Key drivers that impact the quality of education – a holistic approach

PurposeThe education sector acts as an input for every other sector and contributes around 7% to the service industry; hence, it is important to identify, measure and analyze the drivers that impact the delivered service quality.Design/methodology/approachThis paper used different approaches to identify measure and analyze the drivers that impact the service quality. In addition to a thorough literature review, qualitative tools like brainstorming, the focused group technique, and the survey technique have been used. Decision-making tools like the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and a quantitative tool, one-sample t-test, with the help of MINITAB software, were used to analyze the inputs received from 179 experts. By using the stated approach, the planned research outcomes have been achieved.FindingsQuality of teachers, quality of students, quality of policies, and quality of facilities have been identified as the key drivers that impact quality of education. The paper highlights that the people quality drivers play a significantly important role in the quality of education when compared to the quality of non-people drivers. From the statistical analysis of the hypotheses, it was inferred that the People quality consisting of the quality of a teacher and the quality of students are the two prominent drivers to the Quality of education. This paper demonstrates the importance of the quality of a teacher and its significance to the quality of education. The recommendations made might be considered for the implementation, which can improve the quality of education in the country.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is focused on the data collected from the experts in the top-ranked management institutes only. The data from the experts from undergraduate institutions and other management institutes could have added more value.Practical implicationsIn the paper, the drivers were identified and further analyzed to suggest that teacher quality is a dominant driver of education quality. The findings also suggest that there should be a high focus on having a great quality teacher as compared to the facilities. The weights identified will enable the researcher to arrive at the overall quality scores of any Institute. As a part of the process, the user just needs to collect the ratings from the end customers (the parents of the students) against each driver, and the institute level scores can be derived. These scores can then be used by the Institute's management to analyze the results and improve upon the weak areas to improve the delivered service quality in the education sector.Originality/valueA holistic approach to exploring major drivers that impact the quality of education is a new approach. Moreover, using different tools like AHP, hypothesis testing, t-test, using the coefficient of variation in a single paper has not been attempted before. The revalidations of accepted hypotheses with respondents is also a new approach.

Examining internal capability determinants on firms' financial performance before and after going public: a case of listed firms in Thailand

PurposeThis study aims to empirically analyze the effect of firm financial strengths (liquidity, leverage, and cost of goods sold) and firm characteristics (utilization, tangibility and company size) towards firm financial performance and study the differences of these effects before and after firms going public.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is based on 159 firms listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) during the transition periods of interest from one year before each firm became a listed firm and up to five years after becoming a listed firm (data collection from 2002 to 2019). Fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is applied for the analysis.FindingsThe empirical evidence shows that the firms have to maintain different levels of determinants during different years of operation. Before becoming listed firms, the firms' size plays a significant role in determining the firms' financial performance. Different characteristics are required, according to the size of the firms. One year after becoming listed firms, a low level of production and operating expenses in relation to sales and low leverage are the two important factors for superior financial performance. Then, 2–5 years after becoming listed firms and after a steady state is reached, two more factors, good liquidity and high tangibility, are shown to be significant for good financial performance of the firms.Originality/valueUnlike prior studies, this study explains the causal relationships or combinations of determinants of financial strengths and firm characteristics, before and after going public toward good financial performance of firms, which cannot be identified by analyzing the calendar-year performance.

The moderating role of remote work in the relationship between organizational culture and OCB: case studies from the financial sector

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to show how remote working affects employees' organizational citizenship behavior (OCB).Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted research on organizations in the financial sector, as this segment was able to easily adapt to the challenges of remote working and teleworking. They used the case study approach: they analyzed organizational documents and management communications related to crisis management back to March 2020, when the pandemic started in Hungary, and conducted semi-structured interviews with managers and subordinates.FindingsThe results highlighted that the dominant organizational culture determines the effects of remote working on OCB. In organizations with a dominant market culture, OCB has changed the least because of the home office, with only a decline in the dimension of civic virtue. In organizations with a dominant clan culture, conscientiousness decreased, while the other three dimensions increased. The dominant hierarchy culture reacted the most unfavorably, excluding the dimension of courtesy, as all dimensions decreased.Originality/valueThe study shows how the pandemic and working in home office have changed the dimensions of OCB in different organizational cultures.

R&D tax incentives and innovation: unveiling the mechanisms behind innovation capacity

PurposeThere is a scarcity of empirical evidence in the literature on the chain of causality involving tax incentives for Research and Development (R&D) activities and their subsequent transformation into innovation. This study aims to assess the influence of R&D tax incentives on the organizational attributes of Portuguese firms to identify how they are converted into innovation.Design/methodology/approachA structural research model consisting of 339 companies that benefited from the Fiscal Incentive System supporting R&D in Enterprises, during the period from 2013 to 2016, was developed. This was done to assess the role of R&D tax incentives on the organizational attributes that form the innovation capacity. The model was validated using the multivariate statistical technique of structural equation modeling with partial least squares estimation (partial least squares structural equation modeling – PLS-SEM).FindingsThe results found suggest that although it is not possible to unequivocally identify the mechanisms used to convert tax incentives into innovation, it is possible to conclude that they play an important spillover effect for the construction and strengthening of organizational attributes. These form the basis of innovation capacity, to the extent that they positively influence the firms’ total assets, equity, liabilities, number of employees and sales. Hence, contributions are brought to both the literature on tax incentives and the general literature on innovation.Originality/valueFor policymakers, the evidence points to the fact that in addition to the incentives provided, novel mechanisms need to be established to help firms develop their absorptive capacity. The objective is to effectively convert the incentives received into innovation through the organizational attributes analyzed. From the firms’ point of view, the results found suggest that tax incentives act as a catalyst for making R&D investments. Additionally, there is an influence on employability, which effectively enhances the chances of innovation in the long run. Tax incentives received by Portuguese firms also have the effect of promoting economic dynamism – by enhancing the following: investments in infrastructure, the hiring of employees and the increasing of sales, generating positive externalities for both firms and society.

Food supply chain management (FSCM): a structured literature review and future research agenda

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to conduct a review of the literature published on food supply chain management (FSCM) in last one and half decade to find out the ongoing research in the field, identify gaps and develop relevant research questions (RQs) from the perspectives of academicians, researchers, policymakers and corporate for the future research.Design/methodology/approachIn all 281 research articles published on FSCM between the years 2005 and 2020 used for searching online databases such as Emerald, Science Direct (Elsevier), Springer and Wiley online. The methodology of structured review and classification involves various dimensions such as journal, publishing house, country, research design and methods, data analysis tool and multi-criteria decision-making methods.FindingsIt is found that the research in the field of FSCM has gained momentum in the last one and half decades. Majority of published articles are related to food supply chain management and food cold chain. Fewer authors have addressed issues and challenges related to food chain in developing country like India and still fewer studies are found on comparison of present food chain management practices adopted by developing countries like India vis-à-vis developed countries. Also it is observed that limited research is reported in food chain logistics system and intelligent tracking system.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is limited to reviewing only those articles which are related to food chain management.Originality/valueThe main objective of this comprehensive review of literature is to present the various perspectives of food chain management and its numerous challenges. This paper attempts to draw the attention of researchers for further research in the FSCM disciplines. The findings provide future research directions, need of sound policymaking and regulatory mechanism to ensure food security to world's second largest populous country.

The relationship between work–life balance and job satisfaction: moderating role of training and development and work environment

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between work–life balance (WLB) and job stress, job commitment and job satisfaction. Further, the role of work environment and training and development as moderators in the relationship between WLB and its consequences is investigated.Design/methodology/approachUsing a structured survey instrument, this paper gathered data from 331 respondents working in a transportation company in southern part of India. After checking the psychometric properties of the structured survey instrument, the authors analyzed data using hierarchical regression and structural equation modeling.FindingsThe hierarchical regression results indicated that WLB is (1) negatively related to job stress, (2) positively related to job satisfaction and (3) positively related to job commitment. The results also indicated that (1) job stress is negatively related to job satisfaction, and (2) job commitment is positively related to job satisfaction. The results also support that work environment is a moderator in the relationship between (1) WLB and job stress, and (2) WLB and job satisfaction. Results also documented that training and development is a moderator in the relationship between (1) job stress and job satisfaction, and (2) job commitment and job satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsSince the present research is based on self-report measures, the limitations of common method bias and social desirability are inherent. However, the authors have taken sufficient care to minimize these limitations. The research has implications for managers in work organizations.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to both literature on human resource management and practicing managers. The study suggests that employers need to be aware of the importance of WLB and invest moneys into training and development programs. Results also suggest maintaining congenial work environment to help employees maintain balance between work and life.Social implicationsThe study is expected to contribute to the welfare of the society in terms of identifying the consequences of WLB.Originality/valueThis study provides new insights about the consequences of WLB through moderating role of training and development and work environment. To the authors’ knowledge, this is a conceptual model developed and tested and first of its kind in India.

An inventory model for fish marketing under uncertain lockdown situation and normal backordering situation

PurposeThis research formulated to obtain the optimum ordered quantity and optimum inventory range of fish products under the conditions: (1) fully back ordered (lockdown) and (2) partial back ordered (normal geographical market). In both the cases, due to the deterioration nature and in quarantine situation some vendors are not able to satisfy the customers (retailers). So in this model, the cost of penalty is introduced in quarantine time to obtain the optimal total cost.Design/methodology/approachTo find the total cost, holding cost, shortage cost and deterioration cost have to be considered. There are so many disadvantages in holding the deteriorating food products. Due to the demand and deterioration, the holding cost of the fish products is determined. The supply chain of fish marketing process to find the optimum total cost and optimum back ordered quantity in the two situations, namely, (1) normal backordering and (2) Quarantine period is explained.FindingsThe conclusion of this research is exhibited for the uncertain lockdown situation and the normal geographical markets. But in both the cases, the demand function is dependent on the backorder quantity. The expected total cost of the retailers of fish products increased at the least possible range with the increase in the shortage parameter, cost of penalty and variance. But the change in mean value leads to decreasing in the back ordered quantity, inventory level and the annual total cost of the retailers. This analysis contributes to the service of supply chain from wholesaler to retailer in high level.Research limitations/implicationsFish products are very essential for nourishment and economic spread in India. This study has spotlight the efficient method for reducing the total cost of the retailers of fish marketing. The cost of deterioration of fish is high because of its perishable nature. Due to lockdown situation, the holding cost of the fish products depends upon the backordered quantity of geographical market of fish.Practical implicationsThis research formulated to obtain the optimum ordered quantity and optimum inventory range of fish products under the conditions: (1) fully back ordered (lockdown) and (2) partial back ordered (normal geographical market).Social implicationsDue to lockdown situation, the holding cost of the fish products depends upon the backordered quantity of geographical market of fish. This research formulated to obtain the optimum ordered quantity and optimum inventory range of fish products.Originality/valueThis research formulated to obtain the optimum ordered quantity and optimum inventory range of fish products under the conditions: (1) fully back ordered (lockdown) and (2) partial back ordered (normal geographical market). In both the cases, due to the deterioration nature and in quarantine situation some vendors are not able to satisfy the customers (retailers). So in this model, the cost of penalty is introduced in quarantine time to obtain the optimal total cost. A few number of sensitivity analysis are carried out for deterioration rate, shortage parameter and cost of penalty to indicate the existence of total cost in the least possible range.

Adaptive customer relationship management contingency model under disruptive events

PurposeGiven that few studies examine how disruptive events affect customer relationships during and after the event, this study examines the resilience of companies in Puerto Rico, their underlying vulnerabilities, and how they deployed customer relationship management (CRM) resilience strategies during and after Hurricane Maria.Design/methodology/approachThe study analyzed data gathered from qualitative focus groups composed of 41 firms via an exploratory approach. Participants were business owners and managers of enterprises in Puerto Rico.FindingsAll companies faced critical government infrastructure failures that affected their CRM activities. Firms implemented one or more CRM resilience strategies in response to the natural disaster. Accordingly, a comprehensive, adaptive CRM contingency model was postulated using marketing crisis management strategies discussed in the literature, existing resilience models and research studies in marketing resilience. The adaptive CRM contingency model operationalizes all processes at the business-logic level via the event-driven process chain (EPC) language, thus making it easier to understand and employ.Originality/valueThis study presents a unique model that shows the value of CRM and its capacity to evolve under disruptive environments that affect company–customer relationships. The operationalization of the model allows practitioners, policymakers and academic researchers to better understand how CRM is not only a suitable tool for managing business continuity after a natural disaster but also a mitigating technique for responding to new customer needs and expectations.

A game theory approach to selecting marketing-mix strategies

PurposeAdopting efficient marketing strategies is a challenging task in a competitive market place involving complex marketing planning, techniques and mechanisms to identify the best course of action under these circumstances and finding optimal solutions or stable outcomes. Decisions and strategies of competitors in the market influence the selection of the appropriate marketing strategy. The main purpose of this paper is to develop a mathematical methodology based on the game theory approach for planning optimal marketing-mix strategies in dynamic competitive markets, taking into account strategic foresight and interaction effects.Design/methodology/approachThe game theory approach, as a decision-making tool in conflict situations, is suggested for planning and adopting optimal marketing strategy. The main intellectual attraction of the game theory is essentially a question of how to act in gaming situations against highly rational opponents A kind of static, finite and non-cooperative game analytics approach has been developed for this issue, and the proposed model has been implemented to design optimal marketing strategies for two top brands of the automotive parts market in Iran.FindingsThe findings of this study show that the optimal marketing-mix strategy for brand A is pricing and for brand B is the product strategy.Practical implicationsGame theory and the Nash equilibrium model can provide a practical approach to find and adopt the right strategy, know competitors' movements and strategies and get more profit.Originality/valueThe integration of the game theory approach into the marketing mix framework has been adopted as a generalized model for marketing strategy planning and analysis as well as to resolve some shortcomings of the marketing mix framework. The Nash equilibrium model has been used to analyze the results. The incorporation of game theory into marketing models has the potential to enrich the scope of marketing modeling.

Impact of advertising puffery and celebrity trustworthiness on attitude and purchase intent: a study on Indian youth

PurposeGround handling services are important for effective aircraft operations in the air transportation system. Airlines often outsource these services to ground handling agents through business-to-business (B2B) marketing decisions. Therefore, this paper aims to address the problem of ground handling agent selection in the airline industry.Design/methodology/approachA real-world case study was carried out to demonstrate the applicability of the integrated Best Worst Method and fuzzy multi-attribute ideal real comparative analysis (F-MAIRCA) approach to solve ground handling agent selection problems under uncertainty and imprecision. A two-stage sensitivity analysis was also conducted to ensure the credibility and validity of the application.FindingsIn the weighting stage, “Quality” was determined as the most important criterion in terms of supplier performance. With regard to the performance of the ground handling agents, A2 was found as the optimal supplier in terms of both credibility and validity.Practical implicationsThis study enumerated several criteria that ground handling agents must meet in order to effectively supply services for the airlines. In addition, this study provides a novel framework from which managers can gain additional benefits from their businesses. Finally, it is concluded that this approach will help airline managers quantitatively in choosing the most appropriate ground handling agent.Originality/valueThe contributions of this study to the existing literature are in twofold. First, the authors propose a novel multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) approach to address the problem of supplier selection for airlines under uncertainty and imprecision. Second, the selection of ground handling agents from the B2B perspective is addressed for the first time in the literature.