Business Operations Research Articles

A cross-generational learning in organizations: the case of four civil engineering firms

Purpose This study explores how cross-generational learning is implemented and conditioned in organizations and the role of management in this process. Design/methodology/approach This is a multiple case study research. Findings The study identified three features of cross-generational learning (CGL): 1. CGL is a role-based practice where participants serve as either knowledge givers or receivers. 2. Knowledge transferred between generations, especially from the senior to the junior generation, is embedded in the organization’s work practices and bounded by path dependence. 3. Appropriate management commitment to CGL can mitigate the power and path dependence of the seniors, primarily through the active engagement of junior employees and the design of practices for equal knowledge co-creation. Research limitations/implications The study is exploratory and needs further examination with more cases and populations. Practical implications First, management can cultivate organizational learning by assigning appropriate roles to each generation. Senior and junior employees possess different knowledge and capability strengths. Second, management should promote a culture of psychological safety. The effectiveness of CGL largely depends on the status and authority of the knowledge giver, which may be influenced by their past experiences. Third, management can leverage CGL to enhance corporate innovation by acknowledging that past experiences play a crucial role in its development. Originality/value The study shows effective cross-generational learning can be conducted by assigning appropriate roles for each generation in their work practices. It also reveals that companies can help facilitate better learning among generations by designing and implementing knowledge management processes and systems that encourage juniors’ participation and contribution to product development and business operations. Last but not least, this study proves that managerial understanding and support can balance the influence of senior and junior generations by mitigating excessive power and curbing the influence of path dependency from one side.

The Evolving Marketing Mix in the Digital Age and Customer Mix: How Does It Affect Purchase Intention?

The era of technological disruption in the 21st century is increasingly challenging the traditional 4P marketing mix concept to evolve to facilitate the creation of hybrid communication and services in the digital environment. This study aims to explore the causality predictive model between the evolution of the 4P marketing mix model and the customer mix considered in the modern business landscape of the digital age, by analyzing how it affects the purchase intention?, the mediating effect of the customer mix is examined. Quantitative research with a survey type is developed in predictive causality modeling, relying on the power of prediction. The statistical analysis applied Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling 4 (PLS-SEM4). The survey was conducted to 89 selected respondents with a purposive sampling technique approach. The findings of the study show that the evolution of the 4P marketing mix positively and significantly has a direct and indirect effect on purchase intention. The customer mix has a positive and significant effect on purchase intention. The customer mix has a positive mediating effect with moderate predictive power. These findings can fill the gap and expand the recognition that the evolution of the 4P marketing mix that is aligned with technological developments has relevance to the modern business landscape based on digital platforms. The evolution of the 4P marketing mix in the digital age, which integrates the customer mix as an important mediator in customer-centric platform-based business operations, plays a major role in attracting purchase intention.

An Enhanced LSTM-based Sales Forecasting Model for Functional Beverages in Cross-Cultural Markets

This paper proposes an enhanced Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) based forecasting model explicitly designed for functional beverage sales prediction in cross-cultural markets. Traditional forecasting methods often struggle with capturing the complex interplay between cultural factors and sales patterns, leading to suboptimal prediction accuracy in diverse market environments. The proposed model incorporates innovative architectural modifications to the standard LSTM structure, integrating cultural-aware gates and specialized feature engineering techniques to capture market-specific characteristics. The research utilizes comprehensive sales data from six major markets across North America, Asia, and Europe from 2019 to 2023. The enhanced model demonstrates superior performance with a 28.4% improvement in prediction accuracy compared to traditional methods, achieving an average RMSE of 0.134 across all tested markets. The model's effectiveness is particularly evident in markets with high cultural diversity, where it achieved a 31.5% reduction in prediction error compared to conventional approaches. The research findings establish that cultural dimensions account for approximately 37.5% of sales variation across markets, highlighting the critical importance of cultural feature integration in sales forecasting. The practical implementation of the model resulted in a 23.7% reduction in inventory holding costs and improved resource allocation efficiency. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of cross-cultural market dynamics and practical applications in global business operations.

Analysis about the Impact on Financial Reports of Chinas Aviation Entities under the Climate-related Risks--An Example of Spring Airlines

Climate-related risks significantly impact business operations, including financial aspects. Governments and organizations have introduced different kinds of policies and regulations to inform entities to reduce emissions and disclose climate-related risks. Under these circumstances, carbon intensive industries, eg. aviation entities could be significantly affected. Meanwhile,investors and other skateboarders also need to understand the impact on entities financial status in order to make decisions. In China, government has set a goal of reaching peak carbon emissions in 2030 and carbon neutrality in 2060. The release of IFRS S2 could be a reference for China to establish its own climate-related disclosure regulations in the future. This paper focuses on the impact of climate-related risks to Chinas aviation entities ,using Spring Airline company as a case study. By referencing IFRS S2, the study analyzes the implications for financial reporting and discusses potential future developments in this area.

Impact of Sustainability Initiatives on Competitive Positioning in Canada

Purpose: The purpose of this article was to examine impact of sustainability initiatives on competitive positioning in Canada. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Research indicates that sustainability initiatives in Canada enhance competitive positioning by boosting brand reputation, customer loyalty, and operational efficiencies. Companies integrating green practices not only meet stricter regulatory standards but also differentiate themselves in a market increasingly driven by eco-conscious consumers. Although initial investments and sector-specific challenges exist, the long-term benefits such as risk mitigation and value creation position these firms to outperform their competitors. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Resource-based view (RBV) theory, natural resource-based view (NRBV) theory & stakeholder theory may be used to anchor future studies on the impact of sustainability initiatives on competitive positioning in Canada. Organizations should align sustainability initiatives with business objectives, integrating green innovation, renewable energy adoption, and waste reduction into their competitive strategies. Governments should introduce progressive policies that mandate sustainability initiatives in business operations, including carbon tax incentives, sustainability-linked financing, and stricter emissions standards.

Keseimbangan Dunia Dan Akhirat Dalam Kewirausahaan Islami: Eksplorasi Pada Umkm Berbasis Syariah

Islamic entrepreneurship plays an important role in the development of sharia-based MSMEs in Indonesia, which prioritizes a balance between worldly and hereafter goals. This study aims to explore how sharia MSMEs can apply Islamic economic principles in their business operations, such as transparency, fairness, and social responsibility, and face the challenges in creating this balance. The method used is a qualitative approach with case studies, in-depth interviews, direct observation, and analysis of related documents. The results of the study indicate that the application of sharia principles in sharia-based MSMEs not only pays attention to aspects of material profit, but also emphasizes social sustainability through zakat, infaq, and sadaqah. The main challenge faced is how to maintain a balance between financial profit and religious values, especially in facing competitive market competition. This study also highlights the importance of collaboration between MSMEs, sharia financial institutions, the government, and educational institutions in supporting the development of sharia-based MSMEs. Overall, this study provides insight into the development of sustainable Islamic entrepreneurship and provides positive social contributions to Indonesian society.

Tractor Power Take-Off and Drawbar Pull Performance and Efficiency Evolution Analysis Methodology and Model: A Case Study

Previous studies on tractor performance and efficiency were conducted prior to the implementation of emission reduction technologies and the increased density and complexity of tractor portfolios. This study presents a robust methodology for forecasting specific fuel consumption based on public information, which incorporates physical attribute-based cohorts and technological generation groupings, alongside variables such as wheelbase, mass, and power take-off power. The proposed model significantly improves forecasting accuracy, enhancing the current R-squared (RSq) from 0.6091 to 0.8519 and reducing the root mean square error (RMSE) from 0.0098 to 0.0065. Additionally, the model provides accurate predictions of drawbar performance and efficiency. Its simplicity results in low cognitive and computational demands, making it accessible via widely available spreadsheet software on any computer or handheld device. This accessibility supports data-driven decision-making for tractor replacement strategies, ultimately promoting sustainable profitability in agricultural business operations.

Unveiling the Determinant of Humanized Business Intention Among Malaysia SMEs

This study investigates the factors influencing the intention to humanize business practices among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. Drawing upon the Theory of Planned Behavior, four key factors were examined: attitude toward humanizing business practices, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and human practice knowledge. A quantitative research approach was employed, with data collected through self-administered questionnaires distributed to 250 SME owners and managers in the Klang Valley region. The results, analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), revealed that all four factors significantly influenced the intention to humanize business practices among SMEs. Specifically, perceived behavioral control emerged as the strongest predictor, followed by attitude, human practice knowledge, and subjective norms. The findings underscore the importance of fostering positive attitudes, leveraging social influences, enhancing perceived control, and promoting knowledge of humane practices to facilitate the adoption of human-centered approaches in SME business operations. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the drivers influencing the intention to humanize business practices and provides practical insights for policymakers and SME stakeholders in promoting sustainable and ethical business practices.

Portuguese Investor’s Perception of Investing in Companies With ESG Practices

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the perceptions of Portuguese investors regarding ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) factors. It also aims to identify the criteria that lead investors to consider, or not, ESG criteria in their decisions. Theoretical Framework: The concept of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has emerged as a fundamental framework for assessing the sustainability and ethical impact of companies. Its three dimensions – environmental, social, and governance – address different aspects of business operations and are increasingly considered in investment decisions and in the integration of their practices in companiesIn this topic, the main concepts and theories that underpin the research are presented. Method: Based on a quantitative approach, 118 questionnaires were collected from Portuguese individuals, with the aim of deepening the understanding of this phenomenon and obtaining empirical data that can contribute to the academic and practical debate on the impact of these criteria in the business context. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed [synthesize the main results of the research]. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of the theoretical framework, highlighting the implications and relationships identified. Possible discrepancies and limitations of the study are also considered in this section. Research Implications: The results of this study highlight the complexity of investment decisions in the ESG context and the diversity of factors that influence investor behavior. Familiarity with these factors emerges as a key variable, while other demographic factors such as age, education and location have a less evident influence. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the field of socially responsible investing by identifying the variables that influence the adoption of ESG-aligned investment practices. However, further research is needed to understand how psychological, institutional and cultural factors may interact and influence investors’ perceptions of ESG practices, thus creating a broader field for future research.

Managing Organisational Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility: Perspectives for Sustainable Development

Abstract Managing corporate sustainability involves consideration of the economic, environmental and social impacts of business activities on communities and society. Successful corporate sustainability strategy and sustainable operations must include an engaged and committed workforce. It has been seen that employees are increasingly seeking more purpose at work, with an awareness of environmental and social issues. Research has shown that employees engaged in corporate sustainability practices perceive their work as meaningful contributions to business performance. This empirical study explored sustainability performance in the tea industry, measured with a holistic sustainability framework and investigated the linkages between corporate social responsibility (CSR), employee engagement, and corporate contributions towards sustainability. The operations of participating organisations measured via a ‘7E’ model to benchmark sustainability performance, were compared with how employee engagement is influenced by CSR and wellbeing aspects. Data was collected from company sustainability surveys and surveys of 1146 employees in the tea industry. The results were analysed using a cluster model to assess employee attitudes to CSR and corporate sustainability practices towards sustainable development. The findings show that companies with strong company sustainability performance and developed social sustainability with CSR activities, have employees with higher participation at work and outreach engagement. Dimension reduction and the two-step cluster method was used to classify employee responses, showing the most engaged employees exhibited ‘shared values’ characteristics aligned with corporate engagement and social outreach. These results contribute to research on sustainability management from corporate and employee perspectives, with insights for sustainable development through CSR and sustainable business operations.

Exploring the Motivations, Challenges, and Impacts of Women Entrepreneurs in Developing Societies: An Exploration of Online University

Antibiotic This study explores the role of entrepreneurship in achieving financial independence and fostering community development, with a specific focus on gender and societal norms. The problem addressed is the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs due to cultural expectations, limited access to resources, and difficulties in balancing family responsibilities with business operations. The purpose of this research is to examine how women-led businesses contribute to financial independence and whether societal norms support or hinder their entrepreneurial endeavors. A stratified random sampling method was used to select 180 participants, including both male and female entrepreneurs from diverse industries and geographical regions. Data was collected using a structured survey with Likert-scale and open-ended questions, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to identify trends and challenges. The results indicate that entrepreneurship is widely seen as a pathway to financial independence. However, many respondents, particularly women, reported challenges in securing funding and balancing business with family obligations. Despite these obstacles, women-led businesses were found to significantly contribute to community development by providing employment and creating opportunities for others. In conclusion, while women entrepreneurs face substantial barriers, their businesses play a vital role in both economic and social empowerments. Policy interventions that address these challenges are necessary to fully harness the potential of women-led entrepreneurship.

Digital transformation in hospitality: the role of AI in enhancing business through gastronomic offerings

The impact of AI on the hospitality industry is increasingly significant. This paper explores the influence of digital transformation on the hospitality sector, with a particular focus on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing business operations through gastronomic offerings. Digital technology is transforming the way hospitality establishments operate, offering new opportunities for optimizing operations, personalizing customer experiences, and efficiently managing resources. By analyzing the application of AI technologies, such as predictive analytics, personalized marketing, and automated ordering systems, the paper addresses how hospitality businesses can improve their competitive position and guest satisfaction. The study employs both qualitative and quantitative research methods to present successful examples of AI integration into business models, highlighting the benefits, challenges, and prospects for future development. Managers from 64 restaurants across the Republic of Serbia participated in the research, and the findings demonstrate the clear potential of artificial intelligence to transform hospitality, creating sustainable and innovative business practices.

Sustainable practices in business operations - Merely a moral obligation of modern companies or a strategic asset for enhancing shareholders value.

Sustainable practices are critical to the operation of businesses. The realization that operating in an ecologically and socially responsible manner is the only way for a company to be commercially successful is spreading among more and more businesses. Using econometric tools, this paper examines the complex interactions between Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosure scores and firm performance metrices, such as ROA, ROE, and Tobin's Q. The research employs GMM and panel quantile regression to address the heterogeneous impact of ESG disclosure at different levels of performance. The results indicate that ESG and its components in the environmental and governance scores have varying effects, often with a negative impact for less successful firms but mixed outcomes for more successful firms. The innovative integration of panel quantile regression in this study elucidates how asymmetric effects of ESG disclosure influence firm performance-nuances not captured by standard methods. These findings have significant implications for corporate decision-making, regulatory policies, and stakeholder engagement in the context of sustainability practices.

The Role Of Technology In Simplifying Operations To Strengthen Customer Relationships In The Culinary Industry

With the advancement of technology, the culinary industry continues to evolve. Technology not only makes businesses easier to run, but it can also strategically help enhance customer engagement. The purpose of this research is to determine the role of technology in streamlining operations and strengthening customer relationships in the culinary industry. Business operators can optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience by using online ordering applications, digital inventory management systems, and social media platforms. This study also discusses the implementation of digital payment systems and the use of data analytics to understand customer preferences. The research results show that the effective use of technology can increase customer satisfaction by up to 25% and operational efficiency by up to 30%. Thus, technology is not just a helpful tool, but also a catalyst for building a competitive culinary business. Technology offers many opportunities to make culinary businesses easier and enhance customer engagement. Research results show that the adoption of the right technology can provide significant efficiency in business operations, such as cost reduction, improved service speed, and better data management. In addition, technology also plays a crucial role in enhancing customer experience through personalization, ease of access to information, and more interactive interactions. Thus, the strategic use of technology can be the key to the success of culinary businesses in the digital era, creating more efficient operations and more engaged customers. Keywords: Technology, Customer Engagement, Culinary Industry, Digital Transformation, Business Efficiency.

Pengaruh Kualitas Produk, Pengalaman Pelanggan dan Kepuasan Pelanggan Terhadap Loyalitas Pelanggan (Studi Pada Pelanggan Marketplace Shopee Di Kota Bandung)

The growth of technology in Indonesia has had a significant impact on the transformation of the economic sector. This progress allows entrepreneurs to adapt quickly to market changes, by utilizing information technology as the main tool in their business operations. This study aims to determine the effect of product quality, customer experience, and customer satisfaction on customer loyalty (a study of Shopee customers in Bandung City). The research method used is a quantitative method with a descriptive verification approach. Sampling using a purposive sampling technique with a sample size of 100 people determined based on the criteria of Shopee users, customers who have shopped at Shopee, and domiciled in Bandung City. Measurement in the questionnaire uses a 5-point Likert scale. The data analysis technique in this study uses the SPSS v26 software application with the path analysis method. The results of this study indicate that product quality, customer experience, and customer satisfaction have a positive and significant effect on customer loyalty of Shopee customers in Bandung City simultaneously and contribute 0.483 or 48.3%. While the remaining 51.7% is influenced by other variables not discussed in this study.

Board Structure and Executive Compensation for R&D Spending in Innovative Companies Amid COVID-19

Innovation has played a vital role in continuing business operations worldwide amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Innovation is critical for the success and survival of global organizations. Due to the risky long-term nature of innovation, executives with decision-making power may act cynically. Such pessimistic actions become normal when executive compensation is based on the firm’s short-term outcomes. Therefore, the current research examines the effect of executive compensation on research and development (R&D) investment using data from the world’s top 48 innovative companies in Australia. The proposed model was tested using Smart-PLS (v.3.2.8). The findings indicate that board composition significantly and positively affects R&D investment. Likewise, the long-term composition of executives has a positive effect, whereas short-term executive compensation has a negative effect on R&D. Hence, this research suggests that to increase innovation, firms should control the myopic actions of top management by orientating their compensation toward long-term innovation.

EFFECTS OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL POLICIES ON SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Small business stood out to be one activity, noticed anywhere, at different level of measures and trend in Nigeria. The development of small business in Nigeria was predicated on the financial policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria. If only the Federal Government could make financial policies tailored towards the development of small business, then the development of small business would be achieved. However, some financial policies made by the Federal Government were recognized. The capacity of small business to attract attention for development could not be overemphasized. The operations of small business were critically tied to the financial policies of the Federal Government to the extent that small business developments were sometimes at a retrogressive stage or progressive stage, depending on the government financial policies. This research understudied the effects of Federal Government financial policies on small business development in Nigeria. The research adopted the descriptive survey design with primary data. The population of the study was 1,870, made up of small business owners. Yamane formula was adopted to arrive at a sample size of 330. Simple random sampling method was used for the selection of small business owners with a distribution of 365 copies of questionnaire as self-administered. However, 354 responded and retrieved from small business owners. The five-point Likert-scale was adopted. The questionnaire was applied and validated by four very senior lecturers and professionals in the field of small business and government financial administration. Data were analyzed by the use of chi square, employed to test the hypothesis. Finding revealed that the Federal Government financial policies in existence on small business development had no positive and significant effect in the development of the business. In conclusion, the Federal Government financial policies had direct interest in the development of small business but lacked more strategies. More need to be done to have effects on small business. This research recommended that the Federal Government should directly involve and carry along, as never before, vast majority of small business owners when enacting policies for the development of small business and initiate a monthly assessment method of its financials policies on small business.

Analyzing the Impact of Over Speeding of the Vehicles in the Society

Over-speeding is a leading cause of business accidents, performing in significant losses and severe injuries worldwide. According to WHO, speed is a contributing factor in roughly 30 of road deaths in high- income countries and nearly 50 in lowand middle- income countries. Controlling vehicle speed is pivotal to precluding crashes and minimizing the inflexibility of injuries. Traditional styles of speed control and business law enforcement are frequently shy in effectively managing and reducing over-speeding incidents. To address this issue, recent studies have explored colorful technological results, similar as the Automatic E-Challan System, IOT- grounded business violation systems, and RF- grounded vehicle discovery. These systems use advanced technologies like detector networks, image processing, and radio frequence to cover business, descry violations, and issue penalties automatically. These approaches aim to enhance enforcement effectiveness, ameliorate business operation, and reduce road accidents. Our exploration focuses on integrating an automated speed discovery system that not only cautions motorists when they exceed speed limits but also contributes to reducing road accidents by administering compliance with business regulations. This result is anticipated to ameliorate road safety by precluding over-speeding and icing timely interventions.

Real-Time Data Processing in Cloud Computing: Enterprise Implementation Strategies

This article examines the transformative impact of real-time data access enabled by cloud computing across enterprise organizations, focusing on implementation strategies and architectural patterns. Through detailed analysis of industry-leading case studies, this article explores how cloud-based real-time data processing solutions have revolutionized business operations and customer experiences. This article investigates critical technical components including data streaming architectures, IoT integration, geospatial processing, and predictive analytics implementations. This article demonstrates that successful real-time data processing implementations require careful consideration of infrastructure requirements, scalability patterns, and performance optimization strategies. This article provides insights into common challenges such as handling peak loads, ensuring data consistency, and maintaining system reliability, while also examining emerging trends in edge computing and artificial intelligence integration. This article contributes to the growing body of knowledge on enterprise-scale real-time data processing and offers practical guidance for organizations planning similar implementations.

Financial Performance Measurement and Analysis in Quick Service Restaurant

Abstract: This paper presents a comprehensive review of Power BI to analyze the financial and operational performance of a large fast-food chain in India, specifically in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector. It starts by explaining the company’s structure and then focuses on analyzing its financial data, such as financial statements, budgeting, and future projections, tailored tothe needs of the QSR industry. Key to the analysis is organizing and cleaning data, creating unique product IDs, and ensuring accuracy for budget comparisons. The project covers in-depth data manipulation and modeling to ensure reliable insights into key financial metrics, such as revenue and profit. Advanced visualizations, including charts and Pareto analysis, help present a clear picture of the company’s performance. This research paper offers a detailed approach for using Power BI in the QSR sector, providing insights for improving business operations and profitability.