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Background: The global concern for the environment and sustainable development goals has led to a growing focus on the increasing activities of city logistics. This research study aims to evaluate the current state of city logistics within the framework of sustainable development and analyze the key factors that impact the efficient management of city logistics in Jordan. Methods: To achieve these research objectives, a quantitative approach utilizing a survey questionnaire was employed. The findings emphasize a significant disparity between current practices in city logistics and desired outcomes, indicating an urgent need for improvement in cost reduction, enhancement of quality of life, and promotion of sustainability. Results: The results reveal that the performance of urban authorities in managing city logistics is influenced by various factors, including regulatory inefficiencies, suboptimal human resource performance, deficiencies in information systems, and challenges related to coordination amongst stakeholders. Conclusions: Consequently, this paper puts forth actionable recommendations for improving city logistics management, which involve amending existing regulations, implementing comprehensive training programs for employees, strengthening infrastructure for information systems, and fostering robust communication channels between urban authorities and stakeholders.

Maximizing customer value and minimizing waste have become the heart of the formulation of SMEs in the manufacturing sector of Jordan to survive in the new global marketplace. Therefore, lean manufacturing philosophy is used in SMEs to improve performance regarding quality, delivery, and costs to become efficiently competitive, thus accomplishing sustainable economic growth. The current study was designed to analyze the extent to which lean management bundles are adopted by SMEs manufacturing organizations in Jordan and the effect on their performance. Data were collected from 278 manufacturing SMEs in Jordan based on a structured questionnaire. The theoretical relationships were examined using structural equation modeling. The results show that Total Quality Management (TQM) and Human Resources Management (HRM) lean bundles are positively associated with manufacturing SMEs’ performance. The outcomes of this study may be considered as incentives for other practitioners and entrepreneurs of SMEs when implementing lean bundles by acknowledging the positive effect on their performance. Moreover, the findings of this study could be used in an internal checklist before and during the implementation of Lean Manufacturing (LM).

The study explores the impact of integrating blended learning (asynchronous/synchronous) on the learning of students in higher education programs in Jordan, such as sciences and humanities, from the perspective of the professors. The study also examines whether there is a statistically significant difference (α = 0.05) in the level of using blended learning for student learning concerning the sciences or humanities programs. In addition, the study also explores whether there is a statistically significant difference (α = 0.05) in the level of using blended learning on student learning concerning gender. The study also highlights the main challenges that higher education instructors face when applying blended learning to their programs. Data is collected by using the quantitative method. A questionnaire was answered by 380 instructors that teach in the sciences and humanities programs of higher institutions. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The instructors were asked to state their challenges during the implementation of blended learning in their courses. The findings show that instructors who teach humanities programs are more satisfied than instructors who teach science programs. The study contributes to the aim of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Jordan to increase the percentage of blended courses for all higher education programs.

Purpose - This study aims to identify some of the major barriers that may hinder potential small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) exporters and non-exporters from exporting their operations in the international market.Design methodology approach - Based on the aim of this study, a questionnaire based survey method was conducted among 250 Jordanian manufacturing SMEs using random sampling with usable response rate of 54 per cent. Data were analysed using relevant statistical methods ranging from factor analysis to regression analysis.Findings - The results show that economic political-legal and governmental barriers, financial and information barriers have a significant negative relationship with the export performance of SMEs in Jordan. Also, the results show that exporters and non-exporters significantly agree in their views of the various barriers.Research limitations implications - The study was carried out on SMEs operating in Jordan. Hence, caution should be taken when generalisation across cultures is considered. However, the findings of the study provide public and company policy makers with valuable guidelines for the formulation of suitable export marketing strategies and national export assistance programs.Originality value - This is ascribed to the relatively small local market size and to the country's gradual shift from heavy reliance on import substitution strategies in the last two decades to contemporary export orientation. Also, there is now a need for an urgent action plan to correct the deficit in the trade balance in the Jordanian economy. This action plan needs to include what causes Jordanian SMEs to export or prevents them from doing so. Once the relative importance of these barriers is detected, their validity in predicting the probability of a SME firm being an exporter can be tested.

PurposeThis paper aims to report the results of a comprehensive literature review concerned with exploring the distinctive roles of the underlying multidimensional psychological mechanisms through which organizational culture (OC) affects TQM.Design/methodology/approachA thorough review of the relevant existing studies focusing on the direct and indirect links between OC, employee readiness for change (ERFC), employee commitment to change (ECC) and TQM implementation was conducted. To identify studies to include in the review, electronic searches of prominent databases and journals were carried out for the period 1980 to 2020.FindingsThe thorough analysis of relevant studies indicates that various types of OC influence TQM through certain psychological mechanisms namely ERFC dimensions and employee affective commitment to change. As a consequence, the paper develops a set of propositions and a novel integrative conceptual framework to explain the mediating roles of ERFCs and EACC in the OC–TQM relationship and then concludes by suggesting future lines of research and highlighting practical managerial implications.Originality/valueDrawing on academic perspectives from multiple literature streams, this study offers a more advanced understanding of the relationship between OC and TQM implementation via exploring multiple mediating paths.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the results of implementing the Kaizen approach in a caravan repairing project near the Jordanian–Syrian border in the Zaatari camp. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on the exploratory qualitative research approach. The data were collected through interviews and on-site observation with employees who were involved with the caravan maintenance project and have adequate knowledge and information about this project. In this process, a fishbone diagram, a quality control tool, is used to recognize and explain a causal-effect relationship under the selected Kaizen theme. Findings The findings suggest that the Kaizen approach was economical in terms of both money and time. Also, waste elimination can be achieved through a variety of tools and easily combined with the Kaizen approach. Implementing the Kaizen approach is an effective and reliable system that allows for the tackling of all types of inefficiencies in the caravan repairing project. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study will help policy makers and managers put together suitable and effective policies that will assist those firms in overcoming the demands of customers and competitors to deliver high quality, inexpensive products in less time through the application of the Kaizen approach. This, in turn, will lead to improved quality, efficiency and productivity in the most cost-effective way. However, these results should not be generalized since they are only confined to the context of caravan repairing project. Originality/value Very little research has been done that takes into account the contexts of developing countries. Additionally, most literature presents the use of Kaizen applications only in the manufacturing or production sectors. This study is the first to implement Kaizen as a continuous improvement technique in a caravan repairing project – a job shop industry different from the repetitive batch work environment that is usually associated with implementation of Kaizen. The current research should be of great interest to researchers, managers and professionals who wish to apply Kaizen approach as it is sustainable over time in similar projects.

Purpose: The present research addresses the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and describes the adopted innovative strategies taken by managers, and business owners of SMEs in Jordan in order to keep their businesses up and running.Design/Methodology/Approach: Our analysis is based on a review of secondary data such as Jordanian government documents, the Central Bank of Jordan circulars, and data from the World Bank and World Health Organization (WHO). Also, the descriptive study design is based on 20 semi-structured interviews with managers, and business owners of SMEs in Jordan who have so far succeeded in surviving the pandemic, thereby allowing us to collect qualitative data.Findings: The results have shown that Jordanian SMEs were severely impacted by issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research highlights the surviving Jordanian SMEs use of innovative strategies such as cash management and the stimulation of the digitalization of their activities, among others. Also, the findings might help formulate strategic decisions that focus on SMEs recovery and regrowth by developing and implementing contingency strategies to meet any undesirable situations arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.Research Limitations: This research is focused on what techniques are being used by Jordanian SMEs in getting through the COVID-19 crisis which includes policies regarding social distancing.Originality/Value: Our findings show how Jordanian SMEs are continuing to persevere during this pandemic by modifying their business models to fluctuating environmental situations in minimal time. As a result, the recognized innovative strategies will potentially help aspiring Jordanian SMEs to persist within the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose – In a constantly changing and increasingly globalised world, religions still play a significant role in influencing social and consumer behavior. The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model that explores the link between religious beliefs and consumers ' boycotts towards particular products. Certain important concepts are linked to boycott, these include: conspicuous consumption of global brands, animosity and country of origin. Design/methodology/approach – First, a critical literature review on empirical consumer animosity, conspicuous consumption, religion, and consumption studies is undertaken. Second, qualitative techniques are used to collect the primary data. This is undertaken with reference to the case study of boycotting of the international Danish brands in Saudi Arabia, in order to highlight the relative emphasis of each of the factors that may influence consumer purchase behaviour of global brands. Findings – The findings of this study show that there is a strong relationship and a clear link between religiosity in Arabic/Islamic collectivist cultures and consumer behaviour (mainly boycotting). It also shows that consumers in such societies are collectively influenced by these factors when formulating their purchase decisions, particularly for international brands. Research limitations/implications – The sample was chosen from Saudi students living/studying in the UK. Hence, caution should be applied when generalising across other cultures. A future, larger-scale survey using questionnaire would be useful to confirm qualitative results drawn from this study. The findings of this paper offer pivotal implications for decision makers and the managers of those multinational companies who are interested in the Middle Eastern market. Originality/value – As a result of the increasing gap and cultural conflict between the Western and Muslim worlds, many international companies are negatively affected by the changes in the international environment, which is reflected in consumer behaviour. This is particularly highlighted when these events are related to religious issues. Although the consumer boycott phenomenon has existed for more than a century, only recently has it gained more popularity and motivated researchers to acknowledge it from a marketing/managerial perspective. Also, the paper offers guidance for future research in a field of research that is still in its infancy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the factors affecting the degree of internationalisation in Jordanian manufacturing firms.Design/methodology/approach: This study has developed a theoretical framework to examine business factors that impact the degree of internationalisation, including organisational culture, international experience, costs, and technological capabilities. Data were collected from 168 manufacturing firms listed by the Jordan Chamber of Industry. Hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis.Study Findings: The findings reveal that three factors affect the degree of internationalisation, organisational culture, international experience, and costs. However, technological capabilities are not an influential factor with regard to the degree of internationalisation.Research limitations/implications: As this study investigates the manufacturing sector only, it would be interesting to examine the extent to which empirical findings apply to other sectors and developing countries. This study is a cross-sectional survey based on cause-effect relationships between business factors and the degree of internationalisation; therefore, a longitudinal methodology would be useful for further research.Practical implications: The creation of an analytical framework designed to improve the degree of internationalisation would enhance the integration of technological capabilities, innovation, production, and investment; in addition, it would be of benefit in terms of international expansion. Technological capacity could be improved by integrating it with other internal resources in order to effectively respond to the expansion of international activities.Originality/value: This study contributes to the internationalisation theory by providing empirical evidence of whether and why business factors influence the internationalisation process, thereby increasing our understanding of how business factors contribute to successfully accessing global markets. Although international business is a practice adopted by firms, the investigation of internationalisation theory is important for both researchers and managers; therefore, this study extends the research conducted on internationalisation, particularly in a developing countries context.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the factors affecting the degree of internationalisation in Jordanian manufacturing firms. Design/methodology/approach: This study has developed a theoretical framework to examine business factors that impact the degree of internationalisation, including organisational culture, international experience, costs, and technological capabilities. Data were collected from 168 manufacturing firms listed by the Jordan Chamber of Industry. Hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis. Study Findings: The findings reveal that three factors affect the degree of internationalisation, organisational culture, international experience, and costs. However, technological capabilities are not an influential factor with regard to the degree of internationalisation. Research limitations/implications: As this study investigates the manufacturing sector only, it would be interesting to examine the extent to which empirical findings apply to other sectors and developing countries. This study is a cross-sectional survey based on cause-effect relationships between business factors and the degree of internationalisation; therefore, a longitudinal methodology would be useful for further research. Practical implications: The creation of an analytical framework designed to improve the degree of internationalisation would enhance the integration of technological capabilities, innovation, production, and investment; in addition, it would be of benefit in terms of international expansion. Technological capacity could be improved by integrating it with other internal resources in order to effectively respond to the expansion of international activities. Originality/value: This study contributes to the internationalisation theory by providing empirical evidence of whether and why business factors influence the internationalisation process, thereby increasing our understanding of how business factors contribute to successfully accessing global markets. Although international business is a practice adopted by firms, the investigation of internationalisation theory is important for both researchers and managers; therefore, this study extends the research conducted on internationalisation, particularly in a developing countries context. Keywords: Internationalization, Business Factors, Manufacturing Firms, Developing Countries, Jordan.