bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Slum dwellers' occupational activities and health implications
Authors: Preko Alexander , Nkrumah Agyabeng Anthony , Mensah James Kwame 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThe literature has acknowledged that good health is a crucial component of well-being. This study explores the country-specific understanding of slum dwellers' occupational activities and their environmental behavior.Design/methodology/approachUsing the environmentally responsible behavior model, the study utilized exploratory qualitative approach to purposely sample 35 respondents, who responded to health-related behaviors through in-depth interviews.FindingsFindings show that respondents are engaged in diverse socio-economic occupational activities such as selling of cooked and uncooked food in polythene bags, selling of sachet water and burning the waste generated from these activities in the slum environment. In addition, the study found specific occupational activities of masons, carpenters, tilers, salon beauticians, scrap dealers and unhygienic waste disposal in the slums. Finally, this study uncovered divided opinions in terms of respondents' environmental responsibility and awareness of environmental ramifications. Therefore, issues such as health hazards, unhealthy environment and soil deterioration are common at the slum dwellings.Research limitations/implicationsThe study findings and the conclusion drawn cannot be generalized to represent the entire population of slum dwellers in Ghana due to the qualitative methodology employed.Practical implicationsThis study revealed a country-specific understanding of the environmentally responsible behavior of slum dwellers based on their occupational activities, which can inform health policies.Originality/valueThe outcome of this study advanced contextual culturally specific understanding, concerning health-related behavior of slum dwellers, which is important to policymakers and practitioners in contexts.
Stepping up the game–meeting the needs of global business through virtual team projects
Authors: Swartz Stephanie , Shrivastava Archana 
Published: August 2021

PurposeVirtual collaboration provides students with an opportunity to develop cultural intelligence while fitting into the team where the members are from diverse cultures. The purpose of this study is to explore whether global virtual team (GVT) projects raise students' understanding of cultural differences. In addition, it is interesting to know how internationally disruptive events such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic influence GVT projects.Design/methodology/approachThe research involved two parts: In the first part, a two-wave longitudinal study was conducted to investigate how intercultural sensitivity and intercultural communication competence coevolve within a group of international students enrolled in a virtual business professional project. In the second part, using word clouds and topic modelling on the participants' perceptions, the study investigated whether the sudden disruption caused by the pandemic show similar results in performance, focussing primarily on the resilience of virtual teams. Further, the study explored participants' perceptions towards online learning in higher education institutions as well as the attitude of corporate organizations towards remote working in the post-pandemic years.FindingsThe results confirmed that GVT projects, in fact, do raise students' understanding of cultural differences and the need to adjust their behaviour accordingly in order to engage with their culturally different counterparts effectively. Participants reported an increase in their cognitive, behavioural and affective attributes.Research limitations/implicationsAmong the limitations of this study is the relatively small number of student participants. Furthermore, the number of respondents from India dominated the sample. Since the Indian students were disproportionately affected by the shutdown, causing them to return often to rural areas with poor Internet connectivity, responses concerning the disruption caused by the pandemic may be overriding negative. The same could be said of responses from US-American students, who often rely heavily on-campus employment or whose parents became unemployed during the pandemic, and thus were faced with disproportionate economic insecurity.Practical implicationsThis paper provides insights to the educators and international organizations on how such projects provide the skills essential for reducing costs, accessing knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) across borders, maintaining flexible work schedules and arrangements, and taking advantage of multiple time zones to increase productivity.Originality/valueWhile highlighting the significance of cultural intelligence, this paper investigated how the sudden disruption caused by a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic impacts performance, focussing primarily on the resilience of virtual teams.
Importance-performance analysis (IPA) of the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of an EDGE-certified building in Ghana
Authors: Agyekum Kofi , Akli-Nartey Elorm Emil Koku , Kukah Augustine Senanu , Agyekum Amma Kyewaa 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThe excellence in design and greater efficiencies (EDGE) certification system has seen a gradual adoption worldwide, with Ghana having six out of its eight certified green buildings bearing an EDGE certification. However, little is known about occupants’ satisfaction with the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of EDGE-certified buildings. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the satisfaction of occupants with the IEQ of an EDGE-certified building in Ghana by identifying their perceived performance of the indoor environment relative to their perceived importance.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted to evaluate the performance of 12 IEQ parameters with the occupants of an EDGE-certified office building. The survey results were evaluated using a gap analysis and both traditional and alternative Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) matrices.FindingsThe findings revealed that noise level, temperature, cleanliness, sound privacy, air quality and humidity were IEQs that required the highest priority for improvement. Daylight and artificial lighting showed no appreciable performance gap. Space layout was adequately satisfied, whereas space size was overly satisfied. Visual privacy and outdoor view were found to require low priority of improvement.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the state-of-the-art of the IEQ of green buildings. It pioneers the research that seeks to examine the IEQ of EDGE-certified buildings. The gap analysis and the IPA were effective in prioritizing the IEQs for improvement action and provided a practical research framework that helped researchers examine the performance of green buildings, thereby giving valuable feedback to policymakers and building owners.
Entrepreneurial finance and crowdfunding in the Middle East
Authors: Abdeldayem Marwan , Aldulaimi Saeed 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyze crowdfunding (CF) as new entrepreneurial finance (EF) tool and to predict the success of CF projects in the Middle East region.Design/methodology/approachThis study was conducted in seven Middle Eastern countries (i.e. Turkey, Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and UAE) in addition to serval CF platforms that are commonly used by crowd funders in this region (such as Kickstarter, GoFundMe, Beehive and Zoomal) with total members (195,193). A pilot sample of 20 units was used to validate and verify the research instrument of the study. The research sample consists of 1,910 respondents from the seven countries included in the study. The study emphasizes the partners, micro-structures, administrative conditions and CF advancement in the Middle East.FindingsThe findings reveal that CF’s presence positively impacts fundraising success and that CF platforms are an effective financial technology (Fintech) tool for financing entrepreneurs in the Middle East. The study shows that the success of CF projects in the Middle East can be anticipated by estimating and breaking down enormous information of web-based and social media movement, human resources of funders and online venture introduction. The authors conclude with recommendations for future EF and CF research.Originality/valueThis study aims to analyze the CF and EF principles in the Middle East region as the CF experience and practice in this part of the world tend to be unexplored in terms of research. Presently a very few numbers published research on CF exists. Moreover, to the best of the knowledge, there is no single study investigating CF as an alternative financing source in the Middle East. In particular, the study.
An investigation of time varying market efficiency: evidence from STOXX Europe Christian index
Authors: Yousaf Tayyaba , Farooq Sadia , Mehta Ahmed Muneeb 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the STOXX Europe Christian price index (SECI) follows the premise of efficient market hypothesis (EMH).

Design/methodology/approach
The study used daily data of SECI for the period of 15 years as its launch date i.e. 31 December 2004 to 31 December 2019. Data are analyzed by taking a full-length sample and fixed-length subsample. For subsample, the data are divided into five subsamples of three years each. Subsample analysis is important for analyzing time varying efficiency of the series, as the market is said to follow EMH if it is being efficient throughout the sample. Both type of samples is examined through linear tests including autocorrelations test and variance ratio (VR) test.

Findings
Tests applied conclude that SECI is weak-form efficient, which means that the prices of the index include all the relevant past information and immediately react to new information. Hence, the investors cannot earn abnormal returns.

Originality/value
Religion-based indices grasped the attention of investors, policymakers and academic researchers because of increased concern over ethics in business. Though the impact of religion on the economy have been studied in many ways but the efficiency of religion-based indices have been less explored. The current study is primary in its nature as it analysis the efficiency of SECI. This index is important to explore because Christianity is the world’s top religion with 2.3 billion followers around the globe.
Adoption of Industry 4.0 and lean concepts in hospitals for healthcare operational performance improvement
Authors: Ilangakoon Tharushi Sandunika , Weerabahu Samanthi Kumari , Samaranayake Premaratne , Wickramarachchi Ruwan 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThis paper proposes the adoption of Industry 4.0 (I4) technologies and lean techniques for improving operational performance in the healthcare sector.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopted a systematic literature review and feedback of healthcare professionals to identify the inefficiencies in the current healthcare system. A questionnaire was used to get feedback from the patients and the hospital staff about the current practices and issues, and the expected impact of technology on existing practices. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis.FindingsThe results indicate that I4 technologies lead to the improvement of the operational performance, and the perceptions about I4 technologies are made through the pre-medical diagnosis. However, a weak correlation between lean practices and healthcare operational performance compared to that of I4 technologies and operational performance indicate that lean practices are not fully implemented in the Sri Lankan healthcare sector to their full potential.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to two government hospitals, with insights from only the doctors and nurses in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the study is limited to only selected aspects of I4 technologies (big data, cloud computing and IoT) and lean concepts (value stream mapping and 5S). Therefore, recommendations on the adoption of I4 technologies in the healthcare sector need to be made within the scope of the study investigation.Practical implicationsThe implementation of I4 technologies needs careful consideration of process improvement as part of the overall plan for achieving the maximum benefits of technology adoption.Originality/valueThe findings of the research can be used as a benchmark/guide for other hospitals to explore the adoption of I4 technologies, and how process improvement from lean concepts could influence the overall operational performance.
Selling to enabled purchasers: the effect of perceived supply risk and profit impact on the buyer–seller interaction
Authors: Paesbrugghe Bert , Vuori Johanna , Kock Heidi 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
Based on insights from the buying process, the purpose of this study is to align selling firms to the buyer’s efficiency needs that are grounded on the different types of purchases.

Design/methodology/approach
Using thematic analysis, this study conducted 35 in-depth interviews with business-to-business buyers and salespeople on the changing buyers’ sourcing needs.

Findings
In line with buyer enablement, buyers prefer personal selling when they perceive the sales offer as highly risky for the buying organization, whereas they have a strong preference for a direct marketing approach by the selling firm when they are purchasing low-risk purchases.

Research limitations/implications
This paper is a qualitative study. Future research should collect secondary company data to validate the results.

Practical implications
This paper addresses the buyer’s sourcing needs and presents how direct marketing channels and personal selling should be balanced to increase the return on salesforce resources.

Originality/value
This is one of the first studies to examine how sales organizations can create value by facilitating the buying process. Depending on the buyer’s categorization of the sales offer, this study highlights how a choice between direct marketing or personal selling improves the buyer’s perception of the sales organization.
A qualitative study of the stigmatization and coping mechanisms among pregnant teenagers living with HIV in Thailand
Authors: Phonphithak Supalak , Hiransuthikul Narin , Sherer Penchan Pradubmook , Bureechai Sasithorn 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThis aim of this study was to explore the experiences of stigmatization and coping mechanisms during pregnancy among pregnant women who are living with HIV in Thailand. The secondary objective was to determine factors contributing to stigma during motherhood among HIV-infected women as well as explore how they cope with the discrimination from society.Design/methodology/approachQualitative data were collected using in-depth interviews to obtain different versions of stigmatized experience from 16 pregnant women living with HIV on stigmatization and coping mechanisms. There were 5 pregnant adolescents living with HIV and 11 adult pregnant women living with HIV. The content analysis was used to examine patterns of stigmatizations and attributed factors.FindingsPersonal stigma was found among pregnant women living with HIV regardless of age. HIV status disclosure was the crucial barrier of accessing to care for people experiencing stigmatizations. Personal stigma associated with higher HIV status was not disclosed. Interestingly, all teenage mothers who participated in this study disclosed their HIV-status to their family. People who have social support especially from family and significant others are found to be able to cope and get through the difficulties better than those who lack those social support.Originality/valueThis study yields outcomes similar to several other studies that have been conducted either in Thailand or other countries. This study found that family support was crucial in reducing HIV stigma. Furthermore, HIV-infected pregnant female adults were more afraid to disclose their HIV status to their husbands, other family members and their work colleagues.
Modelling and analysis of factors for implementation of smart cities: TISM approach
Authors: Singh Anita , Singla Ashim Raj 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
The concept of “Smart Cities” is gaining prominence across the world as a solution to effectively address the issues or impediments faced by cities due to rapid urbanization. The purpose of this paper is to identify the key factors which form the primary basis for the implementation of “Smart Cities”. Particularly, this paper aims to analyse the contextual relationship and driving/dependence power of these key factors and model these using the total interpretive structural modelling (“TISM”) framework.

Design/methodology/approach
The key factors which form the basis for the implementation of Smart Cities were identified through an evaluation of the literature on “Smart Cities” and expert opinions. Thereon, the contextual relationship between these key factors was examined with the help of experts. Thereafter, these key factors were modelled using the total interpretive structured modelling (“TISM”) framework. Cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis was further applied to classify the factors. It is pertinent to note that the driving power and dependence of these key factors were also reviewed.

Findings
This paper establishes a TISM of the key factors for the implementation of “Smart Cities” which will aid in examining the interrelationship among the factors and will also identify the hierarchy among these factors. On extensive examination of the literature and expert opinions on “Smart Cities”, it can be asserted through TISM that quality of life (F1), e-services adoption (F5) and economic growth (F8) are the leading factors in establishing “Smart Cities”. Furthermore, it must be noted that the MICMAC analysis and driving-dependence graph helps in classifying the key factors as autonomous factors, drivers, linkages and outcomes, which assists in comprehending which factors possess driver power and which are exhibiting dependency.

Originality/value
The contribution lies in the authentic manner in which this paper attempts to use the TISM approach combined with MICMAC analysis to model key factors for the implementation of “Smart Cities”; which would aid and assist policymakers and practitioners to construct a structural framework for the implementation of “Smart Cities” through identification of drivers, linkages and outcomes.
Components of contributing conditions to strengthen health system management and leadership capacity building: a systematic review and decision making framework
Authors: Bahreini Rona , Gholizadeh Masoumeh , Gedik Fethiye Gulin , Yousefi Mahmoud , Janati Ali 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify components of contributing conditions to strengthen leadership and management capacity in the health system.

Design/methodology/approach
A systematic search was undertaken in databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and local resources of Scientific Information Database and Magiran in January 2020. Two independent researchers checked the research process, screening of articles and quality assessment. The quality of the studies was assessed by JBI critical appraisal tools for qualitative studies. The components of the dimensions of health system management and leadership capacity were categorized according to the WHO conceptual framework using a content analysis approach.

Findings
A total of 17 articles were included in this study. In total, 16 categories of components include human resource information system (n = 5); criteria, plans and procedures for selection and appointment (n = 5); development of education system (n = 11); skills (n = 39); knowledge (n = 8); attitudes (n = 6); behaviors (n = 10); resource and critical management system (n = 7); performance and processes management (n = 3); operational planning for critical systems (n = 4); establish control systems (n = 2); inputs and outputs of organizations (n = 2); accountability and responsibility to customers and stakeholders (n = 4); legal authority and requirements to play the role of managers (n = 9); external and internal environment management (n = 7); establish a system of appreciation and encouragement (n = 6). Each of these categories also contains subcategories.

Originality/value
Identifying prerequisite conditions are necessary for building leadership and management capacity in health systems. Therefore, extracted components provide a simple but coherent framework that can be adapted or modified for use in local situations. The components have a variety of uses, including mapping current activities, needs assessment, planning leadership and management development strategies and monitoring and evaluation.
ICT development, governance quality and the environmental performance: avoidable thresholds from the lower and lower-middle-income countries
Authors: Amari Mouna , Mouakhar Khaireddine , Jarboui Anis 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to study the relationship between information and communication technology (ICT) readiness, use, and intensity and environmental sustainability factors in the lower and middle lower-income countries from 2012 to 2018.Design/methodology/approachICT readiness, use and intensity are measured with the impact of ICT on access to basic services, phone penetration and Internet penetration, while CO2 emissions per capita, fossil fuel energy consumption and methane emissions are used as indicators for air pollution. To achieve this goal, a two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation was performed which thresholds are computed contingent on the validity of tested hypotheses.FindingsThe results demonstrate that increasing ICT readiness, use and intensity in lower and lower-middle-income countries enhance environmental sustainability by decreasing CO2 emissions and energy consumption.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the limitations of this study is that the conclusions and policy recommendations do not take into account the specificities of each country. Indeed there are some differences in the growth pattern of ICT in the lower and middle-lower-income countries. Taken together, the authors conclude that increasing ICT has a positive net effect on CO2 and methane emissions per capita, while increasing the impact of ICT access in basic services has a net negative effect on CO2 fossil fuel energy consumption and methane emissions.Practical implicationsThe world needs immediate emissions reduction to avoid the long-term danger of climate change. Second, government authorities should give additional efforts in the more pollutant sector such as transport and industry to monitor their energy consumption.Originality/valueTo explore this issue further, the negative net effects suggest that ICT needs to be further developed beyond the determined thresholds, to attain the required negative net effect on fossil fuel energy consumption.