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1 – 10 of 31Asanka Gunasinghe, Junainah Abd Hamid, Ali Khatibi and S.M. Ferdous Azam
This study aims to assess the adequacy of unified theory of acceptance and use of technology-3 (UTAUT-3) model in understanding academician’s adoption to e-Learning, with intent…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess the adequacy of unified theory of acceptance and use of technology-3 (UTAUT-3) model in understanding academician’s adoption to e-Learning, with intent of getting more academicians to accept e-Learning in the Sri Lankan higher education context. Limited validity of the model in an educational context led to this study. The emergence of internet-based technology has changed the way people live, work and study. Technological platforms such as e-Learning have advanced educational systems by enhancing learner experience while benefiting teachers and educators in many ways.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a deductive approach and quantitative methodology, in which a theoretical model was tested using hypotheses to assess causality between study variables. The simple random sampling was used to collect data using a self-administered questionnaire that was sent via Google Forms to targeted respondents. The final sample consisted of 441 academicians who responded to factors of e-Learning adoption on a seven-point Likert scale. Structured equation modelling was used for data analysis.
Findings
It was revealed that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, habit and hedonic motivation were significant influences of academician’s adoption to e-Learning. However, social influence and personal innovativeness in IT were not significant predictors of e-Learning.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the scope of the study, the factors that determine e-Learning adoption were limited to UTAUT-3 variables. Additionally, the concept was tested from only an academician’s perspective using quantitative methodology.
Practical implications
The findings are useful to higher education institute (HEI) administration, instructors and teaching assistants, policymakers to design and implement their online strategy as well as to make appropriate decisions in getting e-Learning accepted among a higher number of local HEI academicians. It is recommended for the decision-makers in the HEIs to consider the effect of the above findings in setting plans for higher e-Learning adoption. For instance, staff training catering to specific departmental needs, continuous awareness building, periodic reviewal of e-Learning system, e-Learning champions, introduction of policies and guidelines to encourage trial usage would be useful in this aspect.
Social implications
Successful use of e-Learning would help HEIs to overcome certain issues that exist in a traditional classroom. e-Learning facilitates education delivery beyond time and space while supporting enhanced performance monitoring and skill development which ultimately improve quality of output and institutional performance.
Originality/value
The study examined the adequacy of UTAUT-3 in understanding the adoptability to e-Learning. Second, it recognised a set of factors that affect the academic staff acceptance of e-Learning in higher education environments. A useful framework is provided to the HEI’s administration to successfully implement e-Learning systems. This study contributes to the growing body of information system literature by examining the validity of UTAUT-3 framework in the use and acceptance of educational technology in a developing country.
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R.M.D.A.P. Rajapakse, S.M.Ferdous Azam and Ali Khatibi
The utilisation of market-based approaches (MBAs) than command-control approaches (CCAs) is still at the embryonic stage to stimulate the green behaviour of small and medium-sized…
Abstract
Purpose
The utilisation of market-based approaches (MBAs) than command-control approaches (CCAs) is still at the embryonic stage to stimulate the green behaviour of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing economies. The study aims to elucidate the association between environmental incentives (EIs), green responsiveness (GR) and environmental performance (EP).
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative dominant research design is adopted with qualitative support. The study model is developed by integrating legitimacy theory (LT) and the natural resource-based view (NRBV). The cross-sectional data were gathered from the upper echelon of 395 SMEs in Sri Lanka, and 10 subsequent interviews were conducted. The partial least squares approach of structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to evaluate the hypothesised relationships.
Findings
The results found evidence to demonstrate that EIs positively link with GR and EP and GR mediates this association. Further, the study revealed that although MBAs are established, the SME sector is less aware of EIs such as tax concessions, tax reliefs, low interest, soft loans and discounts on eco-materials.
Practical implications
The results provide valuable insights to enhance environmental sustainability. The owners of SMEs should strategically use environmental inducements to overcome resource poverty to engage in green practices. The regulators and policymakers should develop the incentive policies and provide the mechanisms to disseminate the required skills and technologies to SMEs.
Originality/value
According to the authors' best knowledge, this is one of the pioneering empirical studies on EIs, GR and EP with mediating effects in Sri Lanka.
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N.L.E. Abeywardana, S. M. Ferdous Azam and L.T. Kevin Low
This study aims to offer empirical evidence on how integrated thinking affects the integrated reporting (IR) practice and how integrated thinking originates from board and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to offer empirical evidence on how integrated thinking affects the integrated reporting (IR) practice and how integrated thinking originates from board and management involvement, cross-functional integration and integral link between capitals and strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is cross-sectional and uses a mixed-method approach. The empirical data for the quantitative approach were collected from the 129 public companies listed on Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka. The personale responsible for preparing the annual report are selected as the respondents of this study. This study used partial least square modelling to test the hypotheses. The quantitative approach results are triangulated across a qualitative research approach in semi-structural interviews with ten responsible officers of integrated reporting practices.
Findings
The central finding of this study is the significant positive relationship between integrated thinking and integrated reporting practice. The qualitative results supported the quantitative findings and show that board and management involvement, cross-functional integration and integral link between capital and strategy enhance the integrated reporting practice. Top management and board management have positive beliefs about the integrated reporting practice; they initiate, encourage, influence, involve and support it. Furthermore, all company departments are involved with the integrated reporting led by the finance department and practice good coordination, communication and collaboration between departments. Moreover, it also evidenced their concern about the linkage between capital and strategy and how they do it in their organisation when practising integrated reporting.
Research limitations/implications
The firms which intend to practice or enhance integrated reporting will be benefited from this study. Hence, this research assists in constructing IT through the direct role of the board and senior leadership, breaking down silos to diffuse IR throughout structures and processes, and concentrating on strategies while managing their capitals and relationships over the long term.
Originality/value
This study provides the initial quantitative empirical evidence on the impact of integrated thinking on integrated reporting practice. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to operationalise both integrated thinking and integrated reporting based on a questionnaire that developed and tested both constructs as higher-order reflective formative and on the relationship between integrated thinking and integrated reporting. The mixed-method approach to examine the relationship between integrated thinking and integrated reporting provides additional insights into the existing literature.
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Romaine Ferdinands, S.M. Ferdous Azam and Ali Khatibi
This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the innovation environment of a developing nation through the Triple Helix model, revealing the existing inter-relationships…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the innovation environment of a developing nation through the Triple Helix model, revealing the existing inter-relationships between the three Helixes of Academia–Industry–Government. It sets out to find out the relationship and impact of the three Helixes on the most crucial stage of the innovation process: the commercialisation of patents, and to ascertain if there is a varying impact determined by patent ownership.
Design/methodology/approach
This cross-sectional study uses the survey method based on the views expressed by 220 Sri Lankan registered patent holders and categorised by organisational and individual ownership. The sample is drawn from the database of the National Intellectual Property Office of Sri Lanka and patents registered through the Patent Cooperation Treaty, extracted from the World Intellectual Property Organisation Patent Scope database. The survey was carried out in 2019 and limited to patents registered during the period 2010–2014.
Findings
The empirical findings indicate weak inter-relationship between Academia support, Industry support and patent commercial success, while the support of the Government Helix is non-significant in the commercial stage. The findings also indicate two different support standards existing in each Helix for the two ownership groups.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to a five-year window in a relatively early period in the country’s innovation policy development. The study model is also limited by the non-inclusion of mediators such as government-backed affiliated agencies and academia technical transfer offices which if incorporated would improve the study model and be more reflective of the actual environment and their role as change agents bridging the transition to a hybrid Triple Helix.
Practical implications
The study findings capture the inter-relationships of the Triple Helix existing in a developing country at the most crucial stage of the innovation process. It helps policymakers identify the gaps in each Helix that stands wanting and take measures to rectify them by creating a more favourable National Innovation System. An innovative environment that will facilitate patent holders achieve higher technological transfers and commercial success rates.
Social implications
The findings disclosure of two different support standards existing in each Helix for the two patent ownership groups poses a challenge for policymakers and challenges the core objective of increasing the commercial success of patents granted. The findings strengthen the need for a more robust support system to be put in place that would empower and facilitate the individual patent owner to increase the share of economic value arising from this underutilised patent group.
Originality/value
This study contributes by furthering the Triple Helix model in a social context and micro-setting by operationalising the theoretical practices. The study also gives insight into each Helix’s interaction and contribution during the most crucial stage of innovation management in a developing economy and its impact on the two categories of patent ownership which is scarce.
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Aminath Sudha, S.M. Ferdous Azam and Jacquline Tham
Emerging research on public administration theory has highlighted the need for public sector managers to become better leaders by inspiring and motivating them to align themselves…
Abstract
Purpose
Emerging research on public administration theory has highlighted the need for public sector managers to become better leaders by inspiring and motivating them to align themselves with their organisation's mission and vision. Therefore, transformational leadership has become increasingly appealing in public administration. This study investigates how transformational leadership affects the job performance of those in the Maldives' civil service. Furthermore, it tests the mediation effect of organisational commitment on the relationship between transformational leadership and the job performance of those working in the Maldives' civil service.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a quantitative and cross-sectional design to collect data from 370 employees from different Maldives civil service offices. Data were collected through an online questionnaire, and structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses. The mediating effect was tested using bootstrapping.
Findings
The results reveal that transformational leadership did not significantly affect job performance. While a mediation effect was present, the effect size was within a small range.
Originality/value
The results of this study has important implications for the Maldives' civil service from a human resource management perspective and provides insights to policymakers on how to improve leadership in Maldives' civil service institutions. Furthermore, this study contributes significantly to the existing research in understanding the effect of transformational leadership on public sector organisations in Asia and from a developing country's perspective.
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This review shows the systematic and bibliometric review of 361 papers on the impact of corporate social responsibility on firm performance from 2013 to 2023. The aim of this…
Abstract
This review shows the systematic and bibliometric review of 361 papers on the impact of corporate social responsibility on firm performance from 2013 to 2023. The aim of this review is to research the development trends of women’s financial inclusion and women’s financial literacy during this period. The outcomes show that the issue of women’s financial literacy and women’s financial inclusion is particularly highlighted by scholars since 2019, especially for 2021 and 2022. This review focusses on two aspects of analysis: publish performance and content. In terms of published performance analysis, the publication information of papers is analysed to understand the publication trends and author’s research trends in this decade, and bibliometric maps are generated using VOS-viewer software. The bibliometric map shows that India and the USA are in the middle of the map which shows that the authors from these two nations have strong correlations with other authors. For the content analysis, we used VOS-viewer software to analyse the content of the title and abstract, the outcomes reveal three main streams about financial literacy and financial inclusion for women, especially in rural regions in developing economics and the suggestions for policymakers and government. This review attempts to cover the systematic and bibliometric analysis by presenting findings through analysis of selected papers, which highlights some possible gaps and opportunities in the literature along with a scope of directions for future research.
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Aminath Adhala Rasheed, Ahmad Albattat and S. M. Ferdous Azam
Virtual professional learning communities provide digital platforms for teachers across the globe to join learning networks and engage in continuous and unrestricted learning…
Abstract
Purpose
Virtual professional learning communities provide digital platforms for teachers across the globe to join learning networks and engage in continuous and unrestricted learning. This study aimed to explore the impact of contextual factors on establishing virtual professional learning communities in Maldivian schools.
Design/methodology/approach
This quantitative study used a sample of 420 Maldivian in-service teachers chosen using two-stage cluster sampling and a stratified random sampling method.
Findings
The findings revealed that all three contextual factors – micro-, meso- and macro-contextual – positively and significantly influenced the virtual professional learning communities.
Practical implications
These findings recommend an integrated framework with micro-, meso- and macro-contextual factors as valuable instruments for educational leaders striving to establish virtual Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
Originality/value
This study is among the first to examine the association of contextual factors of schools with the establishment of virtual PLCs in a country such as the Maldives, with geographically dispersed islands and limited resources.
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Arun Kumar Tarofder, Seyed Rajab Nikhashemi, S.M. Ferdous Azam, Prashantini Selvantharan and Ahasanul Haque
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of explanation on customer satisfaction in the service failure stage. It seeks to better understand the dynamics of consumer…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of explanation on customer satisfaction in the service failure stage. It seeks to better understand the dynamics of consumer repurchase intention through a mediating effect of customer satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire was e-mailed to collect the primary data. With three reminders, this study managed to obtain 322 responses from customers who complained about their internet service in Malaysia. Structural equation modelling techniques were applied to examine both direct and mediating effects between variables.
Findings
Results reveal that all four dimensions of explanation have significant partial mediating effect on repurchase intention through customer satisfaction. Results also disclose that there is no significant relationship between excuse and customer satisfaction in service failure. Among all dimensions, reference and apology have higher influence on repurchase intention through customer satisfaction.
Research limitations/implications
The results are particularly valuable for managers, as it supports the role of using explanation as a practical tool for fostering positive and profitable outcomes like repeat customer purchases.
Practical implications
The findings of this study will help organisations rethink their explanation strategies with the eye to foster greater customer repurchase intention.
Originality/value
The results are particularly valuable for managers, as they support the role of using explanation as a practical tool for fostering positive and profitable outcomes like repeat customer purchases.
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Arun Kumar Tarofder, S.M. Ferdous Azam and Abdullah Nabeel Jalal
The purpose of this study is twofold: identifying important determinants for effective adoption of internet technologies in an organizational supply chain context and examining…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is twofold: identifying important determinants for effective adoption of internet technologies in an organizational supply chain context and examining and classifying benefits yielded from internet adoption in supply chain.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured Web-based questionnaire was designed and administered to respondents to collect the primary data. With two reminders, this study managed to obtain 236 respondents from different industries in Malaysia. Structural equation modelling was applied to test the seven hypotheses.
Findings
Four of five factors were significant for successful implementation of internet technologies in organizations. In addition, results suggested that internet technologies contribute more to operational activities rather than strategic initiatives, which would be one of the main contributions of this study.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited by its being based on organizational perception rather than absolute value for measuring the benefits of internet adoption. Moreover, this study applied the cross-sectional technique which may limit generalizability of the findings.
Practical implications
This study provides in-depth knowledge about internet adoption and benefits for the organization by combining both theoretical and empirical knowledge. It helps managers to understand the importance and process of internet adoption.
Originality/value
Organizations who are interested in adopting the internet in their supply chain may feel that these results will guide them in making their final decision.
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Sambo Lyson Zulu, Ali Saad, Saheed Ajayi and Maria Unuigbe
Digital uptake amongst construction organisations is described as slow and ineffective, undermining a fundamental transformation and limiting construction firms from exploiting…
Abstract
Purpose
Digital uptake amongst construction organisations is described as slow and ineffective, undermining a fundamental transformation and limiting construction firms from exploiting the digital benefits. In this space, meaningful research that utilises a qualitative approach in pursuit for employees' insights towards digital transformation is lacking. Such limited focus from previous efforts presents an opportunity to illuminate the determinants of an effective digital transformation that are, arguably, responsible for the status quo of low digital uptake in the construction sector. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned idea.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a qualitative approach to address the literature's digital discreetness in construction. The qualitative approach captures employees' perspectives through its unbounded characteristic of encouraging illustration and discussion.
Findings
This paper captures 35 digital transformation determinants under three clusters, namely, organisation related, i.e. hierarchy, size and management, people related, i.e. team orientation, training and knowledge and leadership related, i.e. awareness, attitude, approach and leaders' characteristics. Findings suggest a new set of arguments in relation to understudied factors and their influence on the digital uptake in construction organisations.
Originality/value
This paper offers empirical indication of the determinants believed to influence an effective digital transformation in construction organisations. Such conceptualisation is crucial and is depicted as perceived by construction employees and practitioners, which is a less biased approach than that of comparable studies that argue the viewpoints of industry leaders in isolation of other members of the hierarchy.
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