long-term behavior of adsorbed chemicals. The study emphasizes further research on household pollutant management.

Findings

The research studied the effects of eco-friendly materials and adsorbents on indoor air quality in Dubai's new apartments. It found that apartments using “excellent” eco-friendly materials had significantly better air quality, particularly reduced toluene concentrations, compared to those using “good” materials. However, high formaldehyde (HCHO) emissions were observed from wood products. While certain construction materials led to increased ethylbenzene and xylene levels, adsorbent product Z showed promise in reducing pollutants. Yet, there is a potential concern about the long-term rerelease of these trapped chemicals. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing research in indoor pollutant management.

Research limitations/implications

The research, while extensive, faced limitations in assessing the long-term behavior of adsorbed chemicals, particularly the potential for rereleasing trapped pollutants over time. Despite the study spanning a considerable period, indoor air pollutant concentrations in target households did not stabilize, making it challenging to determine definitive improvement effects and reduction rates among products. Comparisons were primarily relative between target units, and the rapid rise in pollutants during furniture introduction warrants further examination. Consequently, while the research provides essential insights, it underscores the need for more prolonged and comprehensive evaluations to fully understand the materials' and adsorbents' impacts on indoor air quality.

Practical implications

The research underscores the importance of choosing eco-friendly materials in new apartment constructions for better IAQ. Specifically, using “excellent” graded materials can significantly reduce harmful pollutants like toluene. However, the study also highlights that certain construction activities, such as introducing furniture, can rapidly elevate pollutant levels. Moreover, while adsorbents like product Z showed promise in reducing pollutants, there is potential for adsorbed chemicals to be rereleased over time. For practical implementation, prioritizing higher-grade eco-friendly materials and further investigation into furniture emissions and long-term behavior of adsorbents can lead to healthier indoor environments in newly built apartments.

Originality/value

The research offers a unique empirical assessment of eco-friendly materials' impact on indoor air quality within Dubai's rapidly constructed apartment buildings. Through field experiments, it directly compares different material grades, providing concrete data on pollutant levels in newly built environments. Additionally, it explores the efficacy of specific adsorbents, which is of high value to the construction and public health sectors. The findings shed light on how construction choices can influence indoor air pollution, offering valuable insights to builders, policymakers and residents aiming to promote public health and safety in urban living spaces.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 August 2023

Abdoulaye Kaba, Ghaleb Awad El Refae, Shorouq Eletter and Tahira Yasmin

The return on investment (ROI) model is a tool used to measure the financial benefits and costs of an investment, in this case, the investment in digital library resources. By…

Abstract

Purpose

The return on investment (ROI) model is a tool used to measure the financial benefits and costs of an investment, in this case, the investment in digital library resources. By applying this model to the AAU digital library resources, the study seeks to determine whether these resources are providing sufficient value for the investment made in them.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed ROI model has two distinct phases and utilizes two different sets of data to calculate the return on investment for a database subscription. In Phase I, the ROI is calculated based on the total number of downloads of full-text articles from the database during the academic year 2019–2020. This information is used to determine the financial returns of the database subscription costs. In Phase II, the ROI is calculated by examining the citations drawn from the Scopus database on a sample of 30 funded research projects for the College of Engineering during the year 2019. These data are used to determine the impact of the database subscription on research output and its contribution to the success of the College of Engineering's research projects. The two phases of the proposed ROI model aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the value of the database subscription and its impact on both financial returns and research output.

Findings

The findings of the study indicated different results between Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the study. The positive ROI in Phase 1 suggests that the investment in online databases has a good return for the AAU, as they are gaining almost a dollar for every dollar spent. However, the negative ROI in Phase 2 is concerning. It suggests that the investment in the IEEE database is not generating a positive return for the AAU and may even be costing the institution money. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of measuring ROI in academic libraries, particularly in Arab countries where resources may be limited. By understanding the impact of library investments on institutional outcomes, libraries can make informed decisions about where to allocate their resources and how to optimize their services to best serve their communities.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the current study were based on data collected from a specific sample, therefore, the findings may not be generalized to other academic libraries. A similar study with larger and more diverse samples can help to validate and extend the results of this study.

Originality/value

The findings of the study provide evidence that the proposed ROI model can be effectively applied in Arab countries and academic libraries in the Arab world, this could encourage more institutions in the region to adopt this model for evaluating their investments and projects. The study may also guide how to adapt the model to the specific cultural and organizational contexts of Arab countries.

Details

Performance Measurement and Metrics, vol. 24 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-8047

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 April 2024

João Jungo

The paper aims to investigate the relationship between institutions and economic growth in developing countries, considering the role of financial inclusion, education spending…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the relationship between institutions and economic growth in developing countries, considering the role of financial inclusion, education spending and military spending.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs dynamic panel analysis, specifically two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM), on a sample of 61 developing countries over the period 2009–2020.

Findings

The results confirm that weak institutional quality, weak financial inclusion and increased military spending are barriers to economic growth, conversely, increased spending on education and gross capital formation contribute to economic growth in developing countries. Regarding the specific institutional factor, we find that corruption, ineffective government, voice and accountability and weak rule of law contribute negatively to growth.

Practical implications

The study calls for strengthening institutions so that the financial system supports economic growth and suggests increasing spending on education to improve access to and the quality of human capital, which is an important determinant of economic growth.

Originality/value

The study contributes to scarce literature by empirically analyzing the relationship between institutions and economic growth by considering the role of financial inclusion, public spending on education and military spending, factors that have been ignored in previous studies. In addition, the study identifies the institutional dimension that contributes to reduced economic growth in developing countries.

Details

Review of Economics and Political Science, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2356-9980

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 November 2023

Hitesh Sharma, Praveen Ranjan Srivastava, Sajjad M. Jasimuddin, Zuopeng Justin Zhang and Ikram Jebabli

This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current privacy concerns in the tourism industry by uncovering the key factors leading to such concerns (i.e. smart…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current privacy concerns in the tourism industry by uncovering the key factors leading to such concerns (i.e. smart public services, cyber security issues, consumer behaviour and governance). Using papers from multiple sources, the relationship between technology advancements and tourist’s privacy concerns has been established.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a machine learning-based systematic literature review approach to find out the clusters. The study analysed 68 papers using the topic modelling approach. A four-cluster solution was considered to be most representative of the extant literature identified using bibliographic coupling. Finally, content analysis of the selected literature has been performed.

Findings

This study identified four factors majorly leading to privacy concerns amid increasing technological advancements. Moreover, these factors were found to have a dyadic relationship with technological advancements. To everyone’s amazement, sustainable tourism was also found to have led to privacy concerns among tourists along with a lack of governance and cyber security issues. Furthermore, cluster-wise future research directions are provided based on the content analysis.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by systematically reviewing and identifying the four dimensions leading to privacy concerns. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study done is the only attempt to synthesize the extant literature on tourists’ privacy concerns using an unbiased scientific approach.

目的

本研究对旅游业当前的隐私问题进行了全面分析, 以揭示导致此类担忧的关键因素(即智能公共服务、网络安全问题、消费者行为和治理)。 通过考察来自多方渠道的现有文献, 本研究确立了技术进步与游客隐私问题之间的关系。

设计/方法/途径

本研究采用基于机器学习的系统文献综述方法来找出聚类。 该研究使用主题建模方法分析了 68 篇文章。四聚类解决方案是现有文献中最具代表的 文献分类方法。最后, 本研究对所选文献进行了内容分析。

研究结果

这项研究确定了在技术进步不断增加的情况下主要导致隐私问题的四个因素。 此外, 这些因素被发现与技术进步有二元关系。 本研究还发现可持续旅游业引发了游客对隐私的担忧以及缺乏治理和网络安全问题。 此外, 通过基于内容的分析, 本研究提供了未来的聚类研究方向。

独创性

本研究对现有文献的贡献在于通过系统地文献综述和分析以确定导致隐私问题的四个维度。该研究是基于公正的科学方法综合现有游客隐私问题文献的首度尝试。

Finalidad/Objetivo

Este estudio proporciona un análisis exhaustivo de la actual preocupación por la privacidad en el sector turístico, poniendo al descubierto los factores clave que la generan (los servicios públicos inteligentes, los problemas de ciberseguridad, el comportamiento de los consumidores y la gobernanza). Gracias al uso de artículos de múltiples fuentes, se ha establecido la relación entre los avances tecnológicos y la preocupación de los turistas por la privacidad.

Diseño/Metodología/Enfoque

Este estudio adoptó un enfoque de revisión sistemática de la literatura basado en el aprendizaje automático para descubrir los conglomerados. El estudio analizó sesenta y ocho artículos utilizando el enfoque de modelización de temas. Se consideró que una solución de cuatro conglomerados era la más representativa de la literatura existente identificada mediante el acoplamiento bibliográfico. Por último, se realizó un análisis de contenido de la bibliografía seleccionada.

Hallazgos

En este estudio se identificaron cuatro factores principales que suscitan inquietud por la privacidad en medio de los crecientes avances tecnológicos. Además, se descubrió que estos factores tienen una relación diádica con dichos avances. Para sorpresa de todos, se halló que el turismo sostenible, junto con la falta de gobernanza y los problemas de ciberseguridad, también suscitan entre los turistas preocupaciones por su privacidad. Finalmente, el análisis de contenido ofrece orientaciones para futuras investigaciones.

Originalidad

Este estudio contribuye a la literatura haciendo una revisión sistemática e identificando las cuatro dimensiones que conducen a la preocupación por la privacidad. Este estudio es el único intento de sintetizar la bibliografía existente sobre la preocupación de los turistas por su privacidad utilizando un enfoque científico imparcial.

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2022

Jin Cai, Zhongfu Li, Yudan Dou, Yue Teng and Mengqi Yuan

Contractor selection is critical in green buildings (GBs) since the preferred contractor has the responsibility to achieve construction sustainability as well as relationship…

Abstract

Purpose

Contractor selection is critical in green buildings (GBs) since the preferred contractor has the responsibility to achieve construction sustainability as well as relationship sustainability. The developer satisfaction reflecting requirements can boost the cooperative relationship among stakeholders and act as an evaluation scale for the success of GB projects, which needs to be emphasized in the selection process but little involved in the existing research. This study explores improving GB contractor (GBC) selection by integrating developer satisfaction into selection procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic framework of GBC selection including twenty-five criteria from literature review and experts survey is firstly constructed. Both tactical and strategic criteria are further classified into Kano categories (must-be, one-dimensional, and attractive categories) using the fuzzy Kano model (FKM), and weighted by the developer satisfaction index. The model proposed by this study combining FKM and TOPSIS divides the selection process into the filtration phase and selection phase by Kano categories. The proposed model is finally verified through performance comparison among multiple methods in a case.

Findings

Selection criteria are measured linearly and nonlinearly, showing criteria having nonlinear satisfaction change accounts for two-thirds of all. Criteria at tactical level tend to be must-be or one-dimensional categories for the developer, and most strategic criteria are classed as the attractive category, indicating that adding strategic criteria is necessary for long-term cooperation. The proposed model, using developer satisfaction to improve the selection process, ensures the selected GBC to be the most satisfactory with requirements of the developer and makes the performance of GBCs easily distinguishable.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge for promoting relationship sustainability by supplementing an integrated model with emphasis on developer satisfaction in GBC selection, so as to establish a good initial foundation due to the match between performances of GBCs and needs of developers. It not only helps maximize developer satisfaction in GBC selection by applying satisfaction to pre-construction management, but also instructs GBCs to prioritize performance improvements. The framework is also conducive for developers to classify selection criteria and select other participants (like green suppliers) from the satisfaction perspective in GBs.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 December 2023

Naresh K. Patel

Switching behavior is predominantly seen in the consumer buying behavior of the mobile industry. This research aims to identify the factors influencing consumers to switch from…

Abstract

Purpose

Switching behavior is predominantly seen in the consumer buying behavior of the mobile industry. This research aims to identify the factors influencing consumers to switch from their present mobile service provider. The consumer of the mobile industry operates in a dynamic and ever-changing environment that is difficult to predict, so this paper aims to focus on these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The selection of factors was made with the help of qualitative study and quantitative research methods for further findings; with the help of a structured questionnaire, a total of 514 valuable responses were collected to get the results. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The finding shows that technology and edge-on-competition (TEC) and pricing have a negative influence on customer switching behavior. The switching cost (SC) is the most significant factor and has a positive impact, while service encounter failure (SEF) also positively impacts switching behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The findings provide important implications for consumers switching brands if they are finding alternative offers that are cost-effective and SEF from service providers

Practical implications

The study of one of the largest mobile markets is learning lessons for other markets around the world. This study will be helpful for mobile service provider companies in their branding and marketing strategies. This study will also be helpful to practitioners, educators and researchers in understanding the consumer behavior of mobile users.

Social implications

The learning of the largest mobile market will be a great learning lesson for other mobile markets around the world. Consumer behavior will help marketers follow ethical practices and make their strategy so a consumer does not switch brands and remain satisfied with the existing brand.

Originality/value

The study provides unique learning for practitioners, educators and researchers to understand the consumer behavior of mobile users. This will help marketers create factors that stop consumers from switching brands and develop strategies to retain customers.

Details

South Asian Journal of Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2719-2377

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 March 2024

Adriaan De Man

The purpose of this study is to address the relevance of archaeological heritage in the context of supply chains for the tourism industry. It does so by providing converging…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to address the relevance of archaeological heritage in the context of supply chains for the tourism industry. It does so by providing converging ideas on the usefulness of individual sites, not in their strict scientific or latent value but as an enhancer for optimizing cultural production in a wider scenario of aggregate demand.

Design/methodology/approach

While examples from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) illustrate this reasoning, the underlying principles have a widespread application and point to a need for defragmenting and realigning tangible heritage as a key production factor. Methods used consist of an inductive approach, based on secondary sources and semi-structured interviews.

Findings

Results indicate that, while archaeological resources remain central to the promotion of cultural tourism in the UAE, suppliers face challenges when incorporating particular sites into consumer-friendly packages.

Practical implications

The study contributes to the identification of common risks and opportunities for archaeological resource management in the development of UAE tourism products.

Originality/value

This represents an original angle, given the focus on the specific regional, cooperative added value of archaeological resources and the need for optimizing them in a functional supply chain.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 May 2023

Mohammed Awad Alshahrani and Khalid Sami Husain

The study seeks to examine the effectiveness of implementing the ISO 9001 quality management system (QMS) on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) performance in Saudi Arabia. It…

Abstract

Purpose

The study seeks to examine the effectiveness of implementing the ISO 9001 quality management system (QMS) on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) performance in Saudi Arabia. It explores ISO 9001 usefulness through the dimensions of continuous improvement, customer satisfaction focus and prevention of nonconformities. The study investigates two dimensions of firm performance's: operational performance and product/service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a quantitative method. A simple random sampling technique is used to collect study samples. A self-administered questionnaire is employed as the data collection tool. The study was based on 263 samples from SMEs in Saudi Arabia. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS/AMOS.

Findings

Prevention of nonconformities, customer satisfaction focus and continues improvement had a positive significant correlation with operational performance and product/service quality. Moreover, the ISO 9001 QMS effectiveness construct showed a helpful and important correlation with the performance of the company.

Originality/value

The study offers empirical evidence to clarify ambiguous findings from past studies, as well as expounds knowledge on the effect of ISO 9001 on SMEs' performance through the lenses of operational performance and quality/service quality.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2024

Ahmad Hidayat bin Md Nor, Aishath Muneeza and Magda Mohsin

This study aims to develop a comprehensive insolvency model tailored to Islamic banks, ensuring alignment with Shariah principles throughout pre-insolvency, bankruptcy and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop a comprehensive insolvency model tailored to Islamic banks, ensuring alignment with Shariah principles throughout pre-insolvency, bankruptcy and post-bankruptcy stages.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a qualitative research method, using a desktop research approach. Primary sources and secondary sources are examined to gather information and draw conclusions.

Findings

This study presents a comprehensive insolvency model designed for Islamic banks, rooted in Shariah principles. The model covers pre-insolvency, bankruptcy (taflis) and post-bankruptcy stages, incorporating key Shariah parameters to ensure adherence to Islamic finance principles. It addresses challenges such as adapting to dynamic financial landscapes and varying interpretations of Shariah principles. Notably, the model recognizes the separate legal personality of Islamic banks and emphasizes transparency, fairness and compliance with religious obligations. In the post-bankruptcy stage, directors are urged to voluntarily settle remaining debts, aligning with ethical and Shariah-compliant standards.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the stability and growth of Shariah-compliant financial systems by extending insolvency principles to Islamic banks, providing a foundation for future research and policymaking specific to this context.

Details

International Journal of Law and Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-243X

Keywords

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