Volume 4
Occupational Health Hazard, Reproductive Health and Domestic Violence of Women RMG Workers and Their Effects on Worker’s Productivity
Mohammed Masum Billah, Dr. Md. Kamrul Hasan and Distinguish Prof. Muinuddin KhanBGMEA University of Fashion and Technology
Email: masum.billah@buft.edu.bd
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Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigates the current state of women RMG workers’ occupationalhealth and safety, reproductive health, working environment and domestic violence and their possibleeffects on productivity.Methodology: A cross sectional study has been conducted with structured questionnaire to collect data from493 female garments workers of 44 ready-made garments factories of Bangladesh. The collected data testedby using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) techniques with SMART PLS-4.0.Findings: The study result shows that occupational health, occupational safety, reproductive health,working environment and domestic violence have moderate effects on worker’s productivity and onlyoccupational health and reproductive health have positive significant effects on worker’s productivity.However, occupational safety, working environment and domestic violence have no significant impacts onworkers productivity.Practical Implications: To increase productivity, create a comfortable working space with the lighting,ventilation, safety gear, and hazard prevention measures and promote a positive attitude amongmanagement-level employees and also establish a counseling center for the female employees to ensuregood reproductive health.Research Limitations: This study is based on quantitative data analysis. In future a qualitative research maybe conducted for in depth study.Value: Literature shows that no previous study considered the combined effects of domestic violence,reproductive health, work environment, occupational safety, and domestic violence on worker’sproductivity. The Maslow hierarchy of needs theory served as the inspiration for this investigation. In lightof this, this study investigates the main working environmental factors generating low productivity inBangladesh's RMG industries.
Impact of Organisational Justice on Employees’ Intention to Stay: A Study on Private Commercial Banks of Bangladesh
Muhammad Abdul BasetDepartment of Management Studies, Jahangirnagar University
Email: abdulbaset@juniv.edu
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Abstract
Purpose: The study aims to look at how organizational justice (OJ) and its four components affectbankers' intentions to stay (ITS), so that the administration of Bangladeshi banks can focus on increasingthe capacity to retain competent and experienced individuals over time.Data and Method: This study uses a convenience sampling method, and a sample of 181 bankers, inwhich all of the questionnaire items are graded on a 5-point Likert scale. With the use of correlation,regression, and ANOVA, SPSS version 25 is used to evaluate data.Findings: OJ and its four dimensions have been discovered to have a major impact on ITS. The findingsshow that bankers are required to reciprocate with a good attitude if they perceive their organisation andmanagement treat them similarly, equitably, fairly, and rationally.Practical Implications: This research has substantial practical consequences for Bangladesh's bankingsector. Top-level management should adopt policies and processes to institutionalize OJ for all fourgroups, which will probably result in a rise in the ITS of bankers inside their organisations.Value: Little emphasis has been made on the four characteristics of OJ and their impact on ITS.Furthermore, the effect of OJ on ITS appears to be understudied in Bangladesh. To close this gap, theresearch will examine the role of OJ in fostering employees’ ITS in Bangladesh's banking sector.Research Limitations: Significant study limitations include the convenience sample method used toobtain data, limited sample size and a focus on a specific area.
Women’s Impulsive Buying Behaviour towards Clothing: In-store Shopping Context
Zannatul Ferdous MouryBGMEA University of Fashion and Technology
Email: zannatul.ferdous@buft.edu.bd
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Abstract
Purpose: This study attempts to examine the factors influencing women’s impulsive buyingbehaviour towards clothing at the context of in-store shopping.Methodology: This study is quantitative in nature. Adopting online survey method, primary data havebeen collected from 143 respondents. Nonprobability convenience sampling technique has been usedin this study. Multiple regression analysis and ANOVA have been used to analyse the data and SPSSsoftware has been used to process data.Findings: The study unfolds that the entire store atmosphere has positive effect on women’simpulsive buying behaviour towards clothing. The study found that attractive display of clothing isthe most significant factor that affects women’s impulsive buying behaviour towards clothing.Moreover, discounted price tag, bundle offer, sales representatives’ behaviour and exchange offer alsoinfluence women’s impulsive buying behaviour to a great extent.Practical Implications: Practitioners may invest in upgrading the store atmosphere to enhance thelevel of impulse buying in their stores. Particularly, they need to concentrate on strengtheningfriendliness of sales representatives, designing the display of clothing, exchange offer, discountedprice tag and bundle offer to encourage impulse buying.Originality: There is a paucity of academic literature that investigates the factors influencingwomen’s impulsive buying behaviour towards clothing particularly in in-store shopping setting. Thisstudy addresses this gap by examining the factors that have significant impact on women’s impulsivebuying behaviour towards clothing at the context of in-store shopping.Research Limitations: The study entirely focused on female which might mar the findings’generalizability. Further, this study is limited to general clothing rather than types and specific brands.Additionally this study has not looked into consumer characteristics and situational variables such aspersonality, life style, loyalty, occasion, availability of time and money.
Financial Capability of Low-income Workers: Insights from Bangladesh’s Readymade Garment Industry
Aysa YeasminInstitute of Bangladesh Studies, University of Rajshahi
Email: aysayeasmin@gmail.com
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Abstract
Purpose: A growing body of knowledge describes financial capability as financial knowledge and skills, a combination of financial behavior, or having knowledge and the opportunity to apply it. However, developed knowledge has rarely focused on the financial capability or functioning of the low-income working class constrained by resources and opportunities. This study investigates the financial capability of Bangladesh’s low-income readymade garment (RMG) workers, focusing on their financial knowledge and behavior.Methodology: This study has conducted six focus group discussions (FGD) and ten in-depth interviews with RMG workers. The participants for FGDs and in-depth interviews are selected purposively covering three industrial cities – Dhaka, Gazipur, and Narayanganj. The FGDs and interviews are analyzed thematically.Findings: The study finds that workers lack knowledge and skills regarding financial products and services and their associated charges and are also very present-focused in financial matters. This research also exhibits the challenges of workers in money management, future planning, information collection and utilisation, and financial product management.Practical Implications: The study contributes to the understanding that lack of knowledge, insufficiency of income, and lack of trust in financial institutions shape the financial functioning of the low-income RMG workers and suggests wage reform and inclusive financial policy for the workers.Originality: This study determines the financial capability of low-income RMG workers focusing on cognitive and behavioral aspects. It fills the research gap on the financial capability of the low-income working class of Bangladesh in general and the RMG industry in particular.Research Limitation: The study’s results cannot be generalized for low-income workers of other industries as the data is collected from some purposively selected RMG workers. Additionally, the study relies on self-reported data, which may be subject to recall or social desirability bias. The absence of a mixed analysis method is another limitation of the study.
Socioeconomic and Psychological Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Various Occupational Groups in Bangladesh
Abdullah Al Masud, Md. Nurun Nabi, Dhanonjoy KumarUniversity of Barishal, Bangladesh University of Textiles, Islamic University
Email: djoysk@mgt.iu.ac.bd
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Abstract
Purpose: The study examined how the pandemic-caused change in lifestyle had an impact on the working class in terms of the economy, social structure, psychology, and spirituality.Methodology: The descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and other methods were used to pinpoint important factors that contribute significantly to the variation in response factors as well as statistically significant outcomes.Findings: Being at home was challenging for the workers and left them feeling stressed, bored, and constrained, requiring them to leave their homes in order to feel free. In general, workers experience socioeconomic hardships and psychological pressure as a result of losing their jobs, losing their incomes, remaining at home, and having fewer mobility options. It also has an unforeseen negative impact on their family, social, and economic standing.Practical Implications: This study sheds light on the kinds of lockdown tactics that should be used at times of unprecedented crisis, and it is very helpful in deciding what kinds of curfews should be put in place.Value: Through increased production, cost-venture reserves, and staying at home to avoid the pandemic from a position of wealth and wellbeing, this research has significantly contributed to handling the socioeconomic and psychological concerns in a pandemic situation, as well as time management.Research Limitations: A larger study with a large sample from the same population is advised in order to generalize the results because the sample size for this research was small, modern statistical tools and procedures were not applied.
The Impact of Capital Flight on Economic Growth in Bangladesh
Kaniz Fatema, Mohammad Mobarak Hossain, Farjana NasrinUniversity of Dhaka, Islamic University of Technology
Email: kaniz-2015212539@ib.du.ac.bd
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Abstract
Purpose: This paper aims to identify the impact of capital flight on economic growth in Bangladesh and the causal relationship between variables responsible for capital flight.Methodology: The study used the residual method to estimate capital flight in Bangladesh as an empirical approach. The Linear regression model has been used to estimate the effect of capital flight on the GDP growth rate, which is the proxy of economic growth. The causality test between capital flight and GDP growth was conducted using the Granger Causality test.Findings: Although the researcher expected to find a negative relationship between capital flight and economic growth in Bangladesh, the data shows a positive relationship. However, the causality test shows that GDP growth does not have any impact on capital flight in Bangladesh.Practical Implication: This study contributes by identifying the impact of capital flight on the economic growth of Bangladesh. Despite the positive result, Bangladesh should not ignore the capital flight risks. Therefore, the study forwards considerations for policymakers to control the current upward trend of capital flight. Value: No previous study on Bangladesh highlights this issue. Considering Bangladesh's economic growth for the last decades, it is imperative to see how capital flight impacts its GDP growth. Research Limitations: This study is limited to only using the residual method to estimate capital flight. The multi-dimensional research might generate better results and understanding.
An Empirical Investigation of the Relationship between Organizational Climate and Employee Job Performance in Bangladesh
Mita Das, Md. Abir HossainUniversity of Barishal
Email: mahossain@bu.ac.bd
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Abstract
Purpose: The paper investigates the effects of organizational climate (structure, perceived organizational support, reward, and warmth) on employee job performance. This paper provides insights into the organizational environment and employee job performance. Methodology: This paper examines the previous research to develop an original theoretical model, which is then experimentally verified in the context of the Barishal division using multiple linear regression techniques. An online survey utilized a self-administered questionnaire to collect 139 responses from private and government service holders. In addition, SPSS was utilized for data analysis.Findings: The findings suggest that organizational climate aspects moderate the association between organizational climate and employee job performance. The cross-sectional nature of this study inhibits the testing of causality between the variables. All the hypotheses have significant associations. The proposed model and hypotheses were tested using data from companies operating in a single division of Bangladesh. Practical Implications: The paper provides practical information to leaders and managers to understand which dimensions of climate should be improved to increase employee job performance. Originality: This study highlighted different organizational environment-related issues and their linkage with job performance. All the variables used here are vibrant and are arranged from previous literature. This will aid in determining the actual situation of the organization.Research Limitations: This analysis only covers some potential influences on job performance. Research models and estimations were tested using data from enterprises operating in a specific location, limiting the results to only the Barishal government and private sector.
Socio-economic Profile of Households in Haor Region of Bangladesh: A Study on Micro-Credit Perspective
Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Dr. Md. Abdul Hamid, Dr. Md. Khairul IslamShahjalal University of Science and Technology
Email: dnislam969-bus@sust.edu
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Abstract
Purpose: The study aims to construct the socio-economic profile of Hoar people in respect of micro-credit activities.Methodology: Primary data have been collected from 2340 households consisting of 1560 micro-credit borrowers and 780 non-borrowers from 30 clusters of Haor region of Bangladesh. It has also conducted 30 KII and 30 IDI to cross check the survey data. Z-test, F-test, t-test and factor analysis have been used in analysing the data.Findings: The Haor people live below the national and rural poverty levels. About 95% households have knowledge on micro-credits while 85.8% tried to get that support, 59.2% borrowed from formal, 18.4% from informal sources and 8.2% from the both. The reasons for exclusion from micro-credits are credit misappropriation, non-cooperation of authorities, bureaucratic complexity, budget limitations, ignorance and corruption. Other negative aspects are high interest rate, short term loan, insufficient amount, local loans are easier and client friendly, low cost and flexible terms and conditions are applied. Based on these findings, a set of recommendations have been developed to improve the current situation for the people of the studied area.Practical Implications: The microcredit authorities will gain pragmatic insights of the socio-economic characteristics of Haor people. They will also be able to re-structure or re-design micro-credit programs and concerned policies to get better results from the related programs.Value: Appropriate microcredit programs can maximize productivity to the Haor people which can bring them out from the vicious cycle.Limitations: The study was restricted to the formal and informal micro-credit sources. Modern financial technologies were excluded for some practical reasons.
The Impact of Mobile Financial Service (MFS) on Consumer Behavior in Bangladesh
Raisha Rahman and Abir Hasan RiadBangladesh University of Professionals
Email: raisha.rahman@bup.edu.bd
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Abstract
Purpose: The study's goal is to investigate the impact of mobile financial services on consumer behavior in Bangladesh so that MFS companies can focus on different factors that attract consumers to MFS and consumers can avoid having regrets later.Methodology: Structural Equation Modeling with Regression Analysis was conducted based on 384 active MFS users collected through a survey. Data was collected through Kobo Toolbox, and analysis was made through the software R.Findings: The study results showed that MFS satisfaction and bias influence consumer behavior by increasing unplanned purchases. Consumer satisfaction is provided by MFS preference and cost-effectiveness, whereas subjective norms and brand awareness create bias. Furthermore, this satisfaction and bias have a positive relationship with unplanned buying.Practical Implications: This study offers some findings for MFS service provider companies about how they can hit the emotional responses of consumers to induce unplanned buying. The consumer can be able to achieve self-control to make a rational decision and not have post-purchasing regret.Value: This research expands on earlier findings that overlooked incorporating both MFS satisfaction and bias as major determinants of unplanned buying. Also, the study of MFS regarding consumer behavior has not been seen in Bangladesh.Research Limitations: The majority of respondents were between the ages of 18 and 24, and they were students. The result varies across diverse age groups and professions. Future studies can be conducted on unplanned buying intentions. The probability sampling technique may cause results to deviate in future research.
Consumer Learning through Online Purchasing During Covid-19 and Future Buying Behavior
Farhana Karim, Hasina Islam and Dr. Md. Kamrul HasanBGMEA University of Fashion & Technology; Bangladesh University of Business and Technology
Email: farhana.karim@buft.edu.bd
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Abstract
Purpose: Covid-19 has fetched an unusual business environment across the world. This study aims to identify consumers' learning through repetitive online purchase during the Covid-19 pandemic situation and its impact on their future purchase and brand choice decision.Methodology: Data has been collected through online survey from the consumers who used to purchase online during the Pandemic and who purchased directly from the market or both. This study had a sample size of 212 people. Data from respondents were gathered through purposeful sampling. For testing hypotheses, the authors have conducted Pearson chi-square testing and chi-square test for goodness. Besides, few descriptive statistics have been calculated to make few concepts clear related to the topic.Findings: The results evident that consumers’ repetitive online purchase experiences during the pandemic situation significantly affect their post-pandemic purchasing behavior. This implies that consumers’ have learned from their experiences during the pandemic situation and they will apply this learning in their future purchase decision. In addition, consumers’ brand switch decision has a dependency on the experiences of the brands in the situation of Covid-19.Limitations: Secondary data related to this topic was very few since the issue was very novel on that time. Practical Implications: The findings also has a significant contribution to the management practices as well as to the society people. Future research can be done including more consumers in the study.Originality/Value: This work is completely novel. Most of the research have been conducted on consumers’ behavior during the Covid -19. No work has been done similar to this.
Analyzing Export Potentiality of Light Engineering Sector in Bangladesh: Problems and Prospects
Khadija Akter, Hazera AkterUniversity of Dhaka
Email: khadijadu2016@gmail.com
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Abstract
Purpose: This study analyses the export potentiality of the light engineering sector in Bangladesh from two perspectives, including global positioning in terms of product-specific comparative advantage and the experience of the industry participants while trading globally. Methodology: This study applied quantitative and qualitative research methods to approach the current research objectives. The quantitative measure of Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) –Balassa’s Index has been applied to explore the positioning of Bangladeshi light engineering export items in the global market. Later, a qualitative interview was conducted to validate the opportunity sought in RCA outcomes and identify relevant problems and prospects of the industry. Findings: The results from quantitative data analysis are notably linked with qualitative data analysis. Because Bangladesh scores low RCA in light engineering export items and, thus, faces significant obstacles in the natural trade environment. The observed challenges lie in infrastructure, technical support, financial access, global market information, and promotion. Practical implication: This study will support relevant policymakers in addressing the currently identified challenges to explore global opportunities for the light engineering sector.Limitation: Since the research reliability depends on the quality of data from industry respondents, the academic time frame for the dissertation and the COVID-threatened pandemic limited the scope of the current study for expanding the qualitative sample for data collection. Value: Limited research on challenges and opportunities for the light engineering sector in Bangladesh presents this research outcome as a value-adding one.
Adaptation of Telemedicine during the COVID-19: Evaluating Perceived Quality and Acceptance
Dr. Salma Akter, Mr. Tanveer Kabir, Nurun Naher PopyEast West University
Email: drsalma@ewubd.edu
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Abstract
Purpose: While telemedicine has grown in popularity during the COVID-19 epidemic, less research in Bangladesh has investigated how it affects patients' acceptability, perception, and purchasing intent. As a result, this study will evaluate patients' perceptions of the quality and acceptability of telemedicine services. This will determine ultimate purchase intention during the pandemic and how it will affect future decision-making in a developing country like Bangladesh. Methodology: The eSERVQUAL scale was utilized in this study, and its impact on the patients' purchase intent was explored. We asked 300-plus people who used telemedicine services at least once during the pandemic to participate in an online survey. During the data collection period of June 1st to July 25th, 2022, we collected 251 responses online. This research proposed five hypotheses, all tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Findings: The findings show that telemedicine services' 'e-tangibles,' 'assurance,' and 'empathy' directly impact patients' perceptions and readiness to repurchase the services. Furthermore, according to the study, there is no significant evidence that the 'reliability' and 'responsiveness' of these services significantly influence patients' perceptions in the same way. Practical Implications: The findings of this study will motivate Asian healthcare institutions, professionals in this field, and academic programs to establish effective tangibility and provide assurance, and empathy to patients to increase their purchase intent.Research Limitations: Key study limitations include convenient sampling, 300 questionnaires were distributed but only received 251 responses which are limited in size, and access to the actual patients who used telemedicine. Value: This original research applied the five-dimensional e-SERVQUAL model and assessed the perceived value of newly adapted telemedicine service quality by utilizing 22 factors. This will definitely add value to the application of contemporary and established statistical techniques to measure the service quality perception among service users.
Detecting Earnings Manipulation Practice by the M-Score Model: Evidence from the listed power companies of Bangladesh
Dr. Md. Jamil Sharif, AsfakuzzamanUniversity of Dhaka
Email: asfakuzzaman23@gmail.com
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Abstract
Purpose: The study aims to detect earnings manipulation practices, if any, and to investigate the relationship between company-specific characteristics and earnings management in the power sector of Bangladesh.Methodology: In this study, a panel dataset comprising data from annual reports of 22 power sector companies listed in the DSE was utilized. The dataset spanned seven consecutive years, from 2014 to 2020. To identify earnings manipulation practices, the researchers employed the Beneish M-Score model.Findings: The results of this study indicate that approximately 30% of the Fuel & Power sector companies listed in Bangladesh engage in information manipulation. Moreover, it was found that 64% of these manipulators received an unqualified opinion from auditors. Among the 22 selected power companies, 18 exhibited significantly higher M-Scores for at least one year during the period of 2014-202. Regression analysis shows that accrual quality has a significant positive association with earnings management, while the firm size and audit quality are negatively related to earnings manipulation. However, firm age and audit opinion did not demonstrate any significant influence on earnings management.Rationality: This study marks the pioneering use of the Beneish M-Score model in the Fuel & Power sector of Bangladesh to detect earnings management practices. The findings suggest that having more non-cash items in the income statement allows management to manipulate, and large firms with strong corporate governance are less likely to manipulate information. These findings are valuable for decision-makers and stakeholders such as investors, policymakers, and the government.Limitations: Only one sector has been chosen for investigation in this study. Selecting more samples from each industry could give a broader picture of earnings manipulation practices by the companies in Bangladesh.
Effect of COVID- 19 on e-learning of Tertiary Level Education in Bangladesh: A Review
Md Shahidul HasanBangladesh University of Professionals (BUP)
Email: shahid3952@gmail.com
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Abstract
Objective: This study aims to explore the opportunities and challenges of online tertiary education during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted education for 1.6 billion students worldwide. The Bangladesh government also closed educational institutions on March 17, 2020, but some have considered online platforms for continuation.Methodology: We employed a qualitative research approach, including a thematic analysis based on research questions. Data was collected using a questionnaire survey, focus group discussions, and semi-structured interviews from 40 students from four universities in Dhaka and Chittagong. The sample comprised of 18 men and 22 women aged 18 to 26, from various academic fields.Findings: Major challenges of online learning include inadequate electronic devices, affordability of internet packages, curriculum and pedagogy concerns, and psychological issues. Additionally, teachers' lack of prior experience and inadequate training were identified as significant obstacles. Conversely, the potential of e-learning and e-libraries was recognized.Practical Implication: These findings may aid policymakers and educators in developing alternative communication methods in future pandemics.Originality: The research was conducted with the authenticity of sound research in mind.Limitations: Although our study was qualitative, future research could explore the impact of the pandemic quantitatively.
Factors Driving Female Bangladeshi University Students to Wear Hijab
Dr. Muhammad Ziaulhaq Mamun, Dr. Md. Ridwanul HuqEast West University, University of Dhaka
Email: mzmamun@ewubd.edu
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Abstract
Purpose: Culture of hijab is a recent phenomenon in Bangladesh. Traditionally, the young female students in Bangladesh used to wear a combination of Salwar-kameez-orna. But the hijab culture is growing among the university students recently. This study tried to explore the causes of this change in society.Methodology: The empirical study made use of primary and secondary data and pertinent literature review. The primary data collected through a structured questionnaire that measured female university students’ perception regarding 34 specific reasons (simple attributes) grouped into seven categories (i) religious factors, ii) family value, iii) safety and security, iv) vogue and fashion, v) accessibility and convenience, vi) self-confidence and judgment, and vii) peer impact). By using convenient sampling technique, a total of 531 female university students from different demography are surveyed for the study. Findings: The most agreeable reasons for wearing hijab are noted to be gratitude to Allah, relegious enforcement, religious commitments, Muslim representation, comfort, and respect. The next level of agreeable variables are family virtue/piousness, proudness, good religious example for youngsters, depict modesty, revealation of woman’s look to inmates only, get induced/habituated, prove inner abilities not physical look, avoid non-halal things/offerings, and family encouragement. The least ageeable causes are found to be safety & security in roads and daily activities, family love/wish, security in public gatherings, less objectification, easy handling of appearance, family tradition/value, better look. On the other hand, the most disagreeable reason is help in dating. Other significant disagreeable reasons are trend imitation, liking of boyfriend/husband, previous bitter experience, new style and fashion, wish of in-laws, wish of husband, more presentable, hiding at ease when required. The study found that the female students are not much carried away by peer influence and fashion for wearing hijab. Overall, the survey assents that hijab is beneficial for female students. Practical Implications: The research gave insight about the marketability, popularity, and customer retention regarding use of hijab. The overall positive perception signifies an opportunity for the marketers of hijab business in Bangladesh. This study is a value-addition in this field. Value: The practice of hijab in Bangladesh is a recent phenomenon. Evidently, Bangladeshi Muslims share a religious commitment, as well as a Bengali cultural affiliation. Their cultural components always uplifted secularism and are deeply rooted to Bengali solidarity. Thus, Bengali Muslims are not hardcore Muslims displaying religious extremism in their dress code, fashion, manner, attitude, behavior, religious festivals, etc. Rather their affiliation to unified Bengali cultural identity often transcended religious identity. Their religious beliefs, vocabulary, values, customs, and rituals have remained very similar to elsewhere in the subcontinent rather than derived from comparatively more rigid Muslim countries. Limitations: The absence of a sample frame made it a little difficult to choose the respondents. Also, accessibility and convenience is a problem in the study.
Investigating the Major Influencing Factors of Early Marriage among Women in Bangladesh
Shaugat Ashraf Khan, Tasfiah Hoque Bushra, Shahnaz HaqueShahjalal University of Science and Technology
Email: ashraf.shopnil@gmail.com
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Abstract
Purpose: Despite the fact that early marriage is considered a violation of human rights, in Bangladesh, a sizable portion of women get married before turning 18. The purpose of this study is to determine whether early marriage is influenced by women's preferences for the timing of their marriages as well as other socioeconomic factors in Bangladesh. Methodology: The Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017–18 was utilized to collect the latest data for the study. The relationship between socioeconomic characteristics and early marriage among women was examined using a bivariate cross-tabulation and the chi-square test. Binary logistic regression was then executed. Findings: We discovered that women who wished to wed at the proper time tended to wed later rather than earlier. Additionally, partners' education levels are just as essential as women's education levels in preventing early marriage. Women who were employed before marriage and who were not Muslim tend to have fewer early marriages, necessitating government intervention to generate social awareness programs, create more opportunities for women to work, and build vocational training institutions in rural and urban areas. Practical Implications: Policies to lower the rate of early marriage among women in Bangladesh can be developed using the study's findings. Value: The study includes some new variables and uses the latest dataset. This study also paves the way for doing further research by collecting some other variables that were not present in the dataset. Research Limitations: Due to data unavailability, analysis of certain variables' impact on marital age could not be done. Also, the dataset might have some under-reporting errors.
Socio-Demographic Factors Influencing the Use of Food Delivery Applications (FDA): An Empirical Study
Ahmed Tausif Saad, Md. Abul MohaimenUniversity of Asia Pacific
Email: mohaimen@uap-bd.edu
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Purpose The paper aims to analyze the consumer profile and the impact of sociodemographic factors on reasons to use Food Delivery Applications (FDA) in an emerging economy, Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach The study used a descriptive approach through an online survey of 168 consumers to identify reasons for using the FDA and favorite features of the FDA services. The chi-square test has been applied to the data.Findings Results highlight an association of gender and monthly income with favorite features. Occupation is associated with reasons to use FDAs. Results suggest that people who like to eat out at restaurants tend to order more frequently with food delivery apps. Practical Implications The study will help marketers, restaurant owners, and FDA service providers to better segment their customers and cater to different segments' needs. FDA service providers can personalize communication for each segment because people respond better when their needs and interests are specifically addressed. Limitations The findings of this study may not be generalized due to the small sample size of 168 participants and the convenience sampling method employed. However, the study provides valuable initial insights into the impact of sociodemographic factors on the reasons for using FDAs and consumers' favorite features in the growing food delivery marketplace.Originality. This study contributes to the literature as one of the first attempts to measure the impact of sociodemographic factors on reasons to use FDAs and consumers' favorite features.
Journal Information, Editorial Notes and Contents
Executive Editor, BJBEBGMEA University of Fashion and Technology
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Abstract