Postgraduate Journal of Management Research

Editorial

Amanda Mason — 2023-10-23

Welcome to the very first issue of the Postgraduate Journal of Management Research which celebrates the work of our MSc students. As the journal editors, Amanda and Victoria are excited to launch this journal which showcases a selection of dissertation abstracts produced by our 2022-23 cohort students on the MSc Management, MSc International Business and Management and MSc Management and Digital Business programmes. The research summarised within these abstracts provides an insight into the hard work and passion these students have shown in managing and conducting their own research project to create some meaningful and thought-provoking insights into current management issues. For example, this first issue provides abstracts on important and timely topics, including gender equality in the workplace, perceptions of corporate social responsibility and ethnic minority entrepreneurship to name just a few. Additionally, an international outlook is evident across the abstracts within this first issue, with students having focused their research on Bangladesh, the UK, Nigeria and Sri-Lanka. As such, not only are the research abstracts addressing key business issues, but perspectives from across the globe are also being represented.

We hope you enjoy reading the abstracts contained within this first issue, whether this is to learn more about the research our MSc students are undertaking or to provide inspiration for your own research project.

Dr Amanda Mason and Dr Victoria Jackson

An investigation into the User Experience Dimensions Contributing to User Satisfaction in Mobile Language Learning Applications

Sophie Holmes — 2023-10-23

With the rapid development of mobile language learning applications over recent years, user satisfaction has become increasingly important in ensuring competitive advantage in the industry. User experience (UX) has previously been identified as a key factor in eliciting satisfaction in different mobile application domains. The present study extracts three elements of user experience: usability, usefulness and affection, from online review comments for the mobile language learning application Duolingo. The natural language processing technique, bag-of-words, was used to analyse the UX elements. A multiple linear analysis showed that all three elements significantly affect user satisfaction, with affection having the most notable impact. The findings outline the importance of user experience in determining user satisfaction in mobile language learning applications. Based on several findings, theoretical and practical implications are considered. Finally, limitations and potential future research are discussed.

The Influence of Social Media on Boutique Hotel Reservations

Avanthi Fernando — 2023-10-23

This study examines the impact of social media content on customer engagement with boutique hotels in Sri Lanka. The objectives focus on how social media marketing influences customer preferences and trust in the boutique hotel industry and finding strategies to boost competitive advantage through engagement. A quantitative survey collected data on respondents' views and alignment with boutique hotels. The results highlight the significant influence of SM content on customers' preferences, showing a strong correlation between the relevance of content and desired hotel characteristics. SM content significantly influences customers' decision-making processes, shaping their perceptions of boutique hotels in Sri Lanka. Additionally, perceived trust in SM content plays a pivotal role in customers' intentions to make reservations, with SM being seen as a reliable source of information. The study also explores the effectiveness of engagement strategies employed by boutique hotels on SM platforms, revealing varied perceptions among participants. This research significantly enhances comprehension of the interplay between SM content, customer behaviour, and engagement techniques within boutique hotels. By shedding light on these dynamics, it provides critical guidance for boutique hospitality businesses, empowering them to refine and maximize their social media strategies effectively.

Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship in the UK Bakery Sector

Victory Onephrojire — 2023-10-23

The aim of this research was to explore ethnic minority entrepreneurship within the UK's bakery sector, focusing specifically on the cultural and economic factors shaping their entrepreneurial pursuits as well as the drivers and barriers encountered. A qualitative research methodology was employed, utilising semi-structured interviews with ethnic minority entrepreneurs working in the bakery sector in the North-West of England. Ethnic minority bakers were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Through a thematic analysis, the findings revealed an interplay between economic and cultural factors, wherein economic conditions shaped cultural values and norms. This interconnected relationship underscores the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurial motivations among ethnic minorities. The findings also revealed that ethnic minority entrepreneurs have a remarkable capacity to capitalize on adverse circumstances. Notably the challenges arising during the COVID-19 pandemic. These ethnic minority entrepreneurs not only navigated the arising challenges from the pandemic but also increased their sales and profitability; thus, highlighting the resilience and robustness of the UK's bakery sector. Furthermore, this study showed the dual role of the ethnic community as both an opportunity and a challenge. Although it provided invaluable support, it also posed challenges rooted in cultural norms.

Exploring Employee Retention in the Nigerian Software Development Industry

Happiness Ebedo — 2023-10-23

The software development industry in Nigeria is characterized by rapid growth, constant innovation, and an ever-evolving landscape. However, it faces a critical challenge in retaining its skilled workforce and lowering their staff turnover rates. The main aim of this research is to explore retention strategies employed by managers in the Nigerian software development industry and their subsequent impact on employee retention. A qualitative method was employed to explore the retention topics in depth, by conducting eight interviews with current managers in the Nigerian software industry. Thematic analysis produced three key themes. Firstly, high turnover rates in software development stem from a key factor that demand for skilled staff outstrips supply, and as such staff can move easily between employers. Secondly, the managers reported several retention strategies; career development opportunities, work-life balance, organizational culture, compensation and benefits, rewards and recognition and leadership style. Thirdly, the perceived benefits of the retention strategies were improved retention, improved employee satisfaction and willingness to work along with open communication and feedback. These result showcase that by proactively creating a supportive and engaging workplace, software development companies have been able to improve employee retention.

An Exploration of the Influence of Internationalization on Students' Intercultural Competence in the Liverpool Business School

Fafa Sheikholeslami — 2023-10-23

As globalization transforms higher education, universities now emphasize developing students' intercultural competence. This research explores how internationalization practices at Liverpool John Moores University contribute to this goal. The study aims to understand students' experiences with internationalization initiatives, how these practices build intercultural skills, and the associated benefits. Semi-structured interviews were used to investigate the perspectives of six master's students who were enrolled on an International Business and Management program. Key findings reveal that collaborative projects, immersive cultural events, and social interactions with international peers confronted biases and expanded worldviews. However, students faced language and communication barriers and work style differences that necessitated resilience. Nonetheless, intercultural engagement enhanced open-mindedness, teamwork abilities, and global perspectives. Students recommended more inclusive programming and experiential learning to further intercultural competency development. Overall, purposeful internationalization activities led to transformative learning, preparing graduates to navigate diversity in global business. However, maintaining gains requires continually evolving practices tailored to learners' needs. This study delivers focused insights to help LJMU's objective of generating interculturally competent graduates who are prepared to succeed in an interconnected world.

An Investigation into the Relationship between Leadership Styles and Productivity in Nigeria’s Hotel industry

Oreoluwatoni Famoyegun — 2023-10-23

This research investigates the relationship between leadership styles and productivity in the Nigerian hotel industry. The industry has a diverse workforce and ever-changing customer demands, highlighting the significance of understanding how different leadership styles affect operation and guest experiences. Data were collected from a varied group of hotel employees using a standardized online questionnaire. The data that were gathered underwent thorough examination using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), which uncovered significant findings regarding the underlying dynamics. The result showed a robust and statistically significant correlation between transformational leadership style and productivity, highlighting the influence of leaders who inspire and motivate. Nevertheless, the laissez-faire leadership style exhibits a limited and statistically insignificant correlation, highlighting its diminished impact. The productivity outcomes of transactional leadership are found to have limited connections with its specific components, notably "Contingent Reward" and "Management by Exception”. These results highlight the importance of implementing leadership styles that are customized and adapted to the specific situation to enhance productivity and achieve success within Nigeria's hotel business. The research provides significant practical implications for executives and stakeholders, offering actionable insights to improve efficiency and cultivate a culture of productivity within the industry.

The impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Student Perceptions of Employers

Purnika Nilomi Hewawasam Hewawasam Kandaudage — 2023-10-23

Companies are progressively incorporating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into employer branding initiatives to enhance their appeal to prospective employees. This research examines the impact of CSR engagements by companies on the workplace preferences of MSc students at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), UK, in response to the growing importance of CSR in attracting potential employees in today's competitive job market. A quantitative method was adopted and 80 MSc students from Liverpool Business School completed the questionnaire. The hypotheses were tested using SPPSS, and both correlation and multiple regression models were performed. All independent variables, including employee well-being, work-life balance, ethical business practices, community well-being, diversity, and inclusion, had a statistically significant positive relationship with job pursuit intention, highlighting their impact on employment preferences. However, participants prioritised practical considerations like salary and job availability when ranking priorities for future employment, indicating the influence of immediate economic factors on initial employment decisions. This study observed positive correlations between CSR factors and job pursuit intentions, emphasising the growing preference for socially responsible organisations in employment decisions, and students held positive perceptions of companies with sustainable practices influencing their future workplace choices.

Gender Equality in the Workforce in Bangladesh

Mohua Saha — 2023-10-23

This study explores the occupational experience of female professionals in Bangladesh and their perceptions of gender equality in the workforce. Bangladesh's gender roles and culture hinder female's professional advancement. The research aims to assess working conditions and identify causes of gender injustice for female professionals, while also examining the impact of gender equality on decision-making processes and institutions. Through a review of existing literature, this paper examines the structural and cultural factors that perpetuate gender inequality and the impact of these on women's professional development. This qualitative research used semi-structured interviews with eight female participants to acquire insights into gender equality challenges. It reveals that female professionals face pervasive discrimination and harassment in the workplace, low-skilled jobs with limited prospects for career advancement, including gender-based violence and unequal pay, and struggle to balance their professional and personal lives. Participants report feeling unsupported by their employers and experiencing significant stress and anxiety. The study contributes to the extant literature on the barriers encountered by women professionals in Bangladesh, by shedding light on the imperative for policy reform, educational and training initiatives, and socio-cultural transformations to advance gender equality in the workforce.

An Exploration of the Role of Social Media on Customer Buying Behaviour within the E-retail Apparel Industry

Dawa Doma Sherpa Gurung — 2023-10-23

The main aim of the research is to examine how and to what extent social media influences the online clothes purchasing behaviour of university students in Liverpool, UK. A qualitative approach was adopted and semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were conducted with 8 students. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings show that social media advertisements, social influencers, access to information, suggestions and recommendations made by friends and family members, and reviews posted online are the key factors that influence the online clothes purchase behaviour of university students. Social media helps university students in gaining awareness regarding brands, products, online reviews, friends, and family members; and make more informed decisions regarding the purchase. The smooth and quick purchase experience on certain social media platforms further encourages university students to engage in the online purchase of clothing. Social media has a direct and positive impact on purchase decision-making; it mainly influences awareness and purchase stages among university students.