scholarly journals Disruptive financial innovations: the case of Nigerian micro-entrepreneurs

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluyemi Theophilus Adeosun ◽  
Ayodele Ibrahim Shittu ◽  
Daniel Ugbede
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Growth ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Innovations ◽  
Credit History ◽  
Gender Awareness ◽  
Network Capability ◽  
The University ◽  
Informal Settings ◽  
Financing Option ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

PurposeDespite the noticeable consequences of disruptive financial innovations, access to finance remains a major factor inhibiting the sustainable-growth potentials of young micro-entrepreneurs in informal settings. This study examines the determinants of financing options among micro-entrepreneurs in informal settings. Specifically, the study seeks to establish whether credit history, income, asset, gender, awareness and network capability have effects on formal and informal financing options among micro-entrepreneurs in informal settings.Design/methodology/approachThis article uses the survey research design and administers a structured questionnaire among 300 purposively selected micro-entrepreneurs within the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Only 291 completed questionnaires are retrieved. This article also uses the multiple regression analysis to estimate the empirical model and test the research hypotheses respectively.FindingsThis article establishes that: (1) credit history and assets-based financing are significant determinants of formal financing options among young micro-entrepreneurs in informal settings, (2) gender and network capability are significant determinants of informal financing options among young micro-entrepreneurs in informal settings and (3) awareness is significant of both formal and informal financing options among young micro-entrepreneurs in informal settings.Originality/valueThis article examines the determinants of financing option among young micro-entrepreneurs in informal settings. Specifically, the study seeks to establish whether credit history income asset gender awareness and network capability have effects on formal and informal financing options among micro-entrepreneurs in informal settings.

Use of e‐journals among research scholars at Central Science Library, University of Delhi

2011 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.M. Naushad Ali ◽  
Faizul Nisha
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Search Method ◽  
State Universities ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Electronic Journals ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Level Of Use ◽  
The University ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the extent to which research scholars at Central Science Library, University of Delhi are aware and make use of e‐journals.Design/methodology/approachA survey was designed to collect basic information about the level of use of electronic journals as well as other factors contributing to and associated with their use. A well‐structured questionnaire was administered among research scholars to collect the necessary primary data, keeping in view the objectives of the study.FindingsThe findings clearly reveal that more than 60 per cent of users in the Central Science Library are using e‐journals weekly for the purpose of research. Printed journals are consulted by the majority of users compared with e‐journals. Keyword is the most popular search method for searching e‐journals among research scholars, whereas the date of publication carries the least percentage among all the options. However, if is found that slow downloading of PDF files is the major problem that would discourage users while using e‐journals.Research limitations/implicationsThe present paper consists only of e‐journal users and the geographical area is restricted to the CSL at the University of Delhi. The scope of the paper could be extended to additional centrally funded universities. An intra‐comparative study could also be made between some select central and state universities for users of e‐journals.Originality/valueThere are a number of studies on the use of e‐journals, but this is the first of its kind within Delhi University. As such, it should pave the way for research in other Indian universities as well as elsewhere.

Institutional repository: access and use by academic staff at Egerton University, Kenya

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 276-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felicitas Ciabere Ratanya
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Institutional Repository ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Expected Benefits ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the access and use of the institutional repository (IR) among academic staff at Egerton University. Design/methodology/approach The paper provides a description of the building and development of the IR at the Egerton university and describes expected benefits of the repository to the University and relevant stakeholders. A survey was conducted among 84 academic staff with an aim of examining their levels of awareness on the existence of the IR at the Egerton University and assess their access and use. Through a structured questionnaire both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Findings The study revealed that majority of the academic staff at the Egerton University are still not aware of the existence of the IR. Staff also faced challenges in accessing and using the content available. The paper provided suggestions on how best to enhance the access and utilization of the IRs among the academic staff. Practical implications From a practical point of view, the paper provides implications on the access and use of IRs by the academic staff. The paper points out some challenges faced by this group of users which other academic institutions may try to solve in their respective contexts. Originality/value Findings and discussions provided in the paper will pave way to solving the challenges faced in access and use of IR by the academic staff at the Egerton University.

Perceived usefulness and adoption of Koha integrated library systems by librarians in universities in Southern Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ejiro Jamogha ◽  
Jide Owoeye ◽  
Lucky Stephen Godwin
Keyword(s):  
Positive Influence ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Online Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Southern Nigeria ◽  
The University ◽  
Regular Training ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose This paper aims to study the perceived usefulness and adoption of Koha Integrated Library System (ILS) by librarians in universities in Southern Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a survey method. The researchers designed a structured questionnaire using Google form and shared it online. Data were gathered from respondents whose libraries had adopted Koha. Findings Koha was highly perceived useful in acquisition, cataloguing, circulation and serials operations. There was moderate adoption of Koha generally. However, it was rarely adopted for making payment and placing of orders for book purchases and serial subscriptions. Perceived usefulness had positive influence on Koha’s adoption. Inadequate training of library staff on Koha use was a major challenge to Koha adoption. Hence, it was recommended that there should be regular training on the use of Koha and strategic decisions that would enhance the useful objectives behind the gunning for Koha, should be taken and implemented by the management of libraries. Originality/value The study highlighted the perceived usefulness of Koha and the extent to which it has been adopted by librarians in the university libraries under study. It will avail the management of these libraries the opportunity to re-evaluate if the ILS is well maximized in terms of adoption and usefulness.

An investigation of the training needs on emotional intelligence of academic librarians

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 597-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asad Khan ◽  
Mohamad Noorman Masrek ◽  
Fuziah Mohd Nadzar
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Training Needs ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Job Fit ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The University ◽  
And Control ◽  
Best Fit ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to assess the training needs on emotional intelligence (EI) of librarians serving in the university libraries of Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from a randomly selected sample of Pakistani university librarians. A paired sample t-test was used to examine the significance of difference between the four indicators of EI. Further, descriptive statistics were used to assess the training needs on EI. Findings – The difference between all indicators of EI was found to be significant. The results showed less than 50 per cent of deficit, more than 50 per cent of surplus and 20 per cent of job best fit in terms of EI of university librarians. Further, results illustrated that librarians require training to cover the skill deficiencies. Similarly, top-down allocation of tasks is required to produce more person-job fit and control surplus or over utilisation of the skills. Practical implications – Findings of this study have several implications for university librarians, such as designing of training programs, incorporation of EI in the performance evaluation to investigate the causes of deficit and surplus in EI, etc. Originality/value – This study is a first attempt that extended the scope of EI towards librarianship in Pakistan. The findings probably motivate university librarians to improve the current level of their EI.

Usage of and learning from Wikipedia: a study of university students in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wazzuha Amina ◽  
Nosheen Fatima Warraich ◽  
Amara Malik
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
University Students ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University ◽  
Masters Students ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose This study aims to explore the university students’ usage pattern of Wikipedia information and its effect on their learning. Design/methodology/approach A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data from the students of master programmes at University of the Punjab, Lahore. Proportionate stratified sampling technique was used to select the sample from the population of “Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences”. In total, 225 masters’ students from eight departments participated voluntarily in the study. Findings Findings revealed that the majority of the respondents used Wikipedia information regularly for both academic and leisure purposes. They usually did not edit/add content in Wikipedia entries though they observed incomplete contents in it. Overall, the respondents perceived Wikipedia as an easy and understandable source of information that enhanced their understanding about a topic and enabled them to accomplish tasks more quickly. Research limitations/implications The sample of this study was social sciences students from one university. The findings may not be generalizable across other groups of students and universities. Practical implications These findings suggest that students have a positive behaviour towards Wikipedia and regarded it as a good source of information. They use Wikipedia information for academic and leisure purposes. So, the academics and librarians need to provide better guidelines for using Wikipedia, rather than prohibiting its use altogether. Originality/value This paper provides useful information on the use of Wikipedia among university students from a developing country’s perspective and thus contributes to the tendency of increasing acceptance of Wikipedia in academia. Furthermore, understanding how gender plays a role in differentiating the using behaviour of Wikipedia information could benefit both academics and library practitioners.

Prospects and constraints of the University of Cape Coast satellite libraries

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-131
Author(s):  
Christopher Kwame Filson ◽  
Gladys Ewurama Edumadze
Keyword(s):  
Information Resources ◽  
Cape Coast ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Developmental Issues ◽  
State Management ◽  
The Status ◽  
Service Training ◽  
Parent Institution ◽  
The University ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose The purpose of this study is to find out the prospects and the factors which militate against the smooth operations of the University of Cape Coast satellite libraries. Design/methodology/approach A well-structured questionnaire was used to solicit data from all the staff of the 31 satellite libraries on the Campus of the University of Cape Coast. To ensure reliable findings, the survey approach was used. The first part of the questionnaire looked at the status of staff of the satellite libraries. The second part dealt with the information resources of the libraries, services provided by the libraries and staff developmental issues, while the last part solicited information on the challenges of these libraries. The quantitative data obtained mainly from the questionnaire were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings Some of the major findings are as follows: staff of the satellite libraries have the opportunity to upgrade themselves academically; the Main Library organised a series of in-service training for the staff of the satellite libraries; majority of the staff of the satellite libraries were non-professional and inadequate; and the majority of the satellite libraries were ill equipped, lack of simple working materials like accession registers and stamps, and lack of recognition of library staff by administrators, lecturers and students. Research limitations/implications The major components of a library are the building, staff and information resources; however, the study was limited to the staff and information resources, but excludes the building in which the libraries were housed. Practical implications Functional satellite libraries are required to support the activities of the main libraries. Social implications Satellite libraries are to support the main library to achieve its vision and mission; hence, their ineffectiveness affects the parent institution. Originality/value Satellite libraries support the main libraries in accomplishing their vision and mission, but it can be noted that much has been written on the main libraries, and is it high time the state, management and challenges of satellite libraries were exposed.

Sustainable growth with sustainable resources

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 114-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlene Sorensen ◽  
Rachel Sarjeant-Jenkins
Keyword(s):  
Change Management ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Sustainable Growth ◽  
Change Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Resources ◽  
Changing Times ◽  
Teaching Learning ◽  
The University

Purpose – Libraries are situated in an ever-changing research, teaching, learning, and scholarly communications environment. Faculty and students have new and different expectations that are compelling libraries to expand their offerings. At the same time, their broader institutions are also facing changing times and academic libraries are being asked to demonstrate value and justify the use of limited and high-demand resources. In order to address the resulting challenge, the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) Library undertook a process to deliver relevant and responsive (and, therefore, reflective and adaptable) library services while working within its current librarian complement. Significant changes were necessary for this to be successful: the librarians would need to undertake new responsibilities, learn new skills, and engage with learners and researchers in new ways. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The U of S Library chose to meet this challenge through a multi-part approach comprised of regular participative consultations with librarians and a grassroots-based planning process underpinned by change management methodology. Findings – This approach resulted in widespread employee engagement, from initially clarifying the necessary change and throughout the change implementation. This led to a sense of ownership, responsibility, and accountability. Originality/value – Change is difficult and often met with resistance. The U of S Library presents a case of successfully engaging library employees throughout a change process, demonstrating the importance of bringing together participative consultation, grassroots planning, and change management as a combined change implementation approach.

Expected maintenance waste reduction benefits after implementation of Just in Time (JIT) philosophy in maintenance (a statistical analysis)

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandeep Phogat ◽  
Anil Kumar Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Data Interpretation ◽  
General Information ◽  
Spare Parts ◽  
Waste Reduction ◽  
Maintenance Cost ◽  
Just In Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Great Saving ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose The maintenance department of today, like many other departments, is under sustained pressure to slash costs, show outcome and support the assignment of the organization, as it is a commonsensical prospect from the business perspective. The purpose of this paper is to examine expected maintenance waste reduction benefits in the maintenance of organizations after the implementation of just-in-time (JIT) managerial philosophy. For this, a structured questionnaire was designed and sent to the 421 industries in India. Design/methodology/approach The designed questionnaire was divided into two sections A and B to assist data interpretation. The aim of the section A was to build general information of participants, type of organization, number of employees, annual turnover of the organization, etc. Section B was also a structured questionnaire developed based on a five-point Likert scale. The identified critical elements of the JIT were included in the questionnaire to identify the maintenance waste reduction benefits in the maintenance of organizations. Findings On the basis of the 133 responses, hypothesis testing was done with the help of Z-test, and it was found out that in maintenance, we can reduce a large inventory of spare parts and also shorten the excessive maintenance activities due to the implementation of JIT philosophy. All the four wastes: waste of processing; waste of rejects/rework/scrap in case of poor maintenance; waste of the transport of spares, and waste of motion, have approximately equal weightage in their reduction. Waste of waiting for spares got the last rank, which showed that there are little bit chances in the reduction of waiting for spares after the implementation of JIT philosophy in maintenance. Practical implications The implication of the research findings for maintenance of organizations is that if maintenance practitioners implement elements of JIT philosophy in maintenance then there will be a great reduction in the maintenance wastes. Originality/value This paper will be abundantly useful for the maintenance professionals, researchers and others concerned with maintenance to understand the significance of JIT philosophy implementation to get the expected reduction benefits in maintenance wastes of organizations which will be helpful in the great saving of maintenance cost and time side by side great increment in the availability of machines.

The role of innovation in building competitive advantages: an empirical investigation

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prodromos Chatzoglou ◽  
Dimitrios Chatzoudes
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose Nowadays, innovation appears as one of the main driving forces of organisational success. Despite the above fact, its impact on the propensity of an organisation to develop and sustain a competitive advantage has not yet received sufficient empirical investigation. The purpose of this paper is to enhance the existing empirical literature by focusing on the antecedents of innovation and its impact on competitive advantage. It proposes a newly developed conceptual framework that adopts a three-step approach, highlighting areas that have rarely been simultaneously examined before. Design/methodology/approach The examination of the proposed conceptual framework was performed with the use of a newly developed structured questionnaire that was distributed to a group of Greek manufacturing companies. The questionnaire has been successfully completed by chief executive officers (CEOs) from 189 different companies. CEOs were used as key respondents due to their knowledge and experience. The reliability and the validity of the questionnaire were thoroughly examined. Empirical data were analysed using the structural equation modelling technique. The study is empirical (based on primary data), explanatory (examines cause and effect relationships), deductive (tests research hypotheses) and quantitative (includes the analysis of quantitative data collected with the use of a structured questionnaire). Findings Results indicate that knowledge management, intellectual capital, organisational capabilities and organisational culture have significant direct and indirect effects on innovation, underlining the importance of their simultaneous enhancement. Finally, the positive effect of innovation on the creation of competitive advantages is empirically validated, bridging the gap in the relevant literature and offering avenues for additional future research. Originality/value The causal relationship between innovation and competitive advantage, despite its significant theoretical support, has not been empirically validated. The present paper aspires to bridge this gap, investigating the impact of innovation on the development of competitive advantages. Moreover, the present study adopts a multidimensional approach that has never been explored in the existing innovation literature, making the examination of the proposed conceptual framework an interesting research topic.

Coda: Ten Questions on Globality

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
The Editors ◽  
Dipesh Chakrabarty
Keyword(s):  
South Asian ◽  
The State ◽  
University Of Chicago ◽  
Subaltern Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Human Understanding ◽  
The University ◽  
Asian Languages

Abstract Dipesh Chakrabarty is Lawrence A. Kimpton Distinguished Service Professor in History and South Asian Languages and Civilizations at the University of Chicago. He is the author of several books, including The Crises of Civilization (2018) and Provincializing Europe (2000); and was one of the principal founders of the editorial collective of Subaltern Studies. In this discussion he ruminates upon the state of globality; its relationship to the planet Earth; the scope and possible duration of the Anthropocene; and some of globalization's consequences for humanity and human understanding. The interview was conducted by managing editor, Kenneth Weisbrode.

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