Major Constructs Research Articles

The Impact of Institutional Pressures on Green Supply Chain Management and Firm Performance: Top Management Roles and Social Capital

This study investigates the impact of three institutional pressures, namely government, customer, and competitor pressures, on the environmental and operational performance of firms. These three institutional pressures are examined by implementing green supply chain management, considering the role of top management and studying social capital between buyers and suppliers in the supply chain. Data were collected through an electronic mail survey from buyer firms in the manufacturing industry in Korea. With 241 complete and usable responses, we used structural equation modeling to test our hypotheses. Our findings revealed that the majority of our hypotheses were supported, which is in line with the existing literature. However, the impact of coercive pressure on top management support and the impact of structural social capital on performance were found to be insignificant. The major contribution of our study is that it broadens the framework of green supply chain management (GSCM) by integrating major and recent constructs in the GSCM theory, while also providing instructive managerial implications through empirical evidence.

Enablers and barriers to using two-way information technology in the management of adults with diabetes: A descriptive systematic review

Background This systematic review aimed to explore the enablers and barriers faced by adults with diabetes using two-way information communication technologies to support diabetes self-management. Methods Relevant literature was obtained from five databases using search strategies combining four major constructs: adults with diabetes, biomedical technology, communication technology and patient utilisation. Results Of 8430 unique articles identified, 48 were included for review. Risk of bias was assessed using either the Newcastle–Ottowa or Cochrane risk of bias assessment tools. Seventy-one percent of studies were of cohort design with the majority of studies assessed at high or unclear risk of bias. Consistently identified barriers included poorly designed interfaces requiring manual data entry and systems that lacked functionalities valued by patients. Commonly cited enablers included access to reliable technology, highly automated data entry and transmission, graphical display of data with immediate feedback, and supportive health care professionals and family members. Conclusions People with diabetes face a number of potentially modifiable barriers in using technology to support their diabetes management. In order to address these barriers, end users should be consulted in the design process and consideration given to theories of technology adoption to inform design and implementation. Systems should be designed to solve clinical or behavioural problems that are identified by patients as priorities. Technology should be as automated, streamlined, mobile, low cost and integrated as possible in order to limit the burden of usage for the patient and maximise clinical usefulness.

Optimal standard measures for marketing

ABSTRACTIn this article, the author argues that marketing will not become a science until we agree on an optimal standard measure (OSM) for each of our major constructs. The case for OSMs is made by critically examining the leading alternative measures of four constructs used widely in marketing management – corporate business reputation, corporate ethical reputation, customer satisfaction, and customer recommendation – and showing how we might progress towards designing an OSM for each.

Serious Games are a Serious Tool for Team Research

Serious games are an attractive tool for education and training, but their utility is even broader. We argue serious games provide a unique opportunity for research as well, particularly in areas where multiple players (groups or teams) are involved. In our paper we provide background in several substantive areas. First, we outline major constructs and challenges found in team research. Secondly, we discuss serious games, providing an overview and description of their role in education, training, and research. Thirdly, we describe necessary characteristics for game engines utilized in team research, followed by a discussion of the value added by utilizing serious games. Our goal in this paper is to argue serious games are an effective tool with demonstrated reliability and validity and should be part of a research program for those engaged in team research. Both team researchers and those involved in serious game development can benefit from a mutual partnership which is research focused.

Investigating the factors that affect the time of maximum rejection rate of e-waste using survival analysis

This study aims at investigating the factors which influence positively or negatively electronic waste (e-waste) rejection rates. E-waste quantities have been calculated based on historical sales data worldwide and lifespan distribution. The methodology, which is adopted in this paper in order to estimate the effect that economic, cultural, and demographic factors have upon the time at which maximum e-waste rejection is achieved, is a Weibull parametric accelerated failure time model. Considering the event at which the maximum rejection of e-waste takes place as the dependent variable, it is assumed that it is a function of economic (GDP, GINI index, Internet users, exports/imports and prices), demographic (dependency ratio, gender, literacy, no of households), and cultural covariates (masculinity, uncertainty avoidance). The variables are fed to the model after transformation into two major constructs derived from Factor Analysis: the first construct is Wealth (exports, imports, and GDP) and the second is Economic Disparity (no of households, literacy, Internet users, and GINI). The results demonstrate that the time of maximum e-waste rejection rate is prolonged by economic disparity and cultural variables (uncertainty avoidance), while wealth causes a shorter time of rejection rate. The proposed methodology is of great value, as its application could provide useful information in order to develop policies for optimal management of e-waste quantities.

Cross-border knowledge transfer in Malaysian multimedia super corridor (MSC) status corporations

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the antecedents of successful organizational cross-border knowledge transfer and also the relationship among the antecedents for sustainable competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachFirst, a focus group study was conducted to identify major constructs and map out the proposed framework. This is then followed by questionnaire survey from 210 Malaysian multimedia super corridor (MSC) status corporations as recipients. Their international business affiliates refer to any organizations located outside Malaysia with which the recipient firm has a relationship. Data were analysed using SPSS.FindingsThe findings suggest that the perceived value of the knowledge, relational dimension and cognitive dimension, as well as recipient learning intent and the attractiveness of a foreign source are significant related to the effectiveness of organizational cross-border knowledge transfer.Research limitations/implicationsBecause this research only covered 210 MSC status corporations, future research can try to have more coverage on other industry to have larger sample size for generalizability purposes. Other factors such as organizational and context characteristics can be added as antecedents to strengthen the framework for effective knowledge transfer.Practical implicationsThe empirical findings can be used as a guideline for MSC status firms to undergo a self-check and help them rethink and reposition themselves in light of the findings. It helps MSC status corporations to frame their organizational cross-border knowledge transfer activities to enable the creation and application of knowledge which should allow them to drive the capability of creating and retaining a greater value onto their core business competencies.Originality/valueThis study provides valuable insights to help creating a successful foundation for organizational cross-border knowledge transfer. This study is also among few studies to examine the critical antecedents in successful organizational cross-border knowledge transfer from a multidimensional perspective in Malaysia.

Adoption and use of a university registration portal by undergraduate students of Bayero University, Kano

The impact of Information Technology (IT) has continued to increase in all aspects of our lives; there has been increasing interest in research on the factors that explain user acceptance of new technology. Venkatesh combined eight of the most popular models to formulate a new model, called the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), which since then has become one of the most prominent models. This paper tries to validate a modified UTAUT model for the Bayero University, Kano. Students’ registration portal which every university student has to use at the beginning of every academic session was used to test the model. Three hundred and sixty eight valid questionnaires were used to validate research model which comprises five constructs in the modified model namely: performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), facilitating conditions (FC) and anxiety (AX). In order to evaluate the internal consistency, convergence and discernments validity, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is run on the measurement model and the values of Average Variance Extracted (AVE), Composite Reliability (ρc), and Cronbach's Alpha (CA) are found to be satisfactory. The data collected is analyzed using structural equation modeling techniques. Three major constructs of the model - performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE) and social influence (SI) – are found to be insignificant determinants of registration portal usage, showing that there are a number of systems that may neither fit into the UTAUT nor UTAUT2 models because of their special characteristics. Keywords : IT, myBUK, UTAUT, University registration portal, Structural Equation Modeling

Servant leadership and positive organizational behaviour: the road ahead to reduce employees’ turnover intentions

PurposeOver time, interest in servant leadership has increased manifold both in academic research and the popular press. These rampant developments have set the stage for addressing the worthiness of servant leadership’s theory. Empirical studies undertaken by numerous scholars (Farling et al., 1999; Bass, 2000; Page and Wong, 2000; Russell and Stone, 2002; Sendjaya and Serros, 2002; Dennis and Winston, 2003; Smith et al., 2004; Stone et al., 2004; Dennis and Bocarnea, 2005; Humphreys, 2005) have surfaced significant findings supporting relevance of servant leadership in organizational context; however, an absence of universal definition and its measures impinges on this concept. Noticeably missing from research attention has been the effect of servant leadership in promoting positive organizational behaviour among organizational employees. Thus, this paper aims to explore the available literature on servant leadership with a view to establish a servant leader’s role in instilling and facilitating positive organizational behaviour in the workplace. Moreover, the purpose is also to determine whether the positive organizational behaviour inculcated among the employees through a servant leader helps in reducing their turnover intentions.Design/methodology/approachUsing different keywords, relevant research papers on Google Scholar were selected. Also, several online databases like Emerald Management, Elseiver, EBSCO Host, etc., were accessed for conducting this exploratory study.FindingsTo examine the various convergent and divergent dimensions of the major constructs, numerous definitions and scholarly work of renowned practitioners have been collated through an extensive literature review. To put forth a comprehensive picture encompassing the noteworthy findings of the studies pertaining to the major construct, a tabular representation has been made.Originality/valueThis is the first study wherein the linkage about servant leadership and positive organizational behaviour in organizational context has been talked about. The paper carries value as the literature pertaining to servant leadership in published domain is still in its nascent stage. The repertoire of literature, presented here, will provide a clear direction to the future researchers who wish to pursue their study in this area.

An investigation of the relationship between supply chain management practices (SCMP) on supply chain performance measurement (SCPM) of Indian retail chain using SEM

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between two major constructs (supply chain management practices (SCMP) and supply chain performance measures), which determines the efficiency and efficacy of retail-supply chain management, using a rigorous empirical method to validate the instrument scale for measuring the validity and reliability of the identified constructs. Additionally, the paper further tests the relationship between SCMP and supply chain performance measures using structural equation modeling (SEM).Design/methodology/approachData were compiled and collected from 213 operations and supply chain (SC) heads from leading retail stores in India. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the validity of the proposed measurement scale and the relationship is tested using SEM.FindingsThe results of the research will help the decision makers in the SC/procurement field to understand the importance of the association between SCMP and supply chain performance measures. Statistical tests show that the implementation of SCMP are associated with supply chain performance measures, which leads to overall improvements; moreover, there is a statistically significant association between the five SCMP and eight SCPM.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is also needed to provide more understanding about the SCMP along with the supply chain performance measures and the positive association among them. Overall, this research provides an additional insight into the growing field of the relationships between SCMP and SCPM. Clearly, the field has ample space to grow in terms of research and practice.Originality/valueThis research paper contributes to the literature on supply chain performance measurement.

Analysing supply chain resilience: integrating the constructs in a concept mapping framework via a systematic literature review

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the concept of supply chain resilience (SCRES) within a concept mapping framework to seek conceptual clarity, with an emphasis on SCRES definitions, essential elements and managerial practices.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was conducted of 103 peer-reviewed journal articles from the year 2000 to 2015, with the aim of answering a focus review question.FindingsThrough analysis and synthesis of the literature, the study revealed three major constructs used to define SCRES: phases of resilience, resilience strategies and the capabilities needed to be resilient. Emerging from the capabilities construct are five core SCRES capabilities: the ability to anticipate, to adapt, to respond, to recover and to learn. Also, given the need to consolidate the various constructs of SCRES, the study identified 13 essential elements and 84 managerial practices that support firms to achieve the five capabilities, which are then linked to SCRES strategies and phases to establish the connections that provide an integrated view of the concept.Research limitations/implicationsThe explorative nature of this study and the role of the concept mapping framework, which does not empirically test the relationships in the model, are considered as limitations, to be addressed by the authors in future research.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper lies in the classification of different features of SCRES through a comprehensive concept mapping framework that establishes relationships and interactions between them. This study, therefore, lays a foundation for testing these connections in future empirical studies. The paper brings together fragmented literature from multiple studies to create a solid body of knowledge that addresses the need for conceptual clarity in SCRES literature.

The Nexus Between Routine Household Chores and a Filial Heart

The findings of a seven-year national investigation about filial piety in China released in November 2015 indicate that an adult daughter has a stronger affective bond with old parents than an adult son. One major construct to distinguish family roles of daughters and sons is participation with household chores. By employing some psychological and sociological theories, this article proposes that engaging in routine household chores plays a vital role in the development of a sense of social justice in a child, and it is only a sense of social justice that can lead to parental love being reciprocated by children's love.

Modelling the impact of variables influence happiness of young consumers - exploratory study of marketing implications from Middle East

The paper examined the variables that influence young consumers' happiness during purchase with reference to Sultanate of Oman. The study used two major constructs, i.e., internal and external variables and tested the impact of such variables over young consumers' happiness. 200 respondents (male and female) below the age group of 30 were interviewed through personal interview and multiple linear regression analysis used to determine the results. The results revealed that: 1) external variables found to have more impact over young consumers happiness; 2) country of origin, promotion and appreciation from society found to have more influence; 3) marketing implications of such results were discussed.

Understanding electronic health records resistance: a revealed causal mapping approach

The implementation of electronic health records (EHR) has potential benefits to healthcare organisations. However, evidence show that EHR systems are being resisted by healthcare providers. Little research in IS has addressed this phenomenon. To understand EHR resistance, a mid-range theory is evoked from our textual analysis of responses gathered from healthcare providers at a large international hospital. The data were analysed using revealed causal mapping technique (RCM). The results revealed that EHR resistance is comprised of seven major constructs: costs, benefits, perceived value, perceived threat, organisational support, self-efficacy, and system circumvention availability. Additionally, this study also uncovered the underlying concepts that are shaping each of these constructs. This study demonstrated that the use of the RCM methodology yielded concepts and constructs of EHR resistance that are not suggested by generalised theory. The use of RCM also revealed the main interactions and linkages between these constructs.

Investigating the variables influence women users intentions to use smartphones: evidences from emerging economies

The paper focused on identifying the variables that influence women users intentions to use smartphones in Sultanate of Oman. The study was conducted among 300 women users of smartphones through personal investigators. Five major constructs such as demographic, psychographic, social, cultural and usage variables have been selected and tested the influence of such variables over women users intentions to use smartphones. The Structural Equation Modelling has been used and found usage variables to have significant influence over women users intentions to use smartphones than that of other selected variables. Implications of such outcomes were also discussed.

Investigating the variables that influence frequency of women shopping behaviour - evidences from emerging economies

The paper investigated the variables that influence frequency of women shopping behaviour in Sultanate of Oman. The study used two major constructs, i.e., internal and external variables and tested the impact of such variables over frequency of women shopping. One hundred women respondents were interviewed through personal interview and multiple linear regression analysis used to determine the results. The results revealed that: 1) external variables found to have more impact over frequency of women shopping closely followed by internal variables; 2) place variables (store oriented) found to have more influence, followed by product variables and extraneous variables such as social media websites, internet and arrival of new brands, over frequency of women shopping.

Investigating the variables that influence frequency of women shopping behaviour - evidences from emerging economies

The paper investigated the variables that influence frequency of women shopping behaviour in Sultanate of Oman. The study used two major constructs, i.e., internal and external variables and tested the impact of such variables over frequency of women shopping. One hundred women respondents were interviewed through personal interview and multiple linear regression analysis used to determine the results. The results revealed that: 1) external variables found to have more impact over frequency of women shopping closely followed by internal variables; 2) place variables (store oriented) found to have more influence, followed by product variables and extraneous variables such as social media websites, internet and arrival of new brands, over frequency of women shopping.

P2.07-001 Non-Negotiated Companion Influence on Information Exchange at Lung Cancer Clinic Consultations: Topic: Information for Patients

Effective information exchange is an asset to effective cancer care (Thorne et al, 2005). Lung cancer is a disease with many biomedical, physical and psychological consequences. This underlines the need for patient-centred care, tailoring communication to the specific needs, values and information preferences of each individual (Kissane et al, 2010). In the context of patient-centred care, communication with healthcare professionals can impact the effectiveness of the clinical encounter and influence clinical outcomes for patients with cancer (Aiello et al, 2008). However, the way in which healthcare professionals exchange information with patients can be affected by wide-ranging, external factors. The presence and involvement of a companion can increase the challenge and complexity of information exchange during cancer consultations (Albrecht et al, 2010). Companions add extraordinary dynamics to the clinical interaction and their potential to influence the exchange, either in a mediating or moderating manner warrants further investigation. As patients with lung cancer are commonly accompanied to the consultation by companions and as national and international policies advocate accompaniment, research in this area is germane. Qualitative, multiple case study design. Each case centred on a patient with lung cancer. It included health professionals patients consulted with and any accompanying companion(s). Seven cases were recruited, including 12 companions, and six professionals. Participants were recruited in 2010-2011 at outpatient clinics. Data were: consultation recordings, debrief interviews immediately post-consultation and later in-depth patient (possibly with companion) interviews. Analysis followed case study pattern matching and coding traditions. Each patient was accompanied by at least one companion. Three levels of negotiated companion accompaniment were identified: reciprocal/mutually agreed, partially negotiated/coerced and non-negotiated. Companions mediated and moderated information exchange across six major constructs. Mediating constructs were physical, emotional and informational, and moderating constructs were companion control, companion agenda and companion as expert. Companions with a non-negotiated presence were powerful and expert and moderated information exchange. Companion accompaniment to lung cancer clinics if often a negotiated process and one that patients may not have total autonomy over. Accompanying companions can influence the exchange of clinical information in both a mediating and moderating manner. The level of negotiated companion presence at lung cancer consultations has clinical implications that require policy, professional and patient attention. In order to facilitate the delivery of patient-centred care and communication healthcare professionals should be aware of and respect patient preference for companion accompaniment and involvement when policy initiatives often recommend companion presence during cancer consultations.

Quality of Life as Predictor of Psychological Well-being, Self-care and Psychosocial Adjustment in Patients with Type II Diabetes after Initial Unilateral Minor Amputation

OBJECTIVE: The present research investigated the role of perceived quality of life as significant predictor of psychological well-being, self-care and psychosocial adjustment among patients with type II diabetes initially after minor unilateral amputation. HYPOTHESIS: The quality of life is likely to predict the psychological well-being, psychosocial adjustment and self-care in patients with type II diabetes, gone through initial unilateral minor amputation. RESEARCH DESIGN: Cross Sectional descriptive. METHODOLOGY: A sample of 200 patients with type II diabetes was taken; 100 with minor amputation and 100 without amputation. The age ranged between 40 to 60 years. A written informed consent was taken in addition to departmental permission to collect the data from indoor and outdoor units of three main hospitals of Lahore including Jinnah Hospital, Arif Diabetics and Mayo hospital, Lahore. The study was carried between Sep, 2015 to December, 2015. The major study constructs were measured by using Urdu translated measures including Diabetes Related Quality of Life Scale, Psychological Well-being Scale and Social Adjustment Scale- self report (SAS-SR); and Self-care Inventory. Regression analysis was carried out to assess the role of quality of life as significant predictor. RESULTS: The results revealed that quality of life emerged as significant positive predictor of psychological well-being, self-care and psychosocial adjustment in patients with diabetes who have gone through minor amputation. CONCLUSION: Quality of life is significant positive predictor and by enhancing the Perceived quality of life of patients with diabetes and minor amputation through psycho-education and counseling, the psychological well-being, psychosocial adjustment and self-case behaviors can be improved.

Temperament, personality, and treatment outcome in major depression: a 6-month preliminary prospective study.

BackgroundDespite available treatments, major depression is a highly heterogeneous disorder, which leads to problems in classification and treatment specificity. Previous studies have reported that personality traits predict and influence the course and treatment response of depression. The Temperament and Personality Questionnaire (T&P) assesses eight major constructs of personality traits observed in those who develop depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of T&P’s eight constructs on the treatment outcome of depressed patients.Patients and methodsA preliminary 6-month prospective study was conducted with a sample of 51 adult patients with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) without remarkable psychomotor disturbance using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition. All patients received comprehensive assessment including the T&P at baseline. We compared each T&P construct score between patients who achieved remission and those who did not achieve remission after 6 months of treatment for depression using both subjective and objective measures. All 51 (100%) patients received the 6-month follow-up assessment.ResultsThis study demonstrated that higher scores on T&P personal reserve predicted poorer treatment outcome in patients with MDD. Higher levels of personal reserve, rejection sensitivity, and self-criticism correlated with higher levels of depression. Higher levels of rejection sensitivity and self-criticism were associated with non-remitters; however, when we controlled for baseline depression severity, this relationship did not show significance.ConclusionAlthough the results are preliminary, this study suggests that high scores on T&P personal reserve predict poorer treatment outcome and T&P rejection sensitivity and self-criticism correlate with the severity of depression. Longer follow-up studies with large sample sizes are required to improve the understanding of these relationships.

Nature or nurture? A meta-analysis of the factors that maximize the prediction of digital piracy by using social cognitive theory as a framework

Digital piracy has permeated virtually every country and costs the global economy many billions of dollars annually. Digital piracy is the unauthorized and illegal digital copying or distribution of digital goods, such as music, movies, and software. To date, researchers have used disparate theories and models to understand individuals' motivations for stealing and sharing digital content. To establish a unified understanding of digital piracy research in order to set an agenda for future studies, we conducted a meta-analysis of the literature. We analyzed 257 unique studies with a total of 126,622 participants to examine all the major constructs and covariates used in the literature. Using social cognitive theory, we were able to resolve several contradictions and trade-offs found in the digital piracy literature. Further, our meta-analytic results suggest that four key sets of factors maximize prediction: (1) outcome expectancies (considerations of rewards, perceived risks, and perceived sanctions), (2) social learning (positive and negative social influence and piracy habit), (3) self-efficacy and self-regulation (perceived behavioral control and low self-control), and (4) moral disengagement (morality, immorality, and neutralization). Based on our results, we describe several patterns in the literature that suggest opportunities to further synthesize the literature and expand the boundaries of digital piracy research.