FinTech, blockchain and Islamic finance : an extensive literature review

Purpose: The paper aims to review the academic research work done in the area of Islamic financial technology. The Islamic FinTech area has been classified into three broad categories of the Islamic FinTech, Islamic Financial technology opportunities and challenges, Cryptocurrency/Blockchain sharia compliance and law/regulation. Finally, the study identifies and highlights the opportunities and challenges that Islamic Financial institutions can learn from the conventional FinTech organization across the world. Approach/Methodology/Design: The study collected 133 research studies (50 from Social Science Research Network (SSRN), 30 from Research gate, 33 from Google Scholar and 20 from other sources) in the area of Islamic Financial Technology. The study presents the systematic review of the above studies. Findings: The study classifies the Islamic FinTech into three broad categories namely, Islamic FinTech opportunities and challenges, Cryptocurrency/Blockchain sharia compliance and law/regulation. The study identifies that the sharia compliance related to the cryptocurrency/Blockchain is the biggest challenge which Islamic FinTech organizations are facing. During our review we also find that Islamic FinTech organizations are to be considered as partners by the Islamic Financial Institutions (IFI’s) than the competitors. If Islamic Financial institutions want to increase efficiency, transparency and customer satisfaction they have to adopt FinTech and become partners with the FinTech companies. Practical Implications: The study will contribute positively to the understanding of Islamic Fintech for the academia, industry, regulators, investors and other FinTech users. Originality/Value: The study believes to contribute positively to understanding of Fintech based technology like cryptocurrency/Blockchain from sharia perspective.peer-reviewe

Human Resource Practices in SME Sector: An Exploratory Case Study of Pakistan

The role of human resource practices (HRP) at its significance in small and medium enterprises (SME) become an emerging topic, especially in developing countries. This study aims to gauge the level of HR practice being exercise in SME. Quantitative approach has been followed and data was collected from 195 SMEs, operating in Karachi, through a structure questionnaire. Findings suggested that SME are performing moderate level of HR practices and owner/managers are aware with the importance of HR practices in their organizations. Moreover, compensation is the most significant factor of HR practices followed by employee performance, recruitment and selection and training and development. HR function has been substantially implemented and HR practices are being carried out in number of SME and is contributes at all phases of organization’s functions. The globalization and dynamic milieu is forcing the SME sector to switch informal functions to formal manner. However more coherent approach is required to replace the traditional way of practicing HR functions. This study validates the implementation of HR practices in SME as documented in the literature. It further provides a reference for academicians and practitioner to build upon a contention for future research

Cyano­methyl 4-(4-methyl­benzene­sulfonamido)­benzoate

The title mol­ecule, C16H14N2O4S, adopts an L-shaped conformation, with the central C—S—N—C torsion angle being −69.1 (3)°. The two benzene rings form a dihedral angle of 89.94 (15)°. The mol­ecular conformation may be influenced by a weak intra­molecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bond which generates an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by N—H⋯O and weak C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along the b axis. Weak C—H⋯N hydrogen bonds connect the chains into a two-dimensional network parallel to (011). The crystal studied was an inversion twin, the ratio of components being 0.7 (1):0.3 (1)

Propyl 2-(4-methyl­benzene­sulfonamido)­benzoate

In the title compound, C17H19NO4S, the terminal ethyl group is disordered over two sets of sites, with refined site occupancies of 0.536 (7) and 0.464 (7). The dihedral angle between the two aromatic rings is 81.92 (12)°. The mol­ecular conformation is stabilized by intra­molecular N—H⋯O and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, which generate S(6) motifs. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along the b axis

An artificial intelligence and NLP based Islamic FinTech model combining Zakat and Qardh-Al-Hasan for countering the adverse impact of COVID 19 on SMEs and individuals

Pursose: The ongoing Corona virus (COVID 19) pandemic has already impacted almost everyone across the globe. The focus has now shifted from spread of the disease to the economic consequences it will bring to the society. The shortage of production will result into the shortage of supply and consequently will end as loss of jobs and employment for millions of people around the world. Two of the most important section of our society i.e., daily wage laborers and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will have to bear the major burnt of this crisis. The proposed integrated Artificial Intelligence and NLP based Islamic FinTech Model combining Zakat (Islamic tax) and Qardh-Al-Hasan (benevolent loan) can help the economy to minimize the adverse impact of COVID 19 on individuals and SMEs. Design/Methodology/Approach: The present study explores the possibility of Zakat and Qardh-Al-Hasan as a financing method to fight the adverse impact of Corona virus on poor individuls and SMEs. It provides the solution by proposing an Artificial Intelligence and NLP based Islamic FinTech Model combining Zakat and Qardh-Al-Hasan. Findings: The findings of the study reveals that Islamic finance has immense potential to fight any kind of situation/pandemic. Zakat and Qardh-Al-Hasan, if combined together can prove to be a deadly combination to fight the adverse effect of COVID 19. Practical Implications: To be used as an effective way to support individuals and SMEs in the period during and after the pandemic of COVID 19. Originality/value: There is no study combining Zakat and Qardh Al-Hasan to fight the adverse effect of poor individuals and SMEs. The study will contribute massively to the existing literature and will help the government and civil societies in fighting the economic impact of COVID 19 on individuals and SMEs.peer-reviewe

Common Organisms causing surgical site infection(SSI) in Postoperative patients in a tertiary care Hospital

Objective: To investigate the types and frequency of organisms causing surgical site infections in postoperative patients and their association with other factors. Study Design: Cross-sectional Duration and Place of Study: Surgical Unit-II of –removed for blind review---and from 1st March 2021 – 31st July 2021. Patients and Methods: There were 391 surgeries in this study, but only 27 patients met the inclusion criteria. A diagnosis of SSI was based on specific parameters, including the detection of two or three cardinal signs of inflammation and the surgeon's confirmation of the diagnosis. This data was analyzed using IBM SPSS 23. Results: Among 391 patients, 242 had elective surgeries (male:female, 1.6:1), and 149 had emergency surgeries (male:female, 1:3.4). The mean length of stay for elective surgeries was 2.19 ± 1.8 days and 4.2 ± 3.7 days for emergency procedures. There were 98 abdominal procedures (65.77%) performed in emergency settings. Only 9 (3.71 %) elective procedures and 18 (12.08 %) emergency procedures reported surgical site infections. Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated organism from SSI during the study. The rate of SSI in postoperative patients was 6.9%. There was a statistically significant association between SSI and type of surgery (p=0.002). The mean length of stay (LOS) was longer for patients with SSI (mean=12.5, p=.000).  Emergency cases had a longer LOS compared with elective cases (mean= 4.21 days vs 2.19 days, p=.000). Conclusion: According to our study, our unit's SSI were comparable to other developing countries. SSI are more frequent in emergency cases, men, and diabetics, and are the primary cause of longer hospital stays.  Keywords: Surgical Site Infection; E.Coli; Length of stay

Celebrity Endorsement: A Congruity Measure of Personalities

Purpose In marketing communications strategy, the use of celebrity is a common practice for major firms in supporting the brand imagery. Based on the cognitive theories of endorsement efficiency, the congruence between the personality of a brand being endorsed and that of the targeted personality of a celebrity is tested. Design/methodology/approach A total of 120 survey respondents brand-personality perceptions and perceptions of celebrity personality were measured and analysed. The congruence measures were used as indicators from the adjectives of Aaker's Scale to analyse the congruity effect. Findings The results indicated that a successful brand promotion needs congruency between the brand's and the endorser's personality, though it may be moderate. Originality/value The research undertaken on celebrity endorsement in this paper will be useful on both academic and professional platform, as this study derives specific insights to practitioners and it provides a basis for guiding further research beyond the mere celebrity selection decision. It enhances the usefulness of the congruency effect, providing a knowledge base for determining an overall brand positioning strategy. Also, it looks into the perception of Indian consumers on celebrity endorsement, providing theory for scholarly and directives for managers and professionals. Keywords: Celebrity Endorsement, Brand Personality, Congruenc

The Relationship between Accounting Frauds and Economic Fluctuations: A Case of Project Based Organizations in UAE

Purpose: the purpose of this study is to provide a better understanding of the rate of accounting frauds (misappropriation of assets, fraudulent financial reporting), and how they occur in different business cycles (economic fluctuations). Further, it aims at exploring the relationship between factors influencing the economic fluctuations and the level of accounting frauds. Design/methodology approach: a qualitative research design used semi-structured interviews with a group of internal controllers and external auditors from the big four auditing companies in addition to other Leading and certified audit offices in UAE in order to identify how the factors influencing the GDP fluctuations could affect the degree of accounting frauds.Findings: GDP components that influence economic fluctuations associate with the accounting frauds rate, especially fraudulent financial reporting. Economic factors including the GDP, unemployment and inflation are very important in the steadiness of an economy. The probable drop of GDP, or raise in unemployment level, high rates of inflation are positively influence the occurrences of accounting frauds.Research limitation/implications: There are many ECONOMIC roots of business cycles and economic fluctuations such as variations in trading strategy, warfare, inflation caused by governmental finance or fears. But these represent non-economic data that is hard to be rationalized by economic theory. Typical macroeconomic theory inclines to illuminate business cycles by a number of mistake and emphasis on modifying this mistake either by dynamic strategy or by supporting a separate strategy (Raudino, 2016). Thus, it is very hard to capture all the factors influencing the economic fluctuations. However, most of the studies in the literature considers the GDP as the most important factors, in addition to inflation and unemployment. Practical implication: This study contributes to both economic and accounting research by proving findings from an investigation of the elements modifying the economical fluctuation and how these fluctuations might impact the rate of accounting Frauds (AF), with implications for economists and financiers, shareholders, stakeholders, stockholders and external inspectors of auditing companies an additional visions about the audit risk in PBOs at altered stages of GDP. Originality/value: This study contributes to both economic and accounting research by exploratory research into the GDP fluctuation, inflation, and unemployment and accounting frauds rate

Importance of Brand Personality To Customer Loyalty: A Conceptual Study

Customer loyalty is viewed as the strengths of the relationship between an individual’s relative attitude and repeat patronage. Here an attempt has been made to probe into the behaviour of a customers’ willingness to buy a brand/product, of what are the related factors which influences his buying behaviour and attitude towards the brand. An investigation is done to highlight a point of what are the influencing factors which compels him to be a loyal for a brand. The theoretical study and the conceptual model, here, envisages the concept of brand loyalty by passing through the concept of brand personality. The study findings suggest a conceptual model that combines the theories of brand personality with the necessary dispositional variables to explain the customer’s loyalty processes. This model also rises to the marketing challenge of building long-term consumer relationships. Customer‘s loyalty, therefore, might be strengthened or retained by keeping in consideration various other factors through communicating a good brand relationship by involving the concept of brand personality, thus, enhancing the customer relationship building with social and resource exchanges and thus positively affecting the satisfaction of the customer. The theoretical framework will help the researches to further investigate into the concept of brand personality enhancing the customer loyalty. Keywords: Brand Personality, Customer Loyalty, Conceptual Mode