scholarly journals Contextualist Inquiry into E-Commerce Institutionalization in Developing Countries: The Case of Mozambican Women-led SMMES

10.28945/4445 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 325-341
Author(s):  
Salah Kabanda ◽  
Fernanda Matsinhe
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Media Technologies ◽  
Inquiry Approach

Aim/Purpose: This study explores how women-led SMMEs in developing countries, specifically in the Mozambican context, institutionalise e-commerce by focusing on the ongoing interaction between the SMME, its context, and process of e-commerce institutionalization. Background: It is believed that institutionalization of e-commerce provides significant benefits of unlimited access to new markets, and access to new, improved, inexpensive and convenient operational methods of transacting. Although prior studies have examined the adoption of e-commerce and the enabling and constraining factors, few have examined e-commerce (i) institutionalization (that is, post-adoption), and (ii) from a gender perspective. This study aims to respond to this paucity in the literature by exploring how women-led SMMEs in developing countries, specifically in the Mozambican context, institutionalise e-commerce. Methodology: The study follows a qualitative inquiry approach for both data collection and analysis. Semi-structured interviews were adopted for data collection and thematic analysis implemented on the data. SMMEs were purposively sampled to allow for the selection of information-rich SMMEs for study and specifically those that have gone through the experience of adoption and in some cases have institutionalized e-commerce. Contribution: The empirical findings explain how the institutionalization process from interactive e-commerce to transactive e-commerce unfolds in the Mozambican context. Findings: Transition from interactive to transactive e-commerce is firstly influenced by (i) the type of business the SMME is engaged in; and (ii) customer and trading partner’s readiness for e-commerce. Secondly, the transition process is influenced by the internal factors of (i) manager’s demographic factors; (ii) mimetic behaviour arising from exposure to (foreign) organizations in the same industry that have mature forms of e-commerce; (iii) the business networks developed with some of these organizations that have mature forms of e-commerce; (iv) access to financial resources; and (v) social media technologies. Thirdly, the process is influenced by external contextual factors of (i) limited government intervention towards e-commerce endeavors; (ii) limited to lack of financial institutions readiness for e-commerce; (iii) lack of local available IT expertise; (iv) consumer’s low purchasing power due to economic recessions; (vi) international competitive pressure; and (vii) sociocultural practices. Recommendations for Practitioners: The study provides SMME managers, practitioners, and other stakeholders concerned with women’s development with a better understanding of the process in order to develop appropriate policies and interventions that are suitable for the reality of women-led SMMEs in Mozambique and other developing countries with similar contextual characteristics. Recommendation for Researchers: The study contributes to the existing debate of e-commerce and the use of ICT for development in developing countries by providing a distinct contribution of the institutionalization process and how the contextual structures influence this process. Impact on Society: Women-led SMME managers can learn from the different experiences, and compare their e-commerce efforts with SMMEs that were able to institutionalize and make strategies for improvements within their organizations. Future Research: The manner in which women-led SMMEs employ e-commerce requires further investigation to understand how issues related to gender, the cultural context, and different regions or countries impact this process.

Ownership-based asymmetries in training evaluation practices of call centres

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ali Asadullah ◽  
Jean Marie Peretti ◽  
Walid Derbel ◽  
Sarra Rajhi
Keyword(s):  
Firm Heterogeneity ◽  
Training Evaluation ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Call Centre ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Evaluation Practice ◽  
Evaluation Practices ◽  
Measuring Training

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the underlying asymmetries in training evaluation practices of call centre (CC) firms based on their “in-house” and “subcontractor” ownership heterogeneity. Design/methodology/approach The data for this qualitative inquiry were collected from key informants of 13 different CCs in Pakistan through semi-structured interviews. Findings The findings revealed various asymmetries in training evaluation practices among in-house and subcontractor CCs based on five different dimensions of two renowned training evaluation frameworks. Practical implications Training evaluation professionals can benefit from training evaluation methods identified in this study for measuring training evaluation practice and advancing future research. Originality/value This study has theoretically contributed to the existing research on firm heterogeneity and human resource management by focussing on training evaluation practices in CCs.

Smart technologies challenges and issues in social inclusion – case of disabled youth in a developing country

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bissane Harb ◽  
Dina Sidani
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Millennium Development Goals ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Disabled People ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Smart Technologies

Purpose In light of the emphasis on “inclusion” in the sustainable development goals (SDGs), the notion of social inclusion encompasses the goal of granting opportunities for disabled people, integrate them and make them participate in the new environment. Referring to the capability theory, the purpose of this study is to examine the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in the social inclusion of disabled young people in Lebanon. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses a qualitative approach based on a series of focused semi-structured interviews with 11 participants occupying key positions in aid associations for disabled people. Findings The findings suggest that smart technologies can enhance social inclusion through three key factors: the nature of impairment and other personal characteristics of disabled people, the resources available to them and the environmental aspects provided by government policies and society’s cultural practices. In the contemporary society characterized by an increasing role of ICTs, the findings of this research could contribute to lead the developing countries to a sustainable and inclusive world through social inclusion of their youth. Research limitations/implications This study has some limitations that should be mentioned. First, it was conducted only on a small sample size (with 11 interviewees). Further empirical research must be conducted on larger sample to build and elaborate on the findings. Second, the results are mainly based on the points of view of people working in aid associations for disabled people. In future research, semi-structured interviews can be carried out with the disabled people themselves or with members of their family to ask them about their personal experience with smart technologies and the impact of this on their social inclusion. It was also suggested that the future research should explore the challenges of inclusion for different categories of disabled people separately because they are not all facing the same issues and the same challenges. Furthermore, as this paper focuses on the role of smart technologies in the development of social inclusion of disabled people, future research could take place with other groups, for example, Palestinian and Syrian refugees, to identify whether these groups are experiencing similar challenges and barriers when trying to use smart technologies as a way to enhance their social inclusion. Practical implications Related to a larger and broader approach, social inclusion of disabled or marginalized people or refugees in developing countries could be a way to commit to a sustainable and inclusive world, in alignment with the eight goals of the Millennium Development Goals. Originality/value Related to a larger and broader approach, social inclusion of disabled or marginalized people or refugees in developing countries could be a way to commit to a sustainable and inclusive world, in alignment with the eight goals of the Millennium Development Goals.

Acceptability and Feasibility of Perioperative Music Listening: A Rapid Qualitative Inquiry Approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Breanna A Polascik ◽  
Daryl Jian An Tan ◽  
Karthik Raghunathan ◽  
Hwei Min Kee ◽  
Amanda Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Postoperative Recovery ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Implementation Barriers ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Inquiry Approach ◽  
Stage 1 ◽  
Staff Workload

Abstract Perioperative music decreases pain, anxiety, and analgesia requirements while increasing patient satisfaction. We investigated the acceptability of perioperative music at a women’s and children’s hospital in Singapore, seeking to uncover barriers and facilitators to implementation in routine practice over a 12-week period. We used an undergraduate-led Rapid Qualitative Inquiry approach that includes data collection from multiple sources, iterative analysis, and additional data collection when necessary. Participants consisted of anesthesiologists and nurses working in the preoperative area, operating room, and postoperative recovery areas. In Stage 1, nurses and anesthesiologists answered a survey assessing attitudes and knowledge about perioperative music and attended a presentation introducing the intervention. In Stage 2, the results of the Stage 1 survey were disclosed, and nurses and anesthesiologists completed a second survey (Stage 1 survey questions with an additional query about implementation). Twenty-nine nurses were interviewed with semi-structured questions on barriers and facilitators to implementation. In Stage 3, nurses retook the Stage 2 survey after one month of implementation. The implementation of perioperative music was both acceptable and feasible in Singapore. The nurses’ and anesthesiologists’ acceptability increased over time with mostly positive qualitative feedback. Implementation barriers, including patient interest, timing of patient turnover, and added staff workload, appeared minor and could potentially be overcome by utilizing the intervention in the preoperative instead of postoperative area, deploying music in operating rooms with slower turnover, and evenly distributing staff workload. Local implementation stakeholders may make additional recommendations for scaling-up perioperative music interventions to fit other workflows while improving the patient experience.

Scaffolding Argumentation in Asynchronous Online Discussion

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 29-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyun Song Kim ◽  
Eunjung Grace Oh
Keyword(s):  
Online Discussion ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Inquiry Approach ◽  
Asynchronous Online Discussion ◽  
Education Courses ◽  
Activity Design ◽  
Wide Usage

Despite its wide usage and pedagogical benefits, asynchronous online discussion in higher education courses does not necessarily lead to students' knowledge-constructing discourse and reflective learning. Integrating argumentation into online discussion can facilitate meaningful learning. In this article, the authors present a framework of Scaffolded Online Dialogic Argumentation (SODA) that they created for designing an asynchronous online discussion. Based on the design framework, the authors developed and implemented an argumentation activity in a graduate-level online course. They then examined participants' perceptions of the pedagogical components of SODA using a qualitative inquiry approach. Findings indicate that students perceive a positive influence of the scaffolded argumentation activity on their learning engagement in online discussion. Implications include suggestions for researchers and practitioners in refining and using SODA for future research and discussion activity design.

e-ERP

2011 ◽  
pp. 22-34
Author(s):  
Colin G. Ash ◽  
Janice M. Burn
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Process Change ◽  
Business Change ◽  
The World ◽  
Learning Capabilities ◽  
Data Collection Instrument ◽  
Two Stages

The chapter reports on the results of research carried out over the last two years on the state of e-business developments within ERP environments worldwide. Structured interviews were used to collect data in two stages. The first group of organisations was drawn from Australia and the results from this stage used to refine the data collection instrument. The second group consisted of relatively mature ERP based organisations from a range of industries around the world. The findings were analysed according to an established research framework from Business Process Change. This showed that while facilitators in aspects of e-business change management such as cultural readiness, knowledge and learning capabilities and relationship building were recognised by organisations, the extent to which they were incorporated as part of the implementation varied greatly. This suggests a rich field for future research study regarding the success of e-ERP projects.

Relational contracts and value chain governance: exporter approaches to overcoming transaction costs in Rwanda's coffee sector

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Gerard ◽  
Maria Claudia Lopez ◽  
John Kerr ◽  
Alfred R. Bizoza
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Transaction Costs ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Foreign Firms ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Relational Contracts ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Relational Contracting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Coffee Sector

Purpose In developing countries, local buyers often rely on relational contracting based on reciprocity and trust. This paper analyzes relational contracting and global value chain (GVC) governance by focusing on how domestic and foreign coffee exporters in Rwanda confront challenges.Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 representatives of Rwandan private, Rwandan cooperative-owned and foreign exporters, and four coffee sector stakeholders.Findings Foreign firms export most Rwandan coffee, and local exporters express concerns about their ability to compete. Rwandan exporters face challenges accessing capital, competing with foreign firms and managing high transaction costs. They use relational contracts to reduce transaction costs, and they benefit from a monopsony zoning regulation that reduces competition. Foreign exporters face regulatory challenges: a government-set coffee price and the zoning regulation. They vertically integrate to reduce costs and lock in suppliers through prefinancing.Research limitations/implications Future research should analyze differences between local and foreign exporters in other contexts to advance understanding of the different challenges faced and contracting approaches used.Originality/value Few GVC governance studies address the role of relational contracts in contexts where enforcement is costly. Considering relational contracts within GVCs can improve value chain analysis, specifically in the developing countries where many GVCs start.

scholarly journals Global competitive pressures and career ecosystems: contrasting the performance management systems in UK and French business schools

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Gribling ◽  
Joanne Duberley
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
Business Schools ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performance Management Systems ◽  
Education Market ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to compare the effects of global competitive pressures on the UK and French B-schools' management systems through the lens of career ecosystems.Design/methodology/approachThis is a qualitative inquiry employing in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 44 business school academics in the two countries.FindingsThis paper demonstrates the importance of top-down and bottom-up ecosystem influences for creating contrasting performance management systems in competitive B-schools in the two countries, to different outcomes for institutions and faculty careers.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors focus on faculty working in top business schools, which limits the generalizability of the findings. Future research could apply the ecosystem lens to other institutions and geographical areas to highlight best practices and evaluate their transferability across borders.Practical implicationsThe study highlights alternative HR practices and potentially workable adjustments to current systems that could be envisaged in order to enhance performance of individuals and institutions without jeopardizing the chances of valuable human resources to bring their contributions to the success of B-schools.Originality/valueThis paper compares and contrasts different performance management systems, taking into account exogenous and endogenous influences on B-schools that operate in a highly competitive and rapidly changing global management education market.

Cultural Factors and Social Changes Affecting Home Healthcare in Iran: A Qualitative Study

2022 ◽  
pp. 108482232110722
Author(s):  
Toktam Kianian ◽  
Vahid Pakpour ◽  
Vahid Zamanzadeh ◽  
Mojgan Lotfi ◽  
Ahad Rezayan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Cultural Factors ◽  
Home Healthcare ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Changes ◽  
Healthcare Needs

In Iran, home healthcare (HHC) is provided in a diverse socio-cultural context. Health professionals’ inadequate knowledge of the socio-cultural factors of the society can lead to poor quality HHC. Even so, the ways these factors influence HHC remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of cultural factors and social changes on HHC in Iran. This qualitative study which follows a conventional content analysis approach was conducted in Tabriz, Iran. Eighteen individuals including nurses, home health directors, physicians, policy-makers, patients, and their families participated in the study. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data collection involved focus group discussion (FGD) and 16 semi-structured in-depth interviews. In order to analyze the data, Graneheim and Lundman’s techniques were used and data collection continued until saturation was reached. Five main themes emerged from the data analysis including cultural diversity issues, society’s understanding of HHC, shifting demographics affecting healthcare needs, transitioning from traditional to modern lifeways, and increasing unaffordability of healthcare. Health managers can improve the accessibility and acceptability of HHC services by identifying the socio-cultural needs of the society. Future research should develop and test patients and families’ cultural care models in the HHC setting.

The Quest for Motivation

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 0-0
Keyword(s):  
Role Playing ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Learning Tools ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Role Playing Games ◽  
Inquiry Approach ◽  
Generic Qualitative ◽  
Generic Qualitative Inquiry

Studies have shown Tabletop Role Playing Games (TRPGs) to be effective motivational learning tools that can be utilized in various subject matters. However, limited research has analyzed the elements within TRPGs that enable them to provide motivation to the users. As such, this study conducted an in-depth examination of the elements of TRPGs through the perception of players. Self-determination theory helped frame the study, while the Generic Qualitative Inquiry approach was used for the methodology. Semi structured interviews were conducted with six participants. Data revealed several themes that aligned with the motivational frame related to competency, relatedness, and autonomy. The findings indicate the importance of the roleplaying element and the connection between the player and their in-game character, as well as the effect choices within the game have on the players and other elements of TRPGs. Implications regarding design of TRPGs as learning tools are discussed.

Open Source Technology for Medical Practice in Developing Countries

2017 ◽  
pp. 33-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Afton Chavez ◽  
Carrie Kovarik
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Open Source ◽  
Medical Practice ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Mobile Data Collection ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Future Research Directions

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the role of open source technologies within medical practice in developing countries. First, the background and meaning of “open source” principles is explored. Second, several fields of open source implementation are described. These include open source software, hardware, and digital content. Within each field, specific case studies are given to illustrate how the technologies have been adapted to the developing world for usage in information and communication sharing, electronic data management, mobile data collection, disease mapping, scholarly publication, and education. The issues and controversies, as well as future research directions and solutions are addressed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document