The role of human capital in economic development of the earliest Islamic period

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 398-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed Kazem Sadr
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
Incentive Structure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Islamic Period

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide explanation for the economic development of the earliest Islamic state. It focuses on the role of human capital as the most important element of this model and focuses on four dimensions of development of human personality in Islam: the incentive structure, rules of behavior, institutions and policies. Design/methodology/approach – A review and analysis of the measures and policies that Prophet of Islam and his successors adopted are made to arrive at the underlying economic model of development. Findings – The major finding is the role of human capital in the development of the economy at that time. Originality/value – The contribution of the paper is to identify the critical role of education and skills for the development of the economy at present.

When and whom should retailers offer price reductions in times of crisis?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haeyoung Jeong ◽  
Siddharth Bhatt ◽  
Hongjun Ye ◽  
Jintao Zhang ◽  
Rajneesh Suri
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Pricing Strategies ◽  
Consumer Spending ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Turbulent Times ◽  
Offering Price

PurposeWith a decrease in consumer spending during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many retailers are offering price reductions to stimulate demand. However, little is known about how consumers perceive such price reductions executed during turbulent times. The authors examine whether the timing of price reductions and individual differences impact consumers' evaluations of the retailers offering such reductions.Design/methodology/approachUsing a longitudinal design, the authors inquire into four retailers' motives that consumers may infer from a price decrease at two different times during the COVID-19 crisis.FindingsThe authors find that the timing of price reductions plays a key role in shaping consumers' inference of retailers' motives. The authors also uncover individual characteristics that affect consumers' inferences.Originality/valueThis research advances the literature by demonstrating the critical role of timing and individual characteristics in consumers' perceptions of price reductions during times of crisis. The authors findings also provide retailers with actionable insights for their pricing strategies. The findings may be generalizable to other types of crises that may arise in the future.

Adoption of students' loan schemes: the contingent role of financial knowledge

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria Ocran ◽  
Livingstone Divine Caesar
Keyword(s):  
Critical Role ◽  
Financial Education ◽  
The Body ◽  
Financial Knowledge ◽  
Relative Advantage ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Behavioural Factors

PurposeDespite the introduction of structural reforms to the students' loan scheme (SLS) in Ghana's higher education sector, patronage is still low. This paper aims to examine the complexity of technological and behavioural factors underpinning the low rate of students' loan adoption in Ghana. It further contributes to the body of knowledge by exploring the moderating role of financial knowledge in the hypothesized relationships.Design/methodology/approachUsing a positivistic research approach, a sample of 700 tertiary students with experience in accessing SLSs were surveyed. An 88% response rate was realized and the data analysed using descriptive statistics, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.FindingsFour dimensions of technological factors (relative advantage, trialability, observability and compatibility) and two of behavioural factors (attitude and control behaviour) were positively related to adoption of the SLS. Financial knowledge only moderated the relationship between compatibility, attitude, behavioural control and students' loan adoption.Practical implicationsFinancial knowledge plays a critical role in influencing the investment decisions of people. Management of SLSs needs to offer financial education to targeted parents/students to clear misconceptions. It is also imperative that all other technical challenges are addressed to enhance adoption rates for the SLS. Review of guarantor requirements is needed also.Originality/valueThis paper introduces financial knowledge as a moderating variable to investigate the hypothesized relationships. It offers a developing country insight into how technological/behavioural factors and financial knowledge might be impacting adoption of SLSs.

A literature review exploring the role of technology in business survival during the Covid-19 lockdowns

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Salma S. Abed
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Business Survival ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Business Sectors

Purpose The Covid-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of human life. Even though the pandemic length was not too long, a huge volume of research relating to Covid-19 has been published in different contexts. This paper aims to review the literature investigating the impact of Covid −19 on businesses generally and explore studies examining the technology role of business survival during the Covid-19 lockdowns specifically. Design/methodology/approach This study implemented the concept of a systematic review approach to review the literature that has been conducted in the business field during the Covid-19 crisis in general. Additionally, it looks into the research examining the role of technology in business survival in the Covid-19 crisis specifically. All studies were conducted in 2020. A total of 53 studies were identified and categorised into different themes. The research methods, theories and locations have also been analysed. Findings It was found that Covid-19 pandemic has affected all business sectors in several ways. Technology adoption has a critical role for business survival during the Covid-19 crises especially with small businesses. Very limited research has been conducted on the adoption of different technologies during the Covid-19 lockdowns. Originality/value This study presents the most frequent themes and topics that have been explored in the literature during the Covid-19 crisis in the business field. It highlights the methods used in addition to the theories and research locations present in this literature. Finally, it proposes the possible implications of this literature review.

scholarly journals The Competitive Advantage of Nations: origins and journey

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 458-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Huggins ◽  
Hiro Izushi
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cluster Theory ◽  
Unit Of Analysis ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of the origins and journey of the fundamental ideas underpinning Michael Porter’s The Competitive Advantage of Nations as a means of assessing its influence. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on a reflection of the book’s text and associated works by Porter, the paper shows how Porter’s thinking evolved from his earlier writings, as well as how his ideas went through further periods of development following the publication of The Competitive Advantage of Nations. Findings – The paper focuses on the emergence of Porter’s cluster theory and his growing acknowledgement of the role of innovation within processes of economic development. It shows how these concepts have provided a foundation for contemporary economic development practices. Also, the paper highlights how the fundamental concepts of Porter’s text have shifted from a unit of analysis focused on nations to one where subnational regions are the primary analytical unit. Originality/value – The paper concludes by suggesting that the nature of Porter’s conceptual insights is likely to ensure the long-term endurance of the fundamental lessons contained within The Competitive Advantage of Nations.

Innovation and Chinese HRM research and practice

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greg G. Wang ◽  
David Lamond ◽  
Yichi Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Innovation System ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Conceptual Clarity ◽  
Innovation Ability ◽  
Creativity And Innovation

Purpose – This article aims to highlight the importance of creativity and innovation in Chinese HRM research and practice. The authors first seek to bring some conceptual clarity to the term “innovation”, especially in relation to the notion of creativity. The authors then discuss Chinese HRM research and policies and practices associated with innovation. The authors conclude the article by introducing the forum articles that constitute this issue of the journal. Design/methodology/approach – Literature review and analysis. Findings – The authors discuss the conceptual difference and similarity between innovation and creativity. The literature analysis shows that Chinese HRM research is in a transitioning stage from local private novelty to global novelty, and innovation at individual and organizational level is determined by a sound national innovation system (NIS) that either fosters or hinders the overall ability of innovation in a sub-system. Originality/value – The article differentiates creativity and innovation conceptually and specifies the critical role of NIS in fostering innovation ability at individual and organizational levels.

Metaphors we manage and develop quality by

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 405-416
Author(s):  
Johan Lilja ◽  
Pernilla Ingelsson ◽  
Kristen Snyder ◽  
Ingela Bäckström ◽  
Christer Hedlund
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Dynamic Properties ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose Metaphors are a powerful and human way of understanding and experiencing one kind of thing in terms of another. In quality management (QM), several metaphors are used to describe and bring to life the often-abstract QM concepts and systems. These metaphors are of great importance for how QM is understood, communicated and practiced. However, the metaphors of QM have seldom been systematically screened or put in focus, neither the topic of a critical discussion. The purpose of this paper is hence to contribute with a screening of the metaphors currently used, within QM literature and in practice among QM leaders, and then elaborate on their potential for improvement and development. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a literature review combined with interviews of QM leaders. Findings The paper highlights that the current QM metaphors provide intuitive associations to properties such as stability, shelter, and structure, but not to the important dynamic properties of QM, such as learning, or to the critical role of people in QM. What can be seen as core properties of QM are communicated by texts or labels added on to metaphors with properties that often are in sharp contrast to them. The paper also provides suggestions for further improvements and development. Originality/value The paper highlights the area of metaphors within QM as an important area for future research. It also provides insights concerning the successful use and selection of metaphors in future QM practice.

The role of trust in innovation ecosystems

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernanda Kalil Steinbruch ◽  
Leandro da Silva Nascimento ◽  
Daniela Callegaro de Menezes
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Innovation Ecosystems ◽  
Network Collaboration ◽  
Broad Understanding

Purpose There are indications that trust is essential in innovation ecosystems relations. However, studies have not yet focused on deeply exploring such connection. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the influence of trust among actors in the context of innovation ecosystems. Design/methodology/approach This study developed a conceptual framework and a set of propositions. We raised a discussion based on the intertwining of three widely known dimensions of trust (ability, benevolence and integrity) and four dimensions of innovation ecosystems (network collaboration, interdependency, value co-creation and innovation objectives). Findings This paper suggests that trust contributes to the development of innovation ecosystems’ dimensions. In addition, it sheds light on the need to consider all three dimensions of trust together and simultaneously, because, by itself, none of them is sufficient to build trust in innovation ecosystems. Also, we argue that the different connections between the dimensions of trust and those of innovation ecosystems lead to the development of such ecosystems. Originality/value Through the approach of an underexplored area of research, this paper contributes to a broad understanding of the role of trust in innovation ecosystems toward the pursuit of creating innovation. It also proposes a novelty to the field, by suggesting four dimensions of innovation ecosystems to help managers analyze ecosystems through a more practical perspective.

The arrival of a new principal and the school staff

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 492-504
Author(s):  
Izhar Oplatka ◽  
Hamutal Ben Or
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
School Staff ◽  
New Principals ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
New Principal

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore teachers’ responses to the arrival of new principals (NPs) into their school. More specifically, the paper poses three questions: How do teachers perceive the arrival of an NP into their school? How do teachers cope with the arrival of an NP? What are the factors affecting teachers’ responses towards the arrival of an NP? Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 Israeli teachers who experienced the arrival of an NP into their school during the last three years. Findings The perceived image of the former principal in the teachers’ lounge and the manner in which s/he left principalship seem to greatly influence teachers’ responses towards the NP. Likewise, the first personal conversations of the NP with the teachers are highly influential on their responses to his/her arrival into their school. Originality/value The paper sheds light on the critical role of emotions towards the former principal in the induction stages of NPs.

Age and the pursuit of happiness among immigrants

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (12) ◽  
pp. 2052-2066 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarinda Taengnoi Siemers ◽  
Denise Robson
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Human Capital ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Religious Institutions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Older Immigrants ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how various factors, particularly ones associated with ability to assimilate to a new country such as social capital and human capital, may affect the happiness of immigrants in different age groups. Design/methodology/approach The study utilizes the New Immigrant Survey 2003, which is a nationally representative survey of immigrants who became permanent US residents, to produce four separate ordered logit regressions, each for a different age group, 18-34, 35-49, 50-59, and 60 and older. Findings The empirical results indicate that employment is important to happiness among young immigrants (age 18-34). For middle-aged immigrants happiness is strongly related to family life (i.e. being married, having children), human capital, and wealth. For older immigrants (age 60 and over) happiness is significantly linked to social capital (i.e. involvement in religious institutions, communication ties to friends and family). Practical implications Understanding factors associated with the happiness of immigrants can help communities to undertake appropriate support and services for different age groups. Originality/value The study differentiates what contributes to the happiness of immigrants in different age groups. Most studies only include a binary categorical variable for age groups and do not employ a fully differentiated analysis for age. The study also explores how social capital relates to happiness. Studies of happiness among immigrants mostly omit any role of social capital variable.

Getting inside the black box

2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 490-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nizar Mansour ◽  
Emna Gara ◽  
Chiha Gaha
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Organizational Commitment ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Black Box ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Financial Industry ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore, and eventually unlocking, the “black box” problem by addressing the potential mediating role of human capital and organizational commitment in the relationship between high performance work systems (HPWS) and perceived firm performance in the Tunisian financial industry. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the strategic human resource management (SHRM) theory, the authors developed a model that links HPWS to perceived organizational performance through human capital and employee organizational commitment. Data collected from 351 respondents was considered. Multiple regression analysis was then used to assess the research hypotheses. Findings – Data collected from 351 respondents suggest that HPWS positively affect perceived firm performance through first, enhancing the firms’ human capital; and second, developing positive organizational commitment attitude among employees. In addition, a direct relationship between HPWS and firm performance was found. Research limitations/implications – The research focussed on the perceived performance of the organization rather than financial measures. Also, because data were collected from a sample of Tunisian financial companies, results of this study are not generalizable. Originality/value – More than two decades after the earliest contributions, the SHRM scholars believe that the “black box” problem is still accurate and, therefore, needs to be addressed in an effective way. At a general and broad level, the authors believe this study contributes to the SHRM literature by successfully addressing two critical “black box” elements, i.e. human capital and organizational commitment. Also, since there is a lack in such research in Tunisia, an icon country of the Arab spring, this paper provides theoretical basis for future research and managerial implications for Tunisian business leaders and HR managers. Finally, this research is extending the current empirical SHRM literature by addressing the critical role of HRM in the largely understudied field of financial services industry.

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