International Journal of Management and Decision Making (14 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Empowering innovation in Malaysian manufacturing SMEs: the influence of organisational resources and knowledge sharing with HRM practices as a moderator  
  by Haniruzila Hanifah, Hasliza Abdul Halim, Ali Vafaei-Zadeh, Shafrizal  
  Abstract: This study examines how structural capital, human capital, internal and external relational capital, and entrepreneurial orientation influence knowledge sharing, which impacts innovation performance in Malaysian manufacturing SMEs. It also investigates the role of human resource management practices in moderating this relationship. Analyzing data from 133 manufacturing SMEs in Malaysia via Partial Least Squares, the research reveals that structural, internal, and external relational capital, and entrepreneurial orientation, are positively linked to knowledge sharing. Surprisingly, human capital and international relational capital do not mediate between knowledge sharing and innovation performance. However, knowledge sharing positively correlates with innovation performance and is further enhanced by human resource management practices. These findings indicate the significance of intellectual capital and knowledge sharing in driving innovation, highlighting the crucial role of effective human resource management practices in this process. This study offers valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and scholars, informing strategic organizational decisions and future research.
  Keywords: intellectual capital; entrepreneurial orientation; knowledge sharing; innovation performance; HRM practices; manufacturing SMEs.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2025.10065312
   
  
• Deep learning based a hybrid traffic flow prediction model for freight transport  
  by Anil Utku, Sema Kayapinar Kaya, Umit Can 
  Abstract: Urban freight transportation is crucial to sustaining domestic and international trade and fulfilling the regular requirements of community companies and customers. Therefore, this study developed an efficient convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) based hybrid deep learning model for predicting traffic flow in freight transportation. It was predicted number of freight trucks would travel along 663 Street in Anderlecht, Belgium, and their average speed. The created model was compared with support vector machine (SVM), linear regression (LR), multilayer perceptron (MLP), random forest (RF), LSTM, and CNN using the success measures. The critical finding of this study is that combining the feature extraction ability of the 1D CNN model with the learning ability of the LSTM model from multivariate traffic data increases the traffic density prediction success compared to other traditional methods. Based on the results of the experiments, the CNN-LSTM model outperformed all the other models employed in this study. With this model, freight density can be successfully predicted, assisting in planning freight transport activities.
  Keywords: deep learning; freight transportation; machine learning; traffic flow; traffic prediction.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2025.10065663
   
  
• Assessment of performance indicators for sustainable agri-retail sector  
  by Murat Ulgu, Yesim Deniz Ozkan-Ozen 
  Abstract: The value of the agriculture sector is becoming even more pronounced due to increase in consumption. Therefore, ensuring sustainability in the agriculture sector is critical for the future of humanity. With the increasing power of retailers in the supply chain, they have gained importance in sustainability efforts in the sector. To achieve social, environmental, and economic sustainability in the agriculture sector, retailers need to enhance their own sustainability practices. Therefore, the agri-retail sector becomes one of a crucial area. In this study, social, environmental, and economic sustainability criteria were examined in the agri-retail sector through a sample study. The importance of the criteria was determined using the fuzzy Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) method, and Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM) method is used for determining interrelations between the criteria. Based on the results, the prominent sustainability criteria for the agri-retail sector were identified and evaluated.
  Keywords: agricultural retail; sustainability; performance assessment; supply chain management; total interpretive structural modelling; TISM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2025.10067339
   
  
• Unleashing potential for SMEs in resource-constrained economies through decision making practice: the mediating role of organisational learning and IT adoption  
  by Mugaahed Abdu Kaid Saleh, Fozi Ali Belhaj, Harold Andrew Patrick, Abdullah Yahia Al Gharsi 
  Abstract: Managers and owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) invest in their competences, organisational learning and utilising information technology to promote their businesses. Covering this aspect in the context of lower income countries is lacking in the literature. Further, the role of organisational learning and utilising information technology in facilitating the effect of decision making practices (DMPs) on SMEs performance. The current study fills this gap by exploring the aspect of manufacturing SMEs in Yemen as a lower income economy. By relying on cross-sectional design and primary data collected conveniently from 400 SMEs managers/owners in Yemen, the findings confirm a significant and positive direct effect of adopting DMPs on SMEs performance, and this effect is significantly mediated by utilising information technology and not by organisational learning. The results also show a direct effect of entrepreneurial competencies on SMEs performance. The implications and future directions of this study’s findings are discussed.
  Keywords: decision making; small and medium enterprises; SMEs; organisational learning; IT adoption; performance; decision making practices; DMPs.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2025.10068041
   
  
• Reducing Muda with Industry 4.0: a case study on ERP system enhancement  
  by Hedayat Ebrahimi, Zahra Hassani, Sajjad Jalali, Vahid Hajipour 
  Abstract: This paper is to explore the integration of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies into a customised enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, with a specific focus on reducing Muda in the manufacturing environment. As a fresh perspective, assessing the catalyst role of ERP is not limited to a certain module of the ERP but contains the main streams of functionality in the core business processes of the given context. The methodology involves conducting interviews with experts plus using ranking and inferencing approaches. This leads to pre-selecting, prioritising, and measuring the effectiveness of I4.0 enablers in reducing Muda besides justifying the implication of ERP’s applicability in the given context. Results demonstrate the contribution of enablers in reducing Muda while signalling the most substantial ones. Leveraging the core business processes of the ERP across the interaction between I4.0 enablers and Muda, the adaptability of the ERP to embrace the enablers is also conveyed.
  Keywords: Industry 4.0; lean practices; enterprise resource planning; ERP; waste management; best-worst method; BWM; integration.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2025.10068403
   
  
• To investigate the influence of strategic factors on e-business adoption in small and medium enterprises: a multivariate analysis  
  by Ifrah Malik, Noman Sohail, Bin Hu, Fuqing Li 
  Abstract: This study explores the impact of strategic factors on e-business adoption by Chinese SMEs, focusing on innovation orientation, competitive pressure, and corporate strategy alignment. Using Rogers’ diffusion of innovation theory and the technology organisation evolution model, the research employs a multivariate approach to predict adoption patterns. Results show a strong link between technical organisation evolution traits and e business adoption. Organisations with explicit and advanced technological capabilities better absorb new technologies and transfer knowledge effectively. The study also emphasises that e-business adoption enhances company performance. It highlights policy implications to boost e-business adoption in China, benefiting SMEs, policymakers, and academics. As online shopping grows, its positive impact on people’s lives expands. The findings provide insights to foster e-business integration, enhance SME competitiveness, and promote socio-economic development through digital transformation in China.
  Keywords: e-business; small and medium enterprises; developing countries; technology adoption; diffusion of innovation; DOI; technology organisation evolution.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2025.10068965
   
  
• Factors affecting customer relationship digital transformation strategies in airline industry: a grounded theory approach  
  by Parvaneh Assari 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the factors which influence digital transformation (DT) strategies in customer relationship management (CRM) focusing on airlines in UAE using three key airlines as statistical population. Applying grounded theory (GT), the first phase took a qualitative approach using a methodological framework adapted from Corbin and Strauss (1990). This involved 13 CRM experts with deep understanding of digitisation processes within the airline sector who were subjected to intensive interviews during this stage. The participants were chosen using the snowball sampling approach, with theoretical saturation based on all important topics and ideas being investigated during the interview process. The qualitative analysis showed that successful CRM digital transformations have two essential phenomena: strategic digital transformation alignment with CRM objectives, technological adaptation and innovation. Besides, some causal and intervening conditions, strategies and outcomes have also been found outlining how these elements interact.
  Keywords: customer relationship; digital transformation; DT; airline industry; grounded theory.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2025.10069422
   
  
• An integrated fuzzy Delphi-DEMATEL and analytic network process for sustainable operations and evaluations in process mining  
  by Mohammad Salehi, Raouf Khayami, Mirpouya Mirmozaffari 
  Abstract: This study examines the evolving role of process mining in monitoring real-world processes through advanced discovery algorithms like Alpha, PSO Miner, and Genetic Miner. Traditionally, these algorithms have been evaluated using Precision, Consistency, Simplicity, and Generalization. However, the IEEE Task Force on Process Mining called for new dimensions and refined priorities. Using the Fuzzy Delphi method, the study evaluated 12 dimensions and 20 criteria, narrowing them to 6 dimensions and 10 key criteria. The Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL)-based Analytic Network Process (DANP) method was applied to prioritize and weigh these factors. Key additions include the new dimensions of Explainability and Robustness. The study identifies Consistency, cyclomatic complexity, and density as major performance influencers, with Simplicity receiving the highest weight (0.175) and Consistency the lowest (0.153). These findings aim to enhance process discovery algorithms by addressing both traditional and newly identified dimensions.
  Keywords: sustainable discovery algorithm; process mining; multi-criteria decision-making; MCDM; decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL)-based analytic network process; DANP; fuzzy Delphi; discovery algorithm’s performance dimensions.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2025.10069645
   
  
• An analytics-based integrated decision tool for evaluating faculty workloads  
  by Steven F. Siconolfi 
  Abstract: This paper examines the integration of traditional teaching course loads (three courses in the fall plus three courses in the spring or four courses in the fall plus four courses in the spring) expressed as direct teaching hours, with percent effort distribution (Teaching, Scholarship, and Service). Sixteen analyses showed 70% Teaching, 20% Scholarship, and 10% Service with a 3+3 teaching load yielded a 40-hour academic workweek, 90% Teaching, 0% Scholarship, and 10% Service with a 4+4 teaching load yielded a 41-hour academic workweek. Adding administrative load as a percent, not equal to a course release, produced a six-day academic workweek. The addition of experiential learning only provided a marginal increase in workload. We recommend tenure track faculty teach and produce adequate scholarship and service with a 3+3 teaching load, and non-tenure track faculty teach and produce adequate service with a 4+4 teaching load. Departments should consider adjusting promotion and tenure guidelines to reflect the amount of available time.
  Keywords: workloads; teaching load; percent effort; academic workweek.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2025.10069736
   
  
• Customer knowledge management, organisational ambidexterity, and firm performance: an organisational driving triangle perspective  
  by Fatemeh Khorasanchi, Ali Reza Hashemi Nekoo 
  Abstract: This paper examines the impact of Customer Knowledge Management (CKM) on ambidexterity and firm performance. For this purpose, the authors propose a theoretical framework that examines how ambidexterity mediates the relationship between customer knowledge management and firm performance. The scope of this study encompasses 96 creative Iranian startups. This study is cross-sectional, and the data was collected within a month. To test hypotheses, we used partial least squares-structural equation modeling with Smart PLS-SEM v.3.2.8. The findings show that ambidexterity has a notable mediating function in the association between customer knowledge management and firm performance. The study conducted is one of the first to use mediation analysis to determine how organizational performance is affected by ambidexterity as a mediator. The findings show the important role of ambidexterity in the impact of customer knowledge management on business performance. It makes a significant contribution to the theoretical perspective of managing customer knowledge. The authors suggest practical decision-making recommendations for decision-makers adopting customer knowledge management.
  Keywords: customer knowledge management; CKM; firm performance; ambidexterity; partial least square; startup.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2025.10069793
   
  
• Using Malmquist and epsilon-based data envelopment analysis to assess the performance efficiency of pharmaceutical manufacturers  
  by Hoang-Phu Nguyen, Thi-Ha Thai, Chia-Nan Wang 
  Abstract: The pharmaceutical industry in Vietnam has seen significant growth, but many components require significant capacity investment. Consumers now prefer pharmacies that comply with good pharmaceutical practice standards over unlicensed outlets, leading to increased competition for market share. This study aims to develop a comprehensive framework for assessing the efficiency of pharmaceutical manufacturers, focusing on performance evaluation of companies. A hybrid approach using DEA Malmquist and EBM methods was applied to 12 pharmaceutical companies in Vietnam from 2017 to 2020. The study focuses on the technical and technological components of pharmaceutical enterprises, offering customised insights and actionable knowledge. The study introduces an innovative evaluation approach, including proportional adjustments of inputs/outputs and accounting for slacks, providing a comprehensive evaluation of efficiency and inefficiency within decision-making units (DMUs). This comprehensive method offers insights for benchmarking, strategic planning, and decision-making, contributing to the industry's sustainability journey and influencing the development of pharmacological systems.
  Keywords: performance efficiency; pharmaceutical company; data envelopment analysis; DEA; Malmquist; epsilon-based measure; EBM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2025.10063992
   
  
• Decision-making using novel ranking of intuitionistic fuzzy numbers based on vectorial distance and spread  
  by N. Muhammad Farhan Hakim Nik Badrul Alam, Ku Muhammad Naim Ku Khalif, Nor Izzati Jaini 
  Abstract: The intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IFN) are powerful in handling the uncertainties in the decision-making world. In this research, a novel ranking function of the IFN based on the vectorial distances and spread of the membership and non-membership functions is proposed. The vectorial distance measures the separation of the IFN from the origin while the spread represents the horizontal slit of the IFN. As a validation, some empirical examples are used to illustrate the strength of the proposed ranking method. Some situations where the IFN having different heights and spreads for the membership and non-membership functions are considered to test the robustness of the ranking approach. Further, a decision-making model based on the proposed ranking method is developed, namely the intuitionistic weighted aggregated sum product assessment (IF-WASPAS). The preference of lecturers either to conduct online, hybrid or physical class was adopted to visualise the applicability of the proposed ranking function.
  Keywords: decision-making; intuitionistic fuzzy numbers; IFN; ranking function; spread; vectorial distance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2025.10064815
   
  
• The impact of RBV on value creation in the pharmaceutical industry  
  by Telma Ferreira dos Santos, Angelo Pereira, Ricardo Correia, João Geraldes, Rui Gonçalves, Renato Lopes da Costa 
  Abstract: The theory of the resource-based view addresses all the complexity of adopting strategic methods in competitive environments, such as the pharmaceutical industry, in which there is a constant struggle to acquire competitive advantage and for companies to differentiate themselves from others. Having said this, it is important to understand the impact that the resource-based view can have on the pharmaceutical industry, and how it can generate competitive advantage for different companies. The methodology for data collection was the realisation of semi-structured interviews based on questions that emerged throughout the literature review, where the MAXQDA software was used for analysis and coding of the corpus of each interview. It was concluded that this type of strategy has several positive impacts at the internal and external levels of the pharmaceutical industry, ranging from the creation of more competitive environments through the success of innovation, the allocation of resources in the best way to meet the needs of the company and the market, and clearly a greater internal knowledge of the weaknesses of each company, investing in continuous improvement.
  Keywords: strategy; pharmaceutical industry; competitive advantage; market gaps.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2025.10064404
   
  
• How expat-preneurs make decisions - the role of intuition  
  by Nicole A. Yeung, Marta Sinclair 
  Abstract: Expatriate entrepreneurs (expat-preneurs) are a group of unique people who voluntarily move countries and benefit from entrepreneurial activities. Despite the growing volume of literature dedicated to conceptualising expat-preneurs, little attention has been dedicated to understanding their decision-making patterns. The purpose of this paper is to establish a preliminary view of how expat-preneurs make decisions with a particular emphasis on intuitive decision-making. The exploratory case study used an inductive approach by analysing qualitative interview data from expat-preneurs working in Hong Kong. The findings demonstrated that expat-preneurs frequently use intuition, sometimes in combination with analytical decision-making and revealed more fine-grained insights into how both styles interact. Specifically, data identified that expat-preneurial decision-making processes are predicated on contextual factors such as time dichotomy, decision-making maturity, decision magnitude, intuitive sensing and external stimulus. This study is the first attempt to explore expat-preneurial decision-making processes at the intersection of entrepreneurship, international entrepreneurship and intuition decision-making literature. Based on the findings, the occurrence of 'slow' and 'fast' intuition was identified and their relationships with expert and creative intuition were examined. As a result, it is proposed that entrepreneurial intuition is regarded as a form of professional context rather than a type of intuition.
  Keywords: intuition; decision-making; expat-preneurs; types of intuition; international entrepreneurship.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2025.10065922