Search results

The application of lean and quality improvement methods is very common in process improvement projects at organisational levels. The purpose of this research is to assess the adoption of Lean Six Sigma™ approaches for addressing a complex process-related issue in the coal industry.

The sticky coal problem was investigated from the perspective of process-related issues. Issues were addressed using a blended Lean value stream of supply chain interfaces and waste minimisation through the Six Sigma™ DMAIC problem-solving approach, taking into consideration cross-organisational processes.

It was found that the tendency to “solve the problem” at the receiving location without communication to the upstream was, and is still, a common practice that led to the main problem of downstream issues. The application of DMAIC Six Sigma™ helped to address the broader problem. The overall operations were improved significantly, showing the reduction of sticky coal/wagon hang-up in the downstream coal handling terminal.

The Lean Six Sigma approaches were adopted using DMAIC across cross-organisational supply chain processes. However, blending Lean and Six Sigma methods needs to be empirically tested across other sectors.

The proposed methodology, using a framework of Lean Six Sigma approaches, could be used to guide practitioners in addressing similar complex and recurring issues in the manufacturing sector.

This research introduces a novel approach to process analysis, selection and contextualised improvement using a combination of Lean Six Sigma™ tools, techniques and methodologies sustained within a supply chain with certified ISO 9001 quality management systems.

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of perceived risk (perceived susceptibility and perceived severity), self-efficacy and individual differences (personal innovativeness and mobile payment knowledge) on consumers’ intention to use contactless mobile payment services (MPS). Additionally, it also empirically tested the moderating effect of hygiene consciousness in the proposed conceptual model.

The present research developed a conceptual model based on the health belief model (HBM) and diffusion of innovation theory (DOI) to empirically assess whether and how perceived risk, self-efficacy and individual differences influence consumer intention to use contactless MPS. The data was collected using the survey method from 251 smartphone users and analyzed with structural equation modeling. The moderating role of hygiene consciousness was studied in the relationship that self-efficacy and personal innovativeness shares with consumers’ intention toward contactless MPS.

The results of this study disclose that among all precursors of consumers’ intention toward contactless MPS, only perceived severity, self-efficacy, personal innovativeness and mobile payment knowledge positively affect consumers’ intention to use contactless MPS. However, the effect of perceived susceptibility on consumers’ intention toward contactless MPS was found to be non-significant. The results further depict that hygiene consciousness acts as a moderator in driving consumers’ intention toward contactless mobile payment services.

The HBM model and DOI, which incorporate perceived risk, self-efficacy, individual differences and hygiene consciousness, give light on the factors influencing consumer intention to use contactless MPS in a pandemic situation such as COVID-19. The study will provide useful insights to marketers on how to frame their strategies in the aftermath of pandemics, as the contactless mobile payment method may be perceived as a defensive behavior during and after pandemics.

The study will provide useful insights to marketers on how to frame their strategies in the aftermath of pandemics, as the contactless mobile payment method may be perceived as a defensive behavior during and after pandemics.

By uniting perceived risk, self-efficacy and individual differences with consumers’ intention toward contactless MPS in a conceptual model, along with examining the moderating role of hygiene consciousness, this work responds to the calls for upcoming research concerning mobile payment systems as means of future payment. Thus, it offers an understanding of particular consumer motivations that may guide consumers’ intention toward contactless MPS through the theoretical lens of HBM and DOI.

The purpose of this study is to explore a new assembly process planning and execution mode to realize rapid response, reduce the labor intensity of assembly workers and improve the assembly efficiency and quality.

Based on the related concepts of digital twin, this paper studies the product assembly planning in digital space, the process execution in physical space and the interaction between digital space and physical space. The assembly process planning is simulated and verified in the digital space to generate three-dimensional visual assembly process specification documents, the implementation of the assembly process specification documents in the physical space is monitored and feed back to revise the assembly process and improve the assembly quality.

Digital twin technology enhances the quality and efficiency of assembly process planning and execution system.

It provides a new perspective for assembly process planning and execution, the architecture, connections and data acquisition approaches of the digital twin-driven framework are proposed in this paper, which is of important theoretical values. What is more, a smart assembly workbench is developed, the specific image classification algorithms are presented in detail too, which is of some industrial application values.

The adoption of mobile payment remains low in certain regions, highlighting the need to identify the factors that enable and inhibit its adoption. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the role of information security, loss aversion and the moderating influence of the herd effect on Inertia and behavioral intentions in the adoption of mobile payment systems.

A structural equation model was developed and tested with 332 valid questionnaires to examine the proposed hypotheses.

The empirical results reveal that information security plays a significant role as an enabler, while loss aversion acts as an inhibitor of mobile payment adoption. Furthermore, the study uncovers the moderating influence of the herd effect on the relationship between Inertia and behavioral intentions.

This study was conducted in a specific region and may not be generalizable to other regions. Future studies could expand the sample size and scope to enhance the external validity of the findings.

This study offers practical implications for mobile payment service providers. Understanding the key enabling and inhibiting factors identified in this study can guide providers in designing and improving their services. Strengthening information security measures can help build trust among potential adopters, while offering incentives can mitigate the impact of loss aversion and encourage early adoption.

The findings of this study have social implications as they contribute to promoting the adoption of mobile payment systems. Increased adoption can enhance financial inclusion and stimulate economic development.

This study provides novel insights into the enabling and inhibiting factors of mobile payment adoption and highlights the moderating role of the herd effect. By shedding light on the influence of social norms on individual behavior in the context of mobile payment adoption, this study contributes to the existing literature and advances our understanding of this phenomenon.

The purpose of this study is twofold. The first objective is to identify the factors that affect Gen Z tourists' M-payment behaviour. Next, this study investigates the inter-relationship between Gen Z tourist’s perception of M-payment benefits, adoption behaviour, usage risk and future usage intention.

The sample comprised Malaysian Gen Z individuals (n = 326) who had experience using M-payment methods while travelling outbound. Given the complex nature of the model and the goal to predict and explain relationships within Gen Z's M-payment usage, partial-least square-structural equation modelling was used to assess the study framework and test the proposed relationships.

This study reveals significant influences on Gen Z tourists' behavioural intentions towards M-payment usage. Perceived benefits, performance expectancy, social influence and perceived trust positively impact behavioural intentions, while effort expectancy exhibits no significant effect. Furthermore, perceived trust is strongly influenced by perceived security, which also positively influences behavioural intentions. A mediated relationship is evident as trust mediating the effect of perceived security on behavioural intentions.

This study’s findings contribute to understanding the intricate relationships influencing Gen Z's M-payment behaviour and underscore trust's pivotal role in mediating the security–behavioural intention relationship.

This study is among the first to consider Mental Accounting Theory and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology as crucial underpinning theories in comprehending the intricate relationships that influence Gen Z travellers' perceptions and behaviours concerning M-payment systems.

As the competition to retain current and attract new mobile payment app users intensifies, meeting users’ needs has become fundamental for mobile payment app service providers to stay competitive. This study aims to investigate the relationship between users’ needs, users’ attitude towards mobile payment apps and users’ continuance intention to use mobile payment apps.

Following an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design, this study first conducted three focus groups in the qualitative phase to investigate issues or concerns faced by current users of mobile payment apps. The study then conducted an online questionnaire survey in the quantitative phase to collect responses from users of mobile payment apps. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyse 110 valid responses.

Findings show that usefulness (modelled as a second-order reflective construct consisting of three first-order reflective constructs, i.e. ease of use, acceptability and responsiveness), traceability and security had a statistically significant relationship with attitude towards mobile payment apps (which in turn had a statistically significant relationship with continuance intention to use mobile payment apps). It was also found that attitude towards mobile payment mediated the relationships between usefulness, traceability and security; and continuance intention to use mobile payment apps.

The findings of this study can help mobile payment app service providers and developers design apps that offer the functions and features that their users need.

Although some recent studies have investigated the adoption of mobile payments in the Malaysian context, few of these studies examined current users’ continuance intention to use mobile payment apps.

Because the success of m-payment services depends on the enablers and barriers that affect user satisfaction, the present research explores the effects of perceived value and sacrifices on users' satisfaction with m-payment services. The predicted relationships among perceived value, perceived sacrifices, users' satisfaction, continuance intention, word-of-mouth (WOM), shopping effectiveness, quality of life (QOL) and stickiness were established based on the mobile technology acceptance model (MTAM) and the value-based adoption model (VAM).

A representative data sample of 430 Egyptian banking clients was analyzed to test the hypotheses using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

The findings revealed that all perceived value constructs significantly positively affect users' satisfaction. Moreover, all perceived sacrifice constructs significantly negatively affect users' satisfaction. Users' satisfaction, in turn, has a significant positive effect on continuance intention, WOM, shopping effectiveness, QOL and stickiness with m-payment services.

This is the first study to examine several levels of m-payment outcomes, including m-payment, consumer and bank outcomes, based on the integration of MTAM and VAM models.

This exploratory study aims to investigate and identify the factors influencing discontinuance intention among past users of local digital wallets in Brunei Darussalam.

This study uses a mixed-method approach that integrates quantitative and qualitative research method. An online survey is distributed via widely used social media platforms, using purposive sampling to target previous users of local digital wallets. Structured questionnaires capture demographic data, whereas open-ended inquiries delve into reasons for discontinuation. Descriptive analysis will extract the demographic profiles of the samples. Inductive thematic analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke's framework, will extract and analyze qualitative responses to unveil emergent themes. Data saturation, anticipated beyond 12 responses, will signify sample adequacy.

Demographic profiles based on gender, age and payment preferences of discontinuers supplement the justification for identified themes influencing digital wallet discontinuation in Brunei Darussalam. These themes include “Acceptability Challenge,” highlighting limited vendor acceptance; “Financial Management and Security Issues,” revealing concerns over impulsive buying behavior and security robustness; “Limited Benefits,” referring to short-term interest driven by promotional benefits; “Technological Inertia,” emphasizing reluctance to change from conventional payment methods and “Technical Challenges,” encompassing internet connectivity and operational functionality issues.

This study acknowledges few limitations, including a limited number of respondents, comprising majorly of the younger age groups and females. Self-reported data usage introduces potential response bias, impacting result validity. The qualitative approach limits comprehensive understanding, suggesting validation through quantitative correlational studies. Additionally, the cross-sectional design restricts insight into the dynamic nature of digital wallet discontinuance in Brunei, suggesting the need for longitudinal studies.

The findings of this study offer valuable insights for digital wallet providers, policymakers and businesses operating within the realm of Brunei Darussalam. By tackling pertinent issues such as vendor acceptance, financial security and promotional incentives, stakeholders can effectively improve user experiences and mitigate intentions of discontinuing usage. Recommended strategies encompass the enlargement of vendor networks, the implementation of stringent security measures and the customization of promotional campaigns. Furthermore, comprehending demographic inclinations enables the tailoring of offerings, thereby fostering enduring adoption rates.

This study’s findings hold social significance for financial inclusion, technological literacy and consumer empowerment in Brunei Darussalam. Overcoming barriers to digital wallet adoption, such as limited vendor acceptance, promotes financial inclusion in the long run. Improved understanding of digital wallets enhances technological literacy and empowers users to make informed decisions. By catering to diverse demographic needs, stakeholders can promote social equity and ensure widespread access to digital payment benefits, thus positively impacting Brunei Darussalam’s socioeconomic landscape.

This study contributes to the existing knowledge gap on digital wallet discontinuance in Brunei Darussalam. By uncovering key themes and factors influencing past users’ decisions, it advances understanding in the context of postadoption dynamics. The study provides valuable insights for local and global fintech adoption strategies.

With the increasing use of Internet and mobile handsets, mobile-based electronic payment apps (MEPAs) are becoming very popular around the world due to having various advantages. The intention of this exploratory study is to investigate the role/impact of selected factors in adopting three MEPAs of China: Wechat, Alipay and UnionPay based on the extended technology acceptance model (ETAM). After conducting a thorough and careful literature review, this study identified and divided seven such factors into three broad categories: (1) technological factors: perceived ease of use (PEU) and perceived usefulness (PU); (2) personal factors: perceived trust (PT), perceived privacy (PP) and perceived risk (PR); and (3) social factors: social influence (SI) and peer influence (PI) that were assumed to affect the intention to adopt MEPAs (IAMEPAs).

1,597 Chinese individuals were selected through purposive sampling technique who regularly used MEPAs at the time of collecting data. For collecting primary data from the selected respondents, a cross-sectional survey instrument was used. The study utilized IBM SPSS 25 for descriptive statistics and a second generation covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) technique through AMOS 25 for testing the hypothesized relationships.

From statistical analysis, it was identified that five factors: PEU, PU, PT, SI and PI have significant positive impact on the dependent variable, IAMEPAs while PR and PP have insignificant influence on IAMEPAs.

This is one of the studies ever conducted to discover the factors that can have impact on the adoption of MEPAs using ETAM. It is strongly expected that this exploratory study can motivate the scholars to commence additional investigations regarding this increasingly popular financial technology (Fin-Tech). In addition, it can be anticipated that the MEPA service providers can widen their service effectiveness according to the users’ opinion reflected in this study. Furthermore, policymakers involved with Fin-Tech can also formulate and implement effective policies and guidelines based on the empirical outcomes.

This study aims to scrutinize existing end-user comprehension regarding e-wallet technology through an examination of apparent usefulness, ease of use and levels of trust, and how these factors may influence a consumer’s attitudes toward the adoption of this new payment method.

The quota sampling method was used, and residents over the age of 22 years were targeted in online and offline questionnaires, and partial least squares-structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

This study indicates that existing consumer mindsets and intentions to adopt new technology, such as the e-wallet, are greatly influenced by their perception of the practicality of the product, its ease of use and their levels of trust in the technology to protect their online safety, privacy and economic affairs. Contrastingly, those participants who were offered deferred reimbursements and those given no information were demonstrably less likely to adopt the new service.

The study sample was from a developing nation – Saudi Arabia. Similar cohorts from developing and developed countries could provide a unique cross-nation comparison.

This study stresses the importance of thoroughly explaining and demonstrating an innovative technology to customers while simultaneously promoting the product. Consumers can be encouraged to use and evaluate the new technology by providing inducements, such as effective reimbursement policies.

This paper contributes to literature by critically reflecting on the question: What are the factors influencing customer intentions to adopt the e-wallet, and how do the guarantee of reimbursement and the time frame following unauthorized use influence consumer adoption intentions when deciding to use the new payment technology?