An Overview on Business, Management and Economics Research Vol. 9

This study aimed at examining users’ perception on the effect of e-procurement practice on customer E-procurement is a technological system that was introduced for the purpose Practice on of increasing efficiency in procurement. Following emergent of this new technology people within the organization (users) had some expectations re old manual procurement system. E-Procurement practices shape customer satisfaction in public procurement within Tanzania is vital for our community. It tackles the essential task of modernizing procurement through electronic methods, reflecting a global shift towards efficiency. By delving into users' perceptions, the study not only aids successful implementation in the transparent and efficiency-focused public procurement sphere but also provides valuable insights specific to Tanzania, contributing to both local and international understanding. The study adopted explanatory sequential mixed method involving both quantitative and qualitative data that were collected in two different phases. The population of study included user staff working in five selected procuring entities whereby questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from respondents who were approached by using simple random sampling technique. Also, qualitative data collected from Heads of Departments through interview guide were analyzed by using content analysis in relation to five service quality dimensions. The dimensions included tangibility, responsiveness, reliability, empathy and assurance as independent variables that were regressed on customer satisfaction (dependent variable) that contained Yes and No responses. From the population, a sample size of 350 respondents were calculated through using Yamane (1967) formula, In order to determine user’s satisfaction on procurement service delivery, data were analyzed in two steps: first, the mean difference between perception and expectation of customers was computed (P-E). The obtained value was divided by total number of items to get index score for each service quality dimension.

Reliability, Empathy and Assurance) on dependent variable (customer satisfaction). The study concluded that there is a significant relationship between use of e-procurement and increase in customer satisfaction in procurement. Therefore, it is recommended that chief executive officers in public organizations should take e-procurement as a solution to improve service delivery to their customers.

The study examines issues of gender relations and the use of ICTs for economic activities among women homeworkers in Thailand’s digital economy. Home-based work (subcontracted work to be done at home) is widespread in all regions of Thailand. Most homeworkers use their houses as the workplace for producing textiles and garments, wood products, basketry, artificial flower making, food processing, leather goods and plastics, metal products and jewelry, and then deliver them to the employers or business mediators. This is not the same as production for direct sale. In 2007, the National Statistical Office (NSO) reported that out of the 249,290 households, there were 440,251 people earning their livelihoods through homeworking. Of this number, 337,526 or slightly more than three quarters of them were women and 102,725 were men similar to NSO, 2019 found more than half of Thai women are under the informal economy track. This study builds on previous research conducted in 2006 on the status of women homeworkers in Thailand and their use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to promote economic empowerment and generate new income opportunities. Social and community development that allows for participatory approaches to local development and management, including the revival and transmission of Thai cultural diversity, such as way of life, customs, values and local wisdom. Since 2006, Thailand has undergone numerous social, economic, and political changes. Acknowledging the problems homeworkers face, in 2010, the Thai Parliament passed the Homeworkers Protection Act B.E. 2553 and a social protection policy came into force in 2011 till currently. The law mandates fair wages, including equal pay for men and women doing the same job. Even though this Act is in effect, most homeworkers are still not aware of their legal rights and keep working under unfair conditions. The enabling and disabling environments for women who work from home will be discussed in this research study, along with the awareness and capacity of these individuals to improve their circumstances, as well as their access to and management of resources for using ICT to grow their businesses in Thailand's rapidly expanding digital economy. It will also look at how women use ICT for gender equality, as well as how these initiatives affect gender governance and women's economic empowerment.

This paper explores the cost-efficiency demand-driven passenger loyalty factors that explain variations in patronage of inter-city public transportation (PT) in Ghana. Given the absence of a significant rail transport system in Ghana, PT is predominantly road-based. The study focuses on inter-city PT because the industry now faces new challenges in attracting and retaining passengers due to competition with private hiring vehicles, and other related private transport service providers in recent years. A sample of 2,431 respondents across the 16 geopolitical regions of Ghana, and based on the Structural Equation Modelling analytical framework, we test the hypothesis that there is an interaction between cost-efficiency demand-driven passenger loyalty factors and passenger loyalty in the PT system of Ghana. Accordingly, the question as to whether and how cost-efficiency demand-driven passenger loyalty factors impact passenger loyalty to PT in Ghana has been empirically examined. The Smart PLS 3.3.2 and SPSS version 22 software were used for the analysis of the data collected through questionnaires. Broadly, the findings reveal that, in Ghana, loyalty rather than cost-efficiency demand factors impact inter-city public transportation service delivery. The empirical results show that two-thirds of the total variations in demand-driven passenger loyalty are accounted for by operation, personnel service, on-board conditions, the image of public transportation type, service delivery, cost (service value), switching cost, and cost-efficiency demand factors. Invariably, overcoming the threats to maximising revenue and sustaining the efficiency within the Ghanaian inter-city public transportation system is internal and customer satisfaction oriented rather than regulatory environment and other external factors. Impliedly, demand-driven passenger loyalty deduced from customer satisfaction is a necessary condition for sustainable revenue maximisation and operationalisation of PT in Ghana. Based on this result, it is recommended that the private sector-led public transport operators should eschew monopolistic tendencies and endeavour to constantly engage passengers in a bid to meet their expectations and needs that maximise their satisfaction as clients at all times.

This chapter examines the effects of occupational stress on performance. An institutional-based survey was conducted among the hospital staff on occupational stress at the Bekwai Municipal Hospital in Ghana. The chapter made use of descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression to aid the analysis from the responses of the hospital staff. The result shows role ambiguity as the strongest predictor of the stress of task control. Coping with stress was dependent on support and advice from others and a medium for staff to air their views. Reduced productivity was the major effect of work-related stress on performance. The chapter concludes that the awareness of stressors and coping strategies can be considered to enhance staff performance through a practical alignment of job demands and resources to enhance staff well-being.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine: first, whether the consumer style inventory (CSI) consumer decision-making styles were related to opinion seeking using electronic word of mouth (eWOM) in social networking sites (SNSs) and attitudes toward online social shopping using SNSs; and second, whether opinion seeking in SNSs and attitudes mediated the links between decision-making styles and intent to social shop online for apparel using SNSs.

Background: Opinion seeking using eWOM in SNSs represented our operationalization of the search stage of the model. Attitudes represented the alternative evaluation stage. Intent to social shop online for apparel using SNSs represented the purchase stage.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The conceptual foundation was based on Engel, Kollat, and Blackwell’s model. In total, 304 college students who are SNS users provided usable responses. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the proposed model and research hypotheses.

Findings: Among the CSI consumer decision-making styles, novelty/fashion consciousness decision-making style was the most important antecedent of opinion seeking using eWOM. The brand consciousness decision-making style was the most important antecedent of favorable attitudes.

Conclusion: This study contributes to enhancing the theoretical insights into the consumer types attracted to eWOM and their online social shopping behaviors for apparel through SNSs. By identifying individual consumer characteristics, this study offers retailers an initial profile of consumers engaged in apparel shopping through SNSs.

This chapter aims to examine various facets of the unemployment rate concerning individuals aged 16 to 24 in the United States. The issue of unemployment in the United States remains a significant and enduring topic of discussion. As of July 2012, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an unemployment rate of 8.3%, drawing widespread attention. Notably, among young adults aged 20 to 24 with high school diplomas, 15% have also pursued some college education, shedding light on an interesting aspect of this population. Younger workers in the 16 to 24 age categories have consistently grappled with notably higher unemployment rates than their older counterparts, revealing a concerning trend. Unfortunately, a staggering 93% of these younger workers lack a high school diploma, and many bear the responsibility of supporting their families. This pressing issue demands immediate attention and action.

Bangladesh is one of the most populous countries in the world with more than 163 million people. Dhaka, as the capital city, is the main economic, political, and cultural hub of this nation. Economic growth is measured by gross domestic product and the factors of economic growth are cross-cutting factors. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is believed to be an indicator of a country’s economic condition. Bangladesh’s GDP increased at a pace of 8.15% in fiscal 2018-2019 as per the base year 2005-2006. By the year 2019, Bangladesh has become the seventh fastest-growing economy in the world. This paper used secondary data from the World Bank for the fiscal year from 2010 to 2020. This paper used a multiple regression analysis model for the macroeconomic factors. The aim of this study is to measure the effects of macroeconomic factors considering GDP as the dependent variables and inflation rate, import, and export are considered as independent. This paper represents that import and export are positively associated factors with GDP whereas inflation rate is a negatively associated factor. It is recommended that investment in the Bangladesh export sector should also be enhanced to overcome the present obstacles of the economy and therefore foreign direct investment (FDI) should also try to be enhanced by attracting the contemplation of foreign stakeholders from both developing and developed countries. It was found that import and export have a positive relation with GDP and inflation whereas exchange rate has a negative association with GDP. This study concluded by revealing the importance of conducting a further study by considering more economic variables to measure economic growth as a whole.

India is one of the country where youngest population is more. For effective use of this valuable resource they need employment, better infrastructure, opportunities for development etc. Now growth of jobless youngsters are increasing. According to All India Council for Technical Education, more than 60% of eight lakh engineers graduating from technical institution every year remain unemployed. This is a loss of 20 lakh man days annually. Main reason for this situation is shortage of job and also employability of students. The skills of engineers need to be used in their own field. It is possible through start-ups, which provides employment and also beneficial for country’s development. In this competitive environment, technological changes are needed and it provides opportunity for innovation to engineering students. This paper focused on the problems faced by start-ups in Engineering Colleges and the opportunities for technology start-ups.

This research paper delves into the intricate landscape of financial resilience within Tanzanian microcredit institutions, focusing on predictive methodologies and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for enhanced forecasting accuracy. Through an exhaustive exploration of traditional practices and emerging AI-driven solutions, this study examines the evolving strategies and limitations encountered in predicting financial trends within this dynamic sector. Employing a mixed-methods approach encompassing diverse case studies across key Tanzanian regions - Dar-es-Salaam, Arusha, and Kilimanjaro - the research garnered insights into localized complexities, historical evolution, and direct impact on bolstering financial resilience. Findings underscored the multifaceted objectives pursued by microcredit institutions in trend projection, emphasizing the primary goals of optimizing investment strategies, managing liquidity effectively, and planning for sustainable growth and expansion. While traditional methodologies demonstrated some efficacy, challenges in data quality, interpretation, and predictive analytics expertise emerged as impediments to accurate trend projection. Proposed AI-based solutions offered promising outcomes, with anticipated benefits including improved prediction accuracy, enhanced decision-making, and potential cost savings. However, concerns regarding data security, expertise, and implementation costs pose notable challenges to widespread AI integration. Therefore, the research advocates for the integration of AI technologies to fortify predictive capacities within Tanzanian microcredit institutions. It emphasizes the imperative nature of investing in resources and expertise to leverage AI potential for sustainable growth and heightened forecasting accuracy in this rapidly evolving financial landscape. This study contributes essential insights into the challenges, opportunities, and potential pathways for leveraging advanced technologies in enhancing financial resilience within microcredit institutions, fostering a more sustainable and prosperous future for Tanzania microcredit sector.