Firms In Egypt Research Articles

Blockchain adoption effect on supply chain integration, innovation management, and performance

Developing supply chain performance (SCP) has been a significant challenge in the present era, specifically in manufacturing firms. Hence, implementing blockchain technology within the firms makes it possible to address these challenges. The present study explores the role of blockchain adoption (BA) towards supply chain innovation capabilities (SCICs), competitive performance (CP), SCP, and supply chain integration (SCI) among the managerial-level employees of manufacturing firms in Egypt. The study is quantitative and followed scholars like Jum’a (2023), Wamba et al. (2020), and Sheel and Nath (2019). The study applied convenience sampling techniques and gathered data through a survey tool. The study utilizes 324 valid cases to infer the outcomes. The path analysis suggests a positive impact of BA on SCICs, SCP, CP, and SCI. Besides, the effect of SCICs and CP on SCP appears positive. On the other hand, the study found a negative effect of SCI on SCP among the managerial-level employees of Egyptian manufacturing firms. The company supports manufacturing and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in enhancing performance by adopting efficient blockchain technology. Moreover, by adopting blockchain technology, the organization would improve its supply chain practices and generate massive productivity and profit.

Capital Structure on Firm Profitability: perspectives from non-financial listed Firms in Egypt

Capital Structure on Firm Profitability: perspectives from non-financial listed Firms in Egypt

Investigating the impact of adopting big data and data analytics on enhancing audit quality

Purpose This study aims to empirically investigate the impact of adopting big data and data analytics (BD&A) on audit quality (AQ). Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was distributed among audit practitioners working at audit firms in Egypt and 205 responses were collected. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze and test research hypotheses. Findings The results reveal that BD&A has a direct significant positive effect on the audit process (AP) and auditor competence (AC). However, an insignificant impact of BD&A is found on audit fees (AF). In addition, the results indicate that BD&A has significant positive direct and indirect impacts on AQ. Research limitations/implications The results of this study will benefit several auditing stakeholders, such as audit firms, audit regulators, novice financial auditors and academic scholars. Originality/value This research is one of the earliest to empirically address the role of BD&A in enhancing AQ. It incorporates AP, AC and AF as mediators into a single model to explain the impact of BD&A on AQ. Also, it attempts to provide empirical evidence from a developing country with a less-regulated audit environment.

Beneath the surface: discovering the fascinating factors shaping blue economy investment behaviour and paving the way for sustainable performance: an empirical study of the marine shipping firms in Egypt

ABSTRACT The blue economy investment behaviour has become highly important in the past decades as it relies on making positive investment decisions which lead to the development and growth of sustainability of every country. This paper contributes to the literature through the investigation of the drivers affecting blue economy investments, and the overall impact on the sustainability of the supply chain performance of marine shipping firms in Egypt. Egypt has a strategic geographic location with long coastlines along the Red, Mediterranean and Gulf of Aqaba seas, in addition to around 50 marine ports to which logistics firms have access to. Relying on the Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) theory and Appiah et al. (2023) model, this paper finds positive impacts of five factors – technological, organisational, environmental, cost spending and supply chain management on blue economy investment decisions in Egypt; however, it finds an insignificant impact of the regulatory factors on stimulating substantial investment. In addition, this paper finds an overall positive impact of blue economy investments on the sustainability of the supply chains of the Egyptian marine shipping firms. This paper suggests actions to be implemented by the Egyptian government to entirely switch to a blue economy to support the sustainability of its blue waters.

A 4-Dimensional Strategy for Managing Construction Waste Originating during the Design Process within Architectural Design Firms in Egypt

This study aims to develop and validate a comprehensive strategy consisting of four dimensions for effectively managing construction waste (CW) arising during the Architectural Design Process (ADP) within Architectural Design Firms (ADFs) in Egypt. To accomplish this aim, a hybrid research approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods, was designed to address four specific objectives. Firstly, a thorough literature review was conducted to explore the topics of ADP, CW, Waste Management (WM), as well as national and international Waste Management Strategies (WMS). Secondly, three construction-based case studies from Saudi Arabia, China, and Thailand were gathered and analyzed to investigate the efficacy of identified WMS in managing CW originating during ADP. Thirdly, a survey questionnaire was administered to a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to assess their understanding and utilization of WMS during ADP. Finally, the research formulated and validated a four-dimensional strategy for managing CW originating during ADP in ADFs. Data analysis revealed that ADFs possess a moderate level of knowledge regarding WMS, with limited awareness of Egyptian laws, regulations, and WMS during ADP. Among the identified WMS, "Prefabrication" emerged as the most favoured, followed by Building Information Modeling (BIM) and "on-site waste management". However, the implementation of these strategies faces several challenges. Furthermore, the research identified "preparation and briefing" as the design stage most susceptible to CW causes, with "waiting" and "defects" being the most prevalent forms of CW originating during ADP.

A strategy for reducing construction waste generated during the design process in architectural design firms in Egypt

Purpose This paper aims to develop and validate a strategy for reducing construction waste (CW) generated during the design process (DP) in architectural design firms (ADFs) in Egypt. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative and quantitative research methodology was designed to accomplish four objectives. The literature review investigated DP, CW, waste management (WM) and WM strategies (WMS). Three case studies were analysed to investigate the role of WMS towards reducing CW during DP. A survey questionnaire was conducted with a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to assess their perception and application of WMS during DP. Lastly, a strategy was developed and validated to reduce CW generated during DP. Findings Through literature review, the research identified the highest 40 causes of CW during the DP and classified them into 13 categories. Despite early promotion of WMS to reduce CW at its source, Egypt and other countries with similar construction market characteristics lack laws and regulations to address CW during the DP, with current codes primarily focusing on post-occurrence issues. In addition, analysis of three case studies showed that CW was reduced by adopting WMS during the DP. Findings of data analysis revealed that ADFs have an average knowledge of WMS and a low awareness of Egyptian laws and WMS during DP. “Prefabrication” was the highest-ranked strategy for CW reduction during DP. Several challenges hamper the implementation of WMS. The “preparation and briefing” was ranked the most common design stage where CW causes occur, while “waiting” was ranked the most common form of CW. These findings informed the research outcome and helped in the development of the proposed strategy. Research limitations/implications The proposed strategy was developed taking into account the results of the survey questionnaire which was conducted in ADFs in Egypt where the authors reside, and such a strategy is needed. However, it could be applied in other countries that share the same characteristics of the architectural DP as well as the causes of CW and WMS implementation challenges. Practical implications This research presents a practical strategy to reduce CW generated during the DP. It was based on the findings of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire. The strategy was explained in a workable way to include the required activities; tools and techniques; involved personnel and needed resources. The strategy was validated by a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to ensure its practicability and viability for implementation towards developing a sustainable built environment. The practical application of the strategy will have long-term and short-term benefits. The long-term benefits include improving the social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainability during the design and construction phases in Egypt. In the short term, application of the strategy will improve the cooperation between design and construction teams, reduce the negative impact of CW production and enhance the quality of construction projects in Egypt. Originality/value Despite the need to reduce CW during DP, a practical strategy is lacking in Egypt, where laws are focused on dealing with CW after its existence. This research studied a topic that received scant attention in construction literature. It developed and validated a strategy to reduce CW during DP, which represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value in a manner that has not been previously explored.

The Impact of Blockchain Technology Activation by Audit Clients on Internal Control Structure Effectiveness: An Experimental Study

The research aimed to study and test the impact of blockchain activation by audit clients on the effectiveness of the internal control structure. To achieve the research objective, an experimental approach was used to test the research hypotheses on a sample of auditors belonging to accounting and auditing firms in Egypt. According to auditing standards, specifically the second fieldwork standard, the auditor is responsible for performing tests of compliance and adherence related to internal controls for the purpose of assessing the level of control risk, and thus the risk of material misstatement, leading to the planning of detection risk. The theoretical part of the research concluded that blockchain technology is one of the most impactful technological applications in the current work environment. Additionally, there is a near consensus in previous related studies that activating this technology has an impact on the five main components of the internal control structure . In its practical part, the research concluded that the five research hypotheses related to the components of the internal control structure were accepted, confirming auditors' awareness of the potential benefits of blockchain activation by audit clients to enhance the effectiveness of the internal control structure. KEYWORDS blockchain technology, control activities, digital transformation, Egyptian market, financial transactions, internal audit

Does bancassurance influence the financial performance of the insurance industry? A case study of life insurance company in a developing country

Purpose This study aims to examine the impacts of bancassurance contracts on the financial performance of the Egyptian insurance market from 2011 to 2022. Design/methodology/approach To achieve this main objective, a mixed methodological approach was adopted: a quantitative methodological approach through analyzing the content of Misr Life Insurance (MLI) Firm’s annual reports from 2011 to 2022. This period frame includes three crucial eras in the history of Egypt: the period covered by the two revolutions in Egypt, the period of political and economic stability and the COVID-19 period. Furthermore, a paired sample test was conducted for two related samples to examine the differences between the averages of financial indicators of MLI Firm for the period prior to and after the bancassurance. Additionally, a qualitative case study approach was adopted, focusing on the MLI Firm in Egypt. To support and confirm the results from quantitative content analysis, an interview was conducted with a financial manager from MLI Company. Findings Generally, the analysis reveals that the financial performance indicators of MLI are significantly influenced by bancassurance because of the variations between the financial performance of MLI Company before and after bancassurance, as the company’s financial performance rose after the bancassurance experience. Therefore, the current research suggests promoting awareness of bancassurance contracts in Egypt to boost financial performance and economic development through bulletins. Research limitations/implications The research has limitations because of its mixed methodological approach, focusing on annual reports, the Egyptian life insurance environment and the insurance sector. Practical implications The findings of this research are probably going to be helpful in clarifying the state of bancassurance in the Egyptian insurance industry for a wide range of interested parties, including managers, investors and scholars. More specifically, this research provides insights into MLI’s financial performance from 2011 to 2022. It aids investors in making informed decisions, boosts shareholder trust and encourages new business in the Egyptian insurance industry. Originality/value This research strives to establish a novel field of study, as there are few studies in developing countries that introduce empirical evidence on the impact of bancassurance on the financial performance of insurance firms in Egypt.

Impact of organizational justice on organizational citizenship behavior in construction firms in Egypt

Impact of organizational justice on organizational citizenship behavior in construction firms in Egypt

A framework for eradicating women discrimination in architectural design firms in Egypt and GCC countries

PurposeThis research aims to develop and validate a framework for eradicating women’s discrimination in architectural design firms (ADFs) in Egypt and propose strategies for prospective adoption in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to increase the transformational impact of women on the architectural and urban developments of the Gulf region.Design/methodology/approachA combined qualitative and quantitative research approach was designed to accomplish four objectives. Firstly, to investigate the nature of business in ADFs, women’s discrimination and policies for gender equity (PGE) in architecture. Secondly, to analyse three case studies to validate the identified causes and impacts of women’s discrimination and examine the role of PGE towards eradicating women’s discrimination in ADFs. Thirdly, to conduct a survey questionnaire with a representative sample of ADFs to investigate their perception of women’s discrimination and the correlation between PGE towards eradicating women’s discrimination in ADFs. Based on the above, the research developed and validated a framework to eradicate women’s discrimination in ADFs in Egypt and suggested strategies for potential application in the GCC countries to increase the transformational role of women in the architectural and urban developments of the Gulf region.FindingsThrough literature review and case studies, the research identified and validated the causes and impacts of women’s discrimination as well as PGE in Architecture. The findings of data analysis showed that the highest-ranked causes of women discrimination in ADFs were “customs and beliefs” followed by “Underestimating women’s work” and “Recruiting males more than females”. Moreover, the highest-ranked impacts of women’s discrimination were “career shift and leaving the profession” followed by “decrease in creativity and innovation” and “decrease in economic growth”. Furthermore, the Spearman correlation test showed that while some PGE were correlated, others were not. These findings helped in the development of the proposed framework and proposed strategies.Practical implicationsThis research presents a practical framework to eliminate women’s discrimination in ADFs in Egypt based on the findings of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire. The framework explained in a workable way the objectives of the framework functions; activities; tools and techniques; involved personnel and needed resources as well as enforcing mechanisms. It was validated by a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to ensure its practicability and viability and suggested strategies for implementation in the GCC countries to increase women’s role in architectural and urban development.Originality/valueThe research identified and validated the causes and impacts of women’s discrimination as well as PGE in Architecture. Moreover, the research investigated the perception of women’s discrimination and the correlation between PGE through conducting a survey questionnaire with a representative of ADFs in Egypt. The research tackled a topic that received scant attention in construction literature, especially in Egypt and the GCC countries. The research developed and validated a framework to eradicate women’s discrimination in ADFs in Egypt. It represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred. The research suggested several strategies for the prospective implementation of the framework in the GCC countries as an approach to enhancing the transformational role of women in the architectural and urban developments of the Gulf region.

Regulatory Constraints on Financial Performance of Insurance Firms in Egypt: Structural Equation Model

Regulatory Constraints on Financial Performance of Insurance Firms in Egypt: Structural Equation Model

Challenges Facing Private Solar Energy Firms in Egypt: A Microeconomic Perspective

The need for the use of renewable energy sources in general and solar energy in particular is immensely increasing over time. It is true that our planet’s future relies to a great extent on the speed of shifting to renewables instead of the use of fossil fuels for energy supply. Accordingly, the Egyptian government has put sustainable development as a priority in its 2030 vision. But to achieve sustainability, various obstacles that impede this process should be carefully identified and addressed. For that, this research work is studying various challenges and barriers that face private solar energy suppliers in Egypt. This is conducted by using an exploratory approach that relies on detailed interviews with private solar energy firms. Results highlight that private solar energy firms are challenged by trade barriers, market barriers, organisational barriers from New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA), macroeconomic barriers and legal barriers. Furthermore, this study provides policy solutions to partially address the identified barriers and to further speed up the transition to solar energy production and usage. 
 Keywords: Solar energy market, Egypt, Barriers and challenges, Semi structured interviews, renewables.
 JEL: O1, Q2, Q4

Come and Gone! Psychological Resilience and Organizational Resilience in Tourism Industry Post COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Life Satisfaction

This research paper delves into the multifaceted relationships between psychological resilience, organizational trust, life satisfaction, and organizational resilience within the context of tourism firms in Egypt. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and its profound effects on the tourism industry, the study aims to unravel the intricate interplay of individual and organizational factors that contribute to the adaptive capacity and well-being of employees. The research employs a quantitative methodology, engaging full-time sales and marketing employees from five-star hotels and class A travel agents (660) as key participants, employing SmartPLS-SEM vs4 to analyze the collected data. Through a nuanced examination of their experiences post-pandemic, the study investigates how psychological resilience, defined as the ability to bounce back from adversity, influences both life satisfaction and organizational resilience. Additionally, the impact of organizational trust, characterized by the confidence and faith employees place in their organization, on life satisfaction and organizational resilience is explored. Preliminary findings suggest a positive association between psychological resilience and both life satisfaction and organizational resilience. Employees exhibiting higher levels of psychological resilience tend to not only experience greater life satisfaction but also contribute significantly to their organization’s resilience. Furthermore, organizational trust emerges as a critical factor, positively influencing life satisfaction and organizational resilience. The study contributes valuable insights to the evolving landscape of tourism management and lays the foundation for future research endeavors in this domain.

Efficiency Analysis of Traditional and Takaful Insurance Firms in Egypt: A Two-Stage Efficiency Model

The purpose of this study is to measure and analyze the efficiency of insurers (traditional, takaful) in Egypt, and to examine the determinants (Insurer-specific factors) that appear to affect the efficiency of insurers. The study uses a two-stage efficiency model: (1) input-oriented Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a non-parametric model to measure the efficiency of 17 non-life insurers (12 traditional, 5 takaful) in Egypt during the period from 2012 to 2021, and (2) a panel regression model to examine the determinants (Insurer-specific factors) of efficiency in the traditional and takaful insurance industry in Egypt. This study found that on average, the technical efficiency (TE) level of non-life insurers (traditional and takaful) was 79%, and there is still a need for 21% efficiency to improve the efficiency in the industry, moreover, takaful insurers achieved a better efficiency level than traditional insurers. On the other hand, the findings also showed that return on equity, size, type of operations, and age are positively related to insurers' efficiency, while reinsurance, claims (risks), market share, leverage, and investments are negatively related to insurers' efficiency. This study provides indicators relevant to insurance management (traditional and takaful) that will help them better utilize their resource base and increase their operational efficiency; to our knowledge, this paper is the first empirical evidence for traditional and takaful insurers together to measure efficiency and examine its determinants in Egypt.

Entrepreneurial Leadership and Enterprise Performance: A Way Out of Sustainability

Purpose: Developing enterprise performance and sustainability is essential for firms’ survival. This study explores the effect of accountability, responsibility and analytical thinking on enterprise among Egyptian firms. Design/Methodology/ Approach: We applied quantitative methods to detect this problem by collecting data from entrepreneurs working in different firms in Egypt. The study concludes the results based on 304 valid samples. Findings: Employing path analysis through analysis of moment structures (AMOS) version 26.0, the findings suggest a positive and significant effect of responsibility and analytical thinking on enterprise performance. On the other hand, accountability negatively affects enterprise performance. Finally, the effect of enterprise performance on enterprise sustainability is positive and significant. Research, practical and social implications: The findings of the study may be helpful for investors to Invest in training for accountability, responsibility, and analytical thinking to optimize venture success. They may foster a corporate culture balancing accountability, risk-taking, and innovation for enduring success. Finally, they Align performance metrics with sustainability goals and integrate ethical practices for resilient business outcomes. Originality/ value: This study addresses the lacunae in the empirical evaluation of enterprise performance and sustainability among Egyptian entrepreneurs by emphasizing accountability, responsibility, and analytical thinking. Doing so contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing business success and long-term viability in the Egyptian context.

The interplay among green absorptive capacity, green entrepreneurial, and learning orientations and their effect on triple bottom line performance

AbstractThis research paper aims at examining the effect of three green capabilities, namely, green entrepreneurial orientation, green learning orientation, and green absorptive capacity, on triple bottom line firm performance under the natural resource‐based view (NRBV) lens. Data were collected through self‐administered surveys distributed among large firms in Egypt that have sustainability initiatives. A total of 211 responses were received, and data analysis was conducted using SMARTPLS 4.0. Results indicated an insignificant direct relationship between green entrepreneurial orientation and triple bottom line firm performance, yet results showed a positive indirect relationship between green entrepreneurial orientation and triple bottom line firm performance in the presence of green learning orientation as a mediator. Moreover, results indicated a positive indirect relationship between green entrepreneurial orientation and triple bottom line firm performance in the presence of green absorptive capacity as a mediator. Last but not the least, the relationship between green entrepreneurial orientation and triple bottom line firm performance was found to be positive when sequentially mediated by green learning orientation and green absorptive capacity.

The Implications of Digital Transformation on the Governance of Audition firms in Egypt from an academic and professional perspective

The Implications of Digital Transformation on the Governance of Audition firms in Egypt from an academic and professional perspective

Factors Affecting Capital Structure Decisions: A Comparative Study of Listed Firms in Egypt and Nigeria

Factors Affecting Capital Structure Decisions: A Comparative Study of Listed Firms in Egypt and Nigeria

Political Patronage and Economic Opportunity: Vertical Integration in Egyptian Textiles and Clothing

Utilizing an original data set, this paper demonstrates how protectionist industrial policy during the period of hybrid liberalization has shaped the organizational structure of clothing firms in Egypt. It investigates determinants of vertical integration of clothing firms into fabric production. High-end market segments are a critical determinant of integration. Limited access to finance restricts the possibilities for many firms to undertake the investment required to integrate, whilst volatile and uncertain market conditions make firms more likely to rely on the market for their inputs. But there are nuances related to market segment. Producers of higher quality garments rely on imported textiles, so these producers do not integrate even if search and switch costs are high. But the opposite is true of producers relying on domestic suppliers. Foreign institutions are better able to ensure contract enforcement with respect to quality and timely delivery so that suppliers’ opportunistic behaviour is deterred, reducing the necessity of clothing firms to integrate. This may not be the case with respect to domestic suppliers when domestic institutions do not guarantee the same level of enforcement. The adoption of the hybrid liberalization model meant that the transition to a market economy was not preceded by the creation of the necessary regulatory framework. This model resulted in inefficient upstream production and in an institutional setting conducive to agency problems. It also meant that business suffers excessive and inefficient bureaucracy. It is thus not possible for firms to achieve the first best outcome of arm’s length relations based on frictionless market transactions. Given these structural constraints firms opt for the second best solution of make rather than buy, i.e. vertical integration. But only some firms are able to use the arbitrary and discretionary decision making system to their favour, negotiating government obstacles to successful business. Those linked to power, prospered, whilst the businesses of others foundered against the wall of patronage, bureaucracy and red tape.

Audit committee effectiveness and audit quality: the moderating effect of joint audit

PurposeThe main aim of the present study is to assess the moderating effect of joint audit (JA) on the relationship between audit committee effectiveness (ACEFF) and audit quality (AQ) in Egypt.Design/methodology/approachThe sample included 61 non-financial corporations listed on the Egyptian Exchange from 2016 through 2020. The results are estimated using panel data analysis with fixed-effect models.FindingsThe findings exhibit that audit committee (AC) independence, ACEFF; and audit firm size negatively affect AQ. Conversely, the influence of AC meetings on AQ is positive and significant. The findings also reveal that JA moderates the relation between the ACEFF and AQ.Research limitations/implicationsThe study offers theoretical contributions to corporate governance mechanisms, JA; and AQ by using data from listed firms in Egypt. The study is the first one that examines the moderating role of JA on ACEFF and AQ.Practical implicationsThe study has practical implications for investors, board members, practitioners, academicians; and policymakers. Moreover, the study contributes using a composite measure for the ACEFF score.Originality/valueThe findings, supported by agency, resource dependence; and signaling theories, contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between ACEFF, AQ; and JA. The evidence about JA is still unknown in developing countries. Further, revisiting AQ with different measures, particularly accounting conservatism, has not been a subject of prior studies.