scholarly journals A Structural Model for the Antecedents of Sustainable Project Management in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (19) ◽  
pp. 8013
Author(s):  
Mehfooz Ullah ◽  
Muhammad Waris Ali Khan ◽  
Lee Chia Kuang ◽  
Ammar Hussain ◽  
Faisal Rana ◽  
...  

Sustainable development is the core agenda item of the 21st century to be addressed simultaneously by societies, businesses, and academia. Likewise, sustainability research in the project context is fragmented and still at a nascent stage with less attention directed towards the key antecedents particularly in developing countries. Using institutional theory, this paper analyzes the role of normative and mimetic isomorphic pressures as external enablers for integrating sustainability in project processes. Additionally, it aims to empirically validate a structural model for predictors of sustainable project management (SPM). Data were collected from 146 large construction firms in Pakistan which were then analyzed using the partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. The results show that mimetic isomorphic pressures assert more influence than normative pressures in predicting the sustainability performance of construction projects. The inferred implications suggest that large construction firms will tend to improve their sustainable performance under isomorphic pressure from professional bodies and from those competitors who are early adopters of sustainable project practices. This paper contributes to the literature by explaining the role of non-coercive isomorphism as an important enabler of SPM in developing countries. The model presented will enrich our current understanding of SPM by studying its juxtaposition with institutional theory and sustainable development research.

Author(s):  
Waseem Ul Hameed

Abstract Background Women-empowerment is still a problematic area in most of the developing countries including Pakistan. The women contribution is limited and not well acknowledged in various developing countries. As the women contribution in Pakistani economy is only 25-30% which is quite low as compared to most of the developing as well as developed countries. Various studies addressed the women-empowerment; however, literature is missing to consider the role of various vulnerability factors such as health, environment, economic/social and political. Microfinance institutes are working; however, the result is limited. It is due to the various vulnerability factors which effect negatively on women empowerment and decreases the positive role of microfinance institutes. Therefore, the prime objective of this study is to examine the role of vulnerability factors and microfinance institutes in women-empowerment.Methods Cross-sectional research design was selected, and survey was carried out to collect the data from female clients of microfinance institutes. Primary data were analyzed by using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).Results Findings of the study revealed that vulnerability factors such as women health, environment, economic/social conditions and political conditions decrease women-empowerment. However, microfinance institutes are most significant to enhance women-empowerment. Services of microfinance institutes such as micro-credit, micro-saving and micro-insurance has significant positive relationship with women-empowerment.Conclusion Various vulnerability factors such as women health vulnerability, environment vulnerability, economic/social vulnerability and political vulnerability should be managed to increase women-empowerment. Microfinance institutes is one of the solutions to handle these vulnerabilities through various services. Therefore, the current study is significant for microfinance institutes, state bank of Pakistan and government of Pakistan while making the strategies to enhance women-empowerment.


10.28945/4743 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 147-172
Author(s):  
Fahad Sawaean ◽  
Khairul A. M. Ali

Aim/Purpose: This paper aimed to examine the impact of learning orientation on organizational performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) via the mediating role of total quality management (TQM) practices and the moderating role of innovation culture. Background: SMEs’ organizational performance in developing countries, particularly in Kuwait, remains below expectation due to increasing competition and inadequate managerial practices that negatively impact their performance. Although several studies had revealed a significant effect of learning orientation on SMEs’ performance, the direct impact of learning orientation on their performance is still unclear. Thus, the link between learning orientation and organizational performance remains inconclusive and requires further examination. Methodology: This study adopted a quantitative approach based on a cross-sectional survey and descriptive design to gather the data in a specific period. The data were collected by distributing a survey questionnaire to the owners and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Kuwaiti SMEs using online and on-hand instruments with 384 useable data obtained. Furthermore, the partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis was performed to test the hypotheses. Contribution: This study bridged the significant gap in the role of learning orientation on SMEs’ performance in developing countries, specifically Kuwait. In this sense, a conceptual model was introduced, comprising a learning orientation, TQM practices, innovation culture, and organizational performance. In addition, this study confirmed the significant influence of TQM practices and innovation culture as intermediate variables in strengthening the relationship between learning orientation and organizational performance, which has not yet been verified in Kuwait. Findings: The results in this study revealed that learning orientation had a significant impact on organizational performance of SMEs in Kuwait. It could be observed that TQM practices play an important role in mediating the relationship between learning orientation and performance of SMEs, as well as that innovation culture plays an important moderating role in the same relation. Recommendations for Practitioners: This study provided a framework for the decision-makers of SMEs on the significant impact of the antecedents that enhanced the level of organizational performance. Hence, owners/CEOs of SMEs should improve their awareness and knowledge of the importance of learning orientation, TQM practices, and innovation culture since it could significantly influence their performance to achieve success and sustainability when adopted and managed systematically. The CEOs should also consider building an innovation culture in the internal environment, which enables them to transform new knowledge and ideas into innovative methods and practices. Recommendation for Researchers: The results in this study highlighted the mediating effect of TQM practices on the relationship between learning orientation (the independent variable) and organizational performance (the dependent variable) of SMEs and the moderating effect of innovation culture in the same nexus. These relationships were not extensively addressed in SMEs and thus required further validation. Impact on Society: This study also influenced the management strategies and practices adopted by entrepreneurs and policymakers working in SMEs in developing countries, which is reflected in their development and the national economy. Future Research: Future studies should apply the conceptual framework of this study and assess it further in other sectors, including large firms in developing and developed countries, to generalize the results. Additionally, other mechanisms should be introduced as significant antecedents of SMEs’ performance, such as market orientation, technological orientation, and entrepreneurial orientation, which could function with learning orientation to influence organizational performance effectively.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sikandar Ali Qalati ◽  
Gyamfi Yeboah Kwabena ◽  
Daria Erusalkina ◽  
Li Wen Yuan

BACKGROUND The customary method to exhibit the growth procedures of social enterprise (SE) still based stagnant with the ability and internal resources of the companies. Though, it is insufficient to enlighten why few SE nurture rapidly while other SE doesn’t OBJECTIVE Grounded in the theory of co-creation value, this study suggests a theoretical model of the influence of value co-creation on social enterprise development especially in developing countries like Bangladesh, Ghana, India, and Pakistan. METHODS A field survey employed in Pakistan, from January 2019 to June 2019. A sample of 400 designed by employing the Yamane taro formula represents the population of the country. This study utilized partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). In order to ensure the authentication of data from biasedness several tests employed for instance effect size, predictive relevance, coefficient of determination, Heterotrait-Monotrait ratio and more RESULTS This study ensures the optimistic influence of value co-creation on the growth of social enterprises, while environmental crescendos have a negative moderating (substituting effect) influence of the association amongst latent variables used CONCLUSIONS This paper, provides detailed information to a governmental and non-governmental organization, of developing countries mainly (e.g. Bangladesh, Ghana, India, and Pakistan), what could be the factors behind the poor growth of the organization, and what steps should be taken to increase the sustainability of firms. Additionally, It’s agreed that external environmental factors (e.g. Institutional norms and funding, governmental support and advice for the establishment of enterprises, lack of technical skills and social capital, and unawareness play the role of a major hindrance for sustainability and growth of social enterprises. So as the facts and figures mentioned in table 1 reflected that SEs in developing countries facing barriers of funding, technical skills, capital, and support. In order to strengthen the link between customers and the growth of the social enterprise, the government and other established institutions like the British Council should launch awareness programs. Conduct the free workshops, training, advertisings and education programs for youngsters in developing countries more specifically in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The government should provide fundings, relaxation in taxes and advice.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. pp401-415
Author(s):  
Marsela Thanasi-Boçe

This study aims to examine the role of instructor, motivation, and interaction in building students’ perceptions of and satisfaction with online learning (OL). It proposes a structural model based on data collected from 446 graduate and undergraduate students who attended online courses during the first COVID-19 lockdown. The data analysis was conducted using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results reinforced the role of interaction and instructors in strengthening students’ motivation, especially highlighting interaction as a facilitator of how instructors motivate their students. Motivation, interaction, and the instructor’s role contributed to positive OL perceptions, which in turn generated greater student satisfaction. This study also revealed that interaction is the factor with the highest impact on OL perception. The instructor’s role in motivating students was found to be higher if a greater interaction was present in the online platform. However, the students did not derive OL satisfaction directly from their instructors; rather, satisfaction was generated only when motivation, interaction, and positive OL perceptions emerged. Finally, gender differences were identified in the students’ OL satisfaction. Females derived a greater level of motivation, OL perception, and satisfaction from interactions with their instructors and peers, while the male students’ OL perception and satisfaction were not affected by their instructors.


Buildings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 207
Author(s):  
Mehfooz Ullah ◽  
Muhammad Waris Ali Khan ◽  
Ammar Hussain ◽  
Faisal Rana ◽  
Asadullah Khan

Sustainable Project Management (SPM) is a novel theme in construction industries of developing countries and very little is known (so far) about the sustainability performance of construction projects in those settings. Accordingly, the quantitative measurement of SPM as a higher-order construct is not well established and lacks a holistic approach and homogenous taxonomy of indicators. This study explores the SPM practices of construction firms by validating SPM as a second-order construct in the Pakistani construction industry. Data were obtained from 146 construction firms, which were then analyzed using partial least square structure equation modeling. Results of the first and second level measurement model assessments showed that construction firms practice SPM, with varying degrees of attention paid to three sustainability aspects. Environmental dimension surfaced as the most important, in-terms of practice and social sustainability as least. The analysis of the second-order measurement model yielded significant results, thus, validating the higher-order structure of SPM. This study contributes to the field by presenting one of the first studies of its kind by focusing on the sustainability practices of construction firms by using a higher-order design of SPM construct within the context of developing countries.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 75-87
Author(s):  
Hai Ninh Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Binh Nguyen

The current study develops a research model and explores the correlation between customer sense of online betrayal, brand hate, and anti-brand activism. The outrage customers’ anti-brand behaviors consist of negative online word of mouth, online public complaining, and online boycott. Data from an online survey of 383 online shoppers were used to test seven proposed hypotheses. The partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was adopted to assess the measurement and structural model. The findings showed that the sense of online betrayal positively and significantly affects brand hate and anti-brand behaviors. In addition, brand hate is also the leading cause of customers’ anti-brand actions. The present study highlights the mediation role of brand hate in eliciting revenge from consumers subjected to online betrayal. This study also gives some recommendations to customers to stop the misconduct behaviors of online betrayals, such as spreading their betrayal cases to friends and relatives via social media, then asking for supports and help from governmental and legal agencies and participating in boycotts; raising boycott movements against the betraying brand should be considered as the most extreme punishment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 196
Author(s):  
Ummi Khuzaimah ◽  
Yayuk Farida Baliwati ◽  
Ikeu Tanziha

ABSTRAKLatar belakang: Penghapusan malnutrisi dalam segala bentuknya, khususnya gizi kurang (stunting dan underweight) adalah suatu keharusan untuk alasan kesehatan, etika, politik, sosial dan ekonomi. Komitmen Tujuan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan (TPB) dipertimbangkan untuk dapat diarahkan kepada tindakan dan akuntabilitas untuk dapat menangani  penyebab langsung dan tidak langsung dari segala bentuk malnutrisi.Tujuan: Menganalisis peranan Tujuan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan terhadap penanganan gizi kurang (stunting dan underweight) dan menyusun pemodelan hubungan keduanya.Metode: Penelitian menggunakan data sekunder. Unit analisis 27 kabupaten/kota di Provinsi Jawa Barat selama tahun 2016-2017, dengan total 54 unit. Variabel dependen penelitian ini adalah gizi kurang (stunting dan underweight) pada anak usia 0-59 bulan, sedangkan variabel independennya yaitu pilar sosial, pilar ekonomi dan pilar lingkungan. Data penelitian diolah menggunakan pendekatan Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM)Hasil: Pencapaian pilar lingkungan dapat mendorong peningkatan capaian pilar sosial dan ekonomi sehingga secara langsung dan tidak lansung mampu menurunkan prevalensi gizi kurang dengan total 5,09%. Pencapaian pilar sosial dapat secara langsung meningkatkan pencapaian pilar ekonomi sehingga secara langsung maupun tidak langsung dapat menurunkan prevalensi gizi kurang dengan total 3,65%. Peningkatan pencapaian pilar ekonomi dapat secara langsung menurukan prevalensi gizi kurang sebesar 3.86%. Semua hubungan signifikan dengan t-statistik > 1,96 (α=0,05).Kesimpulan: Penurunan masalah gizi kurang (stunting (TB/U) dan underweight (BB/U)) pada anak usia 0-59 bulan dapat dipengaruhi oleh pencapaian indikator di masing-masing pilar TPB. Kombinasi pilar sosial, lingkungan dan ekonomi dalam penanganan masalah gizi secara bersama-sama menunjukkan penurunan prevalensi gizi kurang yang cenderung lebih tinggi dibandingkan hanya melalui pencapaian indikator pada satu/dua pilar TPB. ABSTRACTBackground: Tackling malnutrition in all its forms, especially undernutrition (stunting, underweight) is a necessity related to health, ethical, political, social and economic reasons. Commitment to the post-2015 framework, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is considered to be directed towards action and accountability to be able to address the direct and indirect causes of all forms of malnutrition.Objectives: To analyze the role of SDGs indicators in tackling undernutrition (stunting dan underweight) and to determine the undernutrition and SDGs modelling in West Java province.Methods: This study used secondary data. The unit analysis was 27 districts of West Java Province during 2016-2017, with a total 54 units. The dependent variable was undernutrition (stunting nd underweight) in children aged 0-59 months. The independent variables were the pillars of social development, the pillars of environmental development and the pillars of economic development. The data were analyzed using Partial Least-square-structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).Results: The achievement of environmental pillars can encourage increased achievement of social and economic pillars so it can direct and directly decrease the prevalence of undernutrition with a total of 5.09%. The improvement of social pillar can directly increase the achievement of economic pillars so that directly and indirectly can decrease the prevalence of undernutrition with total by 3.65%. The achievement of economic pillars can directly decrease the prevalence of undernutrition 3.86%. All the results were significant with t-statistic > 1.96 (α = 0.05).Conclusion: Reduced undernutrition (stunting and underweight) in children aged 0-59 months can be influenced by the achievement of indicators in each pillars of SDGs. The combination of social, environmental and economic pillars in tackling malnutrition shows a higher decrease in undernutrition’s prevalence than only through the achievement of indicators in one or two pillars of SDGs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 56 ◽  
pp. 04008
Author(s):  
Wan Noordiana Wan Hanafi ◽  
Salina Daud ◽  
Nur Lyana Baharin

This research is carried out to examine the influences of blue ocean leadership styles on emotional intelligence. A stratified random sampling technique is used to identify the sample for this study. Questionnaire is distributed to 120 middle to top level leaders from the selected government link companies (GLCs) which is listed in the Government Link Transformation Programme (GLTP). A partial least square structural model (PLS-SEM) approach is used to analyses the data for this study. The findings indicate that there is a significant relationship between blue ocean leadership style and emotional intelligence. This study would give practical implications where it could inform leaders that they need to have high emotional intelligence in order to lead the organization. This study also contributes to new knowledge by pointing to the leadership role of accurate attributions, where each attribution can lead to enhancing leader effectiveness.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 174
Author(s):  
Miharni Tjokrosaputro ◽  
Cokki Cokki

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui apakah keinovatifan dapat memoderasi peran pengaruh sosial terhadap minat pembelian kopi Starbucks sebagai produk hijau. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode survey. Responden adalah 100 konsumen Starbucks. Teknik pengambilan sampel adalah convenience sampling. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner. Teknik analisis data menggunakan Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengaruh sosial berpengaruh terhadap niat membeli kopi Starbucks dan keinovatifan konsumen tidak memoderasi peran pengaruh sosial terhadap minat pembelian kopi Starbuck sebagai produk hijau. The purpose of this study was to determine whether innovativeness can moderate the role of social influence in the purchase intention of Starbucks coffee as a green product. Respondents were 100 Starbucks consumers. The sampling technique is convenience sampling. Data collection techniques using a questionnaire by survey method. Data analysis techniques using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling. The results showed that social influence had effect on Starbucks coffee purchase intentions and consumer innovativeness did not moderate the role of social influence on the purchase intention of Starbuck coffee as a green product. This might be due to brand equity factors, collectivistic culture and limited sample size, which can be suggested for future researchers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Khayyam ◽  
Shuai Chuanmin ◽  
Haroon Qasim ◽  
Muhammad Ihtisham ◽  
Raheel Anjum ◽  
...  

The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has considerably changed global food production, processing, and consumption at different levels. Sojourners are among those who have experienced a higher level of food insecurity during the crisis of the COVID-19 outbreak. The current research aimed to investigate the immediate consumption behavioral intentions of the Pakistani international students in the People's Republic of China (PRC) during the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. This study applied the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and background factors of food safety and health consciousness that influence the consumption behavioral intention of Pakistani students toward unfamiliar local food in China. A relational model was analyzed where food safety and health consciousness were hypothesized to serve as background variables associated with TPB components. Moreover, the indirect effects of food safety and health consciousness on behavioral intentions were assessed. The data were collected through convenience samples from 462 Pakistani international students and were analyzed through partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results confirmed that food safety and health consciousness were positively associated with attitude (ATT), subjective norm (SN), and perceived behavioral control (PBC). However, food safety and health consciousness were indirectly associated with the behavioral intention only through ATT and SN. The results highlighted the role of food safety and health consciousness as important antecedents of classical TPB components that affect intentions and behaviors to avoid unfamiliar local food in a migrated context. The present study provides enlightenment to those who aim to investigate the consumption behavioral intentions of sojourners in the wake of the pandemic situation based on food safety and health consciousness. The findings of the current study are also applicable to general consumption patterns in the food sector.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document