This research investigates the influence of online reviews on consumer behavior in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using a mixed-methods approach to fill a notable gap in the literature concerning e-WOM (electronic word-of-mouth) in this region. The study is motivated by the need to understand how online reviews, a critical aspect of digital consumer engagement, impact purchasing decisions within a culturally specific context. Through a structured survey of 199 consumers and six indepth interviews, the research explores the role of trust, credibility, and product-specific factors in shaping consumer behavior. Quantitative data analysis using correlation and regression techniques, reveals that online reviews significantly influence product perception and buying decisions, highlighting the importance of reviewing authenticity and the characteristics of reviewers. The Qualitative insights derived from thematic analysis further elaborate on consumer trust dynamics, emphasizing factors such as review recency, the reputation of the reviewer, and cultural nuances in interpreting reviews. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering detailed insights into consumer behavior in Jeddah, aligning with broader theoretical models on trust and social proof. The findings provide practical recommendations for enhancing online review systems to improve consumer confidence and decision-making in the Saudi Arabian market.
Innovation is defined as an idea, practice, or object perceived as new by individuals or units that adopt it. Innovation can be seen as “something that is new or improved and that which creates value”. For an innovative and entrepreneurial firm, it is defined as one that engages in product and market innovation, undertakes risky ventures, and is the first to come up with proactive innovations, beating competitors to the punch. Innovation is considered integral for its existence. These incumbent firms can be small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also termed as small businesses. This study attempts to explore the characteristics and innovative practices of entrepreneurial and innovative firms in India and South Africa. A qualitative research approach was adopted with a descriptive and exploratory case study method. The study utilized consultative interviews and internet-based searches to collect data from fourteen selected firms, seven from India and seven from South Africa. Findings confirmed that the firms selected from the two continents are also innovative and entrepreneurial which confirms the Ab initio proposition: To survive in today's globally competitive environment, firms must innovate, leading to improved operational performance and achievement of organizational goals.
The paper aims to explore the impact of state audits of grants in the public sector on reducing non-compliance with legal regulations. The research was conducted over a ten-year period among federal and cantonal ministries in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) responsible for planning and distributing grant funds as part of their regular duties. The research results show that the total number of recommendations given during the observed 10-year period was 1,666, including: 245 recommendations related to grant planning, 684 recommendations related to the distribution of grant funds, 554 recommendations concerning the oversight of the designated expenditure of allocated funds, 74 recommendations concerning grant implementation reporting, and 109 recommendations regarding the accuracy of accounting records. During the observed ten-year period, the number of recommendations decreased by 75%. The research results also indicate that the adoption of stricter guidelines for grant management has a strong impact on reducing the number of identified irregularities. The paper also presents an analysis of the most common causes of irregularities. The results of the conducted research will contribute to filling the literature gap on the importance of grant audits, the most common causes of identified irregularities, and the significance of stricter legal regulations and clearer rules related to grant management.
The current study investigates the impact of HR analytics on human resource management (HRM) practices. Based on a review of HRM literature, it is clear that HR analytics is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool that influences HRM practices, particularly in supporting strategic decision-making. The primary motivation for this study stems from a noticeable gap in research regarding the impact and adoption of HR analytics within organizations, especially in South Africa. A comprehensive analysis of academic journal articles from reputable databases revealed that HR analytics positively influences human resource management practices and enhances HRM efficiency by integrating various functions and enabling managers to make informed decisions. It is recommended that organizations consider key factors that contribute to the effective implementation of HR analytics to maximize its advantages and achieve a competitive edge. This study underscores the importance of utilizing HR analytics for South African organizations aiming to harness data-driven insights to improve HR processes, increase employee satisfaction, and boost overall business performance. Consequently, both employees and the organization stand to benefit significantly from this strategic approach.
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has generated a notable increase in the demand for online shopping, driving the global adoption of an omni-channel (OC) strategy by retailers. While it is well established that supply chain mitigation capabilities and recovery strategies can minimize the impact of supply chain disruptions (SCDs), it has not been explored in the increasingly relevant OC context. The purpose of this study was to explore the SCD mitigation capabilities and recovery strategies present in the South African OC fashion retail industry. The study was conducted among senior supply chain managers employed by OC retailers in South Africa. A generic qualitative design was employed to collect data through semi-structured interviews with fifteen participants. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data. This study identified the types and causes of OC-related SCDs that produce the negative effects associated with an OC retailing strategy. The findings showed that South African OC fashion retailers do not engage in the most effective SCD mitigation and learning practices evident in the literature. Furthermore, the findings also revealed that OC retailers’ multiple touchpoints can aid SCD recovery efforts by transferring order fulfilment between its online and offline channels. This study provides managers with an understanding of the nature of OC-related SCDs that can be used to reduce their negative effects or prevent their occurrence altogether. Managers should revisit their SCD mitigation capabilities and learning techniques to improve supply chain resiliency.
The United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals have highlighted the importance of gender equality in sustainable economic development, providing an avenue to research that aims to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable economic growth. This study delves into the issue in the context of Malaysian renewable energy sector, particularly the engineering field. Is there any gender inequality in this male-dominated industry? Specifically, the study aims to investigate issues and barriers for females entering the renewable energy sector in Malaysia, by analyzing the case of Chow Pui Hee (Chow), founder of Samaiden Group Berhad. As an engineer turned entrepreneur, Chow is also one of the Malaysian pioneering female leaders in the energy sector. While she was lucky to start her business with great support from her family, there have been instances of indirect gender discrimination, based on her observations on employees. Chow has also called upon the Malaysian government to reconsider the policy of 98-day parental leave, aimed at addressing gender disparities in workplace, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on gender equality in the Malaysian workforce. This study sheds light on potential systemic issues that may hamper gender inequality and female participation in Malaysian renewable energy industry, and the potential solution to the issue, contributing to the U.N.’s achievement of SDG 5 – Gender Equality.
This paper investigates the impact of different accounting bases and financial reporting frameworks on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) in the public sector. Specifically, it examines how various accounting approaches (cash, modified cash, accrual, and modified accrual) and reporting frameworks (national accounting standards, International Public Sector Accounting Standards-IPSAS with or without modifications, and other frameworks) influence the perception of corruption in public institutions. The study uses a sample of 147 countries, with the CPI as the dependent variable and accounting basis and financial reporting framework as independent variables. The results of the ANOVA analysis reveal a statistically significant difference in corruption perception indices among countries employing different accounting bases. The results of this study indicate that countries applying simpler accounting frameworks, such as national standards and IPSAS modified for the local context, show a lower perception of corruption, as evidenced by a higher CPI value. In contrast, more complex frameworks, including IPSAS or national standards referencing IPSAS, combined with cash and partial accrual bases, do not significantly reduce corruption perception. Additionally, countries using national standards based on IFRS exhibit the lowest levels of perceived corruption in the public sector.
This paper aims to generalize linear models for the multiproduct break-even point. Taking into consideration identified research gaps, the paper focuses on deriving formulas for determining the multiproduct break-even point through determination models. Different assumptions regarding the constancy of individual product contribution structures to total physical production volume, total revenue, total variable costs, and total contribution margin are taken into account. Additionally, connections between the obtained solutions from different models and different assumptions regarding the constancy of individual product contributions are established. The verification of the optimality of solutions obtained through different determination models is conducted by comparing them with solutions derived from linear programming as a benchmark. The developed models are tested using a case study of a multiproduct company in the metal processing industry. Through comparative analysis, the hypotheses concerning obtaining an optimal solution and the identical nature of solutions derived from the determination model and linear programming are examined. This paper contributes to the understanding of the multiproduct break-even point, providing a theoretical and practical framework for evaluation and enabling the application of various determination models in the context of a multiproduct situation.
Multinational corporations (MNCs) continue to experience lack of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) at the Board level, due to misconceptions about multiculturalism and how it interacts with organizational culture to influence Board members’ business strategy decisions. Our motivation is the urgent need for critical research on how multiculturalism influences business strategy, with the aim to provide a novel holistic framework linking multiculturalism with resource-based and market-based views of strategy. We adopt a qualitative methodology comprising of 18 semistructured interviews and four case studies of UK-based MNCs. Thematic content analysis of the interview data reveals four findings: a/EDI are attributes of multiculturalism; b/lack of consensus on how multiculturalism strategically benefits organizations; c/effective alignment between EDI and business strategies is a source of sustainable competitive advantage, d/the paradox of saladbowl and melting pot perspectives should be managed through parallel processing. We contribute to knowledge by specifying the multiculturalism role of Board members in terms of aligning demographics with sources of MNC’s competitive advantage. Because the generalizability of the findings is limited due to our small sample-size, future research would determine the causal relationship between multiculturalism and business strategy in a representative sample of MNCs.
This study aims to address the funding disparities faced by regional startups in Japan by conducting a multifaceted analysis of business angel investment behavior. The focus is on examining how growth strategies and social capital influence BA investment decisions, while highlighting the differences in the fundraising environment between Tokyo and regional areas. Initially, a topic model analysis was conducted on company data collected from press releases and startup databases, revealing distinct investment themes by region. In Tokyo, investments are predominantly directed towards AI and platform-based ventures, whereas regional areas demonstrate a strong focus on sectors like agriculture and healthcare. Furthermore, a sequential pattern analysis was employed to examine the impact of different investor combinations on fundraising outcomes, uncovering unique investment patterns in regional areas that support local growth. This research offers new insights into how region-specific investment behaviors and networks can contribute to bridging the equity gap. The findings provide practical implications for fostering regional economic revitalization by leveraging localized investment strategies and social capital.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia play a pivotal role in fostering economic growth, particularly aligned with the Saudi government's Vision 2030 initiative. SMEs contribute significantly to national production, job creation, and income growth. This research examines the impact of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) on Saudi SMEs' Organizational Performance (OP), with EO defined as a strategic decision-making framework encompassing various activities. The study explores how EO dimensions influence and predict higher OP, involving a sample of 100 Saudi SMEs from Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam who participated via an online survey. Statistical analyses included factor analysis to scrutinize EO dimensions and logistic regression to predict high and low-performance outcomes. Findings revealed a relationship between EO dimensions and OP, with logistic regression results indicating that the Autonomy dimension of EO positively impacts higher performance levels. Consequently, it is recommended that Saudi entrepreneurs emphasize the Autonomous dimension by incorporating methodologies that recognize employees' autonomy in strategic decision-making. This study contributes to academic discourse and practical applications by being among the first to investigate EO's impact on OP within Saudi SMEs. Future research should address limitations by expanding the sample size and incorporating advanced qualitative methods for a more comprehensive insight.
This paper explores the critical role of the oil industry in shaping British imperial ambitions in the Middle East during the 20th century, focusing on Iran and the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC). Following the Great War, oil became essential to the global economy, and Britain, with limited domestic reserves, sought control over foreign oil sources, particularly in the Middle East. The 1901 D'Arcy concession granted Britain significant control over Iran’s oil, which became central to its geopolitical strategy. By 1951, Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh's nationalization of AIOC marked a pivotal moment, as it asserted Iran’s sovereignty and sought to reduce foreign exploitation. However, this moves directly challenged British economic interests, sparking the Iranian oil nationalization crisis. Britain responded with diplomatic and economic measures, culminating in the 1953 CIA and MI6-backed coup that overthrew Mossadegh and reinstated the Shah, maintaining Western access to Iranian oil. The paper examines how Britain’s control over Iranian oil, backed by the AIOC, became a tool for exerting influence in the region, particularly during World War II and the Cold War. The nationalization of AIOC and the subsequent coup illustrate the tension between national sovereignty and foreign corporate interests. The study highlights the long-term consequences of this intervention, which undermined Iran’s democratic movements and reinforced autocratic rule under the Shah. The 1953 coup is a key example of how economic and strategic imperatives can drive foreign intervention, leading to enduring instability and shaping the trajectory of Iran’s political and economic development in the years that followed.
This paper explores growth opportunities for an Alpine ski resort in Norway, examining potential investments in infrastructure, market expansion, and diversification of services. The financial implications of capital expenditure (CapEx) and operational expenditure (OpEx) are considered with digitalization alongside their projected impact on the resort's profitability. An analysis of the Norwegian ski industry and trends in global tourism is presented to provide a comprehensive understanding of growth potential. The findings of this study will provide guidance to resort stakeholders seeking to capitalize on emerging market opportunities and improve financial performance.
This study explores the intricate relationship between politics, economy, and social communication within the oil sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with a specific focus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It scrutinizes how the Anglo Iranian Oil Company (AIOC) handled the complexities of staff-related disclosures in their operations. Through the lens of political economy theory, the investigation unpacks the strategies AIOC employed to sustain societal approval and present their operations in a positive manner. Furthermore, the study probes into political-influenced narrative disclosures from AIOC's chairman and various political diplomats. It analyzes the potential usage of these disclosures as a strategic tool to safeguard and augment AIOC's political and economic dominance, particularly in relation to their competitive standing in Iran. Utilizing a theoretical framework rooted in political economy theory, it highlights disclosure patterns aligning with AIOC's policy and strategy to sustain shareholder trust. The research aims to cast light on employee-related press disclosures and the AIOC chairman’s statement. It seeks to discern whether these disclosures provide fact-based data that align with the critical realism viewpoint, or if they are components of a strategic "game" designed to preserve shareholder confidence.
Nowadays, knowledge is one of the most important and valuable resources of an organization and therefore is considered part of its intellectual capital. Knowledge Management (KM) focuses on capturing, organizing and sharing available knowledge, wherever and whenever it is needed. KM can have a significant impact on the way people are performing the different processes and as consequence it will impact the overall organization performance. The present study attempts to analyze the impact of Knowledge Management (KM) on organizational productivity and performance in the Saudi Electricity Company. A descriptive research design was adopted wherein the research attempts to identify the impact of KM dimensions such as Knowledge Acquisition, Knowledge Dissemination and Responsiveness to Knowledge on organizational productivity and efficiency. An overall analysis of the results revealed that there is a positive and vital influence of KM methods on increasing effectiveness and efficiency of Saudi Electricity Company by improving the ways of managing and disseminating knowledge.
Despite strong projections of imminent rising temperatures in the 21st century, a small fraction of banking assets flows towards green financing. The study aims to establish the feasibility of greening bank statements using the securitization technique. A document analysis was carried out on banks' statements of financial position. A purposive sampling of the top 40 banks by assets is employed. Commitments by the 40 largest banks by assets were obtained from their annual reports. The European securitization forum website provides the securitization issuance data. A green coverage model was formulated to determine the amount of climate-linked assets covered by the green commitments. A gap in coverage with a maximum of 40% was established. Regression analysis of the relationship between asset sizes and green financing commitments displayed a weak, nonetheless positive link between the variables. The null hypothesis stipulating no relationship between the variables was tested and rejected. The data supported the hypothesis that the value of securitization issuances is inadequate to green the financial statements. However, the feasibility of banks achieving green financing targets by increasing green finance coverage or current commitments with a disproportionate increase in brown-backed securitized assets was evident.
In the face of changing conditions and consumer needs around the world, businesses need to be able to adapt to these conditions and respond to the needs of the consumer in order to survive. For this reason, companies have to analyze the ethnocentric tendencies of the consumers, as well as the country of origin perceptions and their effects on the purchase intention. The aim of this study is to reveal the mediating role of consumer ethnocentrism between country of origin and purchase intention. For the purpose of the research, consumer ethnocentrism, country of origin effect and purchase intentions for local cheeses of North Cyprus, were examined. Quantitative research method was used in the research. The model design of this study was conducted in accordance with the causality research purpose. The sample of the research is composed of consumers in Northern Cyprus. Study participants were identified using convenience sampling method. 421 consumers participated in the research. The results show that there is a positive relationship between consumer ethnocentrism, country of origin and purchase intention. According to the results, it was determined that the consumer ethnocentrism tendencies partially mediated the relationship between the country of origin scale and the consumer purchase intention.
This paper analyzes the impact of non-compliance on distribution of government support to SMMEs in the King Cetshwayo district in South Africa during the Covid 19 lockdown. We use qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and thematic content analysis to analyze the experiences and perceptions of government employees and political representatives who were involved in distributing the goods or services. Our findings show that compliance and negative attitudes towards compliance requirements were a hindrance to government interventions to ameliorate the Covid 19 pandemic induced recession. The top-down structure of the compliance system also contributed to challenges as local, national, and regional regulators were not coordinated with each other. We therefore recommend alignment of compliance requirements across the distinct levels of government (regulators), and improvement in efficiency of the regulatory system. A complete online system can be used and made accessible to local regulators to improve service delivery. In addition, compliance requirements can be relaxed during times of crises to enable access to government support by SMMEs.
The COVID-19 global health pandemic significantly affected the global economy and the automotive industry when lockdown measures were implemented. This study seeks to investigate the influence of inventory forecasting and control decisions on effective inventory management in the South African automotive component manufacturing (SAACM) industry. Using a positivistic paradigm with a quantitative research approach, data was sourced from 162 Automotive Component Manufacturers (ACMs) to establish whether their inventory forecasting and control decisions changed from prior COVID-19 to the lockdown period during the COVID-19 pandemic. The multiple regression analysis found statistically significant relationships between inventory forecasting decisions and effective inventory management prior to COVID-19, inventory control decisions and effective inventory management prior to COVID-19 and inventory forecasting decisions and effective inventory management during the lockdown period. Thus, regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic, inventory managers in ACMs in South Africa (SA) should use inventory forecasting methods such as demand forecasting, economic order quantity and materials requirement planning. They should further consider using an inventory information sharing system and inventory replenishment procedure to manage inventory more effectively.
This study devotes to investigate the reciprocal relationship between service quality, reputation, satisfaction, and loyalty in the banking sector. Data served the research objectives are collected by a comprehensive survey on 400 customers of the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam, Binh Thuan province, Vietnam. The data are then analyzed using the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) approach to examine the above-mentioned complex relationship. The findings confirmed an indirect relationship between service quality and customer loyalty. Particularly, satisfaction, and bank reputation are mediating factors in the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty. Components of service quality include the responsiveness; the tangibles; the assurance; the reliability, and the empathy. The study contributes to enriching the theoretical framework of customer relationship management in the banking sector by its empirical insights. Further studies can invest in other cases of commercial banks in Vietnam, especially in investigating more factors that also play important roles in customer loyalty.
