International Journal of Business Performance Management (41 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Leadership Styles and Business Performance: A Study of Service-based SMEs amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in Klang Valley, Malaysia.  
  by Yow Hong Tay, Osaro Aigbogun 
  Abstract: The lacklustre performance of Malaysian SMEs was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to understand factors affecting SME survival in an environment characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), from a leadership perspective. A qualitative method was employed using a multiple case study design to better understand the experiences of the target population who are owners/managers in the SME services sub-sector in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were recruited using a purposive sample technique and the data were analysed using NVivo 11®data analysis software. From the study, SME leaders who have acclimatised to the new normal of COVID-19 by inspiring and empathising with employees while practicing effective communication, and collective leadership with the use of digital technology survived the crisis. Leadership best practices were maintained by creativity, innovation and lifelong learning. The findings suggest an adaptive leadership style that combines traits from multiple dominant styles.
  Keywords: business performance; business survival; COVID-19; leadership; leadership styles; SMEs; Malaysia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10050555
   
  
• Corporate Culture and Corporate Strategy: Some Economic Aspects of the Modern Organization  
  by Tamara Todorova 
  Abstract: Corporate culture involves the value system, traditions, customs of the organization, the way things are done in the organization, etc. The mission and the vision are set by strategic management in the organization with the purpose of giving it a direction and ensuring its survival in a dynamic environment. However standard economic theory (without frictions) ignores the role that transaction costs play in the modern organization and its attempts to overcome those costs by modern means such as corporate culture and corporate strategy. This paper studies how corporate culture helps economize on the transaction costs of internal organization. We investigate all dimensions of corporate culture which bring down managerial transaction costs including the increase of trust and the reduction of intrafirm opportunism. More specifically, we demonstrate that by setting common goals and giving a common direction to all members of the organization corporate culture and corporate strategy, in effect, save on the sizable costs of internal organization.
  Keywords: corporate culture; corporate strategy; transaction costs; opportunism; trust; information flow.
  
  
• Return on Investment of Agile Implementation  
  by Cesar Filipe, Leandro Pereira, Renato Lopes Da Costa, Rui Gonçalves, Álvaro Lopes Dias 
  Abstract: In the current business environment, companies need to be constantly adapting either to economic circumstances or to the increasingly fast technology advancements to gain competitive advantage. This adaptation comes from culture and how processes inside a company are managed and agile appears as the answer for it. This research aims to determine how to adopt agile culture in combination with its methodologies and practices, while also considering the barriers and success factors. A series of interviews were conduct in a case study with employees from distinct departments, with different roles and ranks of a company that has been implementing Agile, granting a 360-degree view of the implementation. Results reveal that the company improved its multidisciplinary projects by taking down barriers between departments, having a positive impact on its efficiency in delivering value to the client.
  Keywords: business process management; return on investment; agile culture; agile methodologies.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10050761
   
  
• The instrumentality of teaching pedagogies in maturing entrepreneurial intentions among women entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia  
  by Saeed Badghish, Muhammad Zafar Yaqub, Imran Ali, Murad Ali, Ali Malik 
  Abstract: The global diffusion of entrepreneurship education necessitates a better understanding of what is being taught, why, how, and to whom it is taught. Despite enormous empirical evidence on the role of entrepreneurship teaching pedagogies in maturing students’ entrepreneurial skills and behaviours, it is important to examine how particular teaching pedagogies may help in developing and exploiting university student’s entrepreneurial potentials in Saudi Arabia where the government is investing tremendous resources to promote entrepreneurial activities, yet entrepreneurship education is the weakest entrepreneurial ecosystem factor. Based on a PLS-based SEM model involving 825 females students from Saudi Universities, a positive association between different entrepreneurship teaching pedagogies has been found in maturing entrepreneurial attitudes, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, as well as enhancing perceived behavioural control. The study found a significantly positive role of these three determinants of entrepreneurial intentions among female students in Saudi universities.
  Keywords: entrepreneurship teaching pedagogies; venture creation; entrepreneurial intentions; Vision 2030; Saudi Arabia; partial least squares; PLS; structure equation modelling; SEM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10051532
   
  
• Entrepreneurs’ Dynamic Managerial Capabilities as a Source of Sustained Competitive Advantage for Small and Medium Enterprises  
  by Syed Asad Abbas Bokhari, Muhammad Aftab, Muhammad Zafar Yaqub, Murad Ali, Ali Malik 
  Abstract: Entrepreneurs of small and medium enterprises generally strive very hard to achieve a sustained advantage over their competitors, dynamic managerial capabilities of these entrepreneurs could profoundly prove to be one significant source of such an advantage. The primary objective of this study has been to investigate the significance of valuable, rare, inimitable, heterogenous, non-substitutable dynamic managerial capabilities of the entrepreneurs in creating a sustained competitive advantage for their SMEs. Overall, the findings demonstrated substantial positive effects of various facets of dynamic managerial capabilities of the entrepreneurs on sustained competitive advantage, providing further empirical substantiation to the central tenets of the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm. In essence, the research findings not only ascertain the association between various facets of dynamic (managerial) capabilities and competitive advantage, but also offer some useful insights to those seeking to sustain the competitive advantage.
  Keywords: dynamic capabilities; managerial capabilities; VRIN framework; sustainable competitive advantage; SMEs; resource-based view; RBV.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10051534
   
  
• Mediating effects of organisational learning on the relationship between TQM, innovation and business performance: Evidence from manufacturing SMEs in Nigeria  
  by Kabir Shuaib, Zhen He 
  Abstract: Total quality management (TQM) and innovation are complementary concepts that drive organisational success. Similarly, based on previous studies’ findings, TQM and innovation are predictors of firm performance. However, past studies reveal this tripartite relationship with mixed results. The current study predicts organisational learning mediating effect in the relationship between TQM, innovation and firm performance. The study collected empirical data from 385 manufacturing SMEs in Kano and Kaduna states in Nigeria. A partial least square (PLS) model was used to test the conceptual model to determine the examined relationship between TQM, innovation and firm performance with mediating effect of organisational learning. The results reveal that TQM practices do not directly affect business performance but indirectly through organisational learning. The study finds that innovation has a significant and positive effect on performance. Similarly, organisational learning mediates the relationship between innovation and business performance. The study’s findings and contributions provide insights and critical practical implications for manufacturing SMEs and their managers. Practically, managers and practitioners may get some insights to include organisational learning with other strategies and organisational practices.
  Keywords: business performance; innovation; organisational learning; SMEs; total quality management; TQM; Nigeria.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10051653
   
  
• ERP Adoption Prediction using Machine Learning Techniques and ERP Selection among SMEs  
  by Aveek Basu, Rohini Jha 
  Abstract: Small and medium scale industries (SMEs) have always been the backbone of a country’s economy as they play a vital role in ensuring the goals such as balancing regional development, equality of income, and poverty alleviation by employment generation. However, SMEs are resistant to growth; facing challenges in sustainability in digital era. Others stay small and avoid taxation related problems. SMEs in developing nations are one of the most aggressive adopters of ERP packages. At times they have incurred huge capital expenses which ultimately raises a question mark in their survival on account of incorrect selection. ERP systems can benefit SMEs post COVID era. In this paper, machine learning techniques applied to predict adoption of ERP and multi-criteria decision-making technique (MCDM) applied for vendor and type of ERP selection viz. cloud ERP, on premise, or hybrid ERP will be suitable for SMEs and appropriate vendors.
  Keywords: enterprise resource planning; ERP; cloud ERP; small and medium enterprise; SME; K-nearest neighbour; decision tree; machine learning algorithms; multi-criteria decision making.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10051659
   
  
• Accelerating performance through disruptive leadership practice  
  by Fleming Sampson 
  Abstract: In these turbulent times, when the world is changing rapidly, it is critical to inspire employees to keep their spirits ignited and sustain business performance. It has been widely observed that these challenging times have impacted the mindsets of individuals, necessitating the need to motivate and boost them. The objective of this study is to conduct a powerful disruptive intervention to motivate and trigger employees, which in turn propels them to give their optimum and impacts business outcomes in a quantum way. This study intends to propose a conceptual framework of human excellence and the work excellence model through leadership strategies. The COVID-19 pandemic’s consequences on human excellence are examined in this study. This study explores powerful strategies and leadership practices that firms can use to help their workforce remain agile and thrive in the new normal. Many avenues for future study exist to help frame and address this problem using new models and intervention programs.
  Keywords: disruptive leadership; COVID-19; challenges; new practices; human excellence; work excellence model; WEM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2024.10051683
   
  
• Financial education is precious than money-Examining the role of financial literacy in enhancing financial wellbeing among Saudi women  
  by Yasir Ali Soomro, Murad Ali, Muhammad Zafar Yaqub, Imran Ali, Saeed Badghish 
  Abstract: The study explores the role of financial literacy, financial socialisation, and certain demographic characteristics (such as income, education, father education and mother education) in enhancing financial wellbeing through developing/promoting financial self-efficacy and financial coping behaviours, among Saudi women. There is sparse research evidence available in the literature that examines the levels of financial literacy among Saudi women and how it contributes to their financial welling and the related financial behaviours, this paper therefore, provides important evidence to bridge this important research gap. Based on PLS-based path modelling performed over a set of 1,338 responses from Saudi women, we found a significant positive effect of both the antecedents (i.e., financial literacy and the financial socialisation) on financial wellbeing mediated through financial self-efficacy and (financial) coping behaviours. Similarly, demographic characteristics including women respondents’ income, education, father education, and mother education are partially positively related to financial self-efficacy as well as the financial coping behaviour. However, demographic characteristics were not seen to be significantly related to financial wellbeing. Besides bridging significant research gaps in the literature, this study provides practical implications for Saudi women to enhance their financial wellbeing through enhancing financial literacy and financial socialisation.
  Keywords: financial literacy; financial wellbeing; financial self-efficacy; financial socialisation; financial coping behaviour; Saudi Arabia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2024.10052141
   
  
• The Impact of Gender on Consumer Buying Decision Process Towards Online Shopping: A Study of Thai Consumers.  
  by Dare Oluwatobi Adekoya, Prin Laksitamas 
  Abstract: In today’s world, online shopping has become a common method of purchasing goods. Online shopping allows consumers to purchase various products and services from the comfort of their homes. Gender is an important factor that can influence a consumer’s buying decision. Men and women have different motivations, experiences, and concerns when it comes to shopping due to different upbringing and socialisation. This research focuses on the impact of gender on consumer buying decision process towards online shopping. The research approach is primarily based on online questionnaire survey with 105 respondents. Chi-square tests were adopted for data analysis using SPSS software. The results reveal that social media is an important source of information for male and female consumers. Also, promotions, prices, product reviews and descriptions motivate female consumers more compared to male consumers. In summary, this study shows that different factors motivate male and female Thai consumers when shopping online.
  Keywords: online shopping; buying decision process; gender; social media; product review.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10052174
   
  
• Financial Inclusion and the Growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria  
  by Ambrose Nnaemeka Omeje, Ndubuisi Chukwu, Augustine Jideofor Mba, Michael Okike UGWU 
  Abstract: This study used Nigeria Enterprise Survey Data (2014) and adopted robust ordinary least squares model anchored on neoclassical growth theory to examine the impact of financial inclusion on enterprise growth in Nigeria. It was found that with improved financial inclusion, there would be about 0.101% rise in Nigeria’s enterprise growth. More, business environmental factors specific to enterprises such as total annual cost of security, total cost of electricity, number of power outages experienced by establishment in a typical month, high tax rates, political instability, and corruption were shown to have negative significant effect on enterprise growth in Nigeria however, value of loss due to power outages has insignificant negative effect. In another vein, other factors relating to capital and labour inputs, and enterprise size significantly encourage enterprise growth in Nigeria. The study recommended that government should encourage more policies that would support the growth of MSMEs in Nigeria.
  Keywords: financial inclusion; micro; small; medium; enterprise growth; Nigeria.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2024.10052523
   
  
• Evaluating of Suppliers Selection in Auto Parts Manufacturing Company using DEMATEL and TOPSIS  
  by Mohammad Reza Komari Alaei, Reza Rostamzadeh, Babak Adham 
  Abstract: Global competition in an environment which is permanently changing has led organisations to understand the importance of flexibility, present reasonable and in time reactions towards it. Management of supply chain is a strategy to carry out such a work in a way that customers can achieve reliable and fast services along with products having high quality with the least possible costs. The goal of the present research is to evaluate suppliers of Iranian Diesel Engine Manufacturing (IDEM) company using a decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and ranking them using technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). Results showed that planning has appropriated the highest weight. Ideal Motor Parts Factory (IMPF) with 0.8231 has appropriated the highest rank to itself compared with other options and this shows that based on SCOR model, the factory has had the best conditions compared with others.
  Keywords: supply chain; suppliers’ evaluation; outsourcing; DEMATEL; strategic alliances; TOPSIS; IDEM Company.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2024.10052721
   
  
• Automated Practices in Inventory Management on Performance - A Prospect of Emerging Country  
  by Rashmiranjan Panigrahi, Sushanta Mahapatra, GOUTAM TANTY 
  Abstract: The success of a firm depends on its supply chain, from raw material acquisition to product distribution. RFID’s potential as a supply chain management tool has fascinated experts. Despite the potential benefits of RFID and barcode technologies (benefit-drivers), both modular for retail business performance are understudied in India. This study examines the impact of RFID and BIP on store performance. Principal component analysis was utilised to confirm the significant contributors to RFIDP, BIP, and improved store performances from eight retail stores in PAN India with 521 respondents. After verifying each construct’s components, researchers used correlation and regression to link RFIDP and BIP to storage performance. RFIDP boosts store performance in medium-sized firms, while barcode automation helps small businesses. This study will help management and key stakeholders assess how automation affects customer browsing insights and retail efficiency. This country often examines the effects of automated inventory practices on small-scale retailers.
  Keywords: radio frequency identification practice; RFIDP; barcode; inventory practices; retail store; store performance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2024.10053104
   
  
• Constituent Performance management ingredients necessary to gauge the performance of Lean on a manufacturing organisation.  
  by Sanjay Bhasin 
  Abstract: The ways in which manufacturing organisations gauge the impact lean has made is challenged in this investigation. Assertions that lean benefits profitability need substantiating as a chain of cause-and-effect associations impact this relationship. The methodology adopted involved an extensive scoping literature review substantiated by case studies undertaken in five organisations. Lean does not relate itself to traditional accounting systems. Lean demands considerable investment but the benefits analysis remains blurred. Impact on operational improvements is much clearer but effect on overall corporate profitability remains ambiguous. Performance measurement when executed mistakenly embodies a huge risk to organisations. This paper reinforces the fuzzy linear relationship between operational and financial performance. This investigation amalgamates the idiosyncrasies of lean manufacturing. It awards lean practitioners and academics precious information regarding aspects of performance which should be incorporated in an authentic assessment of lean’s impact.
  Keywords: lean manufacturing; performance management; metrics; assessment; indices.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2024.10053203
   
  
• Does intellectual capital enhance firm efficiency: Evidence from Vietnam's banking sector  
  by Wil Martens, Chau Ngoc Minh Bui 
  Abstract: As a result of the rise of a knowledge-based economy, intellectual capital (IC) has replaced tangible inputs as the primary resource and driver of organisational performance. This is the first study to examine the relationship between IC and its components of Vietnamese banks from 2011 to 2018, utilising the modified value-added intellectual coefficient (MVAIC) and stochastic frontier analysis to determine technical efficiency. We find substantial variation in the performance of Vietnamese banks and note a decreasing trend in efficiency, with foreign banks being among the least efficient. Examining the relationship between IC and efficiency as a collective revealed a positive correlation. When the IC components were examined separately, human capital efficiency (HCE) was discovered to be the most significant contributor to efficiency. At the same time, other forms of IC failed to show statistical significance and may even establish a significant inverse relationship. As some valuable resources may be value-destructive, the findings herein have significant implications for resource-based theory. In addition, practitioners may wish to note that HCE is the most significant contributor to efficiency in the Vietnamese banking sector.
  Keywords: technical efficiency; banks; intellectual capital; performance evaluation; Vietnam.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10053588
   
  
• Performance of Energy Component in Top-tier IT Software Service Companies: A Geological and Multi-Component Perspective  
  by Sumit Goyal, Jolly Puri 
  Abstract: Information technology (IT) firm is structured internally into different components like financial, manufacturing, energy, retail, communication, healthcare, etc. to supply customised services to customers. The present study investigates effectiveness of energy component over other components in top-tier 5 IT software service companies during 2014 to 2019. It measures the performance of each company and its components using multi-component data envelopment analysis with shared and undesirable resources across three geographical regions. The findings show that the energy component performs low in North America and Europe regions, and above average in rest of the world region. Its efficiency has decreased by 1 to 5% across three regions. Infosys outperforms in energy component whereas performances of TCS, Wipro, Accenture and Cognizant decreases during 2014 to 2019. Moreover, the companies performed efficiently in other components whereas require improvements in energy component. The findings have implications to identify inefficient components and providing guidance to formulate strategies to reduce inefficiencies from operations.
  Keywords: efficiency evaluation; multi-component DEA; information technology; energy sector; geological impact; decision-making subunits.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2024.10053709
   
  
• Contribution of management practices to the success of innovation projects  
  by Victor MIGNENAN 
  Abstract: Innovation projects occupy a privileged place in human activities: they are carriers of socio-economic values and levers of strategic positioning. This article improves understanding of the success of innovation projects in Chad through project management practices (PMP) and benefits management practices (BMP). To achieve this, the literature has made it possible to propose a model for representing success. The mixed methodology was used. It was applied to the Grand Ecosystem Lacustres Tchadiens (GELT) project. The results show that PMPs are more effective in achieving innovation management success (β = 0.38) but also investment success (β = 0.21). On the other hand, BMPs are better predictors (β = 0.39) of investment success. However, PMPs and BMPs, when combined, are the preferred lever to generate (∆r2 = 92%) the success of innovation projects.
  Keywords: innovation projects; project management practices; PMP; benefits management practices; management successes; investment successes.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10053790
   
  
• Digital Corporate Financial Management with AI in China-Enterprise Intelligence  
  by Haochen Guo 
  Abstract: With the sophistication of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and implementations, AI can save on human capital, money and time by performing a tedious and large-scale task. AI is completely changing the enterprise's perception of managing business processes, significantly improving the accuracy and cycle time of work, to improving the production in corporate financial management processing. Moreover, to gradually formed Enterprise Intelligence (EI). This paper provides the research of EI with digital corporate financial management in China. It is finding that corporate financial management under the future model needs to understand the business better, needs to design business models, settlement models and risk management for all business departments. It requires a financial manager to have the professional ability and business awareness in the changing environment.
  Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Digital Corporate Financial Management; Enterprise Intelligence; Intelligence Finance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2024.10054113
   
  
• Do commodities improve the performance of international Islamic stock portfolios? An analysis for pre-and during COVID-19 pandemic  
  by Imen Khemakhem, Slah Bahloul 
  Abstract: This paper investigates the potential portfolio diversification benefits through introducing commodities to international Islamic stock portfolios through the period 2016-2020. Different types of asset investment strategies such as equally weighted portfolios (1/N), risk parity, reward-to-risk timing, minimum-variance, mean-variance, and Black-Litterman have been used. Also, we apply the bootstrap methodology of Ledoit and Wolf (2008) to test for the difference of Sharpe ratios. Generally, empirical results display that the introduction of commodities improves the performance of the International Islamic stock portfolios over the complete sample, the pre-COVID-19 and the COVID-19 periods. However, the difference in performance between international Islamic stock-commodity and international Islamic stock portfolios is not statistically significant for the diverse asset investment approaches across the different studied periods. These findings have noteworthy implications for global investors who prefer to diversify only in Islamic equities.
  Keywords: International Islamic portfolio; Commodities indexes; Asset investment strategies; Sharpe Ratio difference test; COVID-19.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2024.10054180
   
  
• MAIN FACTORS AFFECTING EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION AND ITS IMPACT ON OVERALL ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE  
  by Prodromos Chatzoglou, Anastasios D. Diamantidis, George Tziakis 
  Abstract: It is well known that employee satisfaction is affected by several organisational factors. This research proposes and empirically tests a new conceptual model with the aim to unveil what factors affect employee performance and the overall organisational performance during a long period of severe economic crisis. The factors incorporated into the model are grouped into four groups, namely, employee satisfaction antecedents, satisfaction mediators, main behavioural effects and final performance. Data from 414 employees from various firms were used to test the validity of the proposed theoretical framework. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used as the main data analysis technique. The results suggest that organisational management is the single most important factor in determining whether or not workers are happy in their jobs. The effectiveness of management at all levels of an organisation has the greatest bearing on its performance, followed by employees’ attitudes and performance.
  Keywords: employee satisfaction; employee performance; firm performance; employee fulfilment; loyalty; commitment.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2024.10054620
   
  
• THE MEDIATING ROLE OF SELF-EFFICACY IN THE IMPACT OF SCHOOLS' REWARDING PRACTICES ON TEACHERS' JOB PERFORMANCE  
  by Metin OCAK, Özgür Ugur ARIKAN, Hatun ASLAN 
  Abstract: Today, increasing competition conditions push organisations to use their resources more effectively and to achieve high performance. Obtaining high performance from human resources, which has recently been shown as a critical resource that creates synergy for organisations, gives organisations a sustainable competitive advantage. From this point of view, increasing motivation and achieving high performance through rewarding practices is especially important in public schools, because teachers are educating qualified human resources, that is, students. This research aims to reveal the mediating role of teachers’ self-efficacy in the effect of schools’ rewarding practices on teachers’ job performance in public schools. According to the findings of the research conducted with 516 teachers working in Mersin public schools, rewarding practices have a positive effect on the job performance of teachers and their self-efficacy has a full mediation role in this effect.
  Keywords: job performance; rewarding; self-efficacy; teachers.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2024.10054835
   
  
• The effects of organizational entrenchment on unethical behaviour  
  by Jeanine Â. Vieira Zagheto, Samara Monteiro Pereira Do Nascimento, Juliana Barreiros Porto 
  Abstract: According to the social exchange theory, individuals establish exchange relationships within organisations that should be rewarding for both parties. An imbalanced relationship leads to negative reactions from individuals. If employees find themselves without alternatives, they can entrench themselves within an organisation. The entrenchment concept is linked to a protective environment. However, the idea of leaving this comfort zone generates the perception of loss of accumulated investments and we inquire if it could also promote unethical behaviours. A sample of 352 employees (mean age 37.9 years old, SD = 10.7 years), answered the observed unethical behaviour, organisational entrenchment, and social desirability scales, which were applied at two-wave. Multiple regression results indicate that entrenchment exhibits a positive relationship with unethical behaviour. Social desirability moderates the relationship, highlighting the importance of controlling this variable. These results suggest that employee perceptions of entrenchment are an important predictor of unethical work behaviour.
  Keywords: unethical behaviour; organisational entrenchment; social desirability.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2024.10055795
   
  
• Assessing the role of promotion standards on employees' satisfaction and effectiveness in Saudi public sector  
  by Hammad Alshammari 
  Abstract: This study aims to investigate the role of promotion standards on employees’ satisfaction and effectiveness in the Saudi Arabian public sector. Considering the significance of career promotion and its relationship with career path, employee’s job satisfaction, and employee’s effectiveness, this study attempts to assess the role of career promotion standards and conditions in job satisfaction among public employees. The study employed a descriptive approach to assess employees’ perceptions about career promotion standards using a survey questionnaire where the study sample was (105) male and female administrators selected from the original population using simple random sampling procedure. The result showed that employees feel that there are transparent standards for promotion. Furthermore, career promotion standards have a positive impact on achieving job tasks. On the other hand, career promotion standards have created favouritism among employees and led to a routine work environment. Finally, career promotion standards positively impacted employees’ satisfaction and effectiveness.
  Keywords: promotion standards; employees’ satisfaction; employees’ effectiveness; public sector.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2024.10056001
   
  
• Beyond Traditional HRM: e-HRM Practices and Their Influence on Organizational Performance in Higher Education Institutions  
  by Fadi Herzallah, Mohannad Ayyash 
  Abstract: Educational institutions are considered one of the leading institutions in adopting modern systems to improve their performance so that they can be more creative and competitive. This study examines how electronic human resource management (e-HRM) affect organizational performance at Palestine Technical University-Kadoorie, where e-HRM techniques are being used. Using data from a 100-employee survey, the study model was tested using structural equation modelling (SEM) and partial least squares (PLS) software. The results of the investigation demonstrated that e-HRM practices, which include e-selection, e-training, e-performance appraisal, and e-communication, have a positive and significant impact on organizational performance. Also, the findings in this study revealed that e-recruitment is the most potent e-HRM practice for organizational performance. Therefore, e-HRM policymakers can use the findings of this study to formulate strategies to improve their performance, and scholars can increase, develop, and assess research in the e-HRM field.
  Keywords: e-HRM; organizational performance; e-recruitment; e-selection; e-training; e-performance appraisal; e-communication; human resource management; Higher Education Institutions; developing countries; Palestine.
  
  
• The quality of service and supply chain effectiveness of high-level hospitals in Cali,Colombia  
  by Ricardo Santa, Mario A. Ferrer, Erick Calvo, Elisa Pinzon, Daniel Cardona, Sayda Pico 
  Abstract: The service supply chain aims at managing the adequate flow of information, processes, and capacity across its members to provide product service that meets customer expectations. This study focuses on healthcare organisations’ need for supply chain coordination to deliver quality services. Based on previous experiences in the literature, we examine the interrelatedness of elements such as updated technologies (technological innovations) in the form of e-business and medical solutions using the internet. Additionally, lean practices, human capital, and their impact on building an effective supply chain and, therefore, the delivery of quality services are examined. The study’s objectives were to discuss and report through a detailed methodology the evaluation of critical hypotheses found during the literature review process, particularly applicable to the health sector in Colombia and Latin America. Initial findings from the structural equation modelling analysis show that the use of technologies has no impact on lean practices, quality of the service, and building an effective supply chain. This study shows the relevant role of human capital in delivering an effective supply chain when organisations implement technological innovations affecting service quality.
  Keywords: technological innovations; human capital; lean practices; quality in healthcare; supply chain performance; Colombia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2024.10056342
   
  
• Developing human capability through hybrid education  
  by Roberta Fenech, Priya Baguant, Abdul Ghafar 
  Abstract: The role of higher education institutions has always been associated with the development of students' experiential knowledge and key skills, as a direct result of the digital learning experience. Digital learning manifests itself to play a pivotal role in education with the underlying assumption of providing learners with a sustainable and resilient learning experience. The research question investigated in this study concerns the role hybrid education plays in the development of human capabilities (what is the role of hybrid education in human capability development?). Sixteen academics were split into two groups and each participated in a focus group. The main finding is a research model outlining the pre-determining success factors that need to be in place for hybrid education to lead to the development of human capabilities. Another finding is the challenges that need to be addressed in ensuring that hybrid education does lead to such capability development.
  Keywords: hybrid education; human capability development; challenges; pre-determining factors; higher education; qualitative research.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10052139
   
  
• The relationship between the recruitment strategy and the competitive advantage  
  by Ayman Al Armoti, Nidhi Oswal, Adnan Jawabri 
  Abstract: The study aimed to identify the relationship between the recruitment strategy and competitive advantage at four-star hotels in Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates. The study population consisted of all workers in four-star hotels in Al Ain, UAE, totalling 404 employees. A total of 198 questionnaires were distributed using simple random sampling. A total of 169 were returned, 141 of these were valid for statistical analysis. Results showed there is a correlation between the two variables of recruitment and the competitive advantage. Pearson correlation coefficients reached 0.17, by sig. (0.45) where it is statistically significant at 0.05. Moreover, the most significant recommendations were to increase recruiting people through online advertisements and internal advertisements within hotels in addition to advertisements in newspapers, satellite stations and universities. Furthermore, continuing the procedures for selecting employees based on the submission of job applications and passing interviews, tests, and medical examinations that will help toward achieving the competitive advantage.
  Keywords: recruitment strategy; selection; competitive advantage; hotels; performance; online advertisements; interviews; tests; medical examination; internal advertisements.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10047452
   
  
• Impact of corporate social performance on shareholder value  
  by Ayman Mustafa Al Armoti, Mariam Alsayari, Meera Fadi Alsalman 
  Abstract: This research includes an investigation of the influence of corporate social performance (CSP) on shareholder value creation in the context of At Majid Al Futtaim, a UAE-based company that sells homeware and technological goods, including smart phones. The organisation recognises that today's customer values experience, value, and memorable moments with those who matter most to them. It is also aware of its social responsibilities. The CSP has a highly significant relationship with the empirical study for the components driving CSP, showing that the firm is consciously contributing to community benefits, enhanced employee relationships, and ecologically responsible operations. Only the firm's growth and size were found to have a substantial positive relationship with CSP, demonstrating that hypotheses H3 and H4 are accurate. All alternative hypotheses H1, H2, H5, and H6 are rejected by Majid Al Futtaim.
  Keywords: corporate social; shareholder value; social responsibilities; organisation performance; customer value; corporate governance; community relationships; corporate performance; company's trustworthiness; business engagement.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10047977
   
  
• The impact of COVID-19 on FDI  
  by Florida Veljanoska, Basman Mazahrih 
  Abstract: The objective of this paper is to discover the impact of the pandemic on global, regional FDIs and FDIs in different groups of countries classified according to their income status. The World Pandemic Uncertainty Index was used as a measure of the level of pandemic uncertainty. Multiple panel data analysis was conducted, which covered the period 1996-2020 and 142 countries, including sub-samples of six regions and four groups of countries classified as per their income level. The results have shown that the pandemic had a negative, but insignificant impact on global FDIs. The analysis also proved that the pandemic had a significant negative impact on FDIs in Europe and low-income countries, while positive impact in Asian and upper-middle-income countries. As for Africa, North and South America, and Australia and Pacific and high and lower middle income, the research has shown that the pandemic had an insignificant, but negative impact on FDI flows.
  Keywords: foreign direct investment; FDI; pandemic; world pandemic uncertainty index; WPUI; global economy; regional analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10049480
   
  
• A framework to drive business growth in developing countries using omni-channel strategies  
  by Lezaan Botha, Lara I. Human, Melissa E. Rossouw, Jacobus D. Nel 
  Abstract: During the past few decades, firms have undergone radical changes due to digitalisation initiatives, changing consumer behaviour and other factors, such as the pandemic. This has led to, amongst others, the implementation of online strategies such as an omni-channel strategy. However, omni-channel strategies increase supply chain complexities and have very specific managerial implications to consider. Current research addresses numerous benefits of and barriers to online strategies and provides building blocks to implement online strategies. From this, a theoretical foundation was built for this article. Interviews were conducted in a developing country to determine the extent to which the theoretical foundation can be applied within the context of a developing country. This general qualitative research proposes a framework for managers in developing countries to consider when implementing an omni-channel strategy.
  Keywords: omni-channel strategy; multi-channel strategy; managerial implications; supply chain strategy; supply chain design.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10049308
   
  
• Cultural transformation through the implementation of a 'happiness program' within a UAE Government aviation entity  
  by Maitha Mohammed Al Haj 
  Abstract: The study examines the antecedents of employee happiness and wellbeing at a government aviation entity in the UAE. The key findings included identifying key challenges that affect employee happiness, wellbeing, and performance. The findings led to developing and implementing an objective decision-making tool introduced to stimulate employees' productivity by proactively enhancing morale and happiness. Strategic guidelines were developed including improving organisation leadership in making effective decisions through the delegation of authority to act, providing clarity to employees to execute their tasks, and providing tools to measure performance and happiness. The knowledge contribution of the study is the emphasis on employee wellbeing as a critical component in ensuring organisational effectiveness, while efficiently delivering their mandates to the organisation's key stakeholders.
  Keywords: happiness; wellbeing; performance; happiness program; UAE.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10049406
   
  
• Transportation optimality approach and environmental sustainability in manufacturing firms in Lagos State: a decision approach  
  by Adedugba Adebayo, Asikhia Olalekan, Inegbedion Daniel, Akinrinola Olalekan 
  Abstract: The study focused on examining transportation operations and environmental sustainability in manufacturing firms in Lagos State, Nigeria. The focal objective of the study is to analyse transportation optimality effect on environmental sustainability and its utilisation in order to minimise carbon emissions due to transportation in production activities and distribution. Twelve manufacturing firms were utilised for the study and the firms were selected based on the volume of distribution. Multi-method such as partial least square (PLS) and Vogel's estimation model was utilised to determine the resultant effect of transportation on environmental sustainability and its corresponding optimal routes. The coefficient value of 0.601 based on the statistical output shows a considerable effect of transportation on environmental sustainability. This shows a significant contribution to environmental degradation due to the sporadic growth in reverse order, distribution and allocation. The study also discovered that transportation optimality is an impetus to environmental sustainability due to optimal distribution and routes.
  Keywords: sustainability; transportation; economic; manufacturing firms; environment.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10051013
   
  
• Balanced agile project management impact on firm performance through business process agility as mediator in IT sector of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
  by Sami Salem Alzahrani 
  Abstract: This study aimed to check the impact of all three dimensions of balanced agile project management on firm performance through business process agility. The mediating role of business process agility was measured and proved. Data was collected from employees of the IT sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through purposive sampling. A total of 171 responses were collected and used for data analysis. Structural equation modelling (SEM) technique was used to test the hypothesised relations using the SmartPLS3. The result of analysis revealed the significant relations, and all hypotheses were accepted. Mediating role of business agility in three dimensions of balanced agile project management and firm performance was proved and highlights the importance of agility and control at same time. This study signifies the importance of balanced agile project management on firm performance and role of business process agility. Managers working in dynamic working environment should focus on empowerment, cross-functional collaboration and balancing control for better strategic agility and firm performance. Organisations working in dynamic setting should focus on nimble management.
  Keywords: balanced agile project management; business process agility; firm performance; employee empowerment; cross-functional collaboration; balancing control; Saudi Arabia; structural equation modelling; SEM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10051535
   
  
• The use of technology among the Omani retailers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic  
  by Salim Nasser Salim Alriyami, Mahfooz Ahmed 
  Abstract: This study examines the implementation and use of technology among Omani retailers supported and sponsored by the government during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the study was to investigate some of the efforts made by these retailers in using the internet and its related technologies to buy and sell their goods and promote their services during the pandemic. An extensive interview session was conducted with some retailers in the central region of Oman. The study's findings show that the most popular technology device used by retailers during the pandemic to support their business was cell phones with some social media and instant messengers' applications like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. It was also discovered that the pandemic had a negative impact on most SMEs. The pandemic has also made most of them realise how some technological equipment can help them promote their goods and services during the movement restriction period.
  Keywords: e-commerce; technology; retailers; COVID-19 pandemic; Oman; social media.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10051533
   
  
• Perception of citizen towards e-governance in India: comparative analysis in education, healthcare and agriculture industry  
  by Rohini Jha, Aveek Basu 
  Abstract: E-governance is employed for communicating the usage of governance, and its application in data technology (IT), is common in today's world. Also, it is utilised for distributing knowledge among the citizens. The objective of this work is to explore the perception of Indian citizens on e-governances as digital transformation in the post COVID era will ameliorate the society as a whole. Hence, three primary sectors which include healthcare, agriculture and education that play a pivotal role are analysed thoroughly in this context based on the responses of a set of questionnaires. Subsequently, the rates of the questions are elaborated and validated using the LISREL data analysis tool. From the info analysis, several statistical metrics are attained; each metrics values are again tested with p-value, Z-score and chi-square. Finally, the expansion rate percentage of above mentioned three domains have been tabulated.
  Keywords: e-governance; electronic governance information and communication technology; ICT; education; healthcare; questionnaire; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10051593
   
  
• Impact of homeworking/telecommuting on organisational performance in the era of COVID-19  
  by Ibrahim Saleem Alotaibi 
  Abstract: There are various factors to be considered before an organisation incorporates telecommuting. Telecommuting is when employees work from home (WFH) or any other location other than the conventional workplace. The constant development in technology and the introduction of different kinds of softwares, various organisations have begun to encourage employees to WFH. This research is an effort towards understanding homeworking/telecommuting in an in-depth manner. It aims to examine the relationship between distributive justice, management culture and human resource support, motivation levels and efficiency. Hence, a questionnaire was conducted, and feedback was collected via online survey from 150 employees working in different organisations performing WFH in United Arab Emirates. The analysis was conducted via partial least square structural equation modelling using SmartPLS software. The study finds that management culture and human resource support are direct antecedents of motivation level and lead to efficiency in WFH. Lastly, implication of this study and limitation are discussed.
  Keywords: telecommuting; work from home; WFH; efficiency; COVID-19; motivation; management.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10054217
   
  
• Impact of password management strategies on the trust enhancement in the digital era  
  by Nitin Bansal, Krishna Nath Pandey 
  Abstract: Password management is a buzzword in digital services. Information security is the main motive of the companies offering digital services. Adoption of digital services is based on the trust factor to its users. The objective of this paper is 'to analyse the impact of password management strategies on trust enhancement in the digital era'. This study has analysed the primary data, collected through five points Likert scale from 416 respondents from the National Capital Region (NCR) of India using the stepwise method (forward selection) of multiple linear regressions in SPSS version 23. The results revealed that people have the intention to adopt digital services, but lack of trust is a crucial component that deters the users from adopting digital services. The study also revealed that password management strategies have a significant positive impact on trust enhancement, which directly leads to the adoption of digital services.
  Keywords: password management strategies; risk; trust; digital services; reuse of password; weak password.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10053526
   
  
• The effect of leadership and climate for initiative on team workers in the German economy during the COVID-19 pandemic  
  by Laura Sophie Aichroth 
  Abstract: Drawing on the co-evolving model of team research, we explore the role of perceived team-level transformational leadership in team innovation and individual learning and the mediating effects of a climate for initiative on these relationships in the context of Germany. Additionally, we analyse the moderating effects of positive leadership in the first stage and team size and duration of collaboration in the second stage. Specifically, we apply partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to data collected from 220 employees through convenience sampling. The results indicate that team-level transformational leadership wholly affects individual learning while partially affecting team innovation through a climate for initiative. No moderating effects were identified. This is among the earliest studies to investigate the association between team-level transformational leadership, team innovation, and individual learning in Germany, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contradicting previous results, the findings can inform future research efforts.
  Keywords: team-centric transformational leadership; climate for initiative; individual learning; team innovation; Germany; COVID-19.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10054655
   
  
• SME-bank relationship: organisation-to-organisation or person-to-person? A view from Japan  
  by Zakaria Boulanouar, Lobna Essid, Abderazak Bakhouche, Azilawati Banchit 
  Abstract: Research on the SME-bank relationship has focused on the relationship between two organisations - the bank and the firm. This study argues why it needs to be looked at between two people - the loan officer and the SME owner/manager. Among the research questions developed were the reasons for the existence of such a relationship and the form(s) it takes. Interviews with loan officers at a representative sample of Japanese banks were used to collect data. The analysis revealed the existence of such a relationship; however, due to the job rotation system prevailing in Japan, it is between the SME manager/owner and the bank. Banks build such a relationship to compensate for the lack of information about SMEs and refer to it as one of 'trust' and 'mutual support'. Without adequate alternatives that are relevant to SMEs' peculiarities, fintech has the potential to rob banks of this crucial instrument for accurately assessing SMEs' creditworthiness.
  Keywords: small and medium-sized enterprises; SME; relationship-banking; loan officer; SME-owner/manager; Japan.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10055287
   
  
• Modelling technical efficiency and productivity growth of UAE banks: a three-stage analytical framework  
  by Welcome Sibanda, Mercy Chaita 
  Abstract: This study tests for technical-efficiency and total-factor-productivity-growth for a sample of 60 UAE banks during the sample period 2000-2018, a period of extensive macro-prudential deregulation, sectoral consolidation and macro-economic shocks, using unique sub-sample periods mirroring expansion, recession and slowbalisation economic-cycles. We employ the DEA and the Malmquist Total Factor Productivity Index to capture technical-efficiency frontier-shifts for a multi-input-output bank. We detect technological-change-driven total-factor-productivity-growth and pure-technical-efficiency driven technical-efficiency. Efficiency-change lags economic cycles and sub-sample splits indicate significant scale inefficiency. Further, while foreign banks are more efficient than UAE domiciled banks, irrespective of size and index used, their performance deteriorates significantly more than UAE-domiciled banks during the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. Our results cast doubt on prior evidence that output proxy-choice is critical to result-robustness, specifically for long-term productivity trends. Further, the de-biased tobit regression analysis indicates a significant correlation between technical efficiency and size, diversification, financial structure, and profitability parameters.
  Keywords: Malmquist Total Factor Productivity Index; technical efficiency; technological efficiency; pure efficiency; scale efficiency; data envelopment analysis; DEA; total factor productivity change; UAE.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10055354
   
  
• Determinants of employees' job performance; the case of education and civil service Bureau of Assosa Zone, Benshangul Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia  
  by Mehariamlak Kifle Berta 
  Abstract: The strategic exploitation of human capital is a cornerstone for the success of organisations through attaining competitive position. In doing so, it is to recognise well the function of employees' performance. On top of this, the main objective of the study was to examine the effect of determinant factors on employees' job performance in the case of education and the civil service bureau of Assosa Zone. Data was gathered through a structured questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive and explanatory research designs were employed. Cronbach's alpha and factor analysis were predominantly used to verify the reliability and validity of the instrument. The Pearson correlation coefficient result revealed that all explanatory variables were positively and significantly correlated with the predicted variable at 99% level of confidence. Moreover, excluding organisational culture, all variables had positive effects on employees' job performance. All variables except training had significant contribution to the employees' performance.
  Keywords: leadership; training; working environment; organisational culture; motivation; employees' job performance; Ethiopia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2023.10054230