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Article
Publication date: 12 March 2018

Tareq Na’el Al-Tawil, Prabhakar Gantasala and Hassan Younies

This paper aims to discuss the benefits and disadvantages of the law on the expansion of the jurisdiction of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Court. The major role…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the benefits and disadvantages of the law on the expansion of the jurisdiction of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Court. The major role of DIFC Courts in the Arab community is to handle cases related to commerce and business. For a long time, the court had been acting only in their geographical area until a new law was enacted to extend their jurisdiction all over the world. Afterward, a lot of criticism emerged as for why and how the court will benefit from such actions. The law has drawn a harsh response, although most benefits have also been experienced since the court received quite a large number of new signings. Interaction at the world business forum has benefited the economy of Dubai thanks to the law.

Design/methodology/approach

The following study focuses on a description of such benefits and drawbacks. The study does not evaluate a factual process of expansion but indicates the most distinct evidence of positive, as well as negative consequences of the expansion.

Findings

It is appropriate to make a general comment on the fact that the expansion of DIFC Court is not sufficiently effective at the current stage. Needless to say, it contains numerous positive aspects, but the gaps are evidently essential because they place the entire Court in a hard circumstance. The Court does not have a well-developed legal framework for its new area of jurisdiction as long as its limited volume of prior precedent is a distinct sign of the Court’s dependence on the UAE’s Law. In such way, DIFC Court will not be able to address issues within new fields of jurisdiction, as it simply lacks an expertise and international law in its legal framework. Moreover, the jurisdiction over new areas of international business was not verified with a plain system of mediation, which is why a current expansion of DIFC Court has to be recognized as redundant. However, its advantages are tending to produce their effects provided that the Court manages to address its current problems.

Originality/value

The study has described the basic benefits and drawbacks of DIFC Court expansion. To speak about the main benefits, they can be depicted as appliance of the common law, unification of English language for proceedings, presence of a preliminary arbitration and guarantees of award enforcement. In a similar way, the drawbacks of the expansion have been issued. The study has identified such drawbacks as lack of international and sophisticated expertise, untested legal framework, strong influence of forum non conveniens, and existence of a limited volume of prior precedent. The paper has not assessed a success of a factual expansion of DIFC Court jurisdiction, but it has managed to fulfill its primary purpose. Thus, the paper has identified a certain tendency concerning the expansion.

Details

International Journal of Law and Management, vol. 60 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-243X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2020

Tareq Na'el Al-Tawil and Hassan Younies

The purpose of this paper is to tackle the most pressing issues confronting global anti-money laundering (AML) efforts, particularly, the implications of the Brexit from EU and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to tackle the most pressing issues confronting global anti-money laundering (AML) efforts, particularly, the implications of the Brexit from EU and the increasing association of bitcoin and cryptocurrencies with crimes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper will evaluate the implications of Brexit to AML efforts and the threat that cryptocurrencies like bitcoin pose to the financial system.

Findings

Instead of banning trade and other transactions using BTC and other cryptocurrencies, financial experts, with the able assistance of IT and mining experts, from all over the world need to convene and tailor an effective regulatory framework. Solid cooperation among the international community, supported by unitary standards and procedures, will help boost the worlds AML/combatting the financing of terrorism (CFT) efforts. As an added bonus, effective regulation, monitoring and control can facilitate more efficient tax collection.

Originality/value

Recommendations were advanced about the future of AML/CFT efforts and the need for internationally holistic approaches in combatting these twin scourges on all economies.

Details

Journal of Money Laundering Control, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-5201

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2020

Hassan Younies and Tareq Na’el Al-Tawil

The purpose of this study is to investigate hotel workers’ preferences among the following pairs: intrinsic and extrinsic motivators and non-material and material factors.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate hotel workers’ preferences among the following pairs: intrinsic and extrinsic motivators and non-material and material factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the quantitative method and a descriptive design to draw inferences about employees’ preferences for items intended as reward and recognition. Convenience sampling was used in selecting the respondents using a survey questionnaire as the research instrument.

Findings

This study has shown that hospitality employees differ in their preference for some material and non-material items signifying reward and recognition (RR). Management should take these differences into account when devising such incentives. The heterogeneous workforce structure in the United Arab Emirates may complicate the design of an RR system. Practitioners in the hospitality industry may note with interest that achieving employee performance and satisfaction is a complex exercise. The satisfaction that employees derive can be strengthened by focusing on Herzberg’s motivators while employee dissatisfaction could be prevented by addressing hygiene factors. Human resource personnel can achieve a measure of success while developing and administering a compensation program that stimulates effort related to work, tasks or accomplishment of goals. While motivated employees are expected to perform better, employee productivity according to certain research is related to the level of meeting ones’ needs. It is, therefore, important for organizations in the hospitality industry to consider the design of a well-balanced but flexible reward-recognition system that serves motivating employees toward the achievement of organizational goals and meet their own needs.

Originality/value

The writers included demographic information and employment characteristics as part of their study. They included 10 factors, such as language, ethnicity, age, years in company and department among others.

Details

International Journal of Law and Management, vol. 63 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-243X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 July 2019

Hassan Younis and Balan Sundarakani

The purpose of this paper is to explore if control variables have any impact on corporate performance when implementing green supply chain management practices. The research in…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore if control variables have any impact on corporate performance when implementing green supply chain management practices. The research in particular examines the impact of firm size, firm age and possession of environmental management system (EMS) certification as control variables on different dimensions of the corporate performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design consists of a comprehensive literature review, followed by an empirical questionnaire based survey with responses of 117 participant organizations proceeded by a comprehensive statistical analysis to validate the developed theoretical framework and contribute to both practical and methodological approach. This study investigates the impact of each of these three control variables on four dimensions of corporate performance using multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The research found that there is positive relationship between firm size and environmental performance, economic performance and social performance but not with operational performance. The study also found that a certified EMS within UAE firms is having a positive impact on all four performance dimensions while firm age does not have any relationship with any of the four performance outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The research provides guidance for supply chain managers in the UAE and other similar emerging market in order to better understand the relationship between control variables, impact and performance, on corporate outcome. The paper also describes relevant strategies that should be taken into consideration by these managers in order to build their sustainable supply chain. The research contributes to social dimensions of supply chain sustainability on how resilient green strategies are important for supply chain stakeholders during uncertain conditions so that it can respond to uncertain changes in order to contribute to corporate social responsibility. Some of the limitations of this research include the geographic coverage of the study region and other methodological limitation.

Originality/value

This research is the first of its kind in the UAE region to assess the link between firm control variables and its impact on green supply chain management practices; which are less studied in the green supply chain literature. While there might be few other studies that addressed and uncovered the relationship between implementing green supply chain management practices and corporate performance, however, no study has attempted to find out if firm size, firm age and possession of EMS would have any impact on the green supply chain practices and corporate performance relationship. The research was conducted in an emerging economy to understand the relationship better. A series of recommendations are also provided for firms interested in improving their environmental performance while implementing green supply chain practices.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2020

Hassan Younies and Tareq Na'el Al-Tawil

The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which cybercrime laws protect citizens and businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Pertinent questions over the lax…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which cybercrime laws protect citizens and businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Pertinent questions over the lax regulatory environment and incomprehensible cybersecurity policies have influenced the discussions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper will first offer a global outlook of cybersecurity laws and legislation. The global outlook will present the basis for examining best practices that the UAE could emulate. The paper will then examine the legislative landscape of cyber laws in the UAE, including cross-country comparisons. The comparisons are critical, as the country’s cybercrime laws are in their infancy phase.

Findings

The UAE has taken decisive and proactive measures to deter the threat of cybercrimes and cyberattacks. The UAE strategy comprehensive strategy has been effective in protecting the economy and populations from the adverse effects of cybercrimes. The success lies in the enactment of comprehensive and streamlines laws and regulations with harsher penalties. The stringent legal measures, including longer jail terms, stiffer fines and deportation of foreigners, have ensured robust deterrence to cybercriminals.

Originality/value

The analysis has shown that the UAE has a higher score of preparedness against cybercrimes and cyberattacks. The UAE has specifically crafted a broader and effective legislative framework of cybercrime laws. Although the UAE has comprehensive cybercrime laws, the remarkable level of technological advances in the country makes citizens and businesses lucrative targets. The UAE now has the burden of doubling down its legal efforts to deter emerging cybersecurity risks.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2021

Hassan Younis, Balan Sundarakani and Malek Alsharairi

The purpose of this study is to investigate how artificial intelligence (AI), as well as machine learning (ML) techniques, are being applied and implemented within supply chains…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how artificial intelligence (AI), as well as machine learning (ML) techniques, are being applied and implemented within supply chains (SC) and to develop future research directions from thereof.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a systematic literature review methodology, this study analyzes the publications available on Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar that linked both AI and supply chain from one side and ML and supply chain from another side. A total of 388 research studies have been identified through the before said three database searches which are further screened, sorted and finalized with 50 studies. The research thoroughly reviews and analyzes the final lists of 50 studies that were found relevant and significant to the theme of AI and ML in supply chain management (SCM).

Findings

AI and ML applications are still at the infant stage and the opportunity for them to elevate supply chain performance is very promising. Some researchers developed AI and ML-related models which were tested and proved to be effective in optimizing SC, and therefore, the application of AI and ML in supply chain networks creates competitive advantages for firms. Other researchers claim that AI and ML are both currently adding value while many other researchers believe that they are still not fully exploited and their tools and techniques can leverage the supply chain’s total value. The research found that adoption of AI and ML have the ability to reduce the bullwhip effect, and therefore, further supports the performance of supply chain efficiency and responsiveness.

Research limitations/implications

This research was limited in terms of scope as it covered AI and ML applications in the supply chain while there are other dimensions that could be investigated such as big data and robotics but it was found too lengthy to include these additional dimensions, and therefore, left for future research studies that other researchers could explore and pursue.

Practical implications

This study opens the door wide for other researchers to explore how AI and ML can be adopted in SCM and what are the models that are already tested and proven to be viable. In addition, the paper also identified a group of research studies that confirmed the unexploited avenues of AI and ML which could be of high interest to other researchers to explore.

Originality/value

Although few earlier research studies touch based on the AI applications within manufacturing and transportation, this study is different and makes a unique contribution by offering a holistic view on the AI and ML implications within SC as a whole. The research carefully reviews a number of highly cited papers classifying them into three main themes and recommends future direction.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 August 2020

Tareq Na'el Al-Tawil and Hassan Younies

The purpose of this paper is to discuss incongruities in the corporate entity over the matter of agency. In lieu of the traditional notion of moral agency theory, the stakeholder…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss incongruities in the corporate entity over the matter of agency. In lieu of the traditional notion of moral agency theory, the stakeholder model offers congruent grounding to corporate governance. Socially irresponsible or unethical corporate activities are perceived to increase expenses, diminish shareholder value and tarnish business reputations. In contrast, socially responsible corporate practices contribute to positive attitudes to the company and contribute to the creation of competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows the ongoing evolution of the regulatory changes instituted after the scandalous corporate fiascos of the present century, such as those of Enron and WorldCom in the USA, Polly Peck in the UK, HIH Insurance and One.Tel in Australia, and Siemens in Germany, inter alia. The exposition also touches on the regulatory metamorphosis of corporate governance in its convergence towards “meta-regulation” with corporate social responsibility at the core.

Findings

While meta-regulation has so far worked in many countries, caution is expressed over the perils of over-reliance on a meta-regulatory approach. Industries or market sectors should also attempt to operate from the start within the confines of self-regulation and government regulation. Market sectors and industries need to find the framework of regulation that is best suited to their operations.

Originality/value

The paper concludes by discussing the observed challenges and implications of such convergence, as well as future directions for law practitioners, academics and researchers in the realm of corporate conduct.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 27 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2021

Tareq Na’el Al-Tawil, Venugopal Prabhakar Gantasala and Hassan Younies

This paper aims to present a vital strand that is part and parcel of an informed discussion towards the adoption of labour-friendly practices (LFP). This study is intended to…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a vital strand that is part and parcel of an informed discussion towards the adoption of labour-friendly practices (LFP). This study is intended to examine the influence of LFP on five dimensions: job performance (JP), employee satisfaction (ES), corporate governance (CG), customer satisfaction (CS) and organizational performance (OP).

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted on top and middle-level management personnel in several companies across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A total of 1,000 questionnaires was distributed personally and via email of which 366 usable responses were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The results reinforce the premise that LFP positively and significantly influences value maximization.

Originality/value

This paper affirmed that what is good for the employees (or other stakeholders) is also good for shareholders, but within the constraints of an ideal context, where the shareholders subscribe to strict ethical principles and the stakeholders act with their moral agency intact. Thus, the discussion of LFP comprises not just about what is satisfying for the employees but also what is conducive for optimal value creation. The empirical findings were, however, more compatible within the agency theory framework because of the non-instrumentality that was observed too ideal and philosophical for the stakeholder theory of value creation.

Article
Publication date: 16 May 2016

Hassan Younis, Balan Sundarakani and Prakash Vel

The purpose of this research is to investigate the implementation of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices and its impact on corporate performance (CP). The research in…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the implementation of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices and its impact on corporate performance (CP). The research in particular examines the results of implementing a set of GSCM practices on different dimensions of the CP.

Design/methodology/approach

This study, being the first of its kind in the Middle East, developed a research model to test the relationship between four main GSCM practices namely, eco-design, green purchasing, environmental cooperation and reverse logistics, and four dimensions of CP: operational performance, environmental performance, economic performance and social performance, while controlling three main variables (firm size, firm age and environment management system certification). Statistical analyses were based on the data collected, through survey questionnaires, from 117 firms in the manufacturing industry in the UAE. Reliability and validity of the research model were tested by the commonly accepted statistical tools. To test the hypotheses relating implementation of GSCM practice and CP, multiple regression analysis was used.

Findings

The finding of the study was that GSCM practices impact the CP dimensions differently. While none of the four GSCM practices were found to have any impact on the environmental performance, green purchasing and environmental cooperation were found to have a significant impact on the operational performance. The study found that only green purchasing plays a role in improving the economic performance, while only reverse logistics practices were found to impact the social performance of the firm positively.

Research limitations/implications

Research on GSCM is still in the nascent stage. Further refinement of the survey to differentiate between different manufacturing industries might be needed. Generalizability of the findings is also limited because of data collected from manufacturing firms in the UAE. This research provides important insights. The findings of this research are generally consistent with those of prior studies in other parts of the world. Firms in manufacturing industry in the UAE believe that GSCM practices help the company design and develop better products which, in turn, increase the company chances in selling its products in the international markets while, at same time, improving the average profit and market share. It was also found that the UAE firms believe that implementation of GSCM practices help improve the corporate image, enhance employees’ job satisfaction and improve employees’ health and safety.

Practical implications

Implementation of GSCM practices improves CP in different ways. Supply chain managers are required to decide on the CP dimension they want to improve and accordingly select the appropriate GSCM practices mix that leads to the desired level of improvement.

Originality/value

Although few earlier researches studied the impact of GSCM on CP, this study is different and makes a unique contribution by offering a holistic view of the impact of implementing four main GSCM practices on all dimensions of CP. The study offers some insights on the type of GSCM practices the firm needs to adopt to improve the targeted performance dimension.

Details

Competitiveness Review, vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2011

Belal Barhem, Hassan Younies, Mustafa Z. Younis and Pamela C. Smith

This study aims to investigate workplace stress and its related patterns (sources, patient interactions, and coping strategies) among health care employees in the United Arab…

Abstract

This study aims to investigate workplace stress and its related patterns (sources, patient interactions, and coping strategies) among health care employees in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Academic research in this area is limited, and the globalization of health care services requires an examination of areas that have the potential to affect employee performance - which ultimately impacts health care service and quality. Based on a sample of 175 employees from both public and private health care organizations, results indicate the primary source of workplace stress is role ambiguity, while the lowest cause of stress is patients. The primary coping strategy used by our sample participants is productiveness and activity. Our findings are useful to healthcare management in order to address employee stress-related concerns, and increase the quality of health care provided.

Details

International Journal of Organization Theory & Behavior, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1093-4537

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