Purpose In an effort to build a useful conceptual framework that enhances understanding and permits practical application of ethics, this paper aims to understand the relationship and impact of Islamic marketing ethics on brand credibility. Nowadays, recognizing the ethical dilemmas associated with business is an important aspect of marketing strategy (Murphy et al. 2012). As known, the pharmaceutical industry has access to a deep pool of resources with the potential to maintain an esteemed reputation for offering innovative products that improve the public’s health and well-being (Kim and Ball, 2013). However, recent years have yielded several high-profile safety issues associated with particular medications along with a growing perception that pharmaceutical companies are unethical and drive up healthcare costs by prioritizing profits over consumer needs (USA Today/KFF/Harvard SPH, 2008). Therefore, the reputation of the pharmaceutical industry has been damaged with only 11 per cent of individuals considering pharmaceutical companies to be trustworthy (Harris Interactive Poll, 2010). Thus, the pharmaceutical industry in Yemen is the target of this paper and the relationship between its brands’ credibility and Islamic marketing ethics has been highlighted. Design/methodology/approach In a study of 106 respondents, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to understand the relationship, between brand credibility and Islamic marketing ethics. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to evaluate the hypothesized relationships between the variables. Findings Significant and positive relationships were confirmed between brand credibility and Islamic marketing ethics, namely, Annasihah, Al-Istiqamah, Al-E’etedal, Al-Ihsan, As-Sidq, Attaqwa and Al-Amanah. The eighth Islamic marketing ethic, Attasamoh, has been rejected. Originality/value The paper evaluates brand credibility in relation to Islamic marketing ethics in the pharmaceutical industry in Yemen. Islamic marketing ethics have been confirmed as a new variable that correlates with brand credibility and helps in boosting the level of credibility.

Purpose This paper aims to explore the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and nonfinancial organizational performance (NFOP) of for-profit public and private enterprises in Yemen. It also aims to find whether there is a significant difference of the level of adopting CSR as a periodic activity between business-related public enterprises known as state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and private enterprises. Design/methodology/approach Empirical analyses were conducted on a sample comprising 103 for-profit public and private enterprises. Relationship between CSR and NFOP was examined using multiple regression analyses whereas t-test analysis was used to find any significant difference in adopting CSR activities between SOEs and private enterprises operating in Yemen. Findings The four components of CSR (i.e. economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic) have positive significant relationships with NFOP when measured separately in private enterprises and in both SOEs and private enterprises as a whole entity. Conversely, there was insignificant influence of CSR on NFOP when examined separately in only SOEs. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between SOEs and private enterprises concerning the level of adopting periodically CSR activities. Research limitations/implications Having potential personal preferences among respondents was among the major limitations of this study. Moreover, using nonfinancial measures for assessing NFOP forms another key limitation. Practical implications Having potential personal preferences among respondents was among the major limitations of this study. Moreover, using nonfinancial measures for assessing NFOP forms another key limitation. Originality/value This is one of the first papers discussing the influence of CSR on NFOP which has been given less remarkable attention in the literature compared to financial organizational performance. Moreover, the paper investigates CSR effects on NFOP in Yemen which belongs to the Third World countries.

As digital technologies development continues, as the risk for existing business in all industries increases due to the new innovated, digital-based products and services that are changing market conditions. Digital transformation strategy enables incumbent firms to keep their existence in the digital era. However, firms need first to assess their readiness for digital transformation strategy requirements. The lack of agreed model that explains the process of digital transformation strategy in general and on firm’s readiness for this strategy were enough justifications for the researcher to conduct this study. The researcher fills this gap by proposing new model for digital transformation readiness. The study also examines a mediation role for dynamic capabilities in reconfiguring operational capabilities in a firm so that to enhance its readiness for digital transformation strategy. The findings of this research shall empirically validate the proposed model and it will reveal the role of dynamic capabilities in improving firm’s digital transformation readiness. The research indicates that dynamic capabilities are developed by other organizational capabilities such as culture values and ICT capabilities. It also points to the essential role of dynamic capabilities in adapting operational capabilities for any market change. Organizations shall prepare themselves for digital transformation strategy by focusing on developing capabilities needed for this strategy to reduce the risk of failure. The proposed model can be considered as a significant contribution in the area of the digital transformation strategy. The model in practical wise will help managers to assess their firm’s readiness for digital transformation strategy and fill any gap identified. The proposed model for digital transformation readiness is recommended to be further extended to include more effecting factors including technological and environmental factors.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of entrepreneurial characteristics (locus of control, self-confidence, need for achievement, independency and responsibility, risk-taking, creativity) on entrepreneurial intentions among business students in the University of Science and Technology, Yemen. The researcher used descriptive analytical methods to answer the study questions, and used a questionnaire for collecting quantitative data from the study sample which consisted of 157 university students. The study findings showed that there was a significant effect of entrepreneurial characteristics on the intentions to start new ventures among business students in the University of Science and Technology. Based on the regression analysis applied in the study, results also showed that students' locus of control, and their creativity level were of the highest influencing variables on students' intentions, whereas self-confidence appeared to be the lowest influencing variable. The study concluded that students of administrative sciences have several characteristics and traits of a successful entrepreneur. This enhances their enthusiasm towards initiating their own businesses, given proper support. In light of the findings, the researcher presented a set of recommendations to the stakeholders.

Purpose -The purpose of this study is to provide an assessment of communication practices in universities in Yemen. The paper also gives further insight into the relationship between national culture (NC) and communication satisfaction (CS) of multicultural teams at universities. Design/methodology/approach -The study used a quantitative research design and used quantitative instruments to collect data from 338 faculty members from different countries including professors, associate professors, assistant professors, teachers, and tutors working at four universities in Yemen. Data were collected using the CS questionnaire and the Value Survey Module. Findings -The analysis of the data shows that the CS levels among the academic staff vary according to the nationality. In addition, analysis of the data revealed that there is a significant relationship between CS factors and NC dimensions. Originality/value -This research provides valuable insight into the faculty members' development and performance. It may assist the multicultural academic staff to be able to help, improve working relationships, and understanding of intercultural communication which help them to reach a CS.