Determinants of trade credit supply among the Ghanaian construction sector

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 368-383
Author(s):  
De-Graft Owusu-Manu ◽  
Gary D. Holt ◽  
David J. Edwards ◽  
Edward Badu
Keyword(s):  
Trade Credit ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Cash Flows ◽  
Corporate Image ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Principal Component Factor Analysis ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Decision Criteria ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Asset Portfolio

Purpose – Trade credit (TC) provides access to capital for construction contractors globally and is an important source of finance in both developed and developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to explore key factors underpinning construction suppliers’ decisions to provide TC to Ghanaian construction firms. Design/methodology/approach – Primary data from a structured survey of 75 construction suppliers are analysed. Principal component (factor) analysis explores complex structures among suppliers’ decision-making variables. Findings – Underlying constructs of decision criteria exist among seven key factors: financial profile of the contractor; parties’ profit margins; asset portfolio and project particulars; TC quantum and repayment terms; age and experience of the contractor; contractor corporate image; and parties’ cash flows. Originality/value – This is a new decision criteria framework for suppliers and contractors, who utilise TC.

Wine-related lifestyle segmentation in the context of urban Indian consumers

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 503-522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Poonam Sharma ◽  
Sonali Singh ◽  
Richa Misra
Keyword(s):  
Principal Component ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Cluster Solution ◽  
Principal Component Factor Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Urban Indian ◽  
Indian Consumers ◽  
Social Drinker ◽  
Regular Drinker ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand consumers in the emerging wine market of India to ensure the best services. To this end, factors were identified to describe Indian wine consumer behavior and further segments for consumers were created based on the factors identified. Design/methodology/approach The research design is descriptive in nature and based on primary data. Data was collected by a structured questionnaire from 232 respondents in five major cities of India (Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Pune and Hyderabad). The scale was mainly adopted from wine-related lifestyle approaches. Findings The principal component factor analysis resulted in six factors, namely, drinking ritual, consumption reason (social), consumption reason (mood, enjoyment and relaxation), consumption practice, consumption planning and quality. Cluster analysis resulted in a three-cluster solution. These clusters were named as cautious social drinker, loner regular drinker and highly engaged drinker based on the attributes possessed. Originality/value The segmentation of urban Indian wine consumers will be helpful for marketers to identity and describe the differences in attributes and behaviors, to create customized promotions to match the needs.

Zakah as tool for social cause marketing and corporate charity: a conceptual study

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 191-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shafiu Ibrahim Abdullahi
Keyword(s):  
Social Marketing ◽  
Corporate Image ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Mathematical Economics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cause Marketing ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Social Cause ◽  
Marketing Tool

Purpose This paper explores the role of Zakah in social cause marketing. Academic literature on Islamic economics, finance and management mostly deals with the links that exists between Zakah and consumption, neglecting important and strategic links with social cause marketing. This paper emanated from need to outline social cause and the charitable role of Zakah in promoting Halal businesses, poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Most works in the field of Zakah did not foresee the role of marketing. This is a misjudgement, as this work showed that Zakah yields large and measurable social gains to help the society and a firm. Design/methodology/approach Secondary sources were used in writing this paper. Available literature in the form of journals, books, manuals and reports was referred to. As a conceptual work, the paper does not test hypothesis or pretends to provide empirical evidences. It uses mathematical economics in arriving at some of the conclusions. Findings were derived through deductions and critical discourses, not through crunching of primary data. Findings The paper shows how Zakah, Halal consumption and corporate social responsibility are connected and highlights the role of Zakah as a social marketing tool. It shows how Zakah affects consumption through marginal propensity of Zakah recipients who spend Zakah money on basic needs. Research limitations/implications The paper looks at the broad aspects of Zakah and social marketing. How to make Zakah a pillar of Islamic firms’ social cause programs shall be the focus of future academic works in this area. Originality/value The paper is unique in drawing attention of Islamic firms to the effectiveness of Zakah in building a corporate image. It draws the attention of firms, activists, academics and governments to functions of Zakah that have not been studied in depth.

scholarly journals A qualitative inquiry into cashwaqfmodel as a source of financing for micro enterprises

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Asmy Bin Mohd Thas Thaker
Keyword(s):  
Financial Services ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Enterprise Investment ◽  
Micro Enterprises

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the opinions and recommendations of various experts on the integrated cashwaqfmicro enterprise investment (ICWME-I) model, particularly in terms of its suitability, applicability and prospects in the market.Design/methodology/approachThe research involves primary data which are collected from semi-structured interviews conducted with experts from various backgrounds. Thematic analysis was used to examine the data.FindingsThe experts support the suitability of the ICWME-I model in providing financial services to micro enterprises. They highlight the importance of establishing, managing and operating ICWME-I model under the aegis of the State Islamic Religious Council in Malaysia or the corporate sector. They further emphasize that the characteristics of micro enterprises, the element of sustainable funding, the importance of proper management and administration, legal matters and public awareness are key factors that influence the sustainability of the ICWME-I model.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the literature onwaqfand micro enterprises especially from the Malaysian context. The paper validates the ICWME-I model in terms of its suitability, applicability and prospects in the market by interviewing experts from various backgrounds.

Repurchase intention of Korean beauty products among Taiwanese consumers

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 569-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massoud Moslehpour ◽  
Wing-Keung Wong ◽  
Kien Van Pham ◽  
Carrine K. Aulia
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Repurchase Intention ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceived Price ◽  
Influential Variable ◽  
Beauty Products

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to bridge the gap in the literature to examine key factors that influence Taiwanese consumers to repurchase Korean beauty products. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a quantitative approach to test the proposed hypotheses using structural equation modeling. Causal research design is used in this research to identify cause-and-effect relationship among the constructs. Primary data collection is used to gather data. This study provides the better understanding about key factors that influence Taiwanese consumers’ repurchase intention (RI) of Korean cosmetics products. Findings Results show that perceived price (PP) and country of origin (COO) significantly influence word-of-mouth (WOM). PP, COO and WOM significantly influence RI. WOM is the most influential variable toward RI, followed by COO and PP. Originality/value Very few studies have examined a general construct of RI related to beauty product. The findings of this study imply several practical directions for marketers of beauty product industries specifically for Taiwanese consumers. This study helps to know what factors become basic consideration for Taiwanese consumers in repurchasing Korean beauty products. Second, it underscores the role of WOM between the independent variables (PP and COO) and RI as the dependent variable.

The classification of supplier selection criteria with respect to lean or agile manufacturing strategies

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 232-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed El Mokadem
Keyword(s):  
Supplier Selection ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Agile Manufacturing ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Underlying Structure ◽  
Principal Component Factor Analysis ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how manufacturing strategies could affect the supplier selection criteria used by business firms. Design/methodology/approach Survey strategy was used to empirically understand the research argument. First, principal component factor analysis was employed to validate the underlying structure of the supplier selection criteria. Then, simple regression analysis was employed to test the research hypotheses. Findings Organizations pursuing lean strategies will emphasize factors that improve their efficiency when selecting their suppliers, while organizations pursuing agile strategies will assert factors that improve their ability to respond to customer unique requirements when selecting their suppliers. Research limitations/implications This study provides new insight for researchers to understand the effect of manufacturing strategies on the classification of supplier selection criteria. However, the small sample size might limit the ability to generalize research findings. Further research is required to confirm the findings using a wider sample. Practical implications This research provides practitioners with useful insights into how to select their suppliers based on their manufacturing strategies. Originality/value This paper classifies supplier selection criteria into three distinct groups: lean, agile, and common capabilities. Lean capability refers to the list of criteria that are highly relevant in selecting suppliers for lean implementers. Agile capability refers to the list of criteria that are highly relevant in selecting suppliers for agile implementers. Finally, common capability refers to the list of criteria that have comparable relevance in selecting suppliers for both lean and agile implementers.

A qualitative analysis to identify takeover target criteria

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hicham Meghouar
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Principal Component Factor Analysis ◽  
Target Firm ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Predictive Variables ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Target Theory ◽  
The Subject

PurposeThis study proposes a qualitative analysis to identify takeover target criteria according to French Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) practitioners.Design/methodology/approachA principal component factor analysis, applied to responses from 42 French M&A practitioners, highlighted four factors that summarize information about predictive variables and which explain the occurrence of takeover.FindingsAccording to the surveyed practitioners, four main axes explain 83% of the occurrence of takeover. These axes reflect motivations related to the undervalued target theory, synergy theory and agency theory. The first factor defined by the size of the company, its rate of return and turbulence in the sector. A second factor opposed market value and dividend payout ratio to the liquidity variable. The last two factors are called the debt factor, structured by the debt variable and the value creation factor, which opposed the value creation variable and transaction volume to the growth opportunities variable. The results therefore confirmed the importance of some predictor variables tested in previous studies and showed different results.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited in terms of sample size. The low number of responses obtained reflects the sensitivity of the subject, insofar as it highlights the predictive model used by M&A practitioners (professional secrecy). Future investigations will involve in extending the questionnaire approach to a larger sample of continental European M&A practitioners.Originality/valuePredicting takeover targets has been the subject of abundant literature. The results do not converge and are sometimes contradictory. This paper undertakes a field study conducted using a questionnaire survey to detect predictive variables used by M&A practitioners in their identification of a target firm. The authors aim to identify a relevant indicators favorable to the occurrence of a takeover bid and which are/or not handled by the literature.

Educational tourism and experiential learning: students’ perceptions of field trips

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Arcodia ◽  
Margarida Abreu Novais ◽  
Nevenka Cavlek ◽  
Andreas Humpe
Keyword(s):  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Field Trips ◽  
Small Data ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Educational Tourism

Purpose This paper aims to investigate participants’ motivations and perceptions of a field trip. Specifically, this paper examines if and how students’ perceptions change with time and it explores the main factors for ensuring success in an experiential learning tourism program. Design/methodology/approach The study gathered and compared data collected in two points in time – immediately at the end of the experience and two months afterward. T-tests for paired samples were used to examine potential differences in perceptions and principal component analysis was used to identify the key factors determining the success of the experience. Findings The findings indicate that there are various motivations behind participation and that time barely affects perceptions of the experience. Furthermore, three factors emerged as important for meeting expectations, namely, social and professional connections, learning and traditional yet engaging teaching. Research limitations/implications While the outcomes are useful, they need to be thoughtfully applied because of the small data set. It is important to repeat similar investigations to allow more certainty in the propositions formulated. Furthermore, future studies should evaluate a broader variety of outcomes to determine whether perceptions remain constant. The implications are that educators and destination managers can easily apply these conclusions for the benefit and the findings can inform other field trips and broader experiential initiatives. Originality/value Despite research on learning outcomes and perceptions of experiential learning having expanded considerably, a fundamental question that remains unanswered is how perceptions of such experiences change and, consequently, when the most appropriate time is to assess participant perceptions.

Tomato attributes and consumer preferences – a consumer segmentation approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (1) ◽  
pp. 328-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin Jürkenbeck ◽  
Achim Spiller ◽  
Stephan G.H. Meyerding
Keyword(s):  
Latent Class ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Taste Preference ◽  
German Population ◽  
Principal Component Factor Analysis ◽  
Tomato Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Communication Problems ◽  
Segmentation Approach

Purpose Vegetables are an important component of a healthy diet. Given that tomatoes are the most purchased vegetable in Germany, the purpose of this paper is to focus on how consumers evaluate tomatoes during their food choice. Each consumer has different preferences and, in order to target them, it is necessary to identify consumer groups. The study segments tomato consumers into homogenous target groups. Design/methodology/approach A choice experiment was used to simulate the buying situation in a supermarket. The data were analysed using latent class analysis, as well as principal component factor analysis to measure food-related lifestyles. The sample consisted of 1,027 consumers and was representative of the characteristics of gender, age, educational level and income for the German population. Findings Consumers perceive air transportation and plastic wrapping as most climate damaging in tomato production. Six different tomato consumer groups were identified and named according to the attribute they found most important, i.e. “Balanced consumers”, “Price-conscious consumers”, “Taste enthusiasts”, “Colour-sensitive consumers”, “Price-conscious consumers with a taste preference” and “Colour- and price-sensitive consumers”. In three clusters, colour was the most important attribute. However, green and yellow tomatoes were rejected by all segments, indicating communication problems. Originality/value The results of this study provide breeders and marketers with valuable insights into the factors driving tomato choice. The information was based on a large sample and will help breeders to select the types of tomatoes that are in demand by consumers.

Ethical culture as a predictor of late payments

Kybernetes ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 621-637
Author(s):  
Tanja Salamon ◽  
Borut Milfelner ◽  
Jernej Belak
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Interest Rates ◽  
Trade Credit ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ethical Culture ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Poor payment discipline has been a constant problem faced by European companies and has only deteriorated with the current global economic crisis. Even though new legislation has been adopted several times on the European level, the situation has not changed in favor of improved payment discipline. This research aims to determine the correlation between ethical culture of the company and how it influences its payments. Design/methodology/approach The factor structure of Kaptein’s (2008) instrument for measuring ethical culture was analyzed using principal component analysis with varimax rotation. This factor analysis yielded six factors with eigenvalues over 1.00. The reliabilities of the single constructs were as follows: clarity (α = 0.891), feasibility (α = 0.918), discussability (α = 0.955), supportability (α = 0.956), sanctionability (α = 0.879) and transparency (α = 0.801). These six factors explained 78 per cent of the total variance. All six factors were named according to Kaptein’s (2008) proposal, whose factor analysis yielded, in addition to the six factors, the following two factors: “Congruence of supervisors” and “Congruence of management”. Both factors represent the ethical culture dimension that Kaptein (1998) called “Congruence”, which refers to the extent to which superiors’ and managers’ acts are in line with their ethics on the declarative level. Findings The results showed that two dimensions of ethical culture, sanctionability and feasibility, improve payment discipline. Research limitations/implications The results of this study provide an important link between ethical culture and late payments. However, the research has some limitations. The first limitation is the response rate of only 9.1 per cent. The next limitation is geographical location; the results in other European countries could be different. The third limitation of the research arises from the data collection, because ethical culture was evaluated by one person from each enterprise, and the average payment delay was also calculated based only on a sample of invoices. Future research should therefore attempt to confirm the correlation between ethical culture and payment discipline in other European countries. It would be interesting to compare finds among different European countries, to determine whether there are major differences among companies in the field of payment discipline. Originality/value Good payment discipline can be defined as settling obligations to the customer on time. Late payments have been one of the biggest problems in many European economies. Trade credit becomes even more important during economic crises (Guariglia and Mateut, 2006), when investments are in decline, trading volume is reduced, bank credit is harder to obtain and interest rates are increased (Vojinović et al., 2013; Lin and Martin, 2010). Because customers do not fulfill their obligations on time, even enterprises with healthy sales growth encounter cash flow problems (Tsai, 2011). This paper’s empirical research has been implemented in Slovenia because it has some of the worst payment disciplines among European countries. Such research is unique in Slovenia as well as wider.

Corporate frauds in India – perceptions and emerging issues

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. K. Gupta ◽  
Sanjeev Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Corporate Image ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Due Diligence ◽  
Prevention Policy ◽  
Fraud Prevention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emerging Issues

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature and perception of corporate frauds in India and their consequences in the business and economic systems, and it highlights the emerging issues so that existing legal and regulatory obligations can be redefined and structured. Design/methodology/approach – An exploratory research was conducted through a combined mode of literature review; case studies; structured questionnaires from 346 sample companies; and 43 interviews with the corporate professionals, management, investors, government offices and authorities having wide experience. Findings – It was found that the regulatory system is weak, and there is dire need to redefine the role of auditors. Coordination among different regulatory authorities is poor, and after every scam, there is a blame game. Reporting of fraud and publication of fraud prevention policy are missing. Banks and financial institutions are ineffective on due diligence, and there is a lack of professionalism on the board and other executive levels in companies. Research limitations/implications – This study assumes that fraud could be mitigated by proactive and conscious action by auditors, and corporate executives are willing to avoid perpetrating financial fraud despite pressures from investors, government securities regulators and exogenous market fluctuations. The authors relied on the honesty of the respondents during the sample collection and recorded semi-structured interviews. A minimum level of five years’ work experience relative to preventing, detecting or investigating fraud has been considered a valid determinant in selecting the purposive sample. Practical implications – The study suggests mandatory publication of fraud prevention policy; constitution of special purpose corporate offence wing; recognition to companies for improved corporate governance; true adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards; due diligence by banks and financial institutions; compulsory appointment of professionals by shareholders and fixation of responsibility on independent professionals; intellectualisation of audit committee; and more powers to the regulators, especially Securities and Exchange Board of India. Social implications – Prevention of corporate frauds reduces anxiety, improves corporate image and builds up confidence of the investors, which is essential for resource channelling in financial markets. Originality/value – The research work is based on a thorough analysis of regulatory framework and fraud case studies and primary data collected from companies, banks and other government and developmental institutions.

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