scholarly journals Supporting SMEs’ internationalisation through a deeper understanding of human and technology barriers

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 205-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Mendy ◽  
Mahfuzur Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technology Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) internationalisation from an emerging market perspective. It explores and applies human resource management (HRM) processes to small businesses’ internationalisation efforts in order to ascertain the extent to which human- and technology-oriented barriers to internationalisation can be better understood and their processes better managed by SMEs. Design/methodology/approach The data collection and analysis involved a mixed method technique so as to identify the two dominant barriers faced by SMEs at the employer and employee levels. By using primary survey data obtained from 212 Bangladeshi SMEs, a partial least square based structural equation model was successfully validated and its development enhanced the comparison of processes involved in managing people and technology-type barriers. Findings The research results highlight the importance of HRM processes in the proper management of both human and technology-type barriers, which are equally as significant to SMEs’ internationalisation. Practical implications The results highlight the urgent need for governments in emerging economies to prioritise SMEs’ internationalisation and to dedicate resources and processes in order to effectively optimise economic and social dividends. The practical, theoretical and methodological implications of the paper raise opportunities for further research in SMEs’ internationalisation and people management processes and practices as well as new policy guidelines. Originality/value The examination of the link between humans and technology is a much under-represented area in developing countries and the actual contribution of effective HRM processes in the context of SMEs’ internationalisation is missing. Applying HRM processes to these aspects serves to deepen the knowledge of small businesses’ internationalisation efforts and the contributed model enhances professional practice and theory development in these disciplines and in emerging economies.

From hindrance to challenge

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 191-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Li ◽  
Ting Pan ◽  
Nan (Andy) Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Security Policies ◽  
Job Resources ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Psychological Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hypothetical Scenario

Purpose This paper is to investigate how employees respond to information security policies (ISPs) when they view the policies as a challenge rather than a hindrance to work. Specifically, the authors examine the roles of challenge security demands (i.e. continuity and mandatory) and psychological resources (i.e. personal and job resources) in influencing employees’ ISP non-compliance. Design/methodology/approach Applying a hypothetical scenario-based survey method, the authors tested our proposed model in six typical ISPs violation scenarios. In sum, 347 responses were collected from a global company. The data were analyzed using partial least square-based structural equation model. Findings Findings indicated that continuity and mandatory demands increased employees’ level of perseverance of effort, which, in turn, decreased their ISPs non-compliance intention. In addition, job resources, such as the trust enhancement gained from co-workers and the opportunities for professional development, enhanced the perseverance of effort. Practical implications The findings offer implications to practice by suggesting that organizations should design training programs to persuade employees to understand the ISPs in a positive way. Meanwhile, organizations should encourage employees to invest more personal resources by creating a trusting atmosphere and providing them opportunities to learn security knowledge and skills. Originality/value This study is among the few to empirically explore how employees respond and behave when they view the security policies as challenge stressors. The paper also provides a novel understanding of how psychological resources contribute to buffering ISP non-compliance.

A new insight into alumni satisfaction model for Islamic higher education institutions (IHEI)

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (12) ◽  
pp. 1411-1437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdur Rafik ◽  
Anjar Priyono
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Matrix Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Satisfaction Model

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore and decompose a satisfaction model using alumni’s perspective for Islamic-based higher education institutions (IHEI) with the antecedent of perceived quality and value and the consequence of loyalty. Design/methodology/approach A study was used, using 44-item, a ten-point Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 360 alumni from various classes started from the 1970s till 2000s. Theoretical-based, national qualification framework of Indonesian higher education and management-based considerations were involved in developing a survey. Data were analyzed using partial least square-structural equation model and decomposed into strategic management map using importance-performance matrix analysis. Findings The most important determinants of alumni satisfaction and loyalty in IHEI is the IHEI’s ability to develop career capability through enriching knowledge. Moreover, the presence of good environment and Islamic value embodiment supporting learning programs on campus is the most significant trigger for the knowledge development. Research limitations/implications The results were generated from a specific department. Additional studies are needed to test if the results are not department (institution)-specific. Practical implications This study provides strategic directions for management to improve the critical aspects of the system by providing the inputs to the extent to which the service quality delivered may contribute to end-customers’ satisfaction. Originality/value It contributes to the literature on satisfaction and service quality issues by incorporating ideological aspect, by investigating the feasible model of customer satisfaction in the perspective of alumni for IHEI.

When art meets mall: impact on shopper responses

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 277-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Vukadin ◽  
Apiradee Wongkitrungrueng ◽  
Nuttapol Assarut
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Spillover Effect ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Shopping Mall ◽  
Experiential Marketing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Symbolic Value ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the role of artistic elements in a shopping mall’s experiential marketing strategy and the effects of artistic elements on customer shopping value (e.g. utilitarian, hedonic and symbolic) and shopper response (e.g. satisfaction, behavioural intention).Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 300 shoppers in a shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand. A partial least square-structural equation model was used to examine the impact of the artistic elements along with other elements in the shopping mall on shopper response through perceived shopping value.FindingsEmpirical evidence shows that artistic elements in an artified mall have a positive effect on customer hedonic and symbolic value, which in turn leads to positive shopper response. Artistic elements perform better than other elements in predicting symbolic value.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest that artistic elements should be considered a new source of mall differentiation and customer experience enhancement. Unique artistic elements add emotional and symbolic appeal to the mall, and mall managers should carefully choose artistic content that matches the position and target shoppers of their mall.Originality/valueThis paper proposed and empirically examined the effect of artistic elements as the new fourth atmospheric element. It extends the art infusion theory by applying it to the “non-luxury” shopping mall context to demonstrate the spillover effect of art on shopping value, which further influence shopper response.

scholarly journals Hotel Guests’ Experience, Satisfaction and Revisit Intentions: An Emerging Market Perspective

2021 ◽  
pp. 406-424
Author(s):  
Chidera Christian Ugwuanyi ◽  
Samuel Ehimen ◽  
Joseph Ikechukwu Uduji
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Empirically Supported ◽  
Revisit Intention ◽  
Revisit Intentions

This study aimed at investigating the guests’ experience dimensions and their effects on destination marketing bottom lines of satisfaction and revisit intention. This is borne of the overarching importance of customer experience (CX) which has been acknowledged by scholars and practitioners and understanding of the concept been sought from various sectoral perspectives. Admittedly, experience-based investigations in the hotel service sector have been scarce, particularly from a non-western context. The study utilised an intercept approach to collect data from 400 hotel guests in a city in Southern Nigeria. The research model and the formulated hypotheses were tested using partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM) with the aid of SmartPLS software. The study findings reveal that guest experience dimensions (utilitarian, hedonic and relational) have a positive and significant influence on guests’ revisit intention and satisfaction with the exception of hedonic experience whose relationship with satisfaction was statistically insignificant. Overall, the research model explained 56.5 per cent of the variance in guest satisfaction and 68.7 per cent on guest revisit intention. This study adds an empirically supported strategic direction for proper guest experience management in hotels from a non-western context.

Precursory effects on entrepreneurial behaviour in the agri-food industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asif Yaseen ◽  
Muhamamd Abid Saleem ◽  
Sadaf Zahra ◽  
Muhammad Israr
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Dairy Industry ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurial Behaviour ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Promoting entrepreneurship within agri-food sectors in developing countries can be a viable strategy towards economic development. Predicting which factors will foster entrepreneurial behaviour is somewhat complex. Specifically, a deeper understanding of precursory effects on entrepreneurial behaviour is required to enhance entrepreneurship in the agri-food sectors. This paper aims to explore what predicts the entrepreneurial decisions in the dairy industry of Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach The research used an integrative framework built on the entrepreneurial event model and determinants of entrepreneurial intention. Using a partial least square approach to structural equation model estimation, this study tested a conceptual model and its hypotheses based on 174 cases sampled from Pakistan’s dairy industry. Findings The research showed that intention is a strong predictor to start entrepreneurial activities in the Pakistani dairy industry. Amongst precursory factors, perceived feasibility, readiness and conviction were found strongly linked to intention when explaining the causes of entrepreneurial start-ups. Surprisingly, the impact of attitude and triggering event was not significant in explaining the phenomenon under investigation. Practical implications The findings suggest that training and education programmes can enhance critical perceptions such as desirability, feasibility and conviction among farmers to become entrepreneur. For this purpose, government should establish dairy incubation centres in different cities and transform agricultural extension department to help farmers understand market-oriented dairy farming businesses and build their capacity in farm entrepreneurship. Originality/value This research attempted to shed light on fostering entrepreneurship in the context of agri-food sectors in developing countries such as Pakistan’s dairy industry.

Innovation within the food companies: how creative partnerships may conduct to better performances?

2020 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Ferraris ◽  
Demetris Vrontis ◽  
Zhanna Belyaeva ◽  
Paola De Bernardi ◽  
Hande Ozek
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Knowledge Application ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThis is one of the first empirical studies aimed at analyzing the interrelation between creative partnerships (CPs), absorptive (AC), knowledge application (KA) capacities and innovation performance in food companies.Design/methodology/approachWe tested this on a sample of 112 Italian medium-sized food firms that established CPs through a partial least square (PLS) structural equation model (SEM) approach.FindingsResults are in favor of an important role of CPs in the innovation process of food firms analyzed only if combined with the development of the two internal capacities investigated (AC and KA).Research limitations/implicationsImplications are provided in order to stimulate new and more forms of collaboration between CIs and food firms as well as more empirical studies on this topic.Originality/valueFew studies in food companies keep into account the role of internal capacities that firms have to build with the aim of acquiring external knowledge through partnerships, in particular in the specific context of CPs. These specific kinds of partnerships are becoming increasingly important because they provide key nonoverlapping knowledge and propose new creative methods, ways and answers that differentiate the innovation process of food firms.

Halal standard implementation in food manufacturing SMEs: its drivers and impact on performance

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ida Giyanti ◽  
Anita Indrasari ◽  
Wahyudi Sutopo ◽  
Eko Liquiddanu
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Operational Performance ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Internal Motivation ◽  
Food Manufacturing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Pressures

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the drivers of the depth of halal standard implementation in the halal-certified food manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The second aim of this paper is to empirically examine the effect of halal standard practices on the SME’s performance. Design/methodology/approach Of the 143 halal-certified SMEs in Solo Raya, Province of Central Java, Indonesia, 83 were willing to take part in the present research. The survey was carried out by an on-site visit to the targeted respondents. A structured questionnaire was used to gather primary data. Partial least square structural equation model was then used to analyze the collected data. Findings The results proved that internal motivation and organization commitment positively affect halal standard implementation, while external pressures do not. The external pressures influence the depth of halal standard implementation through internal motivation as a mediating variable. Furthermore, the depth of halal standard implementation leads to the improvement of operational performance. The improvement of operational performance can further encourage the increase of market performance and financial performance. Research limitations/implications The first limitation of this research is about the samples in which they are small-sized and restricted to food manufacturing SMEs. Another limitation is the subjectivity of SME’s managers when evaluating performance, which may provide imprecise measures of performance. Practical implications The findings suggest the notion that success of halal standard implementation depends on the capabilities of SMEs to convert the external pressures into internal motivation. Moreover, food-manufacturing SMEs should consider halal standard as an innovative tool to be applied in their daily operation and production as the halal standard has a significant role in influencing SME’s performance. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first attempt in integrating drivers, halal standard implementation and performance in the specific context of food manufacturing SMEs in Indonesia.

Reaching sustainability during a digital transformation: a PLS approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wail El Hilali ◽  
Abdellah El Manouar ◽  
Mohammed Abdou Janati Idrissi
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Sem Analysis ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Content Type

Purpose In a world where big data have become crucial to guarantee the success of companies, digital transformation came to help companies transition towards a digital business and accept the changes in the organizational structure as well as the market. Nonetheless, even with the ever-growing importance shed on it, few articles and studies have linked it to the sustainability paradigm. Empirical studies that have linked between the factors of digital transformation and a more sustainable business are still scant. Many efforts are still needed to reduce the knowledge gap between these two concepts. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap by examining (empirically) the effect of digital transformation on sustainability. Design/methodology/approach The study validates five different hypotheses highlighted by the literature using structural equation model (SEM) analysis from partial least square (PLS) approach. It uses a new conceptual framework using a survey data, answered by 41 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Morocco from different industries. Findings Using PLS-SEM modeling, the results show that customers, data and innovation, which are drivers that companies should work on during a digital transformation, have a significant impact on companies’ quest to reach sustainability. However, and in contrast to the existing literature, authors find that competition did not play a significant role in enhancing the companies’ commitment to sustainability. Practical implications Authors’ findings encourage firms to seize the opportunity of digital transformation to embrace sustainability, because the implementation of these two concepts requires radical changes at the business model level. Authors suggest that the road to achieve sustainability in a digital era should focus on three main axes, enhancing the customer experience and adopting customer centricity, building data analytics capabilities and shifting innovation to the business model level. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first research papers that explain how to reach sustainability during a digital transformation. The originality of this paper lies in the fact that it focuses on SMEs as they remain the backbone of the Moroccan economy. This study is also novel for showing with empirical evidences that working on the axes of customers, data and innovation, during a digital transformation journey, will improve sustainable practices within businesses.

The role of consumer willingness to pay for halal certification in Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 1230-1244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahroo Khan ◽  
Arsalan Najmi ◽  
Waqar Ahmed ◽  
Ameenullah Aman
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service Providers

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the factors that motivate consumers to pay for halal logistics certification and consequently demand for its certification in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a sample of 302 respondents from the city of Karachi, Pakistan and used partial least square structural equation model. The study used consumers’ perception, concern and personal societal perspective to determine their willingness to pay and the demand of halal certification.FindingsResults revealed that all of the aforementioned variables are significant and positive except perspective usefulness which has insignificant and negative relationship with consumer willingness.Originality/valuePakistan is an Islamic state and people living there are very cautious about the food items they eat and the procedures they follow. Therefore, this study contributes to evaluate such factors that influence consumer willingness to pay for halal logistics in Pakistan. Furthermore, this study suggests policymakers and 3rd party logistics service providers to educate their potential consumers about halal logistics and halal certification.

Influence of theory, seniority, and religiosity on the ethical awareness of accountants

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 590-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Uyar ◽  
Cemil Kuzey ◽  
Ali Haydar Güngörmüs ◽  
Ruth Alas
Keyword(s):  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Ethical Awareness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Approaches

Purpose – This study aims to investigate the influence of ethical theories, religiosity and seniority on the ethical awareness of accountants. Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected by using a questionnaire survey completed by 219 accountants located in various locations in Turkey. To investigate the relationship between constructs, the partial least square structural equation model was implemented. Findings – The findings indicated that seniority in the profession and religiosity have a positive influence on ethical awareness. Within the theoretical approaches, deontology has a positive influence on ethical awareness, whereas egoism has a negative one. Research limitations/implications – The study has some implications regarding enhancing the ethical awareness of accountants: accountants who are in the early stages of their career development should be made aware of the ethical issues they face in their professional life; accountants should be taught laws and regulations of accountancy profession from the entry level throughout their working life; through professional associations, some initiatives may be taken to involve accountants in social responsibility programs to curb selfish behavior and improve empathy. However, a questionnaire survey does not permit an investigation from a qualitative perspective (the whys and hows of the answers); thus, further case studies might be necessary to make detailed investigations. Originality/value – This study is unique in that it tries to answer what factors comprehensively influence the ethical awareness of accountants in an emerging market context.

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