International Journal of Professional Business Review
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EDUCATION AND JOB SATISFACTION IN U.S. CONTACT CENTERS
Get PDFObjective: The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between the level of education completed after high school graduation and the level of job satisfaction among U.S. contact center employees.
Theoretical Framework: In this topic, the main concepts and theories that underpin the research are presented. Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory stands out, providing a solid basis for understanding the context of the investigation.
Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a quantitative correlational approach. Participants include U.S. contact center employees. Data collection was carried out through questionnaires distributed to contact center employees.
Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that the level of education completed after high school graduation does not significantly impact the level of job satisfaction for U.S. contact center employees. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory, highlighting that education completion cannot be utilized as a motivator factor in this context. Possible discrepancies and limitations of the study are also considered in this section.
Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of business and education. These implications could encompass human resources, management, and post-high-school education.
Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by offering a practical contribution to contact center professionals and educational institutions. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by its potential to impact contact center hiring processes and assessing the value of post-high-school education for contact center employees
GENDER-RELATED FACTORS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTIONS OF UNDERGRADUATES IN SELECTED FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA
Get PDFPurpose: The study assesses the gender related factors and entrepreneurial intentions of undergraduate students of selected Federal Universities in Southwest, Nigeria. It specifically, examined barriers to male and female entrepreneurial activities in the selected Universities; assessed how entrepreneurship education has impacted entrepreneurial intentions of female and male undergraduates in the study area; and evaluated how entrepreneurial intentions of male and female undergraduates differ in the study area.
Theoretical Framework: The study's foundation was Social Feminist Theory (SFT), which clarified the widely held stereotype that women are subservient to men. This stereotype is said to conflict with the innate desire for entrepreneurship, and female students' inclination to start their own businesses may be viewed as a hindrance. In this regard, the study has attempted to conduct a methodical assessment of several publications concerning the relationship between gender and the entrepreneurial intentions of students at particular Federal Universities in the Southwest region of Nigeria.
Design/Methodology/Approach: To guide the investigation, three research questions were developed. Similarly, three objectives and three null hypotheses were generated for the study. The study adopted the use of a cross-sectional survey approach, and structured questionnaire administration was made use of, to gather data. A total of 1,820 questionnaires were distributed to the respondents and were all recovered for the study. The study made use of a well-structured and validated “Gender Related Factors and Entrepreneurial Intentions Questionnaire” as the instrument for data collection. The data analysis included both inferential and descriptive statistics, such as; Mann-Whitney U Test, Multiple Linear Regression and basic percentages, counts, mean, and standard deviation..
Findings: The study found that female students faced more barriers to entrepreneurial activities than male students. The distribution of barriers is not the same across the two categories of gender. Entrepreneurship education is positively related to entrepreneurial intention and explains a variation in the level of entrepreneurial intention of undergraduate students in the selected Federal universities. Female students showed less entrepreneurial intention than male students and suggests that the distribution of entrepreneurial intention is not the same across the two categories of gender.
Originality/Value: The study, recommended among others that; Policymakers and stakeholders in entrepreneurship matters should give adequate consideration and preference to the female gender in terms of training and other forms of entrepreneurial education to foster better intention with them. Nevertheless, the male gender must not be ignored completely as this may result in a viscous cycle; University management, facilitators and lecturers should also improve on the techniques and methods used in teaching entrepreneurship in Nigerian universities to positively impact the entrepreneurial intention of university students; and Management should also use attractive methods and practical styles that will raise the curiosity of students to the field of entrepreneurship.
THE ROLE OF THE UNIVERSITY IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: A STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF STUDENT AND FACULTY TRENDS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TAMANRASSET
Get PDFPurpose: This article studies and analyzes the role of the university in achieving the goals of sustainable development, by revealing the orientations of students and faculty members of the University of Tamanrasset regarding the contribution of higher education and scientific research activities to the economic, social and environmental development of Tamanrasset region and the challenges that prevent the university from performing its functions in the best possible way, in addition to presenting proposals that would contribute to the integration of the university into its local and national environment and keeping pace with changes at the global level.
Methodology: The descriptive approach was adopted in this study, where descriptive indicators of educational activity and scientific publications of professors and students of Tamanghasset University that serve the goals of sustainable development were analyzed. The study also used the questionnaire tool to arrive at a standard model that helps in accurately interpreting the results obtained through various statistical data.
Results: The results indicate the importance of the university's functions in achieving the sustainable development goals, as the correlation coefficient between them reached 0.7, with an emphasis on the greater impact of scientific research compared to higher education. The results also showed that the level of university education and scientific research is still modest at the University of Tamanrasset, which was reflected in its performance in achieving the sustainable development goals due to several reasons, the most prominent of which were the weakness of educational programs and curricula and the absence of incentives for individual and collective initiatives related to finding solutions to economic, social and environmental issues in the region.
Practical Implications: The study suggests that the university should support university education for sustainable development by undertaking specific activities that translate into the university’s work and its relations with the environment, and that educational programs and curricula should take into account labor market expectations and social and economic challenges, in addition to stimulating and valuing scientific research to solve issues with a local dimension and supporting individual and collective initiatives related to the environment through scientific clubs and student organizations to spread environmental awareness among students.
Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing a detailed analysis of the role of the university in achieving the sustainable development goals, which have become a topic of increasing interest due to the environmental challenges facing the world in recent years. The unique focus of the study on the University of Tamanrasset provides valuable insights and recommendations for valuing the outcomes of higher education and scientific research in Algeria in general and in the Tamanrasset region in particular to support sustainable development
The Effect of Risk Management Practices on Project Performance: A Case Study of the Libyan Construction Industry
Get PDFPurpose: The general aim of the study was to investigate the implementation of risk management in the construction industry in Libya.
Theoretical framework: The role of risk management in project management in the construction industry in Libya is described in this paper. The study involved more than three hundred construction companies located in Tripoli and Benghazi as these are two main cities in Libya where construction was most active and involved big projects and large investment.
Design/methodology/approach: Questionnaires which were designed based on cluster sampling were sent to respondents i.e., basically the company managers and 250 replies were obtained. Structured equation modelling was used to analysis the information by Smart-PLS program. The risk management processes defined by identification, assessment and monitoring which contributed to the project success was also related to the financial risk.
Findings: The study found that risk management practices had substantial and favourable effects on the success of the project's execution. Further the awareness of quality management in terms of risks was most encouraging.
Research, Practical & Social implications: The current findings of this research have shown that most studies focus on the effect of risk management practices as strong tool to improve the project performance. A productivity survey might give a better overview of risk management at other sectors as it concerns the actual output of the construction companies.
Originality/value: The systematic literature review approach was hardly found in study of risk management and project performance. At the same time, the exploratory method was applied to synthesize previous studies on risk management and project performance in construction companies
Innovation and Organizational Culture in South American Companies in the Last Decade
Get PDFPurpose: The current analysis aimed to review the state-of-the-art about innovation and organizational culture in enterprises placed or working in South America.
Theoretical Framework: Innovation and organizational culture are critical concepts in management studies nowadays. In South America, in recent years, companies have had the trend to disrupt static and hierarchized organizations by allowing employees to participate actively in the organization's objectives. Moreover, flexible companies do not mean that hierarchies do not exist. Instead, it means that companies are eager to listen and accept the different points of view of the employees. Moreover, innovative companies seem to adapt rapidly to both beneficial and adverse environments. However, some firms resist changes and get revenues, but the evidence suggests that they put their sustainability in the long term.
Design/Methodology/Approach: In consequence, the methodological approach was the employment of the PRISM method to depurate the initial bibliographic resources from EBSCO and RENATI. EBSCO was used to analyze papers, and RENATI to review theses. Initially, there were 78 articles and 271 theses to be examined. After the PRISM depuration, it was analyzed 35 papers and theses from the period lasting from 2012 to 2021.
Findings: The results showed that flexible companies were more adaptative than rigid ones. Moreover, the literature suggested that flexible companies have more chances to be sustainable in the long term than other firms. Therefore, it is possible to state that innovation policies had a higher impact in flexible organizations than in rigid ones.
Originality/Value: The value of the study relies on the systematic review of the current literature of innovation and organizational culture in South America which is the nearest international environment for Peruvian companies
A Qualitative Exploration of the Marketing Challenges Faced by Small and Medium Enterprises in Gauteng, South Africa During COVID-19
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of this study is to examine how the resurgence of e-commerce in South Africa during the Covid-19 pandemic impacted SMEs using e-commerce resources, and to devise strategies to assist SMEs to become more agile, resilient and better able to cope with disruptions.
Theoretical framework: The coronavirus pandemic highlighted the need to investigate the challenges experienced with e-commerce by SMEs in South Africa since the pandemic disrupted business through the restriction of movement of people which accelerated the use of online shopping. The e-commerce resources and dynamic capabilities of SMEs were analysed to explore the impact they have on the growth of e-commerce.
Methodology: Purposive sampling was used to identify 13 participants (SME owners/managers) for a qualitative study conducted using semi-structured interviews to gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges which impacted their business and marketing model. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcripts from the interviews and identify any patterns.
Findings: It was ascertained that the pandemic stimulated the growth of e-commerce among SMEs that invested in unique resources and capabilities. However, those businesses that had not invested in on-line marketing resources were negatively affected and some have had to close.
Practical implications: The practical implication of this research relates to how SMEs could (should) smartly digitise their business model and migrate to e-commerce more effectively and efficiently.
Value: This study may assist SMEs to make more informed decisions when using e-commerce platforms. The findings may also contribute to preparing South African SMEs to adapt more easily, should a similar disruption occur in the future
The Impact of Demographic Variables of Audit Committee on Earning Management in Listed Companies in Amman Stock Exchange
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of this study is to inspect the influence of demographic variables of the AC on EM in listed companies on the ASE. Specifically, the study aims to examine the effect of AC size, independence, expertise, and diversity on EM practices in Jordanian firms.
Theoretical framework: The influence of demographic variables of the AC on EM is an important topic that has been studied by a significant number of researchers, as well as those who are interested in the accounting profession. This subject has gotten a lot of attention from academics, professionals, and other interested parties in recent years (Al-Thuneibat, Alsmadi, and Alsharairi (2017); Al-Khadash (2016); Srouji and Khamees (2021) and Al-Rawashdeh and Al Khattab (2020).
Findings: In this study, demographic variables of the AC, such as gender diversity, age, education, and experience, are expected to affect the effectiveness of the committee in fulfilling its monitoring and control functions or its supportive functions. For instance, a more diverse AC may bring different perspectives and enhance the quality of decision-making, whereas an experienced committee may have a better understanding of the company's operations and risks.
Research, practical & social implications: The study population comprised of all Jordanian industrial firms listed on the ASE for 5 years, from 2017 to 2021. Moreover, 55 industrial firms were included in the analyses. Analyses was used to analyze the panel data which was collected from the annual report were used to analyze the panel data.
Originality/Value: The fact, our current study is the first to inspect the influence of demographic variables of the AC on EM in listed companies on the ASE. Specifically, the study aims to examine the effect of AC size, independence, expertise, and diversity on EM practices in Jordanian firms
Theoretical Evidence and Empirical Investigation of the Impacts of Women’s Psychological Needs on the Environment, Well-Being, and Performance at Work
Get PDFPurpose: This paper assesses how the satisfaction or frustration of women’s psychological needs (PN) influences their performance and well-being within their workplace, both in terms of positive effects and negative effects.
Theoretical framework: We explored how basis PN at work mediate the relationships between work demands–resources characteristics, well-being, and performance at work.
Design/Methodology/Approach: We conduct an electronics survey among 205 Saudi women workers and we do a multivariate analyzes with structural equations and tests with three specified models.
Findings: Job resources are positively related to satisfying women’s PN but negatively relate to any frustration of these needs. Job challenges also positively relate to the satisfaction of PN, while job hindrances are negatively related with satisfaction and positively related with the frustration of needs for autonomy, competence, and social affiliation. The satisfaction of PN is positively associated with engagement at work and good performance but negatively associated with burnout. Unsurprisingly, any frustration of PN is positively related to workplace deviance and burnout.
Research, Practical & Social implications: It is important to integrate self-determination theory at work with solid and credible scientific support. Leadership must provide a work environment in which women can tackle challenges and access sufficient resources to satisfy their basic psychological needs. They should reduce negative experiences that frustrate needs and promote positive experiences.
Originality/Value: The study contributes significantly to work and organizational psychology and human resource management by highlighting the nuances between job challenges and hindrances and distinguishes between satisfying and frustrating the women’s PN
The Mediating Role of Absorptive Capacities on the Relationship of Human Capital and Social Capital on Innovation Capabilities (Study on Woman Entrepreuner in North Sulawesi, Indonesia)
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between human capital and social capital on innovation capabilities mediated by absorptive capacities. The study was conducted on business in North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia managed by women entrepreneurs.
Theoretical framework: The human capital, social capital and absorptive capacities are expected to be the causal relationship model to influence the business innovation ability of women entrepreneurs.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The quantitative survey method was chosen to test the causal relationship established. This research was conducted in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The 187 data collected were tested using PLS-SEM with the SmartPLS 3.29 application.
Findings: The results of this study indicate that absorptive capacities significantly directly influence innovation capabilities. Absorptive capacities also mediate the relationship between human capital and innovation capabilities of business managed by women entrepreneurs in North Sulawesi.
Research, practical & social implications: The study found the ability of business innovation managed by women entrepreneurs could develop if being supported by absorptive capacities. Absorptive capacities could become a significant mediating construct in the relationship between human capital and innovation capability due to the success of knowledge, abilities and skills to generate an innovation.
Originality/Value: The causal relationship between human capital, social capital and absorptive capacities as mediating variables is not widely discussed in the entrepreneurship literature, especially for women entrepreneurs. Therefore, this is considered as novelty offered in this research
Corporate Social Responsibility, Board of Directors’ Affect Financial Performance: Evidence in Vietnam
Get PDFABSTRACT
Purpose: The study aims to explore corporate social responsibility and corporate governance issues such as the board of directors’ characteristics that affect the financial performance of the manufacturing listed companies on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange in Vietnam.
Theoretical framework: The study is based on the agency theory, stakeholder theory and the fundamental corporate social responsibility to clarify its role and the importance of information disclosure to interested parties when making economic decisions.
Methodology: Using pooled Ordinary least squares causes biased results because of autocorrelation and heteroscedasticity, thus the authors conduct Feasible Generalized Least Squares to increase the reliability of findings.
Findings: The research results show that there are four statistically significant factors that affect financial performance: corporate social responsibility, board gender diversity, ownership concentration, and government ownership.
Research, Practical & Social implications: The obtained results highlight the direct relationship between corporate social responisibility and financial performance, implying that these listed companies can improve their firm value based on the mentioned factors.
Originality/value: by examing the significant relationship between CSR and performance, the author emphasizes the role of managers in disclosing information relevant to their responsibilies to the environment and community. The problem is still a limited concern by corporates in the emerging market as Vietnam