The dark side of artificial intelligence in retail services innovation

Many academic scholars argue that the goal of using artificial intelligence (hereafter, AI) in business has been to serve humans in performing their jobs. Yet, some scholars refute such arguments and warn against potential threats of AI to humankind in the future. AI or machine intelligence comprises three main aspects, i.e., learning, reasoning, and self-correction which aggregate to conjure up the artificial mind. In retailing, the employment of AI is progressively becoming a major theme of innovation and retailers are rapidly increasing the use of machine intelligence to efficiently simulate human intelligence and become more competitive through cutting costs and improving customer journeys. However, such benefits can be catastrophic in the long run. Hereby, this chapter represents an attempt to produce a synthesis of current research on the use of AI in retailing and identify the possible benefits or ramifications on the human pillars of the retail process (i.e., the employers, employees, and customers). Finally, this chapter aims to reflect on relevant literature to conclude future research and industrial implications

Development of male sterility by silencing Bcp1 gene of Arabidopsis through RNA interference

The development of male sterility is one of the most important steps in hybrid seed production. Several methods for the abortion of pollens based on conventional as well as genetic engineering are reported for the various crop species. Here we have investigated the use of RNA interference (RNAi) technology to silence a male specific gene, Bcp1 in the model host Arabidopsis thaliana. Bcp1 is active in both diploid tapetum and haploid microspores. Three batches of explants (A. thaliana) were selected onherbicide glufosinate ammonium and putative transgenes were confirmed through PCR and Southern hybridization. About 49 out of 58 Arabidopsis lines transformed with RNAi construct containing Bcp1 sequences were male sterile. Transgenic plants were phenotypically indistinguishable from nontransgenic plants and by crossing with non-transgenic fertile pollens successful seed set was observed. The Bcp1 gene was also amplified from chilies, tomato and brassica. The present study resulted in developing male sterile A. thaliana (Eco. Columbia) line through genetic engineering. The diversity of Bcp1 gene will help us to produce transgenic male sterile plants in crop plants

The Effect of Electronic Word-Of-Mouth (EWOM) On Brand Im-age and Purchase Intention: A Conceptual Paper

This paper summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the issue of Electronic Word-of-Mouth (eWOM) on brand image and purchase intention. The main purpose of the research is to investigate the effect of Electronic Word-of-Mouth (eWOM) on brand image and purchase intention, a study on Malaysia’s automobile industry focusing on Malaysian branded car

Impact of universities’ partnerships on students’ sustainable entrepreneurship intentions: A comparative study

This study investigated the impact of entrepreneurial attitude, perceived desirability, and perceived feasibility on sustainable entrepreneurship intentions under the moderating impact of entrepreneurial passion among undergraduate students of Malaysia. It was a quantitative study that compared two groups of students, i.e., Group A, comprised of students who have studied entrepreneurship modules and whose programmes did not offer any dual/triple award degrees and Group B, made up of students who have studied entrepreneurship modules and whose programmes offered dual/triple award degrees. Data were collected from 542 undergraduate students of universities located in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor through survey questionnaire. WarpPLS Software version 7.0 was used to analyse the data. The findings of this study revealed that Group B students’ entrepreneurial attitude, perceived desirability, and perceived feasibility positively and significantly impacted the sustainable entrepreneurship intentions under the moderating impact of entrepreneurial passion. However, the impact of entrepreneurial attitude was found positive and significant on sustainable entrepreneurship intentions among students of Group A and entrepreneurial passion was found to be significant moderator to improve the impact of only entrepreneurial attitude and perceived desirability on sustainable entrepreneurship intentions but not for the impact of perceived feasibility on sustainable entrepreneurship intentions among these students. Moreover, the direct impacts of perceived desirability and perceived feasibility were also found non-significant on sustainable entrepreneurship intentions among Group A students. The findings reveal that universities having partnership with other overseas’ universities may offer high quality entrepreneurship modules due to which their students have high entrepreneurial passion and develop more entrepreneurial attitudes, and are more willing and capable to start their own businesses as compared to students of other local universities who have no partnership with overseas’ universities

The influence of knowledge-based HRM practices on productivity of knowledge workers: A Study on Malaysian universities

Knowledge workers have contributed significantly to the development of nations. There are various researches that extensively recognized the positive impact of knowledge-based HRM practices on knowledge worker's productivity. While there are studies regarding knowledge-based HRM practices across different countries and industries, however, there is dearth of research regarding the impact of knowledge-based HRM practices on universities' knowledge workers. Therefore, the aim of this current study was to fill up the gap by analysing the influence of various knowledge-based HRM practices on the productivity of knowledge workers in universities. This study investigated HRM practices namely knowledge-based recruiting practices, knowledge-based training and development practices, knowledge-based performance appraisal practices and knowledge-based compensation practices on the quality and quantity of the productivity of knowledge workers. Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, Expectancy Theory, and MacGregor's Theory X and Theory Y were used as underpinning theories to support the proposed conceptual model. Eight hypotheses were developed based on the proposed research model and standard instrument was used to obtain data. By employing non-probability sampling method, a total of 129 knowledge workers in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur participated in survey. The data were collected at one point of time across the sample population. The data obtained were assessed using SPSS and Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Results revealed the positive and significant influence of knowledge-based recruiting practices and knowledge-based compensation practices on quality and quantity of knowledge workers' productivity. Knowledge-based training and development practices were found to have their positive and significant impact on quantity of knowledge workers' productivity but not on quality of knowledge workers' productivity. Additionally, knowledge-based performance appraisal was not found to have its positive as well as significant impact on quality and quantity of knowledge worker's productivity

Reducing the rate of primary caesarean sections--an audit

Objective: To evaluate how the implementation of universally acceptable standards affects rates for primary caesarean sections, without compromising maternal or foetal safety. Method: A complete audit cycle of all the primary caesarean sections performed in the maternity unit of Aga Khan University was conducted from 1st January to 31st March during years 2003 and 2004. New labour management guidelines were implemented after the first audit (appendix). The rates of caesarean section, induction of labour, failed induction, and maternal and foetal outcomes were compared before and after the implementation of the guidelines. Results: Primary emergency caesarean section rate decreased from 16% to 12%. A reduction in primary caesarean sections was noted in the induced cases. Practice of checking cord blood for foetal pH and maintaining partograms improved markedly. There were no significant adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Conclusion: Implementation of standard labour management strategies can reduce primary caesarean section rate without compromising maternal and foetal safety

Email is Evil! Behavioural Responses towards Permission-based Direct Email Marketing and Gender Differences

Purpose This study aims to assess consumers’ beliefs in three Middle Eastern Arab countries regarding attitudinal and behavioural responses towards permission-based direct email marketing (hereafter DEM) and the moderating role of gender in the hypothesised path model. Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypothesised path model by using data collected from 829 respondents. Findings The findings show that attitude was found to fully mediate the relationship between beliefs and behavioural responses towards permission-based DEM. Gender moderates the relationship between beliefs and attitudes and responses to permission-based DEM. Notably, female respondents were found to react more actively when exposed to permission-based DEM. Research limitations/implications Further qualitative research is needed to learn more about how and why individuals develop behavioural intentions in certain ways towards opt-in DEM. In addition, neuropsychology approaches such as eye-tracking are endorsed for future research to gain more insights and conquer biases associated with self-reporting procedures in countries where such technologies are deemed as legal and ethical to be used with human subjects. Practical implications Advertisers promoting products and services in the Middle Eastern Arab context should take further steps to enhance the quality of information (including cultural sensitiveness) and the perceived entertainment value that could be delivered to consumers through permission-based DEM, especially for female internet users. Additionally, this study highly recommends the double opt-in approach to permission-based DEM. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to address the gender role as a moderator of the path depicting the effectiveness of permission-based DEM approach in the Middle East (Arab counties) from beliefs to behavioural responses via attitudes

Impact of green training on environmental performance through mediating role of competencies and motivation

This work aims to examine the impact of green training on green environmental performance through the mediating role of green competencies and motivation on the adoption of green human resource management. The convenience sampling technique was employed to collect data through an online survey undertaken at public and private universities in Malaysia. The analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v.25 and Smart PLS v.3 software, with the aim of testing the predefined hypotheses. It was revealed that green training has a significant impact on green environmental performance, and all six dimensions of green competencies, namely, skills, abilities, knowledge, behavior, attitude and awareness, were also green motivations. Both green competencies and motivations positively and significantly mediated the relationship between green training and environmental performance

Impact of green training on environmental performance through mediating role of competencies and motivation

This work aims to examine the impact of green training on green environmental performance through the mediating role of green competencies and motivation on the adoption of green human resource management. The convenience sampling technique was employed to collect data through an online survey undertaken at public and private universities in Malaysia. The analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v.25 and Smart PLS v.3 software, with the aim of testing the predefined hypotheses. It was revealed that green training has a significant impact on green environmental performance, and all six dimensions of green competencies, namely, skills, abilities, knowledge, behavior, attitude and awareness, were also green motivations. Both green competencies and motivations positively and significantly mediated the relationship between green training and environmental performance

A Conceptual Study of HRM Practices and Market Orientation on Lecturer’s Retention: A Case Study of Malaysian Universities

Nowadays human resources are focused more to gain competitive advantage. Human resource practices are used for staffing and keeping employees, but they alone are not enough. Good human resource management practices do not work unless the universities get all possible information about their customers and competitors in their competitive market environment