The role of radio frequency identification (RFID) in improving the supply chain performance of small and medium construction companies in Australia and enhancing their competitiveness in the marketplace

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is being utilised more in Information Technology due to its features and capability that assist in enhancing productivity, efficiency in improving supply chain systems, and minimising cost. It is predicted to provide several advantages for both public and government organisations. RFID can increase the consistency and scalability of IT systems that permit organisations such as regional governments to focus their attention on their key business functions, including strategy formulation and adaptation. Limited studies have been conducted on the implementation of RFID in the construction industry to develop supply chain systems to improve performance. Moreover, there is an absence of exploratory research and studies that offer a comprehensive and holistic examination of the factors that impact the implementation of RFID. To date, there is also an absence of empirical studies regarding the factors that impact the employment of RFID in Australian SMEs in the construction industry. This research examines the adoption and use of information communication technologies, in particular RFID technology, for improving the performance of supply chain management systems in SME construction companies in Australia. The research objectives are to analyse the state of supply chain management systems in SME construction companies in Australia; and the potential of RFID technologies in helping to overcome the problems and challenges facing these companies. This study aims to explain the capability for creating value resulting from the adoption of RFID in SME construction companies in Australia. This research identifies the factors that are expected to impact its implementation and ascertains the factors that are essential for management to focus on when planning to implement RFID. These factors include emerging policies for adoption of RFID, expected advantages of implementation of RFID, along with highlighting the challenges and issues created by the adoption of RFID. The research model adopts a combination of three theories derived from the literature, namely, Diffusion of Innovation Theory, the Technology Organisation-Environment (Stoekel and Quirke) framework, and the Actor Network theory. This study aims to enhance knowledge about how information communication technology can play a role in improving supply chain performance, and how to optimise the use of supply chains to improve the performance of these businesses. A quantitative approach is used in this study to identify the key themes and constructs in a comprehensive survey of IT decision-makers within SME construction companies in Australia. The intention of this research is also to increase knowledge regarding factors that impact decision-making regarding the adoption of RFID within SME construction companies based in Australia. The research method used for the research is quantitative. As an in-depth study, this empirical study has involved IT managers in Australian-based SME construction companies and their employees‟ interaction with RFID suppliers. Through this, the study achieves the aim of providing in-depth insights into those factors that are perceived most likely to influence their employment of RFID; and identifying all vital factors on which to focus when planning to implement RFID, including the emerging legal setting that influences RFID implementation, expected merits of RFID implementation; and problems and issues that face SMEs when deciding to employ RFID. The study was conducted among 297 IT employees from 47 SMEs in the construction sector and RFID suppliers to conclude the outcomes of the exploratory stage. Factors such as compatibility, complexity, cost, security concerns, size of the firm, and expected advantages from the adoption of RFID are examined. The results and conclusion of the research can be used for firms‟ decision-making on whether to invest or not in the adoption of RFID

Factors influencing the adoption of social media marketing in small and medium-sized enterprises during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Business Studies at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand

The COVID-19 outbreak led to a global economic slowdown that affected many countries including Saudi Arabia where trade, investment, employment, and travel have all been impacted by the lockdown, especially on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The main purpose of the current study is to examine the factors that influence the adoption and use of social media marketing (SMM) in SMEs during the lockdown in Saudi Arabia. This study has used a combined developed model from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) to examine whether SMEs in Saudi Arabia accept and use SMM effectively in the case such as COVID-19 pandemic, and to test its impact on improving the business performance through attracting new customers, sales, improved communication with customers, identifying customers' needs, and utilizing employees' creativity. This model succeeded to explain the Impact On Business (IOB) to a degree of 81%, since the coefficient of determination (R²) is 0.81. This study used a quantitative method by applying the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique to validate the conceptual model. The data was collected by using an online questionnaire of 146 participants from small and medium-sized enterprises. The results highlight that perceived usefulness (PEU), low cost (LCOS), and compatibility (COM) had a significant positive impact on SMEs to adopt and use SMM. The facilitating conditions and perceived ease of use had a non-significant impact on the adoption and use of SMM by SMEs. This study also found that small enterprises have been affected by the factors more than medium-sized ones. Another finding is that enterprises that were forced to close were more significantly affected by the factors (Low Cost and Compatibility) than the non-closed ones during the first lockdown starting from March 2020. In the same context, Facilitating Conditions (FCO) was not significant as 63 % of the participated enterprises were closed during the lockdown and could not use their infrastructure

The use of homemade food selling and delivery applications: investigating the adoption and post-adoption among Saudi female micro-entrepreneurs

On a global scale, businesses have effectively utilised intermediary digital marketplaces, such as Amazon and Alibaba by implementing a range of optimal strategies that integrate these platforms into their business models. Various intermediary mobile applications exist to provide support for micro-entrepreneurs engaged in the production of handmade food across diverse contexts, like Curryful and The Chef. The existing body of literature pertaining to female micro-entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia who operate home-based businesses examines the advantages and drawbacks associated with commonly used trading platforms in the country, such as social media and intermediary physical shops. However, this literature fails to address the adoption and post-adoption phenomena of homemade food selling and delivery applications that have emerged in the Saudi homemade food sector in recent times. Furthermore, there is a dearth of scholarly research in the domain of Information Systems that investigates the adoption and usage of this technology, specifically within the context of handmade food businesses in other contexts. In contrast, a considerable body of research exists that examines the adoption and implementation of comparable technologies in diverse business sectors across multiple industries. In addition, most Saudi micro-entrepreneurs have not yet discovered the potential of using these marketplaces to support their homemade food businesses. This study provides significant and notable theoretical contributions to the current Information Systems literature by examining new business phenomena associated with the transition of micro-entrepreneurs from intermediary physical shops to homemade food selling and delivery applications. This study investigates the reasons behind this transition and explores the impacts of incorporating this technology on micro-entrepreneurs' lives, businesses, and attitudes towards its continued usage. This research adopts a qualitative interpretive framework and a series of semi-structured interview-based research design. The relevant data is collected from three sources and Gioia's methodology is followed to analyse the data abductively. The data is explained and interpreted through the lens of several theories. The findings suggest that many inhibitors constrain the micro-entrepreneurs' use of intermediary physical shops. Thus, their unmotivated experiences with these shops have pushed them to use homemade food selling and delivery applications. Moreover, other technological, organisational and environmental reasons have pulled them to adopt this new technology in the Saudi homemade food sector. It is also found that the applications provide micro-entrepreneurs with many benefits. However, for some micro-entrepreneurs, registration in this technology is shown to be useless. Consequently, the results of this work show that some micro-entrepreneurs continued with the application while others stopped using it. The results also reveal the different and interesting impacts of Covid-19 and some mooring reasons for future continued use intentions. The results clearly demonstrate that micro-entrepreneurs have a pivotal role in influencing their business. This study's findings help to construct an integrative conceptual model that illustrates these phenomena, which contributes to explaining the adoption and post-adoption phenomena of this technology among female micro-entrepreneurs. There are no studies on this type of technology or a framework that fully explains these two phenomena (switching reasons, and value of use and continuance use reasons) and how they relate to each other before this study. Thus, this model is seen as a major addition to the Information Systems literature. Additional significant theoretical contributions pertain to the incorporation of the entrepreneurial bricolage theory, which is being utilised for the first time in the Information Systems literature. Furthermore, the expectancy-confirmation model in this domain has been expanded by incorporating compatibility as an additional reason for continued technology use, alongside satisfaction. The third significant theoretical contribution is the introduction of new concepts to the literature regarding two new types of intermediate marketplaces used by micro-entrepreneurs, namely intermediate physical stores and homemade food selling and delivering mobile applications, as well as the description of their business models and the experiences of these entrepreneurs. Furthermore, this study holds several practical consequences. The findings of this study provide significant consequences for several stakeholders. Specifically, they provide light on the extent to which entrepreneurs have utilised the help offered by the Saudi government, as well as the genuine requirements of these individuals. These findings also help in explaining female micro-entrepreneurs' realistic experiences with these intermediary markets in the Saudi home-made food sector, which can help the owners of these markets improve their services and support. The research findings also shed light on the barriers and challenges faced by female micro-entrepreneurs in accessing or continuing the use of these intermediary markets, such as limited financial resources and lack of marketing skills. By understanding these obstacles, stakeholders can develop targeted interventions and provide tailored support to empower female micro-entrepreneurs in the Saudi home-made food sector. Ultimately, this research aims to foster an environment conducive to growth and sustainability for female micro-entrepreneurs, enabling them to contribute significantly to the local economy and society. These practical implications will positively contribute to enhancing the home-working experience of micro-entrepreneurs and their customers

The use of homemade food selling and delivery applications: investigating the adoption and post-adoption among Saudi female micro-entrepreneurs

On a global scale, businesses have effectively utilised intermediary digital marketplaces, such as Amazon and Alibaba by implementing a range of optimal strategies that integrate these platforms into their business models. Various intermediary mobile applications exist to provide support for micro-entrepreneurs engaged in the production of handmade food across diverse contexts, like Curryful and The Chef. The existing body of literature pertaining to female micro-entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia who operate home-based businesses examines the advantages and drawbacks associated with commonly used trading platforms in the country, such as social media and intermediary physical shops. However, this literature fails to address the adoption and post-adoption phenomena of homemade food selling and delivery applications that have emerged in the Saudi homemade food sector in recent times. Furthermore, there is a dearth of scholarly research in the domain of Information Systems that investigates the adoption and usage of this technology, specifically within the context of handmade food businesses in other contexts. In contrast, a considerable body of research exists that examines the adoption and implementation of comparable technologies in diverse business sectors across multiple industries. In addition, most Saudi micro-entrepreneurs have not yet discovered the potential of using these marketplaces to support their homemade food businesses. This study provides significant and notable theoretical contributions to the current Information Systems literature by examining new business phenomena associated with the transition of micro-entrepreneurs from intermediary physical shops to homemade food selling and delivery applications. This study investigates the reasons behind this transition and explores the impacts of incorporating this technology on micro-entrepreneurs' lives, businesses, and attitudes towards its continued usage. This research adopts a qualitative interpretive framework and a series of semi-structured interview-based research design. The relevant data is collected from three sources and Gioia's methodology is followed to analyse the data abductively. The data is explained and interpreted through the lens of several theories. The findings suggest that many inhibitors constrain the micro-entrepreneurs' use of intermediary physical shops. Thus, their unmotivated experiences with these shops have pushed them to use homemade food selling and delivery applications. Moreover, other technological, organisational and environmental reasons have pulled them to adopt this new technology in the Saudi homemade food sector. It is also found that the applications provide micro-entrepreneurs with many benefits. However, for some micro-entrepreneurs, registration in this technology is shown to be useless. Consequently, the results of this work show that some micro-entrepreneurs continued with the application while others stopped using it. The results also reveal the different and interesting impacts of Covid-19 and some mooring reasons for future continued use intentions. The results clearly demonstrate that micro-entrepreneurs have a pivotal role in influencing their business. This study's findings help to construct an integrative conceptual model that illustrates these phenomena, which contributes to explaining the adoption and post-adoption phenomena of this technology among female micro-entrepreneurs. There are no studies on this type of technology or a framework that fully explains these two phenomena (switching reasons, and value of use and continuance use reasons) and how they relate to each other before this study. Thus, this model is seen as a major addition to the Information Systems literature. Additional significant theoretical contributions pertain to the incorporation of the entrepreneurial bricolage theory, which is being utilised for the first time in the Information Systems literature. Furthermore, the expectancy-confirmation model in this domain has been expanded by incorporating compatibility as an additional reason for continued technology use, alongside satisfaction. The third significant theoretical contribution is the introduction of new concepts to the literature regarding two new types of intermediate marketplaces used by micro-entrepreneurs, namely intermediate physical stores and homemade food selling and delivering mobile applications, as well as the description of their business models and the experiences of these entrepreneurs. Furthermore, this study holds several practical consequences. The findings of this study provide significant consequences for several stakeholders. Specifically, they provide light on the extent to which entrepreneurs have utilised the help offered by the Saudi government, as well as the genuine requirements of these individuals. These findings also help in explaining female micro-entrepreneurs' realistic experiences with these intermediary markets in the Saudi home-made food sector, which can help the owners of these markets improve their services and support. The research findings also shed light on the barriers and challenges faced by female micro-entrepreneurs in accessing or continuing the use of these intermediary markets, such as limited financial resources and lack of marketing skills. By understanding these obstacles, stakeholders can develop targeted interventions and provide tailored support to empower female micro-entrepreneurs in the Saudi home-made food sector. Ultimately, this research aims to foster an environment conducive to growth and sustainability for female micro-entrepreneurs, enabling them to contribute significantly to the local economy and society. These practical implications will positively contribute to enhancing the home-working experience of micro-entrepreneurs and their customers

Exploring factors impacting e-commerce adoption in tourism industry in Saudi Arabia

With the internet revolutionising global tourism, technological changes continue to make inroads into the industry’s marketing and sales management models. Although many tourists still use shopfront providers, they are increasingly becoming a minority as the ‘mobile generation’ goes online for information and uses social media to discuss their holiday plans and book travel services. In Saudi Arabia, the religious tourism industry serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims as well as other tourism clusters have been slow in coming to terms with e-commerce trends, preferring to offer a traditional personalised service to their clients. However, the logistical needs of servicing the rapidly increasing numbers of international pilgrims and growing IT literacy in the local market means that tourism management in Saudi Arabia needs to make considerable investments in time, resources and training to harness information technology and adopt business models that are at par with their global competitors. To respond to this issue, this study explores the perceptions and experiences of executives in the Hajj/Umrah as well as other tourism industry sectors to understand the factors that may have fostered or impeded e-commerce adoption. This research contributes to the existing research on e-commerce adoption in Saudi Arabia by providing an explanation of the factors that influence the adoption of e-commerce by the tourism industry and explaining how generic theories of technology adoption need to be contextualised for the specific conditions prevailing in the Arab tourism market. The practical contribution on this research relates to the solutions it offers for the challenges faced by the travel and tourism industry in e-commerce adoption in Saudi Arabia. The research was conducted using interviews with Saudi tourism executives to understand the contextual factors that influence the norms and attitudes prevailing in the tourism business that affect their adoption of e-commerce. This was followed by a questionnaire which was sent to a larger sample in Saudi cities, mainly focussing on Jeddah. The questionnaire focused on uncovering the factors influencing the adoption, or lack thereof, of e-commerce in the Saudi tourism industry. The research was grounded on a theoretical framework derived from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, Perceived Organisational and External E-Readiness scales, and Organisational Cultural Dimensions. The findings confirmed that the perceived relative advantage of e-commerce utilisation was an essential contributor to promote e-commerce in Saudi Arabia. Although government policy and industry norms were shown to influence e-commerce adoption, executives’ attitudes were found to strongly affect technology adoption and were shown to be indirectly modified by their ICT literacy and customer influence. Internal human and ICT resources also had a direct impact on the decision to adopt e-commerce. On the other hand, customers’ attitude relating to issues regarding online privacy and security and a lack of human interaction in a market with a preference for personalised agent service for customers form significant barriers to their adoption of e-commerce. There is also a lack of industry leadership and a supportive Saudi-based IT industry that can facilitate this move toward modernisation in industry standards. While there is a broad understanding of the importance of e-commerce, the tourism providers view an e-commerce strategy as not yet necessary, or indeed not yet relevant, for the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia at this time

13th International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 : conference proceedings

Welcome to the 13th International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPGRC 2017) hosted by the School of the Built Environment at University of Salford, UK. This year’s IPGRC is organised as part of the International Research Week 2017- ‘Shaping Tomorrow’s Built Environment: Construction and Design for the Modern World’ and also the year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Salford as a University, which makes this year’s conference very special. This conference creates a unique opportunity for researchers from Salford and other parts of the world to share their research interests, and outputs and to network and interact within a professional and friendly environment, with high profile academics and leaders within the built environment. This year’s conference brings together participants from a number of countries including the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Ireland, Norway, India, Brazil, South Korea, Nigeria, Turkey, UAE, South Africa, Iraq, Ghana, Estonia, Saudi Arabia and many more. The conference received over 100 papers and posters covering the following themes: • Business, Economics and Finance • Property and Project Management • ICT, Technology and Engineering • People, Skills and Education • Design and Urban Development • Sustainability and Environmental Systems Conference will provide a forum for novel discussions into the development and application of new and emerging practices to challenge current design and construction practice in the areas of people, process and technology issues. On behalf of School of the Built Environment, the conference co-chairs and organisers, we wish you an enjoyable and fruitful experience. We hope that you will obtain useful feedback to your research work, gain insight from work of others and forge connections for future

Supply chain management: a model for implementation for SME's in Saudi Arabia

With markets going global and competitions turning intense, Organizations are fast realizing the immense potential of a proactive Supply Chain Management (SCM) to improving their market positions in this cut-throat business environment. The research aims at developing a supply chain framework model that enables SMEs to improve their SCM performance and to have a sustainable business growth in dynamic environment. To fulfill the foremost aim, the following objectives have been set as follows. To fulfill the foremost aim, the following objectives have been set: 1. To contribute to the bod of knowledge to the both Supply Chain Management and Saudi Arabian SMEs manufacturing by reviewing pertinent literature of the same field. Knowledge in this study refers to as information, understanding and skills that one gain during research and education. 2. To investigate the current SCM practice of Saudi Arabia SMEs manufacturing sector by explorative approach, broad reliable and valid survey questionnaires distributed to 320 SMEs companies (Chapter 4). 3. To identify the gap within the current supply chain dimensions of SMEs against world class companies (Chapter 5) by statistical analyzing the survey questionnaires developed in chapter four. 4. To suggest appropriate methodological design using robust techniques that is to developed framework model (Chapter 6). 5. To develop qualitative assessment approach in the form of focus group to theoretically and practically validate and test the framework model ( Chapter 6). 6. To benchmark the developed model with different model in the same field. A sample of 150 of Saudi Arabia SMEs within the manufacturing sector was surveyed aimed at identifying the gap between SCM practices as adopted by the world class organizations and the actual practices adopted by SMEs under investigation. The research carried out using multiple research methods, i.e. quantitative and qualitative methods. This is mainly to gain multiple perspectives on the issue and filter out the real problem to be understood and worked upon. The framework model was developed based on literature review, other works in the same field, and the results of the field work study (survey) and the working experience of the researcher in the manufacturing sector for more than 20 years. The model was validated theoretically and practically with a predetermined selected manufacturing company. The significance of the research work could be best understood from the overall results which make important contributions to supply chain management system. The study is significant as it aids in better understanding of an issue which is of increasing importance to both the organizational practice and academic literature