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1 – 10 of 837Moustafa Mohamed Nazief Haggag Kotb Kholaif, Bushra Sarwar, Ming Xiao, Milos Poliak and Guido Giovando
This study aims to explore the pandemic's opportunities for enhancing the environmental practices of the food and beverages green supply chains and its effect on the supply…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the pandemic's opportunities for enhancing the environmental practices of the food and beverages green supply chains and its effect on the supply chains' viability by exploring the relationship between fear and uncertainty of COVID-19, food and beverages green supply chain management (F&B-GSCM) and supply chains’ viability based on the two dimensions (robustness and resilience) and examine the moderating effect of innovative technology adoption like big data analysis (BDA) capabilities and blockchain technologies (BCT) on this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) on a sample of 362 F&B small and medium enterprises (SMEs)’ managers in the Egyptian market for data analysis and hypothesis testing.
Findings
The empirical results show that the fear and uncertainty of the pandemic have a significant positive effect on green supply chain management (GSCM). Also, BDA moderates the relationship between fear and uncertainty of COVID-19 and GSCM. However, BCT do not moderate that relationship. Similarly, GSCM positively affects supply chain viability dimensions (robustness and resilience). In addition, F&B-GSCM significantly mediates the relationship between fear and uncertainty of COVID-19 and supply chain viability dimensions (robustness and resilience).
Practical implications
Food and beverages (F&B) managers could develop a consistent strategy for applying BCT and BDA to provide clear information and focus on their procedures to meet their stakeholders' needs during COVID-19. Governments and managers should develop a consistent strategy to apply food and beverages supply chains (F&B SCs)' green practices to achieve F&B SCs' resilience and robustness, especially during the pandemic.
Originality/value
The Egyptian F&B SCs have been linked directly with many European countries as a main source of many basic food and agriculture products, which have been affected lately by the pandemic. Based on the “social-cognitive,” “stakeholder” and “resource-based view” theories, this study sheds light on the optimistic side of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it also brings the concepts of F&B-GSCM, SC resilience, SC robustness and innovative technologies back into the light, which helps in solving F&B SC issues and helps to achieve their viability.
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In the face of crises, nonprofit organizations (NPOs) have focused on their financial viability but there are other operational aspects to consider (e.g. activity or volunteer…
Abstract
Purpose
In the face of crises, nonprofit organizations (NPOs) have focused on their financial viability but there are other operational aspects to consider (e.g. activity or volunteer involvement). This study aims to investigate whether governance changes made by NPOs in times of crisis have enhanced organizational viability in a broader sense.
Design/methodology/approach
Through community-engaged research, the link between governance changes and organizational viability is examined. This study is based on a survey of 10,926 French NPOs and the conceptual framework of societal orientation.
Findings
They show that changing governance in the midst of a crisis can protect organizational viability, if the beneficiaries and members remain the core of the strategic target and if the content of volunteering remains stable.
Research limitations/implications
This study, therefore, calls for a better study of the risks of governance changes for internal stakeholders, both at the level of scholars and within the organizations themselves. The results extend recent works on governance change and highlight the relevance of societal orientation in times of crisis.
Practical implications
This study helps to counter the criticisms regularly made about governance (particularly in France) and highlights the importance of maintaining the board of directors in NPOs. It invites NPOs to make decisions that protect their values, mission and beneficiaries at all times.
Originality/value
This study focuses on societal orientation in relation to stakeholder theory, as well as the nonfinancial aspects of viability.
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Alissa Nicole DeBruyne and Sharareh Hekmat
The purpose of this study is to determine the viability of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GR-1 (L. rhamnosus GR-1) in five yogurt samples with or without quinoa, chickpea, soybean…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to determine the viability of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GR-1 (L. rhamnosus GR-1) in five yogurt samples with or without quinoa, chickpea, soybean and rice flour over various fermentation periods and refrigerated storage durations, with a focus on exploring the potential of functional foods, which provide health benefits beyond nutritional value. Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate consumer acceptance of yogurt fortified with functional flour. Using a nine-point hedonic scale, from 1 (dislike extremely) to 9 (like extremely), participants rated appearance, flavour, texture and overall acceptability.
Design/methodology/approach
The samples were inoculated with the probiotic strain L. rhamnosus GR-1 and fermented for 0, 2, 4 and 6 h at 38°C, followed by refrigerated storage at 4°C for 1, 15 and 30 days, respectively. Microbial enumeration was performed throughout fermentation and storage to assess the viability of L. rhamnosus GR-1. A sensory evaluation involving 86 participants was conducted to assess the consumer acceptability of the yogurt samples.
Findings
Notably, L. rhamnosus GR-1 achieved viable counts of 108 colony-forming units per mL in all treatments at all fermentation time points. Over the 30-day storage period, no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in average pH values were observed among the five treatments, and within each treatment, pH levels remained stable, with an overall mean of 4.2 ± 0.64. Treatment 4, which featured rice flour fortification, received higher hedonic scores from sensory panellists in terms of appearance, flavour, texture and overall acceptability. These findings indicate that incorporating functional flours in conjunction with cow’s milk effectively promotes and preserves the viability of L. rhamnosus GR-1 in yogurt.
Originality/value
Exploring the potential of probiotic yogurt enriched with diverse functional flours to enhance nutritional content and health benefits as well as attract new consumers, this study addressed a critical gap in understanding consumer perceptions and generated insights for creating innovative and health-promoting dairy products.
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Kawther Mousa, Zhenglian Zhang and Eli Sumarliah
The scarcity of literature related to the PPP (public-private partnership) barriers in construction projects within war areas, and hence the dearth of information to deliver…
Abstract
Purpose
The scarcity of literature related to the PPP (public-private partnership) barriers in construction projects within war areas, and hence the dearth of information to deliver viable and effective strategies to those barriers, are the primary causes for the failures of PPP schemes in such areas, particularly in Palestine. Financial and non-financial investments are more problematic in war zones than non-war nations and may escalate barrier for projects' success. The investigation purposes to discover proper answers to the barriers of PPP infrastructure schemes and highlight the execution of barrier reactions.
Design/methodology/approach
Specialists were asked to deliver approaches to alleviate 21 barriers and recommend the period needed for applying them. Later, the relevance of alleviation events was examined through prioritization according to the results attained from three elements, i.e. the impact of every barrier and the strategy's viability and efficacy.
Findings
While the most unfavorable barrier was finalized to be the unfeasibility of delivering physical security, the most valid answer was associated with the lack of government cohesiveness and responsibility to perform its duties. The discovered barriers are typical within warring nations, but the paper concentrated on Palestine.
Originality/value
This study is an initial effort to examine PPP barriers in Palestinian infrastructure projects. The presented strategies can be applied as a novel set for barrier reaction improvement in occupied nations such as Palestine. Moreover, the results can develop the usage of PPP and enhance the barrier sharing in this scheme.
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Khairul Akmaliah Adham, Adlin Masood, Nur Sa'adah Muhamad and Zizah Che Senik
Uzbekistan, a former Soviet Union state whose population is 96% Muslim, is aiming to penetrate the global halal market. Since 2016, its government has been committed to…
Abstract
Purpose
Uzbekistan, a former Soviet Union state whose population is 96% Muslim, is aiming to penetrate the global halal market. Since 2016, its government has been committed to establishing a halal economy, purportedly comprising halal product exports and inbound halal tourism services. Given that a conducive halal ecosystem is a critical condition for creating and sustaining a viable halal economy, the current condition of the halal industry in the country must be diagnosed. For this purpose, we developed a diagnostic framework based on the halal principles and the Viable System Model (VSM) to identify the existing players and stakeholders in the halal industry ecosystem in Uzbekistan and their respective roles and functions, as well as the information flows amongst them.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilised the qualitative methodology with the data gathered mainly from in-depth interviews with industry experts and consumers in Uzbekistan.
Findings
The findings revealed that the country has considerable potential to develop its halal tourism market due to its beautiful landscape, rich history and cultural heritage, which is supported by a full-fledged development policy. Uzbekistan's industrial sector exhibits substantial readiness to serve the Muslim market; however, the country lacks a specific policy for the development of the halal manufacturing export industry.
Originality/value
Our findings generate emergent themes that are relevant to the operations and future viability of halal industry of a Muslim country in a transitioning economy. These emerging themes further strengthened existing conceptualisation of the Viable System Model in terms of the elements of the environment and the function of policymaking in contributing toward a system's viability. Implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are also provided.
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Amin Reihani, Fatemeh Shaki and Ala Azari
Acrylamide (AA) is predominantly used as a synthetic substance within various industries. However, AA is also recognized as a carcinogen. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are…
Abstract
Purpose
Acrylamide (AA) is predominantly used as a synthetic substance within various industries. However, AA is also recognized as a carcinogen. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are becoming increasingly attractive as medical agents. However, to the knowledge, the effects of ZnO-NPs on preventing cytotoxicity with AA have not been reported. Therefore, this study aims to determine the protective effects of ZnO-NPs against the cytotoxicity caused by AA.
Design/methodology/approach
MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, carbonyl protein, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were measured and analyzed statistically.
Findings
The findings observed that the presence of 200 µM AA led to a substantial reduction in cell viability (p < 0.001). However, ZnO-NPs restored cell viability at 50 and 100 µM concentrations (p = 0.0121 and p = 0.0011, respectively). The levels of ROS were significantly reduced (p = 0.001 and p = < 0.001) to 518 ± 47.57 and 364 ± 47.79, respectively, compared to the AA group. The levels of GSH were significantly increased (p = 0.004 and p = 0.002) to 16.9 ± 1.3 and 17.6 ± 0.5, respectively, compared to the AA group. The levels of MDA were significantly decreased (p = 0.005, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001) when compared to the AA group, as were the levels of carbonyl protein (p = 0.009 and p < 0.002) in comparison to the AA group.
Originality/value
In summary, the outcomes of this research indicate that ZnO-NPs played a role in inhibiting AA-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity.
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In response to the prevalent emphasis on short-term leadership, this article introduces a leadership framework that emphasizes four essential principles. These principles are…
Abstract
Purpose
In response to the prevalent emphasis on short-term leadership, this article introduces a leadership framework that emphasizes four essential principles. These principles are aimed at promoting long-term effectiveness and sustainability in organizations centered on responsible leadership. These principles include developing long-term orientation, embracing organizational diversity, demonstrating emotional intelligence, and prioritizing ethical decision-making. These responsible leadership principles play a critical role in fostering long-term organizational success.
Design/methodology/approach
This article presents a conceptual framework that organizes and structures the key concepts, ideas, and theories regarding organizational effectiveness and long term viability.
Findings
For a responsible leader to establish a lasting social legacy and foster sustainable development, it is crucial for them to cultivate a robust and viable corporate culture, built around these four leadership principles. These principles bear witness to the fact that true evidence of sustainable leadership achievement emerges only after the leader's departure. Responsible leaders, through their track record, leave behind a social legacy by nurturing long-term organizational viability. To ensure a positive and enduring legacy beyond their leadership tenure, leaders can adopt these five principles that provide a foundation for the organization to thrive well into the future.
Originality/value
In the modern context, many leaders hesitate to make tough decisions due to the prevailing focus on immediate results. Followers, stakeholders, and investors prioritize quick responses, often at the expense of long-term considerations. However, by prioritizing the implementation of these four principles, leaders can overcome the allure of immediate gratification and instead, shift their focus toward long-term success measured in years, not just months. In leadership, the legacy left behind holds greater significance than we often realize, and recognizing this importance is crucial for the future prosperity of our organizations.
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Mushtaq Ahmad Shah, Sanjeev Kumar, Mohd Asif Shah and Adil Rasool
The sustainable development goal (SDG 17) is to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development. Partnership is a key…
Abstract
Purpose
The sustainable development goal (SDG 17) is to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development. Partnership is a key strategy for acquiring skills, information and private finance for developing critical infrastructure projects. Existing studies have mostly concentrated on identifying critical success factors (CSFs) for successfully delivering public–private partnerships (PPPs) projects, but the interrelationships among CSFs expected from stakeholders have garnered less attention. The purpose of this study is to examine the interconnections among CSFs of PPP projects while keeping the public in mind, as well as the influencing routes that contribute to success in the PPP implementation process.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a mixed-method approach that involves both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. The data for the study were collected through a well-structured questionnaire from the respondents who are directly or indirectly associated with the PPP project implementation process. The CSF’s framework was built using a literature study and expert interviews; nine hypotheses were developed and evaluated using structural equation modelling. Random and purposive sampling techniques were used for the respondents who were directly or indirectly associated with the PPP project implementation process.
Findings
The findings of this study reveal that the relationship between public and private partners is more adherent than collaborative, with unequal responsibilities, powers and resources distributed among the parties involved. The relevance of state rules, the PPP directive and policies in PPP implementation is supported by the positive connection between favourable environments (Fav_Env) and government attributes (Gov_Atr; the path coefficient is 0.405). Moreover, government attributes have a favourable influence on private company attributes (Pvt_Atr; the path coefficient is 0.198), showing that the state plays a substantial role in the private sector’s decision-making process in PPP. The long-term sustainability and success of a PPP project are dependent on the established interrelationships between CSFs.
Practical implications
The established interrelationships between CSFs will contribute to the long-term viability and success of a PPP project. Since PPP is still in its infancy in India, the study of CSFs in PPPs and their interrelationships will help policymakers and other stakeholders better understand the major individual factors impacting the success or failure of PPP initiatives.
Originality/value
Because PPP is still in its infancy in India, the study of CSFs in PPPs and their interrelationships will help policymakers and other stakeholders to better understand the major individual factors impacting the success or failure of PPP initiatives. A key implication of the study borders on providing a better understanding of the relationships between CSFs and public engagement. This is also critical for the long-term viability of PPPs and the enhancement of public service quality.
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Paulo Henrique Bertucci Ramos and Marcelo Caldeira Pedroso
This study aims to propose and assess a model with the main elements influencing Brazilian agtech scalability with the aim of supporting the scalability process of startups that…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to propose and assess a model with the main elements influencing Brazilian agtech scalability with the aim of supporting the scalability process of startups that find themselves in the stage of initial conception of the business model.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was conducted using the design science research (DSR) method. The data for assessing the proposed model were collected through in-depth interviews. The answers were analyzed quantitatively, using descending hierarchical classification (DHC), correspondence factor analysis (CFA), and level of agreement; and qualitatively, using content analysis.
Findings
Considering the Brazilian context, the objective, environmental, structural, and evaluative dimensions presented positive characteristics for the main criteria analyzed (operational viability, generality, clarity, adaptation to the reality studied, completeness, consistency, comprehensibility, and structural simplicity). Specific improvements were proposed in all the criteria analyzed.
Originality/value
The artifact can be considered a strategic guide for agtechs that have yet to overcome the barrier of initial conception of the business model. The model enables the identification of the main problems that agtechs can encounter in their life cycle, as well as seeking solutions in advance.
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Optimal application and commitment toward financial management practices enhance organization performance. This study aims to assess the influence of financial management…
Abstract
Purpose
Optimal application and commitment toward financial management practices enhance organization performance. This study aims to assess the influence of financial management practices on organizational performance of small- and medium-scale enterprises.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 45 small-sized and 72 medium-sized firms. Data supported the hypothesized relationships. Construct reliability and validity were established through confirmatory factor analysis. The conceptual model and hypotheses were evaluated by using structural equation modeling.
Findings
The results indicate that working capital significantly influenced organizational performance. Capital budget management significantly influenced organizational performance. A non-significant influence of asset management on organizational performance was observed.
Research limitations/implications
The generalizability of the findings will be constrained due to the research’s SMEs focus and cross-sectional data.
Practical implications
The study’s findings will serve as valuable pointers for stakeholders and decision-makers of SMEs in the development of well-articulated and proactive financial management systems to ensure competitiveness, sustainability, viability and financial competences.
Originality/value
The study adds to the corpus of literature by evidencing empirically that financial management practices significantly influenced SMEs’ performance.
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