Mahfuzur Rahman | University of Lincoln (original) (raw)

Papers by Mahfuzur Rahman

Sustainability

Despite the plethora of explications of the direct and indirect impacts of green people managemen... more Despite the plethora of explications of the direct and indirect impacts of green people management practices on different dimensions of individual and organizational performance and sustainability, a holistic model demonstrating the constituent aspects and impacts of such sustainability on organizational, individual, and team performance is missing. The objective of this study is to address this gap/void through a review of 127 papers on green human resource management (GHRM) following a systematic literature review approach. Based on the systematic review, this study used a thematic analysis, which identified twenty-four disparate people and organizational aspects and grouped the most used ones into five theoretical lenses, including AMO = ability–motivation–opportunity, RBV = resource-based view, SHT = stakeholder theory, SET =social exchange theory, and SIT = social identity theory. These five sets of results were used to develop the first-of-its-kind holistic framework showing h...

Sustainability

In this article, we critique and extend Bourdieu’s notion of cultural capital to develop the new ... more In this article, we critique and extend Bourdieu’s notion of cultural capital to develop the new concept of total diaspora cultural capital. We build on the limitations of cultural capital, which in the Bourdieu theory centre on materiality and class perpetuation. The article builds on an extensive review of the literature, using the PRISMA framework. We also use the findings of previous research to illustrate this argument. We differentiate between four types of organisations or groups that articulate various levels of cultural capital to build a body of evidence that establishes total diaspora cultural capital (type D groups) as a bounded collective identity creation encapsulating three main dimensions: appropriation, customisation and deployment. Total diaspora cultural capital is perceived as fitting the post-colonial global context through the acknowledgement that diasporas and hosts make the modern world, being agents who create and disseminate culture and economic sustainabil...

Migration Practice as Creative Practice: An Interdisciplinary Exploration of Migration presents a... more Migration Practice as Creative Practice: An Interdisciplinary Exploration of Migration presents an in-depth evaluation of the contributions made by migrants to modern socio-economic structures. Leading with discussion of the historical construction of migration and what it signifies in the modern globalised economies, an interdisciplinary range of contributors examine the interaction of migrants with new cultures, as well as migrants’ acculturation into the new environments and what that signifies for community relations. The book also discusses the creative energies that migrant inject in the economic structures in both private and public spheres. Migration Practice as Creative Practice shows particular interest to how migrants use their social lives, lived experiences, and the process of identity formation, as well as their histories and families to inject positive ‘newness’ into host cultural and economic architectures. It calls for more creative ways of researching migrant movements and lived experiences, and brings to life the different ways of approaching migrant research for scholars today

International Journal of Economics and Business Research, 2010

Wireless technologies have created an unprecedented opportunity for rural customers in the develo... more Wireless technologies have created an unprecedented opportunity for rural customers in the developing world to solve their communication and information problems in an instantaneous, interactive and customised way. The framework of the study focuses on existing mobile village phone model in Bangladesh and suggests ways to make it sustainable through mobile information services marketing. The study has treated 'village phone' as a cost effective and interactive channel through which various information services can be marketed to serve customers in the rural settings.

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, 2018

Purpose People-related factors are very significant barriers for the internationalisation of larg... more Purpose People-related factors are very significant barriers for the internationalisation of large and small firms. Although the literature has identified a number of steps that SMEs need to take to increase their resilience in international markets, a study that identifies both the resilience and non-resilience barriers for SME internationalisation has not been undertaken in the scientific fields Human Resource Management and International Business. This paper aims to examine resilience and non-resilience barriers faced by SMEs in a developing country. In addition to the resilience literature, they examine non-resilience and combine its characteristics with resilience barriers from the Bangladeshi context. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative data analysis technique is used in this study to identify the impacts of these resilience/non-resilience issues’ internationalisation of SMEs both from micro and macro levels. This study has used primary data collected through the question...

Businesses

This study investigated three key factors (technological-related, organisational-related and envi... more This study investigated three key factors (technological-related, organisational-related and environmental-related barriers) affecting the adaptation to or integration of developed ICT. It also examined how SMEs in less developed countries can explore the different stages of developed ICT by moving from one stage to the other. The integration of ICT in SMEs is important as technologies have become competitive tools in contemporary business practices. This study is based on a survey of 322 Nigerian SMEs which was successfully validated using the SmartPLS3 software. The quantitative analysis centred on the three hypothesised barriers to measure the extent to which SMEs’ internal and external variables could limit their competitiveness in relation to business expansion and organisational growth. The analysis helped explain some of the critical challenges faced by rural SMEs in an emerging economy such as Nigeria despite the literature’s previous emphasis on the impacts of ICT on the SM...

Business Strategy & Development, 2021

Drawing on Behavioural Theory of the Firm (BTF), this study examines internationalisation of rura... more Drawing on Behavioural Theory of the Firm (BTF), this study examines internationalisation of rural SMEs in Nigeria and its impacts on social and organizational development. To examine how SME internationalisation affects societal and organizational development, the study collects cross-sectional data using a structured questionnaire from 304 rural SMEs drawn from several sectors in Nigeria. Applying a partial least square based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), we tested the social and organizational impact of rural SMEs internationalization. The results showed that there is a significant positive relationship between societal and organizational performances and internationalization of SMEs. Both scores were significantly positively correlated with the internationalization of SMEs in rural Nigeria. The study argues that internationalisation of rural SMEs’ reflects on organizational progress and societal progress in terms of improving rural people’s life. The findings of the study will act as the reference point to academicians and policymakers by which they could assess how internationalisation of rural SMEs matters for rural people’s life and can strive to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth

BUSINESS STRATEGY & DEVELOPMENT, 2019

The study aimed to examine the barriers to embracing enzymatic processing in the garment industry... more The study aimed to examine the barriers to embracing enzymatic processing in the garment industry in a developing country. We used the case of Bangladesh, which has the largest garment sector in the world. The research used semistructured interviews with 10 high-profile figures in the industry, comprising scientists, manufacturers, enzyme traders, and policymakers. We found economic, sociocultural, informational, and policy-related barriers to the adoption of enzymatic processing. Attending to each element would benefit manufacturers primarily; this will help identify its strengths and weaknesses to ensure the effective implementation of enzymatic textile processing to obtain optimum results. The study also found that manufacturers' desire to help improve environmental performance is a factor, which could motivate them in adopting green manufacturing innovation. It is expected that regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation-particularly from high social responsiveness and compliances as well as economic and financial incentives-would motivate manufacturers to develop sustainable environmental management strategies that enhance their ability to compete in global markets.

One of the key objectives of this study is to identify the main barriers to internationalization ... more One of the key objectives of this study is to identify the main barriers to internationalization for Bangladeshi SMEs. To fulfil this objective a hierarchical, 2 order model with four constructs was developed and tested using PLS path modelling .The four constructs identified from the literature review as the main areas that could hinder Bangladeshi SMEs internationalisation process are political, economic, social and technological. These represents the four first order variables that in the second order are constructed by 18 (manifest variables) indicators. The findings suggest that, political barriers seem to be the most influential barriers for the internationalization of Bangladeshi SMEs as they explain 83% of the overall variance. Followed by the social barriers with 79% of the overall variance, economic barriers with77% and technological barriers with 70%. Though the ranking has been done based on the relative power of individual constructs, the magnitude of difference is relatively small. Therefore, it can be argued that all these constructs are significant and therefore should be given equal attention. Similarly the PLS path model analysis shows that political and social barriers are more dominating over economic and technological barriers in Bangladesh. This study extends our knowledge on the barriers to Bangladeshi SMEs’ internationalization. Therefore, academic researchers will be able to study more in depth the identified constructs and will assist policy makers and practitioners to develop internationalisation strategies and set up strategic priorities.

Sustainability

This article explores innovations in and pedagogical approaches to Responsible Entrepreneurship E... more This article explores innovations in and pedagogical approaches to Responsible Entrepreneurship Education (REE), with a specific focus on how to advance responsible entrepreneurial competencies (“know-how”) and entrepreneurial practices (“know-that”). Consequently, this article proposes the “4Rs” framework (re-imagining, reconfiguring, reshaping, and reforming) to guide entrepreneurship educators’ actions. Firstly, it is necessary to “re-imagine” the intended and enacted curriculum to develop a contemporary awareness and knowledge of social and environmental enterprises. Secondly, it is essential to “reconfigure” teaching pedagogies to problematize the entrepreneurship environment and outer world. Thirdly, it is required for educators to “reshape” the attained curriculum with the stakeholders to offer learners co-curricular and extracurricular experiences. Finally, pedagogical “reforms” provide an opportunity to incorporate innovations into the discovery of new knowledge and paths o...

Although people and technology are very significant for the internationalisation of large and sma... more Although people and technology are very significant for the internationalisation of large and small firms the association between people and technology in the internationalisation of SMEs is under-represented from a developing country context. This paper examines and applies the characteristics of the configuration model of HRM onto SMEs to see what it might contribute to SMEs’ entrepreneurial behaviour. A quantitative method data analysis technique is used here to identify the barriers of SME’s internationalisation both from micro and macro levels. We used primary survey data from 212 Bangladeshi SMEs. Based on the data, this study has developed and validated partial least square based structural equation model (PLS-SEM) to compare technology and people-oriented barriers of SMEs’ internationalisation. It has successfully framed these two types of barriers as a model and found that none of the individual barriers is even more significant. The results show that both HRM and technolog...

Objectives A conceptual framework for the empirical analysis of some effects on rural enterprises... more Objectives A conceptual framework for the empirical analysis of some effects on rural enterprises of “the digital economy”, linked to the concept of an anticipatory system. The superficial context is the expansion of ‘superfast’ broadband into rural areas through public subsidy. The more significant research objective is to explore ways in which rural enterprises are sustained in a digital age, for example by innovation and what processes are employed in achieving such sustainability. How does being enterprising include anticipation and to what effect? Prior Work The focal point of the research is the notion of the ‘business model’ e.g. (Amit & Zott, 2001; M. Morris, Schindehutte, & Allen, 2005; Alexander Osterwalder, Pigneur, & Clark, 2010) and the related influences that rural contexts and broadband may have on the capacity of an SME to sustain itself, either through competitiveness or in value captured (Chesbrough & Rosenbloom, 2002). The work also builds on Fuller and Warren’s p...

Annals of Operations Research, 2021

Although innovation from analytics is surging in the manufacturing sector, the understanding of t... more Although innovation from analytics is surging in the manufacturing sector, the understanding of the data-driven innovation (DDI) process remains a challenge. Drawing on a systematic literature review, thematic analysis and qualitative interview findings, this study presents a seven-step process to understand DDI in the context of the UK manufacturing sector. The findings discuss the significance of critical seven-step in DDI, ranging from conceptualisation to commercialisation of innovative data products. The results reveal that the steps in DDI are sequential, but they are all interlinked. The proposed seven-step DDI process with solid evidence from the UK manufacturing and research implications based on dynamic capability theory, institutional theory and TOE framework establish the building blocks for future studies and industry practice.

Annals of Operations Research, 2020

This study explores digital business transformation through the lens of four emerging technology ... more This study explores digital business transformation through the lens of four emerging technology fields: artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud and data analytics (i.e., ABCD). Specifically, the study investigates the operations and value propositions of these distinct but increasingly converging technologies. Due to the dynamic nature of innovation, the potential of this ABCD hybridization, integration, recombination and convergence has yet to be considered. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the findings of the study show wide-reaching and diverse applications among a variety of vertical sectors, presenting exploratory research avenues for future investigation. The study also highlights the practical implications of these new technologies.

Thunderbird International Business Review, 2021

Despite internationalization theory's recognition that place and policy constitute fundamental ba... more Despite internationalization theory's recognition that place and policy constitute fundamental barriers for the internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), research into rural-based firms from the developing world is a much underdeveloped and neglected area. To address the need to examine this gap, the purpose of this study is to identify and compare place and policy challenges of rural SMEs' internationalization in Nigeria. We have developed a model that extends internationalization theory's overemphasis on the structural aspects of these barriers and thereby provide a resolution tool for managers. By using partial least squares (PLS) path modeling methodology, we also administered 403 questionnaires in six of Nigeria's geopolitical zones. Our threestage analyses reveal findings that the physical and geographical (or place barrier) challenges account for 90% whilst the traditionally neglected aspects of legal and regulatory barriers score 85%. Therefore, place related barriers should be given slightly higher priority if it is not possible to be given equal recognition in internationalization theory. These findings provide new insights into a more complex picture of SMEs' internationalization in emerging economies. It is recommended that our Human-centric Hierarchical Model could help inform managers' decision-making processes on what human aspects they need to prioritize when faced with policy and place barriers. It is also recommended that our model adds social value to SME businesses and provides a new lens for scholars to investigate place and policy related barriers to rural Nigeria's SMEs.

Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 2020

The research aims to critically discuss key new biotechnologies in textile processing and examine... more The research aims to critically discuss key new biotechnologies in textile processing and examines the foundation of the resistance to adoption of such technologies in emerging markets. Using semi-structured interviews and the scientific literature, the paper draws on experts' opinions about enzyme applications; at the same time, the paper interrogates policymakers and economic operators about the barriers to biotechnology adoption in emerging markets. The paper finds that the application of biotechnologies in textile processing is an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional chemical processing. Enzymatic processing involves less water and energy, thus causing less environmental degradation. The research builds on strategic management tools, such as Lewin force field analysis and change framework to examine drivers and barriers to enzymatic processing specifically in the textile sector in developing economies. This has enabled the paper to suggest more vigorous and systematic actions from both policymakers and economic actors for greater environmental sustainability. The research contributes to raise awareness about the environmental consequences of older textile processing methods and defuses the argument that new technologies are out of reach for emerging market economic actors. Biotechnologies in the form of enzymatic processing represent strategic opportunities for emerging markets in economic, environmental and public health terms.

Journal of Work-Applied Management, 2020

PurposeThis article empirically assesses the extent to which factors rooted in the cultural and i... more PurposeThis article empirically assesses the extent to which factors rooted in the cultural and institutional framework in sub-Saharan African organisational contexts challenge and resist the penetration of global practices and how these dynamics impact on human resource management (HRM). This article examines whether universalistic perspectives are significant for African HRM. The article discusses the tensions between the contributions derived from local and historical factors and that of other environmental agents to African HRM practice.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a survey among 100 practising African HRM executives representing significant organisations in sub-Saharan Africa.FindingsThe main findings established that in spite of westernisation and globalising trends in learning and development in Africa, human resource practices are still profoundly embedded in the African cultural fabric. Significant elements of cultures in sub-Saharan Africa pervade organ...

Thunderbird International Business Review, 2020

The way this study has used the "best-fit" approach has facilitated the investigation of how thre... more The way this study has used the "best-fit" approach has facilitated the investigation of how three hypothesized constructs of political, economic, and social barriers can deepen our knowledge of their impacts on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)' internationalization within a small developing country context. Based on a quantitative analysis of the three hypothesized barriers, we used the "best-fit" approach to measure the extent to which the SMEs' internal variables like people, products, services, and practices might best fit some of the people and non-people factors external to the businesses. The application of the "best-fit" approach onto the three hypotheses-politics (H1), social (H2), economics (H3), helped us in explaining the major social and politico-economic barriers faced by a developing economy' (Bangladeshi) SMEs' internationalization despite previous literatures' emphasis on the impacts of globalization, market drivers or their oversight. Based on the findings, we point to future research trajectory. This study used primary survey data from 212 Bangladeshi SMEs and successfully validated an HR model by using Smart PLS3 software. The results from the hypotheses were used to produce the HR model to help SMEs identify the significance of people and economic factors and propose these aspects for inclusion in the "best-fit" approach, SME, and globalization research.

BUSINESS STRATEGY & DEVELOPMENT, 2019

In today's global marketplace, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly looking... more In today's global marketplace, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly looking at internationalisation strategies to boost growth, profitability and competitiveness. However, challenges, such as, socio-cultural differences, political institutions, limited resources, competitive challenges, market threats, economic and technological barriers all hinder SMEs from entering and competing favourably in the international markets. Considering the important link between lack of resources and internationalisation of SMEs, this study examined economic and technology related barriers of SMEs internationalisation from a neglected yet emerging market context in Bangladesh. To compare the relative importance of these two particular categories of barriers, this study developed and validated a Partial Least Square based Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) with primary data gathered from questionnaires from 212 Bangladeshi SMEs. The findings of the paper suggest that, technology related barriers seem slightly more influential than economic barriers. As the difference is very low, importance should be given to both types of barriers as found. Conceptually, this study extends this area of research by reframing economic and technology related barriers of internationalisation as a hierarchical reflective model within an emerging economy context. Empirically, it confirms that PLS-SEM can be used to compare the relative importance of these two types of barriers. Practically, policy makers can give slightly more priorities on the technology related barriers where it is not possible to give equal importance to both because of limited resource and research neglect on developing economies.

Sustainability

Despite the plethora of explications of the direct and indirect impacts of green people managemen... more Despite the plethora of explications of the direct and indirect impacts of green people management practices on different dimensions of individual and organizational performance and sustainability, a holistic model demonstrating the constituent aspects and impacts of such sustainability on organizational, individual, and team performance is missing. The objective of this study is to address this gap/void through a review of 127 papers on green human resource management (GHRM) following a systematic literature review approach. Based on the systematic review, this study used a thematic analysis, which identified twenty-four disparate people and organizational aspects and grouped the most used ones into five theoretical lenses, including AMO = ability–motivation–opportunity, RBV = resource-based view, SHT = stakeholder theory, SET =social exchange theory, and SIT = social identity theory. These five sets of results were used to develop the first-of-its-kind holistic framework showing h...

Sustainability

In this article, we critique and extend Bourdieu’s notion of cultural capital to develop the new ... more In this article, we critique and extend Bourdieu’s notion of cultural capital to develop the new concept of total diaspora cultural capital. We build on the limitations of cultural capital, which in the Bourdieu theory centre on materiality and class perpetuation. The article builds on an extensive review of the literature, using the PRISMA framework. We also use the findings of previous research to illustrate this argument. We differentiate between four types of organisations or groups that articulate various levels of cultural capital to build a body of evidence that establishes total diaspora cultural capital (type D groups) as a bounded collective identity creation encapsulating three main dimensions: appropriation, customisation and deployment. Total diaspora cultural capital is perceived as fitting the post-colonial global context through the acknowledgement that diasporas and hosts make the modern world, being agents who create and disseminate culture and economic sustainabil...

Migration Practice as Creative Practice: An Interdisciplinary Exploration of Migration presents a... more Migration Practice as Creative Practice: An Interdisciplinary Exploration of Migration presents an in-depth evaluation of the contributions made by migrants to modern socio-economic structures. Leading with discussion of the historical construction of migration and what it signifies in the modern globalised economies, an interdisciplinary range of contributors examine the interaction of migrants with new cultures, as well as migrants’ acculturation into the new environments and what that signifies for community relations. The book also discusses the creative energies that migrant inject in the economic structures in both private and public spheres. Migration Practice as Creative Practice shows particular interest to how migrants use their social lives, lived experiences, and the process of identity formation, as well as their histories and families to inject positive ‘newness’ into host cultural and economic architectures. It calls for more creative ways of researching migrant movements and lived experiences, and brings to life the different ways of approaching migrant research for scholars today

International Journal of Economics and Business Research, 2010

Wireless technologies have created an unprecedented opportunity for rural customers in the develo... more Wireless technologies have created an unprecedented opportunity for rural customers in the developing world to solve their communication and information problems in an instantaneous, interactive and customised way. The framework of the study focuses on existing mobile village phone model in Bangladesh and suggests ways to make it sustainable through mobile information services marketing. The study has treated 'village phone' as a cost effective and interactive channel through which various information services can be marketed to serve customers in the rural settings.

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, 2018

Purpose People-related factors are very significant barriers for the internationalisation of larg... more Purpose People-related factors are very significant barriers for the internationalisation of large and small firms. Although the literature has identified a number of steps that SMEs need to take to increase their resilience in international markets, a study that identifies both the resilience and non-resilience barriers for SME internationalisation has not been undertaken in the scientific fields Human Resource Management and International Business. This paper aims to examine resilience and non-resilience barriers faced by SMEs in a developing country. In addition to the resilience literature, they examine non-resilience and combine its characteristics with resilience barriers from the Bangladeshi context. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative data analysis technique is used in this study to identify the impacts of these resilience/non-resilience issues’ internationalisation of SMEs both from micro and macro levels. This study has used primary data collected through the question...

Businesses

This study investigated three key factors (technological-related, organisational-related and envi... more This study investigated three key factors (technological-related, organisational-related and environmental-related barriers) affecting the adaptation to or integration of developed ICT. It also examined how SMEs in less developed countries can explore the different stages of developed ICT by moving from one stage to the other. The integration of ICT in SMEs is important as technologies have become competitive tools in contemporary business practices. This study is based on a survey of 322 Nigerian SMEs which was successfully validated using the SmartPLS3 software. The quantitative analysis centred on the three hypothesised barriers to measure the extent to which SMEs’ internal and external variables could limit their competitiveness in relation to business expansion and organisational growth. The analysis helped explain some of the critical challenges faced by rural SMEs in an emerging economy such as Nigeria despite the literature’s previous emphasis on the impacts of ICT on the SM...

Business Strategy & Development, 2021

Drawing on Behavioural Theory of the Firm (BTF), this study examines internationalisation of rura... more Drawing on Behavioural Theory of the Firm (BTF), this study examines internationalisation of rural SMEs in Nigeria and its impacts on social and organizational development. To examine how SME internationalisation affects societal and organizational development, the study collects cross-sectional data using a structured questionnaire from 304 rural SMEs drawn from several sectors in Nigeria. Applying a partial least square based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), we tested the social and organizational impact of rural SMEs internationalization. The results showed that there is a significant positive relationship between societal and organizational performances and internationalization of SMEs. Both scores were significantly positively correlated with the internationalization of SMEs in rural Nigeria. The study argues that internationalisation of rural SMEs’ reflects on organizational progress and societal progress in terms of improving rural people’s life. The findings of the study will act as the reference point to academicians and policymakers by which they could assess how internationalisation of rural SMEs matters for rural people’s life and can strive to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth

BUSINESS STRATEGY & DEVELOPMENT, 2019

The study aimed to examine the barriers to embracing enzymatic processing in the garment industry... more The study aimed to examine the barriers to embracing enzymatic processing in the garment industry in a developing country. We used the case of Bangladesh, which has the largest garment sector in the world. The research used semistructured interviews with 10 high-profile figures in the industry, comprising scientists, manufacturers, enzyme traders, and policymakers. We found economic, sociocultural, informational, and policy-related barriers to the adoption of enzymatic processing. Attending to each element would benefit manufacturers primarily; this will help identify its strengths and weaknesses to ensure the effective implementation of enzymatic textile processing to obtain optimum results. The study also found that manufacturers' desire to help improve environmental performance is a factor, which could motivate them in adopting green manufacturing innovation. It is expected that regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation-particularly from high social responsiveness and compliances as well as economic and financial incentives-would motivate manufacturers to develop sustainable environmental management strategies that enhance their ability to compete in global markets.

One of the key objectives of this study is to identify the main barriers to internationalization ... more One of the key objectives of this study is to identify the main barriers to internationalization for Bangladeshi SMEs. To fulfil this objective a hierarchical, 2 order model with four constructs was developed and tested using PLS path modelling .The four constructs identified from the literature review as the main areas that could hinder Bangladeshi SMEs internationalisation process are political, economic, social and technological. These represents the four first order variables that in the second order are constructed by 18 (manifest variables) indicators. The findings suggest that, political barriers seem to be the most influential barriers for the internationalization of Bangladeshi SMEs as they explain 83% of the overall variance. Followed by the social barriers with 79% of the overall variance, economic barriers with77% and technological barriers with 70%. Though the ranking has been done based on the relative power of individual constructs, the magnitude of difference is relatively small. Therefore, it can be argued that all these constructs are significant and therefore should be given equal attention. Similarly the PLS path model analysis shows that political and social barriers are more dominating over economic and technological barriers in Bangladesh. This study extends our knowledge on the barriers to Bangladeshi SMEs’ internationalization. Therefore, academic researchers will be able to study more in depth the identified constructs and will assist policy makers and practitioners to develop internationalisation strategies and set up strategic priorities.

Sustainability

This article explores innovations in and pedagogical approaches to Responsible Entrepreneurship E... more This article explores innovations in and pedagogical approaches to Responsible Entrepreneurship Education (REE), with a specific focus on how to advance responsible entrepreneurial competencies (“know-how”) and entrepreneurial practices (“know-that”). Consequently, this article proposes the “4Rs” framework (re-imagining, reconfiguring, reshaping, and reforming) to guide entrepreneurship educators’ actions. Firstly, it is necessary to “re-imagine” the intended and enacted curriculum to develop a contemporary awareness and knowledge of social and environmental enterprises. Secondly, it is essential to “reconfigure” teaching pedagogies to problematize the entrepreneurship environment and outer world. Thirdly, it is required for educators to “reshape” the attained curriculum with the stakeholders to offer learners co-curricular and extracurricular experiences. Finally, pedagogical “reforms” provide an opportunity to incorporate innovations into the discovery of new knowledge and paths o...

Although people and technology are very significant for the internationalisation of large and sma... more Although people and technology are very significant for the internationalisation of large and small firms the association between people and technology in the internationalisation of SMEs is under-represented from a developing country context. This paper examines and applies the characteristics of the configuration model of HRM onto SMEs to see what it might contribute to SMEs’ entrepreneurial behaviour. A quantitative method data analysis technique is used here to identify the barriers of SME’s internationalisation both from micro and macro levels. We used primary survey data from 212 Bangladeshi SMEs. Based on the data, this study has developed and validated partial least square based structural equation model (PLS-SEM) to compare technology and people-oriented barriers of SMEs’ internationalisation. It has successfully framed these two types of barriers as a model and found that none of the individual barriers is even more significant. The results show that both HRM and technolog...

Objectives A conceptual framework for the empirical analysis of some effects on rural enterprises... more Objectives A conceptual framework for the empirical analysis of some effects on rural enterprises of “the digital economy”, linked to the concept of an anticipatory system. The superficial context is the expansion of ‘superfast’ broadband into rural areas through public subsidy. The more significant research objective is to explore ways in which rural enterprises are sustained in a digital age, for example by innovation and what processes are employed in achieving such sustainability. How does being enterprising include anticipation and to what effect? Prior Work The focal point of the research is the notion of the ‘business model’ e.g. (Amit & Zott, 2001; M. Morris, Schindehutte, & Allen, 2005; Alexander Osterwalder, Pigneur, & Clark, 2010) and the related influences that rural contexts and broadband may have on the capacity of an SME to sustain itself, either through competitiveness or in value captured (Chesbrough & Rosenbloom, 2002). The work also builds on Fuller and Warren’s p...

Annals of Operations Research, 2021

Although innovation from analytics is surging in the manufacturing sector, the understanding of t... more Although innovation from analytics is surging in the manufacturing sector, the understanding of the data-driven innovation (DDI) process remains a challenge. Drawing on a systematic literature review, thematic analysis and qualitative interview findings, this study presents a seven-step process to understand DDI in the context of the UK manufacturing sector. The findings discuss the significance of critical seven-step in DDI, ranging from conceptualisation to commercialisation of innovative data products. The results reveal that the steps in DDI are sequential, but they are all interlinked. The proposed seven-step DDI process with solid evidence from the UK manufacturing and research implications based on dynamic capability theory, institutional theory and TOE framework establish the building blocks for future studies and industry practice.

Annals of Operations Research, 2020

This study explores digital business transformation through the lens of four emerging technology ... more This study explores digital business transformation through the lens of four emerging technology fields: artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud and data analytics (i.e., ABCD). Specifically, the study investigates the operations and value propositions of these distinct but increasingly converging technologies. Due to the dynamic nature of innovation, the potential of this ABCD hybridization, integration, recombination and convergence has yet to be considered. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the findings of the study show wide-reaching and diverse applications among a variety of vertical sectors, presenting exploratory research avenues for future investigation. The study also highlights the practical implications of these new technologies.

Thunderbird International Business Review, 2021

Despite internationalization theory's recognition that place and policy constitute fundamental ba... more Despite internationalization theory's recognition that place and policy constitute fundamental barriers for the internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), research into rural-based firms from the developing world is a much underdeveloped and neglected area. To address the need to examine this gap, the purpose of this study is to identify and compare place and policy challenges of rural SMEs' internationalization in Nigeria. We have developed a model that extends internationalization theory's overemphasis on the structural aspects of these barriers and thereby provide a resolution tool for managers. By using partial least squares (PLS) path modeling methodology, we also administered 403 questionnaires in six of Nigeria's geopolitical zones. Our threestage analyses reveal findings that the physical and geographical (or place barrier) challenges account for 90% whilst the traditionally neglected aspects of legal and regulatory barriers score 85%. Therefore, place related barriers should be given slightly higher priority if it is not possible to be given equal recognition in internationalization theory. These findings provide new insights into a more complex picture of SMEs' internationalization in emerging economies. It is recommended that our Human-centric Hierarchical Model could help inform managers' decision-making processes on what human aspects they need to prioritize when faced with policy and place barriers. It is also recommended that our model adds social value to SME businesses and provides a new lens for scholars to investigate place and policy related barriers to rural Nigeria's SMEs.

Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 2020

The research aims to critically discuss key new biotechnologies in textile processing and examine... more The research aims to critically discuss key new biotechnologies in textile processing and examines the foundation of the resistance to adoption of such technologies in emerging markets. Using semi-structured interviews and the scientific literature, the paper draws on experts' opinions about enzyme applications; at the same time, the paper interrogates policymakers and economic operators about the barriers to biotechnology adoption in emerging markets. The paper finds that the application of biotechnologies in textile processing is an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional chemical processing. Enzymatic processing involves less water and energy, thus causing less environmental degradation. The research builds on strategic management tools, such as Lewin force field analysis and change framework to examine drivers and barriers to enzymatic processing specifically in the textile sector in developing economies. This has enabled the paper to suggest more vigorous and systematic actions from both policymakers and economic actors for greater environmental sustainability. The research contributes to raise awareness about the environmental consequences of older textile processing methods and defuses the argument that new technologies are out of reach for emerging market economic actors. Biotechnologies in the form of enzymatic processing represent strategic opportunities for emerging markets in economic, environmental and public health terms.

Journal of Work-Applied Management, 2020

PurposeThis article empirically assesses the extent to which factors rooted in the cultural and i... more PurposeThis article empirically assesses the extent to which factors rooted in the cultural and institutional framework in sub-Saharan African organisational contexts challenge and resist the penetration of global practices and how these dynamics impact on human resource management (HRM). This article examines whether universalistic perspectives are significant for African HRM. The article discusses the tensions between the contributions derived from local and historical factors and that of other environmental agents to African HRM practice.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a survey among 100 practising African HRM executives representing significant organisations in sub-Saharan Africa.FindingsThe main findings established that in spite of westernisation and globalising trends in learning and development in Africa, human resource practices are still profoundly embedded in the African cultural fabric. Significant elements of cultures in sub-Saharan Africa pervade organ...

Thunderbird International Business Review, 2020

The way this study has used the "best-fit" approach has facilitated the investigation of how thre... more The way this study has used the "best-fit" approach has facilitated the investigation of how three hypothesized constructs of political, economic, and social barriers can deepen our knowledge of their impacts on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)' internationalization within a small developing country context. Based on a quantitative analysis of the three hypothesized barriers, we used the "best-fit" approach to measure the extent to which the SMEs' internal variables like people, products, services, and practices might best fit some of the people and non-people factors external to the businesses. The application of the "best-fit" approach onto the three hypotheses-politics (H1), social (H2), economics (H3), helped us in explaining the major social and politico-economic barriers faced by a developing economy' (Bangladeshi) SMEs' internationalization despite previous literatures' emphasis on the impacts of globalization, market drivers or their oversight. Based on the findings, we point to future research trajectory. This study used primary survey data from 212 Bangladeshi SMEs and successfully validated an HR model by using Smart PLS3 software. The results from the hypotheses were used to produce the HR model to help SMEs identify the significance of people and economic factors and propose these aspects for inclusion in the "best-fit" approach, SME, and globalization research.

BUSINESS STRATEGY & DEVELOPMENT, 2019

In today's global marketplace, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly looking... more In today's global marketplace, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly looking at internationalisation strategies to boost growth, profitability and competitiveness. However, challenges, such as, socio-cultural differences, political institutions, limited resources, competitive challenges, market threats, economic and technological barriers all hinder SMEs from entering and competing favourably in the international markets. Considering the important link between lack of resources and internationalisation of SMEs, this study examined economic and technology related barriers of SMEs internationalisation from a neglected yet emerging market context in Bangladesh. To compare the relative importance of these two particular categories of barriers, this study developed and validated a Partial Least Square based Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) with primary data gathered from questionnaires from 212 Bangladeshi SMEs. The findings of the paper suggest that, technology related barriers seem slightly more influential than economic barriers. As the difference is very low, importance should be given to both types of barriers as found. Conceptually, this study extends this area of research by reframing economic and technology related barriers of internationalisation as a hierarchical reflective model within an emerging economy context. Empirically, it confirms that PLS-SEM can be used to compare the relative importance of these two types of barriers. Practically, policy makers can give slightly more priorities on the technology related barriers where it is not possible to give equal importance to both because of limited resource and research neglect on developing economies.