bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human resource management with Islamic management principles
Authors: Branine Mohamed , Pollard David 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the nature and contents of Islamic management practices and their consequent implications for human resource management (HRM) in Arab countries. In addition, it aims to examine the implications for multinational companies (MNCs) operating in Islamic countries and the impact of globalisation before proceeding to an analysis of managerial problems in Arab countries and the need for understanding Islamic management principles by Arab (national) and international managers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a qualitative approach based on an extensive review of relevant literature and the employment of examples from selected Arab countries.FindingsThe study reveals that a gap exists between the theory of Islamic management and the practice of management in Arab countries. Management in Arab countries is informed and heavily influenced by non‐Islamic traditional and national cultural values and norms of different countries and by Western management thinking rather than Islamic principles derived from the HolyQuran(words of God) and theHadith(words of the Prophet Mohamed).Research limitations/implicationsThe paper argues that one of the main reasons for the lack of progress in most Arab and Islamic countries is the mismatch between global integration and local responsiveness because of an excess forward diffusion of Western management and business practices with little understanding and, hence, the implementation of Islamic management principles by both local and international managers in Arab countries. It adopts the view that there is a gap between the knowledge possessed by national and international managers in order to manage locally and what is required from the local workforce to be managed effectively. The main limitation of this study is the lack of empirical research evidence to support the points deducted from this review of literature.Practical implicationsUnderstanding Islamic management principles could help to develop a more appropriate type of management best practice in Arab and Islamic countries while still benefiting from the transfer of relevant Western management techniques and Western technology. The paper also argues that a reverse diffusion of management knowledge and skills by managers of MNCs is very important for the effective management of human resources in host countries. National cultural contexts and different views of work values have made a major impact on the ability of firms to address HRM issues in different cultural settings.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the comparatively sparse literature on Islamic management and its applications by identifying key issues for HRM implementation and in developing Western understanding of Islamic management systems.
Influence of ethical beliefs, national culture and institutions on preferences for HRM in Oman
Authors: Katou Anastasia A. , Budhwar Pawan S. , Woldu Habte , Basit Al‐Hamadi Abdul 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe paper seeks to investigate the association between ethical beliefs, aspects of national culture and national institutions, and preferences for specific human resource management practices in the Sultanate of Oman.Design/methodology/approachA total of 712 individuals working in six organisations (both private and public sectors) responded to a self‐administered questionnaire in the Sultanate of Oman. To test the raised research questions of the proposed framework, the methodology of structural equation models was used.FindingsThe results highlight significant differences in the belief systems on the basis of different demographic characteristics. The findings also confirm impact of ethical beliefs, and aspects of national culture and national institutions on preferences for human resource management (HRM) practices.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the goodness‐of‐fit indexes confirmed the validity of the proposed operational model, some indices were attained at rather flexible levels.Practical implicationsStudies on managerial beliefs and values can offer important insights into the extent that work is viewed as an integral life activity. Such information can help differentiate among managerial styles in various cultures, and in predicting managerial behaviour such as ethical decision‐making. Based on such understanding, the findings can be used to educate government officials and outside consultants interested in Oman.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the accumulation of knowledge about under‐researched developing countries such as Oman, as limited data are available on HRM, value orientations and ethical beliefs' issues in this region.
“A job interview for Mo, but none for Mohammed”
Authors: Forstenlechner Ingo , Al‐Waqfi Mohammed A. 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine workplace discrimination in the context of immigrant employees and job seekers, with a specific focus on perceived discrimination resulting from affiliation with a specific religious group.Design/methodology/approachA total of 40 Muslim immigrants in two host countries were interviewed regarding their perception of discrimination and the consequences for their workplace experience. For the analysis, responses were clustered to identify emerging themes using NVivo.FindingsResults indicate that Muslim immigrants encounter treatment at the workplace that they perceive as discriminatory. On the other hand, findings show high levels of commitment where employees were not discriminated against – contrary to their almost inherent expectations that they would be.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the exploratory nature of this study, the results need to be treated with caution. The small sample size may limit the generalisability of findings. Also, it is possible that both religion and race/ethnicity are confounded in causing the reported incidents of perceived discrimination.Practical implicationsBeyond moral or ethical considerations, workplace discrimination has a negative impact on employee motivation and performance. Accommodation of basic religious needs can significantly improve commitment to the employer at virtually no cost.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors's knowledge there are a limited number of studies in previous literature looking at employment discrimination in the context of religious affiliation. There are very few studies addressing perceived workplace discrimination against Muslims.
Human resource management practices on organisational commitment
Authors: Hashim Junaidah 
Published: September 2010

PurposeIslam urges all Muslims to perform their utmost best when they work. Giving the best requires full commitment. Employees' commitment is influenced by many factors, including the management styles within the organisation. This paper aims to examine the management of human resources from the Islamic perspective and its effects on organisational commitment among selected employees in Islamic organisations in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a self‐developed questionnaire that was personally distributed to employees. In total, 121 Muslim employees who work in various positions in eight Islamic organisations participated as respondents of this study.FindingsThe findings revealed that the selected organisations frequently practise the Islamic approach in all its human resource management (HRM) functions. The results of correlation and regression analysis show that the Islamic approach in HRM was highly and significantly correlated to organisational commitment. About 45 per cent of the organisational commitment variance was explained by the Islamic approach in HRM.Practical implicationsAn introduction to the Islamic approach in HRM practices is an initial attempt to provide managers with an effective way of managing and understanding the people they work with. This knowledge would be useful to even non‐Muslim managers. For Muslim human resource managers, it is essential for them to not only know but also to apply the Islamic approach in managing employees. Non‐Muslim managers will have a better understanding of the expected behaviours of their Muslim employees. Muslim employees regardless for who they work are expected to be honest, trustworthy, and determined to continuously strive for the best.Originality/valueThis study is unique from other previous studies. Instead of discussing Islamic management in general, this study explores in‐depth every function of HRM based on authentic Islamic sources, as well as providing empirical evidence.
B2B e‐hubs and information integration in supply chain operations
Authors: Zhao Xiaofeng , Zhao Hui , Hou Jianrong 
Published: September 2010

PurposeB2B e‐hubs have been studied by IS researchers for close to a decade, and supply chain integration is a critical topic for supply chain management. However, the interface of the two topic areas has not received adequate attention from both researchers and practitioners. This paper aims to examine the impact of B2B e‐hubs on supply chain integration, with particular emphasis on information integration, B2B e‐hub architecture, and enabling technologies.Design/methodology/approachGeneral system theory (GST) provides the theoretical framework. The main approach is theoretical analysis of information integration and development of e‐hub architecture. The paper discusses how information integration can be achieved through B2B e‐hubs and explores extensible markup language e‐hub architecture and technologies.FindingsGST could provide the theoretical framework of integration, whereas information integration is the foundation of broader supply chain integration. E‐hubs open up communication and enlarge networking opportunities and thus tremendously affect information integration. By analyzing B2B e‐hubs, this paper explores the mechanism of information integration and points out managerial and technical limitations. Although there are many challenges, e‐hubs create value by aggregating and matching buyers and sellers, creating marketplace liquidity, and reducing transaction costs. E‐hubs could be a crucial solution to supply chain integration.Originality/valueThe paper uses GST as the theoretical foundation to analyze information integration in supply chain operations. The paper explores how e‐hubs can support supply chain integration, examines the design and development of B2B e‐hub architecture, and compares some enabling technologies. The research provides an understanding of how data interchange solutions can be implemented in supply chain operations.
Impact of RFID technology utilization on operational performance
Authors: Zelbst Pamela J. , Green Kenneth W. , Sower Victor E. 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to focus on the most basic of relationships – the impact of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology utilization on operational performance. An RFID‐performance model is theorized and tested with data collected from a sample of manufacturing organizations using a structural equation methodology. The structural model incorporating RFID technology utilization as antecedent to operational performance is assessed.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data from a sample of 122 manufacturing sector organizations were collected and the model was assessed following a structural equation methodology.FindingsThe measurement scales assess as unidimensional, reliable, and valid. The theorized structural model fits the data relatively well. RFID technology utilization directly and positively impacts operational performance.Research limitations/implicationsInterpretation of the results should be tempered in light of this early stage of adoption of RFID technology in the manufacturing sector. Also, this study is limited only to the operational level benefits of RFID technology utilization. It does not assess the impact of the technology on business and supply chain level performance.Practical implicationsManufacturing managers can expect improved operational performance to result from the implementation of RFID technology. RFID utilization should not be seen by the practitioner simply as a cost of doing business but rather as a way to improve efficiency and effectiveness which ultimately will lead to increased profits.Originality/valueThe study offers empirical support for the adoption of RFID technology for the purpose of improving operational performance within the manufacturing sector.
Top management control and knowledge creation in new product development
Authors: Richtnér Anders , Åhlström Pär 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of top management control in stimulating innovation through their effect on the creation of knowledge in new product development (NPD) projects. Top management has a crucial role in stimulating innovation in companies, in particular as top managers affect knowledge creation through their interaction with project teams before and during an NPD project, which can of course affect innovation.Design/methodology/approachThrough comparative case‐based research in two companies in high‐velocity industries, chosen through theoretical sampling, the authors have studied six NPD projects.FindingsThe control top management exercise over an NPD project influences the creation of knowledge in different ways, both hampering and facilitating knowledge creation. In particular, this control focuses on explicit knowledge, and not tacit knowledge, which may reduce the overall capacity for knowledge creation and ultimately innovation.Research limitations/implicationsThe results are considered to be generalizable within high‐velocity industries. In terms of future research the results should be tested in other industries using either case‐based research or by increasing the sample and doing survey‐type research.Practical implicationsThe advice, or perhaps challenge, for managers is to know when to exercise control, when not to and what type of control to exercise. In particular the paper highlights the importance of managers not solely controlling projects by focusing on explicit knowledge in the project, but also by understanding that tacit knowledge is necessary in order to facilitate knowledge creation and innovation.Originality/valueThe paper helps clarify the relationship between top management control and knowledge creation by specially examining how and why top management control hampers or facilitates knowledge creation.
Implications of outsourcing on operations planning: findings from the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Boulaksil Youssef , Fransoo Jan C. 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the implications of outsourcing at the operational planning level, i.e. how the operational planning function is complicated owing to the strategic outsourcing decisions that have been made in the past.Design/methodology/approachFirst, a literature review on outsourcing is conducted. Second, two case studies at three pharmaceutical companies are conducted to gather insights into the planning of outsourced operations.FindingsThe paper finds that nothing has been documented in the literature on outsourcing at the operational planning level. Moreover, a number of implications of outsourcing at the operational planning level are discussed. One of the main insights is that in an outsourcing relationship, the order process consists of different, hierarchically connected, decisions in time, hence requiring a richer and more developed communication and ordering pattern than is commonly assumed.Research limitations/implicationsThe results seem to be generalizable to the pharmaceutical industry. However, future research should determine whether these results replicate in other industries.Originality/valueThe literature on outsourcing has mainly focused on the strategic outsourcing decision. The paper contributes to a better understanding of the implications of outsourcing at the operational planning function, which has not been studied before.
Leadership practices, competitive priorities, and manufacturing group performance
Authors: Kathuria Ravi , Partovi Fariborz Y. , Greenhaus Jeffrey H. 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of manufacturing leadership in enhancing manufacturing performance for different manufacturing configurations.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data collected from three levels of respondents in excess of 480, from 98 manufacturing units in the USA are used to test the study hypothesis using the cluster analysis and regression models.FindingsEffective leadership is positively associated with overall manufacturing performance beyond the fixed effects of organizational variables, such as competitive orientation and industry membership. The manufacturing leadership, however, does not seem to affect customer satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper illustrates the use of behavioral theory of leadership in the context of managing operations with varying competitive orientations in different industries. Future research should, however, attempt to match different leadership practices/styles to different competitive orientations, and include employee characteristics, such as subordinates' prior experience, training, or skills that may influence the need for demonstrating the leadership practices differently for different competitive orientations.Practical implicationsAs manufacturers pursue a combination of priorities, their manufacturing managers need to use a gamut of effective leadership practices, such as planning, delegating, inspiring, etc. Manufacturers may also note that effective manufacturing leadership enhances performance on a host of measures, such as quality, timeliness, efficiency, etc. which are directly influenced by the manufacturing group. For measures, such as customer satisfaction, manufacturing leadership needs to be augmented by managing customer expectations and by being more flexible in accommodating customers' requirements.Originality/valueThis is the first study to deploy multiple respondents to simultaneously examine the effects of competitive orientation and leadership practices on manufacturing performance.
Consumer confidence, endogenous growth and endogenous cycles
Authors: Gomes Orlando 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop growth models that depart from the conventional framework, in the sense that consumption decisions take into account previous periods' expectations about output fluctuations. Households will raise their propensity to consume in periods of expected expansion and they will lower it in phases of predictable recession. Such a framework allows discussion of how growth trends may be disturbed over time as the result of changes in consumer sentiment.Design/methodology/approachEndogenous growth models are generally designed to address long‐term trends of growth. They explain how the economy converges with or diverges from a balanced growth path and they characterize aggregate behavior, given the optimization problem faced by a representative agent that maximizes consumption utility. In such frameworks, only potential output matters and all decisions, by firms and households, are taken on the assumption that any expectations on the value of the output gap do not interfere with the agents' behavior. Introducing consumer sentiment, a conventional growth model is modified in order to understand how effective output eventually deviates from the balanced growth path.FindingsThe proposed framework allows one to introduce nonlinear dynamics into the model, making it feasible to obtain, for reasonable parameter values, endogenous fluctuations. These are triggered by a Neimark‐Sacker bifurcation.Originality/valueBy introducing consumer confidence or consumer sentiment, it is possible to integrate the evaluation of growth and cycles into a unified framework. It is possible to explain business cycles as the result of the consumers' reaction to the expected performance of the economic system.
A wavelet network model for analysing exchange rate effects on interest rates
Authors: Ozun Alper , Cifter Atilla 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThis research paper aims to discuss the effects of exchange rates on interest rates by using wavelet network methodology, which is a combination of wavelets and neural networks.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs wavelet networks to analyse the relationships between the financial time series. Empirically, the research examines the effects of foreign exchanges on the interest rates in Turkish financial markets by using daily USD/TRY rates and interest rates in Turkish Lira (TRY).FindingsThe results indicate that the wavelet network model is the most successful methodology among the alternatives such as Hodrick‐Prescott filter, feed‐forward neural network, wavelet causality, and wavelet correlation analysis in capturing the non‐linear dynamics between the selected time series.Originality/valueThe research results have both methodological and practical originality. On the theoretical side, the wavelet network is superior in modelling the causal linkages of the financial time series. For practical aims, on the other hand, the results show that the level of the effects of the exchange rates on the interest rates varies on the time‐scale used. Wavelet networks shows that the causality relationship is strong in the short run, while the effect decreases in the mid‐run.
Assessing a feasible degree of product market integration: a pilot analysis
Authors: Gluschenko Konstantin , Karchevskaya Darya 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to make a preliminary estimate of the degree of integration in the US product market (widely acknowledged to be the most integrated among geographically large economies) as an upper bound of spatial integration that is practically achievable in markets covering fairly large territories.Design/methodology/approachThe approach takes the form of an econometric model derived from the fact that local price of a tradable good should not be dependent on local demand under the law of “one price is a tool to measure market integration”. It is applied to data on the cost of a grocery basket and prices for three individual goods in 2000 across 29 US cities.FindingsThe regression results suggest that the US market is not perfectly integrated. Thus, the estimated degree of its integration can be deemed, indeed, as a feasible maximum. Applying this benchmark to the European part of Russia in 2000, its degree of market integration turns out to be comparable – by the order of magnitude – with the feasible one. The roles of a few factors that could potentially cause segmentation of the US market are estimated.Research limitations/implicationsThe estimated degree of US market integration is crude because of the relatively small spatial sample. Further research has to substantially widen the spatial sample and estimate integration of the US market across a number of points in time.Originality/valueThe paper suggests a realistic benchmark standard for judging the extent of market integration in various (geographically large) economies.