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Article
Publication date: 6 May 2017

Muhammad Bakhsh, Amjad Mahmood and Nazir A. Sangi

Mobile learning is a unique form of learning which uses the distinct features of mobile devices. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the present state of student and…

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Abstract

Purpose

Mobile learning is a unique form of learning which uses the distinct features of mobile devices. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the present state of student and faculty perception towards m-learning at open and distance educational institutes in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a conceptual model based on TAM, which explains factors influencing student and faculty perception towards m-learning acceptance. M-learning acceptance mainly depends on personal attitude, so this study focusses on individual context. Primary data from students and faculty including tutors (n=612, students =448, faculty/tutors=162) was collected through a properly designed questionnaire by using purposive convenient sampling technique during Autumn 2015 semester. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the collected data.

Findings

The results indicate that student and faculty skill readiness and self-efficacy influence perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, where these two factors along with prior experience positively influence behavioural intension (BI) to accept mobile learning. Furthermore study results specifically provide factors which positively influence BI either directly or indirectly.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to AIOU.

Originality/value

The study specifically provides factors which influence BI either directly or indirectly.

Details

The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, vol. 34 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4880

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2021

Riffat Blouch, Khuda Bakhsh, Wajid Shakeel, Muhammad Majid Khan and Aiza Yasmeen

The purpose of the current study is to investigate the role network value of firm on the relationship between firm strategic initiatives on firm performance by managing the market…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the current study is to investigate the role network value of firm on the relationship between firm strategic initiatives on firm performance by managing the market antecedents including user's expectations, user's coordination and user's compatibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study uses secondary date of telecom industry of Pakistan, India and China. The data obtained were later subjected to the analysis using CASUALMED procedures of statistical analysis software (SAS).

Findings

The findings from the study projected that strategic drivers played an important role in leveraging the firms' performance. The results also confirm that in order to increase the firm performance, the network value of firms' plays a very crucial role.

Research limitations/implications

Despite making novel contribution, the present study has few limitations, need researchers' attention to be explained in the future, which includes narrow population size, not being able to work on indirect network effects and the theoretical explanation of behavioral antecedents of network value.

Practical implications

The present research have potential applications for managers of telecom industry, which in turn would help them to develop the strategies that they could build to leverage their network value and firms' performance.

Originality/value

The current study has made a considerable contribution in the literature by proposing a model that adds to the theoretical foundation of strategic management of the firm. So, closely considering these insights would be helping for the firms to leverage its network value in mobile telecommunication industry.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 72 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 July 2022

Nimra Sarwar, Sajid Haider, Muhammad Hanif Akhtar and Khuda Bakhsh

This study aims to examine moderated-mediation between ethical leadership (EL) and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Specifically, a moderating effect of high performance…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine moderated-mediation between ethical leadership (EL) and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Specifically, a moderating effect of high performance managerial practices (HPMPs) on the indirect effect of EL on OCB through employees’ psychological empowerment (PE) was tested.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 267 bank employees including subordinates and their supervisors. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used for data analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that PE mediates the relationship between EL and OCB, and HPMPs enhance OCB by increasing the effect of EL on employees’ PE.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to human resource management and leadership literature by explaining the moderated-mediation mechanisms between EL and OCB. The findings help to understand how HPMPs enhance employees’ OCB by strengthening the effect of EL on PE. Limitations are related to external validity and cross-sectional nature of data.

Practical implications

Organizations’ use of HPMPs makes ethical leaders more effective in enhancing employees’ PE and, subsequently, their OCB.

Originality/value

Previous research lacks evidence on the indirect effect of EL on employee OCB through PE. Moreover, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous study has examined the moderating effect of HPMPs on the abovementioned indirect relationship. This study has addressed the abovementioned research gap.

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2021

Qadar Bakhsh Baloch, Sourath Maher, Nadeem Iqbal, Syed Naseeb Shah, Muhammad Sheeraz, Faryal Raheem and Kanwal Iqbal Khan

Therefore, this research study investigates the impact of business environment on the performance of the business organizations. (1) To understand the importance the environment…

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Abstract

Purpose

Therefore, this research study investigates the impact of business environment on the performance of the business organizations. (1) To understand the importance the environment in the success of the business entrepreneurship. (2) To explore the environmental factors that can affect the success of business entrepreneurship in Pakistan. (3) To establish relationship between the environmental factors and the sustained organizational performance of business entrepreneurships in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from the person–environment fit (PE fit) and the self-determination theory literature, this survey research study seeks to determine the impact of organizational environment upon sustained organizational economic performance. The main independent variable of the study encompasses its main three dimensions, i.e. leadership capacity, organizational culture and organizational politics. The dependent variable comprises the sustained economic performance of the organization. The research study hypothesized and tested a model in which the organizational environment (organizational culture, organizational politics and leadership) interplays with the organizational sustained performance.

Findings

Keeping in view the outcomes of this research work the following implications can be drawn. A leader can yield maximum productivity of employees, if he/she has leadership capacity to provide directions, skilled to minimize the stress level of the employees and able to motivate them in achieving organizational goals. Therefore, capacity of leader to handle difficult situations and develop PE fit is the key to organizational success in current scenario. The study also revealed a positive effect of organizational culture on organizational performance. The culture of the organizations provides an environment of openness to think, share and contribute toward goals of the organization. It enables employees to express themselves, develop person-organization common goals with self-determination. The PE fit provides a platform to feel free, express their feelings and opinions, and contribute in the decision-making process of organizations. The involvement in organizational activities provide a sense of responsibility, ownership and motivation to produce better results for the organizations.

Originality/value

PE fit perspective postulates that matching individual psychological needs and environmental supplies (provided by organization and society) generates positive attitudes and behaviors (Tepper et al., 2018). The effect between individuals and their environment is inherently reciprocal rather than a one-way effect (Goetz et al., 2021). The fundamental postulation support that the fit certainly improves performance, commitment and satisfaction of individuals in the context of organizations (De Cooman et al., 2019; Rau vola et al., 2020). Moreover, self-determination theory (SDT) is another perspective that emphasizes the attainment of autonomy, competence and relatedness in employees to outperform (Deci and Ryan, (2010). The self-determination theory revolves around the social-contextual conditions that support or obstruct the integral courses of self-motivation and psychological development, which will contribute toward organizational performance (Nazir et al., 2021).

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 19 July 2023

Serhat Yüksel, Hasan Dinçer and Gülsüm Sena Uluer

With the increase in population, the energy needs of countries are also increasing. These countries have difficulties in meeting these increasing needs. Countries that cannot meet…

Abstract

With the increase in population, the energy needs of countries are also increasing. These countries have difficulties in meeting these increasing needs. Countries that cannot meet this need have to import energy from abroad. This situation adversely affects the current account balance of countries. Nuclear energy investments allow countries to obtain their own energy, although there are some criticisms. In this framework, while some countries in the world increase their nuclear energy investments, some countries do not have any nuclear power plants (NPP). There are 32 such countries where nuclear energy projects are running till date. Therefore, it is very important to determine the socio-economic variables of countries that have nuclear energy investments. In this context, a detailed literature analysis will be made first to determine socio-economic criteria. Then, the importance weights of these factors will be calculated using the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method. The profiles of the countries that make nuclear energy investments demonstrate that education level is the most essential socio-economic factor for the improvement of nuclear energy investments. Also, income inequality is another important variable in this regard. However, consumption behaviour and saving behaviour have the lowest weights.

Details

Inclusive Developments Through Socio-economic Indicators: New Theoretical and Empirical Insights
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-554-5

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 August 2012

S.M. Shafi and Mohammad Ishaq Lone

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature about oriental manuscript collections in India and provide an overview of the area.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature about oriental manuscript collections in India and provide an overview of the area.

Design/methodology/approach

A core set of literature on oriental manuscript collections in India was retrieved after doing a thorough literature search in different databases. Literature on various aspects of this topic was reviewed. The paper is organized based on various themes to make the study fruitful for various sections of society.

Findings

Oriental manuscripts are present in different research libraries, university libraries and public libraries in India but university libraries are leading others in preserving these manuscripts, with few exceptions. Manuscripts are available in different oriental languages but mostly in Sanskrit. Every religious sect in India has contributed immensely in collecting and preserving these manuscripts. The contribution of famous kings of Indian history is also enormous in this regard.

Research limitations/implications

The review does not claim to be exhaustive, as most sources might have been skipped during the study for their non‐availability.

Originality/value

This paper provides a concise overview of manuscripts present in different Indian libraries and research institution/universities and provides a valuable entry point to the field of Indian manuscripts for research scholars, information scientists and other interested parties.

Article
Publication date: 9 March 2020

Muhammad Khalique, Khushbakht Hina, T. Ramayah and Jamal Abdul Nassir bin Shaari

The main aim of this study was to examine the effect of the components of intellectual capital on the organizational performance of SMEs operating in tourism sector at Azad Jammu…

1022

Abstract

Purpose

The main aim of this study was to examine the effect of the components of intellectual capital on the organizational performance of SMEs operating in tourism sector at Azad Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

In this empirical study, survey approach was used and primary data were collected through structured questionnaire. A total of 300 structured questionnaire survey forms were distributed through purposive sampling technique. Two hundred and twenty usable questionnaire survey forms were returned. Six research hypotheses were constructed to achieve the objective of this study. Smart Partial Least Square (PLS) 3 was used to test the proposed research hypotheses.

Findings

The findings showed that two out of six hypotheses were supported. Precisely, customer capital has appeared as one of the most important components of intellectual capital in model. The results showed that the overall intellectual capital has effect on the organizational performance of SMEs. Results shed more light on the effects that the components of intellectual capital have on organizational performance of SMEs, particularly in the context of Pakistan.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to SMEs in tourism sector in Pakistan and the data were gathered through questionnaire which used mostly subjective measures. Subsequently, findings may not be applicable to other industries. The research contributes to the development of intellectual capital literature focused on the organizational performance in the perspective of SMEs in emerging economies. Future research needs to reach beyond the boundaries and understand the effect of intellectual capital on the performance of organizations.

Originality/value

This study extended the knowledge about the prominence of intellectual capital and its effect on the organizational performance of SMEs. Moreover, this study identified the level of existence and measurement of the six components of intellectual capital in SMEs which enables practitioners to develop adequate strategies to better manage it. To author's best knowledge, this study can be the first empirical study which investigates the impact of intellectual capital on the organizational performance of SMEs operating in tourism sector in Pakistan.

Details

Journal of Intellectual Capital, vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1469-1930

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 19 April 2024

Ahmet T. Kuru

Political Science in the United States has focused too much on variable-oriented, quantitative methods and thus lost its ability to ask “big questions.” Stein Rokkan (d. 1979) was…

Abstract

Political Science in the United States has focused too much on variable-oriented, quantitative methods and thus lost its ability to ask “big questions.” Stein Rokkan (d. 1979) was an eminent comparativist who asked big questions and provided such qualitative tools as conceptual maps, grids, and clustered comparisons. Ibn Khaldun (d. 1406), arguably the first social scientist, also asked big questions and provided a universal explanation about the dialectical relationship between nomads and sedentary people. This article analyzes to what extent Ibn Khaldun's concepts of asabiyya and sedentary culture help understand the rise and fall of the Muslim civilization. It also explores my alternative, class-based perspective in Islam, Authoritarianism, and Underdevelopment. Moreover, the article explores how Rokkan's analysis of cultural, geographical, economic, and religio-political variations within Western European states can provide insights to the examination of such variations in the Muslim world.

Details

A Comparative Historical and Typological Approach to the Middle Eastern State System
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-122-6

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 June 2017

Christopher Adam Bagley and Nader Al-Refai

The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize published studies and practice in the “integration” of ethnic and religious minorities in Britain and The Netherlands…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize published studies and practice in the “integration” of ethnic and religious minorities in Britain and The Netherlands, 1965-2015, drawing out implications for current policy and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an evaluative review and report of results of work on citizenship education for young Muslims and their peers in English schools.

Findings

Young Muslims have positive attitudes to “good citizenship”, as Islamic socialization makes them particularly responsive to citizenship messages. But there is hard-core racial prejudice and Islamophobia in about 25 per cent of adults. In The Netherlands, this xenophobia has supported far-right politicians who are strongly anti-Muslim. This paper cites evidence that continued prejudice may lead to alienation and radicalization of some minorities.

Research limitations/implications

Unchecked prejudice concerning minorities can have negative implications for both majority and minority groups this broad hypothesis deserves further research in both Dutch and British societies.

Practical implications

In Britain, success in Muslim schools in fostering positive citizenship implies that Muslim groups can maintain “quiet dignity” in following Islamic pathways to good citizenship.

Social implications

State support for religious-foundation schools should be offered to all religious groups and should not be withheld from Muslim minorities for “security” reasons.

Originality/value

This overview by two Muslim educators offers new insights and proposals in the acceptance of Muslim minorities in Europe.

Details

Journal for Multicultural Education, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-535X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 November 2020

Muhammad Irfan, Muhammad Jamaluddin Thaheem, Syyed Sami Ul Haq Kaka Khel, Muhammad Faizan Ul Haq, Muhammad Saeed Zafar and Muhammad Ehtsham

The purpose of this research is to determine a comprehensive coursework for teaching quality management in the universities of developing countries i.e. Pakistan pertinent to the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to determine a comprehensive coursework for teaching quality management in the universities of developing countries i.e. Pakistan pertinent to the construction industry. Additionally, a framework was also developed based on the results.

Design/methodology/approach

Factors and course contents of quality management are extracted through a content analysis of the published literature. Further, a questionnaire survey is conducted involving 150 professionals to assess the requirements of the industry and academic professionals of the construction industry for effective quality management. Finally, for getting a more objective perspective, using quality function deployment (QFD) matrix a framework is developed.

Findings

The results show the level of importance of each design requirement. We can identify the design requirements through which we can fulfill the needs and demands of the stakeholders. Contents like benchmarking, supply chain management, six sigma and other data analysis methods, costing and auditing of quality, customer satisfaction analysis, TQM: theory and practices and ISO certification processes and procedures should be included in any course program related to quality management pertinent to the construction industry. Along with these contents, workshops and seminars must be arranged to address the user requirement for increased leadership and communication skills.

Originality/value

There is a lack of literature available on course content for quality management in the universities for the construction sector, therefore, a huge scope of future research in the field of quality management in the construction industry needs to be investigated. This research highlights the most significant quality management factors and course contents as per the requirement of industry professionals. Therefore, this study adds to the existing body of knowledge by developing a robust framework that will help decision-makers and top management to develop constructive quality management course work at university level that will help in producing qualified and trained quality professionals to the construction industry.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 33 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

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