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Article
Publication date: 16 September 2013

Yahya Al-Ansari, Simon Pervan and Jun Xu

The study aims to explore the innovative characteristics of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the link between their innovation and business performance in the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to explore the innovative characteristics of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the link between their innovation and business performance in the emerging Dubai market in the United Arab Emirates.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from 200 SMEs, the study utilizes a structured survey that was developed from a methodical literature review. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to evaluate the findings.

Findings

The findings described the innovative characteristics of SMEs and suggested that there is a significant positive link between innovation and business performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study offers SMEs with innovative behaviors a better perspective of their business and market environments. However, the study is limited to SMEs operating in the Dubai marketplace. Future research could also look at other markets and use qualitative research methods.

Originality/value

The study provides important insights that could guide SMEs in their understanding of innovation and its benefit in emerging markets. The findings reinforce the growing empirical evidence of the positive impact of innovation on business performance. The findings also challenge the assumption that innovation drains resources in emerging markets.

Details

Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues, vol. 6 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-7983

Keywords

Executive summary
Publication date: 1 March 2019

WEST AFRICA: Jihadist survival dents French narrative

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES242253

ISSN: 2633-304X

Keywords

Geographic
Topical
Article
Publication date: 15 August 2016

Mohamed Fairooz Abdul Khir

This study aims to examine the scholars’ views on the legality of bilateral rebate in Islamic financial transactions. It also aims to evaluate the contemporary application of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the scholars’ views on the legality of bilateral rebate in Islamic financial transactions. It also aims to evaluate the contemporary application of bilateral rebate in Islamic banking operation as an alternative to the conventional mechanism in handling the events of early settlement of debt, early termination of debt facility and early withdrawal of term deposit.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used deductive and inductive methods to analyze the juristic literature of all the major schools of law on the legality of both bilateral and unilateral rebate in a financial transaction.

Findings

The study found bilateral rebate (ibra’ mutabadal), instead of unilateral rebate, to be the best and fairest Islamic mechanism to overcome injustice in several events that may impact the bank’s liquidity such as that of early settlement of debt facility and early withdrawal of term deposit in the sense that the interest (maslahah) of both transacting parties is equally secured.

Research limitations/implications

This study has its limitation, as it only covers the applicability of bilateral rebate in Islamic banking operation. It does not include the applicability of bilateral rebate in other segments of Islamic finance such as Islamic capital markets and Islamic insurance (Takaful business).

Practical implications

This paper has practical implication for Islamic banking industry particularly with regard to its liquidity management in the event of early settlement of a debt facility, early termination of an Islamic facility and early withdrawal of Islamic term deposit. It may also assume policy implication in the event that the regulator adopts the legality of bilateral rebate in its Islamic banking policy and guidelines.

Originality/value

This paper offers an Islamic alternative to the conventional mechanism in handling the event of early settlement of a debt facility, early termination of an Islamic facility and early withdrawal of Islamic term deposit. Under conventional banking, there are certain fees and charges imposed on customers in the above events like early settlement charge and early withdrawal charge. Unlike its conventional counterpart, Islamic banks cannot opt for the conventional method that seems unjust to the customers as the charge is imposed without Sharīʿah basis. In this case, bilateral rebate serves as a fair mechanism to manage the bank’s liquidity in the aforementioned events.

Details

International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8394

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 July 2020

Zaimy Johana Johan, Mohd Zainee Hussain, Rohani Mohd and Badrul Hisham Kamaruddin

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, religiosity, knowledge and Shariah-compliance with…

1547

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, religiosity, knowledge and Shariah-compliance with intention to hold Shariah-compliant credit card (SCCC) amongst Muslims and non-Muslims.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers used survey questionnaire to collect data and applied a purposive sampling method, then analyzing the data using descriptive statistics and also multi-group analysis of SmartPLS.

Findings

For Muslims, attitude, subjective norm, Shariah-compliance, knowledge and religiosity are positively significant. While for non-Muslims, only attitude and subjective norm are positively significant to intention to hold SCCCs.

Research limitations/implications

The behavioural study only focusses on intention to hold Islamic credit cards, which is constraining the extended model of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) without the actual performance of the behaviour, which is holding SCCCs. Secondly, the research caters for a single method, namely, quantitative without including the qualitative method to better understand and explore other factors affecting consumers’ behavioural intention. The qualitative part can be carried out by conducting interviews with practitioners, regulators and customers. Thirdly, the cultural dimensions are not combined as parts of TPBs’ antecedents for extended model that could be affecting intention, as Malaysia has diverse ethnic groups with different religious background.

Practical implications

In terms of managerial implications, the findings will further assist financial service providers to develop more effective marketing strategies for Islamic financial products not just to cater for the Muslims but also the non-Muslims, who are increasingly attracted to Islamic banking. As many Muslims are still holding conventional credit cards, it is timely for the Islamic financial institutions to attract them with the SCCCs.

Social implications

Financial marketers are expected to be qualified and well-versed on the different Islamic product structures and also the conventional products. By having such enables them to enlighten and create awareness amongst the targeted consumers in seeking Shariah-compliant financial-related products.

Originality/value

The research will contribute to new theoretical knowledge of an extended behavioural model in relation to customers’ perception towards SCCCs’ acceptance.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 12 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 August 2016

Abdul Ghafar Ismail, Nik Abdul Rahim Nik Abdul Ghani and Mat Nor Mat Zain

This paper aims to make an attempt to analyze the adoption of wakalah in the tawarruq deposit that may trigger new issue.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to make an attempt to analyze the adoption of wakalah in the tawarruq deposit that may trigger new issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a review on the underlying contracts for deposit-taking activities.

Findings

There are two mains findings from this paper – first, the current deposit taking activities are characterized by principal guaranteed, it deems contrary to the nature of mudarabah. Second, we suggest the presence of wakalah in tawarruq term deposits and we argue that the application of the concept of bay al-wakillinafsihi would not affect the validity of wakalah.

Originality/value

This paper is considered to have its own originality in the sense that the introduction of tawarruq-based deposit product by Islamic banks could be the best alternative to the current deposit products.

Details

International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8394

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 11 June 2019

Mohamed Othman Elkhosht

The purpose of this paper is to draw a map of the general features of epistemological and critical concerns in contemporary Islamic philosophy. This study will not be confined to…

6308

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw a map of the general features of epistemological and critical concerns in contemporary Islamic philosophy. This study will not be confined to the domain of academic philosophy or to those who are professionals in the field of philosophy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopted the critical rational approach in dealing with contemporary Islamic philosophy in the Arab world. The scope will include scholars from different fields of epistemology who tried to present a “vision” of the attitude that should be adopted in facing the challenges of the age and the problems of the nation on the epistemological level or the political, economic and social levels.

Findings

There is a need for a philosophy of action and progress rather than a philosophy that is based on abstract ideas and theories and of words/rhetoric. The ethics required to accomplish this ought to identify the attributes of the citizen who can reach self-actualization through legitimate means based on a progress agenda with theoretical and philosophical foundations.

Research limitations/implications

Because a critical rational approach can be dealt with from different perspectives, this paper will adopt the classification of the principal intellectual trends: the reformist, secular and liberal.

Practical implications

This paper covers a long time span to determine whether the philosophical projects have been effective.

Originality/value

This paper, which criticizes the philosophic projects that are theoretically unsound and that do not address real social problems (like poverty), argues the need for a philosophy of progress and action. This will lead to devising an agenda that addresses the challenges the society is facing and to finding alternative and creative solutions resulting in development.

Details

Journal of Humanities and Applied Social Sciences, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2632-279X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 August 2014

Farhana Mohamad Suhaimi, Asmak Ab Rahman and Sabitha Marican

This study aimed to analyse the role of the Waqf Fund Scheme, by taking Penang (or Pulau Pinang) as one of the states in Malaysia as a sample of the study. Waqf Fund Scheme was…

4353

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to analyse the role of the Waqf Fund Scheme, by taking Penang (or Pulau Pinang) as one of the states in Malaysia as a sample of the study. Waqf Fund Scheme was established by the Islamic Religious Council of Penang, Majlis Agama Islam Negeri Pulau Pinang (MAINPP), in an effort to develop the economy of the Muslim community in the state.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analysed the contribution that this endowment fund makes towards a comprehensive scheme of economic development, namely, in terms of the economic, spiritual and social welfare of the Muslim community in Penang. The primary source of data was obtained through interviews conducted by the researcher with the Manager of the Waqf Fund Scheme, the Head of Administration and Finance Section and the Account Executive of MAINPP. The researcher also interviewed respondents from four institutions that were beneficiaries of the Waqf Fund Scheme.

Findings

The findings of this research show that the endowment fund scheme plays an important role in the economic development of the Muslim community in Penang. The Waqf Fund Scheme contributes by way of providing a financing facility towards the acquisition of waqf assets or through cash support channelled to associations or committees of a masjid.

Research limitations/implications

This study only focuses on Waqf Fund Scheme which was established by MAINPP.

Practical implications

This study is expected to contribute to the improvement of the Waqf Fund Scheme management.

Originality/value

The paper is the first attempt to address the Waqf Fund Scheme contributions by MAINPP, particularly in Penang.

Details

Humanomics, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0828-8666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 February 2018

Imtiaz Mohammad Sifat and Azhar Mohamad

The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical, historical, and legal account and analysis of how money, an inexorable lubricant of all economies, evolved from metallic…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical, historical, and legal account and analysis of how money, an inexorable lubricant of all economies, evolved from metallic origins to acceptance in paper form in Muslim traditions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper underlines flaws, points of objections, corollaries and counter-points, and it ends with a thematic discussion on the way forward for Muslim nations with respect to various political and regulatory implications for implementations of potential paper money alternatives

Findings

After undergoing experimentation and customary use of various objects as money (such as sea shells, gold, silver, stones, tobacco, etc.), the world has finally settled down by embracing paper money as an official medium of exchange.

Originality/value

Paper money also endured many financial crises and initial oppositions to its premise. From an Islamic standpoint, paper money poses certain flaws and limitations that can make it unacceptable from legal perspectives.

Details

International Journal of Ethics and Systems, vol. 34 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0828-8666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 May 2021

Peipei Wang, Peter Fenn, Kun Wang and Yunhan Huang

The purpose of this research is to advise on UK construction delay strategies. Critical delay factors were identified and their interrelationships were explored; in addition, a…

521

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to advise on UK construction delay strategies. Critical delay factors were identified and their interrelationships were explored; in addition, a predictive model was established upon the factors and interrelationships to calculate delay potentials.

Design/methodology/approach

The critical causes were identified by a literature review, verified by an open-ended questionnaire survey and then analysed with 299 samples returned from structured questionnaire surveys. The model consisted of factors screened out by Pearson product–moment correlational coefficient, constructed by a logical reasoning process and then quantified by conducting Bayesian belief networks parameter learning.

Findings

The technical aspect of construction project management was less critical while the managerial aspect became more emphasised. Project factors and client factors present relatively weak impact on construction delay, while contractor factors, contractual arrangement factors and distinctively interaction factors present relatively strong impact.

Research limitations/implications

This research does not differentiate delay types, such as excusable vs non-excusable ones and compensable vs non-compensable ones. The model nodes have been tested to be critical to construction delay, but the model structure is mostly based on previous literature and logical deduction. Further research could be done to accommodate delay types and test the relationships.

Originality/value

This research updates critical delay factor list for the UK construction projects, suggesting general rules for resource allocation concerning delay avoidance. Besides, this research establishes a predictive model, assisting delay avoidance strategies on a case-by-case basis.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 29 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 September 2019

Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman and Sherouk Mohamed Abdelrahim

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of Value Management towards achieving sustainability through reducing the construction waste during the design process.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of Value Management towards achieving sustainability through reducing the construction waste during the design process.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the abovementioned aim, a research methodology consisting literature review and survey questionnaire is designed to achieve the following objectives: first, building a comprehensive understanding of the research topic through reviewing literature related to the nature of the construction industry, waste in construction, sustainability, the design phase and Value Management; second, presenting and analysing two case studies to validate the role of Value Management towards reducing waste in construction projects; third, conducting a survey questionnaire with a representative sample of architectural design firms (ADFs) in Egypt to evaluate their perception and application of Value Management towards reducing the construction waste during the design phase; and finally, proposing a business improvement framework to facilitate the integration of Value Management into the design phase as an approach for reducing construction waste.

Findings

The construction waste has a negative impact on achieving sustainability objectives. The design process plays a major role in generating waste throughout the project life cycle. This is a result of improper decisions taken during the design phase. Egypt as a developing country does not have the required technical or financial resources to deal with the huge amount of waste generated during the construction process. The Egyptian Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 focussed on eradicating the waste from its source (i.e. design phase). Integrating Value Management into the design phase will help developing creative ideas and better decisions, which will enable achieving sustainability objectives and reducing construction waste.

Originality/value

The Egyptian Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 has discussed the importance of dealing with the wastes from the source. Although the construction waste is a dangerous type of waste, most research studies have not focussed on the design process as a source for the construction waste. In this research, the design phase was discussed as an important element in reducing the construction waste by using Value Management approach.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

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