- Vol. 9, Issue 1, 2024

Vol. 9, Issue 1, 2024

Bibliometric Analysis of Artificial Intelligence in the Scope of E-Commerce: Trends and Progress over the Last Decade

Page: 5
Authors: Samira FRIOUI, Amel GRAA
Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are commonly used in e-commerce, but there is little bibliometric analysis in this field. Using a bibliometric approach, it conducted a comprehensive study over the past decade to assess the research landscape, progress, and emerging trends in the field of artificial intelligence in e-commerce. Data was collected from related literature in the Scopus database from 2014 to the first half of 2023. VOSviewer and R studio were used to perform the bibliometric analysis of AI in e-commerce. The author status, nations, affiliations, annual publications, keywords, and journals were all evaluated in this way. The oldest relevant article was published in 1994, and article reviews were the most common form of document among the 669 manuscripts. Furthermore, the most popular research areas in this topic are business, management, and accounting. Additionally, the most productive journal is Proceedings of the International Conference on Electronic Business (ICEB). Moreover, the UK is the country that has published the most articles, and in terms of co-authorship, it has the strongest overall link. Finally, the keyword co-occurrence network indicates that the most important keywords are machine learning, e-commerce, recommender systems, fraud detection, decision-making systems, data mining, and online retailing.
JEL Classification: C19, L81
Keywords: artificial intelligence, bibliometric analysis, e-commerce, emerging trends, co-authorship patterns.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2024.01-01

Indigenous Preservation Practices and Shelf Life of Stored Yams in Benue State, Nigeria: Implication for Post-Harvest Management and Food Security

Page: 25
Authors: Emmanuel Verem ORJIME, Benjamin G. AHULE, Godwin A. AKPEHE, Solomon GBAKA, Victor Ushahemba IJIRSHAR, Kafayat O. ZAKA
Abstract: Several empirical studies have been conducted on the relationship between indigenous practices and yam tuber preservation. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence regarding the extent of effectiveness of the existing indigenous preservation practices in reducing yam postharvest losses with regard to prolonging the shelf life, which underscores an existing gap in knowledge. The purpose of this study is to examine the extent of effectiveness of existing indigenous preservation practices in prolonging the shelf life of stored yam tubers in Benue State, Nigeria, using a cross-sectional survey design based on a proportional sampling technique involving 255 respondents. The result of the chi-square test shows the probability value of 0.000<0.05; hence, the study rejected the null hypothesis. A symmetric Phi value of 0.635 was obtained, showing a positive association between the variables. Thus, application of the existing indigenous yam preservation practices led to the overall improvement in the shelf life of stored yams by 34%. The study recommends that government and nongovernmental organizations should provide both financial and technical assistance to rural yam farming families, in the form of loan facilities. Yam farmers should also form cooperative societies in order to borrow more funds from financial institutions. This will boost the expansion of storehouses to accommodate the increasing quantity of yam tubers harvested, provide good ventilation in stores, and enhance free traffic during the removal of sprout development in storehouses to avert yam tuber postharvest losses and prolong the shelf life of the stored yam tubers in the study area.
JEL Classification: C31; M11; N57; O13; Q12
Keywords: indigenous, preservation, practices, yam, shelf-life, Benue State
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2024.01-02

Proposal of a Customer Satisfaction Index Model (Part of the Antecedents) Adopted to the Algerian Context

Page: 41
Authors: Leila MOHAMMED EL HADJ, Djalel Eddine YAHIAOUI, Abir SAYAH
Abstract: Measuring customer satisfaction is an efficient method for evaluating organisational performance of firms, especially in today’s competitive environment. In the Algerian context, where the industry is developing rapidly and the customer satisfaction and its antecedents have an importance for the most of the Algerian companies, it becomes crucial to explore the factors influencing customer satisfaction in the industrial sector. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to develop a specific model for a customer satisfaction index in the Algerian industrial environment. The inexistence of this type of models in the Algerian context has provided difficulties to companies in detecting what affects the satisfaction of their customers; this research can help them to find out what are the factors that impact on the customer satisfaction and improve it. To achieve this, we have examined previous studies conducted in other countries to identify the antecedents of customer satisfaction. The research methodology employed in this study follows a quantitative approach. We conducted a questionnaire survey among a sample of 203 customers of the BCR brand, which specialises in faucet production. The questionnaire was designed to measure various factors, including corporate image, customer expectations, perceived quality, perceived value, price, and handling of complaints. The collected data was analysed using SPSS software, and the model will be constructed using Smart-PLS software. The findings of the study confirmed that three variables significantly impact customer satisfaction in the studied context: perceived value, price, and perceived quality, specifically focusing on the sustainability dimension. Based on these results, we have developed a customer satisfaction index model, specifically focusing on the antecedents’ part, which incorporates these three variables.
JEL Classification: M31; M310; L12
Keywords: complaint handling, customer satisfaction, customer satisfaction index/barometer, customer expectations, perceived quality, perceived value, price
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2024.01-03

The Non-Agricultural Labour Productivity Effects of Working Time: South Africa’s Case

Page: 61
Authors: Chama CHIPETA, Thomas HABANABAKIZE, Mulatu Fekadu ZERIHUN
Abstract: The purpose of the current study is to assess the impact of working time on non-agricultural labour productivity in the South African economy. To achieve this objective, the study utilised the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL) and correlation analysis to analyse the effects of different working time arrangements on labour productivity. The results of the study indicated that weekly working hours have a significant influence on worker productivity. Working between 30 and 39 hours per week was found to greatly enhance productivity both in the short and long term. Additionally, working between 15 and 29 hours per week showed a slight positive effect on productivity. Conversely, working more than 39 hours per week (between 40 and 45 hours) only increased productivity in the short term, while working less than 29 hours and exceeding 45 hours per week had a negative impact on labour productivity. These findings suggest that an optimal working schedule to maximise labour productivity is between 30 and 40 hours per week, with overtime not exceeding 5 hours per week. Establishing a proper schedule of weekly working hours is crucial for maximising labour productivity and reducing work-related stress, which can impede productivity.
JEL Classification: C22, D2, F66, J24
Keywords: employment, labour productivity, working hours, working schedules, labour market.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2024.01-04

The Intersection of AI and Digital Entrepreneurship: Studying the Varied Ways that AI is Changing Digital Enterprises

Page: 78
Authors: Mohammed Charaf Eddine BOUREZIG, Soumya Chahinez TALEB BOUGUERRI
Abstract: Artificial intеlligеncе (AI) is rеvolutionising industriеs and organisations. This rеsеarch dеlvеs into thе ways in which lеading tеchnology companiеs such, as Googlе, Facеbook, Amazon, Nеtflix, and Alibaba utilisе AI to еnhancе thеir companies’ valuе strеamlinе opеrations and еlеvatе customеr еxpеriеncеs. Through an analysis of publishеd studiеs, this study uncovеrs thе primary applications, kеy succеss factors and potеntial consеquеncеs of intеgrating AI into digital organisations. Thе findings illustratе how AI еmpowеrs businеssеs to offеr products and sеrvicеs improvеs еfficiеncy through automation procеssеs and providеs data drivеn-insights that aid in dеcision making. Howеvеr, it is crucial to еnsurе that AI is utilisеd еthically and rеsponsibly. Dеspitе thе potеntial offеrеd by AI tеchnology businеssеs still nееd to addrеss associatеd challеngеs. To achiеvе succеss in this rеalm, companiеs must еmbracе thе capabilitiеs of AI whilе fostеring crеativity and nurturing a culturе as еmphasisеd in thе rеport.
JEL Classification: O31, O32, O33
Keywords: artificial intеlligеncе, digital еntrеprеnеurship, digital transformation, machinе lеarning, tеchnology company.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2024.01-05

Impact of Causation and Effectuation on Competitiveness among Nano Businesses in Nigeria

Page: 91
Authors: Christopher Idemudia EBEGBETALE, Abdul-Hameed Adeola SULAIMON, Simeon Emezana IFERE
Abstract: Globally, nano, micro, small, and medium businesses are known to stimulate industrialisation of national economies through their impactful and strategic contribution. However, less than 14% of nano businesses in Nigeria experienced growth and development, which has implications on the national economy and calls for concern. Therefore, this study examined whether causation and effectuation will have a positive significant influence on the competitiveness of nano businesses while integrating the theory of effectuation in these relationships. Cross-sectional data were collected from 255 owner-mangers of nano businesses through questionnaire survey instruments and analysed them through the technique of hierarchical regression of SPSS AMOS version 23 software. The analyses revealed that both causation and effectuation have positive significant influence on the competitiveness of nano businesses. The study concludes by acknowledging the role of causation approach in helping nano businesses set clear goals and efficiently allocate resources to achieve the goals and effectuation as an approach for pursuing opportunities during uncertainty to remain competitive.
JEL Classification: D80, L26
Keywords: causation, competitiveness, effectuation, nano businesses, uncertainty
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2024.01-06

The Support of Human Resources Department to Evaluate Business Performance within beyond COVID-19 Crisis

Page: 104
Authors: Iulia BURLAC, Adeline MBEY SENDEGUE
Abstract: This article seeks to analyse the support of HR department to evaluate business performance in the organisations beyond the crisis by conducting interviews with the employees of the 3-service sector French organisations named Company A, Company B, and Company C, in order to find the HR practices and what effects they have on personal and professional life. Our findings show two approaches of management during virtual and hybrid teams that are being practiced, such as management based on control and management based on trust. Also, it is vital to highlight that, under such conditions of working, there are advantages and disadvantages as well. The evidence from our conducted research shows that employees could concentrate better from a distance, which is seen as a source of productivity. In addition to that, team members focus primarily on material and organisational aspects rather than on relationships or social interactions. However, some answers treat the teleworking as a source of loneliness, lack of physical interaction and sometimes, overwhelming working hours.
JEL Classification: M12, O15, M21, M16
Keywords: HR practices, hybrid teams, performance, remote management, virtual teams, well-being at work
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2024.01-07

Economic Performance of the Economy of Kosovo and Metohija

Page: 120
Authors: Radojko LUKIC
Abstract: The problem of analysing the factors of the dynamics of the economic performance of every economy, which means the economy of the southern provinces of Serbia, the economy of Kosovo and Metohija, is continuously very current, challenging, significant, and complex. Adequate control of key factors can significantly influence the achievement of the target economic performance of any economy. The application of multi-criteria decision-making methods enables adequate control of the key factors of the economic performance of each economy. Taking this into account, this paper analyses the dynamics of the economic performance of the economy of Kosovo and Metohija in the period 2013 – 2022 based on the LMAW-DNMA method. In the top five years according to the economic performance of the economy of Kosovo and Metohija according to the LMAW-DNMA methods, it falls in the following order: 2022, 2021, 2019, 2017 and 2018. The worst economic performance of the economy of Kosovo and Metohija was achieved in 2020, partly due to the corona virus pandemic. Recently, the economic performance of the economy of Kosovo has improved significantly and Metohija. Adequate management of the analysed statistical variables (gross domestic product, inflation, agriculture, industry, export, import, capital, income, and taxes) influenced this. Similarly, the economic climate, foreign direct investments, the energy crisis, the digitalisation of the company’s entire operation, and other factors. Their adequate control can greatly influence the achievement of the target economic performance of the economy of Kosovo and Metohija.
JEL Classification: C61, L32
Keywords: performance, economy, Kosovo and Metohija, LMAW-DNMA method
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2024.01-08

Assessing the Effects of Macroeconomic Variables on Economic Welfare in Ghana

Page: 138
Authors: Samuel Erasmus ALNAA, Juabin MATEY
Abstract: This study employs the Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds approach to investigate the relationship between Real GDP, which serves as an estimator of a nation’s economic performance, and selected macroeconomic variables. Using data from the World Bank Development Indicators spanning the period from 1993 to 2022, our analysis reveals distinct patterns in the interplay between inflation, labour productivity, public consumption expenditure, and real GDP. The results highlight the negative impact of inflation on economic well-being. Conversely, a positive correlation emerges between real GDP and both labour productivity and public consumption expenditure. These findings contribute nuanced insights to the ongoing discourse on the appropriateness of Real GDP. The observed negative influence of inflation on Real GDP underscores the importance of vigilant inflation management for sustained economic stability. On the other hand, the positive association between real GDP and labour productivity, as well as public consumption expenditure, implies potential avenues for fostering economic growth and prosperity. These findings not only enhance our understanding of the dynamic interactions within economic systems, but also challenge conventional perspectives on real GDP as an indicator of economic health. These insights provide valuable considerations for crafting effective policies that go beyond GDP figures to ensure holistic and sustainable national economic well-being.
JEL Classification: E6, E62, E24, H51
Keywords: Inflation Rates, Consumption Expenditure, Labour Productivity, ARDL Bounds Approach, RGDP, Economic Welfare, Economic Growth
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2024.01-09

Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) Models: A Comprehensive Review and Future Directions

Page: 158
Authors: Taiwo BOLARINWA
Abstract: This comprehensive analysis delves into the landscape of Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models, examining their historical development, key components, applications, strengths, limitations, and future directions. CGE models have become indispensable tools for understanding the intricate dynamics of modern economic systems, offering a holistic perspective that considers the complex interactions among sectors, households, and governments. The study reveals the strengths of CGE models, including their capacity to provide a comprehensive view of the economy, analyse policy interactions, and incorporate behavioural responses. However, challenges such as data limitations and simplifying assumptions pose inherent limitations. The analysis identifies promising future directions, including the integration of machine learning, leveraging big data, and advancing computational power. By addressing current challenges and embracing these innovations, CGE models can continue to play a pivotal role in economic analysis and policymaking, navigating the complexities of a dynamic and evolving economic landscape.
JEL Classification: F62, F63, G15, G17
Keywords: Economic landscape, Computable General Equilibrium (CGE), Computational power, Policy interactions
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2024.01-10

The Impact of Financial Diagnosis Determinants on Corporate Financial Performance

Page: 168
Authors: Lamine TARHLISSIA, Amira BENACHOUR
Abstract: The aim of this research is to identify and study the indicators of financial performance of large Algerian companies using the financial diagnosis method and its axes. Variables representing each axis of financial diagnosis (solvency, profitability, and profitability) were found. This study is based on a sample of forty (40) companies operating in the Algerian market over a period of five years from 2017 to 2021. The obtained results show that company size, profitability rate and self-financing capacity are significant determinants of the financial performance of large Algerian companies.
JEL Classification: C23, G32, P17
Keywords: Financial diagnosis, Financial performance, Return on assets
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2024.01-11

Industry 4.0 Implementation Drivers in Manufacturing Companies in Algeria: A Structural Analysis via ISM Method

Page: 184
Authors: Mohamed Amine BENGHOUALA, Hicham BENAMIROUCHE
Abstract: The new industrial era is characterised by an incredible speed of development, in addition to fierce competition, which prompts companies to quickly adopt Industry 4.0 to maintain their position in the future industrial market. This paper aims to identify the main drivers that facilitate the implementation of Industry 4.0 in manufacturing companies in Algeria. The Interpretative Structural Modelling (ISM) method and the Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to a Ranking (MICMAC) method were used. The ISM-MICMAC method aims to determine interrelationships and levels of influence between different factors. This allows the identification of the key drivers for the success of Industry 4.0 implementation in manufacturing companies. The results showed that awareness of the concept of Industry 4.0, research and development, support and vision of senior management, and society acceptance of the technology, in addition to cooperation and openness, are the most important drivers that contribute to the success of the implementation of Industry 4.0. Moreover, improving production, maintenance efficiency, and improving mass customisation also play a crucial role in the adoption of Industry 4.0 in manufacturing companies.
JEL Classification: O55, L86, L60, O33, O14
Keywords: Algeria, digital technologies, Industry 4.0, Interpretative Structural Modelling (ISM), manufacturing.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2024.01-12

An Analysis of the Implementation of a Quality Management System in Intellectual Property Organization

Page: 204
Authors: Radu Costin MOISESCU, Aurel Mihail ȚÎȚU
Abstract: Intellectual property includes the legal rights and protection afforded to innovation and creativity, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. An „intellectual property protection organisation” refers to an institution whose management focuses its activities and efforts on the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR). These organisations’ primary mission is to provide support and services for the protection and administration of the intellectual property rights of individuals, companies, or other entities. Quality Management System (QMS) is a strategic approach adopted by organisations to ensure the quality of products or services offered. This system aims at the satisfaction of activities and the achievement of organisational objectives, in accordance with international standards, such as ISO 9001:2015. Analysis of the implementation of a Quality Management System (QMS) in intellectual property organisations, including a complex and strategic process involving the evaluation, planning, and detailed implementation of the system to ensure success and compliance with organisational standards.
JEL Classification: O30
Keywords: intellectual property, management system, standard, quality
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2024.01-13