The effect of microfinance factors, social capital and vulnerability on women-empowerment in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Women-empowerment is one of the crucial issues worldwide. In Pakistan, women are bound to customs, norms, beliefs which are unique. These issues are found to promote social problems and hinder the economic contribution by Pakistani women. Due to these cultural issues, women are not allowed to take part in income generating activities like micro-enterprises and because of these issues, gender discrimination is increasing which increases the poverty level among women and decreases the women-empowerment. Consequently, the employment-to-population ratio of women is only 22.1% in Pakistan which is quite low. To address these issues, the current study highlighted microfinance as an effective medium with the support of three forms of capital (financial capital, human capital, social capital). These capitals are the key to the success of Pakistani women. The current study also examined the moderating role of vulnerabilities (social, economic, environmental, political) between microfinance factors and women-empowerment. Data was collected from female clients of microfinance institutes. By using area cluster sampling technique, Southern Punjab was divided into five various clusters and respondents were selected through random sampling technique. A survey was carried out, and 500 questionnaires were distributed in selected clusters. Partial Least Square (PLS)-Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data. The results of PLS analysis shows that microfinance factors namely micro-credit, micro-saving, microinsurance and micro-training/skill development have significant positive contribution to women-empowerment. Moreover, it is found that social capital is also important to enhance women-empowerment. Vulnerabilities aspects such as social vulnerability, economic vulnerability, environmental vulnerability and political vulnerability have adverse effects on women-empowerment. Finally, this study could be beneficial for microfinance institutes, state bank of Pakistan and government in making the strategies to enhance women-empowerment by mitigating vulnerability issues

Open Innovation Challenges: Empirical Evidence from Malaysian Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME's)

At present, open innovation (OI) practices have gained traction in all industries, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, only a few Malaysian SMEs practice OI and there is limited literature available on OI practices in Malaysian SMEs. To address this issue, the main objective of the current study is to reveal the challenges of OI and the role of financial constraints in Malaysian SMEs. To achieve this objective, this study implemented the quantitative approach and adopted the cross-sectional research design. Questionnaires were used to collect data from three hundred (300) data managerial staff of Malaysian SMEs. Cluster sampling was used to collect the data. It was found that Malaysian SMEs faced various challenges during the implementation of the OI system. These challenges included motivating spillovers, maximizing internal innovation, and incorporation of external knowledge and intellectual property (IP) management. Moreover, it was found that sufficient finance is needed to resolve these challenges. Hence, this study contributes in the body of knowledge by developing a framework for SMEs to facilitate OI and by identifying the constraints in this framework. Therefore, the current study can be used for Malaysian SMEs to improve their OI system

Role of Fintech Innovation in Financial Inclusion: Avoiding Vulnerability of Cybercrime and Backwardness

Fintech plays a vital role in the financial industry as it has experienced tremendous growth in the last decade and more importantly, services sector is shifting towards digitalization. Financial inclusion particularly contributes to the economic and social well-being of the country. This study provides insight into fintech and financial inclusion by addressing vulnerability, including cybercrime and backwardness, to explain their impact on individual and societal well-being using the PLS-SEM analysis technique. The findings of the study explore that Fintech has significantly affected financial inclusion which is positively associated with individual and societal well-being. Moreover, the study suggests that vulnerability (cybercrime and backwardness) does not moderate societal and individual well-being. An explanatory cross-sectional study is conducted to investigate the role of fintech innovation in financial inclusion avoiding the vulnerability of cybercrime and backwardness. Applying a simple random sampling technique with a sample size of 514 respondents, primary data is collected through self-administered survey questionnaires. The PLS-SEM approach is used to test the study's theoretical framework. Empirical results of the research support the proposed hypothesis by determining the significant influence of financial inclusion on individual and societal well-being, fintech and financial inclusion, and vulnerability to individual and societal well-being. &nbsp

The Role of Distribution Channels and Educational level towards Insurance Awareness among the General Public

This research study aims at giving an overview of the emerging research field of Islamic insurance in a phase that is still under debate among Muslim nations. No doubt, Takaful (Islamic insurance) is growing rapidly but it is still behind conventional insurance. Most of the researches reveal the fact that general public is unaware about Takaful and Takaful awareness level is low among general public. Researchers and practitioners are trying to explore the crucial factors which creates Takaful awareness among general public. However, only few studies are available in Pakistan which formally documented the issue and explore different Takaful awareness factors among general public of Pakistan. Therefore, the ultimate objective of this study is to find out general factors which enhance Takaful awareness level among general public of Pakistan. To achieve this objective, three hypotheses are proposed concerning the relationship of Takaful awareness level and other Takaful awareness factors such as Educational Level of general public, Religious Orientation of general public and Takaful Distribution Channels. Primary data was collected from general public of Pakistan by using 5-point Likert scale. These hypotheses predicting a positive relationship between Takaful awareness level and awareness factors (i.e., educational level, religious orientation, distribution channels). However, religious orientation has higher impact as compared to Takaful distribution channels and educational level. Study found that these three factors are crucial to enhance Takaful awareness level among general public. Hence, this study is contributing in the body of knowledge by exploring the vital factors to enhance Takaful awareness level and tried to resolve the important issue of Takaful awareness by developing a framework. This study is more significant for practitioners to enhance Takaful awareness level by exercising these three factors among general public of Pakistan

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) System: Implementation Problem and Role of Audit Effectiveness in Malaysian Firms

Level of risk management implementation is a core element in the success of enterprise risk management (ERM) system. However, most of the Malaysian firms are less likely to implement risk management practices. Therefore, their enterprise risk management (ERM) system is not performing well to mitigate potential risks. To resolve this problem, the current study focused on internal and external audit effectiveness. Thus, the prime objective of this study is to highlight the importance of risk management implementation with the help of internal and external effectiveness to enhance enterprise risk management (ERM). To achieve this objective three hypothesis are developed concerning the relationship of the audit with the level of risk management implementation, and the relationship between the level of risk management implementation and enterprise risk management (ERM) system. It is found that internal and external audit has a significant positive relationship with the level of risk management implementation. Moreover, it is found that level of risk management implementation has a significant positive relationship with enterprise risk management (ERM) system. Finally, this study can help Malaysian firms to develop a better enterprise risk management (ERM) system by mitigating the problem of risk management implementation

A Combination of Micro-Credit and Micro-Training with mediating role of Formal Education: A Micro-Enterprise Success Formula

This study aims at giving an overview of the emerging research field of microfinance in a phase that is still very fluid in micro-enterprises. The ultimate objective of this study is to develop a distinctive formula (framework) for micro-enterprise success.As the success of micro-enterprise is under debate from many decades, but the researchers and entrepreneurs are unable to find the unique factor to develop a comprehensive framework. Previous research studies on relationship of different success factors and small business success are missing by comprehensive framework.It is important to identify the measure of success which is still undefined. Four hypotheses are proposed concerning the relationship of micro-enterprise success and microfinance factors (i.e., micro-credit, micro-training) with mediating role of formal education. These hypotheses predicting a positive relationship between micro-enterprise success and microfinance factors. However, among all other microfinance factors (i.e., micro-saving, micro-insurance, social capital), micro-credit and micro-training has relatively higher effect on microenterprise performance followed by level of education. Hence, this study contributing in the body of knowledge by developing a micro-enterprise success formula for researchers and entrepreneurs, which ultimately improve the performance of microenterprises

Combination of Microcredit and Micro-Training with Mediating Role of Formal Education: A Micro-Enterprise Success Formula

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop a distinctive formula (framework) for micro-enterprise success. As the success of micro-enterprise is under debate from many decades, however, the researchers and entrepreneurs are unable to find the unique factor to develop a comprehensive framework. Design/Methodology/Approach: The current study is based on conceptual framework. Prior studies are used to develop the framework and hypothesis. Moreover, conclusion is based on literature review. Findings: It is investigated that, microfinance factors (i.e., micro-credit and micro-training) has a positive relationship with micro-enterprise success. However, among all other microfinance factors (i.e., micro-saving, micro-insurance, social capital), micro-credit and micro-training have relatively higher effect on microenterprise performance followed by a level of education. Moreover, it is found that education mediates the relation between microfinance factors and micro-enterprise success. Implications/Originality/Value: This study contributed to the body of knowledge by developing a micro-enterprise success formula for researchers and entrepreneurs, which ultimately improve the performance of micro-enterprises. Hence, the current study is beneficial for microfinance institutions and other practitioners to enhance micro-enterprise success

Moderating Role of Organizational Justice between Emotional Exhaustion and Job-related Outcomes: Longitudinal Study at Education Sector

Previous studies anticipated that there is need of justice in educational institutions in order to protect the academicians’ psychological as well as emotional needs under teaching profession. Therefore, the purpose of current study is to examine the moderating role of organizational justice between the relationship of emotional exhaustion and job related outcomes (Organizational commitment and Organizational loyalty).In order to accomplish this purpose, the survey questionnaire method was used. The study is quantitative, descriptive and longitudinal in nature. 250 respondents were selected in time1 & time2 by applying simple random sampling. Results indicated that emotional exhaustion and employee loyalty are negatively associated with each other (Bt1= -.328; Tr2= -.329). Similarly negative correlation found between emotional exhaustion and commitment (Tr1= -.425; Tr2= -.427).Results in time2 exhibited more understanding about understudy relationships. Moreover, results also enlightened that organizational justice significantly moderate on the relationship of emotional exhaustion and job related outcomes (Organizational commitment and Organizational loyalty)

Determinants of e-logistic customer satisfaction: a mediating role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

In the recent decade, with the increase in e logistic services, the problem of e-logistic customer satisfaction is raised. E-logistic services spread so rapidly worldwide which overlook the significant segment of customer satisfaction. Therefore, the prime objective of the current research study is to develop a comprehensive framework for e-logistics customer satisfaction. Various studies highlighted the area of e-logistic customer satisfaction, however, in a rare case, literature formally documented the problem of e-logistic customer satisfaction. Hence, less attention has been paid to the aspect of customer satisfaction in e-logistic. To address this gap, four hypotheses are proposed concerning the relationship of e-payment, e-traceability, website design with information communication technology (ICT) and e-logistic customer satisfaction. By using the convenience sampling technique, 500 questionnaires were distributed among the e-logistic users. The results of the current study found that e-payment, e-traceability, and website design has a significant positive relationship with ICT and ICT has a significant positive relationship with e-logistic customer satisfaction. This study is contributing to the body of knowledge by developing a comprehensive framework to solve various e-logistic problems. Hence, the current study is helpful for e-logistic companies to mitigate e-logistic customer satisfaction problems

Determinants of E-Logistic Customer Satisfaction: A Mediating Role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

In the recent decade, with the increase in e logistic services, the problem of e-logistic customer satisfaction is raised.E-logistic services spread so rapidly worldwide which overlook the significant segment of customer satisfaction.Therefore, the prime objective of the current research study is to develop a comprehensive framework for e-logistics customer satisfaction.Various studies highlighted the area of e-logistic customer satisfaction, however, in a rare case, literature formally documented the problem of e-logistic customer satisfaction. Hence, less attention has been paid to the aspect of customer satisfaction in e-logistic.To address this gap, four hypotheses are proposed concerning the relationship of e-payment, e-traceability, website design with information communication technology (ICT) and e-logistic customer satisfaction.By using the convenience sampling technique, 500 questionnaires were distributed among the e-logistic users.The results of the current study found that e-payment, e traceability, and website design has a significant positive relationship with ICT and ICT has a significant positive relationship with e-logistic customer satisfaction.This study is contributing to the body of knowledge by developing a comprehensive framework to solve various e-logistic problems.Hence, the current study is helpful for e-logistic companies to mitigate e-logistic customer satisfaction problems