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1 – 7 of 7Yasmin Anwar Abdou, Noha El-Bassiouny and Florian Becker-Ritterspach
This research aims to provide an empirical assessment of consumer sentiment towards corporate sustainability practices in the context of developing countries, specifically Egypt.
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to provide an empirical assessment of consumer sentiment towards corporate sustainability practices in the context of developing countries, specifically Egypt.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was deployed to measure the importance of corporate sustainability activities to consumers.
Findings
The results demonstrate that consumers are concerned with all the measured dimensions of corporate sustainability practices, yet some of the dimensions are more critical to them than others.
Originality/value
By providing an overview of how consumers' purchase behavior is affected by corporate sustainability practices, this research contributes to knowledge on understanding more about sustainable consumer behavior in developing countries, which is scarce. Moreover, this research goes further by segmenting sustainable consumers into groups based on their sustainability concerns.
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Yasmin Abdou, Mariam Ferwiz, Carol Osama and Mohamed Aljifri
To write this case, several research methods were used. Most importantly, field interviews were conducted with employees at Banati foundation. The interviews were held with three…
Abstract
Research methodology
To write this case, several research methods were used. Most importantly, field interviews were conducted with employees at Banati foundation. The interviews were held with three different employees at different points in time, including the marketing manager, the executive manager and the head teacher working with the girls at the foundation. These interviews helped provide details regarding the foundation’s culture which is hard to get from secondary sources. In addition to this, one of the researchers was a volunteer at the foundation for 6 months before starting this research and so had strong background knowledge on the workings of the entity. Finally, secondary sources were used to provide accurate historical information and numerical statistics. These sources included the foundation’s website and annual reports as well as newspaper interviews with the Banati’s Chairperson.
Case overview/synopsis
This case poses the marketing dilemma faced by Banati Foundation, a non-profit organization (NPO) based in Egypt. Banati has offered child protection services to girls at risk since its establishment in 2009. In particular, the case focuses on the foundation’s strategy and operations in 2020. Since its inception, the foundation has been led by the main founder, Dr Hanna Abulghar. Under her leadership, the foundation flourished and won several international awards. The foundation became a home, a school and a support system to the girls who were once homeless. Yet even though Banati succeeded in improving the lives of many girls at risk, the foundation still sought ways to sustain its funds and to empower the girls to thrive after they left the foundation. As the key person responsible for setting the foundation’s direction and strategy, Dr Hanna faced marketing challenges that include overcoming social stigma, diversifying the donor base and increasing fundraising.
Complexity academic level
This case is suitable for undergraduate and Master’s students who already have an understanding of the basic marketing principles such as the marketing mix (4Ps)/market segmentation and have taken an introductory marketing course previously. Furthermore, the case presents an opportunity to apply marketing concepts such as segmentation, targeting, positioning and promotion within the context of social and NPO marketing. It is ideal for students studying social marketing, NPO marketing strategy, cause marketing, fundraising techniques and social inclusion.
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This paper outlines the active learning methods used to develop and deliver a sustainable business course to undergraduate students. Moreover, the paper aims to investigate the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper outlines the active learning methods used to develop and deliver a sustainable business course to undergraduate students. Moreover, the paper aims to investigate the effect of the sustainable business course on the students’ engagement in sustainable consumption.
Design/methodology/approach
From a pedagogical perspective, the paper describes the active learning methods applied in a newly introduced sustainable business course via numerous distinctive assessment techniques. On the empirical front, the research investigates the impact of the sustainable business course on the students’ engagement in sustainable consumption. To test such impact, an online survey was distributed among students who completed the sustainable business course, and as a control group for comparison, students who did not take the course.
Findings
The research results indicate a positive relationship between completion of the sustainable business course and engagement in sustainable consumption. Furthermore, the data revealed that female students exhibited more engagement in sustainable consumption than male students.
Research limitations/implications
The study contributes to the literature on student-centered pedagogy, active learning techniques and the relationship between sustainable business education and engagement with sustainable consumption.
Practical implications
The study contributes to the literature on student-centered pedagogy, active learning techniques and the relationship between sustainable business education and engagement with sustainable consumption. Pedagogically, the nonconventional course curricula and assessment methods described in this study can be used as a reference by instructors aiming to integrate active and experiential teaching methods into their sustainable business curricula. For decision makers in higher education who are working in line with the global direction to achieve sustainability, this research provides preliminary evidence that students’ engagement with sustainability is influenced by their course curricula.
Originality/value
By depicting innovative approaches to teaching sustainability in business, the research enriches the field of sustainable business pedagogy which remains under-researched in many countries. Furthermore, the research goes further by investigating the effect of the course on students’ sustainable consumption. This acts as evidence of the effectiveness of teaching sustainable business in changing future leaders’ perspectives and priorities to include environmental and social aspects, which has become a global goal. Accordingly, the research has the potential to encourage more business schools to make sustainable business education mandatory.
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Noha El-Bassiouny, Yasmin Anwar Abdou, Dina El-Bassiouny, Ahmad Jamal and Jonathan Wilson
This paper aims to examine practical wisdom from the Islamic religion elaborating on how it pertains to the sustainability mind-set. The purpose is to assess whether the Islamic…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine practical wisdom from the Islamic religion elaborating on how it pertains to the sustainability mind-set. The purpose is to assess whether the Islamic and sustainability mind-sets coincide and if so, how they do.
Design/methodology/approach
The first two chapters of the Holy Qur’an were divided into parts based on the divisions in the exegesis by Abu Bakr Al-Jaza’eri. Next, a qualitative content analysis of the main sustainability themes in these chapters was conducted. The first stage of the content analysis involved the collection of Qur’anic verses related to the sustainability concepts. Following that, inductive interpretive analysis was conducted in the second stage of the content analysis, where key sustainability lessons within the agreed upon Qur’anic verses were extracted.
Findings
The empirical study reported in this paper reveals 10 lessons from the examined Qur’anic text that pertain to the sustainability mind-set. Each of these lessons appears to foretell the wisdom behind the sustainability mind-set.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature on sustainability and Islam in two ways. First, the analysis results in key lessons relating to sustainability, the majority of which were not covered in existing literature. Second, the research takes a holistic approach to finding commonalities between the sustainability mind-set and the Islamic mind-set, instead of focusing on a specific aspect of sustainability such as the environment.
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This study aims to develop a comprehensive framework for Islamic social entrepreneurship (ISE) by synthesizing Islamic principles and social entrepreneurship concepts, bridging…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop a comprehensive framework for Islamic social entrepreneurship (ISE) by synthesizing Islamic principles and social entrepreneurship concepts, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a systematic literature review, this study focuses on scholarly works published from 1992 to 2023, uses thematic analysis and engages with subject experts to craft a framework for ISE.
Findings
The study identified 39 sub-dimensions grouped into 13 core dimensions. These findings highlight the multifaceted impact on ISE, emphasizing its commitment to ethical, socially responsible practices and achieving lasting social impact through collaborative, innovative approaches guided by Islamic principles.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations include regional focus, lack of longitudinal data and absence of quantitative testing for the framework. Future research should expand scope, use quantitative analysis and explore gender dynamics, policy implications and standardized impact metrics to enhance the framework’s robustness.
Practical implications
The study’s comprehensive framework aids ISE practitioners in aligning their ventures with Islamic ethics and social impact. As interest in ISE grows, particularly in Muslim-majority contexts, this research facilitates the integration of Islamic values into social entrepreneurship, addressing pressing societal challenges.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the field of ISE by proposing a meticulously crafted framework that synthesizes Islamic principles and social entrepreneurship concepts. It stands out as a unique endeavor that bridges the gap between theory and practice in ISE, offering practical guidance while enriching the scholarly discourse on the subject.
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Hidaya Al Lawati, Khaled Hussainey and Roza Sagitova
This study aims to examine whether, and which type of, busy audit committee (AC) directors affect the quality and quantity of forward-looking disclosure (FLD).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine whether, and which type of, busy audit committee (AC) directors affect the quality and quantity of forward-looking disclosure (FLD).
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use content analysis to measure the quality and quantity of FLD. The authors use a sample of Omani financial institutions listed on the Muscat Securities Market for the period 2014–2018.
Findings
The authors find that overlapped AC chairs and total overlapped AC directors negatively (positively) affect disclosure quantity (quality). The authors also find that overlapped AC directors with financial expertise and those with multiple directorships positively affect disclosure quantity and quality.
Originality/value
This study offers new insights to policymakers (and managers) as it informs them about the benefits of overlapping AC directorship. It suggests that corporate governance codes should not limit overlapped AC direcotorship.
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Baher Rahma, Tomaž Kramberger, Mahmoud Barakat and Ahmed Hussein Ali
In recent years, the global focus has increasingly shifted toward the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) due to growing concerns about environmental sustainability and the…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent years, the global focus has increasingly shifted toward the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) due to growing concerns about environmental sustainability and the imperative of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The transportation sector, a significant contributor to air pollution and climate change, faces increasing pressure to embrace EVs as a solution. However, the resistance exhibited by customers toward adopting new technology poses a substantial obstacle to the widespread adoption of EVs. Drawing on the link between theory of reasoned action (TRA) and self-congruity theory, this research aims to determine the factors that affect the customer intention toward EV.
Design/methodology/approach
The research conducts a questionnaire collecting 950 respondents from the Egyptian market. The research used primary quantitative data from online and self-administered questionnaires.
Findings
The findings indicated that green trust, price sensitivity and reliability have a positive impact on customer’s intention. However, self-image congruence was not affecting customer intention. For the moderating role of financial self-efficacy, it is affecting the relationship between price sensitivity and customer’s purchase intentions toward EV.
Research limitations/implications
This research will expand the theory by conceptualizing its abstract notions through research variables and implementing them in the Egyptian market. Furthermore, it links the two distinct theories. This knowledge can be utilized by policymakers and stakeholders to expedite the adoption of EVs in the Egyptian market.
Originality/value
This study presents a conceptual framework for managers and policymakers about the factors that affect the customer to buy EVs, since the international organizations emphasize eco-friendly transportation systems.
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