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1 – 10 of 959George Okello Candiya Bongomin, Elie Chrysostome, Jean-Marie Nkongolo-Bakenda and Pierre Yourougou
The main purpose of this paper is to establish the mediating effect of credit counselling in the relationship between access to microcredit and survival of micro small and…
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this paper is to establish the mediating effect of credit counselling in the relationship between access to microcredit and survival of micro small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa post COVID-19 pandemic with data collected from rural Uganda.
Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modelling (SEM) through SmartPLS 4.0 was used to generate the standardized parameters to test whether credit counselling mediates the relationship between access to microcredit and survival of MSMEs in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa post COVID-19 pandemic with data collected from rural Uganda.
Findings
The SEM bootstrap results revealed that credit counselling enhances access to microcredit by 27% to promote survival of MSMEs in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa post COVID-19 pandemic with data collected from rural Uganda.
Research limitations
The current study focused only on women MSMEs. Future studies may possibly collect data from all the MSMEs to draw better generalization of the findings within the sector.
Practical implications
The findings can help public finance policy to ensure provision of credit counselling to microentrepreneurs who borrow from different financial institutions to reduce the problem of loan defaults and delinquency rampant in lending. This could be done through conducting routine business education and counselling sessions for microentrepreneurs who often need credit to grow their businesses.
Originality/value
This study is amongst the first few studies to establish the mediating effect of credit counselling in the relationship between access to microcredit and survival of MSMEs in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic with data collected from rural Uganda. There is a dearth in literature and theory on the rehabilitative and preventive role of credit counselling in reducing repayment defaults amongst borrowers within the credit market to spur survival of MSMEs seen as the main enabler of economic growth, especially in developing countries. In fact, credit counselling acts as a safety net by substituting financial literacy and education to solve the rampant problem of overindebtedness amongst borrowers who are debt illiterate within the credit market.
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Jerko Ledic Neto, Dalton Francisco Andrade, Hai-Yan Helen Lu, Anna Cecilia Mendonca Amaral Petrassi and Antonio Renato Pereira Moro
This study aimed to develop a psychometrically reliable job satisfaction (JS) measure for university employees, guiding administrative decisions and monitoring satisfaction over…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to develop a psychometrically reliable job satisfaction (JS) measure for university employees, guiding administrative decisions and monitoring satisfaction over time in public universities.
Design/methodology/approach
A JS survey developed by a Brazilian federal university’s sustainability committee containing 58 items across physical, cognitive and organizational domains was longitudinally tested with 1,214 responses collected. The data were analyzed using Item Response Theory (IRT) analysis, employing the Graded Response Model, with tools such as frequency analysis, item characteristic curve, and full-information factor analysis in RStudio. The scale’s criterion validity was also established via expert qualitative interpretation.
Findings
The instrument’s internal consistency was confirmed as the results demonstrated its high reliability with a marginal reliability coefficient of 0.95. Significant findings revealed that recognition and supervisor relationships were key discriminators of JS and that workers began to perceive satisfaction when basic environmental conditions were met.
Research limitations/implications
It is important to mention that the application of this scale is specifically limited to higher education institutions and may not be directly applicable to other educational settings or industry sectors without modifications.
Originality/value
Although numerous measures and scales have been developed to assess JS, one elaborated by using IRT in a public university environment was lacking. Due to shifting dynamics in the workplace, traditional measurement of JS has proven inadequate, necessitating a more precise, accessible and updated tool. The developed scale allows precisely targeted interventions to improve JS and can be reapplied to evaluate their effectiveness. This research thus contributes a valuable tool for academic organizational psychology, enhancing the understanding of the measurement of JS.
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To investigate the potential of raising the retirement age and reforming pension insurance in mitigating intra- and inter-generational income inequality, thereby offering…
Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the potential of raising the retirement age and reforming pension insurance in mitigating intra- and inter-generational income inequality, thereby offering empirical support for governmental policy formulation.
Design/methodology/approach
A dynamic general equilibrium model with intertemporal iteration is developed to comprehensively assess the impact of policies raising the retirement age on income inequality, taking into account delayed retirement, survival probability, and pension insurance. The theoretical hypotheses are validated through simulation using MATLAB.
Findings
Through theoretical analysis, it is determined that, given certain assumptions are satisfied, raising the retirement age can effectively mitigate intra-generational income inequality, inter-generational income inequality under both the pay-as-you-go and fund accumulation systems. Simulation results indicate that, under current parameter settings, raising the retirement age can reduce the Gini coefficient. Furthermore, this study reveals that regardless of the pay-as-you-go or fund accumulation system, pension insurance serves as a mechanism for income redistribution and alleviating income inequality.
Originality/value
It offers a theoretical foundation for the government's policy on delayed retirement and endowment insurance.
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Luzuko Tekeni and Reinhardt A. Botha
As home users are increasingly responsible for securing their computing devices and home networks, there is a growing need to develop interventions to assist them in protecting…
Abstract
Purpose
As home users are increasingly responsible for securing their computing devices and home networks, there is a growing need to develop interventions to assist them in protecting their home networking devices, which are vulnerable to attack. To this end, this paper aims to examine the motivating factors that drive South African fibre users to protect their home networking devices.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the protection motivation theory as the primary framework, a measurement instrument comprising 53 questionnaire items was developed to measure 13 constructs. The study collected empirical data from a sample of 392 South African home fibre users and evaluated the research model using structural equation modelling.
Findings
The evaluation showed a good fit, with 12 out of 15 predicted hypotheses being accepted for the final research model, contributing to the understanding of the factors that motivate home users to protect their home networking devices.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to model the factors that drive South African home fibre users to protect their home networking devices. Knowing these factors could help home internet service providers and security software vendors of home products to develop security interventions that could assist home fibre users to secure their home networking devices.
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Yongsheng Zhao, Jiaqing Luo, Ying Li, Caixia Zhang and Honglie Ma
The combination of improved PSO (IPSO) algorithm and artificial neural network (ANN) model for intelligent monitoring of the bearing performance of the hydrostatic turntable.
Abstract
Purpose
The combination of improved PSO (IPSO) algorithm and artificial neural network (ANN) model for intelligent monitoring of the bearing performance of the hydrostatic turntable.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper proposes an artificial neural network model based on IPSO algorithm for intelligent monitoring of hydrostatic turntables.
Findings
The theoretical model proposed in this paper improves the accuracy of the working performance of the static pressure turntable and provides a new direction for intelligent monitoring of the static pressure turntable. Therefore, the theoretical research in this paper is novel.
Originality/value
Theoretical novelties: an ANN model based on the IPSO algorithm is designed to monitor the load-bearing performance of a static pressure turntable intelligently; this study show that the convergence accuracy and convergence speed of the IPSO-NN model have been improved by 52.55% and 10%, respectively, compared to traditional training models; and the proposed model could be used to solve the multidimensional nonlinear problem in the intelligent monitoring of hydrostatic turntables.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-03-2024-0081/
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In recent decades, interest in digital transformation (DX) within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has significantly increased. Despite the existence…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent decades, interest in digital transformation (DX) within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has significantly increased. Despite the existence of several literature reviews on DX research, there remains a notable lack of systematic quantitative and visual investigations into the structure and evolution of this field. This study aims to address this gap by uncovering the current state, key topics, keywords, and emerging areas in DX research specific to the AEC sector.
Design/methodology/approach
Employing a holistic review approach, this study undertook a thorough and systematic analysis of the literature concerning DX in the AEC industry. Utilizing a bibliometric analysis, 3,656 papers were retrieved from the Web of Science spanning the years 1990–2023. A scientometric analysis was then applied to these publications to discern patterns in publication years, geographical distribution, journals, authors, citations, and keywords.
Findings
The findings identify China, the USA, and England as the leading contributors in the field of DX in AEC sector. Prominent keywords include “building information modeling”, “design”, “system”, “framework”, “adoption”, “model”, “safety”, “internet of things”, and “innovation”. Emerging areas of interest are “deep learning”, “embodied energy”, and “machine learning”. A cluster analysis of keywords reveals key research themes such as “deep learning”, “smart buildings”, “virtual reality”, “augmented reality”, “smart contracts”, “sustainable development”, “building information modeling”, “big data”, and “3D printing”.
Originality/value
This study is among the earliest to provide a comprehensive scientometric mapping of the DX field. The findings presented here have significant implications for both industry practitioners and the scientific community, offering a thorough overview of the current state, prominent keywords, topics, and emerging areas within DX in the AEC industry. Additionally, this research serves as an invaluable reference and guideline for scholars interested in this subject.
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Mark Pim-Wusu, Clinton Aigbavboa, Timothy Adu Gyamfi and Wellington Didibhuku Thwala
Adaptability and integration (ADI) are the core ingredients for environmentally sustainable construction (ESC), which preserves the ecology from unsupported human activities…
Abstract
Purpose
Adaptability and integration (ADI) are the core ingredients for environmentally sustainable construction (ESC), which preserves the ecology from unsupported human activities. However, the approach is lagging in developing countries, which has led to studying the influence of ADI on the adaptive capacity of small- and medium-scale construction organisations.
Design/methodology/approach
The research employed a quantitative methodology, collecting 400 responses as a sample size. A construct of 14 influential factors concerning ADI within the Ghanaian small and medium-scale construction industry was developed. The data obtained from participants underwent analysis using SPSS version 26. The validity of the study’s findings was assessed by applying structural equation modelling (SEM) within the AMOS software.
Findings
It was evident that innovation advancement and ongoing training and evaluations significantly influence ADI for adaptive capacity. Moreover, the system internally and vulnerability (SIV) and perceived need for implementation (PNI) sub-scales were the main latent components for best construction practices.
Practical implications
Ghana’s small- and medium-scale construction organisations have yet to fully recognise the importance of ADI in enhancing adaptive capacity for the best ESC. However, the results indicated that ADI constructs will significantly influence implementation outcomes to ensure ESC.
Originality/value
The originality of this research also resides in identifying how ADI affect small- and medium-scale construction organisation’s ability to ensure ecologically sustainable building practices.
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Rajesh Kumar Dubey, Rajan Sharma, Manisha Bhandari, Bhupinder Jhans, Jeevanjot Singh and Hanuman Bobade
This study aims to investigate the use of rose petals rich in bioactive components possessing several health benefits in the form of pigmented sweetened rose petals crush (P SRP…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the use of rose petals rich in bioactive components possessing several health benefits in the form of pigmented sweetened rose petals crush (P SRP C) at varying levels in the formulation of cookies to develop consumerfavored natural flavored food products.
Design/methodology/approach
PSRPC was used as functional ingredient in millet cookies at varying levels of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. Developed cookies were evaluated for physical parameters, bioactive components along with their associated antioxidant activity, texture (hardness, fracturability), surface morphology and molecular interactions. Most acceptable cookies were selected on the basis of sensory evaluation.
Findings
Cookies formulated from millet flour were significantly different from wheat flour cookies. Furthermore, the incorporation of PSRPC in millet cookies increased the total phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. Texture analysis results showed that cookies with higher level of PSRPC had lower hardness and fracturability. PSRPC-incorporated cookies were darker and redder due to the pigments found in rose. Surface morphology and functional groups were altered on addition of PSRPC. Cookies incorporated with 10% PSRPC were highly acceptable on the basis of sensory score.
Originality/value
The current study developed newer conditions for development of cookies from PSRPC. Results foresee the potential of PSRPC as a functional ingredient in value-added food products having health benefits.
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Mornay Roberts-Lombard, Charles Makanyeza, Olumide Jaiyeoba and Tendai Douglas Svotwa
This study uses relationship marketing theory to explore affective and calculative commitment as mediators in the delight–loyalty link. Furthermore, it investigates the role of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study uses relationship marketing theory to explore affective and calculative commitment as mediators in the delight–loyalty link. Furthermore, it investigates the role of perceived employee service delivery skills, perceived value and trust in the relationships between delight, affective commitment, calculative commitment and loyalty.
Design/methodology/approach
A descriptive research approach was applied, and the data were collected from 332 retail banking customers in an emergent market who are overall satisfied with their bank. A self-administered questionnaire collected data from 332 respondents who adhered to the stipulated requirements to participate in the study. These respondents were selected through purposive and convenience sampling. The constructs’ interrelationships were analysed via structural equation modelling. The measurement and structural models were also assessed.
Findings
Affective and calculative commitment and delight impact loyalty. Both affective commitment and calculative commitment were found to mediate the relationship between delight and customer loyalty.
Research limitations/implications
The study enhances an understanding of the role of affective and calculative commitment in strengthening the delight–loyalty link from a relationship marketing theory perspective.
Practical implications
The study provides guidance to the retail banking industry in emerging markets on the importance of affective and calculative commitment in strengthening the delight–loyalty link. It further informs retail banks of the need to provide banking customers with products and service value that exceed their expectations to strengthen their future commitment and loyalty to their bank.
Originality/value
Guided by relationship marketing theory, the role of affective and calculative commitment in mediating the delight–loyalty link in an emerging market context is uncovered.
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Fahim Uz Zaman and Md Sajjad Hosain
The aim of this empirical study is to identify the relationship between student accommodation characteristics (SACs) and academic performance (AP). SACs, considered as the single…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this empirical study is to identify the relationship between student accommodation characteristics (SACs) and academic performance (AP). SACs, considered as the single independent variable, were divided into three further constructs: perceived location advantage (PLA), perceived facilities (PFs) and perceived safety and security (PSS). This study also intends to uncover the mediating role of perceived overall satisfaction (POS) over the direct relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a cross-sectional quantitative survey methodology to investigate the hypothesized relationships based on 384 sample responses (n) selected using purposive sampling techniques from six Scottish universities. The study used IBM SPSS version 29 and partial least squares-structural equation modeling version 4 for descriptive statistics and for testing the hypotheses, respectively.
Findings
Based on survey responses and the application of proper statistical measures, this study found that all three independent constructs (PLA, PFs and PSS) have a significant positive association with the dependent variable, AP. The mediator (POS) was also found to be positively correlated with AP. Furthermore, this study identified that POS can partially mediate all three direct relationships.
Originality/value
By extending and validating current theories such as satisfaction frameworks, student engagement models and servicescape psychology, this study can significantly advance the current state of the literature. It highlights how crucial holistic satisfaction can mediate the association between academic achievement and the features of student housing. The results provide theoretical justification for incorporating accommodations into planning and policy for education. Additionally, by emphasizing on the crucial elements that enhance students’ well-being and academic achievement, such as location, safety, aesthetics and extensive support services, the study offers significant management insights.
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