International Journal of Business and Systems Research (13 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Prioritizing the Barriers of Omni-Channel Retailing Implementation: An Emerging Market Perspective  
  by Ranjit Roy Ghatak  
  Abstract: Omni-channel has recently appeared as a dominant strategy in the retailing sector. An OC strategy requires a channel-design and channel-management framework to align and integrate organisational systems, structure, processes, people, and resources to deliver a seamless and consistent customer experience across channels. Transformation management is challenging. The study aims to identify and investigate barriers to OC retailing by developing a framework for retail managers to prioritise and manage their removal. A literature review found 21 barriers. The study used an integrated ISM and fuzzy MICMAC approach to analyse contextual relationships between barriers. ISM produced a nine-level hierarchical model. Fuzzy MICMAC analysis classified barriers by driving power and dependency. The framework helps meet customer expectations by prioritising and eliminating barriers to OC retailing. The study fills a gap in the OC retailing literature by providing a structured framework for managing the transition to OC retailing, especially in an emerging market context.
  Keywords: omni-channel; channel; retailing; barrier; implementation.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2024.10057138
   
  
• Impact of Digital Marketing Tools on Brand Awareness and Online Shopping Behavior: An Empirical Study.  
  by S. M. Sohel Rana, Abul Khair Jyote, Suman Prasad Saha Saha, Zakia Binte Jamal Zakia 
  Abstract: The present study aims to investigate the influence of specific digital marketing tools on brand awareness and online shopping behaviour of Bangladeshi consumers. Data were collected from 280 respondents. The collected data were analysed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS SEM) approach with the help of smart PLS 4.0 software. Findings reveal that search engine optimisation is the most significant digital marketing tool followed by viral marketing, social media advertising, e-mail marketing and content marketing to create brand awareness in the digital settings. On the other hand, search engine optimisation, viral marketing, social media advertising, and content marketing were found to be the significant digital marketing tools influencing online shopping behaviour. The findings bear significance in many aspects which have been discussed in the implications part.
  Keywords: digital marketing tools; brand awareness; online shopping behaviour; OSB.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2024.10057840
   
  
• Multi-dimensional assessment of risk to business continuity plans of Indian SME’s in wake of pandemic induced business risks.  
  by GIREESH YM, Nandeesh V. Hiremath, K.V. Manjunath, Nagaraj V. Bevinamarad, Sunilkumar R. Hiremath 
  Abstract: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the prime drivers of Indian economy while COVID-19 pandemic impacted almost 80%-95% of the SMEs negatively owing to long span of national lockdown and its repercussions through shutdowns and/or running into losses. This gave an important lesson with necessity of having business continuity plans (BCPs) to mitigate the risk. In this study, identification of factors influencing BCP for SMEs and design a scale to evaluate the SMEs based on a cross-sectional survey of 100 SMEs in Bengaluru of Karnataka state. A risk assessment scale has been developed using secondary information with appropriate weights assigned to the influencing factors in risk calculation using five-point Likert scale. Confirmatory factor analysis with structural equation modelling was used to derive risk-rating scale, with normality of data using Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistic, it was found that the proposed risk rating scale was 97% consistent with risk management teams of SMEs.
  Keywords: Small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; risk assessment; post COVID-19; business continuity plan; BCP risk scale; BCP factors; BCP success factor.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2024.10060312
   
  
• A Literature survey on application of MCDM approaches for the sustainable supplier selection in manufacturing industries  
  by Jerin Joseph, Rajeshwar S. Kadadevaramath, Akarsha Kadadevaramath, Immanuel Edinburgh 
  Abstract: Organisations need to entertain and motivate their ability on sustainable supply chain activities based on environment protection regulation activities. GSCM needs multi-dimensional techniques and methods. Thus multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques adopted for performance assessment of suppliers in green supply chain management (GSCM). Supplier selection is important and it is one of the important operational function for the development of GSCM. In order to select the most suitable suppliers, many economic and environmental criteria must be taken account in the decision process. Green supplier choice is a very hard work that needs to consider sustainable factors incorporated into the traditional supplier selection. This paper aims to survey the existing different MCDM approaches which are applied in GSCM for supplier selection and evaluation and identify most significant and effective MCDM approach in comparison with some other MCDM approaches.
  Keywords: multi-criteria decision-making; MCDM; green supply chain management; GSCM; supplier selection; sustainable supply chain.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2024.10061056
   
  
• Improving the Impact of Innovation and Technology Centers on the Performance of University-Based Start-ups.  
  by Marina Romanovich, Hossein Mohseni, Liudmila Romanovich 
  Abstract: The research determined the influence of innovation and technology centres on the effectiveness of university-based start-ups. It was found what affected the productivity of implementing university start-ups' developments. In the empirical part of the study, 140 start-ups were surveyed. The study's results identified the critical functions of innovation and technology centres and their relationship with university-based start-ups. Recommendations have been developed for improving university start-ups' movements, and a mechanism for their work has been proposed. Using cluster analysis procedures has analysed their problems and identified the primary role of marketing as the essential tool in the commercialisation process, and developed recommendations on the need for marketing by companies at the early stages of development wishing to commercialise results. The practical value of the research results lies in developing a conceptual marketing system as a unique approach for improving the activities of start-ups and the productivity of implementing the developments.
  Keywords: innovation and technology centres; ITC; start-ups; universities; commercialisation innovation product; marketing approach.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2024.10061311
   
  
• Enhancing quality of sustainability reporting based stakeholder engagement by using big data analytics: a higher order PLS-SEM analysis  
  by Mohamed Abdelmounem Serag 
  Abstract: The paper presents a hierarchical QSR-based SEIs model based on stakeholder engagement initiatives (SEIs) and the resource-based view (RBV), as well as the literature on both big data analytics (BDA) and quality of sustainability reporting (QSR). Additionally, BDA is examined as a possible moderator between QSR-based SEIs and QSR management approach (MA) (substantive or symbolic), furthermore, reviewing the direct impacts of SEIs on QSR management approach (MA). Partially least square (PLS)-based structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test our research model. The study uses a quantitative survey to measure constructs within Egyptian firms. The findings confirm the value of the entanglement conceptualisation of the hierarchical QSR-based SEIs model, which directly impacts QSR-MA. Also, the results confirm the strong moderating of BDA in enhancing QSR-MA. The findings might aid in developing a significant research agenda for the link between QSR-based SEIs, QSR-MA, and BDA to improve research and practice through the efficient use of information resources.
  Keywords: quality of sustainability reporting; QSR; stakeholder engagement initiatives; SEIs; big data analytics; BDA; partial least square based structural equation modelling; PLS-SEM; quantitative survey-based study.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2024.10063218
   
  
• Impact of barriers on knowledge management and project success in IT firms: significance of knowledge worker ambidexterity  
  by Sameen Khalid, Yiyuan Li 
  Abstract: This study examines how autocratic leadership and opportunistic behavior of knowledge workers affect knowledge management process. While studying the impact of knowledge management on project success, the article also examines how knowledge worker ambidexterity mediates this effect. The sample consists of 450 knowledge workers from 16 prominent IT firms in Pakistan's major cities. PLS-SEM was used to analyze data gathered through questionnaires and convenience sampling. Results show that authoritarian leadership and opportunistic behaviour hinder Knowledge Management in Pakistani IT enterprises and indirectly affect project success. The Knowledge Management process benefits project success, however knowledge worker ambidexterity partially mediates this link. The study expands the knowledge-based view to emphasize identifying and removing knowledge management (KM) barriers. It integrates the organizational behavior concepts with KM theory and project management. Finally, theoretical contributions and manager and policymaker implications are covered.
  Keywords: knowledge management barriers; autocratic leadership; AL; opportunistic behaviour; OB; knowledge management; KM; process; knowledge worker ambidexterity; KWA; project success; information technology sector Pakistan.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2024.10063281
   
  
• Understanding critical thinking in business from an integrative text-driven approach  
  by Jorge Ivan Pérez Rave, Carlos Mario Zapata Jaramillo, Gloria Patricia Jaramillo Álvarez 
  Abstract: Understanding critical thinking (CT) in business is a challenge, given that CT has been mainly studied in educational settings. In this paper, we build a thesaurus and conceptual model by using an integrative text-driven approach with a scientific corpus for contributing to this issue. Stages performed: corpus conforming, text preparation, text analysis, pattern discovery, and pattern validation. In total, 101 potential terms associated with CT are identified. Besides, 12 underlying grouping patterns of such terms are discovered. A new thesaurus and a novel conceptual model (direction, action, and contribution elements) are proposed to enable a better understanding of CT in business. The discovered patterns of CT in business are useful for developing future organisational managers/leaders.
  Keywords: critical thinking; conceptual model; thesaurus; text-driven approach; text analytics; text mining; business management.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2024.10063575
   
  
• Omni-channel retail supply chain structures: a review of distribution and logistics  
  by Tong Liu, Syed Imran Ali, Abdul Jabbar 
  Abstract: Post-COVID-19, the retail trend shifted rapidly, with sales volumes in the online channel expanding exponentially. At the same time, omnichannel retail is increasingly entering enterprises’ horizons. To provide consumers with a seamless experience in an omnichannel context, the integration and optimisation of retail channels demand significant consideration by companies. Hence, a thorough review of the topic is necessary to understand the omni-channel retail trend and its effects on the supply chain structures. This study uses a systematic literature review to extract data from three databases, i.e. Scopus, ProQuest and Taylor & Francis, for 2012-2023. Sixty-two articles were reviewed. The descriptive and thematic analysis revealed various themes and insights. In particular, it explored multiple ways of integrating information and distribution channels. Eight themes from the warehouse and logistics direction were explored that will help the practitioners to improve inventory management and optimise logistics channels to enhance the impact and reduce the disruptions caused in retail supply chains.
  Keywords: omni-channel; retail; systematic literature review; SLR; stocktaking automation; logistics channel integration.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2024.10063684
   
  
• Investigating structural links amongst the job engagement's determinants and consequences in the Indian pharmaceutical industry  
  by Nagaraj R. Navalgund, P. Aranganathan, Rajeshwar S. Kadadevaramath, B. Elamurugan, V. Anandavel, Sanjay V. Hanji 
  Abstract: Through the lens of Saks' (2006) model of engagement, this study investigates the relationship between determinants and consequences of 'job engagement' among employees from the identified top twenty pharmaceutical organisations in Chennai, India. Dimensions including 'job demands, pay and benefits, relationship with others, and supervisory support' were investigated as antecedents of job engagement, and 'job satisfaction, organisational commitment, and intentions to quit' were investigated as consequence factors. The results show that 'job demands, relationship with others, and supervisory support' were the significant determinants of job engagement, but 'pay and benefits' was not possessing a significant influence on 'job engagement'. However, the links between 'job engagement' and its consequences including 'job satisfaction, organisational commitment, and intentions to quit' were found to be statistically significant. The outcomes indicate that organisations can decrease their employees' 'intentions to quit' by effectively engaging them through identified factors to enhance their 'job satisfaction and commitment'.
  Keywords: job engagement; supervisory support; organisational commitment; job demand; relationship; job satisfaction; intentions to quit; companion and feedback system.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2024.10061057
   
  
• Identifying measurable value dimensions of information technology occupational culture and its effect on job satisfaction: a mixed method grounded theory  
  by Tuğba Koç, Adem Akbıyık 
  Abstract: This study has two main aims: first, it investigates the core cultural values of the IT profession and their effects on job satisfaction. Second, it analyses the separate impact of the other two cultural levels (national and organisational) on job satisfaction. To do this, a mixed method grounded theory is conducted. Ten information technology occupational culture (ITOC) values, namely: adaptation, precision in communication, enjoyment, teamwork, 3U demands of the customers, management support, social image, group consciousness, technical jargon, and uncertainty of task limits, were investigated. Eight identified categories showed similarities with previous research; however, management support and uncertainty tasks limits emerged as unique for this study and Turkey. In the second stage, revealed cultural values were turned into measurable dimensions, and the theoretical research model was tested. Results indicated that organisational and occupational culture had a significant and positive effect on job satisfaction, whereas national culture did not. This study is an effort to reveal the predictors of IT professionals' job satisfaction and investigate ITOC values outside of the Western context countries.
  Keywords: IT occupational culture; mixed method; grounded theory; developing country.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2024.10055879
   
  
• The impact of organisational citizenship behaviour, transformational leadership, and organisational commitment on organisation performance: a case study at universities in Ho Chi Minh City  
  by Anh Ngoc Huynh, Thang Quyet Nguyen, Anh Hoang Le 
  Abstract: The study assesses the impact of organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB), transformational leadership styles and organisational commitment on organisational performance in a case study conducted at local universities in Ho Chi Minh City. Findings obtained using quantitative approaches indicate that all five components of OCB - altruism, civic virtue, conscientiousness, sportsmanship and courtesy - positively impact organisational performance. The findings also demonstrate that transformational leadership styles positively impact organisational performance and enhance OCB's positive impact on organisational performance. Regarding organisational commitment, only continuance commitment was found to enhance the positive impact of sportsmanship on organisational performance at the studied universities in Ho Chi Minh City. Based on the study's results, the author identifies several implications for universities in Ho Chi Minh City.
  Keywords: organisational citizenship behaviour; OCB; organisational commitment; transformational leadership styles; organisational performance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2024.10056333
   
  
• Efficiency of price risk management - the case of futures markets for metals and energy in India  
  by M. Ajoy Kumar, C. Harshini, Sadath A. Ahamed, Shalini V. Raj 
  Abstract: Commodity derivatives markets are meant for managing the price risk arising from fluctuations in commodity prices. After many decades of stunted growth, the commodity derivatives markets in India became active in early 2000. The current study aims to evaluate the performance of futures markets or metals and energy in India. Eight commodities from metals and energy are considered for the analysis. Daily prices of these commodities in the spot market and futures markets are collected for a period of two years. The hedging effectiveness is evaluated using the percentage reduction the futures markets can provide as compared to the volatility in the spot market. The findings of the study reveal that the futures markets in India are effective in price risk management. Energy and base metal markets are relatively better than the precious metals markets in terms of hedge effectiveness.
  Keywords: commodity futures; price risk; metals; energy; hedging.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2024.10058444