Allam Ahmed

Marketing of halal meat in the United Kingdom: Supermarkets versus local shops

The purpose of this paper is to explore a number of marketing issues, such as consumer buyer behaviour and distribution channels, in relation to buying halal meat (HM) from local shops versus supermarkets in the UK.Design/methodology/approach ? A consumer survey (300 participants) and observation of three local halal shops and a Morrisons supermarket were successfully undertaken in London, Brighton and Edinburgh. The majority of UK Muslims do not trust big supermarkets when buying HM. They will only trust a Muslim selling halal products in their local shops. Most respondents did not know that supermarkets in their local area sold HM.Research limitations/implications In order to increase the sales of HM ranges, supermarkets need to improve their marketing efforts, for example by advertising in Islamic newspapers, mosques and other relevant sources. Supermarkets need to stock other complementary halal products to get a mass response from this market segment, as well as enhancing/improving their services, for example, there should be sales people who are able to advise customers on particular halal products.Originality/value The study reveals that the majority of UK Muslims are at odds with most UK shoppers and increasingly prefer to shop at small shops, rather than big supermarkets. The paper helps to emphasise the major issues that frame the current state of marketing HM in the UK; contributes to a better understanding of such an important customer sector; and raises the necessary commitment to restructuring HM business activities in the UK and Europe.

Entrepreneurship, management, and sustainable development

Successful management in the new millennium requires developing new methods and approaches to suit the challenges and opportunities of this new era of globalisation. An entrepreneurial approach is seen by many scholars and policy makers as a major option to enhance organisational performance in this era. The concept of entrepreneurship is multi-dimensional and often unclear. Various perspectives have different implications for how entrepreneurship is related to and can help promote sustainable development (SD). This introductory paper to WREMSD will attempt to explore viewpoints from around the world on entrepreneurship, management, and SD. The key objectives are to explain different perspectives on what is meant by the term entrepreneurship in a global context and to provide an overview of SD in relation to entrepreneurship. The paper argues that it is essential that research and policy development fully takes account of the differing perspectives of entrepreneurship and make explicit the particular perspective(s) that they are taking. No single definition necessarily fully captures the concept, but by being clear about our meaning of the concept and the underlying assumptions, we can progress our understanding of entrepreneurship and its relationships to SD.

Science, Technology and Sustainable Development; A World Review

This paper explores global viewpoints on the state of science, technology and sustainable development (SD). The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of SD and why it is important, and to provoke forward thinking on the development of a more coherent approach to solving global problems related to sustainability. In doing so, a holistic approach is used to critically examine the inter-relationship between the natural, the governmental, the economic and the social dimensions of our world, and how science and technology can contribute to solutions. A framework for understanding and acting upon these solutions is presented, taking into account a variety of international, institutional and intellectual perspectives. The aim is to address growing concerns for the future of our interlocked ecological, political and economic systems in a highly populated world that is characterised by major social and economic disparities.

Tracking the Millennium Development Goals in sub-Saharan Africa

This paper reviews, assesses and evaluates the performance of sub‐Saharan African countries towards achieving the international development goals and targets set by the United Nations, UN Millennium Development Goals and the Agenda for Action of the 2nd Tokyo International Conference on African Development. Africas recent economic performance is a reflection of the policies it has pursued since the 1960s. It summarises the progress of sub‐Saharan African countries with a view to providing a clearer understanding of the constraints they face in reaching the goals, with a special focus on the economic, poverty, education, and health targets. The paper also outlines the urgency for action at the national, regional, and international levels. It also demonstrates that the economic and social recovery that Africa experienced in the late 1990s cannot be sustained unless there is progress towards the goals. Africas efforts alone cannot achieve the goals, it would require global support and understanding of the special needs of the region.

Making technology work for the poor: strategies and policies for African sustainable development

This paper is an introduction to the general theme of the special issue and therefore, outlines all these serious challenges facing technological transformation and sustainable development with evidences and examples from different African countries. In addition, the paper explains some of the key programmes which have been developed in Africa and concludes by suggesting policies which may enhance technological transformation and sustainable development.

Technological readiness in the United Arab Emirates towards global competitiveness

Purpose – This paper aims to assess and evaluate the United Arab Emirates’ performance in terms of global competitiveness and technological readiness. This paper aims to critically examine the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and education on improving the technological readiness in UAE. Design/methodology/approach – A situational analysis and a comparative approach were exploited to describe the UAEs position in terms of global competitiveness, highlighting weaknesses, strengths and opportunities. Related discussions were supported by data from several international sources. The countrys worldwide performance was particularly matched against that of the other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) together with few more Asian transformation economies. Findings – Apparently, the UAE has made important progress in the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) in the last six years particularly at the macro-economic environment and quality of infrastructure levels, notably the ICT sector. Empowering the nation with education and ICTs could increase productivity and competitiveness of UAE worldwide. However, the county is still lagging behind most transformation economies and facing considerable challenges with regards to technological readiness. This hurdle impeded the countrys ability to absorb, adapt and create new technology and knowledge. As a result, the countrys economy is experiencing a negative trade balance in foreign technology transfer. The comparative and situational analysis methodology adopted in the context concluded several lessons and policy remarks. Originality/value – Using the most updated data, this exercise stems from the countrys need to examine the current status, a necessary step for realization of new prospects and adoption and application of future policies and programs. Keywords - Education, GCC countries, GCI, ICTs, Information technology, Technological readiness, Technology products, Technology transfer, Trade, United Arab Emirates

Building a knowledge-based economy in the Muslim world: The critical role of innovation and technological learning

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of innovation and technological learning in building a knowledge-based economy in the Muslim world. Despite abundant financial and human capital, most Muslim countries still lack adequate scientific and technological infrastructure to absorb, apply and create knowledge and disseminate information. Design/methodology/approach – Using various major international institutions’ databases (UN, World Bank, OCED, etc.), a holistic approach is used to analyse the critical role of science, technology and innovation to build a knowledge-based economy in Muslim countries. Findings – This paper examines the main challenges facing Muslim countries to build a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and technological learning. In doing so, a framework for building an effective innovation system that will achieve a knowledge-based economy in Muslim countries is presented, taking into account a variety of international, institutional and intellectual perspectives. Originality/value – Given the scarcity of information and data about the subject area on Muslim countries, the study uses several sources of secondary data which are considered the most valid and reliable data available internationally about the subject.

Entrepreneurship development in Africa: an overview

Purpose – This paper aims to provide an over view of the different key factors that are influencing and influenced by the entrepreneurship environment in Africa. Design/methodology/approach – The paper represents the outcome of many comprehensive research programmes undertaken in different countries in Africa and other parts of the world adopting various research methods and approaches. Findings – The most profound and encouraging change in African economies over the past decade has been the rapid advancement towards integration into the global economy. Many of the countries have undertaken significant economic reforms; improving macroeconomic management, instigating conducive private investment climate, liberalizing markets and widening the space for entrepreneurship to drive strong and inclusive growth. However understanding the nature of problems, challenges and opportunities in Africa is a very difficult task for many people outside its territories. Originality/value – Despite the regional coverage of the various issues relating to entrepreneurship development on Africa, it is not possible to have contributions from few countries in the region such as Chad, Somalia, etc., due to the current situation is these countries. Keywords - Africa, Entrepreneurialism, Entrepreneurship, Sub Saharan Africa, Sustainable development

Technology management in the Sudan: strategic and policy challenges

This paper addresses the strategic and policy challenges facing technological transformation and productivity increase in the Sudan. It examines the various factors which influence agricultural technology adoption decisions as well as the constraints facing the agricultural sector in the Sudan. The paper also demonstrates that complexity and linkages of the various technology adoption factors represent real challenges in future technology management in the Sudan. Finally, a number of findings emerge which outline the key issues relating to the effective management of technological transformation in the Sudan and other similar African countries.

Challenges of agricultural technology transfer and productivity increase in the Sudan

Although Sudan is a predominately agricultural economy, crop productivity is extremely low and does not exceed 30% of the level attained in research farms. The aim of this paper is to address the strategic and policy challenges facing technological transformation and productivity increase in Sudan. This paper examines the various factors which influence the agricultural technology adoption decisions as well as the constraints facing the agricultural sector in Sudan. The paper also demonstrates that complexity and linkages of the various technology adoption factors represent real challenges in future technology management in Sudan. Finally, a number of findings emerge which outlines the key issues relating to effectively manage the technological transformation in Sudan as well as helping policy makers to take appropriate and immediate measures to improve the agricultural productivity in Sudan.