Quality education is a great concern in many societies across the world. In a highly competitive education sector, the success of academic institutions depends on the quality of education. Educationalists, policy makers, scholars, and researchers are showing their sincere interest towards the total quality management (TQM) as it is recognized as an effective management philosophy for continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and organizational excellence. Since this concept was initially developed in the manufacturing sector, therefore, there is a great deal of suspicion whether this philosophy is applicable in education. In this connection, the main objective of this study is to investigate the compatibility of TQM with education. At the same time, this study would try to identify key challenges in implementing TQM in education. It is assumed that this study would be able to draw a meaningful conclusion regarding the applicability of TQM in education as well as to create an awareness regarding those challenges which may create obstacles in implementing TQM in education.

This study investigates the variables affecting the adoption of blockchain technology (BT) among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the application of artificial intelligence (AI) via the mediating lens of risk-taking behavior. As an initial sample, 150 owners/top managers from 150 SMEs (one informant from each) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, were chosen. A stratified random sample was employed for this cross-sectional study. Applying structural equation modeling, the combined influence of internal and external variables influencing the intention to adopt BT is explored. Results show that: (1) knowledge of artificial intelligence has a positive and significant effect on the adoption of blockchain technology; (2) the relevant advantage of artificial intelligence has a positive and significant effect on the adoption of blockchain technology; (3) perceived ease of use of artificial intelligence has a positive and significant effect on the adoption of blockchain technology; (4) risk-taking behavior mediates the relationship between knowledge of artificial intelligence and adoption of blockchain technology; (5) risk-taking behavior does not mediate the relationship between relevant advantage and perceived ease of use of artificial intelligence with the adoption of blockchain technology. The current study is one of the few empirical investigations relating to SMEs using artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies for business operations. The study’s limitations are the small sample size and use of a single informant. However, the findings on the adoption of blockchain technology have applications for boosting the competitiveness of SMEs. This study’s originality stems from two factors: the novelty of blockchain technology and its potential to upend SMEs’ conventional mode of operation. It highlights the need to consider the key variables affecting SMEs’ adoption of blockchain technology with artificial intelligence.

The prime objective of this paper is to identify the factors that influence service quality of education mediating by institutional image in higher education perspective. To this aim, the Nordic model was used as a theoretical base of the study. Program quality as a technical quality as well as industrial link and student satisfaction as functional quality were postulated to positively influence image toward the service quality education. Data (n=294) were collected from foreign students studying at University Utara Malaysia located in northern Malaysia through convenient sampling procedure. The structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized for analyzing the data. Analysis of the data indicates that image has a full mediating role in the relationship between industrial link and service quality education. To uphold service quality in education, the academic authorities need to nurture earnestly industrial link and image of the institution because image occupied full mediation role between industrial link and service quality of education. Moreover, program quality and student satisfaction have shown direct significant impact on image and service quality of education and can be regarded as critical factors for certifying image and service quality in higher education. The conceptual model of this study would give more recognition if any tertiary level institution addresses this in order to increase their image and overall ranking. This study incorporated institutional image as a mediating variable, which is an exceptional endeavor in tertiary level education for enriching existing body of literature in perspective of international students.

Blockchain technology has been heralded as a game changer for addressing severe environmental and economic sustainability challenges. In response to rising environmental concerns, blockchain technology (BCT) is transforming green innovation, culminating in green economic practices and well-established business models. Recognizing this, we investigated the role of blockchain technology in green innovation practices and its impact on green economic sustainability, which has an impact on green environmental sustainability. Moreover, 184 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were surveyed in Lima, Peru. Data for this cross-sectional study were gathered using stratified random sampling. The positivist approach was implemented using a statistical induction method. Prior studies’ research constructs were measured using validated measurement scales. For quantitative data analysis, using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) framework, this study provided two key findings. First, sustainability orientation and sustainability attitude have a positive and significant effect on the adoption of green innovation that employs green energy (solar) technology towards a sustainable green economy. Second, the intention to use blockchain technology mediates the relationship between sustainability orientation and social perception with the adoption of green innovation that employs green energy (solar) technology towards a sustainable green economy. We recommend that small- and medium-sized enterprises embrace green innovation and blockchain technology to protect the environment and boost community cohesiveness.

In the complex business word, service is increasingly getting the centre stage in the economies across the world. The exponential necessity of innovative service in one hand is providing excellent opportunity and on other hand, posing a number of challenges to the firms. In this circumstance, the policy makers of the businesses are aware about the challenges and are keenly interested to develop a general strategy which will enhance their competency in rapidly changing business context. They are actively trying to identify the resources and competencies that are necessary for their competitiveness. This study will investigate and examine the factors that are responsible for the growth of service sector in the increasingly complex business world and propose a strategic direction to harness the competitive edge by configuring their resources with the help of real world example; especially, in developing country context. Growth and sustainability through innovative service is the central theme of this paper