Showing papers in "Problems and perspectives in management in 2016"

Factors affecting the performance of small and medium enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have an important role to play in the development of the country. A strong SME sector contributes highly to the economy, contributing to the gross domestic product, by reducing the level of unemployment, reduction in poverty levels and promotion of entrepreneurship activity. In South Africa (SA), the growth of SMEs and prevalence of SMEs is significantly low. Therefore, the aim of the study is to identify the internal and external factors affecting the performance of SMEs in KwaZulu-Natal, SA. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 74 SMEs owners/managers who were members of the Durban Chamber of Commerce via online using anonymous questionnaire. The results revealed technological advancement would improve the performance of the business. With regards to challenge, the majority of the respondents viewed competition as a major challenge. Almost all the respondent indicated that crime and corruption affecting business performance. Competition was the only factor amongst the studied internal and external factors that revealed a significant association with the performance of SMEs in KwaZulu-Natal (p = 0.011). SMEs need to recognize they must prepare for both domestic and international competition. Collaboration between SMEs could be a way for SMEs to confront competition.

Performance measurement by small and medium enterprises in Cape Metropolis, South Africa

Abstract: High failure rate of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has been partly attributed to the use of inappropriate performance measures. This study seeks to determine the types of performance measures employed by SMEs, purpose for which performance measures are used, perceived effectiveness of performance measures used and factors that may inhibit SMEs from using both financial and non-financial performance measures. Data are collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of this study reveal that most of the sampled SMEs measure their performance using both financial and non-financial performance measures, albeit financial performance measures are used more frequently than the non-financial ones. Of the financial performance measures, the most popular ones are sales growth, cash flows, operating income and net profit margin. The most popular non-financial measures are customer focused. These include response time, customers’ satisfaction, percentage of repeat customers and customers’ complaints. The findings also reveal that performance measurement reports are used by the sampled SMEs mostly for monitoring the business, gauging the performance of the business, improving business processes, identifying problems and optimizing the use of resources. The findings further reveal that the performance measures used are perceived to be effective but that the lack of awareness, qualified personnel, top management support, required resources such as computers, had, to some extent, inhibit SMEs from using the appropriate performance measures. This study not only fills in the gap in the literature on performance measurement by SMEs, but also provides invaluable insights on the extent to which these entities use different performance measures. These insights could inform future government interventions meant to avert the high failure rates of these entities and also aid SMEs to gauge their performance measurement practices with a view to adopt the best practices or avoid factors that could inhibit them from using these practices.

Cultural diversity and business schools’ curricula: a case from Egypt

Abstract: The French Ecole Supérieure Libre des Sciences Commercial Appliquées (ESLSCA) in Paris is one of the most important global culturally diverse private business schools in terms of its number of branches and its history. ESLSCA has had a branch in Cairo in Egypt for about 17 years. This qualitative study seeks to focus on ESLSCA-Egypt branch to investigate the extent to which cultural diversity is included in its MBA curricula. The main methods for collecting data are document analysis, a number of semi-structured interviews, and a review of relevant literature. The study findings have meaningful implications for the practices of business schools’ education and training.

The use of traditional marketing tools by SMEs in an emerging economy: a South African perspective

Abstract: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in all economies around the world, they are responsible for creating of jobs, alleviating of poverty, contributing to innovation and to the gross domestic product of a country. However, many of these businesses face challenges and often fail within a short period of time. The success of small businesses is not only having products and a market to sell them to but also effective marketing of these products to the targeted market. A vast array of studies have investigated SME marketing tool usage however few have looked to SMEs in emerging economies and specifically to the traditional marketing tools such firms employ. Therefore the focus of this study was to describe the usage of traditional marketing tools employed by SMEs from a South African perspective. This study followed a quantitative research methodology whereby a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to SME owners within the Gauteng province of South Africa. Results obtained from this research indicate that SME owners mostly make use of print media while broadcast media is used selectively. Results obtained within this study will be of value universally to SME owners as it can be seen that all SMEs irrespective of geographic location face similar challenges.

The relationship between organizational citizenship behavior and organizational performance (case study: Agricultural Jihad Organization of Mazandaran Province)

Abstract: The main purpose of this study is analyzing the relationship between organizational citizenship behavior and market orientation. This study is an applied research in terms of the purpose based on a descriptive correlational method. The statistical population included all employees of Agricultural Jihad Organization of Mazandaran province consisting of 1923 persons. 391 people (male and female) were selected using random stratified sample. Data were collected through two standard questionnaires: Podsakoff’s (2003) organizational citizenship behavior (24 questions) and Fazel’s (2012) organizational performance (13 questions). Validity of questionnaires was confirmed by experts and reliability of them was confirmed using Cronbach’s coefficient alphabet. Cronbach’s alpha for the organizational citizenship behavior and organizational performance was calculated by 0.80 and 0.87. Components of organizational citizenship behavior included civic virtue, altruism, conscientiousness, sportsmanship, and courtesy. Components of organizational performance included customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, organizational effectiveness, and financial results and the market. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics through SPSS software. The descriptive statistics included frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation and inferential statistics included KolmogorovSmirnov, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, Fisher’s z-distribution using SPSS software.

Resource-based view as a perspective management model in Russian reality

Abstract: Time after time, different economies, such as the world economy or a national economy, are exposed to diverse fluctuations of various origins. The reasons for this can be multifold. Thus, in the context of an economic crisis, staying ahead of competition is vital for any company’s survival. In addition, each year, the global competition becomes tougher. The fundamental question of modern management of an enterprise is how to achieve competitive advantage and hold it. Consequently, the effective management of an enterprise, based on a rational use of resources, comes to the fore. The goal of this research is to analyze one of the models of modern resource management – resource-based view and to relate this model of management to the current state of the Russian economy. Theoretical and practical aspects of the model are presented. Development of the resource-based view at the Russian retail chain – X5 Retail Group is separately allocated. It is the unique practical example of using above mentioned concept in Russia. The possibility of implementing the resource-based view is considered in the context of the current economic situation in the country. Summarizing, resourcebased view can become a truly breakthrough strategy in the context of the Russian economic situation.

Sustainable management compensation and ESG performance – the German case

Abstract: This paper takes a closer look at sustainable management compensation and the impact on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance in the German two tier system. The empirical quantitative study covers a sample selection of German companies listed on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (DAX30, TecDAX, MDAX, SDAX) for the business years 2010-2014 (677 firm-year observations). In order to determine a possible link between non-financial indicators of management compensation and ESG performance, a correlation and regression analysis is carried out. On the basis of multiple regressions, non-financial elements (social or environmental aspects) in the management board compensation positively influence ESG performance, as determined by the Asset Four database of Thomson Reuters. This analysis is the first empirical study focusing on a connection between sustainable management board compensation, taking into consideration non-financial aspects, and ESG performance in the German two tier system. Not only users, but also public policy is affected by the findings indicating that national and European regulations on compensation could greatly influence future CSR performance and market reactions.

Cheap and clever – symbiosis of frugal innovation and knowledge management

Abstract: To operate knowledge management system has become an accepted method and a part of everyday life in the biggest companies. The full circle exploitation of advantages and possibilities of this system does not show a hopeful picture. It is especially true when we examine relationships and constructions with other key processes in the operation of a company. Innovation belongs to above mentioned processes. Though every outsider and professional way of thinking sees clearly that knowledge is needed to innovate and knowledge is a basis of knowledge management, but the close connection of the two important processes has not been realized on behalf of success. Defectiveness is especially true in cases of the newest innovation methods. The paper shows the connection of frugal innovation and knowledge management, its theoretical and practical possibilities.

Impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth in Africa

Abstract: Several studies have been conducted to examine the influence of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow on economic growth. Indeed, the overall evidence is best characterized as mixed. This paper investigates the effect of FDI on economic growth in some randomly selected African economies from 1980 to 2013, using a modified growth model by Agrawal and Khan (2011). This model consists of Gross Domestic Product, Human Capital, International Technology Transfer, Labor Force, FDI and Gross Capital Formation (GCF). Ordinary least squares and generalized method of moments were used as the estimation techniques. Of all the results, only Gross Capital Formation, Human Capital, and International Technology Transfer in the Central African Republic were found not to have any statistically significant influence on economic growth. In general, the impact of FDI on economic growth in African countries is limited or negligible. Consequently, this study observes that a 1% increase in FDI would result in a 0.12% increase in GDP for South Africa, a 0.05% increase in Egypt, a 0.03% increase in Nigeria, a 0.02% increase in Kenya, and a 1% increase in GDP in the Central African Republic. The findings also reveal that South Africa’s growth is more affected by FDI than the other four countries. The study also provides possible reasons behind South Africa’s great show of FDI and the lessons other African countries could learn from South Africa better utilization of FDI. This study integrates the related drivers of the effectiveness and success of FDI.

The importance of human resources management for small businesses in South Africa

Abstract: The majority of SMEs fail in the first five years of operation (Cant and Ligthelm, 2003). Human resource management (HRM) has been identified as a crucial key success factor for SMEs in today’s world. This research study investigates small business owners’ perception of the importance of HRM. The objective of this paper is to determine the perceived importance of human resources (HR) among South African SMEs and the management of it. A questionnaire was constructed and judgement sampling was used to gather the responses of 88 small business owners. The research revealed that the majority of SMEs have HR practices of some sort in place, as well as areas to improve on HR practices. The challenge now is to further increase the adoption of HR management and practices among small businesses in South Africa to ensure their success, as they play a vital role in the South African economy.

Best practice in entrepreneurship education

Abstract: This study identifies and discovers best practices in entrepreneurship education from highly-ranked universities and business schools globally. The study has been qualitative in nature, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 23 respondents at 12 higher education institutions. The study has made use of non-probability sampling by means of a convenience sampling approach. Data have been analyzed by means of thematic analysis. Results indicate that best practices in entrepreneurship education include little to no specialization at undergraduate level, with a strong preference for generic and widely applicable entrepreneurship modules. Individual entrepreneurship-related modules contain distinct individual themes. These modules are most commonly structured as electives, thereby allowing students to structure their courses according to areas of personal preference. At postgraduate level, it has been discovered that programs are often specialized in entrepreneurship and highly interdisciplinary in nature, most commonly with areas of specialization such as engineering and other sciences. Practical assignment and teaching tend to be favored in entrepreneurial teaching, rather than traditional classroom-based approaches. Entrepreneurship hubs and centers are mainly independent units loosely linked to a prominent university, with independent mandates and processes. The best practices identified in this study will assist universities and business schools to effectively structure entrepreneurship curriculums in line with global best practices.

Data envelopment analysis in performance measurement: a critical analysis of the literature

Abstract: This study examines the benefits of data envelopment analysis (DEA) in evaluating the performance of decision making units (DMUs). DEA is a mathematical programming tool applied in performance measurement. The problem identified is establishing business support units as value adding business units. A case is made for applying DEA when evaluating the performance of such business support units. To this end, a literature review of the results of applications of DEA to the evaluation of information technology and purchasing supply chain management functions was conducted. The findings indicate the benefits of DEA are that the method identifies efficient performers in a given population and, therefore, allows for benchmarking against the ’best in class’ performer. This as opposed to more commonly used parametric methods, such as regression analysis, which result in a comparator that represents the average performance for a given population, therefore, allowing only for measurement against the average. In addition, the findings indicate that in respect of business support units, the DEA methodology allows for the incorporation of intermediate outcomes, which facilitates the measurement of the contribution of these units to overall company performance. Although the DEA methodology has been widely applied, it is still not as well known or generally applied as the more common approaches. The recommendations made in this paper will be beneficial in bringing DEA to the attention of decision-makers. The recommendations will also raise awareness of the potential benefits to be realised when applying the method in developing performance measurement frameworks for business support units.

Factors affecting youth entrepreneurship development within Kibera, Kenya: the perspective of entrepreneurship education

Abstract: All over the world there has been an increased interest in entrepreneurship education and the society in general. Kenya was among the first countries in Africa to introduce aspects of entrepreneurship education in its education and training systems. Entrepreneurship and business creation are a growing alternative for young people in different economies whose age group often faces a labor market with double digit unemployment rates. This study seeks to investigate and report on the factors affecting youth entrepreneurship development with specific reference to entrepreneurship education in Kibera, a district of Kenya. Two objectives are identified, namely (i) to determine the government’s provision and access to the entrepreneurship education and training among the Kenyan youth, and (ii) to determine whether there is a relationship between the level of education, training and development of youth entrepreneurship. A sample of three hundred entrepreneurs (aged 18-35) within the Kibera district in Kenya is drawn to participate in this study. Structured survey questionnaires are used to collect primary data from business owners in the Kibera district. Findings revealed a strong positive correlation between the provision of entrepreneurship education and development of youth entrepreneurship and the level of education has a very weak positive correlation to youth entrepreneurship development. This study concludes with recommendations on how youth entrepreneurship can be improved in Kibera and the rest of Kenya. A total of 300 questionnaires were administered via emails with a total response rate of 83.3% (250) returned for analysis.

Crowdsourcing strategy: how openness changes strategy work

Abstract: Strategy development has traditionally been exclusive and secretive. Social software offers new opportunities to harness the collective intelligence of the crowd within organizations and allows more open, participatory modes of strategizing. This paper describes this new phenomenon of open strategy though crowdsourcing and discusses its implications for research and practice. It draws on first examples of crowdsourcing strategy and is further based on observations and theoretical reflections. To understand the phenomenon with its requirements and consequences, a number of questions and challenges are identified which remain to be investigated. These include how the process of opening up needs to be designed, how individuals can be motivated to engage, for which topics and under which conditions crowdsourcing strategy is a suitable approach, how strategies emerge in such initiatives, the appropriate role of management, and how corporate culture affects and is affected by crowdsourcing strategy. Open strategy through crowdsourcing is a newly emerging empirical phenomenon, which seems to fundamentally change the strategist’s work. More open and inclusive ways of strategizing not only offer new opportunities, but also create some challenges for organizations. This paper deepens the insights in this new phenomenon and identifies seven topics critical for research and management practice.

Entrepreneurial resilience: the case of Somali grocery shop owners in a South African township

Abstract: Most studies on entrepreneurship have highlighted the relative importance of a conducive environment for the development of entrepreneurship. This notwithstanding, entrepreneurship has been noted to thrive even under the most adverse conditions, such as during economic, social and political instabilities. Using resilience as the propensity to bounce back after adversity and xenophobia, crime, unhealthy competition, etc. as correlates of adversity or an unconducive business environment, this paper investigated the preponderance of Somali grocery shops in South African township despite the perceived hostility of the business environment. Anchored on the qualitative research approach, a purposive sample of 13 participants provided the required data for analysis. Specifically, the data collection took the form of focus group interviews in which two groups of 6 and 7 informants were purposively selected to be part of the interviews. Prominent in the results was the fact that almost all the current Somali grocery shops in the study area have been victims of crime and theft. Furthermore, virtually all the Somali grocery shops that were victimized during the xenophobic outburst have since re-opened. The foregoing themes of resilience and adversity unmistakably indicate the propensity of Somali grocery shop owners’ ability to bounce back. As to what township entrepreneurs worry or fear most, clearly the fear of the re-occurrence of the xenophobic attacks surpassed that of burglary, theft and death. As to what fuels Somali’s persistence and preponderance in townships, both push and pulled factors were reported. Reporting on risk aversion, it was noted that most of the founders (here referred to as an entrepreneur) are not actively involved in running the shops. They simply recruit others to do the job on their behalf. Under this circumstance, the risk is limited to financial risk. This approach is quite different for other African immigrants in the same township.

Development of information systems and modeling of their implementation in the business

Abstract: The development features of the information systems and technologies are investigated. The analysis of their impact on the formation of the information society is carried out. The current level of the Ukraine’s development in different directions of the information industry is considered. The advantages and prospects of development of the domestic IT industry are allocated. The role of information systems in the development of an economy that is based on knowledge and information is determined. The types of information systems and their functionality are considered. The approach for improving the evaluation process in modeling of the information systems and at the enterprise is developed. It creates the conditions for taking into account all the costs during the process of information technology implementation, also in relation to the dynamic process of value changes to support the functioning of the enterprise information system.

Perceived barriers to the development of small, medium and microenterprises: a case study of Thulamela Municipality in the Limpopo Province

Abstract: The study investigated the perceived barriers to the development of small, medium and microenterprises (SMMEs) operating in the South African small business sector. A quantitative orientation was used in carrying out the study through self-administered questionnaires and a descriptive quantitative method of analysis was applied. The research population consisted of entrepreneurs within the Thulamela Municipality in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. A purposive sample of seventy-five SMME owners and managers participated in this study (males = 73%, n = 55; females = 27%, n = 20 and, age range 18-55 years). The study seeks to add on the narrow body of literature concerning barriers faced by small, medium and microenterprises within the small business sector by revealing how SMMEs in South Africa are stalled from developing into successful enterprises as a result of some major barriers affecting the small business sector. The study revealed that, indeed, SMMEs in Thulamela Municipality in the Limpopo Province of South Africa are faced with various barriers affecting their development. Five significant barriers were identified, namely, lack of finance, access to market, out-dated equipment and technology, poor infrastructure and lack of training. The study recommends on the action plan that is required for SMMEs to increase their efficiency and sustaining themselves against possible barriers thereby helping entrepreneurs to exploit the full potential of the SMME sector.

Using social media to market a promotional event to SMEs: opportunity or wasted effort?

Abstract: Much has been said about the advantages of using social media in the marketing of brands and products of companies. Marketing, as we knew it in the past millennia, has changed dramatically and is evolving at a faster pace than ever. Traditional media, such as print and broadcast, are becoming more obsolete and largely replaced by social media platforms. These platforms are growing and expanding in leaps and bounds and have become potent instruments of marketing. It is up to organizations to use these platforms to market their brands, services and business, as it can have a profound effect on the success and growth. This is even truer in the case of entrepreneurs who are generally younger and more technology savvy and who use social media for all means and purposes. The purpose of this research study was, therefore, to investigate the use of social media among institutions that focus on specific events such as a business plan competition and to establish to what extent the use of these social media tools were used or effectively used to communicate the event to SMEs. A web-based self-administered questionnaire was distributed among the respondents of a business plan competition. A total of 992 useable responses were received. The findings mainly revealed that institutions that use social media in their marketing drive either do not plan properly for the use of it, or is careless in their approach to these tools. The results pointed to a large number of respondents (55%) who were not even aware that social media tools were used in the promotion of the competition.

The effect of modern office technology on management performance: Durban Westville

Abstract: It is difficult to think of a situation where businesses can do well without the use of modern office technology, in particular, items like computers and telephones. It is extremely difficult to determine if businesses depend on technology or if technology creates business opportunities. Modern office technology is correlated with positive change in management performance. Using a quantitative approach, 67 questionnaires were sent to middle and upper-level business managers in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Modern office technology makes significant difference in a workplace. Office technologies enhance performance and this can only be seen if the office is equipped with relevant and needed technologies. There is a strong correlation between the right use of office technologies and positive change in management performance. It is recommended that office managers still procure modern office technology to increase performance. The challenge is to harness this newly emerging technology for the benefit of the business. This study concludes that technological advancement has a positive effect on our quality of life and the way we do business, and this trend is expected to keep escalating.

Impact of work-life balance on job satisfaction of women doctors

Abstract: In the competitive era of today, women have to battle hard to establish their individuality in the society, as well as in professional life. Work-life balance is the major problem in the life of working women. The study covers work-life balance of women doctors of private hospitals of Jharkhand. This study helps to understand the impact of work-life balance on job satisfaction. Regression analysis and ANOVA Test have been used to test the relationship between the variables. The study has found that work-life balance has positive impact on job satisfaction.

Knowledge management and performance: developing a theoretical approach to knowledge workers’ productivity, and practical tools for managers

Abstract: Issue: The number of knowledge workers continues to grow, but we know little about what factors will promote knowledge workers’ productivity. Problem for discussion: How can managers promote knowledge workers’ productivity? Purpose: To develop aspects of a theory to promote knowledge workers’ productivity. Method: Conceptual generalization. Findings: Seven propositions (a mini-theory) for knowledge workers’ productivity.

Strategic entrepreneurship and intrapreneurial intensity

Abstract: This is a published version of the paper, available at LLC "CPC "Business Perspectives" at http://dx.doi.org/10.21511/ppm.14(2-2).2016.11

Symptoms of accounting practices that contribute to small business failures

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine and evaluate SMEs’ implementation of minimum accounting practices which are some of the real underlying symptoms that lead to small and medium-size (SMEs) business failures, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. The study was conducted in Thohoyandou, the Central Business District (CBD) of Thulamela Municipality in the Vhembe district in Limpopo province, South Africa. The study used data based on responses to a structured questionnaire from randomly selected SMEs in Thohoyandou, an area whose SME business environment is similar to the challenges and opportunities faced by many other rural and semi-urban areas in South Africa. Due to cost and time constraints, the study sample was limited to 40 SMEs. The study findings confirm that SMEs often fail to comply with fundamental accounting practices like maintaining complete accounting records, which limits business information vital for decision making, as they think there is no need to keep them and that it exposes their financial position. The relevance of the study is to show how non-adherence to adequate accounting practices can negatively affect SMEs financial performance which consequently contribute to their inevitable failure. The study recommends development of training policy guidelines to sensitize SMEs of the need to comply with relevant accounting practices including internal controls and the legal requirements.

The use of budgets by small and medium enterprises in Cape Metropolis, South Africa

Abstract: Failure to budget has been identified as one of the main causes of failure of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This study seeks to determine the extent to which SMEs in the Cape Metropolis use budgets. Specifically, the study aims to determine the types of budgets used, methods of budgeting employed, purpose for which budgets are used, perceived effectiveness of budgets used and factors that may inhibit SMEs from using budgets. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of this study revealed that most of the SMEs sampled used budgets. The three most frequently used budgets were sales budgets, purchases budgets and cash budgets, while the most frequently used budgeting method was fixed budgeting. The findings also revealed that budgets were mostly used for monitoring, measuring business performance, future planning and control purposes. The findings further revealed that budgets were perceived to be effective but the lack of top management support and qualified personnel were the main factors that inhibit SMEs from using budgets. This study not only fills the gap in the literature on the use of budgets, but also provides invaluable insights on their use by SMEs. These insights could inform future endeavours of the Government when developing interventions meant to avert the high failure rates of these entities. The findings may also assist SMEs to gauge and review their own use of budgets with a view to optimising the benefits derived from these tools, as well as to overcome the factors that could inhibit them from using the budgets in the first place.

Identifying consumer buying preferences of beef

Abstract: This study investigated the drivers which influence consumers’ beef buying behavior. A validated questionnaire was used to collect the data and to evaluate consumer beef purchasing behavior. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to analyze the data while Cronbach alpha coefficient was used to calculate the reliability of the drivers. Satisfactory levels of reliability were recorded. The analysis identified eight drivers that influence the buying behavior of consumers when they purchase beef products. These drivers were: quality of the meat, buying preference, farming practices, intention to buy, health, convenience, packaging & presentation and future purchase. In addition, correlational analysis indicates that additional important attributes to buying behavior are supplier characteristics and packaging & presentation. The study culminates in a frame of reference for beef (and possibly other meat products) buying behavior analysis whilst it also provides a frame of reference for marketers to better understand their customers’ behavior when they are selling beef. As a result it is recommended that retailers focus their actions on the more important beef purchasing drivers and that the study be repeated on a larger scale so that the results of the present study can either be confirmed or further refined.

Corporate social responsibility evaluation by different levels of management of Islamic banks and traditional banks: evidence from banking sector of Bangladesh

Abstract: The research aims to evaluate different levels of management understanding and performance on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of traditional banks and Islamic banks in Bangladesh. Moreover, the paper points out the philosophy of both banks’ policy makers. The study is exclusively analytical in nature where 14 banks were selected on the basis of availability of branches in the research area. The research was based on primary data sources through a structured questionnaire. The research findings revealed that there is a gap between policy makers’ assurance of CSR contribution and its real implementation. The analysis found that Islamic banks are better than traditional banks with regard to the implementation of CSR policies. The result also showed that there are still some controversies on CSR performance of Islamic and traditional banks in general. The study also observed that Islamic, as well as traditional banks’ different levels of management conceive that CSR activities are performed by banks for their own interest rather than for social welfare. Therefore, it must be emphasized that good CSR policy is inevitable for all types of banks in Bangladesh. For the betterment of the society, as well as the banks, all levels of management should harmonize their CSR philosophy.

The use of integrated supply chain management model for promoting competitiveness in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturing industry in Nigeria

Abstract: The importance of integrated supply chain management cannot be overemphasized in any business due to the emergence of inter and intra firm trade, literature has confirmed that the success of any business in all parts of the world depends on the effectiveness of their supply chain management. The focus of this paper is to present an exploratory study on the use of integrated supply chain management model for promoting competitiveness in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturing industry in Nigeria and explore critical factors affecting implementation and use. Primary data are collected from 80 selected respondents in FMCG manufacturing industry based in Lagos Nigeria. Quantitative method of data collection is used. SPSS 22.0 is used to analyze data. Findings of the research indicate the significance of .000* with .879* Cronbach’s Alpha reliability. It also reveales that most of the tested variables are very significant. The study will benefit FMCG manufacturing industry in Nigeria and affiliated stakeholders as well as international communities by providing them with recent model. The findings are limited by the study’s exploratory, quantitative nature and small sample, therefore, generalization of the results should be done with care and further research, with a large sample encouraged.

Conceptualizing innovation management development through organizational learning in the public service: any lessons for developing states?

Abstract: The present economic realities, the effects of globalization, the thirst for innovation and the public’s demand for improved services have led many developing states to review their approaches to service delivery. Most public service managers and professionals spend most of their time dealing with the day-to-day pressures of delivering services, operating and reporting to senior managers, legislators and agencies. They have little or no time to think about innovation, which would ease the pressures and burdens of service delivery. The intention of this paper is to point out the fact that capacity building is the bedrock of new public management development. This paper proposes that innovation management could be used as a form of organizational learning capability in challenging the maze of diplomacy and negotiation with experienced multinational extractive industries for the benefit of developing states. This could be achieved through excellent public investments and nurturing capability, from which they execute effective innovation processes, leading to new service innovations and processes, and superior service performance results. To achieve this objective, extensive literature on innovation management and organizational learning was consulted and the need for future research. In trying to unpack the discussion in the paper, the New Public Management Theory (NPMT), which is a pro-private sectors human resources management is proposed, though other available theoretical positions are explored taking into consideration the lapses entrenched in NPMT.

Emotional labor in academe. Challenges faced

Abstract: Interest in the study of emotions have always been present. Academic jobs are susceptible to multiple demands from various stakeholders. This paper presents the occasion to question whether academics are emotional laborers? The concept of emotional labor have been heavily investigated and researched in the customer service domain. Notably, emotional labor in higher education institutions is a relatively understudied research area. A theoretical framework of emotional labor is presented. It is essential to understand the demands that emotional labor places on academics and its impact on higher education institutions. Subsequently, the paper explores emotional labor among academic staff in higher education institutions, namely, the university system. The consequences and challenges of emotional labor are further evaluated. The paper is a meta-analysis and qualitative in nature. The study uses secondary data and reviews various literature on emotional labor, teaching and higher education institutions, and presents a conceptual paper. It considers the evaluation of academics in higher education institutions as emotional laborers. Literature was further probed to investigate academics as emotional laborers. Subsequently, the consequences and challenges were discussed. The paper further suggests that higher education intuitions need to be cognisant of the demands that emotional labor places on academic staff and the impact on their well-being. It is essential that the quality of work life of academics within higher education are addressed, as such studies are long overdue and under researched.

Control in the system of managerial decisions procedures: a conceptual view

Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate the role of control and develop the common approaches to the control in a key area of management – the organization of the process of preparation, adoption and implementation of managerial decisions, which could serve as the basis for creating and maintaining an efficient system of control in organizations and a reference for solving problems in a variety of managerial situations. The structured analysis of the necessary and sufficient set of stages (phases) and the procedures of development, adoption and implementation of managerial decisions that ensure the managerial cycle have allowed the author to evaluate the role and place of the stages and procedures, specify the role of control in the process of management, and the relationship of the control and other managerial procedures. Understanding the characteristics of the relationships and the role of control can be required by the management in order to create a system of control taking into account the specifics of the organization. Analysis of the “managerial” and “executive” decisions allowed the author to identify the ratio of different types of control at their implementation. Interconnection between development technologies, adoption and implementation of managerial decisions and control procedures provides some practical importance for management. The results of the study can be used by management of various organizations to develop common approaches to solving problems in various managerial situations, using the conclusions drawn by the author.