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Article
Publication date: 29 December 2023

Nadeem Siddique, Muhammad Safdar, Adeel Ahmad and Muhammad Ajmal Khan

The paper aims to systematically collect and review the literature on work from home (WFH) and libraries. Another objective of the review is to identify the services professionals…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to systematically collect and review the literature on work from home (WFH) and libraries. Another objective of the review is to identify the services professionals offered while WFH, tools used, challenges and opportunities in this connection.

Design/methodology/approach

The study consulted four databases, namely, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts, to collect and review the literature on the topic. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline was used to select the eligible studies for this review. A total of 27 studies out of 1,571 were considered eligible for the study. The authors also consulted Boynton and Greenhalgh (2004) guide for assessing the quality of the reviewed research. All types of studies and except books were selected for the review. However, the researchers did not apply the time limitation.

Findings

The research identified that libraries provided various services, including Mystery Box, live chat and 24-hour service, using different tools, including MS Teams, Zoom and Google Meet, while WFH. The study shared different challenges and opportunities identified from the reviewed literature, for libraries.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic review conducted to systematically collect and review the literature produced on WFH in terms of libraries regarding offered services, tools used to serve the users, challenges and opportunities. The review filled the literature gap and shared implications for library professionals and related stakeholders.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 May 2024

Muhammad Safdar, Nadeem Siddique, Ayesha Gulzar, Syed Adnan Adil, Haisim Yasin and Muhammad Ajmal Khan

This study aims to analyse the literature published on ChatGPT and generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) available through Scopus to identify the top countries, institutions…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the literature published on ChatGPT and generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) available through Scopus to identify the top countries, institutions, authors, journals and titles in terms of publishing and citations in the area.The research also intends to determine the collaborative trends among countries and authors as well as top-used keywords on the topic identified from the analysed literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers searched the Scopus database to collect and assess the literature on the topic. The paper used six applications such as Biblioshiny, VosViewer, Python, MS Access and Excel and Endnote to collect and analyse the literature.

Findings

It is found that European countries such as the USA, the UK and Germany took the lead in terms of publishing and impact in the area but the USA stood first with 90 publications and 1,720 citations in this connection. Likewise, the organization “Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen” scored the top position regarding publishing, but Open AI remained on top for getting the highest citations (1,384). Apropos, the author “Choi, Y” produced the highest number of publications. The research also shares the collaborative patterns, top journals and publications in the area, as well as the top-used keywords on the topic.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that shares a bibliometric analysis of literature published on GPT and ChatGPT. The research not only fills the research gap on the topic but also shares implications for relevant stakeholders and future research directions for future researchers.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 October 2022

Muhammad Safdar, Shafiq Ur Rehman, Muhammad Arif and Murtaza Ashiq

The purpose of this paper was to systematically collect and review all studies which have been conducted on research data services in libraries across the globe.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to systematically collect and review all studies which have been conducted on research data services in libraries across the globe.

Design/methodology/approach

Six world-renowned scholarly databases were searched and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used for the identification and selection of eligible studies. The studies were then assessed using a well-renowned framework for the quality assessment of research studies.

Findings

The results revealed that the libraries were engaged in providing different types of research data services such as identification, acquisition, management and preservation of research data. They also arranged training programs, supported the publishing and sharing of data and dealt with the licensing and copyright issues related to data.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study would be helpful for researchers and organizations, especially those engaged in educational activities, in understanding the current scenario of research data services in the world libraries. Furthermore, the findings offer valuable insights to library professionals regarding the types of research support services available globally. This would enable them to play an integral role in planning, designing and implementing such services in their libraries.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind that systematically collects and reviews the literature on research data services in libraries worldwide.

Details

Information Discovery and Delivery, vol. 51 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-6247

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 October 2021

Munazza Mahmood, Syeda Hina Batool, Muhammad Rafiq and Muhammad Safdar

The present study aims to examine the current digital information literacy (DIL) skills of female online shoppers in Lahore city of Pakistan. Data were gathered from a purposive…

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Abstract

Purpose

The present study aims to examine the current digital information literacy (DIL) skills of female online shoppers in Lahore city of Pakistan. Data were gathered from a purposive sampling of women, aged between 20–50 years who were buying products online, not from the traditional retail stores. Out of 309 received questionnaires, 269 responses were useable and were utilized for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to deduce inferences.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research approach was employed for this study, and a survey was conducted to collect the data from the study's respondents. For data analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were used.

Findings

Results revealed that the digital information literacy skills of women were good to a moderate level. However, they were not confident in applying advanced searching options. In accordance with what was hypothesized in a directional hypothesis, DIL was found to be a strong predictor of online shopping behavior of women, consequently highlighting the importance of such competencies in modern life. Other findings illustrate that participating women rarely engaged in online shopping and felt hesitation in using credit/debit card for online transactions.

Research limitations/implications

These observations highlight the important role of information professionals in creating digital literacy among different population groups, specifically women, by planning digital information instruction through courses, workshops and trainings. This could eventually be possible with the dynamic role of librarians or information professionals in the society.

Originality/value

The present study adopts the unique approach of measuring online shopping behavior of female shoppers in connection with their digital information literacy skills.

Article
Publication date: 30 October 2018

Muhammad Safdar Sial, Zheng Chunmei, Tehmina Khan and Vinh Khuong Nguyen

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm performance and the moderating role of earnings management on the…

3515

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm performance and the moderating role of earnings management on the relationship between CSR and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study used the updated data set (3,481 unbalanced observations for period 2009–2015) from Chinese listed companies on Shenzhen and Shanghai stock exchanges. The generalized method of moments (GMM) statistical approach has been used for the analysis. The authors utilized STATA to test GMM on a sample of Chinese listed firms data over the period 2009–2015. The unbalanced sample obtained 3,481 observations from China stock market and accounting research database and CSR ratings provided by Rankins (RKS).

Findings

The results demonstrated that CSR has a positive and significant relationship with firm’s performance; also, earnings management has a negatively moderate relationship between CSR and firm performance. These results imply that a high value of earnings management, which results in high level of symbolic CSR, converts to low firm performance of the Chinese firms. CSR actions (only as symbolic measures) promoted by managers as a means to cover their profit management incite an adverse effect on the company’s performance. This study has highlighted the impact of two different corporate social responsibilities: substantive and symbolic (genuine CSR vs greenwashing) on firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this investigation will be of distinct interest to company owners who wish to ascertain the effectiveness of the sustainability decisions of directors and managers, and also to investors and public authorities to estimate the positive relationship between CSR and company’s reputation and image, and thus, the positive influence on firm performance.

Originality/value

Previous studies have generally focused on the relationship between CSR and firm performance. This study provides the impact of earnings management (measurement of both aspects of accrual-based earnings management and real earnings management) on this relationship. Furthermore, this study examines the state of CSR in the Chinese market and provides empirical evidence of this relationship in emerging markets.

Details

Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration, vol. 10 no. 2/3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-4323

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 September 2019

Muhammad Safdar Sial, Xuan Vinh Vo, Lara Al-Haddad and Thao Nguyen Trang

The purpose of this paper is to check the impact of female directors on the board and foreign institutional investors on earnings manipulation.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to check the impact of female directors on the board and foreign institutional investors on earnings manipulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The data sample includes Chinese listed companies on the Shenzhen and Shanghai stock exchanges. The data are collected from China Stock Market and Accounting Research database covering the period from 2010 to 2017. The authors use a dynamic generalized method of moments in the study.

Findings

The findings show that the presence of female director on the board has a significant negative impact on both discretionary accruals and real earning management. However, the authors obtain different results for foreign institutional investor investors. This may be the result of myopia as the foreign institutional stockholders in Chinese companies are looking for quick profit encouraging management to manipulate earnings. the findings survive several robustness tests.

Originality/value

The authors expect the research results provide ample evidence about how female directors affects earnings manipulation, and also hope the research helps to understand how, in China, institutional ownership affects earnings manipulation.

Details

Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-4323

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 August 2019

Muhammad Safdar Sial, Zheng Chunmei and Nguyen Vinh Khuong

This study aims to explore the possibility of a two-way relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and earnings management (accruals and real EM) with the…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the possibility of a two-way relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and earnings management (accruals and real EM) with the moderating role of female and independent directors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use STATA to test the generalized method of moments on a sample of Chinese listed firms data over the period 2009-2015. The unbalanced sample obtained 3,481 observations from China stock market and accounting research database and CSR rating provided by Rankins.

Findings

The results indicate a significant negative relationship between two-way CSR and accrual-based EM. Moreover, female and independent directors moderate the two-way relationship between CSR and EM.

Research limitations/implications

The present study does not include all financial, insurance and investment firms to impact on CSR and EM. Further research might consist of family ownership to enhance the evidence for an emerging market.

Originality/value

This study primarily contributes to the literature on CSR, female and independent directors, and EM by providing evidence for the moderating role of female and independent directors on the two-way association between CSR and EM.

Details

International Journal of Accounting & Information Management, vol. 27 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1834-7649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2023

Muhammad Safdar, Shafiq Ur Rehman, Ammara Yousaf and Murtaza Ashiq

This paper is a systematic review that aims to collect and review studies on library users’ smartphone use to access library services and resources. Another objective of the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper is a systematic review that aims to collect and review studies on library users’ smartphone use to access library services and resources. Another objective of the systematic review is to identify the challenges and benefits (reported in the reviewed literature) regarding using smartphones to access library resources and services.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers searched the relevant literature from four databases: Scopus, Library and Information Science Technology Abstracts, Web of Science and Google Scholar. A total of 20 studies were selected, out of the 2,416 retrieved titles, for review in light of the PRISMA guidelines. This systematic review also used the quality assessment guidelines of Boynton and Greenhalgh (2004), to analyze the quality of the publications reviewed in the study.

Findings

The results highlighted that library users used smartphones to access a wide range of library services, including directions help, fresh arrivals, library news notifications, room and course reservations, library account management, circulation and the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). The libraries offered their users multiple mobile-supported services related to searching for resources and account management. The challenges, as well as the benefits associated with the use of smartphones for accessing and using library services, have also been reported. Most reviewed studies scored high (9–13 out of 13) in the quality assessment.

Research limitations/implications

This research has some limitations. First, only the English-language research studies were included in the review. Therefore, it is possible that a significant study conducted in a language other than English was missed. Second, researchers performed a comprehensive search to collect the maximum number of relevant studies; there is a chance that an important study was missed during the search and retrieval process.

Practical implications

This research fills the research gap by advancing the literature on mobile device use for accessing library services and resources. The findings might help library professionals understand the current trends in accessing library services through smartphones. This also helps them plan the latest mobile-supported library services to meet the ever-changing demands of library users. Policymakers could also benefit from this research, as it could help them understand current trends in library services and facilitate them in making appropriate policies, funding allocations and implementing mobile services in libraries.

Social implications

The researchers found that the use of mobile phones to access library services and resources impacts society in a discernible way. It provides a rich environment as users access a wide range of library services, including directions help, fresh arrivals, library news notifications, room and course reservations, library account management, circulation and the OPAC without any hindrances or hurdles.

Originality/value

This is the first review, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, that has systematically collected and reviewed the literature on the topic under study. This study also shares the theoretical and practical implications of the research and future research directions for researchers.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2022

Syeda Hina Batool, Muhammad Safdar and Saima Eman

Parents' health literacy is an important element to ensure the sound health of children. One of the major purposes of this study was to systematically collect and review the…

Abstract

Purpose

Parents' health literacy is an important element to ensure the sound health of children. One of the major purposes of this study was to systematically collect and review the literature that identified the relationship between two variables: parents' health literacy and their child's health.

Design/methodology/approach

To meet the purpose, the authors searched four well-reputed research databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and LISTA (Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts) comprehensively to collect the relevant research on the topic. Except for books, various types of content from different years were used for this review. The investigators used Preferred Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines to select eligible studies for this review. The authors also assessed the quality of the reviewed research in the light of well-reputed quality guidelines shared by Boynton and Greenhalgh (2004).

Findings

The majority of the reviewed studies found a statistically significant relationship between parents' health literacy and the health of their children. Findings also identified that the majority of the reviewed literature scored from 9 to 12 on the quality assessment criteria. Results also highlighted that the majority of the reviewed research on parents' health literacy and child health has been conducted in the USA and utilized quantitative methods to conduct research on the topic under this study.

Research limitations/implications

This systematic review has multiple theoretical and practical implications for parents, policymakers and researchers.

Originality/value

This is the first systematically collected and reviewed paper on the relationship between parents' health literacy and child health.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 42 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2023

Murtaza Ashiq, Shafiq Ur Rehman, Ammara Yousaf and Muhammad Safdar

The use of mobile technologies and learning devices has been increasing in every field of life, and library and information sciences are no exception. This study aims to explore…

Abstract

Purpose

The use of mobile technologies and learning devices has been increasing in every field of life, and library and information sciences are no exception. This study aims to explore the perceptions of library and information science (LIS) students regarding mobile learning (m-learning) along with their primary purposes, social media applications, advantages, disadvantages, barriers, impact and overall satisfaction with using these devices.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method was used, and data was collected from the students of 12 library schools in Pakistan for a total sample of 250 students.

Findings

Their main purposes of usage, their needs, advantages, disadvantages, barriers, impacts and the level of overall satisfaction were also identified. The inferential statistics (t-test and ANOVA) also identified the difference of opinion on the basis of gender, programs, types and number of m-learning devices. Overall, the findings highlight the need for academic libraries to give mobile access (launching mobile applications) to better use library services. To ensure this, libraries must keep an eye on new advances in mobile technology, researchers’ needs and related electronic library services and observe how these services are being used.

Practical implications

Theoretical and practical implications have been highlighted to understand the perceptions of LIS students about m-learning devices.

Originality/value

The mobile library service providers and management need to improve their services by offering services that fit the diverse needs of their users and should know how to attract modern library users.

Details

Digital Library Perspectives, vol. 39 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5816

Keywords

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