International Journal of Management Studies
International Journal of Management Studies (IJMS) (Formerly known as Jurnal Analisis) is a refereed multidisciplinary journal published by Universiti Utara Malaysia in January and July. A manuscript submitted to the Editorial Board for consideration must be an original unpublished work, not under consideration for publication elsewhere. IJMS aims at publishing articles that focus on empirical studies, theoretical development and practical applications in the selected niche areas. Strategic Management Marketing Human Resource Management Research & Development (R&D) Management International Business Management This is an open access journal. The articles on this site are available in full-text and free of charge to our web visitors. This website does not require any personal information about its visitors to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of these articles. International Journal of Management Studies (IJMS) does not charge authors fees for publishing an article. IJMS is publication fully funded by Universiti Utara Malaysia.
RETIREMENT PREDICTION MODELLING: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
The topic of retirement has been the subject of much debate in previous literature. However, there has been limited exploration within the specific context of retirement funds modelling. Therefore, this paper aims to offer insights into the relevance of consumption in retirement modelling through a systematic literature review. The study utilized the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) method for collecting journal articles, focusing on publications from January 2000 to January 2023. From a pool of 1,822 articles sourced from Scopus and WoS, only ten were selected for an in-depth review. This paper emphasizes the methodologies employed in the selected articles and the preditor of retirement planning. The analysis revealed that three articles incorporate consumption in their retirement modelling. However, only one article within the reviewed literature has implicitly suggest the possible effect of consumption as an indirect antecedent for retirement modelling. Considering the significance of consumption, especially its potential drastic changes post-retirement, this aspect proves essential in influencing the overall amount required for retirement planning.
Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Management Studies https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EXPLORING THE ROLE OF FACEBOOK IN SUPPORTING SENIOR ENTREPRENEURS
Senior entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to social media platforms, notably Facebook, to promote and grow their businesses. Despite often having limited technical skills, senior entrepreneurs recognize the benefits of using social media as an essential tool for business communication and marketing. While there may be initial resistance to adopting social media, its benefits for businesses are widely recognized, making it a valuable entrepreneurial tool, facilitating communication and marketing efforts. This area of research is significant due to the global rise in the aging population and the growing trend of seniors transitioning into entrepreneurship after reaching retirement age. This qualitative investigation employed semi-structured interviews complemented by observations to explore the use of Facebook among senior entrepreneurs. Ten participants were interviewed face-to-face, with observations conducted based on insights gathered from these interviews. The findings indicate that senior entrepreneurs utilize Facebook to a moderate extent, primarily constrained by their limited digital knowledge. However, numerous features on Facebook remain unexplored, presenting potential opportunities for further business innovation within this demographic. This investigation provides insights into the adaptation of senior entrepreneurs to social media, particularly Facebook, as a tool for enhancing their business activities.
LEAN PROCESS IMPROVEMENT IN HEALTHCARE: A STUDY USING VALUE STREAM MAPPING, THEORY OF CONSTRAINTS AND SIMULATION
In healthcare services, where human health is the primary concern, the principle of ''doing it right the first time'' is paramount. Waste and constraints in service delivery processes can directly impact patient health outcomes. This study aim is to examine the hospitalization process of the internal medicine department of an education and research hospital using value stream mapping (VSM), theory of constraints (TOC) and simulation (using Arena software). Initially, current and future patient flows were mapped using VSM. Constraints affecting these flows were determined using TOC, while simulation was used to assess the impact of a lean model on the system proposed through the future state map (FSM). Two scenarios were developed for the future state. The findings show the presence of numerous non-value-added steps in the existing system. A leaner patient flow was achieved by minimizing these inefficiencies through the proposed future state models, addressing problematic areas that hinder the flow. Non-value-added time (NVAT) was reduced by 44 percent in the first proposed scenario and by 72 percent in the second proposed scenario. Patients' length of stay (LoS) improved by 1 percent with the first model and decreased by 12 percent with the second model. Additionally, transfer time (TT) was decreased by 88 percent in the first scenario and by 92 percent in the second scenario. This study offers valuable insights and can serve as a roadmap for researchers, managers and decision-makers in the healthcare sector seeking to implement lean practices.
TOURIST DECISION-MAKING WHEN SELECTING A DESTINATION: AN ANALYTICAL HIERARCHY PROCESS ANALYSIS OF CONSUMPTION VALUES
Within the context of tourism-related activities, numerous factors may influence a traveller’s choice of destinations. Therefore, it is crucial to understand which factors will mostly influence destination selection. It is common knowledge that in a destination selection process, people are likely to visit sites they believe are worthwhile. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used in the study, and the data were collected from twelve experts, including six academicians of tourism and destination marketing, and six tour guides with more than ten years of experience in the sector. The research aims to determine the priority order of consumption values in determining the preferences of tourists for the destinations they have selected. The results show that "epistemic value" was the most important factor in determining a tourist’s choice of destination. Moreover, it was found that the following dimensions, namely functional value, i.e., "worth the money", emotional value, i.e., "feel secure", social value, i.e., "meet friendly and hospitable people", epistemic value, i.e., "providing novelty experiences", and conditional value, i.e., "personal safety" have also been given priority. By identifying the priorities of a tourist in the destination selection process, it is envisaged that tourism businesses operating in tourist destinations will be able to provide better value-added activities, such as in food and beverage, lodging, entertainment, and travel agencies. In providing theoretical and empirical information for those involved in the sector, a more efficient process is thus ensured. With the help of this knowledge of what is expected of tourists as consumers, it will be easier to develop comprehensive strategies and solutions.
REMOTE WORK MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF TELECOMMUNICATION FIRMS
Disruptive times happen, and there is a chance of unpreparedness confronting the populace. However, it offers opportunities to adopt new methods or reinforce alternative processes in delivering value to customers. Remote work has always been practised globally, but the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced its practice. This study examined the connection between remote work management practices (RWMPs) and the operational performance of companies in the Nigerian telecommunication industry. The study’s population comprised the workers of the four (4) prominent telecommunication firms in Nigeria. The telecommunication firms in Nigeria at the point of time of this study were GLO, MTN, AIRTEL, and 9Mobile. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to 400 randomly selected respondents from a target population of 7,756, with 340 participants completing the survey, providing valuable primary data for this study. Descriptive statistical tools and structural equation modelling (SEM) were employed to analyze the data collected. Findings from the empirical study showed that RWMPs significantly and positively influence companies' operational performance in the Nigerian telecommunication industry. It was found that RWMPs substantially improve the operational performance of telecommunication companies in a developing economy like Nigeria. Consequently, it was recommended that the management of the companies in the Nigeria telecommunication industry provide more ICT facilities and other resources to sustain their RWMPs. To ensure that the operational performances of these firms will continue to improve at a geometrical rate management should not allow their staff to waste productive hours in their daily commute to work. The study was limited to telecommunication firms in Nigeria, therefore future studies could expand the scope to include other countries or regions, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.
SEEKING SELF THROUGH FASHION: HOW SELF-DETERMINATION DRIVES LUXURY APPAREL PURCHASES IN EMERGING ECONOMIES
Luxury brands are gaining popularity in both developed and emerging economies. Recent research has advocated wider use of self-determination theory (SDT) in marketing studies, suggesting that it has high predictive accuracy for understanding consumer motivations. Underpinned by this particular theory, this study aims to measure the impact of intrinsic motivations (brand commitment, hedonic motivation, and self-congruity) and extrinsic motivations (social motivation) on the purchasing intention of luxury fashion apparel brands in a developing country. Data was collected from 490 luxury apparel brand users, utilizing both offline and online modes via survey questionnaires. The proposed relationships were analyzed using PLS-SEM. Intrinsic motivations (brand commitment, hedonic motivation) and extrinsic motivation factor (social motivation) positively impacted purchase intention of luxury fashion apparel, while the impact of self-congruity (intrinsic motivator) was insignificant. This study adds to the body of knowledge about luxury branding by reassessing and expanding SDT with a new set of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations in collectivist society. The present study is among very few studies in marketing science that explicitly applied SDT. The uniqueness of this study is that it empirically examines consumer behavioral differences towards luxury buying in the luxury fashion apparel segment, utilizing SDT. Therefore, it is a major addition to the body of literature in the area. The findings of the study provide marketers with practical insights into luxury customer behavior, enabling them to target consumers in a growing economy, making them a high-potential market.
A NEW APPROACH IN IMMOVABLE ASSET MANAGEMENT USING 3D SPATIAL SPACE
Effective asset management is crucial for organizations that provide high-quality services. However, the management of immovable assets often faces challenges due to time-consuming, tedious, and error-prone paper-based practices. To address these issues, the Malaysian government has introduced MySPATA (Sistem Pengurusan Aset Tak Alih Kerajaan), an electronic-based solution aimed at improving asset management. Despite its implementation, MySPATA has not fully resolved the complications associated with locating and managing assets. This study proposes integrating three-dimensional Geographic Information Systems (3D GIS) into the asset management system to enhance productivity and accuracy. This research focuses on Taman Kobena Hall, which is managed by Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB), utilizing detailed LiDAR scanning and aerial photogrammetry to create an accurate 3D model of the building. The integration of 3D GIS into the asset management system using ArcGIS software enables efficient asset registration, detailed visualization, and comprehensive data querying. The findings demonstrate that 3D visualization significantly improves asset location tracking and reduces reliance on paper-based processes, thus promoting continuous asset updates. The study also addresses the strengths and limitations of this approach. While the initial creation and maintenance of detailed 3D models require significant time and resources, the benefits of improved accuracy, better decision-making, and enhanced visualization are substantial. This research provides robust proof of the concept of integrating 3D GIS in immovable asset management and offers valuable insights for broader applications in various industries.
The Role of Entrepreneurial Spirit and Self-Efficacy in Technology Entrepreneur New Venture Creation
Technology entrepreneur new venture creation (TENVC) plays an important role in developing and commercializing technologies worldwide. Yet, one of the critical and on-going debates is about the paradigm shift from the trait approach to the behavioral approach which emerges from what successful entrepreneurs do and how they perform, rather than what their personality traits are. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to study both the entrepreneurial spirit and self-efficacy as key factors for TENVC. The mixed methods research was employed by combining the quantitative and qualitative approaches. The samples were chosen based on convenience sampling for the quantitative study and judgment sampling for the qualitative study. The finding shows that both entrepreneurial spirit and self-efficacy are correspondingly important for TENVC among technical students and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). There is only a small difference in value in their positive significant relationship led by self-efficacy compared to entrepreneurial spirit with r=.005 for TENVC of technical students in IHLs. This finding is convergent with the outcome of the case study analysis that both factors are among the key indicators for TENVC of technical students in IHLs. The technology entrepreneur development organizations (TEDO) may utilize this result in developing TENVC in their institutions.
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Effect of Business Process Reengineering Factors on Organisational Performance
This study empirically investigated the effect of business process reengineering factors on organisational performance in the Saudi context. A quantitative approach was employed whereby this study focused on Riyadh factory for re-refining oils employees. A total of 110 useable questionnaires were used in the statistical analysis. Business process reengineering factors that were investigated include the major improvements after business process reengineering, the major changes after implementation of business process reengineering and the personal gain after business reengineering process. The results showed that the only two factors out of the three do affect organisational performance in Riyadh factory for re-refining oils employees namely the major improvements after business process reengineering and the major changes after implementation of business process reengineering.
Managing Pension Plan in an Aging Population -The Dynamic Profit-Share Pension Model
This study examined the profit-share pension model as a potential vehicle for generating capital accumulation and effecting a progressive redistribution of wealth. Taking the functions of the pension mechanism as the guiding principle, we attempted to incorporate a profit-share fund into a three-pillar pension system, eliminating the need for full funding from public resources. The general equilibrium model, with each agent solving a specific optimization problem, in which, on top of the full set of first order conditions for each problem, constraint conditions are imposed. Consideration of the equilibrium conditions gave us a complete system which conceivably, allowed us to solve the equilibrium paths for endogenous variables. The use of simulation techniques allowed us to accommodate a flexible and behaviorally realistic setting to examine the model’s behavior over time and compare its level of consistency to that of the real existing systems. The use of sensitivity analysis additionally investigated the model’s behavior in the presence of macroeconomic shocks by making changes to the model variables and observing their effects. The findings show profit-sharing has a positive impact on business and economic activity and also has a positive impact on pension activity.
WORK ENGAGEMENT AS A MEDIATOR BETWEEN AUTONOMY SUPPORT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING
This study explored the role of supervisor and colleague autonomy support in relation to psychological, social, and emotional well-being, using the components of work engagement—vigor, devotion, and absorption—as mediators. Grounded in the Job-Demands Resources (JD-R) Model, the research highlights the importance of job resources, such as peer-support, in managing job demands and enhancing employee well-being, particularly within the context of education during the pandemic. A total of 315 participants, including teachers, staff members, and administrators, completed scales assessing work self-efficacy, job engagement, and mental health. The study utilized a cross-sectional and predictive research design, conducting the survey at a single point in time to determine the direct relationships and mediating roles of autonomy support and work engagement in relation to well-being. Data was analyzed using mediation analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, with model fit indices indicating an excellent fit. The findings revealed that supervisor and colleague autonomy support significantly predicted well-being, with work engagement fully mediating these relationships. Consequently, the direct effects of autonomy support on well-being became non-significant when work engagement was accounted for, indicating full mediation. Based on these results, it is recommended that educational institutions promote a supportive social environment, provide growth opportunities, and respect employee autonomy. This study contributes to the literature by elucidating pathways through which supervisor and peer autonomy support influence psychological, emotional, and social well-being through work vigor, dedication, and commitment.
MICROCREDIT PROGRAMMES PUBLICATION TRENDS, ITS CONTRIBUTIONS AND FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS: A BIBLIOMETRICS STUDY FROM 2000 TO 2021
This study aims to provide insight into the publication trends of microcredit programmes from 2000 to 2021. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 1,241 scholarly works related to microcredit programmes as recorded in the Scopus database in September 2022. Specifically, this paper will analyse the evolution of microcredit programmes research by examining (a) document and source types, (b) year of publications and languages, (c) types of sources and subject area, (d) keyword analysis, (e) geographical distribution and citation analysis as well as (f) citation clustering analysis. The results of the bibliometric study provide important information on publications’ current and future trends in the field of microcredit programmes. Based on the data, the number of publications on microcredit programme research has fluctuated over 21 years since 2000. The results, also, present the United States as the largest contributor to microcredit programmes research, followed by India. Meanwhile, the Journal of World Development published the most publications related to research on microcredit programmes. The implications of this study indicate the evolving nature of microcredit programme research and the need for continuous exploration and analysis in this field. Understanding publication trends, identifying leading contributors, and to considering additional databases for research can contribute to the development of current and future studies on microcredit programmes.
Copyright (c) 2024 International Journal of Management Studies https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ENHANCING R&D IN TAIWANESE SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES: AN ANALYSIS OF POST COVID-19 BUSINESS SURVIVAL STRATEGIES
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Despite numerous setbacks, some SMEs demonstrated resilience by adopting innovative survival strategies, including investment in research and development (R&D). This study investigates the extent of R&D investment among selected SMEs in Taiwan and its role in their survival during the pandemic. Using a mixed methods approach, data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires, with participants representing various SME categories until saturation was achieved. SME proprietors provided insights on how R&D investments contributed to their resilience. The findings indicate that 73.3% of respondents invested directly in R&D and 54.3% reported that R&D investments positively impacted their business survival during the pandemic. The study recommends that SMEs enhance their R&D capabilities by developing staff skills and allocating specific funds for R&D in their budgets to better withstand future disruptions.
THE IMPACT OF PERSONAL GROWTH AND HOLISTIC THINKING ON PRICE-PERCEIVED QUALITY HEURISTIC
The price-perceived quality heuristic refers to an individual's predisposition to interpret price as an indicator of product quality and has been shown to be influenced by various personal factors. However, certain variables affecting this tendency has yet to be explored. This study aims to investigate whether two personal factors, namely personal growth and holistic thinking, impact this heuristic. Moreover, the study also examines the mediating roles of prestige sensitivity and risk aversion in these relationships. Data were collected using convenience sampling from 755 participants with diverse occupations across various cities and districts in Türkiye. Using structural equation modelling analyses with SPSS and AMOS software, the analyses revealed that personal growth positively influences the price-perceived quality heuristic, while holistic thinking has a negative effect. Additionally, the results confirmed the significant mediating roles of prestige sensitivity and risk aversion. These findings provide valuable insights for researchers and practitioners seeking to better understand the dynamics that shape the relationship between price and quality perception.
DEVELOPING AND VALIDATING A SCALE TO MEASURE FOOTBALL TEAM LOVE
Previous studies in sports marketing have shown that team love is a key factor influencing loyalty, satisfaction and positive word-of-mouth behaviours. Despite these positive findings, research on team love remains limited, and the concept’s theoretical framework is underdeveloped. The study aims to conceptualize football team love using a grounded theory approach and to develop a scale based on this conceptualization. Through a comprehensive literature review, as well as data obtained from focus group and in-depth interviews with football fans, the study delineated the unique conceptual dimensions of team love. Using data obtained from 452 Turkish football fans, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed a three-dimensional (self-team integration, infinity, and passion-driven behaviours), 12-item structure. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) further validated and refined, a three-dimensional, nine-item measurement model. This research provides an in-depth, theory-based understanding of the unique construct of football team love, offering valuable insights for both academic and practical applications. The findings lay a foundation for further research and provide strategic guidance for sports marketers to foster stronger connections between football teams and their fans.
AN INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE MODEL FOR SMART CITY MOBILE APPLICATIONS: IDENTIFICATION OF KEY FACTORS AND EXTENSION OF TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION
Smart cities have experienced significant improvements in service quality, resident satisfaction, sustainability, and economic development through the application of information and communication technology. With urban populations expected to grow, the adoption of smart city mobile applications (SCMA) can enhance the efficiency and impact of urban regions. This research explores the cognitive factors influencing user engagement and adoption of SCMA, by integrating identified factors with technological adaptation models. The decision of individual users to embrace such as SCMA has garnered attention from both information systems (IS) researchers and industry practitioners. Key factors affecting SCMA user acceptance include perceived enjoyment, innovation, trust, social influence, security, compliance, satisfaction, perceived benefit, ease of use, and intention to use. Data was analyzed using a structural equation model (SEM), with participants responding to questionnaire items on a five-point Likert scale. Out of an initial 1,142 responses, 1,062 valid samples were included in the final analysis after data filtering, achieving a response rate of 67 percent. Enhanced user satisfaction is crucial for the success of SCMA providers. The industry must allocate additional resources toward developing robust and reliable infrastructures and platforms that enhance mobility and service quality. To drive the future of Web 3.0, the industry must also address long-term challenges, such as creating new universal systems and environments. The conclusion of this study is discussed with respect to both theoretical and practical implications.
IDENTIFYING AND PRIORITIZING MARKETING PROBLEMS IN IRAN’S POULTRY INDUSTRY
The marketing of poultry products is a critical component of all production systems. Given the importance of the poultry industry in Iran and the marketing challenges it faces, this research aims to identify and prioritize the marketing problems within the industry. Using the Delphi technique, 15 experts from the poultry industry helped identify the main factors causing marketing issues in poultry units. These factors were then ranked according to their importance using the AHP method. The findings classified the main marketing problems into six categories: product, price, supply, promotion, resources, and structure. The "resources" category emerged as the highest priority, while "promotion" was deemed the lowest. Among the sub-indicators, the lack of government support and inadequate facilities from banks and related organizations ranked the highest priority, whereas insufficient advertising for chicken meat ranked the lowest. The most important innovation of this research lies in its comprehensive ranking and prioritization of marketing problems specific to the poultry industry in Iran, an area that previous research has not yet explored.
KESAN PENYEDERHANA SIKAP USAHAWAN TERHADAP HUBUNGAN ANTARA PEMBIAYAAN MIKRO DAN PRESTASI PERUSAHAAN MIKRO BUMIPUTERA (The Moderating Effect of Entrepreneurial Attitudes on the Relationship Between Microfinance and Bumiputera Micro-Enterprise Performance)
Pembiayaan kewangan dan sikap usahawan dilihat memainkan peranan penting dalam membantu pertumbuhan perusahaan bersaiz mikro, kecil dan sederhana (PKS). Kajian ini dijalankan bagi melihat sejauh manakah perkara ini memberi kesan secara langsung dan tidak langsung ke atas prestasi PKS. Tumpuan kajian diberikan kepada perusahaan bersaiz mikro Bumiputera di Pulau Pinang. Sejumlah 350 orang usahawan mikro Bumiputera di Pulau Pinang yang menerima pembiayaan kewangan mikro daripada pelbagai agensi dan institusi kewangan telah dipilih sebagai sampel kajian melalui kaedah pensampelan bola salji. Kaedah regresi berbilang digunakan bagi menerangkan pengaruh faktor pembiayaan dan sikap usahawan ke atas prestasi usahawan mikro Bumiputera di Pulau Pinang. Dapatan kajian mendapati pembiayaan mikro dan sikap usahawan memberikan pengaruh secara langsung yang signifikan positif ke atas prestasi perusahaan mikro Bumiputera. Hasil kajian dapat memberikan sumbangan kepada institusi kewangan dalam menilai keberkesanan kemudahan pembiayaan mikro di samping memberikan manfaat kepada usahawan mikro dalam membantu mengenal pasti faktor sikap yang dapat menyumbang kepada peningkatan prestasi perusahaan. ABSTRACT It is believed that microfinance and entrepreneurial attitudes contribute significantly to the expansion of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). This study was conducted to determine the direct and indirect effects of these factors on the performance of Bumiputera micro-enterprises in Penang. A total of 350 micro Bumiputera firms in Penang which received microfinance from various agencies and financial institutions were chosen as the sample through the snowball sampling approach. The influence of microfinance and entrepreneur attitude on the performance of Bumiputera micro companies in Penang is explained using multiple regression analysis. The regression study predicted that microfinance and entrepreneurial attitude have a direct and significant favourable effect on the performance of Bumiputera micro companies. The findings of this study can be used by financial institutions to evaluate the efficacy of microfinance facilities and by microbusinesses to identify attitude that contribute to enhancing enterprise success. Keywords: Bumiputera, micro-enterprises, microcredit, entrepreneur attitudes, Penang.
ENHANCING SERVICE EFFICIENCY IN UTILITY ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH QUALITY FUNCTION DEPLOYMENT
Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is a powerful approach for establishing a strong relationship between a product or service and customer needs. It focuses on capturing the voice of the customer to enhance their satisfaction. In today’s competitive landscape, organizations must meet customer needs to thrive. This research focuses on utility-imparting organizations and aims to enhance customer satisfaction and service efficiency through the development of a correlation matrix. The study proposes an inductive framework and evaluates it using typical QFD techniques. Specifically, the research utilizes the House of Quality (HOQ) to improve organizational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The HOQ identifies key quality indicators by analyzing the relationship between customer needs (WHATs), and technical solutions (HOWs), as well as between different HOWs. The results of the HOQ analysis highlight the most crucial factors for improving service efficiency: effective customer service, a competitive and focused organization, accurate billing meters and methods, precise meter readings and billing, and prioritization of emergency response. The findings provide valuable guidelines for improving the efficiency of utility energy services.
LEAN SIX SIGMA APPROACH FOR SIMULTANEOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT OF COURSES IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The purpose of this study is to assess whether Lean Six Sigma can improve the quality of teaching-learning processes in higher educational institutions during the Covid-19 pandemic. The integration of e-learning technologies with lean six sigma (LSS). DMAIC stands for five phases of sig sigma project: define, measure, analyze, improve, and control was applied to implement quality assurance in the teaching-learning process. Action research was adopted in 30 courses of a particular engineering programme. The methodology was applied as a course improvement tool, and the challenges encountered during the implementation were also studied. The LSS DMAIC methodology could successfully improve the quality of various courses simultaneously through online mode during the Covid-19 pandemic. The adopted methodology could assist in effectively responding during the present stage of uncertainty and provide stakeholders with guidelines to deal with the post-pandemic era. In terms of practical implications, this study discusses a new approach to improving the quality of the teaching-learning process in higher educational institutions. The LSS DMAIC is applied with the help of online educational and social media platforms for the simultaneous improvement of courses in a particular engineering programme.
OVERQUALIFICATION AND INNOVATIVE WORK BEHAVIOURS: THE ROLE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP
The aim of this study is to unpack the bright side of overqualification. Based on social learning and human capital theories, this study is an attempt to explore the relationship between overqualification and innovative work behavior. Further, we investigate the role of entrepreneurial leaders as a moderator in the relationship between overqualification and innovative work behavior. The study is based on a dyadic source field study from employees and their supervisors. The empirical results reveal that overqualification has a positive and significant association with innovative work behavior when the overqualified employees feel that their leader/supervisor has adopted an entrepreneurial leadership style. This is the first study that explores the relationship between overqualification and innovative behavior in the presence of entrepreneurial leadership. Additionally, the limitations, restrictions, and future directions are thoroughly covered.
THE IMPACT OF PERCEIVED EMPLOYABILITY ON THE EMPLOYMENT QUALITY OF MANAGEMENT GRADUATES: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF FOCUSED JOB SEARCH
Gaining quality employment as the outcome of an exhaustive job search process apparently has no clear pathway for success. With little experience of the job market, young graduates’ initial steps into the complexity of finding the right job essentially need guidance. This study provides insights on how recent management graduates could achieve long-term employment success through factors that would assist them in obtaining quality jobs. A conceptual framework rooted in social-cognitive career theory imparted the present study a twofold purpose of examining the effect of perceived employability (internal and external) and focused job search on employment quality (starting salary and job satisfaction) and investigating the intervening employment quality. A two-wave correlational study was performed which involved 250 recently employed management graduates. The structural equation modelling analysis via Partial Least Square (PLS) found that the internal perceived employability was significantly related to starting salary and job satisfaction. However, the external perceived employability was only significantly related to starting salary. Moreover, a competitive mediation by focused job search showed its negative influence on the relationship between internal perceived employability and starting salary. Finally, the results upheld that employability perceptions and a job search approach are vital aspects to be considered during the university-to-work transition. These insights would assist the career counsellors to instill positive employability perceptions in the focused management graduates to enhance their possibility of obtaining better pay and a more satisfying job.
Copyright (c) 2023 International Journal of Management Studies https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A BIBLIOMETRIC CITATION ANALYSIS ON GREEN MARKETING AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
The research interest in the field of green marketing and waste management can be demonstrated through the published literature on the topic. However, there is a paucity of extensive and systematic research focusing on the evolution of this discipline in terms of its citation work. The main objective of this study is to explore the status of scholarly works on green marketing and waste management through a bibliometric citation and networking analysis of papers published from 2012 to 2021. The data was extracted from the Web of Science (WOS) utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysed (PRISMA) review process. The VOSviewer software was used to visualize the networking linkages. The findings of descriptive analysis showed that publications and citations related to green marketing and waste management are highest in 2021. Likewise, the networking analysis showed that the Science of the Total Environment journal has the highest citation counts, while Wan Yinfeng, Wang Junshi, Xu Guoping and Yi Huang are the authors with the highest citation counts, respectively. The findings also uncovered Sinosteel Wuhan Safety & Environmental Protection Research Institute (WSEPRI) as the most cited institution. Co-authorship and co-occurrence analysis were also found to provide significant discoveries. This study offers future scholars’ knowledge on the analysis of cited journals, papers, authors, institutions, and countries in the same field. Overall, the study serves as a guide for journal editorial boards on the growth among authors and networking opportunities in the field of green marketing and waste management, especially at the international level.
THE NEXUS BETWEEN RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PRACTICES AND BUSINESS PERFORMANCE OF NIGERIAN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES
This paper examined the relationships between recruitment and selection practices with business performance in the manufacturing sector using the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Lagos metropolis as the unit of analysis. It identified employee referral, job vacancy advertisement, employment agency and employee promotion as the most commonly used recruitment and selection practices in the manufacturing SMEs’ environment. The study made use of a questionnaire administered to 288 respondents and the results obtained showed that the vacancy advertisement and employment agency have a moderate relationship with business performance while employee promotion has a weak relationship with business performance while employee referral has a negative relationship with business performance. Regression results also indicated a positive relationship between combined recruitment and selection practices and business performance. It was concluded that the management of SMEs should prioritise employment agency among the recruitment and selection practices since it was found to have a more decisive influence on business performance. Thus, having the patronage of the employment agency with sound personnel policies that will be costeffective and outline human resource requirements is recommended.
SERVICE QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION THROUGH AIRQUAL DIMENSIONS: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION ON IRAQI AIRWAYS
In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, customer requirements and expectations are continually increasing. Many service-oriented companies, including airlines, are struggling to accurately understand and meet the true needs and desires of their passengers. Often, they rely on outdated views of airline services. This study investigated how various dimensions of service quality impact customer satisfaction at Iraqi Airways. Using a convenience sampling technique, data were collected through questionnaires distributed at Baghdad International Airport and Erbil International Airport in Iraq. A total of 381 valid responses were analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results indicate that five service quality dimensions—airline tangibles, terminal tangibles, security and safety, personnel services, and airline image—have a positive and significant effect on customer satisfaction. However, empathy does not significantly influence customer satisfaction. The findings suggest that Iraqi Airways should focus on differentiating its services to enhance customer satisfaction. Managers are encouraged to concentrate on factors that elevate service quality, thereby improving customer satisfaction. This study can assist Baghdad International Airport and Erbil International Airport in understanding the importance of service quality, which could lead to higher passenger satisfaction and foster long-term relationships with their customers.
ANALYZING GREEN SITE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN MALAYSIA: TRENDS AND INSIGHTS
This research explores the current green site management practices (GSMPs) commonly practiced by contractors. While the construction industry has contributed significantly to Malaysia’s development, it has also raised various environmental concerns. GSMPs are gaining attention as a solution to these issues. Nevertheless, their implementation faces various challenges, such as financial concerns and a lack of knowledge. A qualitative approach was adopted to focus on contractors’ experiences with green practices. Five contractors were randomly selected from the construction sites in Malaysia using the convenience sampling method. These respondents, all at the management level, were well-positioned to provide insights. Data collection continued until no new issues emerged from the interviews. The findings revealed that GSMPs are becoming a current trend within the industry. Contractors are beginning to integrate green practices in their construction activities, focusing on construction site waste management, workforce management, best regulatory practices, site establishment and administration, and site facilities. However, there is a notable lack of awareness and knowledge about these green practices among contractors. The study offers practical implications for the future of GSMPs, highlighting the need for increased understanding and adoption. By elaborating on available practices and their implications, this study aims to encourage broader implementation of GSMPs in construction sites.
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORTING: THE CASE OF MOROCCAN FIRMS
In business landscape, companies attempt to meet stakeholders’ expectations by publishing their corporate social responsibility (CSR) information in specific reports. In fact, CSR reports encompass a set of information related to companies’ sustainable actions, approaches, and motivations. CSR reporting readability is an important issue to handle at the corporate level in order to leverage companies’ sustainable disclosure. This article investigates CSR reporting to identify specific categorizations and structures related to published CSR information of listed stocks. Mixed research methods are applied to a sample of 58 Moroccan companies that have the CSR label. First, content analysis was conducted for each organization’s CSR annual report. Second, multiple correspondence analysis was conducted to detect specific associations and structures in CSR reporting. Our findings highlight that companies communicate more concisely and completely when they perform social actions based on a value creation approach and under normative motivations. The results shed light on companies’ awareness of integrating CSR dimensions into their corporate disclosure. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the extent to which CSR reporting structures could be used as indicators of the complexity and readability quality of companies’ sustainability reporting. It could serve as a tool to assess companies’ social and environmental engagement and reputation.
ARE THERE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE CONTINUOUS USAGE INTENTION OF E-WALLET USERS?: THE CASE OF SEOUL AND JAKARTA
The unstoppable use of the Internet, especially in big cities, has led to changes in payment patterns and financial transactions. Originally, wallets have transitioned to electronic wallets, driven by perceived benefits, ease of use, and social influence among e-wallet users. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the intention to continuously use e-wallets among young people who have become accustomed to Internet usage. The method employed for processing the data collected through questionnaires is SEM-PLS. The research sample consisted of 240 young e-wallet users in Seoul and Jakarta who participated in the study. The results showed a discrepancy in the effect of perceived ease of use on the continuous usage intention of e-wallets among the young users in the two cities. Young users in Seoul found e-wallets easy to use, whereas users in Jakarta perceived the opposite. However, the perceived usefulness and social influence had a positive and significant effect on the continuous usage intention of e-wallets in both cities. This indicates that Generation Z believes e-wallets will continue to be used due to their benefits and the influence of social factors. This implication underscores the penetration of Internet users and mobile applications associated with e-wallet users. The findings of this research hold significant importance for the rapidly expanding e-wallet industry today, serving as a valuable reference for the development of the e-wallet market.
LINKING CORPORATE TRUST, CORPORATE IMAGE, AND CUSTOMER LOYALTY: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF PERCEIVED DECEPTION
Deceptive advertisement is a primary factor affecting customer loyalty because when people do not receive what they expect from advertisements, they tend to avoid using those brands. Although past researches have addressed the perceived deception in advertisements and its impact on customer loyalty, there is a lack of studies focusing on the mediating role of corporate trust, corporate image, and perceived deception in relation to customer loyalty. Household consumers were chosen as the target population due to their exposure to advertisements. A sample of 250 individuals participated in this study. Smart PLS was used for data analysis. This study confirms that perceived deception, corporate trust and corporate image play a significant mediating role in establishing customer loyalty. The findings of this study can assist marketers in developing new designs and strategies that do not mislead customers. It will also help marketers to identify the factors that should be considered when designing advertisements.
THE ABILITY OF A BRAND RECALL TO MEDIATE BETWEEN PRODUCT PLACEMENT AND MULTI-ETHNIC MOVIEGOER’S CONSUMER PURCHASE INTENTIONS
Product placement has been a crucial influence for multi-ethnic Malaysian moviegoers in terms of purchase intentions. This research was conceptualised based on the Tripartite Typology of Product Placement by Russel (1998) and the Planned Behaviour Theory (TPB) by Ajzen (1985). This investigation measured how brand recall mediated the relationship between plot integration, audio stimulus, visual stimulus and consumer purchasing intentions. The research focused primarily on multi-ethnic cinemagoers in Peninsula Malaysia. Past research has also proven that the ethnic background of an individual does have a positive impact on the purchase intentions of the individual. This research studied the purchase intentions of each ethnicity in Peninsular Malaysia to determine if there is a difference among the purchase intentions of respondents when it comes to brand recall mediating the relationship between product placement and the various modalities of product placement. Respondents were sampled from all states within Peninsula Malaysia except for the states of Kelantan and Perlis due to the unavailability of operating cinemas in these states. Respondents were invited to participate after they had watched a movie in the cinema. Preferences only for those who watched Hollywood movies. A total of 513 respondents participated in this research. A questionnaire based on the five-point Likert scale was created as the research instrument to collect data by adapting from past research. A reliability test was done to ascertain the reliability and validity of the instrument. Data obtained was analysed using the Smart Partial Least Squares (PLS) Software to determine the relationship between the hypotheses tested. The results generated have proven that brand recall is able to influence the relationship between plot integration, audio stimulation, visual stimulation and consumer purchase intentions of all the ethnicities in Peninsula Malaysia.