Showing papers in "Journal of Management and Research in 2019"

Work Ethics and Social Responsibility: Actual and Aspiration

Abstract: This study aims at investigating the reality of social responsibility, and its ethical dimensions in educational business organizations in addition to knowing the prevailing advantages and disadvantages. The sample of the study consisted of northern Jordanian universities were 210 male and female as respondents to a questionnaire. 200 questionnaires were valid for statistical analysis in order to achieve the purposes of this study; the researcher adopted a descriptive approach. This study utilized a tool to measure the social responsibility, and its ethical dimensions in private northern Jordanian universities. The study concluded that the correlation between social responsibility and ethical dimensions were statistically significant. In light of the aforementioned findings, the study recommended the raising employees’ morals and motivating them in ethical ways, in addition to developing a clear plan applied by educational organizations to apply and practice social responsibility.

Adoption and Implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): An Empirical Study

Abstract: The study is an attempt to unearth the current state of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) adoption and implementation in both manufacturing and service firms. Drawing on the conceptualization of multiple theories based in technology acceptance and innovation diffusion model, this study examines the above objectives with a particular reference to the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Following the deductive reasoning approach, we applied a self-administered questionnaire survey and used 235 replies from 255 collected responses, leaving the data affected with missing and un-matched responses. The result is applied using the structural equation modeling via SmartPLS 2, a second generation regression model, for testing hypothesized relationships. Findings reveal that all the hypothesized influences are found significantly linked through the explanatory variables with the endogenous variables at different levels of significance, except the impact of effort efficiency and resistance to change. Policy implications are also proposed for the full adoption and utilization of ERP to achieve sustainable development goals. Furthermore, we recommend future researchers to focus on action research or experimental data for preventing the generalizability of the observed results.

Organizational Resilience: A Dynamic Capability of Complex Systems

Abstract: In recent years, the concept of organizational resilience has largely attracted the interest of academicians and practitioners alike. A fair number of researches have been conducted on developing the concept of organizational resilience. However, there seems to be a lack of consensus over its conceptualization mainly because the concept itself is prodigious and is used in a variety of disciplines. Furthermore, research within the domain of organizational resilience has been outcome oriented; however, questions addressing the drivers of resilience are yet to be answered. On the other hand, research within the domain of dynamic capabilities view have long been criticized as tautological, resistant to operationalization, and lacking the unification of thought. However, there exists a sufficient degree of conceptual similitude between the two concepts, mainly due to their epistemological similarities grounded within the theoretical assumptions of chaotic systems, environmental dynamism, and systems thinking. Incorporating both perspectives in parallel for understanding the theoretical connections can lead to clarifications at an ontological level. Therefore, this paper attempts to propose a holistic model of organizational resilience by incorporating a lens metaphor of dynamic capabilities view. This paper is divided into four sections. The first section of this paper lays down the multidisciplinary discourses within the realm of organizational resilience. The second section highlights the management discourse about the conceptualization of organizational resilience. The third section of this paper uses a lens metaphor of dynamic capabilities view in an attempt to add depth to the concept of organizational resilience. The fourth and the final section attempts to propose the drivers of organizational resilience from a strategic viewpoint.

Patient’s Intention to Use Mobile Health App

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that influence the intention of patients to adopt mobile health apps. The factors selected to conduct this study are perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and subjective norm. The proposed research model was reviewed and validated using the PLS-SEM with a sample of 300 respondents. The results of this study showed that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and subjective norm could positively affect the patient's intention to use the mobile health app. The results of this study have made it possible to fill the research gap and provide adequate statistical support to the future expansion of research in the field of mobile health app. For practical reasons, these results have also provided researchers, app developers and healthcare providers with valuable information on how to evaluate and develop effective mobile health apps from the users’ perspective.

Open Innovation Challenges: Empirical Evidence from Malaysian Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME's)

Abstract: At present, open innovation (OI) practices have gained traction in all industries, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, only a few Malaysian SMEs practice OI and there is limited literature available on OI practices in Malaysian SMEs. To address this issue, the main objective of the current study is to reveal the challenges of OI and the role of financial constraints in Malaysian SMEs. To achieve this objective, this study implemented the quantitative approach and adopted the cross-sectional research design. Questionnaires were used to collect data from three hundred (300) data managerial staff of Malaysian SMEs. Cluster sampling was used to collect the data. It was found that Malaysian SMEs faced various challenges during the implementation of the OI system. These challenges included motivating spillovers, maximizing internal innovation, and incorporation of external knowledge and intellectual property (IP) management. Moreover, it was found that sufficient finance is needed to resolve these challenges. Hence, this study contributes in the body of knowledge by developing a framework for SMEs to facilitate OI and by identifying the constraints in this framework. Therefore, the current study can be used for Malaysian SMEs to improve their OI system.

Women's Work-Life Balance: Compensation is the Key

Abstract: The increase in the level of literacy, standard of living, changing societal attitudes, and a quest for economic independence are considered to increase female employment. However, elements, including responsibilities towards family, job demands, reduced autonomy in jobs, and increased work hours, are expected to reduce female employment. The education sector is the largest employer of women in India and is undergoing rapid changes because of multiple demands from stakeholders. This study investigates the status of work–life balance (WLB) among female non instructional staff at private universities. Moreover, motivations to work, challenges, work pressure, and their mental and physical health-related outcomes have been studied.

Determinants of M-Commerce Adoption in India Using Technology Acceptance Model Infused with Innovation Diffusion Theory

Abstract: Advancements in wireless communication technology have increased the number of people using mobile devices, accelerating the chance of using mobile devices for commercial purposes. With India growing in all facets of technological advancements, the usage of mobile devices is in the upswing. Business organizations are interested in understanding the determining factors that can enable them to provide personalized services to customers through mobile devices barring geographical locations. The major objective of this study is to understand the factors influencing mobile commerce (m-commerce) adoption in India. The study uses a revised technology acceptance model infused with innovation diffusion theory, which includes variables like perceived risk, cost involved, compatibility of using m-commerce, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, behavioral intention to use, and the actual usage. Data was collected from 832 respondents. The findings indicated that all variables except cost have a positive influence on behavioral intention to use. The results are interesting to understand from the view of a fast developing country like India.

Investigating the Impact of Workplace Diversity on Organizational Citizenship Behavior: The Mediating Role of Inclusion

Abstract: This research is aimed to investigate the effects of workplace diversity on organizational citizenship behavior with the mediating role of inclusion. Today the problems faced by the organization’s executives are to develop a culture that gives value to differences and enhances the efficiency of the entire workforce. Employees of the IT sector of Lahore are selected as respondents and the data is collected through an adapted questionnaire. The sample size is 368 and convenience sampling is used. Regression analysis is applied to evaluate the data through SPSS software. Findings show that workforce diversity decreases organizational citizenship behavior but this relationship can be modified by applying the mediating role of inclusion. Results will help out the decision-making authorities to understand how effective workplace diversity management influences the employee’s citizenship behaviors.

Recruitment metrics and accomplishments: A study with reference to information technology sector

Abstract: In this research article, a case study with information technology sector we report the results of the application of recruitment metrics for fulling the hiring accomplishments. The recruitment metrics – source mix including Recruiter, referrals, campus hire, linkedIN, twitter, Facebook (social networking sitews), WhatsApp to instantaneously share the job description, digital brochures for sharing relevant information over mobile to understand the basic elements of job details like job tile, location, salary, level of experience, company website, skills required, and quality of hire, ageing analysis were applied for the recruitment process. The quality of hire was measured based on the results of the performance appraisal system of employee having evaluated the same at regular intervals during employees’ tenure. To measure the quality of hire the six independent variables of i) Knowledge in Job, ii) level of skill, iii) Job execution, iv) Initiative of an employee, v) Client orientation, vi) Team work, under Performance score were measured. The authors also presented the hiring accomplishment analysis of Tier I, Institutes and observed significant differences in hiring accomplishments. The data was collected using convenience sampling or availability sampling a non-probability sampling from several IT organizations (n=34) with sample size of (n=1027). The authors presented an analysis of candidates’ survey score using a five-point Likert type scale and similar scale was used for measuring quality of hire using performance appraisal system. The Cronbach alpha value for both scales 0.76 and 0.82 respectively indicating a high reliability and validity of the instrument. Keywords: Recruitment metrics, Hiring accomplishment, Source mix, Measuring quality of hire.

Impact of Performance Appraisal Politics on Work Outcome: Multidimensional Role of Intrinsic Motivation and Job Satisfaction

Abstract: The current study focus on performance politics regarding appraisal in order to analyze the performance of employees, to interpret job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and employee’s turnover in the banking sector of Pakistan. At the same time, employees’ intrinsic motivation and satisfaction will were investigated as possible mediators. For this purpose, data was collected from the selected sample of various bank employees across different districts in KPK and Islamabad. Data was analyzed through exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling using SPSS & AMOS software. Results indicate that the relationship between performance appraisal politics (PALP) and employee’s commitment level is negative and significant, while performance appraisal politics is positively and significantly associated with turnover intentions. Interestingly, the relationship between job performance politics and job satisfaction was insignificant. In order to validate the meditational affect (Baron & Kenny, 1986) meditational technique was applied. Since the relationship between PAPL (Performance Appraisal Politics) and job satisfaction is found to be insignificant; hence, it is concluded that job satisfaction could not mediate the relationship between PAPL and turnover intention. In the proceeding step, the relationship between PAPL and turnover intention was checked with intrinsic motivation as a mediator. It was concluded that intrinsic motivation strongly mediated the relationship between PAPL and TRI. Based on the findings of the current study, future direction, managerial implication and limitations are also provided in the last section.

Transformational Leadership and Pro-Environmental Behavior of Employees: Mediating Role of Intrinsic Motivation

Abstract: Current research study attempts to investigate the impact of transformational leadership on pro-environmental behaviors along with the mediation of intrinsic motivation. This model is tested on 150 professionals that include lecturers from four different universities of Pakistan. We find that transformational leader enhances the intrinsic motivation, which consecutively related to pro-environmental behaviors positively. Further, there is also a direct positive relationship of transformational leadership with pro-environmental behaviors. Precisely, our findings advocate that transformational leadership and intrinsic motivation is important in prompting pro-environmental behaviors of employees.

Building World-Class University in Pakistan: Opportunities and Constraints

Abstract: The article explores the issues of academic excellence in higher education to pursue a position in world-class universities. Two universities in Pakistan have been chosen for the site of this qualitative study, one which has achieved the status, and the other still aspiring. The triangulation has been reached by a document analysis of the quality reports submitted by the two universities, semi-structured interviews with the senior and middle management of the universities, deans, and director for Quality Enhancement Cells, and head of the departments of the selected universities. The primary data obtained have been compared and contrasted with the quality characteristics marked by standards for academic excellence. Research findings inform us that unawareness of the international quality standards, and its potential benefits, the disinterest of university leadership are the main problems, due to which Pakistani universities are lagging behind. The study proposes if proper understanding and meaningfulness is created through quality professionalism, it would become much easier to pursue quality assurance process to meet international standards. The findings of the study will be a unique contribution to the body of literature creating a point of interest to policymakers and quality assurance practitioners of the developing countries who are concerned about the academic excellence of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to accentuate in the significant areas which make any university, a world-class university.

An Empirical Analysis of the Relationship between Human Capital and Organizational Performance in Hospitality Sector in Pakistan

Abstract: Human capital is professed as a critical factor and a special resource that can elevate the firm’s performance, generally, in most of the organizations, and specifically, in labor-intensive organizations. It is considered a special resource in the hotel industry where employees have direct interaction with customers. Although a lot of research has been done, however, the question of how much and what type of human capital is required by the organization to fight in the recent rivalry is still unanswered. This study is an effort to answer the aforesaid question about human capital in the hospitality sector in Pakistan (involving five stars, four-star, and three-star hotels separately). A theoretical framework and a research conceptual model is developed on the bases of in-depth literature. A cross-sectional field survey was conducted through an adopted and valid research instrument. Questionnaires were administered to 300 respondents selected by stratified random sampling, 275 were received and 250 were perfect for further use in SPSS version 22. Statistical analysis shows the results which clearly identify the strong and significant relationship between human capital and organizational performance. Moreover, microanalysis of components of human capital depicts that innovation and creation have the most significant impact among all of the three components, on organizational performance in all types of hotels in Pakistan. Theoretically, the current study added knowledge to the literature about the constructs of human capital, organizational performance, and organization success. Practically, in the hotel industry, it contributes to strategic decision making such as employees’ training, human capital investment, regulatory decisions, developing mechanisms in order to develop human capital as a unique and valuable resource that leads to the competitive advantage of the organizations. The current study is limited to five stars, four-star and three-star hotels in Lahore, Pakistan. It an important and initial step towards establishing a measurable and empirical value of human capital for organizations in the hospitality sector. However, It opens new vistas for researchers to further investigate the phenomenon.

The Impact of Company Size, Asset Structure and Profitability on Capital Structure of the Automotive Sector Companies Listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange

Abstract: This research’s purpose is to analyze the influence of firm size, asset structure and the profitability toward capital structure in automotive sector companies listed on the Indonesia stock exchange (BEI). The sample of this research used purposive sampling technique in line with criteria of automotive sector manufacturing company listed on BEI and publish the result of financial report and present the data completely including data from the variables in the research period (June 2012- July 2017), so it has 7 companies as the sample. To analyze the data, the researcher used multiple linear regression. The result of this research showed that there was no significant influence of firm size to capital structure. There was significant influence of asset structure to capital structure. There was no significant influence of profitability to capital structure. There was significant influence of firm size, asset structure and profitability toward capital structure.

Emotional Intelligence, Well-Being, and Employee Behavior: A Proposed Model

Abstract: The present study aims to review the existing literature relating to emotional intelligence and determine its relationships with some of its key correlates. The paper is divided into three sections. Section I presents an insight into three key dimensions of well-being (job satisfaction, affective organizational commitment, and emotional exhaustion) and their relationship with emotional intelligence. Section II provides a brief understanding of various types of employee behavior (job performance, turnover intentions, organizational citizenship behavior, and counterproductive work behavior) and their relationships with the various dimensions of well-being considered in the present study. The last section presents a proposed theoretical model of emotional intelligence and its correlates. Implications, limitations, and directions for future research are also discussed.

Study on Industrial Problems using Garrett Ranking Technique

Abstract: The growth of any nation is positively correlated with the growth of industrial sectors. The management of any industry is indeed a complicated mission as it is bounded by several restraints, which take the form of industrial problems and later as industrial crisis, if uninhibited. To have a hold over these issues, formulation of deterrent measures by the managerial people is highly indispensable. Prioritization of the problems is essential for the decision makers in identifying the significant problems to make the discharge of the measures pertinent. To assist the executive members of the industrial sectors in planning the preventive policies, the technique of Garrett Ranking is used in ordering of the industrial problems. This paper aims in systematic analyzing and grading of the problems of Indian industries and the use of mathematical approach in arriving at the optimal results is the inventive effort of this article. The method of probability sampling is used and the questionnaire method is used for data collection. This research work has several social impacts as it will duly help the decision makers to concentrate on the prime problems of administering the industries, which will in turn benefit the society. This work is different from other works of the researchers in the field of industrial problems as it applies the mathematical model for drawing conclusion. The earlier works were only theoretical but this work has a scientific approach.

The Drivers and Outcomes of Customer Engagement in Brand Communities: Review and Future Research

Abstract: Regardless of the extensive use of the term ‘engagement’ in the milieu of offline and online brand communities, the fundamental meaning and practical nitty-gritty for the core understanding of this term stays ambiguous in the available literary resources. In this regard, this paper proposes to present a methodical review of research in customer engagement with respect to brand communities. The whole concept of customer engagement with its dimensions, drivers and outcomes is explained to bridge the gap of scarce or no research on both forms (online and offline) of brand communities taken collectively. The paper further discusses the managerial implications with regard to proper management and maximum utilization of brand communities, highlighting the summary of critical issues and significant research gaps contributing to future research avenues in this area. Top marketing and management journals were looked upon for a qualitative synthesis of studies addressing the conceptual foundations and trend of customer engagement practices in brand communities. Researchers proceed with systematic review by closely investigating 185 articles published during 1986–2017.

Services Marketing and Medical Tourism: The Impact on Private Health Services in Bangkok

Abstract: This is a research paper that is concentrated on assessing service marketing developments and medical tourism and its impacts on the of private hospital provision in Bangkok, in terms of rationale, application and engagement. An interpretive methodology was utilised in order to help understand the senior marketing management perceptions underpinning hospital services marketing developments directed towards medical tourism. The scope for this research were private hospital on-site senior marketing teams. The population of interest was made up of 14 senior marketers located at multiple-site main health services offices. The research outcomes consisted of three (3) Main Themes - Health Services Marketing Management, Health Services Unit Internal Management and Services Marketing Developments; ten (10) sub-themes; with 244 discussion targets. The paper addresses a number of raised issues and establishes outcomes and implications for managing medical tourism within the private hospital sector in Bangkok. Very little research has been conducted in this area in Bangkok and the paper addresses health service issues/reactions to Medical Tourism as being unclear, tentative and requiring more effective and robust services marketing developments.

Changes in labor pattern and agricultural mechanization

Abstract: In countries like India, the main argument against the use of machine in agriculture is that it displaces labor. In Assam, agricultural mechanization has remained limited and selective. The number of labor to be engaged in the agriculture field is decreasing and the use of machines like tractor and power tiller etc. is giving direct and indirect employment to a large section of people as part-time labor. The farmers were found purchasing agricultural machines for both personal and rental business purposes. In Assam a lease market of agricultural machine has developed. The farmers have used machines considering the cost factors in this paper an attempt has been made to observe the changes in labor market in connection to mechanization in agriculture. Keywords: Displacement, Mechanization, Technological, Tractor, Transformation.

The Employee Engagement Framework: High Impact Drivers and Outcomes

Abstract: For the prior two decades, employee engagement has been a subject of interest both in academic research and among managers. Organizations have invested vital resources in promoting employee engagement since employee engagement is identified as a critical driver of organizational performance. Engagement adds distinctly to an organization’s performance, driving to gains in quality, customer satisfaction, and long-term monetary results. In a world that is evolving both regarding the global essence of work and the diversity of the employees, engaged employees may be a core of an ambitious resource. Companies promoting employee engagement will achieve organizational goals effectively. Several employees look for settings where they can be engaged and know that they are participating positively. The paper presents the employee engagement framework enabling organizations to understand how engagement may differ by employee or group and recognize the key drivers that impact engagement at the workplace.

Influence of Social Reference Groups on Consumer Buying Behavior: A Review

Abstract: This paper aims to review the research on and applications of different ways reference groups influence consumer behavior. It provides insights on these influences on consumer segments and across product categories. The review is based on a compilation of studies relevant to the three forms of reference group influences, namely, informational, utilitarian, and value-expressive. The sources reviewed include published academic articles, textbooks/eBooks, and electronic sources from 1941 to 2015. Studies from this period were selected using the keywords “consumer behavior, ” “reference groups, ” “product conspicuousness, ” and other related terms. The paper examines the consumer segments of students, women, young adults, and housewives and concludes that these segments are susceptible to group influences. Different product categories are found to have different levels of conspicuousness, where public luxury products are more susceptible to reference group influence than private necessities.

Measuring Performance of SMEs Service Firms: Customer Orientation and Service Innovation Approach

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework to explain the role of service innovation in the relationship between customer orientation and firm performance. 142 participants were drawn from SMEs auto service operators. Mediation test estimates were applied to study the role of service innovation in the relationship between customer orientation and firm performance. The study demonstrates that customer orientation and service innovation contributes significantly to the performance of SMEs. However service innovation partially mediates the relationship between customer orientation and firm performance. The paper provides a very useful model for the implementation of effective customer orientation and service innovation projects in order to achieve high levels of firm performance. The paper fills a conceptual and practical gap for a structured analysis of the lack of research into the SMEs auto service industry. It contributes to the growing interest in the SMEs auto service industry by exploring the critical role of customer orientation and service innovation towards performance.

The glonacal climate in education: Reconstituting the culture of evidence and tradition of intervention in humanities

Abstract: More than ever, Humanities and all allied disciplines are stepping up into the pathway of trends, innovations and initiatives. Among the many and varied social providers, the academic world stands as the most visible, accessible and tangible driver-agent of systemic reforms within which fundamental structure of the change orbits. Evolutionary hangovers such as those structures or behaviors that used to be adaptive and bear positive effects on reproductive performance has declined or waned due to the drastic change conditions arising from the various layers of the socio-ecological system. In view of responsiveness, a forced-shift from the conventional paradigm to the expansive and inclusive change sphere may render repurcussions which in due course settle both as a hangover of cultural evolution and as a catalyzer of a revolution of change and learning. This paper argues that tightening up the soft-skilled sciences are critical and powerful blocks in building innovative talents, who by virtue of the unprecedented challenges, are globally accepted, recognized and refereed. Also, it describes the evidences specifically the benefits and vast opportunities pummelled by the waves of technological changes and globalizational climate shifts. From this perspective, Humanities education must brace itself on a recursive investigations from competing social and pedagogical tensions to the glonacal (global, national, local) value of knowledge and meaning.

Islamic Banking and Finance: Shariah Governance in Theory and Practice

Abstract: This paper investigates the case of Shariah governance and compliance at Islamic banks worldwide. It explores fundamental features of Islamic banking policy instruments from Shariah perspectives in order to appraise the business affairs of Islamic banks. This paper finds that Shariah governance has severely failed to ensure religious, ethical and social sanctities of Islamic banks. The personal, consumer finance and deposit-taking operations at Islamic banks are based on interest and time value of money, and a crystal clear case of Shariah violations. The majority of Muslim business and societal groups have shown increasing concerns over the serious Shariah governance and compliance issues at Islamic banks. There are increasing pressures on Islamic banks to prove themselves not only financially viable but also Shariah -compliant and valued-based entities.

Applying an Error Reduction Model to an Injury and Illness Prevention Program- Steps to Improve an Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OSHMS)

Abstract: Implementing proactive steps to control workplace hazards is the key to an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). A model for an IIPP that incorporated error reduction techniques was developed by Rutgers through an OSHA Susan Harwood grant. A “user’s manual” outlining various strategies, techniques, and materials necessary to successfully administer and facilitate a sustainable IIPP and a one-day training course to assist practitioners implement the program, was developed as part of this program. A follow-up study with the 118 participants who attended the training showed that they were able to more effectively organize onsite safety committees, engage workers in the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) cycle, and develop peer mentorship programs. Latent issues including the lack of resources (time, staff, and funds) were seen as impediments to effective program deployment.

Generation X and Y: Impact of Work Attitudes and Work Values on Employee Performance

Abstract: Sustainable competitive advantage lies in the intellectual capital of firms, where it has become important to retain employees and train them for future leadership. Hence, firms must recognize the importance of the work values and attitudes of the employed Generation. Understanding Generational diversity and using the right strategy is crucial for the firm’s success. Theorization of Generational differences have been applied in Western Cultures more often than Eastern Cultures, hence this research expanded the concept of Generational diversity to the banking workforce of Karachi, Pakistan. The relationship between Generation X and Y work values and attitudes on employee performance was examined. Three hundred people from Generation X and Y were taken as a sample from the Commercial Banks in Karachi and responses on different work attitudes and values were taken. It was found that values and attitudes have a significant relationship with employee performance for both Generation X and Y. However, cognitive and social values are important for Generation X while cognitive, instrumental and prestige values are important for Generation Y employees. The study theoretically contributes to work values and attitudes perspective, generational theory and performance perspective and offers implications for creating a suitable combination of tasks and rewards with respect to individual needs.

Green banking: A strategic response to environmental turbulence

Abstract: Enterprises have become increasingly interested in forming and implementing strategies to feel the effects of environmental issues that impact their competitive landscape in ways not envisaged earlier. Every sector of the society is adopting a green approach in lieu of achieving economic, social, and environmental performance along with the attainment of sustainable development. Green banking is a dynamical method of enhancing environmental quality and conserving energy. It provides the market-based solution for combating a wide range of environmental problems ranging from climate change, deforestation, and water conservation to preservation of biodiversity. Banks being the major financer are implementing practices and guidelines to reduce the global carbon emission. This paper discusses the green banking practices adopted by various Indian banks in response to environmental turbulence. Keywords: Green banking, Energy conservation, Environment protection, Deforestation, Biodiversity and sustainable development.

Public Awareness, Knowledge and Understanding of GST in India

Abstract: The Goods and Services tax (GST) is one of the most discussed topic in India nowadays. The Indian Government decision to implement the GST on 1st July 2017 has affected every member in the country. Financial issues such as inflation, rising cost of living, economic instability and the implementation of GST have impacted many Indian consumers in terms of their spending. However, the government has undertaken various efforts to study the effect and impact, to disseminate the information, to educate the public and to improve their understanding on the need of GST in taxation system. Even so at the early stage of implementation the public appears to be confused on the actual operations of the GST system. Many questions and complaints have been reported and lost to the related authorities for further action. This incident raises questions on the level of awareness and knowledge of the people about GST. To get a clearer picture on the degree of public awareness, knowledge and understanding of GST, a study pays specific focus on these areas is necessary and this study aims to review the consumer's awareness towards the implementation of GST in India.

Factors influencing the quality of healthcare services in Indian hospitals: A systematic review

Abstract: Introduction: Quality management culture is still a novel concept which is slowly inculcating into the healthcare organizations across India. In order to induct quality management in India, the quality council established the National Accreditation Board for Hospital and Healthcare Providers (NABH). Those who are involved in providing healthcare should be well aware of the quality aspects and its importance to make sure that the patients receive the best quality care in an economical and efficient way. It is vital to keep track of the growing needs and requirements in terms of quality management and patient safety. Aim: This study aims to review and analyze the factors influencing quality management in the Indian healthcare organizations, to identify the research gap. Materials and Methods: The literature for the review was obtained from the “PubMed” and Google Scholar with Indian affiliation. The review covered the healthcare quality management studies from January 1998 till December 2018, which yielded 82 articles and the careful scrutiny reduced the number to 59. Findings & Conclusion: Several studies prevail on quality of healthcare management, but the various factors of quality management were not addressed fully. The major research gap was identified under the areas of planning & documentation, employee participation, policies & procedures, quality & patient safety, quality process and its outcome, perceived effect in quality improvement, training and development opportunities, and the future plans of quality management. This research gap illustrates that there exists a lacunae, which is to be filled through more studies, focusing the different quality aspects. Keywords: Quality, Healthcare services, hospitals, India, Systematic review.

Market entry decisions: Success and failure factors in international business

Abstract: Entry into international markets involves several levels of risks. These are political, economic and non-systemic (specific) risks of industry and positioning. Success in international business depends upon controlling and reducing these risks. The international experience of controlling these risks is not satisfactory. Companies, that have been very successful in the national market, stumble in the international markets. This paper first looks at the theory of risk management across different levels, and then looks at empirical validation across stylized facts by analyzing the success and failure of 12 MNCs operating in the post liberalization era of the Indian Economy.