Showing papers in "International journal of business in 2018"

Opportunities and Challenges of Implementing Predictive Analytics for Competitive Advantage

Abstract: The past few years have seen an explosion in the business use of analytics. Corporations around the world are using analytical tools to gain a better understanding of their customer's needs and wants. Predictive analytics has become an increasingly hot topic in analytics landscape as more companies realize that predictive analytics enables them to reduce risks, make intelligent decisions, and create differentiated customer experiences. As a result, predictive analytics deployments are gaining momentum. Yet, the adoption rate is slow, and organizations are only beginning to scratch the surface in regards to the potential applications of this technology. Implemented properly, the business benefits can be substantial. However, there are strategic pitfalls to consider. The key objective of this article is to propose a conceptual model for successful implementation of predictive analytics in organizations. This article also explores the changing dimensions of analytics, highlights the importance of predictive analytics, identifies determinants of implementation success, and covers some of the potential benefits of this technology. Furthermore, this study reviews key attributes of a successful predictive analytics platform and illustrates how to overcome some of the strategic pitfalls of incorporating this technology in business. Finally, this study highlights successful implementation of analytics solutions in manufacturing and service industry.

Mapping the Relationship among Strategic HRM, Intent to Quit and Job Satisfaction: A Psychological Perspective Applied to Bangladeshi employees

Abstract: As a unique line of inquiry from earlier studies, this study examines the meditational influence of intent to quit between strategic HRM (SHRM) and job satisfaction. Applying the Psychological Contract Theory, four hypotheses were examined with using data from 200 full-time Bangladeshi employees. This study applied structural equation modelling for data analysis. The results provide evidence that (i) SHRM has direct effects on employees’ intent to quit and job satisfaction; (ii) intent to quit has negative effect on job satisfaction; and (iii) intent to quit has partial meditational effects on the relationship between SHRM and job satisfaction. Implications of the study results can help organizations to recognise the loss from intent to quit for the effective outcomes of SHRM to influence higher job satisfaction among employees.

Influence estimation and opinion-tracking over online social networks

Abstract: This paper presents a restricted maximum likelihood-based algorithm to estimate who influences whose opinions and to what degree when agents share their opinions over large online social networks such as Twitter. The proposed algorithm uses multi-core processing and distributed computing to provide a scalable solution as the optimization problems are large in scale; a network with 10,000 agents and average connectivity of 100 requires estimates of about 1 million parameters. A computational study is then used to show that the estimates are efficient and robust when the full rank conditions for the covariance matrix are met. The results also highlight the importance of the quantity of the information being shared over the social network for the inference of the influence structure.

MaxDiff Choice Probability Estimations on Aggregate and Individual Level

Abstract: This paper considers methods of estimation of choice probability using Maximum Difference (MaxDiff) technique, also known as Best-Worst Scaling (BWS). The paper shows that on the aggregate level the choice probabilities can be obtained using analytical closed-form solution and other approaches such as Thurstone scaling, Bradley-Terry maximum likelihood, and Markov modeling via Chapman-Kolmogorov equations for steady-states probabilities. On the individual level, to account for the exact combinations presented in each task, the Cox hazard model is employed, as well as new approaches of least squares objective for maximum difference, and maximum likelihood in order statistics. The results are useful in the practical MaxDiff applications for items prioritization in marketing research.

Relationship Between Corporate Governance, Management Ownership and Capital Structure: Evidence from Pakistan Stock Exchange

Abstract: This study examines the linkage between corporate governance and company’s capital structure proxy as leverage for 100 non-financial Pakistani companies listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) from 2009 to 2013. The corporate governance’s features used for this research comprised of BS (Board Size), BC (Board Composition), CEO/CHAIR Duality, MSH (Managerial Shareholding) and control variable ROA. For appropriate model selection, apply Chow, Breusch Pagan and Hausman test. The results of these three test suggests that best model for this study is Pooled OSL model. Correlation and regression analysis is used to determine relationship between Corporate Governance to Capital Structure. The empirical results show that 36% change in leverage is explained by independent variables of the study. The empirical results of this study show that BS and ROA is negative statistically significant while BC is positive statistically significant to leverage. Furthermore, the results show that the independent variables CEO Duality and MSH are statistically insignificant to Leverage. The average analysis from 2009 to 2013 indicates that these companies followed lower debt policy with larger board size and ROA and pursued higher debt policy with the higher percentage of non- executive directors on the board.

A Taxonomy of Data Mining Problems

Abstract: Much of the research in data mining and knowledge discovery has focused on the development of efficient data mining algorithms. Researchers and practitioners have developed data mining techniques to solve diverse real-world data mining problems. But there is no single source that identifies which techniques solve what problems and how, the advantages and limitations, and real-life use-cases. Lately, identifying data mining techniques and corresponding problems that they solve has drawn significant attention. In this paper, the author describes the progress made in developing data mining techniques and then classify them in terms of data mining problems taxonomy to help assist practitioners in using appropriate data mining techniques that solve business problems. This will allow researchers to expand the body of knowledge in this discipline. This article proposes a data mining problems taxonomy based on data mining techniques being used. Prominent data mining problems include classification, optimization, prediction, partitioning, relationship, pattern matching, recommendation, ranking, sequential patterns and anomaly detection. The data mining techniques that are used to solve these data mining problems in general fall under top 10 data mining algorithms.

Multi-Objective Programming for Supplier Selection and Order Allocation Under Disruption Risk and Demand, Quality, and Delay Time Uncertainties

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to develop a new stochastic multi objective optimization model to mitigate disruption risks while simultaneously addressing operational risks as well. Indeed, this model considers five objective functions for selecting a set of suppliers considering disruption risk and stochastic demand, quality, and delay time. The authors use two types of risk evaluation models: value-at-risk (VaR) and conditional value-at-risk (CVaR). Two examples are given to illustrate our model and two solution methods are compared and tested.

Investigating the Effect of eWOM in Movie Box Office Success Through an Aspect-Based Approach

Abstract: This study examines the influence of Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) on the box office revenue generation of movies in the U.S domestic market using the technique of Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis (ABSA) and aspect identification. The analysis was conducted on the sentiment score and frequency of five movie aspects from the user reviews collected from high grossing 2014 movies. This study revealed a significant dependence on the aspect-based sentiment frequency of the movie’s Story aspect. Surprisingly, the data also showed a strong dependence of movie success on the negative sentiment frequency on the Casting aspect. The findings of the study suggest that the eWOM present in online movie reviews can be used to predict the performance of a movie at the box office by monitoring the aspect’s frequency of sentiment, which can be referred to as a metric of the online “buzz” of the movie. KEyWORdS Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis, Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM), Movie Reviews, Online Buzz, Regression Analysis, Revenue Prediction, Sentiment Analysis

Multivariate analysis of organisation’s internal environment drivers on employees turnover intention in small and medium scale enterprises in cross river state, nigeria

Abstract: Purpose: The study examined the effect of firm’s internal environment drivers: managerial style; employee motivation; job security; organisational culture; organisational climate; remuneration/ compensation on employees’ turnover intention in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Cross River State, Nigeria. Methodology: The study adopted the cross sectional survey research design, while the two-stage sampling procedure involving simple random and judgmental sampling techniques was used in selecting the element. The Ordinary Least Square regression statistical technique was utilised in the test of research hypotheses. Results: The study established that the firm’s internal environment drivers, all have an inverse significant influence on employee turnover intention in SMEs. Policy Recommendations: The study recommended that managers should espouse managerial styles that promote work freedom, autonomy, delegation and builds group team spirit in order to foster work harmony and employee commitment. Employment hires should be governed by formal contracts mutually agreed upon between the employer and employee. Management should provide incentives and opportunity where highly goal oriented employees could be co-opted as co-owner of the firm over the years and have the privilege/right to the share in the end of year contract bonus or profit, as this would build a strong sense of employee’s commitment and job security.

Assessment of sustainability performances of banks by TOPSIS method and balanced scorecard approach

Abstract: Today, Norton and Kaplan's Balanced Scorecard (BSC) model is used to improve enterprise performance. The BSC establishes performance targets for the future by identifying current situations in the business performance reports. These targets have been both a strategy and a sustainability tool for companies. Therefore it is needed for the measurement of sustainability performance report sustainability performance of companies. This study sustainability performance balanced scorecard was created for banks. In this context, the economic, environmental, social and institutional profile dimensions of the GRI G4 (Global Reporting Initiative) sustainability reports have been determined. Sustainability dimensions were intersected with the dimensions of the BSC (financial, customer, internal processes, and learning - development dimensions). Thus, BSC model for sustainability has been issued for banks. Banks were examined by TOPSIS method and evaluate their performance with the created model.

Analysis of the Business Model of Waste Bank in Indonesia: A Preliminary Study

Abstract: The waste generation growth in Indonesia has reached 64 million tons in 2015 and shown increasing trend overtime. This issue occurs because of the people’s habits in handling waste by disposing it into open sewage or disposal without sorting organic and inorganic waste with no further processing. To overcome this issue, a waste management initiative, namely “Waste Bank”, has been implemented recently in Indonesia. As one of the community-driven initiatives, the waste bank existence can influence patterns of behavior and economy of the society. This study aims to explore the implementation of waste bank in Indonesia. To achieve the objective, the business model of waste banks in Indonesia are analyzed by synthesizing secondary data related to the waste bank's strategy and its impact in Indonesia. Waste banks that exist in Indonesia in terms of business model are classified into four groups: savings, health, community entrepreneurship, and energy. JEL Classifications: K32, L26, L31, I18

Comprehensive Analysis of Mangrove Soil in Eastern Lagoon National Park of Abu Dhabi Emirate

Abstract: This paper presents comprehensive scientific details about mangrove soil in Eastern Lagoon National Park. A total of 36 sites were studied. From each site, two soil samples were collected for detailed characterization. The results indicate that mangrove soil is fine in texture at surface and coarser at subsurface. Soil salinity exceeds seawater salinity. pHs is dominantly in the neutral range. Soil salinity and sodicity are high due to high Na of the seawater. The high CaCO₃ contents in the sediments are due to broken shells. The rich organic matter content is due to fall of mangrove leaves and decomposition. The total Nis high compared to the available P. The high available K can be attributed to organic-rich mud. Furthermore, the hypothesis of similar soil characteristics across the study area is tested. The evaluation confirmed the hypothesis. Thus, a management strategy of mangroves is required for the entire study area.

Effect of service quality and quality of products to customer loyalty with customer satisfaction asintervening variable in PT. nano coating Indonesia

Abstract: Quality of service and product quality is a determinant factor of customer satisfaction because the service and good product quality will create customer satisfaction. Basically, the purpose of a company is to create a satisfied customer. The creation of customer satisfaction can provide several benefits such as the influence between the company and the customer to be harmonious, providing a good foundation for repeat purchase and the creation of customer loyalty, and forming a mouth-to-mouth recommendation that is profitable for the company. This study aims to analyze the effect of service quality and product quality on customer loyalty with customer satisfaction as intervening variable at PT. Nano Coating Indonesia. This research uses saturated sample technique (census) with all 100 respondents (customers) at PT. Nano Coating Indonesia. In solving this research problem, the author uses path analysis as a research design. The results showed that the quality of service directly positive and insignificant effect on customer loyalty PT. Nano Coating Indonesia and product quality have the positive and significant impact on customer loyalty of PT. Nano Coating Indonesia. Quality of service and product quality indirectly have a positive and significant influence on customer loyalty through customer satisfaction PT. Nano Coating Indonesia.

A Virtual Supply Chain System for Improved Information Sharing and Decision Making

Abstract: Integrated supply chain information systems (ISCIS) face various barriers including lack of alignment between IT and business model, security and privacy concerns, behavioral and cultural issues, and heterogeneous software applications. This paper develops an architecture for ISCIS and validate it by interviewing experts. The proposed architecture is an intermediary to integrate in-house information systems as well as cloud-based systems across distributed heterogeneous supply chain networks. The developed ISCIS architecture works in three layers of data, processes, and knowledge and facilitates the alignment of information systems and decision making with business. KeywoRDS Cloud-Based Systems, Heterogeneous Applications, Information Systems Architecture, Integrated Supply Chain Information Systems, Supply Chain Decision Making

Endogenous Specification of FDI and Economic Growth: Cross–Economies Evidence

Abstract: By using panel data from the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) countries from 1980-2011, this article tests simultaneously for the endogenous association between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and economic growth by controlling FDI-growth deriving regressors. To control for the simultaneity bias, TwoStage Least Squares (2SLS) estimators are used to test for our proposed simultaneous equation system. In addition, we verified the robustness of our results by using the Generalized-Method of Moments (GMM) by adding moment conditions under the assumption that the past value of the explanatory variables are uncorrelated with the error term. The results substantiated that FDI positively and significantly boosts growth and the growth rate stimulates positively FDI inwards as well. The results have some policy attributes including promoting the notion that broad based and sustainable economic growth can be achieved by increasing the share of FDI inwards. JEL Classifications: C32, F43, O11, O16

Effect of customer focus strategy on the performance of saccos in kenya

Abstract: Purpose : To examine the effect of customer focus strategy on the Performance of SACCOs in Kenya Methodology : The study was a cross-sectional survey with a descriptive research design. This design is appropriate because it is considered suitable for gathering information and generating appropriate conclusions with respect to the research questions. The target population of this study was the 181 authorized deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya that have been in existence for at least the last 5 years SASRA (2014). The firms which have been there for 5 years are considered to have adequate knowledge and have deposit mobilization strategies in place. The number of respondents was 181 CEOs and Business development managers, who are in charge of strategies. The study used questionnaires as the main data collection instrument that contained both open and closed ended questions. Questionnaires were preferred because they are effective data collection instruments that allow respondents to give much of their opinions pertaining to the research problem. Primary data was collected through administering of questionnaires to Members of the SACCOs, senior staff of the SACCOs and Cooperative Ministry/regulatory officials. The study employed descriptive analysis technique on the collected data. Multiple regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Results were presented using frequency tables and figures. Results: Correlation analysis showed that customer focus strategy and performance of Saccos are positively and significantly associated. Regression analysis indicated that customer focus strategy has a positive and significant effect on performance of Saccos in Kenya. The hypotheses results indicated that there is a significant relationship between customer focus strategy and performance of Saccos in Kenya. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that Saccos should ensure that they provide quality services to customers. This will create customer confidence in the firms’ ability to deliver. Further, it was recommended that the firms should develop a friendly customer-management relationship. In addition, the firms should adjust their pricing to ensure that they charge their customers reasonable charges.

Exploring the Internet Access of Indonesian SME Entrepreneurs

Abstract: The Internet opens up many new business prospects for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). However, there are still many SME entrepreneurs who are reluctant to go online despite this opportunity. The main purpose of this research is to explore facts about the internet access among Indonesian SME entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, there is only a little empirical evidence concerning it. However, through focus group discussions, we were assisted to gain a better outlook on internet access motivation, internet physical access, internet access skills, and internet usage of the SME entrepreneurs in Indonesia. The results revealed that there are still many entrepreneurs who do not use the internet and even do not understand that internet support can improve the performance of their businesses. In other words, the SME entrepreneurs are still in lack of motivation and skills such as internet information skills, internet communication skills, internet content creation skills and internet marketing skills.

Employee Perception of Financial and Non-financial Reward as Elements of Job Performance Evaluation

Abstract: Job evaluation methods are used for creating criteria for increasing employee motivation and raising job performance levels. There are different types of financial and non-financial rewards and benefits. The number of 196 employees in the tertiary sector of the economy were asked to evaluate the importance of job performance measurement. They were asked to evaluate their own experiences of receiving financial and non-financial benefits as well as elements of positive and negative motivation. Employee feedback was collected using a FNFRP Questionnaire which was designed for this research. Results show that employees consider job evaluation as an important part of receiving financial and non-financial benefits. Although employees considered job evaluation as having an important part in increasing job performance, the majority of employees dont have or have very little personal experience in receiving financial or non-financial reward. Employees reported that they faced the following factors for job motivation: independent working, a positive working environment, good technical equipment, opportunities to be creative, participating in decision-making, and receiving praise from their supervisors. These results could be implemented into company strategies for creating rewards and benefits as factors of job motivation.

Product recalls: The effects of industry, recall strategy and hazard, on shareholder wealth

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the effects of product recalls on shareholder wealth of manufacturing firms in different supply chains. Previous research examining this phenomenon is largely uni-sectorial and/or does not consider the interplay of hazard, recall strategy and sector. By utilizing the event study method, this study examines investors’ reactions to key product recall characteristics: industry, recall strategy and hazard level, on a cross-industry sample of 296 product recall announcements. The results show a significant negative reaction of share values to product recalls and significant differences between industry type and hazard levels. More regulated and stringent supply chains, such as the automotive and pharmaceutical, showed statistically significant losses in share price. The results show that industry sector and level of hazard associated with defective products are significant factors impacting the shareholder wealth of manufacturing firms. Contrary to some studies, the impact of recall strategy was not confirmed, although proactive recall strategies led, in some cases, to an increase in share price. Further research would benefit from more detailed investigation of recall strategies on the value of companies in specific sectors, particularly ones which are susceptible to frequent and costly product recalls.

Influencing Factor in E-Wallet Acceptant and Use

Abstract: E-Wallet is an application which facilitates users to make a payment via mobile device instead of cash. The Worlds E-Wallet growth has increased dramatically since 2011. However, Thailands E-Wallet growth is slower less than 0.02% per year. This research aims to find out factors that cause slow E-Wallet growth in Thailand by investigating the factors involved in acceptance and use of E-Wallet technology. The information obtained from this study can assist E-Wallet providers in Thailand better to improve the design and marketing plans that fit the behavioral E-Wallet use of Thai. The model engaged in this study is UTAUT model that focuses on four main factors that has effected on behavioral intention and behavioral use of E-Wallet in Thailand. A performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating condition are majors variables. Data collection has been conducted by surveying 400 people in metropolitan areas. The results show that the behavioral intentions which is the mediator variable of the proposed model is highly affected by performance expectancy and effort expectancy with the regression weights 0.001 and 0.001, respectively. On the other hand, the mediator variable is low affected by social influence and facilitating condition with the regression weights .201 and 0.506. The proposed model yields the regression weight between behavioral use and behavioral intention as 0.001 which means that the behavioral intention as a mediator variable has effect on behavioral use.

Institutional shareholding a moderator to audit committee characteristics and earnings management of listed conglomerate firms in nigeria

Abstract: The relevance of audit committee characteristics in constraining managerial opportunistic tendencies has been explored by various researchers; the confrontational view in terms of the direction of their relationship has paint a vague picture which begs the introduction of other monitoring mechanism that may give a clear cut picture on direction of this relationship. This study uses two-stage least squares model and examines the impact of audit committee characteristics, institutional shareholding on discretionary accruals of listed conglomerate firms in Nigeria. Secondary data were extracted from the annual reports of 6 most active listed firms on the Nigerian Stock Exchange for the period 2006 to 2015. After running the OLS regression, a robustness test was conducted for validity of statistical inferences. A multiple regression was employed using HACC Model. The study documents that audit committee characteristic and institutional shareholding has significant impact on earnings management of the firms, specifically, audit committee size, audit committee financial expertise and institutional shareholding are inversely related with earnings management, while audit committee independence is positively and significantly related with earnings management, but there is no such impact of audit committee meetings. Furthermore, institutional shareholding and audit committee size are inversely related with earnings management; audit committee independence and institutional shareholding are positively, strongly and significantly constraining earnings management, while audit committee financial expertise with committees’ meetings and institutional shareholding reveals no impact on earnings management. In line with the findings, the study recommended that regulatory bodies like CAMA, SEC, and NSE should ensure that listed conglomerate firms in Nigeria strictly adhere with code of best practice so that the interest of various stakeholder’s would be fully protected.

Effectiveness of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Learning Methods. Case Study at Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, Indonesia

Abstract: One of myth about entrepreneurship is that an entrepreneur was born not made. Even that is a myth, but many people still believe the myth is true. However, many research result educations of entrepreneur show that have a significant result to increase motivation, skill and spirit of entrepreneurship with education, and creative learning method, but some result does not have a significant result. This topic still ongoing and interesting to discuss. This research paper wants to show the effectiveness of learning method to teach and to equip the student to be motivated, skill and spirit of entrepreneur from the student point of views in study case from several classes of entrepreneur- ship and innovation subject at Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung Indonesia. The result from 73 students of entrepreneurship and innovation revealed learning method entrepreneurship project and sales session can increase the skill, motivation, and spirit of entrepreneurship, and 64.1% interest be an entrepreneur and 67% want to learn more about entrepreneurship.

Selecting an MRI System: A Multi Criteria Decision Making Model for MRI Technicians

Abstract: This article describes how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems play a crucial role in radiology, specifically in the diagnosis of diseases and management of patient treatment. The objective of this article is to present MRI technicians' perspective on the relative importance of the required factors when selecting and purchasing an MRI system. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology was used to determine the relative priorities for different criteria along with the consistency of responses. A set of criteria for MRI system were identified based on the literature and interviews with experts (i.e., MRI technicians), and organized into a rational hierarchical framework consisting of the five main criteria and nineteen sub-criteria. An online survey including demographic questions was conducted to identify the relative weights of these criteria. Survey responses from 87 technicians indicate that brand is found to be the most important criteria, followed by patient comfort, usability, technical issues, and performance. Among the sub-criteria, the highest weights are assessed for country of origin, user-friendly independent workstation, reputation, software support. The findings demonstrate the factors that can be critical discriminators between different MRI systems.

Maximizing strategic alliances in the multi-sided platform firms

Abstract: The growth of multi-sided platform (MSP) firms, especially those with high Internet utilization such as Uber, Tokopedia, Go-Jek as well as other sharing economy firms, started to catch the attention of strategic management scholars. Since multi-sided platforms have more than one distinct user side with various role in the business ecosystem, the strategic alliances between the MSP and its platform members may play a significant role in increasing the user base as well as the value of the platform itself. However, there are still few researches that discuss the strategic alliances within the MSP. For this reason, this conceptual article aims at mapping the strategic alliances literature relevant to the MSP context through in-depth literature review. Two case analyses from high growth MSP firms in Indonesia are presented to explain this phenomenon. JEL Classifications: O3, Y8

Analyzing Business Intelligence Systems Based on 7s Model of McKinsey

Abstract: Business intelligence system BIS reflect on the foundation of completive advantage approaches, this article enhances previous articles of BIS implementation by analyzing a 7 McKinsey model. Using a Delphi survey method with sixty of managers and experts in the BIS field, the results from twenty pharmaceutical manufacturing industries deploying business intelligence applications are presented. The author surveyed a qualitative methodology to hypothesize a proposed model. The findings demonstrated that 80% of participants believe that both the hard and soft 7 dimensions of a McKinsey model-strategy, style, structure, staff, systems, skills, and shared values-are antecedents for successful BIS implementation. Precisely, shared value dimensions is the highest value affected by BIS implementation and skills dimension is the lowest value.

Application of Fuzzy Technique for Order-Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (FTOPSIS) to Prioritize Water Resource Development Economic Scenarios in Pishin Catchment

Abstract: Water is a basic demand of sustainable development in most regions of the world The non-uniform temporal and spatial distribution of water resources will lead to water shortage in arid and semi-arid areas Pishin catchment is one of the most important catchments in South-East Iran The basin had been faced with consecutive droughts in recent years On the other hand, water resources development projects anticipated and necessary in this catchment Hence, the need for a study to prioritize different scenarios and their effects on the catchment should be considered to overcome these dry periods The main objective of the present study is to predict water development projects in the study area Due to the multiplicity of projects and high cost of them, the concurrent execution priority implementation of these projects is considered as an important factor Fuzzy multiple attribute decision making is a suitable method for comparison, selection and prioritization of the different options taking into account different criteria Hence, in this study, the effects of the water development projects are predicted using Water Evaluation and Planning System (WEAP) model The projects according to the economic criteria are evaluated and prioritized with Fuzzy TOPSIS Six water development projects and criteria including five economic indexes are considered Based on the results, according to the investigated indicators, increasing irrigation efficiency in agricultural sector and reducing evaporation from the reservoir scenarios have top priority