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1 – 10 of 11Naveed Ul Haq, Ammar Aftab Raja, Safia Nosheen and Muhammad Faisal Sajjad
The purpose of this paper is to identify the major factors of client satisfaction (CS) that are critical for web development projects in freelance marketplaces. This quantitative…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the major factors of client satisfaction (CS) that are critical for web development projects in freelance marketplaces. This quantitative study is done from the point of view of the web development services clients. Five major dimensions were proposed as determinants of CS from the literature review: ease of use, user interface, information, security and privacy.
Design/methodology/approach
A web-based survey methodology is used as the main data collection instrument. Statistical techniques such as confirmatory factor analysis and multiple linear regressions are used to analyze 162 responses of questionnaires.
Findings
The findings suggest that all factors do influence CS. In terms of strength, security had the highest level of impact on CS, so it is the strongest determinant among all factors. After security, ease of use and information are considered as strong determinants. So, this study concludes that the five major determinates do affect CS in web development projects from freelance marketplaces.
Research limitations/implications
This research is limited only to the top freelance marketplaces, such as Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, Guru, Envato Studio, etc. The sample size is relatively small and this study is focused on web development projects only. Moreover, this research is focused only on the characteristics or attributes of the projects final outcome, i.e. website.
Practical implications
This study attempts to identify the important factors that have a relation with CS, thus giving freelancers an indication of what to look for when working on any web development project posted by any client in a freelance marketplace. Understanding the determinants of CS will also help Pakistani information technology freelancers involved in web development projects and services to increase their project performance, improve their CS rate and increment client following.
Originality/value
This presents the first study on the determinants of CS in web development projects from freelance marketplaces.
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Muhammad Sajjad, Nishat Kaleem, Muhammad Irfan Chani and Munir Ahmed
The contribution of women entrepreneurs is still invisible and needs to be properly investigated. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this relationship by measuring women…
Abstract
Purpose
The contribution of women entrepreneurs is still invisible and needs to be properly investigated. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this relationship by measuring women entrepreneurship and economic development at global level.
Design/methodology/approach
Secondary data has been retrieved from Female Entrepreneurship Index Report 2015, Human Development Report 2015 and KOF Index of Globalization 2015. Cross-sectional data is used from 69 countries of the world. Multiple regression is applied to estimate the data.
Findings
The results explained the significant impact of women entrepreneurship on the economies of the world. It was observed that women participation in entrepreneurial activities not only supports to their family income but also plays a significant role in economic development and social well-being of the society.
Research limitations/implications
There is no information about total output of women entrepreneurs in terms of new enterprises setups and established businesses of women except for year 2015. So, to measure the real contribution of women entrepreneurs around the globe is still a challenge.
Practical implications
It is reality that when women would be empowered as entrepreneurs then whole society gets benefits from it, as women entrepreneurs are beneficial for not only economic development but also social development of society.
Originality/value
This study uniquely addresses the contribution of women entrepreneurs in the world economy which is still an unseen but a powerful benefactor of development.
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Nadeem Siddique, Shafiq Ur Rehman, Shakil Ahmad, Akhtar Abbas and Muhammad Ajmal Khan
This study aims to investigate the research productivity of library and information science (LIS) authors affiliated with the 22 countries of the Arab League. It also identifies…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the research productivity of library and information science (LIS) authors affiliated with the 22 countries of the Arab League. It also identifies the top countries, organizations, authors, journals, natures of collaboration, and frequently used keywords in LIS research in the Arab world.
Design/methodology/approach
Bibliometric methods were used to evaluate the research performance of the authors affiliated with library organizations in the Arab region. The Elsevier Scopus database was selected for data retrieval. A comprehensive search strategy was adopted to retrieve 863 publications contributed by LIS authors affiliated with the Arab countries. VOS viewer, Biblioshiny, BiblioAnalyitics, Microsoft Access and Microsoft Excel were used for data visualization and analysis.
Findings
This paper presents the dynamics and the state of the LIS research in the Arab region published between 1951 and 2021. The results of the study have highlighted an upward trend in the growth of the publications, especially in the past four years. The largest number of studies were published in the year 2020. The country-wise analysis ranked Kuwait and Saudi Arabia as the top LIS research producing countries with five and four researchers, respectively. The Kuwait University, the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and the Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University were the three most productive organizations. Academic libraries, social media, bibliometrics, information-seeking behavior, information literacy and knowledge management were identified as the major areas of interest for the researchers. Internet and open access were topics that had gained recent popularity, while the digital library, research data management, green librarianship, link data, cloud computing, library leadership, library automation and artificial intelligence were identified as areas requiring further attention. Furthermore, the single-author pattern was found to be the most preferred pattern.
Practical implications
The findings of this study would help prospective researchers in choosing the neglected areas of research that require further investigation. They would also help policymakers in identifying factors that need more attention and allocation of research funds.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive bibliometric study that presents a holistic picture of the LIS research in the Arab region.
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Samreen Hamid, Zahid Riaz and Syed Muhammad Waqar Azeem
This study aims to ascertain the relevance of Carroll’s four dimensions of corporate social responsibility (CSR), namely, economic, legal, ethical and discretionary in a dynamic…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to ascertain the relevance of Carroll’s four dimensions of corporate social responsibility (CSR), namely, economic, legal, ethical and discretionary in a dynamic regulatory context of a developing economy – Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
This study has operationalized these dimensions as four categories of CSR disclosure index. This disclosure index measured the relevance of CSR dimensions by examining CSR disclosure practices of Pakistan Stock Exchange-100 index firms.
Findings
The authors have found that the firms of Pakistan disclose more information pertaining to discretionary dimension of CSR than economic, legal and ethical dimensions. Interestingly, the authors have observed that after the enactment of state regulation, there is an increasing trend of the overall CSR disclosure level at a decreasing rate.
Practical implications
For policymakers, these findings imply that firms tend to perceive law as a box-ticking exercise and refrain to involve in those CSR activities that can have both strategic and societal benefits over the long run. These finding imply for business managers that if they will not undertake CSR notion seriously then the policymakers will take statutory initiatives to curtail the greenwashing effect and these initiatives can lead to higher transaction costs.
Originality/value
This study presents evidence about the relevance of Carroll’s four dimensions of CSR in a developing economy. The evidence shows that the CSR disclosure in developing economy continues to take a largely philanthropic form thereby dominating other CSR dimensions namely ethical, legal and economic. These findings also confirm that CSR practices are context-dependent and these cannot be isolated from their unique social context.
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Abba Kyari Buba, Othman Ibrahim and Hafiz Muhammad Faisal Shehzad
Greenhouse effects and the need for cost savings necessitate that an organization's information technology (IT) managers design IT equipment acquisition and service provisioning…
Abstract
Purpose
Greenhouse effects and the need for cost savings necessitate that an organization's information technology (IT) managers design IT equipment acquisition and service provisioning policies to reduce carbon footprint and cost. Analyzing the influencing factors that influence stakeholders' attitudes toward adopting green information technology (Green-IT) is an important input in designing these policies. In essence, the research aims to investigate into the relationship between these factors and how they influence policy-makers' behavior in Nigerian manufacturing industries.
Design/methodology/approach
The study develops a model based on the norm activation model (NAM) and the theory of planned behavior (TBP) to investigate the factors that influence decision-makers' intention in adopting Green-IT. A quantitative approach using a survey method is carried out to gather opinions of IT decision-makers using a random sampling technique. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique is applied to test the structural model and measurement model.
Findings
The study's findings support the use of the behavior model for Green-IT adoption. The study's finding indicates that subjective norms, perceived behavior control (PBC), manager's attitude, personal norm (PN), awareness of adverse consequences and the ascription of responsibility (AR) positively influence intention to adopt Green-IT.
Research limitations/implications
The development and validation of the model are the study's theoretical contributions. The study reviewed the existing literature on the utilization of Green-IT to better understand the intention to adopt Green-IT in Nigeria. It added to the literature by identifying factors that can influence it as well as theoretical underpinnings that can fit the intentions of decision-makers. The scientific community and the industrial companies would have the chance to investigate how this integrated behavioral intention model promotes the use of Green-IT. The research predictors explained about 70.20% of the variance in the behavioral intention to adopt Green-IT.
Practical implications
Research offers practical implications and recommendations for top management practitioners of the manufacturing industries. Business leaders can use the results of this study to develop an effective strategic IT policy for the successful adoption of Green-IT practices for enhanced productivity. The study found that decision-makers' Green-IT attitudes had a substantial impact on their behavioral intention to adopt Green-IT. The study highlighted the importance of the top management attitude toward green products to facilitate the adoption of Green-IT practices in manufacturing industries in Nigeria. Thus, the positive and significant attitude of policy-makers is a necessary tool toward the successful adoption of Green-IT. Therefore, to foster an environmentally sustainability friendly atmosphere, Nigeria's manufacturing industries shall strive to strengthen the decision-makers' attitude toward practicing Green-IT in their respective domains. The findings showed that AR, AQ, environmental concern (EC), perceived behavior and perceived behavior are critical factors to be considered in an organization.
Social implications
According to the findings, an individual's Green-IT attitude has a substantial impact on the environment as social behavior. As a result, the positive and essential attitude of the social sector is a key tool for efficient Green-IT implementation. Nigeria's social activists must try to create awareness campaigns to boost decision-makers' attitudes toward implementing Green-IT in their various regions to develop a friendlier environment. Thus, the identified factors can be of great help to the social sector in designing and implementing successful environmental-friendly policies that could support the adoption of Green-IT practices.
Originality/value
The current research look at Green-IT adoption in manufacturing industries of West African countries. The study offers practical implications and recommendations for top management practitioners of the manufacturing industries, government policy-makers and organizations to enhance the use of Green-IT for mitigating environmental degradation. Recommendations for future research are stated as concluding remarks.
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Muhammad Ashraf Fauzi, Zuria Akmal Saad, Mohd Hanafiah Ahmad, Muhammad Zorif Fauzi and Md Faizal Ahmad
This study aims to evaluate the knowledge structure of knowledge management (KM) applications within small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In pursuit of excellence, SMEs must adopt…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the knowledge structure of knowledge management (KM) applications within small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In pursuit of excellence, SMEs must adopt KM like large corporations, even with limited resources.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a bibliometric approach, this study evaluates current themes based on bibliographic coupling analysis and predicts future trends based on coword analysis. A total of 726 documents and 2,658 keywords were derived from the Web of Science database.
Findings
Findings show four clusters in bibliographic coupling and three in coword analysis. A common theme discovered converged on digital technology to ensure SMEs follow current market trends.
Research limitations/implications
Advanced application of Industry 4.0 requires digital transformation for SMEs’ pursuit of excellence. Implications include sustaining SMEs through a considerable KM system integrated with digital technology for sustainable business activities.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to provide a science mapping analysis on KM in SMEs by applying a bibliometric analysis.
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Muhammad Azeem, Sania Aziz, Jawad Shahid, Aamir Hayat, Munir Ahmed and Muhammad Imran Khan
In a modern business scenario, firms have implemented customer-centric approaches to enable customer relationship management (CRM) to trigger business excellence. Business…
Abstract
Purpose
In a modern business scenario, firms have implemented customer-centric approaches to enable customer relationship management (CRM) to trigger business excellence. Business strategies are modernizing business marketing operations that mainly focused on the retention of profitable customers. The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the impact of marketing strategies (MS), information technology support (IT-S) and knowledge sharing (KS) in the effect of CRM in the pharmaceutical sector of Punjab, Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from the field force of national and international pharmaceuticals companies (N = 263) through a convenience sampling technique. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to examine data in SmartPLS 3.2.6.
Findings
The results indicated that IT-S and KS mediate the relationship between MS and CRM. More specifically, MS positively develops CRM through IT-S and KS.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the existing literature of pharmaceuticals by disclosing the field-force (medical representatives) specific role in developing CRM performance between pharmaceuticals firms and health-care physicians that are mainly based on knowledge advancement and influence these firms to adopt customer-centric business approaches to gain a competitive advantage to drive firm profitability.
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The major purpose of this study is to investigate the role of Industry 4.0 in circular supply chain management (CSCM). The study also identifies variables that positively…
Abstract
Purpose
The major purpose of this study is to investigate the role of Industry 4.0 in circular supply chain management (CSCM). The study also identifies variables that positively influence circular performance of a supply chain and examines the relationships among them.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses a novel mixed-method exploratory methodology with sequential design. To understand the relationships among the enablers and the role of Industry 4.0 in circular performance of supply chain, a qualitative method (interpretive structural modeling) was utilized. Following the qualitative phase, a questionnaire based quantitative study was conducted and the hypothesized mediating relationships were evaluated through smart-PLS structural equation modeling tool.
Findings
The findings of interpretive structural modeling (ISM) model revealed the hierarchical relationships among the enablers of circular supply chain management based on their relative importance. The variables were clustered in three groups of driver, dependent and linkage variables. The results of the structural model indicated that Industry 4.0 play a mediating role between the driver and dependent variables that influence circular performance in a supply chain.
Practical implications
The research offers practical insights for supply chains moving in the direction of zero waste by highlighting the important variables that require actions from different stakeholders. The research also reveals the importance of integrating Industry 4.0 technologies in restorative and regenerative cycles of circular supply chain.
Originality/value
The originality of the research stems from the scarcity of research on circular supply chain management. The authors argue about the critical role that Industry 4.0 can play in achieving circularity in supply chains.
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Muhammad Zada, Jawad Khan, Imran Saeed and Shagufta Zada
This study investigates the link between servant leadership and project management effectiveness in developmental projects in non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Further, this…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the link between servant leadership and project management effectiveness in developmental projects in non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Further, this study examined the mediating role of conflict resolution and moderating role of organisational culture.
Design/methodology/approach
A three-wave survey of 288 non-governmental organisation (NGO) employees was used to evaluate the hypotheses. Hierarchical regression analysis and Hayes' PROCESS macro technique were used for data analysis.
Findings
In this study, servant leadership positively affects employee project management effectiveness in developmental projects in NGOs, and conflict resolution mediates the relationship. Furthermore, the results show that organisational culture moderates the positive relationship between servant leadership and employee project management effectiveness. Moreover, the authors investigated the hypotheses via a moderation mediation model. The strength of the mediated link between servant leadership and project management effectiveness (via conflict resolution) depends on organisational culture strength.
Practical implications
Leaders that practice servant leadership care for their employees genuinely and serve them by allowing them to make their own decisions. Every organisation may benefit from this leadership style since it encourages project effectiveness
Originality/value
New empirical data from this study suggests that servant leadership positively and substantially affects employee project management effectiveness in developmental projects in NGOs.
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In this article, we consider the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) nanofluid flow over a rotating stretchable disk through porous medium. For porous medium, Darcy’s relation is used. It…
Abstract
Purpose
In this article, we consider the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) nanofluid flow over a rotating stretchable disk through porous medium. For porous medium, Darcy’s relation is used. It also encompassed the impact of nanoparticles shape on MHD nanofluid flow and heat transfer. The effect of thermal radiation and Joule heating is also being considered.
Design/methodology/approach
Three categories of nanoparticles are taken into deliberation, i.e. copper, silver and titanium oxide. The nanofluid is made of pure water and various types of sphere- and lamina-shaped nanoparticles. By using appropriate similarity transformation, the governing partial differential equations are transformed to ordinary one. The coupled ordinary differential equations system is tackled numerically by bvp4c method.
Findings
The impact of various pertinent parameters, i.e. solid volume fraction, Hartman number, thermal radiations parameter, Reynolds number, Eckert number, porosity parameter and ratio parameter, on flow and Nusselt number with a fixed value of Prandtl number at 6.2 is discussed in details. The obtained results are presented in the concluding section. The lamina shape of nanoparticles in silver-water performed an excellent role on temperature distribution. The heat transfer rate of lamina shape in copper-water was found to be greater in the system of flow regime.
Originality/value
The authors have discussed the shape effect of nanoparticles on MHD nanofluid flow over a rotating stretchable disk through porous medium using three categories of nanoparticles, such as copper, silver and titanium oxide. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study on mass and heat transfer nanofluid flow and no such study is yet published in literature. A detailed mathematical analysis has also to be carried out to prove the regularity of model. The authors believe that the numerical results are original and have not been copied from any other sources.
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