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1 – 10 of 23Maryam Saleem, Balqees Ahmed, Yi Zhang and Abdelrahman Baqrain
Drawing on social support theory, this study empirically investigates the relationship between family-supportive supervisor behaviours (FSSBs) and the family cohesion of employees…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on social support theory, this study empirically investigates the relationship between family-supportive supervisor behaviours (FSSBs) and the family cohesion of employees in the presence of job crafting as a mediator and passion for work as a moderator.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a structural equation modelling technique on three-wave, time-lagged primary data (N = 305) collected from employees of service sector firms in Pakistan.
Findings
The results reveal that FSSBs enhance the family cohesion of employees through the underlying mechanism of job crafting. Using passion for work as a moderator, the conditional analysis shows that the link between FSSBs and job crafting becomes stronger in the presence of high passion for work.
Originality/value
This study extends the literature on the link between FSSBs and job crafting and provides insightful theoretical contributions. This study advances social support theory by providing support for and detailing practical implications of promoting FSSBs, thus enhancing the understanding of the positive impact of job crafting behaviours across non-work spheres.
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Mohammad Mahbubi Ali, Abrista Devi, Hafas Furqani and Hamzah Hamzah
This study aims to uncover the determinants of Islamic financial inclusion in Indonesia.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to uncover the determinants of Islamic financial inclusion in Indonesia.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses the analytic network process (ANP) to gather expert opinions and responses from academics, regulators and practitioners.
Findings
The ANP analysis discovered that the level of Islamic financial inclusion in Indonesia is influenced by two main drivers: the supply and the demand. The demand factors for Islamic financial inclusion, ranked based on their level of significance, are as follows: financial literacy (0.27), religious commitment (0.22), socioeconomic factor (0.19) and social influence (0.17), respectively. From the supply side, primary catalysts for Islamic financial inclusion based on their level of importance are human capital (0.32), product and services (0.24), infrastructure (0.18) and policies and regulation (0.17), respectively.
Research limitations/implications
The present study does not include the Islamic insurance sector in its determinant framework of Islamic financial inclusion in Indonesia.
Practical implications
This study serves as a reference for regulators in formulating appropriate policy strategies to strengthen the Islamic financial inclusion in Indonesia.
Originality/value
This study is a pioneer attempt to identify distinctive factors that influence the level of Islamic financial inclusion in Indonesia by analyzing expert opinions from diverse groups of Islamic finance stakeholders.
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Maryam Ikram, Husaina Banu Kenayathulla and Syed Muhammad Umer Saleem
This research aims to determine the levels of education quality (EQ), technology usage (TU), students' satisfaction (SS) and the impact of EQ on SS. Also, it seeks to find out how…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to determine the levels of education quality (EQ), technology usage (TU), students' satisfaction (SS) and the impact of EQ on SS. Also, it seeks to find out how TU as a moderator affects EQ and SS in Pakistani private higher education institutions (HEIs).
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 440 postgraduate students at eleven private universities in Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan, participated in empirical research and data were obtained through the use of an online questionnaire. Simple random sampling was used to choose participants and partial least square structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data.
Findings
The findings revealed that Pakistani private HEIs have a medium level of EQ, TU and SS. Furthermore, the data reveal the existence of a significant positive relationship between EQ and SS, whereas TU as a moderator was found to negatively affect EQ and SS.
Research limitations/implications
Postgraduate students of private HEIs in Pakistan were considered for this investigation and this study was limited to testing only in Punjab province. Another limitation of this study is that it was based on a research framework from previous research and literature. This study employed questionnaire surveys to conduct evaluations of teachers' teaching quality by university students. Furthermore, the questionnaire employed student self-evaluations to assess the quality of teaching. The research data would be more detailed if it were possible to include teachers' self-evaluations of their teaching quality.
Practical implications
The current study provides key insights for policymakers, higher education commission and HEIs. The results suggest leveraging the identified medium levels of EQ, TU and student satisfaction in Pakistani private HEIs. In an effort to boost the medium levels, policymakers are encouraged to enhance the teaching and learning experience by robustly integrating Web 4.0 technologies. Institutions can intervene strategically by investing in infrastructure and innovative tools aligned with students' technological needs. Likewise, policymakers and institutions can optimize learning management systems (LMS) by developing and implementing policies that encourage their adoption and optimization across HEIs. This may contribute to the accomplishment of the United Nations' sustainable development goal of providing quality education. Moreover, with the help of this research HEIs can establish minimum quality standards regarding academic teaching and learning materials. Implementing the above-mentioned practical implications might boost student satisfaction in HEIs which would benefit not only students but also the institutions.
Originality/value
The novelty of the article lies in the fact that it addresses the gap in the existing literature by exploring the levels of EQ, TU and student satisfaction in the context of private higher education in Pakistan. Furthermore, this study investigated whether TU served as a moderator in the relationship between student satisfaction and UNESCO-recommended EQ. This study elaborates on EQ indicators recommended by UNESCO in Pakistan’s private higher education sector.
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Maryam Ebrahimi, Amir Daneshvar and Changiz Valmohammadi
To gain and differentiate competitive advantage, the sustainable service quality is a determining factor that railway companies can use. The purpose of this study is to identify…
Abstract
Purpose
To gain and differentiate competitive advantage, the sustainable service quality is a determining factor that railway companies can use. The purpose of this study is to identify both the importance and performance of rail transportation service quality factors in a case study as well as determine the most influential quality features.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive approach namely importance–performance analysis (IPA) technique and decision-making trail and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and Matriced’ Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée á un Classement (MICMAC) techniques was utilized.
Findings
The relative position of each attribute is specified on the IPA matrix proposing four strategies of concentrate here, keep up the good work, low priority and possible overkill. This study reveals that attributes of “the company cares about having a good society” are the most influential factor, and “having good business relations with shareholders” is the most permeable factor. Actually, consumers pay attention to how companies act toward society and maintain communication with shareholders. Through ISM technique and by summing the row and column of the consistency matrix, the attributes were partitioned into four levels. Also, MICMAC analysis identified the four clusters of linkage, independent, autonomous and dependent status of the attributes in terms of the driving power and dependence power.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the nature of single case study methodology, caution should be taken into consideration regarding the generazability of the obtained results.
Originality/value
The hybrid DEMATEL-ISM technique is used to analyze service quality factors in Iran’s transportation industry, which can be utilized in other industries as well as other countries.
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Hossein Motahari-Nezhad, Maryam Shekofteh and Maryam Kazerani
The purpose of this study is to assess the e-readiness status of libraries in the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in terms of four dimensions – human resources…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to assess the e-readiness status of libraries in the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in terms of four dimensions – human resources, electronical infrastructure, network services and programs and enhancers of the networked world.
Design/methodology/approach
The study population consists of 11 libraries of the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, including the central library and 10 faculty libraries. The data collection instrument is a questionnaire prepared by the researchers that has been designed on the basis of the “e-readiness assessment of Iranian academic libraries model”. Depending on the respondents there are three parts to the questionnaire: questionnaire for managers, staff and information and communication technology (ICT) officials. Their reliability and validity have been proved.
Findings
The libraries of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences had an average to high status in terms of “human resources” with a score of 2.32, “electronic infrastructure” with a score of 2.48, “network services and programs” with a score of 2.09 and “networked world enhancers” with a score of 2.37 out of 4. In total, these libraries had an average to high status in terms of e-readiness, with a score of 2.29.
Originality/value
The findings of this study can help the library administrators and officials of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences to plan improvements to the situation of ICT.
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Muhammad Saleem Korejo, Erum Naseer Korejo, Ramalinggam Rajamanickam, Muhamad Helmi Md. Said and Nazir Ullah
This paper aims to provide an analysis of National Accountability Ordinance 1999 (NAO) after June 2022 amendments. It raises a key question whether the new legislation is…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide an analysis of National Accountability Ordinance 1999 (NAO) after June 2022 amendments. It raises a key question whether the new legislation is effective and improves anti-corruption operating system in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper performs an analysis of recent amendments incorporated in NAO from the observations of superior courts, United Nations Corruption Convention and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines and also evaluates new legislation in terms of effectiveness in anti-corruption campaign.
Findings
This paper finds that ample amendments are inessential, and thus may largely jeopardize accountability process; changes appear to be intentionally crafted to benefit some selected group of people: the definition of asset is compressed; the onus of proof is shifted on the informer; and provisions of money trail, foreign evidence and protection of approver are abolished; such changes defy to the UN Corruption Convention and FATF guidelines. A legislation endorsed from all stakeholders is suggested; additionally, improved strategies proposed to strengthen accountability process while keeping in view the constitutional issues relevant in the course of anti-corruption investigations.
Originality/value
This paper is unique in the context of the anti-corruption strategies in Pakistan, highlighting the legal laxness of new government regarding corruption and money laundering.
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Asfandyar Khan, Ahsan Nazir, Abdur Rehman, Maryam Naveed, Munir Ashraf, Kashif Iqbal, Abdul Basit and Hafiz Shahzad Maqsood
This review deals with the pros and cons of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on human beings and the role of textile clothing and the chemicals used for textiles to protect from their…
Abstract
Purpose
This review deals with the pros and cons of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on human beings and the role of textile clothing and the chemicals used for textiles to protect from their harmful effects.
Design/methodology/approach
UV radiation (UVR) which has further divided into UVA, UVB, and UVC. Almost 100% of UVC and major portion of UVB are bounced back to stratosphere by ozone layer while UVA enters the earth atmosphere. Excessive exposure of solar or artificial UVR exhibit potential risks to human health. UVR is a major carcinogen and excessive exposure of solar radiation in sunlight can cause cancer in the lip, skin squamous cell, basal cell and cutaneous melanoma, particularly in people with the fair skin.
Findings
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the harmful effects of UVR on human skin, factors affecting UV irradiance and factors affecting UV protection offered by textile clothing.
Originality/value
Effect of fiber properties, yarn properties, fabric construction, fabric treatments and laundering has been reviewed along with the identification of gaps in the reported research. A comparison of inorganic and organic UV absorbers has also been given along with different testing and evaluation methods for UV protective clothing.
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Asim Iqbal, Anjum Siddiqui and Maryam Zafar
The study seeks to examine the extent and the causes of multidimensional poverty as opposed to the traditional unidimensional headcount poverty measures to understand the true…
Abstract
Purpose
The study seeks to examine the extent and the causes of multidimensional poverty as opposed to the traditional unidimensional headcount poverty measures to understand the true face of economic deprivation in Punjab, Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
Poverty is measured through the Alkire–Foster index at the geographically disaggregated levels of divisions and districts, and the causes of pervasive poverty are analyzed through a logit model using the Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS) comprising of 95,238 households in 9 geographical divisions and their 36 districts.
Findings
It was found that poverty in Punjab is associated with larger household size, inadequate wealth, and low levels of educational attainment, and that both matric as well as post-matric education reduced the chances of poverty of household heads by approximately 19 percent. In addition to rural poverty, the study finds evidence of urban poverty across the geographical districts of Punjab. Contrary to common belief that chances of poverty are higher in females, it was found to be more likely in males. However, the statistical significance of gender as a determinant of poverty was not observed in the majority of divisions.
Practical implications
Practical implications were for focused policy interventions in poverty alleviation.
Originality/value
The analysis of determinants of multidimensional poverty at the geographically disaggregated level of divisions is an original contribution.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-01-2019-0037
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Sayeda Zeenat Maryam, Mian Saqib Mehmood and Chaudhry Abdul Khaliq
Islamic banking (IB) is growing rapidly not only in Islamic countries but also in all over the world. The purpose of this paper is to stumble on the features that have an impact…
Abstract
Purpose
Islamic banking (IB) is growing rapidly not only in Islamic countries but also in all over the world. The purpose of this paper is to stumble on the features that have an impact on Islamic banking adoption (IBA) in case of Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
The identification of the factors that affect IBA has made by extending the theory of reasoned action (TRA). However, the conceptual model for this study includes knowledge (K), business support (BS), government support (GS), reputation (Rep), religious obligation (RO), cost-benefit (CB) and social influence (SI) as the independent variables. To test the conceptual framework data were collected through a survey by distributing the 400 questionnaires among users- and non-users of Islamic banks. Multiple regression analysis was applied to test the hypothesis of this study.
Findings
The findings of the study suggest that Rep, CB, RO and SI has a highly significant and positive influence on IBA. On the other hand, K, GS and BS have insignificant influence on IBA. The bottom line of this study suggests that more the ROs will be adopted by Islamic banks, more will be the tendency to adopt it by a bank customer in case of Pakistan.
Research limitations/implications
The generalizability of the findings of this research is limited to IB.
Practical implications
Findings of the study present worthy insight especially for the practitioners to develop significant strategies to bridge the gap between industry and academia in case of IB.
Originality/value
This study is an extension of TRA.
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Usama Afzal, Kanza Maryam, Fatima Afzal and Muhammad Aslam
The purpose of this study is to fabricate a highly sensitive humidity sensor for observing the humidity effect on a robot’s body as an application of the Internet of Things. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to fabricate a highly sensitive humidity sensor for observing the humidity effect on a robot’s body as an application of the Internet of Things. The sensor has been fabricated by depositing a thin sensing layer of nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc) between two silver electrodes.
Design/methodology/approach
The structure of the thin film was observed by X-ray diffraction, optical properties by UV Vis and surface morphology by scanning electron microscope. The capacitance and the resistance with respect to change in relative humidity from 0 to 100%RH have been measured by LCR meter at 1 kHz.
Findings
The sensor’s response time is 7.5 s and its recovery time is 3.7 s, with high sensitivity of 127,259 pF/%RH and 332.287 MΩ/%RH. The authors have also used a proposed sensor on a steel body and observed humidity values. The analysis of all measured values was performed through the classical and neutrosophic approaches. By comparing, the authors have observed that the neutrosophic approach is more efficient in analyzing the sensor data.
Originality/value
In this work, the authors will fabricate a capacitive and resistive-type humidity sensor using the thin film of NiPc. The structural, optical and morphological properties of NiPc thin film will be investigated with different characterization techniques. The electric properties, i.e. capacitance and resistance, will be measured at intervals with an LCR meter by changing relative humidity (%RH). Moreover, the measured data will be analyzed through different statistical approaches, as already used in [12].
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