Investigating technology and organizational performance of private higher learning institutions in Malaysia

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 453-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josephine Chan Ie Lyn ◽  
Rajendran Muthuveloo

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of technology on organizational performance of private higher learning institutions (HLIs) in Malaysia and to determine the area of focus for private HLIs in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach Data collection was carried out over two months through an online self-administered questionnaire and yielded 155 samples. Subsequently, the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the reflective measurement model and the structural model for validity, reliability and hypotheses, respectively. Findings This paper discovered that between the two constructs of technology tested (technology management and technology usage), only technology management influenced organizational performance. Originality/value As Industry 4.0 is disrupting the existing business environment, inquiring into the influence of technology is of critical importance for the organizational performance of private HLIs in Malaysia. This paper provides a different perspective of how technology affects the overall organizational performance of private HLIs which differs from past studies which focused more on the effects of technology on individuals such as teachers/instructors and learners.

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 687-710 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Ruben R. ◽  
S. Vinodh ◽  
Asokan P.

Purpose The study aims to describe the development of a structural measurement model using structural equation modeling technique to validate the association that exists between Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and sustainable manufacturing strategies. Design/methodology/approach Both LSS and sustainable manufacturing aim at improving the firm’s business competitiveness which forms a strategic link that benefits the manufacturing organizations. The study aims to investigate the relationship among constructs that leads to operational excellence while deploying LSS and sustainable manufacturing strategies in organizations. Findings Empirical data needed for the study are collected from experts belonging to various industries that are implementing both LSS and sustainable manufacturing practices. Later statistical estimates (hypotheses) are being formulated to confirm the developed measurement model. Based on the obtained results after analysis of the structural model, the statistical estimate is either being accepted or rejected. Results of this study reveal that there exists a strong correlation between LSS and sustainable manufacturing factors that leads to organizational performance. Research limitations/implications Additional indicators could be included to deal with technological advancements in sustainable manufacturing. Practical implications The study has been done with regard to Indian automotive component manufacturing organizations scenario. Hence, the inferences derived have practical relevance. Originality/value The development of structural model for the Lean Six Sigma system with sustainability considerations is the original contribution of the authors.


2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 631-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim M. Awad ◽  
Alaa A. Amro

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to map the cluster in the leather and shoes sector for improving the competitiveness of the firms. Toward this end, the study is organized to examine the impact of clustering on competitiveness improvement. The influence of competitive elements and performance (Porter’s diamond) and balanced score card was utilized. Design/methodology/approach A random sample of 131 respondents was chosen during the period from May 2016 to July 2016. A structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was applied to investigate the research model. This approach was chosen because of its ability to test casual relationships between constructs with multiple measurement items. Researchers proposed a two-stage model-building process for applying SEM. The measurement model was first examined for instrument validation, followed by an analysis of the structural model for testing associations hypothesized by the research model. Findings The main findings show that there is a unidirectional causal relationship between improvements of performance and achieve competitiveness and also reveal that the Palestinian shoes and leather cluster sector is vital and strong, and conclude that clustering can achieve competitiveness for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Research limitations/implications Future research can examine the relationship between clustering and innovation. The effect of clustering using other clustering models other than Porter’s model is advised to be used for future research. Practical implications The relationships among clustering and competitiveness may provide a practical clue to both, policymakers and researchers on how cluster enhances economic firms such as a skilled workforce, research, development capacity, and infrastructure. This is likely to create assets such as trust, synergy, collaboration and cooperation for improved competitiveness. Originality/value The findings of this study provide background information that can simultaneously be used to analyze relationships among factors of innovation, customer’s satisfaction, internal business and financial performance. This study also identified several essential factors in successful firms, and discussed the implications of these factors for developing organizational strategies to encourage and foster competitiveness.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud M. Migdadi

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce a comprehensive, delineated and integrated conceptual model which includes organizational learning capability, innovation and organizational performance (OP). Then, an empirical investigation is undertaken to test the relationships among the proposed study model variables. Design/methodology/approach In total, 274 questionnaires were completed and returned. Statistical techniques employed included confirmatory factor analysis to examine the validity of the measurement model, and structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses. Findings The findings of this study suggest that OLC influences innovation and innovation affects OP. Finally, the results show that OLC affects OP indirectly through innovation (mediator). Research limitations/implications Future research should pay more attention to the influence of different mixture (variables) of influences on innovation and also examine other consequences of introducing innovation in organizations. In addition, more empirical papers supporting (or rejecting) the results in different contexts would be welcomed, especially longitudinal studies. Practical implications The results of this study help managers to ascertain the managerial practices that can be employed as well as determine the level of effort and resources necessary to enhance OLC. Additionally, managers should shed additional light on the innovation’s positive implications for OP. Originality/value This study focuses on the conceptualization of OLC and effects of these capabilities on innovation. It conceptualizes innovation as a multidimensional construct and tests its relationship with OP. Finally, the relationship between learning capability and OP, although implied, needs to be addressed empirically in the research literature, an objective that this study tries to achieve.


2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 356-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jagrook Dawra ◽  
Kanupriya Katyal ◽  
Vipin Gupta

Purpose – The paper aims to study how deal- and bargaining-prone customers are different from each other. This paper brings out this difference based on psychographics encompassing values – consciousness, price mavenism and personality orientations – needed for special treatment (distinctiveness and play). Design/methodology/approach – The measurement model was assessed using both exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The structural model was tested using structural equation modeling. Findings – This paper finds that value consciousness is a two-dimensional construct in the Indian context. This construct comprises two dimensions of value consciousness, including concern for price and concern for quality. The authors find that deal-prone customers are value conscious and price mavens. Bargaining-prone customers are value-conscious price mavens and have a high need for special treatment (play). Play orientation distinguishes between a deal-prone and a bargaining-prone customer. Research limitations/implications – The study was limited to grocery products. The consumers surveyed were urban and educated Indians. Practical implications – With the Indian markets being opened for Western retailers, it is imperative to study the Indian consumers. It is important to understand why the local neighborhood store is able to retain its customer base even when the organized fixed-price formats have been around for approximately 20 years. Originality/value – This is one of the few papers that tries to understand the Indian consumer’s buying behavior, especially with respect to their haggling nature. This paper further develops our understanding of the “deal proneness” and “bargaining proneness” constructs. The authors also study their differences based on psychographics.


2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 338-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peyman Akhavan ◽  
Farnoosh Khosravian

Purpose It is commonly known that intellectual capital (IC) plays a remarkable role in organizations, especially in colleges and academic centers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of knowledge sharing (KS) on IC. Design/methodology/approach Based on the extensive literature review, a questionnaire was designed. The questions were composed of two parts; KS questions and IC questions. In total, 352 students completed questionnaires in the Shahinshahr branch of Payam-e-Noor University. Structural equation modeling was used to develop the measurement model. Findings The findings showed that KS has a significant positive correlation with IC and its dimensions. The structural equation modeling confirmed the research model and showed a good match with it. Originality/value Given that this study aimed to examine KS and IC, it implies that with optimized knowledge management in universities, providing the infrastructures of KS and strengthening students’ motivational factors, KS capacities can be enhanced and IC of universities would be strengthened.


2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 65-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Sabbir Rahman ◽  
Aahad M Osmangani ◽  
Nuraihan Mat Daud ◽  
Fadi Abdel Muniem AbdelFattah

Purpose – This paper aims to develop and combined an understanding of the antecedents of knowledge sharing behavior among the non-academic staff of different higher learning institutions in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach – The researchers tested the hypotheses from the survey data from the non-academic staff of different private and public higher learning institutions in Malaysia. This research also applied confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to examine the proposed hypothesis of this inquiry. Findings – The results indicate that attitude and subjective norms both influence the staff knowledge sharing behavior significantly and positively. Additionally, this research also revealed that intention of knowledge sharing variable plays a substantial role as a mediating variable in those relationships. Research limitations/implications – This research is a cross-sectional survey. As a result, the limited sample size in this study may affect the power of generalizability. Further research may prove the model across different times to respect the nature of the knowledge sharing behavior among the non-academic staff of higher learning institutions. Practical implications – The results of this research clearly explain how academic institutions may proceed for knowledge sharing culture in their respective department by considering the variables used in this inquiry. If the office of any academic institution feels that the knowledge sharing among the non-academic staff is still low, they can utilize the factors as a tool to facilitate the advancement of the knowledge sharing environment in their respective sections. Originality/value – Previous research primarily focuses on the knowledge sharing behavior of students and lectures ' perspective. This research minimizes the gap by including the non-academic staff of higher learning institutions. In summation, this research also examined the mediating role of knowledge sharing intention in the relationship between attitude, subjective norms and knowledge sharing behavior.


Author(s):  
Gholamhossein Mehralian ◽  
Jamal A. Nazari ◽  
Golnaz Nooriparto ◽  
Hamid Reza Rasekh

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the implementation of total quality management (TQM) and organizational performance, using the balanced scorecard (BSC) approach. Design/methodology/approach In order to investigate the relationship between TQM and BSC, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to 30 largest pharmaceutical distribution companies in Iran. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the measurement model and to test the research hypotheses using the data from 933 completed questionnaires. Findings The results supported the research model and revealed that TQM implementation can positively and significantly influence the BSC and its four perspectives. Practical implications Considering the strong association between TQM and all four perspectives of organizational performance (BSC), managers should strongly leverage the implementation of TQM practices in order to reach their strategic objectives. Originality/value This study is the first empirical study conducted on the association of TQM and BSC in the pharmaceutical industry. The findings of this study provide strong evidence supporting the implementation of TQM in the pharmaceutical context.


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 345-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Jesus Garcia-Morales ◽  
Rodrigo Martín-Rojas ◽  
María Esmeralda Lardón-López

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to show how social media technologies (SMT) make the firm proficient to act on business opportunities and reconfigure business resources by encouraging networks to routinize the firm’s knowledge and innovation competencies. Design/methodology/approach The paper analyzes data obtained from a sample of 201 technological firms located in Spain. Structural equation modeling with Lisrel is used to test the hypotheses. Findings This paper contributes to the literature by reflecting empirically in a structural model how SMT drive technological knowledge competencies to improve organizational performance directly and indirectly by leveraging processes of innovation capability in the firm. Research limitations/implications The study has some limitations, among them transversal analysis of different constructs. The number of relationships analyzed is limited, as is the literature focuses on a digital vision from a social media point of view. Practical implications Some implications for managers emerge. SMT both enable an emergent participatory culture through ubiquitous digital devices and social networks and balance constant connectivity afforded by digital devices. Originality/value Drawing on complexity science, the authors develop a conceptual framework to explain how social media, as emergent IS phenomena, help firms to create business value, leveraging network effects and knowledge flows, and increasing innovative capability.


2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arash Rezazadeh ◽  
Mahsa Mahjoub

Today’s rapidly changing business environment has impelled companies to cooperate with their competitors gaining more competitive advantages by achieving win-win situation. Thereby, building alliances as one of the cooperative strategies has been adopted by many enterprises, consequently attracting great attention of numerous scholars. Nevertheless, the alliance literature seems to lack studies in the domain of entrepreneurship. Accordingly, this paper aims to extend entrepreneurship into the field of alliances highlighting two phenomenal concepts: alliance entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial orientation. Hence, the relationship between these two constructs together with the mediating role of knowledge transfer between alliance partners are investigated. We used Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (PLS-SEM) technique under two sections of measurement model and structural model assessment in order to analyze data. The results gathered from Iran’s automotive industry confirmed the positive significant impact of alliance entrepreneurship on partners’ entrepreneurial orientation and the mediating effect of knowledge transfer


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 583-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadi Boğaç Kanadlı ◽  
Pingying Zhang ◽  
Nada K. Kakabadse

Purpose Board diversity has been a hotly debated topic in the field of corporate governance. The paper examines the role of board chairperson and its moderating effect on the relationship between job-related diversity and boards’ strategic tasks performance. The purpose of this paper is to add on our body of knowledge about the impact of job-related diversity on boards’ strategic tasks performance. Design/methodology/approach The paper applies the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique to examine survey responses from chief executive officers (CEOs). Both the measurement model and structural model have obtained good results, supporting the appropriateness of using the SEM approach. Findings The findings suggest that there is a positive association between job-related diversity and boards’ strategic tasks performance, which is moderated by a chairperson’s leadership efficacy and the option of a former-CEO as board chair. Practical implications To achieve the intended effect of job-related diversity in boards, policymakers need to be mindful about the importance of the board chairperson. Board chairperson’s characteristics such as leadership efficacy and a former-CEO experience would amplify the positive effect of diversity. Originality/value This research paper contributes to the literature on board diversity, board leadership and strategic management of firms. Findings validated researchers’ concern about the negligence of examining moderating factors in board diversity research. Moreover, results echo the concern that board leadership research should shift the attention from structural aspects to the behavioral issues. Finally, this study is the first to show the positive influence of a board chairperson in disseminating benefits of a diverse board.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document