International Journal of Business Excellence (93 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Non Technical Skill development Strategy to enhance Safety Performance of Railway system: An Interpretive Structural Modelling Approach  
  by Sudarson Nayak, Sushant Tripathy 
  Abstract: Despite massive technological advancement and up gradation in transport sector, operational safety largely depends on the front-line operator. The manager of transport industry, remains chronically stressed to ensure system safety along with productivity. It is always a challenge for them to deliver system safety while managing routine task along with providing system resilience against emergencies, abnormalities along with occasional operators fallibility. To handle these challenges effectively, development of suitable Non-Technical Skill for front line managers has been attempted in the paper. Generic NTS proposed could provide the necessary fillip to their Technical skill and likely to enhance their overall managerial skill. This shall also demonstrable commitment for adopting NTS for the entire organisation to enhance safety and productivity.
  Keywords: Non Technical Skill; Front Line Managers; Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM).
  
  
• Customer centric success measures in project management  
  by Matti Haverila, Kai C. Haverila 
  Abstract: This research investigates 3,129 system delivery projects in the facilities management industry with an aim to understand customers perceptions of customer relationship quality, satisfaction, repurchase intent, and the role of the value for money construct in the customer satisfaction and repurchase intent context. To test the hypotheses, the Partial Least Squares (PLS) structural equation modeling was used to test the theoretical model. The findings show a significant and positive relationship between the relationship quality and customer satisfaction as well as between customer satisfaction and repurchase intent. Furthermore, it was discovered that the value for money construct is not directly related to customer satisfaction; instead it was found to partially mediate the customer satisfaction and repurchase intent relationship. The study contributes to an increased understanding of the customer perceptions regarding relationship quality, customer satisfaction and repurchase intent and the role of value for money in complex system delivery projects. Future research opportunities will be discussed as well.
  Keywords: project management; relationship quality; customer satisfaction; repurchase intent; value for money.
  
  
• Corporate Social Responsibility, Employee Productivity and Firm Valuation  
  by Shieh-Liang Chen, Cheng-Kun Liu, Chia-Ying Liu 
  Abstract: This paper first examines whether the more investments in corporate social responsibility (CSR), the less likely the share prices will be undervalued by the market. Secondly, we analyze whether there is a positive correlation between the spending on CSR and the companys productivity and explore the impact of CSR on future financial performance of a firm. The findings show that if the spending on CSR is high in the prior or/and current periods, current share prices are less likely to be undervalued. A stronger focus on CSR in the prior or/and current periods does not lead to higher productivity. This is possibly because the input of CSR has no influence on the incentives to employees. In addition, the more efforts in CSR in the prior or current periods, the better future financial performance. This study hence concludes that CSR input can mitigate undervaluation and improve future operation performance.
  Keywords: Corporate social responsibility; Undervaluation; Employee productivity; Financial performance.
  
  
• Internal corporate social responsibility and leadership effects on voice management and organizational performance: Analysis of collaborator perceptions across organizations in Mexico  
  by Andrée Marie López-Fernández 
  Abstract: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been studied and analysed from multiple perspectives, such as social and economic, and internal and external viewpoints; and increasingly implemented in organisations worldwide, notwithstanding line of business and/or size. Internal corporate social responsibility (iCSR) focuses exclusively on collaborator complexities, including collaborator voice and voice management. Leadership is perhaps the primary source of iCSR principles and practices, or those responsible for internal engagement; they are also in charge of promoting, encouraging and managing collaborator voice; yet, do leadership's traits determine practices regarding collaborator voice encouragement, as well as the latter's influence on organisational performance? This collaborator-centric study describes the relationship between leadership, iCSR, and collaborator voice, as well as collaborator perceptions, across five different types/sizes of socially responsible organisations.
  Keywords: Internal corporate social responsibility; collaborator voice; voice management; firm types; leadership; Mexico.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10014895
   
  
• TQM to Business Excellence: A Research Journey (1985-2018)  
  by Unnikrishnan P.M., Jyoti Tikoria, Arun Kumar Agariya 
  Abstract: This study aims at providing a comprehensive research guide from Total quality management (TQM) to business excellence for future researchers in this area. The research studies covered in this paper are taken from premiere research databases like Emerald, EBSCO, Science Direct, ProQuest online, J-Gate, JSTOR, Taylor and Francis etc. The libraries of premier institutes & other industrial reports have also been accessed to strengthen the coverage and insights. The relevance of the studies in the domain for this paper has been identified using content analysis. A total of 371 research papers are selected ranging from year 1985 to 2018 and are exhaustively reviewed to provide the major insights. It can be safely concluded after reviewing the literature that over the years, focus areas have shifted from total quality management to performance management and finally to business excellence. Another interesting trend observed is that there has been a significant increase in the awareness and deployment of business excellence practices specially in context of developing countries. The outcome of this research work in terms of providing classification of literature, definitions of business excellence, prominent global & national business excellence models and success factors will be of utmost help for the academia as well as practitioners. This study gives an important insight that there is a need for having business excellence models suiting to the specific requirements of the industries. This is most essential to excel in todays fast changing business landscape. Limitations of this research work lies in its scope in terms of review of select list of studies. A comprehensive review of the state of the art literature, identifying the critical success factors of business excellence, categorizing them under broad subgroups such as strategic and functional is the novelty of the present work. This organized review will be of great use for future researchers and practitioners in business excellence domain to gain critical insights suitable to them.
  Keywords: Literature review; Total Quality Management; Business Excellence; Success factors; Content analysis; Models.
  
  
• Evidence of a Glocal Marketing strategy: A case study in the Brazilian Telecommunication Market  
  by Paulo Duarte, Viviane Yamasaki, Thelma Rocha, Susana Silva 
  Abstract: This article is devoted to analyses and discuss the level of control and autonomy that Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) should grant to their subsidiaries. It analyses the impact of subsidiaries capacity to innovate and develop new products and services to the Brazilian telecommunications market, based on the case-study of Telef
  Keywords: Telecommunications; Globalization; Localization; Glocal Strategy; Subsidiaries; Multinational Enterprises; Product Adaptation: Telefónica; Brazil; South America; Market Strategy; Internationalization.
  
  
• Big Data: A new perspective for the establishment of Segments for Niche Marketing  
  by Satish Chandra Ojha 
  Abstract: With the advent of the 21st century, the world of marketing has completely changed the prospects of marketing in the context of attracting the customers and has restructured their methodology for very different types of customer segmentation to ensure their reach to the customer. The current study discusses the various algorithm developing scenarios, which is leading to more concentrated marketing and inturn segments the market at various different levels. The paper provides an overview of how big data and data analysis is leading the world of marketing to generate real-time customer analysis as well as demand analysis of the product, which in turn gets affected by major concern factors like time, marketing channel, product, geographical location and others, keeping in mind the popularization of social media. Further, the limitations and future implications have been discussed.
  Keywords: Big Data; Customer; Customer segmentation; Digital Marketing; Niche Marketing; Social Media Marketing.
  
  
• Islamic Finance and Corporate Governance: A proposed Universal Model  
  by Mosab Tabash, Mohd Sarim, Asif Akhtar, Areeba Khan 
  Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to systematically synchronise the development of Shari'ah governance in the light of Islamic epistemology. The paper explores governance from the Islamic point of view by referring to various verses from the Holy Qur'an. Also, the paper enumerates the Ps of Islamic governance through shedding light on the teachings of the Holy Qur'an. An in-depth literature review is done to identify the enablers of Shari'ah corporate governance model. Furthermore, interpretative structure modelling (ISM) is applied to propose a Shari'ah governance model for all Islamic countries and countries that follow Islamic banking system. The key variables are identified with the help of MICMAC analysis. The results reveal that there are various conflicting issues that exist among business operations of Islamic financial industry. One of the issues is lacking uniformity regarding considerations related to Halal/Haram transactions. The paper suggests a suitable model for implementing Shari'ah governance and making it globally acceptable.
  Keywords: Islamic Finance; Governance; 4Ps of Islamic governance; AAOIFI standards; Interpretative structure modeling; MICMAC analysis; Muslim countires.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10015487
   
  
• Dimensions of Employee Satisfaction with Compensation: Scale Development and Validation  
  by Subiya Rahman, Tripti Singh 
  Abstract: Employee satisfaction is deciphered in terms of contentment and is linked with the productivity of the organisation and thus is an important element for employee retention. The objective of the paper is to develop and validate a scale to measure the dimensions of employee satisfaction with compensation. Survey is conducted on a sample of 192 employees in public and private sector banks in India. The findings of the research demonstrate the validity and reliability of the scale and conclude five factors which are important to measure employee satisfaction with compensation viz., compensation structure/administration, pay level, organisational justice, pay raise, benefits and pay equity. The uniqueness of the scale lies in the fact that it measures satisfaction of employees with compensation and gives an impetus to organisation to further develop their compensation plan on the identified strategies.
  Keywords: Employee satisfaction; Compensation; Scale development. Scale validation; Public Banks; Private Banks; Factor Analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10015493
   
  
• The balanced scorecard approach in evaluating the marketing function.  
  by António Pimenta Da Gama, Joaquim A. Casaca 
  Abstract: Evaluating marketing performance and understanding the relationships between its measures is a topic that ranks high in the priorities of both academics and practitioners. Such interest arises from the notion that choosing the right metrics will contribute not only to raise firm performance but also to enhance marketing's credibility. However, most models for evaluating marketing performance that have been presented in the literature are of conceptual nature. This work extends previous contributions on the subject, by modelling and validating empirically the phenomenon according to the balanced scorecard concept. Results, obtained through structural equation modelling (SEM), suggest the suitability of the selected metrics for evaluating the marketing function.
  Keywords: marketing; performance; metrics; balanced scorecard; PLS (partial least squares).
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10015495
   
  
• Lean Habits  
  by Kurt Hozak, Eric O. Olsen 
  Abstract: This conceptual paper develops insights about how organisations can more effectively use lean to achieve operational excellence by forming and applying habits in the manner of the lean exemplar, Toyota. It synthesises the psychological literature from the best-selling book The Power of Habit (Duhigg, 2012) with leading research about Toyota's operations. Our exploratory study shows how Toyota combines cues, routines, and rewards into habit loops that are culturally ingrained. Toyota uses keystone habits for coaching, willpower, and improvement to support and drive other habits and operationalise its fundamental principles. These people-focused keystone habits capture the essence of lean and enable attainment of the two pillars of the Toyota Way: continuous improvement and respect for people. The keystone habits facilitate lean tools (e.g., kanban) being used for improvement in addition to their overt purposes and give employees distinctive capabilities to persist and adapt.
  Keywords: lean habits; habit loops; lean psychology; behavioural operations; Toyota Production System; Toyota Way; continuous improvement; respect for people; coaching; operational excellence.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10015624
   
  
• Long Run Relationship between Energy & Agricultural Commodities: Testing in Indian Context Using Cointegration & Causality Approach  
  by Shubhendu Vimal, Ashish Tripathi 
  Abstract: It is being surmised in certain quarters that the price volatility in the market for crude oil is spilling over to the non-energy commodity markets. The aim of the present research is to measure and document the impact of crude oil market on the agricultural commodity markets in India by investigating their long run relationship. This study uses the Johansen's cointegration analysis and the Granger causality technique to explore the existence of a relationship between the prices of crude oil and agricultural commodities over the long-term horizon. The results and implications of the current work can be of special utility to the different stakeholders in the markets for agricultural commodities like participants of the commodity exchanges, traders, commission agents and producers. The previous studies in this area have not individually investigated the long-term price relationship between the various agricultural commodities and crude oil in India.
  Keywords: Keywords - Agriculture; Crude Oil; Co-movement; Cointegration; Causality.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10015625
   
  
• Knowledge Workers, Organizational Ambidexterity and Sustainability: A Conceptual Framework  
  by Indu Rao, Pragya Thakur 
  Abstract: In this paper, we highlight that ambidextrous organisations are more likely to achieve organisational sustainability which is a growing concern in the current volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) environment. Ambidextrous organisations can achieve sustainability through exploration and exploitation using three approaches, that is, sequential, structural and contextual. Knowledge workers comprising the top management team, senior leaders and other employees play an important role in choosing the approaches to organisational ambidexterity and therefore, to organisational performance and organisational sustainability. We further suggest that this process is influenced by strategy, structure and culture in the organisations. Thus, this paper adds to the literature on organisational ambidexterity and sustainability by proposing a conceptual framework.
  Keywords: Organizational ambidexterity; Knowledge workers; Organizational sustainability.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10016056
   
  
• The Adoption of Lean Principles and Practices: Transforming Human Resources Delivery System Model  
  by Gregory Mundth, William Mothersell, Jaideep Motwani, Michael Moore 
  Abstract: The use and application of lean has continued to diffuse across industrial sectors and in the past decades has begun to attract increased interest in the public sectors in general and in higher education institutions in particular. This paper is a case study of the adaptation of lean principles and practices to drive improvement efforts in an HR function at a large public university. The study identifies how HR was able to successfully adapt lean principles and practices to improve organizational processes and systems.
  Keywords: lean production; lean principles; human resources; lean transformation; service industry; higher education; lean HR.
  
  
• 'Application of MQL for Developing Sustainable EDM and Process Parameter Optimization using ANN and GRA Method'  
  by Srinivas Viswanth, R. Ramanujam, Rajyalakshmi Gajjela 
  Abstract: This paper addresses the experimental-based optimisation of near dry EDM process on duplex stainless steel 2,205 grade material under minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) for improving the sustainability. Taguchi's L9 orthogonal array experimental design has been executed for varying input parameters like pulse-on time, pulse-off time, current and voltage. The machining performance is analysed by measuring the material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR) and surface roughness (SR). The obtained results are analysed by the artificial neural network (ANN) and grey relational analysis (GRA) for the multi-response optimisation. In multi-response optimisation, the optimum combination of parameters derived using GRA lead to the improvement of material removal rate at 6.1287 mm3/min and reduced electrode wear rate 0.0698 mm3/min at optimal parameters levels (TON = 450
  Keywords: Minimum Quantity Lubrication; Sustainability; Electrical Discharge Machining; Grey Relational Analysis; Multi-response optimization.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10016334
   
  
• IT Flexibility and Downstream Petroleum Supply Chain Performance  
  by Vishnu Nath, Ashutosh Sheel, Y.P. Singh 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the role of IT flexibility in improving firm performance of the firms in the downstream supply chain of petroleum industry. Using a structured questionnaire, data was collected from 348 petrol stations in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, India. The results show that transactional, operational and strategic IT flexibility as well as process integration affect firm performance. Based on this, certain IT solutions are proposed for the identified issues in the downstream supply chain of petroleum industry in India. For researchers, the present study shows how various IT flexibilities are connected with one another (in a particular industry) and how they affect firm performance via process integration. For managers, the study highlights the importance of IT flexibility and proposes IT solutions for the identified issues. The research extends past frameworks on IT flexibility for solving issues of downstream petroleum supply chain in India.
  Keywords: IT Flexibility; Supply Chain Performance; AHP; Petroleum; Operations Management; Flexibility; Structural Equation Modeling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10016447
   
  
• Development of a Scale to Measure Individual Creativity Constraints  
  by Tripti Sharma 
  Abstract: Individual creative thinking is subject to some major constraints. These constraints are real obstacles to problem solving skills of employees who drive the business in terms of creative thinking. If these constraints are removed then creativity can flourish, fill a new niche, increase productivity, improve services, develop new uses for existing products and provide solution to existing challenges of varied businesses. The interest in individual creative construct has gained increasing momentum in recent years. Till now, the measurement tools have focused on individual and organisational creativity. However, no measure of individual creativity constraints (ICC) has been advanced despite of persistent requirement in the research. The main aim of this research study is to develop a scale on ICC. This article presents the methodological rigour in development of a scale, which is valid and reliable. It is developed for the use in the human resources and behavioural science to measure ICC.
  Keywords: Creativity; Creative Thinking; Constraints; Creativity Constraints; Individual Creativity Constraints and Scale Development.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10016595
   
  
• Optimism and Career Engagement in employees: An Empirical Test  
  by Teena Bharti, SANTOSH RANGNEKAR 
  Abstract: The current study sought to investigate the relation between optimism and career engagement. The study implemented a cross-sectional design of research using a sample of 315 managers from private and public sector organisations in North India. Optimism was measured under the broad categories of personal optimism and self-efficacy optimism in alignment with the earlier studies. Further, hierarchical regression was used to measure the relationship between the independent variable (optimism) and the dependent variable (career engagement). The findings reflected that self-efficacy optimism has a significant relationship with career engagement; however, personal optimism has a less significant relationship with career engagement. Therefore, the given study has established the significant role of optimism in influencing the career outcomes such as career engagement in an emerging non-western nation like India. Also, the theoretical and future implications of the present study were discussed.
  Keywords: employees; career behaviours; optimism; career; career engagement; Personal optimism; SCCT; self- efficacy optimism; Indian organizations.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10016596
   
  
• Establishing the link between Marketing and Accounting functions: A review  
  by Mohammed Nuseir 
  Abstract: Marketing and accounting functions are carried out by two different departments of an organisation. These two departments should complement each other practically and perceptually, but in fact, this rarely appears to be the case. The functions carried out by the marketing and accounting departments tend to be very different, and there has been little attempt to link them. This literature review examines the respective functions of the two departments and links them through the prism of the stakeholders, as the opinions of stakeholders are vital to the success of any organisation. The need to pass information to the stakeholders, and the way information among stakeholders is shared, can be a starting point to understanding the link between these departments. This study has identified the importance of eliminating the tiered perception of departments in an organisation by evaluating the functional relationships among them. It is crucial to understand that marketing and accounting functions 'meet' in a common place at the operational level.
  Keywords: Marketing; Accounting; Perception; Functional Organization Structure; Stakeholders.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10016703
   
  
• Prioritisation of lean construction barriers in Qatari context: A fuzzy AHP approach  
  by Abdulla Yaqoub Al Sayed, Dinesh Seth, A.M. Hamouda 
  Abstract: This study identifies, reviews and prioritises lean construction barriers in Qatari context. Lean has been widely adopted in manufacturing and service sectors, but its applications in construction sector are found in scarce. The study addresses an urgent need of identifying lean construction barriers (LCBs) and its prioritisation. For obtaining a comprehensive barrier set, the study uses Scopus database. Subsequently, fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) is applied for barrier intensity and ranking. This study prioritises 28 barriers that hinder lean adoption in construction. The results reveal that 'policy related barriers' and 'economic and managerial barriers' possess high intensity in obstructing lean adoption. Authors expect that critical review and prioritisation of lean construction barriers will help both researchers and practitioners in formulating appropriate strategies to overcome these barriers.
  Keywords: Lean barriers; failure factors; Fuzzy AHP; construction industry; lean construction barriers.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10016704
   
  
• Does gamified elements influence on user's intention to adopt internet banking with integration of UTAUT and General Self-Confidence?  
  by SAMAR RAHI, Mazuri ABD.GHANI 
  Abstract: The present study develops an integrated model combined with unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and general self-confidence in internet banking adoption context. The current study goes a step further by examining moderating role of gamification between user's intention to adopt and user's intention to recommend internet banking. Data was collected from 398 customers of commercial banks. The theoretical model was tested using structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings indicate that integrated UTAUT model has significant influence (R2 - 75.3%) on user's intention to adopt internet banking. For practitioners, it is recommended that they should focus on both technology and game mechanic factors to boost the confidence of internet banking users. This paper makes a unique contribution to information system (IS) and services marketing literature with reference to Pakistan.
  Keywords: UTAUT; General Self-confidence; Gamification; Structural equation modeling (SEM).
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10016706
   
  
• A new DEA based Voting Method for Ranking and Evaluating the Influence of E-marketing on Bank Performance  
  by Mohammad Izadikhah, Seyed Hamzeh Mirzaei 
  Abstract: Due to importance of measuring banks' performance and because of remarkable impact of recent growth of the internet on banking industry, this study evaluated the influence of e-marketing on bank performance by using a DEA-based voting methodology. In this way, usually more than one unit may be efficient in the DEA models and their scores are one. Therefore, how to rank DMUs and increase the power of discrimination among efficient DMUs become an important part of performance assessments. So, in order to provide a satisfactory ranking, this paper presents a voting methodology that uses the results of some ranking models. For this purpose, each DMU is considered as an alternative and each ranking method is considered as a decision maker. The proposed methodology is applied to evaluate the influence of e-marketing on Iranian's bank performance.
  Keywords: E-marketing; Data envelopment analysis (DEA); Ranking; Voting system.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10016980
   
  
• Excellence of social media: A quality assessment  
  by M.Parveen Roja 
  Abstract: Social media is a breakthrough innovation in communication bringing people together and reflecting their minds. Though social media serves as a source of connect, it is not exceptional to flaws. The quality of social media is studied analysing the gaps between the expected and actual features of social media from the perspective of its users. The study applied confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to confirm the gaps and the leading factors and structured equation modelling (SEM) to find the level of influence of these gaps, lifestyle and personality on the satisfaction level of social media users and their usage level. The study suggested the rectification strategies to refine the features and set right the gaps existing in the social media. It also suggested various options and variants that could be introduced to satisfy the customer segments with varied interests and mindset.
  Keywords: Gap analysis; Lifestyle; Personality; Security; Socialize; Social media.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10016981
   
  
• The mediating role of ethical organizational climate between HRM practices and HR outcomes in Public Sector of Saudi Arabia  
  by Mohammad Ali Yamin  
  Abstract: Understanding the main human resource management (HRM) practices is critical for an organisation success or failure. Despite the recent surge in HRM practices studies, little has been discussed about mediating role of organisational ethical climate between HRM practices and HR outcomes in public organisation of Saudi Arabia. The present study develops a theoretical framework grounded in HRM practices namely: training and development, performance appraisal, compensation and reward, organisation planning and HR outcomes include: employee's satisfaction and employees retention with mediating role of organisational ethical climate. A total number of 236 HR managers of public organisations participated in this research. The research model was empirically tested using structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings reveal that all four dimensions of HRM practices have significant influence on employee's satisfaction and employee's retention with mediation of organisational ethical climate. Finally, limitations and future research directions have been discussed.
  Keywords: HRM practices; Organizational ethical climate; HR outcomes; Meditation; Structural equation modeling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10016985
   
  
• The impact of extrinsic and intrinsic rewarding system on employee motivation in the context of Sri Lankan Apparel Sector  
  by Nirma Sadamali (N.S) Jayawardena, Darshana Jayawardena 
  Abstract: The main purpose of this empirical research was to investigate the relationship between the extrinsic and intrinsic rewarding system on employee motivation on a leading apparel company in Sri Lanka. The research design includes mono method quantitative methodology. Data were gathered through 400 employees in the selected apparel company in Sri Lanka through a self-administrated questionnaire. The major findings of this study indicated that there was a strong positive influence from the job promotion variable on employee motivation which is a major extrinsic reward. The study contributed to identify the employee motivational factors in the selected company and to reduce current labour turnover ratio by identifying the factors which motivate the current workforce. The conceptual framework of the study is developed by the author based on the previous literature.
  Keywords: Keywords- Employee motivation; intrinsic rewards; extrinsic rewards; permanent employees; apparel sector; Sri Lanka.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10017100
   
  
• Risk Management of Innovative Projects using FMEA; A Case Study  
  by Yogesh Ghadage, Balkrishna Narkhede, Rakesh Raut 
  Abstract: Identification and management of risks in innovative projects is a crucial phase because of a high degree of inherent uncertainties. The present study attempt to identify the critical risk factors for innovative projects. This study intends to propose a methodology for risk management which utilises failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) for quantification of risks for innovative projects. Based on the analysis the risks are prioritised. The evaluation of outcome indicates that the proposed methodology is successful since it identifies, classifies and analyses the risks. Additionally, current methodology helps to document the action plan and strategies to tackle identified critical risks.
  Keywords: Risk Management; Innovative Projects; FMEA.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10017566
   
  
• Lean Six Sigma: Literature Review & Implementation Roadmap for Manufacturing Industries  
  by SEHUL PATEL, Darshak A. Desai, Koilakuntla Maddulety, Balkrishna Narkhede, Rakesh Raut 
  Abstract: Nowadays by virtue of current economic crisis, an ever-increasing number of organisations are looking for management systems that enable them to make their processes flawless, enhance their product quality and/or service characteristics, reduce costs, improve profitability and customer satisfaction. Research has featured a requirement for a specific and feasible integration of Lean with Six Sigma to develop Lean Six Sigma culture in manufacturing sector by providing roadmap to manage and sustain change. Many issues have been analysed in this paper and important themes have cited which includes: execution, critical success factors, benefits and obstacles of Lean Six Sigma deployment. The analysis of 127 articles from 1989 to 2017 has resulted in significant benefits. Hence, this research could provide valuable insights to practitioners.
  Keywords: Lean Six Sigma; Critical Success Factors; DMAIC; Roadmap.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10017569
   
  
• What Brazilian workers think about flexible work and telework?  
  by Francisco Antonio Coelho Junior, Cristiane Faiad, Mariana Carolina Barbosa Rêgo, Wilsa Ramos 
  Abstract: Organisations are enabling and encouraging the use of information technologies in work-related tasks. In Brazil, few organisations have implemented telework and some issues need to be discussed considering the Brazilian organisations' reality. Who is eligible to telework? What is the profile of the teleworker? How is telework evaluated from the viewpoint of teleworkers themselves? Thus, this paper examines the perception that Brazilian teleworkers have about the advantages and disadvantages of this labour regime. It determines which are the facilitators and obstacles of telecommuting within a large Brazilian organisation. The paper is based upon 67 structured questionnaires completed by Brazilian teleworkers. The findings show that some of the advantages are flexibility, greater family time and the lower displacement costs. The Brazilian teleworkers seem motivated with this kind of modality of work, although most people miss their daily social contact with co-workers. The effects of telecommuting must be investigated in later studies.
  Keywords: telecommuting; job design; organizational behavior; work arrangement; organizational context; person and job-fit.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10017773
   
  
• Proposing a Model of Talent Excellence With a Case Study in Isfahan Province Gas Company  
  by Arash Shahin, Farzaneh Soltani, Ali Shaemi 
  Abstract: The main purpose of this study is to develop a model of talent excellence. For this purpose, thematic analysis and interviews with university experts, industry experts and managers were first used to identify a model for talent excellence. Then, a researcher-made-questionnaire was used to study the current status of target population based on talent excellence model. Finally, the research model was used to evaluate the status of the Isfahan Province Gas Company (IPGC) as a case study using experts' viewpoints according to the target scores of the model. Eventually, solutions were offered based on the assessment results. The developed model included three main themes (criteria), eight sub-themes (sub-criteria) and 30 concepts. Assessment results indicated that IPGC achieved 455 out of 1,000 points. Based on the privileges of the talent excellence model in the IPGC, the results, enablers and process were satisfactory, respectively.
  Keywords: Excellence model; Talent; Enablers; Process; Results; Isfahan Province Gas Company.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10017777
   
  
• RESEARCH GAPS IN FAMILY OWNED BUSINESSES: CONCEPTUAL LINK BETWEEN SOCIOEMOTIONAL WEALTH, FAMILY COMMITMENT AND FIRM PERFORMANCE  
  by Mohammad Razzak, Norizah Mustamil, Raida Abu Bakar 
  Abstract: Family business researchers acknowledge that firms controlled by families are primarily driven by a set of goals that are family-centric and non-economic in nature, known as socio-emotional wealth. However, the family business literature is yet to reach a nuanced understanding of how different dimensions of such goals drive family commitment to the firm and consequently firm performance. This paper builds on the premise that family firms vary in their goals and aspirations and argues that the willingness of family firm owners to commit resources, time and effort towards the firm's business goals depend on which of the dimensions of socio-emotional wealth are more emphasised by the key decision makers in the firm. We explore the gaps in the behavioural stream of family business literature, and propose a conceptual link between the dimensions of socio-emotional wealth, family commitment and firm performance and propose a set of considerations for future empirical studies.
  Keywords: Socioemotional wealth; family commitment; firm performance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10017983
   
  
• Impact of Social Media Marketing Activities on Brand Equity and Brand Commitment in the Leather Industry  
  by Reza Rostamzadeh, Homa Kavousi, Bahram Boudaghi 
  Abstract: Social media marketing is increasing traffic, or entering a website or paying attention to an issue through social media. Its programs usually focus on trying to create a content that can attract attention of the audience and encourage readers to share it among social media. The goal of this research is studying the impact of social media marketing activities on brand equity and brand commitment in the leather industry. Data collection method is descriptive-correlation type and in terms of objective, it is an applied research. The library-field study and questionnaire were used for data collecting. Therefore, 483 customers of Novin Charm Company selected as a sample. In order to evaluate the causal model and to check the reliability and validity of the measurement model, structural equation model is utilised. The provided model and data obtained through questionnaires analysed through SMART PLS software. Finally, the results of this study showed that brand equity and brand commitment is significantly influenced by social media activities.
  Keywords: Social media marketing activities; brand awareness; brand image; brand commitment; leather industry.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10018055
   
  
• Improvement in Procurement through Energy Resource Planning for Manufacturing Organization  
  by Iram Naim, Ashraf Rahman Idrisi, Tripti Mahara 
  Abstract: A manufacturing organisation performs planning for optimal utilisation of their resources. Energy resource planning plays a key role for energy intensive organisations to manage their energy resources efficiently. In India, procurement of energy resource especially for natural gas requires procurement contract from supplier. The imbalances between the upcoming future requirements predicted by buyer and its actual consumption always attract additional charges in form of penalty. This paper focuses on how energy resource planning combined with procurement can benefit a manufacturing organisation through effective forecast mechanism in order to decide the critical level for procurement of natural gas. Furthermore, the realisation of energy resource planning benefits during procurement of natural gas by deciding the optimal value of gas purchase is also illustrated through a case study of CFFP, BHEL Haridwar, a manufacturing organisation in India.
  Keywords: Manufacturing Organization; Energy Resource Planning; Procurement; Forecasting; Time series; Cross-validation; ARIMA; Natural gas; Penalty; Contract Agreement.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10018659
   
  
• RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERSONALITY AND JOB PERFORMANCE: INDIAN PERSPECTIVE OF TRIGUNA THEORY  
  by Garima Mathur, Richa Banerjee, Ravindra Pathak 
  Abstract: The three Gunas namely, Sattva, Rajsic and Tamsic are considered as basis of personality formation according to Indian psychology which decides an individual's orientation towards something. In the study two Gunas, i.e., Sattva Guna and Rajas Guna were taken into consideration as Tamsic Guna indicates malpractices where an individual is considered as self centred. The studies have been done considering personality theories like trait theory or big five personality theory in correlation with job performance (Ceschi et al., 2016) but Indian personality theory is not studied that much. The study has been done on the employees of service sector of the Gwalior from central India. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of Sattva and Rajas Guna on employee job performance. The result of the study indicated that Sattva and Rajas Gunas are important contributors towards his job performance.
  Keywords: Gunas; Sattva; Rajsic; Tamsic; Triguna; Job Performance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10018761
   
  
• Integrating Justice Dimensions and Expectation?Confirmation Model in measuring Customer Satisfaction and Continuance Intention In Private Higher Education in Malaysia: A Conceptual Model  
  by Mohd Rushidi Mohd Amin, Saiful Ahmad Masrani, Shishi Kumar Piaralal 
  Abstract: In providing a better service in higher education institutions, the aim of implementing online services is to manage customers more efficiently. Higher education institutions often focus on doing it right the first time and tend to ignore the importance of service recovery through justice dimensions when a service failure occurs. Service failure brings many disadvantages to the institutions and this is where justice dimensions through distributive, procedural, interpersonal and informational justice play an important role. The expectation-confirmation model (ECM) is suggested for examining customer satisfaction and continuance intention in the use of online services in the service failure context. The relationships among justice dimensions, ECM, customer satisfaction and continuance intention are given less attention compared to service quality in private higher education institutions in Malaysia. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine customer satisfaction and continuance intention at the post-consumption phase in service failure situation.
  Keywords: Justice Dimensions; Expectation-Confirmation Model; Perceived Confirmation; Perceived Usefulness; Continuance Intentions.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10018762
   
  
• Supplier Selection & Performance Evaluation for Formulating Supplier Selection Strategy by MCDM based approach  
  by Rakesh Raut, Bhaskar Gardas, Balkrishna Narkhede, Linda L. Zhang 
  Abstract: Effective supplier-base management demands many resources. The purchasing departments of many organisations believe that having more suppliers requires a higher cost. This investigation aims to evaluate the performance of existing suppliers to rationalise the supplier-base and find out top strategic suppliers who can ensure the full supply of products per the market demand. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was employed for evaluating the selection criteria and ranking the shortlisted suppliers. The technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) was adopted as well for ranking suppliers based on the weights of the criteria obtained from the AHP evaluation approach. Both methodologies were compared and top performing suppliers were identified. Finally, gap analysis was carried out to determine the effective ranking tool between AHP and TOPSIS methodologies. The results of the study highlighted that volume flexibility is found to be the most significant evaluation criterion and supplier 'VA' is the best amongst all. This study is intended to guide the policy and decision makers in formulating the strategies for the effective supplier selection in highly competitive environments.
  Keywords: Supplier selection; performance evaluation; MCDM; Procurement Strategy.
  
  
• Analysis of marketing capabilities, service differentiation and performance of executive hotels in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil  
  by Marcio Miura, Elvis Silveira-Martins, Jean Carlos De Abreu, Deosir Castro Junior 
  Abstract: This research aims to understand the predictors of hotel performance. The research by Carvalho (2011) and Morgan and Katsikeas (2012) ground future empirical studies of marketing capabilities regarding hotel performance. The study collected data from a sample of 153 Brazilian executive hotels. For the data analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factorial analysis were used. The work adopted structural equations modelling as a set of techniques to conduct the analysis of the data obtained through the survey. Among the research outcomes, it is worth stressing the methodological results such as the validation of scales and the hypothesis tests, which revealed that: marketing capabilities have a positive relationship with performance; marketing capabilities are predictors of service differentiation; marketing capabilities are positively related to service differentiation; service differentiation, in two dimensions, is positively related to performance, and the service differentiation, in its three dimensions, mediates the relationship of marketing capability and hotel performance.
  Keywords: strategy; marketing capability; service differentiation; performance; hospitality; competitivity.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10019054
   
  
• Achieving Excellence in Services Marketing: Roles in Customer Delight  
  by Pratap Chandra Mandal 
  Abstract: Companies need to innovate and differentiate themselves to sustain in the competition. Services marketing gain in importance because it is difficult to innovate and differentiate physical products. It is difficult to imitate differentiation and innovation incorporated in services. The paper discusses the strategic initiatives companies need to adopt for achieving excellence in services marketing. The initiatives include a strategic orientation, commitment from the top management, maintaining high standards, having profit tiers, monitoring service performance and prompt action on customer complaints. The paper also discusses the roles of differentiation and innovation in achieving excellence. The paper focuses on those companies which excel in providing services to customers and analyses the strategies followed by them. Proper implementation and execution of strategies provides a direction for service companies to excel, delight their customers and build relationships with their customers.
  Keywords: services marketing; excellence; differentiation; innovation; strategic orientation; customer delight.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10019235
   
  
• Sustainability for Small and Medium Enterprises: An Interpretive Structural Modeling Approach  
  by Uma Maheswari, Kavitha Devarajan 
  Abstract: Sustainability symbolises an equitable world with responsible governments, businesses and people striving to protect the natural environment and social equity, at the same time not compromising their quest for economic growth. This empirical study on the sustainability scenario in SMEs is undertaken in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, South India. The sample for the study consisted of 220 SMEs drawn from the members of CODISSIA. This pioneering empirical research has identified the mutual influences amongst the drivers of sustainability. These variables were identified based on a literature review and a survey conducted among small and medium enterprises. The interpretive structural modelling analysis has been used to identify the interrelationships amongst the identified variables. Further, a MICMAC analysis was used to classify the variables as driver variables, linkage variables, autonomous variables and dependent variables. The results of the study provide insights on the appropriate factors that drive sustainability practices.
  Keywords: Sustainability; small and medium enterprises; India; Interpretive Structural modelling; MICMAC Analysis; Drivers; Top management commitment; Associations; Networks; Organizational ethics.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10019237
   
  
• EMPLOYEE COMMITMENT TO STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION AND STRATEGIC PERFORMANCE: ORGANISATIONAL POLICY AS MODERATOR  
  by Chijioke E. Nwachukwu, Pavel Zufan, Helena Chladkova 
  Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine employee commitment to strategy implementation and the moderating role of organisational policy in the relationship between employee commitment to strategy implementation and strategic performance. The study adopts a survey method to collect data from 105 employees on managerial levels of the four multinational firms operating in the mobile telecommunication sector in Nigeria. This research suggests that employee commitment to strategy implementation and organisational policy have direct positive and significant relationship with strategic performance. Additionally, organisational policy moderates the relationship between employee commitment to strategy implementation and strategic performance. By paying attention to the importance of employee commitment to strategy implementation managers/executives can significantly increase their firm's strategic performance. Managers and executives have a better understanding of the importance of organisational policy and creating an environment that supports employee commitment to strategy implementation to achieve superior strategic performance.
  Keywords: strategy implementation employee commitment strategic performance resource-based theory social exchange theory organisational policy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10019238
   
  
• Understanding the relationship between supply chain management maturity dimensions: findings from a case study in a truck manufacturing company  
  by Jeanfrank T. D. Sartori, Guilherme F. Frederico 
  Abstract: Research on supply chain management (SCM) has gained pre-eminence since 1990s as a result of its potential to generate opportunities to accrue value to the companies, and to compete advantageously. It is of the essence to comprehend the dimensions regarding the maturity and performance of SCM as well as the perception of the interrelations among them. This research renders findings from theoretical framework application in a global truck manufacturing company. The methodology adopted was a case study with the aim of identifying the characteristics of each maturity dimension and classifying the SCM level of maturity in this operation. Findings demonstrate that evidence of the cause-effect relations among dimensions is compatible with the projections of the theoretical framework. Moreover, it also provided strong indication that the intervening effects of business process is present and expected in the model. To sum up, it lays the foundations for specific issues that may come to the spotlight in future research.
  Keywords: Supply Chain Management; Maturity Dimensions; Relationship; Case Study; Manufacturing.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10019248
   
  
• The Role of Social Influence and e-Service Quality in Impacting Loyalty for Online Life Insurance: A SEM-based Study  
  by Preeti Viswanathan, Garima Gupta, Anurupa Singh 
  Abstract: The aim of this research is to investigate the role of e-service quality, social influence and e-customer satisfaction on e-loyalty relationship. Data was collected from online life insurance policyholders in Delhi/NCR using structured questionnaires and in depth interviews and was then analysed and relationships were examined through structural equation modelling. Service quality and social influence were found to have substantial relationship with customer loyalty and satisfaction in online life insurance. E-customer satisfaction was found to have a mediating role in the relationship of customer loyalty with both service quality and social influence in online medium. The results of this study are estimated to offer significant contributions to academia, policy makers and facilitate a foundation for marketers to further examine various ways of interacting with customers that will aid in enhancing e-customer satisfaction leading to customer retention thereby improving overall business profits of the insurers.
  Keywords: E- service quality; social influence; e-customer satisfaction; e-loyalty; online life insurance; mediating effect.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10019249
   
  
• Electricity prices determinants: India’s perspective  
  by Sonal Gupta, Deepankar Chakraborti, Hiranmoy Roy 
  Abstract: A robust trading system is vital to promote competition in the Indian electricity market. In India, the exchange trading market is still at an incipient stage, despite being the best option for innovation, due to the presence of high volatility huge losses are incurred by the power market participants such as power generators and distribution companies. Hence, a descriptive research was conducted to identify the major factors leading to the periods of spikes and jumps in the Indian energy exchange’s day-ahead market (DAM) prices of all the regions (north, south, east, west and north east) from August 2008 until June 2017. It was found that the major factors affecting DAMs prices are regulatory, weather, fuel supply, transmission congestion; power plant outages/new plants operational, frequency and reservoir levels. This study will encourage the stakeholders to further model and forecast prices devising profit maximisation techniques thereon.
  Keywords: Electricity price; Volatility; Determinants; Day-ahead market; Indian Energy exchange.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10019286
   
  
• ISM-MICMAC approach for evaluating the critical success factors of 5S implementation in manufacturing organizations  
  by Rajesh Attri, Ashishpal ., Noor Zaman Khan, Arshad Noor Siddiquee, Zahid A. Khan 
  Abstract: The objective of this paper is to ascertain and evaluate the critical success factors (CSFs) that affect the fruitful implementation of 5S in manufacturing organisations. 20 CSFs of 5S has been recognised through extensive literature survey and experts’ views. Subsequently, interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach has been applied for instituting inter-relationship between identified CSFs. Further, MICMAC analysis was applied to classify the CSFs into different groups. From ISM-MICMAC analysis, it was found that effective top management contribution, education and training, proper leadership, establishment of role and responsibility, cognition of 5S, integration with the organisational objectives, integration with quality improvement approaches, proper implementation plan and financial resources are the key CSFs. These CSFs were found to exhibit a significant role in successful implementation of 5S.
  Keywords: 5S; critical success factors; MICMAC; ISM; hierarchy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10019296
   
  
• Improving Business Process by Predicting Customer needs based on Seasonal Analysis: the role of Big Data in E-Commerce  
  by Moorthi K., K. Srihari, S. Karthik 
  Abstract: Many e-commerce sites gives item recommendations to buyers while they navigate the site. This study aims to identify the ways to predict the customer demands based on different seasonal in India and improving the business process of a new e-commerce seller by giving recommendations. We focus on textile and we categorised the seasonal in to three winter season, summer season and rainy season. In this study we analyse historical sale record of a new e-commerce seller Esteavo International based on these three seasonal. Using these analyses we aims determine the purchase patterns of the customers and the factors affecting the changes in sale on different seasons. Also we developed new big data architecture it guides the e-commerce seller for taking effective decisions to improve their business process.
  Keywords: Big Data analytics; Seasonal Analysis; Textile; E-commerce; Recommendations.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10019461
   
  
• Quality-Satisfaction-Loyalty Linkage and Switching Costs: Findings in the Context of Online Life Insurance  
  by Garima Gupta, Preeti Viswanathan 
  Abstract: The emergence of online life insurance in recent years has provided consumers with flexibility and ease of taking an insurance policy besides making it imperative for firms to consistently formulate strategies to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty in future. In this respect, the present study examines the linkages between service quality, satisfaction, loyalty and switching costs in the context of online life insurance. Using survey methodology, responses pertaining to the aforesaid constructs are obtained from a sample of 128 customers. Though significant variations are not revealed in customers’ perceptions across demographic groups, but it establishes mediating role of satisfaction and the moderating role of switching costs along with the significant impact of service quality in influencing loyalty behaviour. It provides theoretical as well as practical implications for the service providers. The paper ends with acknowledging the limitations and outlines the directions for undertaking further research in this pertinent domain.
  Keywords: Online life insurance; Service quality; Customer satisfaction; Switching costs; Loyalty; Moderating effect; e-loyalty; e-service quality.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10019482
   
  
• MAPPING ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCES: Case study on a Franchise in the Food Industry in Brazil  
  by Jose Jaconias Da Silva, Claudia Cirani, Josena Laura Pereira De Amorim 
  Abstract: This study aimed to map empirically organisational, functional and individual competences in a unit of a large franchise network in the food industry in Brazil. The objective was to assess activities previously established and based on the theme of competence. A case study was presented on a company located in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and to achieve the goals, we used a specific methodology for mapping competences in a qualitative approach. Among the organisational competences (OCs) identified are 'product quality, along with efficient delivery, leaves the customer satisfied', 'well prepared menu and particular flavour of dishes that pleases the customer', 'skilled professionals in the production, sales and delivery processes' and 'the franchise brand name that stands out for quality and positive associations to the product/service and the organisation itself, which translate into intangible results, such as acceptance, satisfaction and benefits'. The model tested was adequate to identify organisational competences as well as functional and individual competences.
  Keywords: Mapping Competences; Organizational Competences; Functional Competences; Individual Competences; Case Study.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10019493
   
  
• Impact of Referrals on Buying Decisions and Cognitive Behaviour among Aging Consumers  
  by Rajagopal . 
  Abstract: This study attempts to explore the consumer decision process among aging consumers through referral marketing like interpersonal communications, corporate referral programs, advertising, and word-of-mouth. The study has been conducted in Mexico City by administering the semi-structured research questionnaire among 114 elderly consumers, who represented C+ and C socio-economic demographic segments. By analysing the key variables on brand communication, social media, brand attributes, consumption experience, quality of referrals, trust, value for money, and perceived consumer value, the study reveals that face-to-face interactions with fellow consumers serve as more effective referrals than knowledge for making purchase decisions among elderly consumers. The results of the study emphasise that the quality of referrals on brands are built around brand promise, value for money, and perceived consumer values. Quality of referrals develops trust on brands, and influences upstream marketing values among elderly consumers. Accordingly, consumers steer cognitive process to develop emotions and brand attachment, which augment their perceived value.
  Keywords: Consumer referrals; decision making; aging consumers; consumer emotions; brand attraction; Mexico.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10019631
   
  
• The Importance of Aligning Lean with Organizational Strategy.  
  by Brent Opall, Kristy Lauver, Abraham Nahm, James Keyes 
  Abstract: This study explores how strategic direction of firms may affect salient factors that were found in prior research to be conducive for lean implementation success. We use Venkatraman’s (1989a) categorisation of strategy and examine their correlation with workers’ perceived job security, perceived personal benefits of lean, and level of training on lean (Nahm et al., 2012). We apply intraclass correlations, ANOVA analyses, and regression analysis within the study. Lean success factors were affected differently by each type of organisational strategy examined (proactiveness, defensiveness, analysis and futurity). Workers perceived their jobs to be secure in all four types of strategies. They also perceived personal benefits of lean positively under futurity strategy, but were negative about it under proactiveness and defensiveness strategies. Training on lean concepts and techniques was actively carried out in firms with analysis and futurity strategies but significantly less training was done in firms adopting a proactiveness strategy.
  Keywords: Lean Implementation; Strategy; Perceived Job Security; Perceived Personal Benefits of Lean; Training on Lean,.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10019637
   
  
• Managing Agility in the Downstream Petroleum Supply Chain  
  by Vishnu Nath, Ashutosh Sheel, Y.P. Singh 
  Abstract: The aim of the current study is to examine the effect of marketing and supply chain orientation under environmental uncertainty on supply chain agility of downstream petroleum supply chain in India. Data was collected from 348 petrol stations in the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, India. Path analysis was performed to know the strength of the relationship between the identified variables. The findings show that marketing orientation and supply chain orientation are antecedents of agility. Based on the findings, the study proposes solutions to issues being faced in the downstream petroleum supply chain in India. The current research applies past findings on supply chain agility in the context of downstream petroleum supply chains in India and addresses the lack of academic research as well as provides solutions to the identified issues of downstream petroleum supply chains in India.
  Keywords: Supply chain agility; Supply chain orientation; marketing orientation; Firm performance; Indian petroleum sector; IT; Downstream petroleum supply chain.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10019668
   
  
• A STUDY ON THE INTERRELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT, EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVES AND JOB SATISFACTION  
  by Gnanadhas Delina, Priya Esther Samuel 
  Abstract: The concept of employee engagement has streamlined with management school of thought since recent past as it helps achieve improved organisational performance and business excellence. This study attempts to examine the employee engagement levels of IT professionals in South India across different dimensions of engagement namely, vigour, dedication and absorption based on UWES scale. Differences in engagement levels based on demographic characteristics are presented. This paper further, presents the influence of satisfaction towards employee engagement initiatives on employee engagement levels and job satisfaction. This study also highlights the various employee engagement initiatives in IT companies and the respondents satisfaction about the same. The research outlook of this paper is that when employees are satisfied with the employee engagement initiatives practiced by their organisations, they are more engaged with their jobs and it subsequently, contributes to their job satisfaction as well.
  Keywords: Employee Engagement; Employee Engagement initiatives; Job satisfaction; IT professionals; South India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10019966
   
  
• The alignment between business strategy and project strategy and its effects on the dimensions of project success using PLS-SEM  
  by Saeed Zolfaghari, Alireza Aliahmadi, Mohammad Mahdavi Mazdeh, Javid Zare 
  Abstract: Increasing the companies’ dependence on new product development (NPD) projects, as a way to carry out strategies, makes the alignment of these projects with organisational objectives more crucial. Utilising partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), this study sheds light on the process and logic of alignment between project strategy and business strategy and how the alignment affects different dimensions of project success of 91 NPD projects in 30 companies in Iran. This study elucidates the critical importance of alignment and prioritises the elements of project strategy in alignment with business strategy to achieve the specific dimensions of project success.
  Keywords: Strategic Project Management; Business Strategy; Project Strategy; Alignment; Project Success; NPD Projects; PLS-SEM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10020228
   
  
• THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGIC PAYMENT ADOPTION IN SATISFACTION: A STUDY WITH RESTAURANT COSTUMERS  
  by NILTON GOMES FURTADO, JULIA VASCONCELOS FURTADO, LAURO CESAR VIEIRA, RODRIGO CUNHA D.A. SILVA 
  Abstract: This study analyses the relationship between the perceptions about technology payment use and consumers’ satisfaction in food and beverage industry. Observing the phenomenon of technology implementation in the catering industry, the present study sought to review the existing literature and describe the state of the art on the matter, articulating experiences of studies held domestically and internationally. A survey had been applied seeking to understand this global phenomenon of technology payment and its impact on customer perception. We analysed data collected through 950 questionnaires and categorised influencing factors that affect the perception and satisfaction of using mobile payment technologies in restaurants. The quantitative study allowed an understanding on which factors are more relevant on perception and use of mobile payment technologies, identifying a set of influencing factors, as well as finding out the advantages and disadvantages perceived by consumers in the use of mobile payment technologies.
  Keywords: mobile payment; mobile technology; customer perception; smartphone; technology; NFC; smartphone payment; app; payment restaurant.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10020420
   
  
• Relationship between Forgiveness at Work and Life Satisfaction: Indian Manufacturing Organizations  
  by Rinki Dahiya, Santosh Rangnekar 
  Abstract: Researchers have strived to comprehend the essentials of a happy and satisfied life - a fundamental question - for decades, which has gained popularity in organisations, academics and policy circles in contemporary times, when occupational discord is inevitable. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the relationship between forgiveness at work (self, others and situations) and life satisfaction, and also to examine the moderating role of age in the relationship between forgiveness at work and life satisfaction. Data were collected from 352 employees working in Indian manufacturing organisations and analysed using hierarchical multiple regression. The results show that indicators of forgiveness significantly influence life satisfaction. Moreover, it was found that age moderates the relationship between forgiveness (self and others) and life satisfaction in such a way that it becomes stronger for older employees than younger employees. Based on the findings, the present study posits that HR professionals and practitioners should develop and implement psychological interventions and practices aimed at fostering forgiveness and cultivating life satisfaction among employees.
  Keywords: Age; forgiveness; life satisfaction; employees; India; manufacturing organizations.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10020518
   
  
• ONLINE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE IN INDIA: AN EXAMINATION OF CONSUMERS WORLD  
  by Maani Dutt, Anurupa Singh, Ambrish Joshi 
  Abstract: In a gradually increasing competitive atmosphere, more examination is required by companies to understand determinants of the success of their online shopping in terms of website effectiveness, brand experience and their influence on building trust in the context of online footwear retailing. This paper analyses the relationship between e-service quality and effects of brand experience, role of website effectiveness, and their effect on trust. Online survey using a convenience sample capturing the above constructs was verified for validity and reliability prior to distribution. SEM multigroup analysis is done to test the hypothesized relations and the role of trust as a moderating variable. Most of the data being collected from Delhi/NCR, India. This study may help retailers in focussing on the areas to create trust towards the brand and online platform. The model would also help prevailing online retailers to tune their business conferring to the findings of research. Our model considers the role of brand experience together with online platform for the effective role of trust.
  Keywords: e-Commerce; online shopping; trust; brand experience; website; e-service quality.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10020519
   
  
• Enhancing proactivity among hospital employees: A Serial Mediation Model  
  by Abhishek Singh 
  Abstract: This research article aims to investigate the mechanism by which employees’ proactivity can be enhanced in the healthcare context. This study examined the direct impact of empowering leadership on employee proactivity by investigating the sequentially mediating effect through goal orientation, and commitment to managers and company. In serial mediation model, direct and indirect effects were examined through regression analysis, structure equation modelling and PROCESS. To test hypothesis of serial mediation model, data was collected from 252 employees of three National Accreditation Board for Healthcare Service Providers (NABH) accredited hospitals Uttarakhand, India. The results of statistical analysis revealed that empowering leadership has direct positive and significant impact on employee proactivity and indirect significant impact through goal orientation and commitment to managers and company.
  Keywords: Empowering leadership; Goal Orientation; Commitment to managers and company; Employee proactivity; Indian NABH accredited Hospitals.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10020860
   
  
• Barriers to Six Sigma Implementation in Chinese Small and Medium Steel Enterprises  
  by Ghaith M. Al-Abdallah, Chew V. Lic 
  Abstract: Six Sigma initiative has been in place for many years now and proven to be an effective methodology that serves to help enterprises achieve bottom-line improvements. Many large enterprises implement Six Sigma successfully and achieve cost saving of millions USD per year, however, it is a rare case that small and medium size enterprise employ Six Sigma methodology. This paper aims to identify the barriers to Six Sigma implementation in Chinese small and medium manufacturing enterprises in the steel industry. Interpretive paradigm was applied utilising qualitative research design, in which Interviews were carried out on a convenience sample of small and medium steel enterprises in China. The results show that the there are five main barriers to Six Sigma implementation for Chinese small and medium steel enterprise arranged in ascending order: conflict between Six Sigma culture and enterprise culture, the perception of Six Sigma is inefficient, lack of resources to implement Six Sigma, difficult to train or obtain enterprise-wide Six Sigma knowledge, high enterprise quality management system foundations requirements. The discussion, managerial implications and further research recommendations are provided based on the results of the study.
  Keywords: Six Sigma; SMEs; Steel Industry; China.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10020861
   
  
• Board Diversity and Corporate Performance: The Jordanian Industrial Corporations Case  
  by Asem Tahtamouni, Alaa Abu Mallouh, Tawfeq Tahtamouni 
  Abstract: This paper aims to explore the relationship between board diversity and corporate performance in Jordanian Industrial Corporations during the year (2014). This will be explored through examining the impact of the board diversity in terms of (independence, educational level, and age) on the corporate financial performance in the latter companies. The paper also aims to identify the impact of board size, and corporate size on the corporate financial performance in the latter companies. The study's sample consists of 49 Jordanian Industrial Corporations listed on Amman Stock Exchange. The paper will analyse the annual financial reports of the selected companies. It will also conduct the multiple regression analysis in order to explore the relationship between the study's variables. It was found that there is a statistically significant relationship between the board diversity in terms of (independence, and age) and the corporate financial performance in Jordanian Industrial Corporations.
  Keywords: Board Diversity; Corporate Performance; Jordanian Industrial Corporations; Amman Stock Exchange.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10020893
   
  
• EVALUATING PERFORMANCE OF APPAREL RETAIL STORES USING DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS  
  by Smriti Pande, Ruby Sengar, Narendra Singh Chaudhary 
  Abstract: The purpose of this research paper is to evaluate the performance of chain of organised apparel retail stores and also to benchmark their performance at company as well as store level considering both discretionary as well as non-discretionary variables. The paper aims to use data envelopment analysis firstly, for calculating the efficiency score and secondly for calculating projections for each of the retail store in order to understand the excess in discretionary inputs and shortfalls in output. Results show that most of the retail stores are performing well but there is a scope for improvement in several cases. The study provides a framework for performance evaluation and also assists in identifying the areas of improvement.
  Keywords: Retail; Apparel; DEA; Discretionary; Non-discretionary; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10021020
   
  
• Specificities of SMEs Relevant to Knowledge Management: a Systematic Literature Review  
  by Jeanfrank T. D. Sartori, Guilherme F. Frederico, Maria Do Carmo Duarte Freitas, Ricardo Mendes Júnior 
  Abstract: The various positive impacts that knowledge management (KM) offers to organisations that effectively apply it are fully consolidated in the literature. Nonetheless, even large enterprises, although usually abundant of human, financial and technological resources, are not always expressively successful on applying that concept. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) present numerous additional characteristics, challenges and obstacles to the implantation of KM. To contribute to change that reality, it is clear from the scientific perspective the importance of the effort to consolidate the state of art of knowledge on this field, especially because the last similar work dates to 2012 and significant research in different countries has been produced since then. In addition, just a few of previous works have their main goal like what is here presented. Thus, the present article is a systematic review of the literature of the relevant specificities of SMEs for KM in a global perspective.
  Keywords: Knowledge Management; SME; systematic literature review; global perspective; specificities; knowledge; challenges; practices.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10021243
   
  
• The Impact of Transformational Leadership on Organizational Performance Case Study: The University of Jordan  
  by Rateb Sweis, Niveen Alsayed, Taghrid Suifan, Basheer Kelani 
  Abstract: This research aimed to examine the impact of transformational leadership on organisational performance at the University of Jordan. A questionnaire was distributed to a sample of (280) administrative employees at the University of Jordan. Data were analysed using SPSS software. Information about respondents was analysed using descriptive analysis. While multiple regression was used to determine whether the four dimensions of transformational leadership; idealised influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualised consideration have a significant impact on organisational performance. The findings revealed that the transformational leadership had a significant impact on organisational performance along with idealised influence and intellectual stimulation. However, individualised consideration and inspirational motivation did not have a significant impact on organisational performance according to the respondents’ ratings.
  Keywords: Transformational Leadership; Organizational performance; Effectiveness; The University of Jordan.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10021401
   
  
• Human Capital Dimensions and Firm Performance, Mediating Role of Knowledge Management  
  by Alhamzah Alnoor 
  Abstract: The study was aimed to examine the impact of human capital dimensions on form survivability. The study further investigated the mediating role of knowledge management in the said relationship. To measure human capital six dimensions (education, experience, health, personal attributes, skills, and training) were utilised. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire. The respondent’s agreeableness on statements was measured by five-point Likert scale. The sample size of the study was 342 responses collected from the owners of SMEs in Iraq. A structural model was developed to relate the variables and these relationships were examined using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). SmartPLS 3.0 was used to analyse the data. The findings suggest the positive and significant impact of HC-dimension on firm survival. The results also suggest the mediating role of knowledge management on the relationship of HC-dimension (education, skills, and training) on firm survival. The results were supported by the existing literature. Moreover, the research implication, limitations and future research avenues were presented.
  Keywords: Human Capital Dimension; Firm Survival; Knowledge Management; SEM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10021404
   
  
• Designing and Testing the Success Model of Shopping Centers in Iran  
  by Gholamhosein Ahmadi, Ali Kazemi, Bahram Ranjbarian 
  Abstract: The aim of this research is to identify the key factors of success of shopping centres in Iran. It will help investors, especially banks, reduce their investment risk. This research is a developmental study in terms of objective and descriptive-survey in terms of method. The tool to collect the data included interview and questionnaire based on Likert scale. Qualitative data were analyzed by using thematic analysis techniques and quantitative data were analyzed using SEM. The results revealed that six key factors play role in the success of shopping centres: 1) factors related to location; 2) factors related to administration of the shopping centres; 3) factors related to ownership and tenants; 4) factors related to goods and services; 5) factors related to marketing; 6) factors related to architecture and design. In addition, the moderating variable of the size of the shopping centre can change the effect of each of these factors.
  Keywords: Shopping center; success index; people visiting the shopping centers; shopping mall.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10021855
   
  
• Export Country Selection with Fuzzy AHP and PROMETHEE  
  by Elia Oey, Yu Sekiguchi, Yunanto Adi Nugroho 
  Abstract: With the advancement of technology and communication, international business gives opportunity for firms to expand its coverage beyond its domestic markets. The research is a case study of a shoe sole manufacturer in Indonesia sought to expand its business to international market. Seven potential countries were shortlisted, and 15 sub-criteria were identified for the export market selection of the studied company. The study employed combination of fuzzy AHP and PROMETHEE for its analysis. Fuzzy AHP was used to calculate weight of (sub)-criteria, whilst PROMETHEE was used for ranking the alternatives. Two scenarios were performed using different preference functions in PROMETHEE to gain insights and ensure stability of the recommendation. Using PROMETHEE’s stability interval, sensitivity analysis was also performed and recommended two stages of export plan. As the first stage it recommended three countries (Italy, China and Thailand) as the starting export countries for the studied company.
  Keywords: Fuzzy; AHP; PROMETHEE; Export; Country Selection.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10021856
   
  
• Acceptance of Mobile Banking in Islamic Banks: Integration of DeLone & McLean IS model and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology  
  by Majeed Mansour 
  Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate the factors that influence on user intention to adopt Islamic mobile banking. Islamic mobile banking is relatively new area of research when compared with other traditional online banking services such as internet banking and conventional mobile banking. Thus, understanding the determinants that influence on Islamic banking user intention is important. The present study integrates two well-known theories; the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and DeLone and McLean IS success model in order to investigate user’s behaviour towards adoption of Islamic mobile banking in Palestine. Findings of the structural equation modelling depicted that factors underpinned UTAUT and D&M model explained R2 61.3% variance in user intention to adopt Islamic mobile banking. IPMA analysis suggested that managers and policy makers should focus on system quality in order to boost Islamic mobile banking adoption among customers of Islamic banks.
  Keywords: : DeLone & McLean IS success model; UTAUT; Islamic Mobile Banking; System Quality; Information Quality; Service Quality; Structural equation modeling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10021858
   
  
• Identification and prioritization the critical activities of the emergency department using business continuity management concept  
  by Bakhtiar Ostadi, Mehdi Alibakhshi, Mohammad Mehdi Sepehri 
  Abstract: Supporting critical activities and key process in the unmoral situation is important success factor to any organisations and emergency department (ED) as one of the most important parts of the hospital. The aim of this paper is to identify and prioritise ED critical activities by using business continuity management (BCM) approach. For this purpose, preliminary ten main activities in ED were identified based on the patient flow mapping through using BPMN standard and literature review and experts judgement. Then, analytical hierarchy process (AHP) has been used to assess the identified ten activities of ED and to find their priorities in according to major criteria of criticality of an activity. Ten preliminary activity were refined and validated through interviews with ED experts. The findings of the study can be used by EDs as an important achievement in taking strategic decisions regarding BCM and resources allocation.
  Keywords: Emergency department; Critical activities; Business continuity management; Analytical Hierarchy Process; Patients flow.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10021859
   
  
• A Mixed System of Network Data Envelopment Analysis to Evaluate the Performance of Bank Branches: An illustration with Iranian Banks  
  by Sajad Akbari, Jafar Heydari, Abbas Keramati, Mohammadali Keramati 
  Abstract: Performance evaluation in the banking industry is important for managers, customers, investors, and stakeholders. Measuring and improving efficiency in banks are among the most important applications of the data envelopment analysis technique and numerous studies have been done in this area. This study is aimed to investigate and design a mixed structure in accordance with the conditions of Iranian banks. Since we want to obtain performance of different divisions of the new structure, an envelopment form of the NDEA model had to be used. Therefore, a slack-based NDEA model was selected to solve its mathematical model. The study sample consisted of 31 branches of a large commercial bank in Iran. The advantage of this research to previous studies is that the result will be more realistic considering the inputs and outputs consistent with Iran’s banking conditions. The interesting result of this research can be mentioned as follows: there is no need to allocate high inputs in order to obtain the maximum efficiency of the branches.
  Keywords: Data envelopment analysis (DEA); Mixed System; Network; Efficiency; Banking industry; Performance evaluation; Iranian banks.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10021947
   
  
• Work-family Conflict of Women Entrepreneurs in the Informal sector in India.  
  by SHOBHANA NARAYANAN, ANNETTE BARNABAS 
  Abstract: The objective of the study is to investigate the work-family conflict of women entrepreneurs in the informal sector in India. It considers the impact of demographic variables on the work-family conflict. It also focuses on the obstacles, namely, the economic and legal factors along with family-related factors, gender-related issues and technical factors, faced by women entrepreneurs, and their impact on work-family conflict. The study used a survey instrument to collect data from 245 women entrepreneurs from Tamil Nadu, India. The findings of the study depict that among the demographic variables, the time spent at home had the highest impact on the work-family conflict. The overall findings conclude that lack of spousal support, one of the family related factors is the best predictor of work-family conflict among the various obstacles faced by women entrepreneurs.
  Keywords: women entrepreneurs; informal sector; obstacles; work-family conflict; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10022191
   
  
• DOES PROFIT SHARING ENHANCE PRODUCTIVITY: EVIDENCE FROM THE RETAIL FOOD INDUSTRY IN CANADA  
  by Mahmoud Askari, Ghaleb A. El Refae 
  Abstract: In this paper, we provide further support for using profit sharing to enhance productivity and profitability from the retail food industry in Canada. The overall gross profit percentage (GP%) of a retail store was used as a measure of productivity and profitability for the store. In addition, and as another measure of productivity, the study compared the performance of one of the most sensitive departments in a food retail store, and that is the GP% of the produce department. Results show that the overall actual GP% of the studied location has increased by 1.74% in the first quarter of using profit sharing, when compared with the previous quarter. Results also show an actual GP% increase of 1.12% for the profit sharing quarter when compared with the previous year that preceded the shift to profit sharing compensation system.
  Keywords: Profit Sharing; Productivity; Motivation; Performance; Incentives.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10022198
   
  
• Operational Excellence in the Value Stream of Electricity Distribution  
  by Bahman Jamshidieini 
  Abstract: Sustainable success is the ultimate aim of electricity distribution companies. However, it cannot be achieved without an efficient supply chain that rigorously creates value for customers. Operational excellence (OPEX) is a holistic discipline which can help electricity distribution companies to pursue this path by focusing on waste minimisation and improve the service continuity. In the current study, the value stream of electricity distribution and its processes were studied and for the first time, an integrated OPEX framework for this business was developed. This framework is comprised of both technical and organisational aspects such as business intelligence, integrated asset management, and resilient supply chain.
  Keywords: Operational Excellence (OPEX); electricity distribution companies; value stream; business process management; continuous improvement; sustainable success.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10022212
   
  
• Assessment of Liquidity Risk Management in Islamic and Conventional Banks - An Empirical Study  
  by Asem Tahtamouni, Suleiman Mohammad, Asma Hussein Khalaf Al-znaimat, Abdullah Aldaas 
  Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess liquidity risk management (LRM) practices in Jordanian Islamic and conventional banks during the period (2013-2017). Data used were comprised from six banks, which consisted of three Islamic and three conventional banks in Jordan. Data from the banks financial annual reports covering from 2013-2017 were used to calculate the ratios used as a substitute for liquidity risk in conventional banking as well as Islamic banking in Jordan. The study found the relationship of the size of financial institution, return on asset, return on equity, and capital adequacy ratio with liquidity risk measurement is positive and important both in Islamic banks and conventional banks. Researchers found the practices of LRM are not optimal, yet were based on some considerations explained in this study. Further, progressive actions needs to be taken by the regulators and the banking players to improve the LRM practices.
  Keywords: Liquidity risk; risk management; Islamic banks; conventional banks; Jordan; and financial ratios.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10022353
   
  
• Determinants of Consumer's Buying Behavior for digital products in Trade Fair  
  by Navneet Gera, Davide Di Fatta 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the factors which have an effect on the intention to shop digital products at the India International Trade Fair. The study comprises both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the buying behaviour of consumers who visit trade fair. For this, a sample of 160 respondents has been taken by using non-random convenience sampling method. The key factors, i.e., value for money (price and quality), brand awareness and service utility were identified and analysed through the use of factor analysis. Findings point out that value for money and brand awareness are the most important variables that influence decision of consumers to shop at trade fair. The study also suggests that sellers of digital products can leverage the above factors to influence consumers to buy at the trade fair. This research is exploratory and causal with potential to be confirmed in the different trade fairs in future. Trade fairs also provide an opportunity for networking and thus relationship marketing plays an important role. Further, the research has opened up the areas of research in Indian context and has concluded with managerial implications.
  Keywords: consumer buying behaviour; digital products; trade fair; value for money.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10022500
   
  
• Reducing Costs in Manufacturing Firms by Using Target Costing Technique  
  by Hamood Mohd Al-Hattami, Jawahar D. Kabra, Murlidhar Lokhande 
  Abstract: The main study purpose is to explore: 1) whether the use of traditional methods leads to higher costs; 2) whether the use of target costing technique leads to lowering costs and increasing the profit margin of the firm. This paper is based on case study data, collected at one manufacturing firm (furniture). Target costing is a relatively simple technique and easy to understand and apply, although it has a significant impact on the profitability and competitive advantage of firms. The major study results include the following: 1) cost-based pricing in the factory leads to higher prices and an inability to compete; 2) the application of the target costing technique led to achieving a reduction in costs to the target reduction using tear-down analysis and value engineering. Moreover, it is also possible to confront local and foreign competition in a clear and orderly manner. The study also concluded that this technique has succeeded in lowering costs when applied in the factory (the study sample).
  Keywords: target costing; target costing technique; cost reduction.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10023005
   
  
• Harnessing Demographical Differences in Life Satisfaction: Indian Manufacturing Sector  
  by Rinki Dahiya, Santosh Rangnekar 
  Abstract: With the advent of research on employee demographics, organisational researchers have re-illuminated the importance of life satisfaction in working adults. With this precept in mind, the purpose of the present study is to test the demographically-based perceptions of life satisfaction. The data were collected through the survey method from 404 full-time employees working in the manufacturing sector organisations in India and analysed with the help of the T-test and ANOVA technique. The results showed that perception of life satisfaction in employees significantly differ according to age, gender, education and income level. Further, the results revealed that male employees perceive higher life satisfaction than female employees and elderly employees perceive more life satisfaction than younger and middle aged employees. Also, more educated an employee is higher the perception of life satisfaction. Furthermore, the perceptions of life satisfaction increases with higher income level. These findings attempt to provide the HR professionals and practitioners with some knowledge that how the employees perceive their life satisfaction based on demographics and posit a more sensitive attitude towards employee's life satisfaction. The study also highlights that due attention should be given to demographical diversity while transfiguring human resource practices in the organisations.
  Keywords: Life satisfaction; employees; gender; education; income; Indian organisations.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10023030
   
  
• CHANGING POVERTY LINE- INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION OF POOR IN INDIAN STATES  
  by BALAJI MURUGESAN 
  Abstract: The Tendulkar committee and the Rangarajan committee had provided different poverty estimates for India in the past. It is necessary to appreciate the consequences of changing poverty estimates in identification of poor and non-poor households. This paper seeks to examine the sensitivity of the distributional profile in eight developed and under developed Indian states to a unit change in Tendulkar poverty line by applying kernel density function for the consumer expenditure distribution from the National Sample Survey Organization's 55th, 61st, 66th and 68th quinquennial rounds. The developed states have exhibited higher sensitivity compared to neo-patrimonial states to a unit change in poverty line. It is ascertained that the inclusion error will decline and exclusion error will increase if we move down the poverty line over a period of time as the poor people in the poverty zone are escaping at varied rates across space and time.
  Keywords: POVERTY;POOR; POVERTY LINE;POVERTY MEASUREMENT.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10023037
   
  
• Empowering Leadership to Performance Excellence: The role of Knowledge Sharing and Self Efficacy  
  by Sunu Widianto 
  Abstract: Leadership style is known as a prominent factor of employee performance in the organisation. Very few studies have examined the link between empowering leadership style and performance among health workers especially in South East Asia country such as Indonesia. The aim of this study is investigate the link between empowering leadership, self-efficacy, knowledge sharing and job performance of professional health workers in Indonesia. We surveyed 103 nurses in a large private hospital in Indonesia using self-administered questionnaires. The employees assessed empowering leadership style of their immediate manager and self-perception of their level self-efficacy, knowledge sharing and job performance. To test the hypotheses, we used partial least square. The finding shows that empowering leadership styles significantly relates to job performance through self-efficacy. Surprisingly, empowering leadership does not relate to knowledge sharing and link to the job performance.
  Keywords: Empowering leadership; Self-efficacy; Knowledge sharing; Hospital; Job performance excellence.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2020.10023144
   
  
• Bank-group wise Comparison of Loan Recovery Performance of Commercial Banks in India  
  by ROBIN THOMAS, Shailesh Singh Thakur 
  Abstract: In scholarly banking literature, the non-performing loans are associated with bank runs, bank failure and eventual management quality of banks. Non-performing loans have both exogenous and endogenous attributions in banking literature. However, macroeconomic conditions in an economy being ceteris paribus, empirical literature finds support for the
  Keywords: Loan Recovery; Nonperforming Loans; Bank Management; Panel Data Regression; Dummy Variable Regression.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10023278
   
  
• The Relationship between Personality Traits and Individual Performance: A Case Study in Malaysian Hotel Industry  
  by Javad Shahreki 
  Abstract: Performance management is an essential factor for the continued success of any organisation. A good individual performance leads to good organisational performance and success, or vice-versa it could lead to unfavourable stress and tension for employees and poor performance of the organisation. In the hotel industry particularly, positive personality traits in general managers (GMs) and assistant general managers (asst. GMs) performance can improve the performance of employees and hotel. Therefore, investigating the relationship between personality traits and individual performance is highly concern of current researches. This study aims to investigate the relationships between GM and asst. GM of the hotel industry in Malaysia by conducting interviews on personality traits and individual performance. Among five personality traits, which are openness to experience, conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion, and neuroticism, the findings revealed that conscientiousness and agreeableness are the most significant ones in GM and asst. GM performance. The study also discusses further on the individual performance of GM and asst. GM as well as the personality traits characteristics.
  Keywords: Personality traits; Individual performance; Tourism industry; Hotel industry.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2020.10023279
   
  
• An empirical study on the influence of Customers’ Banking Operational Characteristics [Banking Habits] towards the adoption of Internet Banking  
  by Saravanan Perumal 
  Abstract: The focal point of the study is the impact of customers’ socio-economic and banking operational characteristics on adoption of internet banking (IB) in Chennai Metropolitan city with specific reference to Indian bank. The findings of the study will benefit one of the reputed public sector bank in India directly and also the other public sector banks indirectly by providing the statistics on the influence of
  Keywords: Internet Banking; Adoption; Banking Habits; Socio-economic; Banking Operational Characteristics.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10023281
   
  
• Determining the foreign market potential for Iranian sporting goods  
  by Geoff Dickson, Mohammad Rasoul Khodadadi, Adel Shomali, Roghayeh Sarlab 
  Abstract: The selection of export markets is a difficult choice. There is a plethora of international markets, but some will be more attractive than others. This study determines the foreign market potential for Iranian sporting goods. Using secondary data obtained from the United Nations, we used both screening and numerical taxonomy approaches. The two approaches produced divergent findings. The screening approach identified China, Bulgaria, the USA, Canada and Panama as the best export target markets. In contrast, the numerical taxonomy approaches indicated Panama, Australia, Macao and Singapore as the best export markets. Given the size and likely growth of the global sporting goods industry, there is a potential for Iran to access more of this global demand. However, to do this Iran must overcome economic sanctions, inflation, a poor national brand, fluctuating exchange rates, and political instability.
  Keywords: international market selection; foreign market selection; numerical taxonomy; screening; foreign markets; export markets.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10023283
   
  
• Perceived Awareness and Practiced Level of Soft Skills among Personnel in the Telecom Industry of Bangladesh  
  by Tamanna Eva, Rumana Afroze 
  Abstract: Presently, organisations are emphasising on employees’ soft skills to gain a competitive advantage. This study aims to explore the awareness level and practices of soft skills among managers and non-managerial employees in the telecom industry of Bangladesh. It also attempts to measure the correlation among various skills, discover the central role player in developing soft skills and identify the availability of training facilities in the workplace to improve those skills. A structured questionnaire has been administered to collect data from 75 respondents of five telecom companies with adopting a convenience sampling method. The quantitative approach has been followed to complete this paper. Collected data have been analysed through descriptive statistics: mean score, ANOVA and correlation analysis. The result reveals that respondents are well aware of soft skills and they are practicing the maximum number of contents in a similar way except effective action taking ability, integrity, experience in organising programs and being friendly. The study also discovers significant and positive relationships among several of soft skills. Moreover, self-motivation plays the central role to develop employees’ soft skills which later organisations try to enrich through training. Findings would be beneficial for enhancing employees’ soft skills practices to achieve competency.
  Keywords: Soft Skills Awareness; Role player; Training; Organizational performance; Telecom Industry.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10023284
   
  
• ELEMENTS IMPACTING THE ADOPTION OF M-APP AMONG THE TRAVEL COMPANIES IN INDIA  
  by Debarun Chakraborty 
  Abstract: Nowadays, adoption of various mobile apps through smartphone is a common practice. Throughout the world, smartphone users are exposed to various apps. The purpose of the study is to find the factors impacting when the consumers are adopting the mobile apps amongst various travel organisations. Simple random sampling has been used to collect the samples from all the four metro cities of India. One hundred eighty-two responses have been collected from various areas of Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. Multiple regression analysis has been used to conduct the study through SPSS v. 21. The findings of the study revealed that technological, organisational, environmental, perceived cost and perceived trust significantly affected the adoption of mobile applications by tourism organisations in India.
  Keywords: M-app; Travel companies; Adoption; Cost; Security.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2020.10023288
   
  
• A systematic review of the integration of best practices for world class manufacturing  
  by Abhijeet K. Digalwar, Anirudh Tusnial 
  Abstract: Manufacturing organisations are trying to become world class by integrating best practices. While multiple authors have studied world class manufacturing (WCM), no paper consolidates these results. Further certain inconsistencies are found in existing WCM frameworks. A need was therefore felt to clearly identify and define the scope of best manufacturing practices identified from different countries and industries. 173 research papers on WCM were collected from different online databases and reviewed for the purpose of this study. A descriptive analysis was performed to understand the timeline, geographic, author and journal related trends of the papers. Papers were also classified based on content and industry settings. The best practices identified were defined and the popularity of each best practice was evaluated on the basis of number of mentions. The paper finally proposes a new framework for WCM, inspired from the functioning of the human body.
  Keywords: World class manufacturing; manufacturing excellence; manufacturing best practices; literature review.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2020.10023289
   
  
• Sustainable Development: Gender Equality as Corporate Social Responsibility by Mining Companies  
  by Nattavud Pimpa 
  Abstract: The gendered impacts of mining industry on women is critical for mining companies. A key challenge for the management of sustainable development programs for gender equality is the need to develop sophisticated approaches that work at the local and international levels. In this paper, the researcher investigates the impact of CSR programs on women through the perceptions and life experiences of female workers and various members of the mining community in La PDRs. The results show that CSR programs on women employment, social roles of women in the organisation, health promotion, and vocational training can influence the likelihood of sustainable development by mining companies. However, the extent to which mining companies can be considered focus and accountable development agents remains limited due to the instrumental nature of development-oriented CSR programs.
  Keywords: Gender; Women and Work; CSR; Sustainable Development.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10023290
   
  
• Developing a Brand Performance Model Based on Customer-based Brand Equity in the Market of Iran’s Banking Services  
  by Azarnoush Ansari, Ali Kazemi, Seyed Reza Jalalzadeh 
  Abstract: Awareness of banking brand performance and its evaluation is one of the main goals and success indicators of an organisation in achieving its aims and missions. Meanwhile, performance assessment indicators in different areas and the factors influencing it are different from one organisation to another. In the current research, based on theoretical and quantitative research, we tried to present a conceptual model for explaining different dimensions of each of the variables of research. The present study is an applied research in nature and were conducted with the aim of explanation in two stages. First, after reviewing the subject literature, the basic model was designed and then the initial conceptual model was completed using the Delphi method and confirmed by experts. Eventually, the final model was analysed by data analysis and structural equation modelling and SmartPLS software. The results of the research show that customer-based brand equity directly affects market performance. It also indirectly affects market performance through customer relationship equity. Also, among the constructs that constitute brand equity and customer relationship equity, all dimensions, except brand differentiation and brand awareness, affect the constructs constituting customer relationship equity.
  Keywords: customer-based brand equity; customer relationship equity; brand performance; Delphi method; Banking Services; Brand identity.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2020.10023291
   
  
• Sources entrusted by the economically poor: Evidences from India, the largest poor consumer base in the world  
  by Arvind Kumar 
  Abstract: With a market value of US$570.1 billion, fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) industry is propounded to be the world’s fourth largest industry and a very significant part of its rank comes from the consumptions made by poor. Poor, by necessity, spend a substantial part of their income on FMCGs and their population is a better half of the world’s population. It evokes poor as a significant market for the FMCGs but still the purchase behaviour of poor for FMCGs still stands at a very nascent stage, especially in developing countries’ context. Present research bridges the gap on one of the largely untouched but a very important aspect of consumer behaviour of poor. Specifically, it evaluates sources of product information entrusted by poor for their FMCGs purchases in the context of India, a developing country domiciling the world’s largest part of poor inhabitants. It interviews three hundred sixty poor (below poverty line) families of Delhi, India through multi stage cluster sampling and reveals that poor in Delhi, India entrusts TV and their families as the main marketer dominated and non marketer dominated sources for their FMCG purchases respectively.
  Keywords: FMCG; economically poor; marketer dominated sources of product information; non marketer dominated sources of product information.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2020.10023292
   
  
• A Comparative Analysis of the Performance of Islamic and Conventional Banks: Does Corporate Governance Matter?  
  by Ejaz Aslam, Razali Haron, Salman Ahmad 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of corporate governance (CG) internal structure on the performance of Islamic and conventional banking system in Pakistan. To account for the problem of heteroscedasticity, this study used GLS estimation technique by using a sample of five fully fledged Islamic and 15 conventional banks for the period from 2006 to 2015. The study finds that board size and its composition largely contribute to the Islamic and conventional banking performance. However, board committees have an insignificant relationship with the performance of conventional and Islamic banks that demands further investigation into the structure and powers of the board committees. In short, this study provides evidence that corporate governance does matter for the performance of Islamic and conventional banking. The current findings are useful for the policymakers and regulators to improve the existing governance structure for achieving better performance in the financial sector.
  Keywords: Corporate Governance; Islamic and Conventional Banks; Operational Performance; Financial Performance; Stock Performance; GLS.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2020.10023297
   
  
• What makes students choose a career? An exploratory study among students of management education  
  by Mahesh Prabhu H, Sriram K. V 
  Abstract: Students in India have a fascination for management education, which is indicated by the exponential increase in the number of B Schools in the recent years. A study of reasons for students preferring management as a career choice will help us in understanding their decision-making process. An exploratory study was conducted to identify and rank the factors individuals consider before making a career decision. The important factors that emerged during the study were individual’s family background, financial position, decision-making autonomy and many more. These factors were ranked based on their relative importance for individuals who were pursuing a full-time post-graduate program in management education at a reputed university in India. A group discussion was conducted amongst the students to record their views on the various factors and the type of relationship between the factors that influence their career choice. The factors identified were ranked by using interpretive structural equation modelling (ISM). Among the various factors identified, the quality of life associated with a career was ranked as the most important factor in making a career choice and thus making it the most significant variable in the system.
  Keywords: Career choice; Students; Delphi technique; Interpretive Structural Equation Modeling (ISM); Quality of life; Management education.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2020.10023299
   
  
• SEM approach to determine factors affecting e-government success in Jordan  
  by Abbas Al-Refaie, Abeer Mahmoud Ramadna 
  Abstract: This research aims at identifying the effects regulation, website quality, relationship, employee’s skill, and worth on the success of e-government in Jordan from the perspectives users and employees using structural equation modelling (SEM). Initially, a structural model is proposed. A total of 1100 surveys were distributed to employees and government services users. The multicollinearity and consistency in the item measures were checked. Then, the validity of the measurement and structural models is assessed. The results revealed the important factors that affect e-government success. Further, the structural model is evaluated in four major organisations that provide e-government services from both user and employee perspectives. Results showed variations in e-government success among organisations and the level of e-government success still lags behind meeting users and employee expectations in most organisations. In conclusions, Jordanian organisations should deliver high-quality demand driven services, ensure public sector transparency and accountability, reduce indirect cost of obtaining services, increase ease of interacting with government, promote development of Jordan’s ICT sector, develop skills within the public sector, boost e-commerce activities, improve information security and end user privacy, and mitigate the risk through a coordinated approach involving technology tools, policy guidance, and training.
  Keywords: E-government; SEM; Regulation; Website quality; Relationship;Worth.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2020.10023300
   
  
• Generating and Quantifying Consumer Preferences using Kansei and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchical Process  
  by Elia Oey, Bennet Rheza Paleva, Jimmy Weijaya, Billy Bongara 
  Abstract: Understanding what consumers want is essential for firms to remain competitive. With more fragmented market, product development nowadays searches more to consumer feeling instead of product functionality. The research is a case study in a medium size apparel manufacturer for their male premium t-shirt. The study covered identification and hierarchisation of consumer preferences using Kansei engineering technique, and quantification of the weight of each Kansei words using fuzzy analytical hierarchical process method. The study identified 19 cleansed Kansei words hierarchised under five groups. The result showed
  Keywords: Kansei; Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchical Process; Consumer Preferences.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10023303
   
  
• Lean Strategies for Scheduled Maintenance Operations  
  by W.E.I. LU, Malini Natarajarathinam, Aparajit Koshal, Chris Chandler 
  Abstract: As the E-6B airframe ages, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain the minimum requirements for fleet ready for tasking (RFT) aircraft assets. The research conducted in this project has the primary focus of finding solutions to this problem that will ultimately increase the number of RFT aircraft in the E-6B community. The E-6B operates in support of United States Strategic Command, providing a survivable airborne nuclear communication platform in support of nuclear deterrence. This paper evaluates lean strategies in relation to the scheduled maintenance program of the E-6B and details the results of a manpower study and potential manpower solution utilising lean principles with relation to manpower.
  Keywords: Lean scheduled maintenance; phase inspection; manpower management; manpower utilization; ready for tasking; process improvement; human capital; Lean production; creating value.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10023304
   
  
• The Relationship between Organisational Ambidexterity and Organisational Performance: The Mediating Role of Innovation  
  by Rateb Sweis, Israa Alamayreh, Bader Yousef Obeidat 
  Abstract: The impetus of this study is to examine the mediating role of innovation on the relationship between organisational ambidexterity and organisational performance in Jordanian pharmaceutical organisations. The data was collected using questionnaires that were distributed to the managerial levels employees of 14 Jordanian pharmaceutical organisations. The findings reveal that organisational ambidexterity is significantly related to innovation and organisational performance. As well as, there is a significant effect of innovation on organisational performance. Furthermore, the findings confirm that innovation mediate the relationship between organisational ambidexterity and organisational performance. This study is limited in terms of small sample size and solo industry. One clear implication is the need for managers to become more conscious of the necessity to allocate resources between ambidexterity capabilities. They also need to employ their organisations ambidexterity capabilities in favour of innovativeness with the purpose to enhance the organisational performance. This is the first study examining the role of innovation on the relationship between organisational ambidexterity and organisational.
  Keywords: Organisational ambidexterity; Innovation; Organisational performance; Jordanian pharmaceutical organisations.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2020.10023305
   
  
• The Relationship between Employee Self-Concept, Brand Identity, Brand Pride and Brand Citizenship Behavior and Customer Satisfaction  
  by Ali Rezaei, Sara Jahan Abadi, Zahra Mahdavipour, Fateme Nazari 
  Abstract: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between employee self-concept, brand identity, brand pride and brand citizenship behaviour and customer satisfaction. This study uses data from the service employees and customers in the hotel industry in Isfahan in 2016. The 357 customer-employee pairs filled out a questionnaire. A structural equation modelling technique using SPSS and AMOS software was used to analyse data of the questionnaire. The results of this study show consistency of brand and actual self and ideal self of employees had a positive and significant effect on brand identification and brand pride. Moreover, brand identification had a positive and significant effect on brand pride. Brand identification and brand pride had a positive and significant effect on brand citizenship behaviour which led to customer satisfaction.
  Keywords: employee self-concept; brand identity; brand pride; brand citizenship behavior; customer satisfaction.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2019.10023306
   
  
• Intellectual Property Rights Practices and Its Influence on Firms Performance: An Empirical Study across Indian Software Product Firms  
  by Sumukh Hungund 
  Abstract: Studies on innovation have drawn the attention of the researchers. This paper discusses intellectual property rights as an innovation approach adopted by software product firms and its influence on the performance of these firms. The objective of the paper is to examine the influence of intellectual property rights practices on firm performance. The methodology comprises two steps. First, all the variables relevant to practices of open innovation with respect to IPR are identified. Subsequently, primary data is gathered from decision makers of 213 SMEs. IBM SPSS is the statistical tool employed and robust statistical technique such as ordinal logistic regression analysis is performed to test the hypothesis. The result shows that purchasing of intellectual property rights influences firm performance with respect to overall performance and more product development.
  Keywords: Intellectual Property Rights; Innovation Practices; Licensing; Purchase; Sell-out; SME; and Firm Performance.