ABSTRACT
PurposeThe Sustainable Lean Six Sigma (SLSS) adoption approach, advancements in Internet technologies and the use of Industry4.0 technologies has resulted in faster customer need fulfilment. The Industry4.0 technologies have resulted in a new paradigm where strategic and operational decisions are in favour of profitability and long-term viability. The purpose of this study is to identify Industry4.0-SLSS practices and sustainable supply chain performance metrics, as well as to develop a framework for decision-makers and managers to make supply chains more sustainable.Design/methodology/approachThe 33 Industry4.0-SLSS practices and 24 performance metrics associated with the sustainable supply chain are shortlisted based on extensive literature review and expert opinion. The Pythagorean Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (PF-AHP) approach is used to evaluate the weights of Industry4.0-SLSS practices after collecting expert panel opinions. The Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) methodology used these weights to rank performance metrics.FindingsAccording to the results of PF-AHP, "Product development competencies (PDC)" are first in the class of major criteria, followed by "Advanced technological competencies (ATC)" second, "Organisational management competencies (OMC)" third, "Personnel and sustainable competencies (PSC)" fourth and "Soft Computing competencies (SCC)" fifth. The performance metric "Frequency of NPD" was ranked first by the WASPAS method.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed paradigm helps practitioners to comprehend Industry4.0 technology and SLSS practices well. The identified practices have the potential to boost the sustainability and supply chain's performance. Organizational effectiveness will benefit from practices that promote a sustainable supply chain and the use of developing technology. Managers can evaluate performance using performance metrics that have been prioritized.Originality/valueThe present study is one of the unique attempts to establish a framework for enhancing the performance of the sustainable supply chain. The idea of establishing Industry4.0-SLSS practices and performance measures is the authors' original contribution.
ABSTRACT
The purpose is to compare psychological content parameters of dominating mental states of the representatives of individual sports under forced isolation, caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and martial law. The sample consisted of the Ukrainian sportsmen (n=98), representing such sports as track and field (n=58), weight lifting (n=27) and freestyle wrestling (n=13). Research methods: valid methods with standardized forms for responses, participant observation, ranking, application of reliability coefficients. Results. It was established that there were no significant differences in the comparison of psychological content parameters under lockdown (Group 1) and martial law (Group 2). The ranking method allowed identifying the key measurements correlating with a respondent's resilience which is a main characteristic in handling difficulties in tough situations. It was established that the ranks are different in the following parameters: "Psychological Well-Being” (PWВ);"General Meaningfulness of an Athlete's Life” (GMAL) at the level р>.01 and at the level р>.05 in the parameters: "Challenge” (Ch);"Hardiness” (Hr);"Control” (Cn);"Commitment” (Cm). Two factor structures of dominating mental states of the representatives of individual sports under lockdown and martial law were created. It was established that the factor structures have different frameworks and dispersions of scattering in similar mental states. It was determined that lockdown for the representatives of individual sports was less stressful than sporting activities under martial law. It is obvious that permanent involvement in information flows concerning the situation with the military aggression, air-raid warnings, changes in training schedules, finishing performance at the time of air-raid warnings and staying in bomb shelters had a considerable impact on the total index of meaning-of-life orientations, self-regulation processes, involvement and control of the representatives of individual sports. Conclusions. The suggested factor structures of dominating mental states and the identified ranking research parameters are of scientific value and can contribute to efficient tactical training in difficult and extreme conditions. © JPES.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: This study expands the performance management literature by developing a strategy map and balanced scorecard (BSC) for a large performing arts theater (PAT). Design/methodology/approach: First, interviews with significant stakeholders identify key success factors (KSFs). Next, a survey is administered, and a structural model is employed to determine the importance of each KSF and their interdependent causal relationships within the PAT. Each KSF's controllability and room for improvement are also measured to facilitate implementation strategies. Findings: The results reveal that the Financial Perspective plays a critical role in the PAT's success, while significant changes can be enacted by focusing on the Internal Processes Perspective. Regarding the individual KSF, the following emerge as the most critical: excellent reputation, attendance growth, increasing sponsorship and donation, and supporting the local arts community;however, PAT managers will have to be creative to enact change through these KSF as some are difficult to control or have little perceived room for improvement. Research limitations/implications: The data were collected prior to, or at the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Post-pandemic priorities for the organization may have changed. Practical implications: By highlighting the relationships between different KSFs, this study provides PAT managers with a frame of reference for developing their BSC and performance metrics. It also offers PAT's managers a structured and adaptable approach for prioritizing their strategic choices and developing implementation plans for improved outcomes. Originality/value: This study exemplifies the need for applied BSC studies in various sectors, including nonprofit organizations. Specifically, this study extends the performance management literature by providing an example of a large PAT's performance measures, the inter-relationships among KSF and the resulting strategy map. The results are significant because arts management is a unique discipline based upon a specific body of knowledge (Weinstein and Bukovinsky, 2009). © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.
ABSTRACT
With long-term impact of COVID-19 on education, online interactive live courses have been an effective method to keep learning and teaching from being interrupted, attracting more and more attention due to their synchronous and real-time interaction. However, there is no suitable method for predicting academic performance for students participating in online class. Five machine learning models are employed to predict academic performance of an engineering mechanics course, taking online learning behaviors, comprehensive performance as input and final exam scores (FESs) as output. The analysis shows the gradient boosting regression model achieves the best performance with the highest correlation coefficient (0.7558), and the lowest RMSE (9.3595). Intellectual education score (IES) is the most important factor of comprehensive performance while the number of completed assignment (NOCA), the live viewing rate (LVR) and the replay viewing rate (RVR) of online learning behaviors are the most important factors influencing FESs. Students with higher IES are more likely to achieve better academic performance, and students with lower IES but higher NOCA tend to perform better. Our study can provide effective evidences for teachers to adjust teaching strategies and provide precise assistance for students at risk of academic failure in advance.
ABSTRACT
PurposeThis study aims to explore the challenges in implementing and sustaining lean in garment supplier factories and the buyer-supplier role in mitigating lean barriers in a typical situation and pandemic. Design/methodology/approachFollowing a qualitative research approach and multiple embedded case study method, data were collected through in-depth interviews with senior managers of one lead buyer and their four key garment supplier factories in Bangladesh. Within and cross-case analysis, techniques were applied to understand the context-oriented lean challenges and buyer-supplier role in mitigating the challenges. FindingsThe study findings demonstrate that garment suppliers are less prepared and unsystematic in lean implementation having limited capabilities and less preparation. Moreover, they have limited support from buyers, less commitment from top management and employee resistance to implementing lean. Lean challenges become more intense because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, buyer-supplier responsible, cooperative and collaborative behaviour can mitigate lean challenges. Research limitations/implicationsWhereas many stakeholders may be responsible for lean challenges, this study explores dyadic role between buyer and supplier only based on a single lead buyer and their four suppliers. Hence future studies could consider more buyers and suppliers for a holistic understanding. Practical implicationsThis study could help buyers and suppliers understand the underlying causes of lean implementation challenges in garment supplier factories and their role in sustaining lean reducing the challenges, particularly in a pandemic. Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, for the first time, this study depicts how buyer and supplier can play their due roles to mitigate lean challenges in garment supplier factories in a pandemic situation.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a cloud business intelligence model for industrial SMEs. An initial model was developed to accomplish this, followed by validation and finalization of the cloud business intelligence model. Additionally, this research employs a mixed-techniques approach, including both qualitative and quantitative methods. This paper aims to achieve the following objectives: (1) Recognize the Cloud business intelligence concepts. (2) Identify the role of cloud BI in SMEs. (3) Identify the factors that affect the design and presenting a Cloud business intelligence model based on critical factors affecting SMEs during pandemic COVID-19. (4) Discuss the importance of Cloud BI in pandemic COVID-19 for SMEs. (5) Provide managerial implications for using Cloud BI effectively in Iran's SMEs. Design/methodology/approach: In the current study, an initial model was first proposed, and the cloud business intelligence model was then validated and finalized. Moreover, this study uses a mixed-methods design in which both qualitative and quantitative methods are used. The fuzzy Delphi Method has been applied for parameter validation purposes, and eventually, the Cloud business intelligence model has been presented through exploiting the interpretive structural modeling. The partial least squares method was also applied to validate the model. Data were also analyzed using the MAXQDA and Smart PLS software package. Findings: In this research, from the elimination of synonym and frequently repeated factors and classification of final factors, six main factors, 24 subfactors and 24 identifiers were discovered from the texts of the relevant papers and interviews conducted with 19 experts in the area of BI and Cloud computing. The main factors of our research include drivers, enablers, competencies, critical success factors, SME characteristics and adoption. The subfactors of included competitors pressure, decision-making time, data access, data analysis and calculations, budget, clear view, clear missions, BI tools, data infrastructure, information merging, business key sector, data owner, business process, data resource, data quality, IT skill, organizational preparedness, innovation orientation, SME characteristics, SME activity, SME structure, BI maturity, standardization, agility, balances between BI systems and business strategies. Then, the quantitative part continued with the fuzzy Delphi technique in which two factors, decision-making time and agility, were deleted in the first round, and the second round was conducted for the rest of the factors. In that step, 24 factors were assessed based on the opinions of 19 experts. In the second round, none of the factors were removed, and thus the Delphi analysis was concluded. Next, data analysis was carried out by building the structural self-interaction matrix to present the model. According to the results, adoptability is a first-level or dependent variable. Regarding the results of interpretive structural modeling (ISM), the variable of critical success factors is a second-level variable. Enablers, competencies and SME characteristics are the third-level and most effective variables of the model. Accordingly, the initial model of Cloud BI for SMEs is presented as follows: The results of ISM revealed the impact of SME characteristics on BI critical success factors and adoptability. Since this category was not an underlying category of BI;thus, it played the role of a moderating variable for the impact of critical success factors on adoptability in the final model. Research limitations/implications: Since this study is limited to about 100 SMEs in the north of Iran, results should be applied cautiously to SMEs in other countries. Generalizing the study's results to other industries and geographic regions should be done with care since management perceptions, and financial condition of a business vary significantly. Additionally, the topic of business intelligence in SMEs constrained the sample from the start since not all SMEs use business int lligence systems, and others are unaware of their advantages. BI tools enable the effective management of companies of all sizes by providing analytic data and critical performance indicators. In general, SMEs used fewer business intelligence technologies than big companies. According to studies, SMEs understand the value of simplifying their information resources to make critical business choices. Additionally, they are aware of the market's abundance of business intelligence products. However, many SMEs lack the technical knowledge necessary to choose the optimal tool combination. In light of the frequently significant investment required to implement BI approaches, a viable alternative for SMEs may be to adopt cloud computing solutions that enable organizations to strengthen their systems and information technologies on a pay-per-use basis while also providing access to cutting-edge BI technologies at a reasonable price. Practical implications: Before the implementation of Cloud BI in SMEs, condition of driver, competency and critical success factor of SMEs should also be considered. These will help to define the significant resources and skills that form the strategic edge and lead to the success of Cloud BI projects. Originality/value: Most of the previous studies have been focused on factors such as critical success factors in cloud business intelligence and cloud computing in small and medium-sized enterprises, cloud business intelligence adoption models, the services used in cloud business intelligence, the factors involved in acceptance of cloud business intelligence, the challenges and advantages of cloud business intelligence, and drivers and barriers to cloud business intelligence. None of the studied resources proposed any comprehensive model for designing and implementing cloud business intelligence in small and medium-sized enterprises;they only investigated some of the aspects of this issue. © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited.
ABSTRACT
This research examined the determinants of e-satisfaction, continuance intention, and e-loyalty regarding the use of mobile payment applications (MPAs). It developed and validated the electronic technology continuance model (e-TCM) integrating a psychological factor (perceived threats), e-satisfaction, circumstantial factor (perceived anxiety), and the dimensions of quality. Using a questionnaire, data was collected from 455 respondents and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The influences of information quality, service quality, system quality, perceived usefulness, and confirmation on both e-satisfaction and continuance intention are found positive. However, perceived threats and perceived anxiety do not influence e-satisfaction but influence continuance intention. Moreover, e-satisfaction positively impacts continuance intention and e-loyalty;and continuance intention positively impacts e-loyalty. This research evidences the roles of perceived threat, e-satisfaction, perceived anxiety, and the dimensions of quality on customers' e-satisfaction, continuance intention and e-loyalty, using the integrated framework comprising the health belief model, expectation–confirmation model, and information systems success model. The findings of this research can guide MPA services providers, online businesses, industry analysts, suburban consumers, and respective government authorities when MPA usage is concerned during any unprecedented crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.
ABSTRACT
This paper explores mobile learning (m-learning) acceptance and use through integrating UTAUT and IS success models to examine whether quality factors (including "Information Quality,” "System Quality” and "Service Quality”) and behavioral factors (including "Performance Expectancy,” "Social Influence” and "Facilitating Conditions”) predict students' satisfaction and their intention to use m-learning systems. Data were collected through surveys from a total of 383 higher education male and female students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Structural equation modelling and path analysis were employed to test the proposed research model, showing that "Information Quality,” "System Quality,” "Service Quality,” "Performance Expectancy,” "Social Influence,” "Facilitating Conditions,” and "Satisfaction” determined students' intentions to use m-learning. "Satisfaction” was the most important antecedent of user behavior with m-learning, and "Performance Expectancy” was found to have the highest effect on "Satisfaction.” The study's contribution to the advancement of m-learning acceptance and usage is connected to the theory and practice. © 2023, Grand Canyon University. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
PurposeTeam-based projects are being used at work in various industries and in education. This paper aims to share a training strategy that integrates training with casual games to effectively prepare individuals to perform better in team-based settings due to their acquisition of team skills combined with their knowledge of tools including a team charter, communication plan and conflict resolution plan.Design/methodology/approachA training module was developed, deployed and tested in a virtual classroom of an upper-level undergraduate business class to emulate real-world team experiences. In the study, 342 of the 631 participants enrolled chose to complete the optional training module, which included pre- and posttests followed by a perception survey. A quasi-experimental design was used to evaluate the impact of the training upon team skills including communication, conflict resolution and feelings of belonging.FindingsThe pre- and posttest results for trainees indicated a significant increase in team process and development knowledge, which included concepts such as communication, conflict resolution methods, roles, goal-setting and expectation-setting. Survey results indicated a correlation between completing the team training module and improved communication within teams, particularly for teams developing a communication plan in addition to a team charter and conflict resolution strategies.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the literature on preparing individuals for success in teams through training and education using interactive games, while equipping them with tools to contribute to favorable team dynamics and outcomes. The results are applicable to business, organizations and training settings that incorporate team-based projects in online, hybrid and face-to-face settings.
ABSTRACT
Admissions are critical for the financial survival of community, acute care hospitals. Through the review of multiple peer-reviewed articles, research is conducted on the critical role of an Emergency Department ("ED") for the success of a hospital. The review of literature supports the monitoring and continuous improvement of ED quality measures, and it finds the common belief that the ED is a loss leader to be false. Next, potential solutions to the problem are discussed, including the need for increased volume and prevention of patients leaving without being seen. To conclude, a proposed plan to implement the solutions is discussed in detail.
ABSTRACT
Many projects in Indonesia have implemented new strategies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Many projects suffered unexpected losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and conditions were unpredictable. This situation must be considered by all stakeholders participating in a project. Another problem in the implementation of construction is the fragmentation between project participants. Therefore, a strategy is needed in each phase of the project life cycle. In the absence of proper planning, the contractor is the party responsible for bearing the risk associated with this occurrence. Improved project performance is a shared responsibility among owners, contractors, designers, and subcontractors, all of whom need to tap into their own sources of creativity and innovation. The potential of partnering as a tool for achieving lean construction performance, it is still in its infancy as a means of enhancing project outcomes. In this study, we used qualitative methods and in-depth interviews enhanced by focus group discussions of 14 experts (owners, designers, contractors, and academics) using the Delphi method. The results illustrate the maturity of partnering in integrated project delivery (IPD);therefore, its guiding philosophy can be developed and implemented to improve the outcomes of construction projects in terms of cost, quality, schedule, health and safety, and environmental performance. The most important part of this research is related to the implementation of the 17th goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), i.e., partnerships to achieve the goals. This research contributes to a deepening of partnering practices that can drive performance in project implementation.
ABSTRACT
Due to Covid-19's negative impact, project completion remains a key topic of conversation in business field. This article examines how the Covid-19 pandemic affected project duration, progress, and completion in Botswana. The study's goals were met by surveying 105 participants using a questionnaire. The study details covid-19's disruptions and delays. Extraneous variables' impact on project success or failure were analysed. The goal was to clarify internal and external factors on active projects during the Covid-19 pandemic. Covid-19 negatively affected many projects. Pandemics cause ineffective communication and coordination, cessation of physical activities, and complicated work processes. The Covid-19 Pandemic disrupted supply chain of raw material for many projects. Late deliveries, fluctuating prices, and contractors' inability to finish on time pushed back project deadlines. Workers were less productive. Similar problems arose with project funding. These factors caused project interruptions, delays, and completion in Botswana during Covid-19. Copyright © 2022, The Authors. Published by IPMA Serbia.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to explore the role of potential and realized absorptive capacity on project success through both the mediating roles of strategic agility and the moderating role of project complexity. A simple random sampling was used to collect data from 285 respondents working in the IT sector of small-medium sized Portuguese enterprises (SMEs). Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, data were collected from and distributed on, several online channels (Gmail, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook). Smart PLS-SEM, version 3.2.8 was used for the analysis. The results indicate that the two absorptive capacity sub-dimensions, potential and realized absorptive capacity, not only directly affect a project's success but also indirectly through the mediator of strategic agility. Although the moderating role of project complexity has a positive and significant effect on the relation between potential absorptive capacity and strategic agility, it is insignificant concerning the relation between realized absorptive capacity and strategic agility. Finally, theoretical and practical contributions are made, research limitations are stated and future research is suggested. © 2023
ABSTRACT
Food industry has a significant impact on human life. However, this industry has faced many challenges in Jordan in the last decade. These challenges might be globally or locally and effecting its supply chain. Nowadays, the term e-food retailing services have become viral. These services can organize the procedure of the food sector and its supply chain. Also, it will save time and effort for consumers and provides privacy, security, reliability, and service availability. In the study, we investigated the factors that might encourage or concern people to use e-food retailing services instead of traditional food retailing services to help the conventional food retailing service operator pay attention to these factors when transferring to online service. Therefore, we developed a survey to discover these factors. Based on 78 responses, we found that delivery time and cost, food quality, food freshness, service availability, and reliability are the top factors that concern people using e-food retailing services. However, adding some to the e-food applications such as quickly reordering their previous orders, easily reviewing their previous invoices, getting a competitive price, providing special offers, providing loyalty points, privacy, security, friendliness of the user interface, and quickly finding information about the food, can encourage people to use e-food retailing applications. In addition, most participants emphasized that COVID-19 encouraged them to use e-food retailing services. © 2022 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: The COVID-19 crisis has sped up digital transformation and technologies by several years. Customers have dramatically shifted to online channels, and businesses have quickly responded by offering additional canals for online shopping and payment. Customers have also been exhibiting greater preferences for contactless payments, and mobile banking has therefore become a norm in both developed and developing countries. This study aims to understand the antecedents of mobile banking actual usage in an early adoption stage setting (i.e. Morocco) through a comprehensive conceptual model combining the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, the DeLone and McLean IS success model and additional constructs extracted from extent literature. The moderating effects of age, gender and education are also examined and analyzed using multigroup analysis. Design/methodology/approach: Based on data collected from 616 Moroccan users, the authors empirically tested the proposed conceptual model using structural equation modeling. Findings: First, consumer M-banking actual usage has a significant effect on customer satisfaction and attitudinal loyalty;at the same time, attitudinal loyalty was significantly influenced by customer satisfaction. Second, while M-banking actual usage was significantly influenced by effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, price value, habit, service quality, trust, attitude and perceived security, the results show no significant impact of system quality and information quality. Third, the relationship between M-banking actual usage and its antecedents was significantly moderated by age, gender and education. Practical implications: The findings help bank practitioners to understand the importance of meeting customers' needs and expectations as a prerequisite in enhancing actual usage, satisfaction and attitudinal loyalty. More importantly, the authors emphasize the need for demographically oriented strategies to target different demographic segments of customers. Originality/value: The study bridges a gap in M-banking literature by offering a thorough understanding of consumers' mobile banking use during the pandemic. The findings provide evidence of the applicability of the conceptual model proposed in this research. Furthermore, the reflection of the moderating effects of gender, age and education emphasizes the mobile banking usage disparities among dissimilar demographic segments. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.
ABSTRACT
This is the second in a series that examines emerging issues and opportunities in mediation. The need for social distancing over the past two years spawned a meteoric rise in virtual mediation to the extent that it is now the dominant form of alternative dispute resolution. Despite its efficiency and necessity at times, virtual mediation, now synonymous with Zoom mediation, presents new challenges for mediators. In particular, mediators have lost some control over social dynamics (Zoom dynamics). This paper examines a host of errant Zoom styles among participants that may plague the virtual mediation process. It offers a Personality-Based Model of Errant Zoom Styles as well as coping strategies for dealing with them. The extent to which mediators recognize and respond to these errant Zoom styles impacts the effectiveness of virtual Mediation. Recommendations and an update on mediation settlement rates are also provided.
ABSTRACT
Social media represent one of the primary outcome of the digital economy revolution. It represents the fundamental aspects for communication between individuals by using the systems that helps to facilitate the lifestyle of developed societies. In contrast, with the spread of the Corona pandemic, which prompted societies and companies alike to take advantage of social communication technologies to fill the gap that occurs as a result of precautionary measures taken by many countries to limit the spread of infection. However, many users believes that their data and information in their device become accessible by these applications, which threatens the of trust and privacy significantly for these applications. Thus, it might affects the dealing of user and these applications. Therefore, the study's question is what the basic requirements that should be provided at last to be available in social media applications to increase the level of acceptance for the users. A quantitative sample is collected from different ages and educational levels from Saudi Arabia to design the integrated approach that helps to increase the level of trust and use of social media applications appropriately for the individual and organizational level. This study is considered a way to increase the use of social applications, which represent one of the most key features of digital transformation that can be lead the contemporary digital economy.
ABSTRACT
The positive of the Covid-19 pandemic is being a catalyst for the company's digital transformation plan. However, the targets set have not been achieved with the increasing demand for digitizing business processes and not being matched by increased resources. This research is focused on the IT projects that became quick wins for the Information Technology Division, which experienced delays in the middle of the year, but the target can still be achieved at the end of the year. This research aims to analyze the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) of Information Technology projects in a National Shipping Company. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used in this research to determine the ranking of the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) found so that company can set priorities in making decisions and project success can be achieved. Based on the analysis, the top three success factors that become the highest priority are User Involvement, IT Readiness, and Top Management Commitment & Support. In contrast, the bottom three success factors with the lowest priority are Trends, Hardware/Software Selection, and Change Management. © 2022 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
At King's College, Nepal, the "Integrated Course" is an experimental project-based learning program, which aims to integrate learning and action in the community with classroom-based education. Connecting classroom learning with the world beyond academia can increase motivation for students, provide familiar examples for study, open the classroom to a trove of resources, promote integration across subject areas, and facilitate transfer of learning. However, it is often challenging to make those connections, and the challenges became more acute during the COVID-19 lockdown. We discuss here the design and implementation of the course, including both positive outcomes and difficulties as well as the experiences of participants. In particular, we use both successes and failures of the course as a guide for understanding how this kind of educational reform can be accomplished.