bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Budget allocation decisions for project risk response
Authors: Zhang Yao , Guan Xin
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a method integrating fault tree analysis and optimization model to allocate response budget from the preventive and protective perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method consists of two main steps. The first step is to analyze and calculate the probability and the loss of the risk. The second step is to build an optimization model for allocating response budget.

Findings

First, there exists an optimal response budget. Second, risk protection is preferred to risk prevention when the total budget is limited. Third, the protective budget should be first invested for the consequence event with greatest expected loss. Fourth, the preventive budget should be first allocated to the risk cause with highest occurrence probability that belongs to the OR set in the fault tree.

Practical implications

Managerially, our results indicate that project managers (PMs) should make a tradeoff between the budget invested for risk response and reduced expected loss of the risk. Then, in the case of inadequate response budget, PMs should pay more attention to risk protection and cope with the event that can cause severe loss. In addition, under this circumstance, PMs had to better allocate the risk preventive budget in proper order.

Originality/value

Project risk response is a critical issue in project risk management as PMs can take actions actively to cope with project risks in this phase. Effective risk response, in general, requires financial support in practice, and reasonable allocation of the total budget among risk response strategies can produce better response effects.
The prisoner’s dilemma in the workplace: how cooperative behavior of managers influence organizational performance and stress
Authors: Spurný Josef , Kopeček Ivan , Ošlejšek Radek , Plhák Jaromír , Caputo Francesco
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to analyze the impact of cooperativeness of managers who occupy central positions in interaction networks on the performance and stress levels of a whole organization.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore this relationship, a multi-parameter agent-based model is proposed which implements the prisoner’s dilemma game approach on a scale-free network in the NetLogo environment. A description of the socioeconomic aspects and the key concepts implemented in the model is provided. Stability and correctness have been tested through a series of validation experiments, including sensitivity analysis. The source code is available for further exploration and testing.

Findings

The simulations revealed that improving the stress resistance of all employees moderately increases organizational performance. Analyzing managers’ roles showed that increasing only the stress resistance of managers does not account for significantly higher overall performance. However, a substantial increase in organizational performance and a decrease in stress levels are achieved when managers are unconditionally cooperative. This effect is stronger for the lowered stress resistance of employees. Therefore, the willingness of managers to cooperate under all circumstances can be a key factor in achieving better performance and building a more pleasant, stress-free working environment.

Originality/value

This paper aims to present a model for analyzing cooperation, specifically in the organizational context, extending the prisoner’s dilemma with novel concepts and mechanisms. Although the results confirm the existing theories about the importance of central nodes in complex networks, they also provide further details on how the cooperative behavior of central nodes (i.e. the managers) might benefit the organization.
Social cryptocurrencies as model for enhancing sustainable development
Authors: Mora H. , Morales-Morales Mario R. , Pujol-López Francisco A. , Mollá-Sirvent Rafael
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Growing inequality and socioeconomic and environmental degradation concerns forces us to think about how innovative technologies can contribute to reduce this problem. This study aims to analyze the potential of social cryptocurrencies to enhance the community development and cooperation between small businesses of the near environment. The evolution of these technology-based schemes could be key factors for generating innovative social enterprises, improving the quality of life in the community; in this way generate a conceptual model to sustainable development, while being more transparent, efficient and scalable as they are supported by technological applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an in-depth study of the relevant literature, a conceptual model was designed. The concept of social cryptocurrency is proposed as a new approach to virtual currencies for social purposes and sustainable development.

Findings

The key findings point out that actors such as innovation and social entrepreneurship will come together in a new generation of social currencies, extending cryptocurrency technology to social business domains.

Research limitations/implications

The impact of this will result in a better quality of life for society and the achievement of several sustainable development goals. However, a limitation would be that its scope depends on certain characteristics of the local environment. Furthermore, the proposed model will require validation in later phases through social experiments.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is in structuring a formal model that, based on empirical experiences and the use of the technology that underlies cryptocurrencies, proposes a set of constituent elements and characterizes them to contribute to achievement of sustainable development.
A new model for assessing the role of IT-based systems, public policies and business intelligence on the export competitiveness’s efficiency
Authors: Li Jiahua , Lakzi Ali
Published: February 2021

Purpose

By using some tools such as business intelligence (BI) and exploring data stored in data warehousing systems, it is possible to increase export competition efficiency. Efficiency in the export competition is affected by several factors. Therefore, this paper has attempted to provide a new conceptual framework for assessing the impact of new information technology (IT)-based systems, public policies and BI on the efficiency of export competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Increasing exports and its high efficiency depend on each country’s IT. So, IT is the main tool to increase the production process, improve quality and reduce products’ cost. In addition, each country develops policies for business activities and commerce to increase productivity in export competition. Clarifying public policies and strategies critical to the development of export competition is important in this field. Therefore, this paper has tried to provide a new conceptual framework for examining the impact of new IT-based systems, public policies and BI on the effectiveness of export competition. The research method of this study is based on structural equation modeling. This method has been used to evaluate the causal model, assess the reliability and check the measurement model’s validity. Model and data were analyzed using SPSS 22 and SmartPLS software.

Findings

The results showed that the impact of new IT-based systems, public policies and BI on export competitiveness efficiency has been positive.

Research limitations/implications

To generalize this study’s results and have a more accurate external validity, it is necessary to conduct this research program over a more extended time and space. Also, larger and more comprehensive samples should be taken for further validation. The authors also suggest that other factors can be considered.

Practical implications

The framework is conceptually innovative in modeling the efficiency of export competitiveness and assessing implications. Export competitiveness is a crucial factor in long-term global farm business survival, as it fosters opportunities for business prosperity on global markets.

Originality/value

The research offers important hints for emerging markets to find their ways to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage in the export market by controlling the country-level factors. This research will be helpful to both policymakers and global managers.
Mathematical modeling and two efficient branch and bound algorithms for job shop scheduling problem followed by an assembly stage
Authors: Daneshamooz Fatemeh , Fattahi Parviz , Hosseini Seyed Mohammad Hassan
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Two-stage production systems including a processing shop and an assembly stage are widely used in various manufacturing industries. These two stages are usually studied independently which may not lead to ideal results. This paper aims to deal with a two-stage production system including a job shop and an assembly stage.

Design/methodology/approach

Some exact methods are proposed based on branch and bound (B&B) approach to minimize the total completion time of products. As B&B approaches are usually time-consuming, three efficient lower bounds are developed for the problem and variable neighborhood search is used to provide proper upper bound of the solution in each branch. In addition, to create branches and search new nodes, two strategies are applied including the best-first search and the depth-first search (DFS). Another feature of the proposed algorithms is that the search space is reduced by releasing the precedence constraint. In this case, the problem becomes equivalent to a parallel machine scheduling problem, and the redundant branches that do not consider the precedence constraint are removed. Therefore, the number of nodes and computational time are significantly reduced without eliminating the optimal solution.

Findings

Some numerical examples are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed methods. Comparison result to mathematical model (mixed-integer linear programming) validates the performance accuracy and efficiency of the proposed methods. In addition, computational results indicate the superiority of the DFS strategy with regard to CPU time.

Originality/value

Studies about the scheduling problems for two-stage production systems including job shop followed by an assembly stage traditionally present approximate method and metaheuristic algorithms to solve the problem. This is the first study that introduces exact methods based on (B&B) approach.
Covid-19 impact on the Caribbean academic library: Jamaica's preliminary response to people, place, product and services
Authors: Harris Sasekea Yoneka
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper examined the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on people, place, product and services in Jamaican academic libraries. It also compares the Jamaican academic library’s COVID-19 experience with US academic library’s COVID-19 preliminary experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The local academic libraries in higher education in Jamaica (also referred to in this paper as university libraries) were surveyed.

Findings

Government mandates, university mandates and the absence of a vaccine influenced academic library response. The measures implemented, though unplanned and developed on-the-go, constituted a behavioural change model (BCM). COVID-19 has had a positive-negative impact on library people, place, product and services and has created a new normal for Jamaican academic libraries.

Research limitations/implications

This paper captures the preliminary response of Jamaican academic libraries to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on library people, place, product and services. As such, a follow-up survey on changes, challenges, strengths, impact, lessons and plans would be a useful complement to this paper. As COVID-19 information is rapidly evolving, this preliminary response of Jamaica is neither the final nor complete response to the pandemic.

Practical implications

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a gap in the literature on disaster management generally and pandemic management in particular, and on the management of health disasters in academic libraries; this paper seeks to fill this gap, albeit incrementally, through Jamaica's preliminary response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

This paper gives voice to the Caribbean academic library’s COVID-19 experience, through the voice of Jamaica. It is the first scholarly paper on the impact of COVID-19 on university libraries in the Jamaican / English-speaking Caribbean, and so presents the elements of the BCM implemented by Jamaica, which provides an important guide to Caribbean academic library leaders. The findings can also inform the Latin American and Caribbean section of international library papers on COVID-19 impact on academic libraries globally.
Liner shipping network design with sensitive demand
Authors: Cheaitou Ali , Hamdan Sadeque , Larbi Rim
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine containership routing and speed optimization for maritime liner services. It focuses on a realistic case in which the transport demand, and consequently the collected revenue from the visited ports depend on the sailing speed.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present an integer non-linear programming model for the containership routing and fleet sizing problem, in which the sailing speed of every leg, the ports to be included in the service and their sequence are optimized based on the net line's profit. The authors present a heuristic approach that is based on speed discretization and a genetic algorithm to solve the problem for large size instances. They present an application on a line provided by COSCO in 2017 between Asia and Europe.

Findings

The numerical results show that the proposed heuristic approach provides good quality solutions after a reasonable computation time. In addition, the demand sensitivity has a great impact on the selected route and therefore the profit function. Moreover, the more the demand is sensitive to the sailing speed, the higher the sailing speed value.

Research limitations/implications

The vessel carrying capacity is not considered in an explicit way.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on an important aspect in liner shipping, i.e. demand sensitivity to sailing speed. It brings a novel approach that is important in a context in which sailing speed strategies and market volatility are to be considered together in network design. This perspective has not been addressed previously.
Perceived outcomes of e-learning: identifying key attributes affecting user satisfaction in higher education institutes
Authors: Daultani Yash , Goswami Mohit , Kumar Ajay , Pratap Saurabh
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to examine the perceived outcomes of e-learning by identifying key attributes affecting user (learner) satisfaction in higher education institutes.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model considering user satisfaction as a key construct was developed through critical literature review and expert opinion. The model is empirically validated using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation model in the context of higher education institutions. A sample of 802 users comprising of engineering and management students has been used for the analysis.

Findings

Course attributes, system attributes, interactive attributes and instructor attributes were found to have an influence significantly on user satisfaction. Instructor attributes were the topmost significant contributor followed by the course attributes.

Social implications

Delivery of educational programs through e-learning platforms has increasingly gained traction throughout the world owing to its locational, time and convenience-related facets. Further, the ongoing global pandemic has catalysed acceptance of e-learning platforms thus attracting large number of learners and teachers for facilitating the teaching-learning process. This paper is a novel attempt to identify the existing gaps in teaching-learning process in the context of e-learning.

Originality/value

This study is original and provides new insights into how e-learning platforms and higher education institutions can ensure higher user satisfaction and learning in current challenging times. This paper will also be of interest to policymakers.
Broadening the horizons of intellectual capital disclosure to the sports industry: evidence from top UEFA clubs
Authors: Vitolla Filippo , Raimo Nicola , Rubino Michele , Garzoni Antonello
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The football industry presents a unique setting for intellectual capital analysis. This study aims to investigate the online intellectual capital disclosure level of top football clubs and to analyse the impact of some explanatory factors on the level of information provided.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use manual content analysis of the websites to measure intellectual capital disclosure levels along with a regression analysis on a sample of the 80 football clubs that qualified for the group stages of the 2019–20 UEFA Champions and Europa League.

Findings

Empirical results reveal that football clubs disclose a limited amount of information regarding intangibles on their websites. In addition, they show that sports performance, technical market value and social media visibility have a positive effect on the disclosure level.

Originality/value

This study extends the horizon of intellectual capital disclosure to a sector (football) that is currently under-explored and broadens the list of antecedents of the intellectual capital disclosure level.
Investigation of depression, anxiety and stress levels of health-care students during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Al-Maraira Obay A. , Shennaq Sami Z.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to determine depression, anxiety and stress levels of health-care students during coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic according to various socio-demographic variables.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 933 students. Data were collected with an information form on COVID- 19 and an electronic self-report questionnaire based on depression, anxiety and stress scale.

Findings

Findings revealed that 58% of the students experienced moderate-to-extremely severe depression, 39.8% experienced moderate-to-extremely severe anxiety and 38% experienced moderate-to-extremely severe stress.

Practical implications

Educational administrators can help reduce long-term negative effects on students’ education and mental health by enabling online guidance, psychological counseling and webinars for students.

Originality/value

This paper is original and adds to existing knowledge that health-care students’ depression, anxiety and stress levels were affected because of many factors that are not yet fully understood. Therefore, psychological counseling is recommended to reduce the long-term negative effects on the mental health of university students.
Mental health outcomes among health-care workers during the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran
Authors: Zakeri Mohammad Ali , Dehghan Mahlagha , Ghaedi Heidari Fatemeh , Pakdaman Hassan , Mehdizadeh Mehdi , Ganjeh Hamid , Sanji Rafsanjani Mojtaba , Hossini Rafsanjanipoor Sayed Mortaza
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The increasing prevalence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global crisis that leads to physical and psychological outcomes for health-care workers, so this study aims to investigate the mental health outcomes (including general health, generalized anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder) in health-care workers in Rafsanjan, Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

By using convenience sampling, this cross-sectional study was conducted on 332 health-care workers working in public hospitals in southern Iran. Data collection lasted from March to April 2020. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) and Impact of Event Scale were used to collect data. The data were then analyzed by using SPSS 25 and descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square and multivariate logistic regression).

Findings

In total 45.5% of the participants had psychological disorder according to GHQ. In addition, 25.3% of the participants had GAD and 31.6% had posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The results using multivariate logistic regression showed that only income was significantly associated with psychological disorders (95% confidence interval for odds ratio: 1.32–6.45, P = 0.008).

Practical implications

According to the results, the incidence of GAD and PTSD was high among health-care workers. Therefore, it is recommended that the psychological skills of health-care workers be strengthened through counseling and training programs.

Originality/value

This paper provides a novel analysis of mental health in health-care workers in Iran.
Democratic leadership and organizational performance: the moderating effect of contingent reward
Authors: Hilton Sam Kris , Arkorful Helen , Martins Albert
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the moderating effect of contingent reward on the relationship between democratic leadership and organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Explanatory and cross-sectional survey designs were used. A quantitative research approach was also adopted to collect the data from 476 employees in the telecommunication industry. Using statistics package for social science, the data was analyzed via descriptive statistics, correlation and hierarchical regression techniques.

Findings

The results reveal that both democratic leadership and contingent reward have a significant positive relationship with organizational performance. Furthermore, contingent reward significantly augments and moderates the relationship between democratic leadership and organizational performance. Thus, the combination of democratic leadership and contingent reward would more likely produce higher organizational performance.

Originality/value

This study has made a significant contribution to leadership and organizational literature by establishing the effectiveness of contingent reward as a moderator on the relationship between democratic leadership and organizational performance in a telecommunication industry.
Theorising an organisational citizenship behaviour model for managerial decision-making: from history to contemporary application
Authors: Benuyenah Vic
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to expand the theory of organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) to include “exterior” behaviours. By advancing the work of Blake and Mouton (1964) and remapping the performance/OCB dimensions offered in the historical literature, a new holistic model of organisational performance is proposed. As a further step, a decision-making tool is proposed for managerial decision-making and to help predict employee performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a critical review and conceptual approach to explore historical OCB theories and task performance (TP) taxonomies. It then used Blake and Mouton’s managerial grid to construct a contemporary conceptual tool for managerial decision-making.

Findings

Despite the performance literature not lacking in quantity, a few of such research have led to a pragmatic managerial tool. The review reveals several confusions regarding the accurate classification of what actually constitutes OCB and what constitutes TP – this gap is filled by the introduction of the OCB model for managerial decision-making (OMMD).

Research limitations/implications

The current work expands our thinking on OCBs that can occur outside the organisation. These exterior behaviours can influence the organisation’s performance and must be managed just like any other performance metric. The OMMD, primarily based on OCB and TP, provides an initial framework for exploring different typologies of employees. Despite being based on several cogent performance literatures, the proposals have not been tested empirically.

Practical implications

Like the Blake and Mouton model, the new OMMD can be useful in estimating the proportions of employee OCBs and TP.

Social implications

Culture and social exchange theory can be seen as playing a role in separating TP from OCB.

Originality/value

This study extends the work of Bateman and Organ (1983) by suggesting that some work behaviours can occur outside the organisation. Besides, a decision-making proposal is offered based on the managerial grid framework (Blake and Mouton, 1964).
Antioxidants, nutritional, antinutrients and functional characteristics of black turtle bean (Phaseolus vulgaris): synergistic and antagonistic interrelationship of epigeal germination periods
Authors: Chima Judith Uchenna , Fasuan Temitope Omolayo
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Black turtle bean has nutritional potentials in the human diet and could provide a significant amount of food in developing countries. Low consumption of black beans has been attributed partly to the hard-to-cook phenomenon which requires a long time of cooking. Germination improves nutritional, functional, bioactive compounds, reduces anti-nutrients and cooking time. Germinated black turtle bean can contribute to efforts geared towards the production of functional foods and the fight against protein malnutrition. This study aims to investigate the changes in the nutritional, antioxidants and functional properties of black turtle bean due to different epigeal germination times to increase its utilization in food systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Black turtle bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris) were cleaned, winnowed, washed, soaked for 16 h, drained and subjected to epigeal germinated at ambient temperature for 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, respectively. The germinated seeds were dried, dehulled, milled and sieved. Proximate, antioxidant properties and activity, anti-nutrients, mineral (calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, manganese, copper, potassium, zinc and magnesium) and functional properties (water absorption capacity, oil absorption, bulk density, swelling index, water solubility index and gelling concentration) of the germinated black turtle bean (GTB) flour (0GTB, 24GTB, 48GTB, 72GTB and 96GTB) were determined using standard procedures.

Findings

The ash, protein, fat and fibre contents of the black turtle bean were significantly increased through germination. Germination resulted in changes in the antioxidant activity of the black turtle bean samples. The mineral content of the black bean samples was improved significantly by germination and as well altered the functional properties (p < 0.01). Oxalate and phytate were significantly reduced with increased germination time (p < 0.01). In total, 96 h germination (96GTB) had better antioxidant activity, mineral and proximate composition with lower anti-nutrients.

Originality/value

Germination for 96 h proved to be the optimum time for improved mineral content, increased protein, ash, fibre, antioxidant activity and property with reduced antinutrients. Germination represents an attractive, inexpensive means of improving the nutritional profile and enhancing the bio-functionality of the black turtle bean. The epigeal germinated turtle bean could find applied as a functional ingredient in food formulation.
“Look on the bright side”: CEO optimism and firms' market valuation
Authors: Alshorman Salah , Shanahan Martin
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Previous research suggests that a CEO’s attitude can impact a firm’s performance. More particularly, there appears to be a link between the CEO’s revealed level of optimism and firm’s market value. The purpose of this paper is to measure the level of optimism revealed by Australian CEOs in their shareholder letters and compares this with their firms’ current and future valuations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study assesses the CEO’s level of optimism using text analysis of the annual letters to shareholders in 180 Australian-based firms from 2010 to 2013. The market valuation of their companies over the same period is calculated using Tobin’s Q, and the results compared with the level of CEO optimism.

Findings

Comparing the level of revealed optimism with their firms’ valuations over four years, CEO optimism is positively correlated, both currently and prospectively with firm valuation. Given the period under study immediately followed the global financial crisis (GFC), the results suggest CEO optimism may be an important factor in adding to firm’s market resilience.

Research limitations/implications

The study examines the link between revealed CEO optimism and firm valuation over a turbulent period of the business cycle. While the sample period follows the GFC, and Tobin’s Q has some known deficiencies, the results imply that further research should be undertaken to examine the importance of CEOs tone and communicated attitudes on their firms’ financial outcomes.

Practical implications

The link between CEO optimism and the firm’s valuation suggest that shareholders and boards should pay particular attention to the values, cognitions and psychological and demographic characteristics of top executives when selecting CEOs. In particular, the results suggest that given two otherwise similar CEOs the one whose record of communication is optimistic should be preferred over a similarly qualified but less sanguine individual.

Originality/value

The paper represents the first study demonstrating the link between CEO’s communicated optimism and Australian firms’ valuations. The study uses three different measures of optimism to improve the robustness of its conclusions, and a comprehensive measure of firm value – Tobin’s Q. It is the first to quantify the association between CEO optimism and firm value shortly after a period of financial upheaval (the GFC). The findings indicate that CEO optimism contributes significantly to firm value. The study also tests whether “excessive” optimism negatively impacts firm performance and conclude there is no evidence of this in the sample period. The study suggests that more research should be done to examine the contribution of positive business attitudes to periods of economic stress.
A fresh look at the inflation-hedging attributes of residential property investments in emerging markets: evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Ekemode Benjamin Gbolahan
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study reinvestigates the short-run and long-run inflation-hedging attributes of residential property assets in the Nigerian property market, based on variations in property types and location.

Design/methodology/approach

Data used for this study comprised the holding period returns of three residential property types, namely bungalow, block of flats and detached house during 1999–2018. These were obtained from property practitioners in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, respectively. The inflation values obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics were split into actual, expected and unexpected components. Fama and Schwert’s (1977) ordered least square (OLS) regression was used to assess the short-term inflation hedging efficacy. Afterwards, the long-run link between residential property and inflation was examined using the Johansen and Juselius cointegration test.

Findings

The results showed that despite the variations in hedging behaviour across property types in the three locations, residential property assets significantly provided protection over actual, expected and unexpected inflation in the short run based on the OLS regression analysis. The result of the Johansen and Juselius cointegration test also established a long-term link between the residential property assets and actual inflation. However, mixed results were found on the link between residential property and expected and unexpected inflation, as some of the assets did not effectively hedge these inflation components in the long run.

Practical implications

The study implied that the differences in property types and geographic locations are crucial in establishing the short-run and long-run inflation-hedging attributes of residential property assets and should be factored into consideration.

Originality/value

The paper complements the existing body of knowledge on the inflation-hedging attributes of residential property in emerging markets by determining the effects of variation in house types and geographic differences on the analysis.
The sharing economy and the transformation of work: evidence from Foodora
Authors: Geissinger Andrea , Laurell Christofer , Öberg Christina , Sandström Christian , Suseno Yuliani
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This article explores the various stakeholders' perceptions of the ways digital work is organised within the sharing economy and the social implications of the transformation of work.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying social media analytics (SMA) concerning the sharing economy platform Foodora, a total of 3,251 user-generated content was collected and organised throughout the social media landscape in Sweden over 12 months, and 18 stakeholder groups were identified, discussing digital work within seven thematic categories.

Findings

The results show that the stakeholder groups in the Swedish context primarily expressed negative views of Foodora's way of organising digital work. The social media posts outlined the distributive and procedural justice related to the working conditions, boycott and protests and critical incidents, as well as the collective bargaining of Foodora.

Originality/value

By utilising a novel SMA method, this study contributes to the extant literature on the sharing economy by providing a systematic assessment concerning the impact of the sharing economy platform on the transformation of work and the associated social consequences.
Keep your mouth shut until I feel good: testing the moderated mediation model of leader's threat to competence, self-defense tactics, and voice rejection
Authors: Popelnukha Anastasiia , Almeida Shamika , Obaid Asfia , Sarwar Naukhez , Atamba Cynthia , Tariq Hussain , Weng Qingxiong (Derek)
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Although voice endorsement is essential for individuals, teams and organizational performance, leaders who consider followers' voice to be threatening are reluctant to implement followers' ideas. The authors, taking note of this phenomenon, investigate why leaders who feel a threat from followers' voice exhibit voice rejection at the workplace and when this detrimental tendency can be diminished. Thus, based on the self-defense tendency as per self-affirmation theory, the authors argue that those leaders who experience threat triggered by followers' voice, justify voice rejection through the self-defense tactics: message derogation and source derogation. In addition, the authors also propose that a leader's positive (negative) affect experienced before voice exposure may decrease (increase) self-defense and voice rejection.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the authors’ moderated mediation model, they conducted two independent vignette studies (N = 269; N = 208). The purpose of the first vignette study was to test the simple mediation (i.e. the direct and indirect effects), whereas the second study aimed to test the moderated mediation model.

Findings

In Study 1, the authors found that the leader's perceived threat to competence provoked by followers' voice was positively related to voice rejection, and the relationship was partially mediated by message derogation and source derogation. In line with this, in Study 2, the authors tested the moderated mediation model and replicated the findings of Study 1. They found that the effects of leader's perceived threat to competence on voice rejection through self-defense tactics are weaker (stronger) at the high (low) values of a leader's positive affect. In contrast, the effects of a leader's perceived threat to competence on voice rejection through self-defense tactics are stronger (weaker) at the high (low) values of a leader's negative affect.

Originality/value

This study suggests that leaders who experience a threat to competence instigated by employee voice are more likely to think that ideas proposed by employees are non-constructive and employees who suggest those ideas are not credible, and these appraisals have a direct influence on voice rejection. However, if leaders are in a good mood vs. bad mood, they will be less likely to think negatively about employees and their ideas even when they experience psychological threats. The findings highlight several avenues for future researchers to extend the literature on employee voice management and leadership coaching by providing theoretical and managerial implications.
Adsorptive removal of congo red dye from aqueous solutions using Mo-doped CoFe2O4magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Amar Ibrahim A. , Asser Jawaher O. , Mady Amina S. , Abdulqadir Mabroukah S. , Altohami Fatima A. , Sharif Abubaker A. , Abdalsamed Ihssin A.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the adsorption properties of CoFe1.9Mo0.1O4magnetic nanoparticles (CFMo MNPs) using, anionic dye “congo red (CR)” as a model of water pollutants.

Design/methodology/approach

The magnetic nano-adsorbent was synthesized via sol-gel process. Different techniques including; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, point of zero charge, scanning electron microscope and X-ray powder diffraction were used to characterize the prepared adsorbent. Adsorption experiments were conducted in batch mode under various conditions (contact time, shaking speed, initial dye concentration, initial solution pH, solution temperature and adsorbent amount) to investigate the adsorption capability of CFMo MNPs for CR.

Findings

The results showed that, CFMo MNPs could successfully remove more than 90% of CR dye within 20 min. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms were better described using pseudo-second-order (PSO) and Langmuir models, respectively. The maximum adsorbed amount (qmax) of CR dye was 135.14 mg/g. The adsorption process was found to be endothermic and spontaneous in nature as demonstrated by the thermodynamics (ΔGo,ΔHoandΔSo).

Practical implications

This study provided a good example of using an easily separated magnetic nano-adsorbent for fast removal of a very toxic organic pollutant, congo red, from the aquatic environment

Originality/value

The employment of Mo-doped cobalt ferrite for the first time for removing hazardous anionic dyes such as congo red from their aqueous solutions.
Synthesis of waterborne hydroxyl acrylate resins and its application in VOC-free waterborne coatings
Authors: Wang Yonggui , Zhang Zeng , Wang Jianfeng , Sang Rui , Zhang Weigang
Published: February 2021

Purpose

A kind of the Z-6020/E-44 modified waterborne hydroxyl acrylate resin (Z-WEA) and its application in volatile organic compound-free waterborne coatings were prepared.

Design/methodology/approach

The Z-6020/E-44 modified waterborne hydroxyl acrylate resin (Z-WEA) was obtained dropwise by adding a mixed solution of methyl methacrylate, n-butyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, acrylic acid and an initiator into a pre-prepared solution of isopropyl alcohol and E-44 and by semi-continuous solution polymerization, and this chain was further extended with organosiloxane (Z-6020) through graft copolymer, which was then neutralized with organic base and dispersed with water, with waterborne amino resin curing agent to form a film, and the properties were tested.

Findings

The results showed that when the dosage of initiator was 2.5% accounts for the total acrylic monomer, the hydroxyl content was 10%; the dosage of E-44 was 16%; the dosage of Z-6020 was 6%; the mass ratio of hard and soft monomer was 2.0:1; the neutralization was 100%; Z-6020/E-44 modified waterborne hydroxyl acrylate resin (Z-WEA) had excellent dispersion performance in water and storage stability; water absorption of cured film was 7.8%; pencil hardness reached 5H; adhesive force was 1 level; and the film was uniform and endowed with remarkable heat resistance, high gloss and good fullness.

Practical implications

This paper established a method to synthesize Z-6020/E-44 modified waterborne hydroxyl acrylate resin (Z-WEA) with green surfactants that can be used in the coatings, adhesives, finishing agents and so on.

Originality/value

This paper provides a method of preparing Z-6020/E-44 modified waterborne hydroxyl acrylate resin (Z-WEA) and with waterborne amino resin curing agent to form a film, and the film is uniform and endowed with remarkable heat resistance, high gloss and good fullness and meets the requirements of high-grade paint.
The rising trend of fraud and forgery in Pakistan’s banking industry and precautions taken against
Authors: Younus Mehak
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the involvement of employees in frauds and forgeries in banking industry of Pakistan and precautions taken against it. This research explored the types of frauds prevailing in Pakistan’s banking industry, and the causes of employee involvement in frauds.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews with the officers working in fraud/compliance/risk department at commercial banks as well as the officials working in the inspection and policymaking departments at the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) were conducted. Research questions were developed under the guidance of experts working in the banking industry, so the research possesses internal validity. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings

This study revealed that the SBP has devised many policies and guidelines for commercial banks against fraud management, but these are not properly implemented. These policies also include precautionary measures, which are recommended by the SBP to lessen fraud. Besides this, banks are also taking initiatives of their own to control the rising trend of frauds and forgeries. At the end, brief conclusion and effective recommendations are given to the practitioners, policymakers and management.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this area of management has not been explored by researchers in Pakistan; hence, this research provides valuable information to bank managers, risk management departments, risk avoidance policymakers, bank shareholders, depositors, borrowers and government agencies. This study provides deep insights into the prevalence of frauds in the banking industry of Pakistan.
Equity-based Islamic crowdfunding in Malaysia: a potential application for mudharabah
Authors: Ishak Muhammad Shahrul Ifwat , Rahman Md. Habibur
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the potential application of mudharabah (silent partnership) as an investment instrument through an Islamic crowdfunding platform.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative study in which semi-structured interviews were carried out with several experts regarding the application of mudharabah in Islamic crowdfunding. To achieve the purpose of this study, the data is analysed based on thematic analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal that even though Islamic crowdfunding could be an efficient platform through financial technology (Fintech), mudharabah is not an entirely ideal instrument, particularly for equity-based Islamic crowdfunding because of its high risk. These include fraudulent projects, insufficient regulations to protect investors’ money and the structure of mudharabah itself in which it is in the form of profit-sharing contract. However, the risk can be mitigated by using Fintech as a way to closely monitor the project, enhancing regulatory aspects to protect investment funds, enhancing mudharabah practice and creating awareness among all involving parties in terms of mudharabah philosophy.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited because it focuses on the current practice of Islamic crowdfunding in Malaysia, given that it is still a new industry. Currently, there is only one Islamic registered equity crowdfunding platform. Also, as the number of interviewees in this study is limited because of purposive sampling, the findings may be considered the result of an exploratory study.

Practical implications

An equity Islamic crowdfunding platform based on mudharabah can be proposed, particularly to support micro enterprises in which they involve small capital. Also, this model can be considered for less risky ventures such as investment in food industries or technology sectors.

Social implications

Mudharabah Islamic crowdfunding model could potentially support local businesses, especially for start-ups. By channelling money among society, it is not only creating a wealth circulation among society, which is one of the Sharīʿah objectives in finance, but it also promotes mutual cooperation and kindness among society members.

Originality/value

While Islamic crowdfunding is not a new topic in research, it lacks empirical studies, particularly qualitative analysis. As this study engages with experts in Sharīʿah and crowdfunding regarding the potential application of mudharabah, it highlights a fresh discussion both in theory and practice.
The global cash waqf: a tool against poverty in Muslim countries
Authors: Saiti Buerhan , Dembele Adama , Bulut Mehmet
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The problem of poverty in the Muslim world has been posing multi-faceted challenges to the life of individuals and the relations of people. Although this problem has been gaining scholarly attention and raised in relation to various issues ranging from social injustice, rampant corruption, societal instability, wide social polarization and insurgent movements that affect the regional peace and stability at large, neither effective economic mechanism proposed nor implemented to address the problem effectively. In this regard, it is also important to appreciate the recent initiations in the field of Islamic economics to present an optional view to the existing and alien economic models in the Muslim world. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to fill up this research gap by proposing a model of mobilizing funds through the global cash-waqf institution.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts content analysis to construct this global cash waqf model for poverty alleviation in Muslim countries.

Findings

The “global cash-waqf model” was proposed as an alternative that could be implemented and used to overcome the poverty matter in Muslim countries. It is assumed that the model will facilitate the fund mobilization among Muslim countries, which in return is going to assure full distribution and redistribution of wealth to eradicate the poverty in the Muslim world. The model was structured with a global vision in both the collection side and the distribution side.

Originality/value

The model will facilitate the fund’s mobilization among Muslim countries, which in return achieves an Islamic goal of distribution and redistribution of wealth to assure the well-being of all humanities in the society.