Business Research Community of Practice by EIT Hawke's Bay

Business Research Community of Practice

Proceedings 2023

Editors:

Dr Pii-Tuulia Nikula

Associate Professor

School of Business

Eastern Institute of Technology

Email: pnikula@eit.ac.nz

Dr Indrapriya Kularatne

Principal Lecturer and Postgraduate Programme Manager

Department of Applied Management

Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus

Email: Indrapriya.Kularatne@op.ac.nz

Dr Neeru Choudhary

Senior Lecturer

Open Polytechnic

Email: neeru.choudhary@openpolytechnic.ac.nz

Recommended citation: Nikula, PT., Kularatne, I. and, Choudhary, N. (2024). Business Research Community of Practice Proceedings 2023

3 Foreword The Business Research Community of Practice 2023

4 Session 1 Introduction to Business Research Community of Practice

5 Session 2 Research Pitch session

6 Session 3 Publishing (in) Books

7 Session 4 Publishing in Quality Journals

8 Presentation 1 Dr Indu Peiris - Creating Sustainable Value Through Consciousness-based Decision-Making.

9 Presentation 2 Dr Krishna Reddy - An Investigation on Social Impact Performance Assessment of the Social Enterprises: Identification of an Ideal Social Entrepreneurship Model.

10 Presentation 3 Dr Olufemi Muibi Omisakin - Entrepreneurial Orientation and New Zealand Family Business Growth Performance: Environmental Effects.

11 Presentation 4 Dr Ram Roy - Exploring the Applications of Lean Operations Techniques in the New Zealand Businesses: An Opinion Survey-based Approach.

12 Presentation 5 Dr Edwin Rajah - Enhancing Consumption Value Through Inclusive Spirituality: A Relational Approach.

13 Presentation 6 Dr Neeru Choudhary and Dr Shilpa Jain - A Systematic Literature Review of Employee Engagement in Remote Working Environment.

14 Presentation 7 Puvana Natanasabapathy - Authenticity Versus Artificial Intelligence

15 Presentation 8 Jaikaran Narula - An Exploratory Study of Factors Influencing the Attraction and Retention of Skilled Employees in the Digital Sector in Hawke’s Bay.

16 Flyer Invitation for 2023 seminar series.

17 Flyer Invitation for 2024 seminar series.

Foreword

The Business Research Community of Practice series promotes the exchange of ideas among applied business researchers across the Te Pūkenga network. The series has the potential to helpidentifynewcollaborationsanddirectionsforresearchdevelopment. In2023,theBusiness Research Community of Practice celebrated its second year of successful operation. The online series, comprising two networking/research pitch sessions, two professional development sessions, and eight engaging research presentations, exemplified our collective dedication to scholarly advancement. These sessions garnered significant interest, drawing over 100 attendees.

One of the first sessions of the year, ‘Research Pitch’, served as a vibrant platform for members to showcase their research ideas and works in progress. Following this, the focus shifted to professional development. In 2023 the theme was publishing. One of the sessions explored questions associated with publishing and editing books as well as publishing chapters in edited volumes. Participants delved into the intricacies of navigating the publication process in the realm of academic books. Another highlight of the series was the session dedicated to ‘Publishing in Quality Journals’. Led by a seasoned expert in the field, this session offered practical strategies and techniques for targeting high-impact journals, navigating the peer review process, and enhancing the rigour and relevance of research outputs.

Complementing these enriching research development sessions were eight thought-provoking research presentations by members of the applied business research community. Spanning a diverse array of topics such as sustainability, social enterprises, entrepreneurial orientation, lean operations, employee engagement, spirituality, artificial intelligence, and employee retention, these presentations showcased the depth and breadth of scholarly inquiry within our community. From empirical studies to theoretical explorations, each presentation contributed to our collective understanding of contemporary issues and challenges in the field of business research.

We have collated the presentation abstracts and presenter bios in this document for those presenters who wished to be included in the proceedings.

In 2024, this series will continue to provide an opportunity for applied business researchers to collaborate and network. We plan to cover important current and emerging themes, such as the impact of artificial intelligence on research and research project development.

Session 1

Date: 15 March 2023

Topic: Introduction to the Business Research Community of Practice

Facilitators:

• Associate Professor Pii-Tuulia Nikula, Eastern Institute of Technology

• Welcome address from Head of School John West (Eastern Institute of Technology)

Description

The first session of 2023 attracted twenty-six attendees from nine different Te Pūkenga campuses. Thesessionbegan with a welcomeaddress by John West (HeadofSchool, School of Business, EIT), who underscored the importance of applied business research and the significance of research for career development within the vocational education context in Aotearoa/NZ. During this session, the draft plan for 2023 was discussed, including various ways in which all members of the community of practice could contribute and participate.

Session 2

Date: 19 April 2023

Topic:

Research Pitch

Facilitator:

• Dr Neeru Choudhary, Senior Academic, Open Polytechnic

Description:

The research pitch session aimed to foster discussion and brainstorming by providing a platform for members to present their research ideas or works in progress. It served as an inclusive forum for collaboration among researchers within Te Pūkenga. Each presenter was allotted a maximum of five minutes to deliver their pitch. With four presenters participating, the session facilitated valuable feedback and the establishment of potential long-term collaborative endeavours. The presenters and their topics were:

Name and affiliation

Dr Gerson Tuazon

Open Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga

Dr Krishna Reddy

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology | Te Pūkenga

Jaikaran Narula

Eastern Institute of Technology | Te Pūkenga

Dr Sujani Thrikawala

Waikato Institute of Technology | Te Pūkenga

Topic/s

How will LLM (Large Language Models such as ChatGPT) processing change the face of HRM?

Financial Literacy, Corporate Governance, Sustainability

Skill Development, Sustainability

Supporting migrant women small business owners

Session 3

Date: 17 May 2023

Topic: Publishing (in) Books

Facilitators:

• Lesley Brook, Research Projects Coordinator, Otago Polytechnic

• Associate Professor Pii-Tuulia Nikula, Eastern Institute of Technology

Description:

In this session, the facilitators shared some of the key considerations around publishing/editing books and pitching chapters to edited books.

LesleyBrookdiscussedoptions forpublishing books with theTePūkengaPublishing Group, representing the collective publishing efforts of the regional business units of Te Pūkenga. Lesley highlighted the launch of one of the books, ‘Our Sacred Māori Voices,’ published by the Te Pūkenga Publishing Group.

Pii-Tuulia Nikula shared her insights and experiences as an editor of two books. She discussed the pros and cons related to book editing and authoring book chapters. Her guidance included how to pitch a book or a book chapter proposal, how to choose a publisher or a book to publish in, as well as some of the contractual and other practical considerations that should be taken into account.

Session 4

Date: 21 June 2023

Topic:

Publishing in Quality Journals

Facilitator:

Dr Krishna Reddy teaches Finance for Managers, Governance and Management in Health Care, and Communication for Managers at postgraduate level at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology | Te Pūkenga. He supervises and examines master's and doctoral theses. He has a Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Waikato and over 100 publications: one book, three book chapters, and over 70 peer-reviewed journal articles in ABDC-ranked journals. HisresearchpublicationscanbeaccessedviaGoogleScholar: https://lnkd.in/g2R4Z37d,and ResearchGate: https://lnkd.in/g3diP8Xi

Description:

During the session, Krishna Reddy delved into comprehensive strategies and techniques essential for successfully publishing business research in esteemed academic journals. He stressed the pivotal role of research in the academic journey, emphasising its indispensable nature in meeting academic requirements and advancing scholarly pursuits. He provided an insightful walk through the publication process, detailing each stage from the start of the research to its eventual publication. Furthermore, he discussed strategies and techniques aimed at targeting suitable journals, and publishing in quality journals His presentation was directly linked to ongoing research within the sector, aiming to optimise outcomes that align with Performance-Based Research Fund (PBRF) criteria.

Presentation

1 – 16 August 2023

Creating Sustainable Value Through Consciousness-based Decision-Making

Dr Indu Peiris

Dr Indu Peiris is a Principal Academic Staff member at Open Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga. Indu started his career in the Sri Lankan Corporate sector doing international marketing and product development. He completed his MBA during that time and worked as a visiting lecturer at two Sri Lankan universities. In 2009 he moved to New Zealand to pursue his Ph.D. in international business with Waikato University and completed his PhD in 2014. Indu is also a meditation teacher and a business mentor.

Abstract:

Considering the perpetual changes in our environment and the unprecedented era humanity finds itself in, the future landscape of work and decision-making will deviate significantly deviatefrom ourfamiliarnorms.AI(ArtificialIntelligence)expertswidely acknowledgethat theadvancements in AIandits pervasiveimpact on ourlives areunstoppable. In this context, the authors argue that future leaders must adopt more sophisticated and altruistic decisionmaking approaches, fostering a symbiotic relationship with AI to ensure organisational survival. By exploring decision-making through historical lenses, as well as considering practical wisdom, ethical considerations, environmental dynamics, and individual and collective consciousness, this presentation proposes an integrated consciousness-based framework for decision-making that holds promise for future-proof sustainable actions.

Presentation

2 – 16 August 2023

An Investigation on Social Impact Performance Assessment of the Social Enterprises: Identification of an Ideal Social Entrepreneurship Model

Dr Krishna Reddy

Dr Krishna Reddy teaches the following courses to the Postgraduate students at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology: Finance for Managers, Governance and Management in Health Care, Communication for Managers. Dr Reddy supervises and examines Masters and Doctoral students’ theses. Dr Reddy has a Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Waikato and has over 100 publications: one book, three book chapters, and 70 peer-reviewedjournal articlesin ABDC ranked journals.

Abstract:

This study examines the characteristics of ideal social entrepreneurship. The use of the contemporary design and triangulation approach allows for validating information gathered from different sources. Data were collected from in-depth interviews, focus group interviews, and documentary analysis, and MAXQDA (a qualitative analysis software package) was used for data management, coding, and retrieval. The performance assessment logit model was used to assess the social performance of social enterprises. The findings show that selected social ventures have created a remarkable social value that explicitly resulted in economic empowerment, community improvement, career growth, and political empowerment of its intended beneficiaries. We also found a significant variation in the linkage between social performance indicators, such as inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact, across the five cases.

Presentation

3 – 20 September 2023

Entrepreneurial Orientation and New Zealand Family Business Growth Performance: Environmental Effects

Dr Olufemi Muibi Omisakin

Dr Olufemi Muibi Omisakin is a Principal Lecturer and a researcher at Otago Polytechnic, Auckland campus. He teaches applied management and business and supervises master’s theses. He obtained a Ph.D. in social sciences and public policy from Auckland University of Technology. His doctoral research was on immigrants’ entrepreneurship management. His research interests are migration and migrants’ entrepreneurship, small and medium enterprises, sustainable practice, international business, and organisational management. Dr Omisakin is a multidisciplinary researcher; he has contributed to knowledge by publishing articles with international refereed journals. He is a member of the Research Association of New Zealand and an Associate member of the Institute of Management Consultants, New Zealand. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) UK. He regularly attends international academic conferences in the US, Canada, UK and New Zealand to present his research work and seek feedback.

Abstract:

This research examined and analysed the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and New Zealand (NZ) family business growth performance. This research evaluated the potential mediating roles of both dynamic and hostile environments on family business growthperformance. TherehasbeenextensivestudyintheEOdomainfrom uni-dimensional and multidimensional perspectives and relationships between entrepreneurial orientation and business growth performance. However, there has been limited study concerning the EO family and small business relationship and environmental impact from the New Zealand perspective. Therefore, focusing on family business, this research examined the EO and New Zealand family business growth performance and the environmental effects on the relationship. This research adopted a quantitative method, collecting data from 117 participants. Partial least squares structure and structural equation model analysis were used to test the seven hypotheses on the relationships of EO and family business growth performance, and the influence of dynamic and hostile environments on the relationship. It was found EO dimension variables were a strong predictor of family business growth performance, EO family business positively related, and that environmental factors strongly mediate the relationship between EO and family business growth.

Presentation 4 – 20 September 2023

Exploring the Applications of Lean Operations Techniques in the New Zealand Businesses: An Opinion Survey-based Approach

Dr Ram Roy

Dr Ram Roy delves into the core principles of Lean systems and their applications in various business contexts. Ram has about 53 publications and two books to his credit and is an active participant in national and international conferences. He has Master’s and bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and a Doctorate in Supply Chain Management from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. Ram is currently working as a Senior Academic and Researcher at the Eastern Institute of Technology, Hawkes Bay. Ram along with Nick Cordery (EIT) and Phil Doran (GM, Lineage Logistics) are researching “Exploring the applications of Lean operations techniques in the New Zealand Businesses: An opinion survey-based approach”. With the rich and diverse background of the speaker, you may gain insights into how Lean thinking can streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance overall productivity in your operations. Once you understand the various shades of Lean systems, you might be surprised to discover that you are already a secret follower of Lean systems in various aspects of your life and business operations.

Abstract:

This presentation aims to share some insights into the principles, strategies, and real-world applications of Lean methodologies across a spectrum of industries. This presentation will: (a) uncover how Lean systems are revolutionising businesses by eliminating waste, optimising processes,and enhancing overall efficiency; (b)sharesome examplesofpractices from two businesses in New Zealand and how they align with the universally agreed principles of Lean systems; and (c) focus on the adaptability of Lean concepts in various sectors, including manufacturing, services, healthcare, technology, and more. The ultimate goal of this study is to understand the extent of Lean awareness among NZ business practitioners, its popularity; the potential barriers to the wider applications of Lean techniques; and how expertise in Lean techniques might be transferred from academia to the business communities for mutual benefits.

Presentation 5 – 18 October 2023

Enhancing Consumption Value Through Inclusive Spirituality: A Relational Approach

Dr Edwin Rajah

Dr Edwin Rajah is a Principal Lecturer at Otago Polytechnic, Auckland International Campus (OPAIC), teaching Digital Marketing, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. His research interests are in the areas of marketing strategy, digital marketing, CRM, Marketing Analytics, innovations in learning pedagogies & quality enhancement in teaching & learning.

Abstract:

Marketers have highlighted their concerns for social problems and called for more inclusive and sustainable service to reduce suffering and improve the well-being of humanity. Despite improvements in therecent past, theworld isstillfacing issues ofpoverty,inequality, climate change and environmental degradation, all challenges at the forefront of the Sustainable Development Goals. These pressing issues have led marketers to ponder how marketing can contribute to improvements for vulnerable communities. The authors in this study advocate a broader and nuanced adoption of religiosity and spirituality to support service providers to design and provide inclusive service for customers to support people’s quality of life and enhance people’s wellbeing. Using the hospice service context, the authors opine how the existing consumption value and relational approach can play roles in value creation for a broad range of actors beyond the immediate patient. This study highlights inclusive service provisionbyhospiceswithafocusonspirituality(despitepeople’sreligiousstance)toreduce suffering (physical orpsychological)to givepeopledignity to bettertheir quality oflife. This study demonstrates how service marketing contributes to value creation by being socially inclusive. Overall, this study shows how service marketing can become more relevant beyond the mainstream focus on customer loyalty and organisation’s financial profitably.

Presentation

6 – 18 October 2023

A Systematic Literature Review of Employee Engagement in Remote Working Environments

Dr Neeru Choudhary and Dr Shilpa Jain

Dr Neeru Choudhary is a Senior Academic Staff member at Open Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga. She holds a Ph.D. in business management and has over 15 years of experience in teaching various management courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Her research interests are flexible work arrangements, online education, leadership, motivation, and employee engagement.

Dr Shilpa Jain is a Senior Academic Staff member at Open Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga. She holds a Doctorate in Business Management and has over 20 years’ research and teaching experience in different cultural contexts and several peer-reviewed publications to her credit. Her research interests are workplace stress, job burnout, flexible work arrangements, and work teams.

Abstract:

The study aims to identify and review the research area of employee engagement in remote working environments. It focuses on identifying the key factors influencing employee engagement in the context of remote working environments. The researchers also identify and discuss the definitions and theories discussed in the literature in relation to employee engagement in remote working environments. To achieve the research objectives a systematic literature review was conducted, and empirical studies were screened from across databases of EBSCO, Emerald and Gale. A total of 25 empirical studies published across 18 journals were synthesised. PRISMA guidelines were followed to report the relevant articles. The authors concluded that personal, organisational/job resources and organisation/job demand are the three main categories of factors affecting employee engagement in remote working environments.

Presentation 7 – 15 November 2023

Authenticity Versus Artificial Intelligence

Puvana Natanasabapathy

Puvana Natanasabapathy is a Senior Academic Staff Member at the Open Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga. She has over 21 years of experience in the education sector, teaching courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Prior to joining the Open Polytechnic, she worked in the New Zealand corporate IT sector in various areas such as project management, customer account management, software engineering, marketing, software development and research, and in the technical service and support space for New Zealand customers. She holds a BSc, MBA and Post Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching.  Her research interests are in the areas of management, governance, organisational behaviour, organisational sustainability, communication, operations, philosophy and teaching.

Abstract:

Artificial intelligence (AI) has brought about much excitement about its capabilities across the industries, but ethical concerns associated with its advancement have risen at the same time. While the enthusiastic responses have been high about the advancements of AI, the ethical concerns raised have been comparatively less. This presentation involves a literature review, aimed at taking a closer look at authenticity and AI which challenges authenticity. It covers aspects of authenticity that are cherished in the teaching-learning space and brings an ethical perspective about the implications of the shifts taking place in the landscape due to theadvancementofAI.Thispresentationisaworkinprogress. Itseekstoengageandinteract with attendees through live polls by using Slido, an online polling platform to stimulate discussions.

Presentation 8 – 15 November 2023

An Exploratory Study of Factors Influencing the Attraction and Retention of Skilled Employees in the Digital Sector in Hawke’s Bay

Jaikaran Narula

Jaikaran Narula is a lecturer in management at the School of Business and Computing at EIT | Te Pukenga, Tairāwhiti Campus. His research areas include skill development, sustainability and assessment design. He is presenting the findings of his master’s study which is titled ‘An exploratory study of factors influencing the attractionand retention of skilledemployees in the digital sector in Hawke’s Bay’.

Abstract:

This study examines why skilled digital sector labour moves to, returns to live in or leaves the regional community in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. In the wider context, the study discusses the potential impact of these factors on the local labour pool. A comparative case analysis was undertaken comprising two public and two private regional organisations. A combination of face-to-face interviews with a senior executive (n=4), an online survey of skilleddigitalsectoremployees (n=51), anda surveyofEIT BachelorofComputing Systems (BCS) graduates (n=36) was undertaken. The skilled labour force in the Hawke's Bay digital sector appears to be primarily male, middle-aged, and European, with a significant migrant component. The employees in both the public and private sectors provided similar responses as to why they moved to or returned to Hawke’s Bay. These were social factors (being near family and friends)andamenity factors(quality oflife, climate,andbeing awayfrom amajor metropolitan area). Better salary and/or job opportunities are the main reason employees would leave the region. Skilled digital sector labour moves to Hawke’s Bay for lifestyle and social reasons and leaves for greater career opportunities and economic reasons.

Invitation to Participate in Business Research Community of Practice 2023 Seminar Series

Invitation to Participate in Business Research Community of Practice 2024 Seminar Series