Barriers to effective value chain management in developing countries: new insights from the cotton industrial value chain

Due to the country’s lack of natural resources and its dependence on human resources, Jordanian universities have started to implement quality assurance system aiming to improve effectiveness and efficiency of the higher educational system. This paper presents the results of a research that aims to identify the main issues and challenges facing these universities in implementing quality assurance system. Data for this research were collected using a survey mailed to all public and private universities to investigate the main issues affecting the implementation of quality assurance system in Jordanian universities. The results of this research showed that the most important challenges faced by Jordanian universities are: human and lack of awareness, resistance to change and cultural among others. The research findings hoped to be useful for both universities and policy makers in the government in order to realize the full benefits of implementing quality assurance system. Hence, this and other research on implementing quality assurance in higher educational institutions might be of assistance.

Given the negative utilitarianism and difficulty in maintaining long-term loyalty, hospitals resort to a variety of images that define and redefine their relationship strategies in order to stay patient-centric. As in any other sector, in healthcare, patients play an important role in service design and delivery. The basic services of medical appointment scheduling, online payment and health information search are recognized as one of the most important elements that increase patient footfall, service planning, patient satisfaction and their continued usage, in particular in developing economies such as India. This study seeks to understanding the basic e-Health services continuance usage intention among patients by integrating the Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and extending them by including certain external variables. With a well-structured questionnaire, a survey of 453 respondents – out-patients and care-givers, who should have used e-Health services at least once, in particular, visited multispecialty hospitals, revealed that along with the ECM and TAM constructs such as satisfaction, confirmation, perceived ease-of-use, and perceived usefulness, the external variables such as trust, social influence, perceived service quality, and perceived privacy and security had a significant influence (p < 0.05) on e-Health services continuance usage. The main findings of the study contribute to developing and empirically testing a model that explains the basic process of motivating the e-Health service users for continuance usage intention.

This study aims to identify and prioritize the barriers and strategies to improve halal certification accessibility for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Indonesia. The paper utilized the analytic network process (ANP) to model interrelationships among barriers and strategies. Data were collected through structured interviews and surveys involving representatives from halal certification bodies (e.g., BPJPH), government agencies (e.g., DKUM Depok), and experts from academia specializing in halal certification and MSE development. The findings highlight three major barriers: financial constraints, regulatory complexities, and limited awareness among MSE owners. Financial constraints include high certification fees and costs associated with compliance. Regulatory complexities stem from the intricate procedures and bureaucratic inefficiencies in the certification process, which deter small businesses from participating. Additionally, limited awareness and understanding of halal certification’s importance and procedures exacerbate the problem, particularly among MSEs in rural or underdeveloped regions. Financial support, regulatory reforms, and educational programs emerged as the most critical strategies for overcoming these barriers. Specifically, reducing certification fees and simplifying regulatory procedures were deemed essential to increase the uptake of halal certification among MSEs. By integrating actionable insights, this study provides a roadmap for policymakers to foster a supportive ecosystem for MSEs in the halal economy. The recommendations emphasize a balanced approach that combines financial assistance, regulatory reforms, and educational initiatives to address the multifaceted barriers. This analysis contributes to the broader discourse on enhancing MSE participation in the halal market, offering implications for both local and international stakeholders seeking to optimize the halal certification process.

Acknowledgment
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemendikbudristek RI) for providing financial support for this investigation. This study would not have been possible without their generous funding and commitment to advancing research in Indonesia. We also extend our appreciation to all the respondents and participants who contributed valuable insights and data for this study, as well as to the institutions involved for their support and collaboration.