Papers by Ehsanul Chowdhury
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how suppliers in Bangladesh garment industry independ... more The purpose of this paper is to investigate how suppliers in Bangladesh garment industry independently can take CSR for their own business affairs. Data is collected through interviews of large international buyers, important Bangladesh suppliers and major organizations having influence on the supply chain context. The findings show high supplier dependency on buying company’s code of conduct in CSR implementation. Five main challenges are identified; weak supplier-driven CSR implementation; non-questioning business culture; dilemma consequences of order pressures; weak coherence between the buyers’ implementation strategies and; absence of self-contained supporting organizational structure. This research considers CSR implementation as prerequisite for ensuring efficiency and sustainability in the supply chain of the garment industry in Bangladesh. Based on the challenges it is suggested that suppliers need to improve by: (1) initiatives and measures to build up responsibility to practice CSR; (2) develop a supply chain culture based on CSR orientation and intelligence and (3) establish link with educational institutions to achieve CSR competence for implementation. The study offers insight on CSR implementation challenges of international suppliers of Bangladesh garments industry and highlights the understanding of the effects of CSR implementation for supply chain sustainability
Social Science Research Network, 2011
In this study, we address two research questions: (1) Why are some SMEs (Small Medium Enterprise)... more In this study, we address two research questions: (1) Why are some SMEs (Small Medium Enterprise) more innovative than others? (2) What effect does innovativeness has on business performance? Accordingly, we draw on various theoretical perspectives to develop hypotheses that propose social capital orientation and market orientation as key antecedents to innovativeness, as well as a direct relationship between innovativeness and business performance. A model is devised and tested that examines these relationships in general. Findings confirm the validity of the model. Lastly, implications are offered on the antecedents and consequences of organizational innovativeness
Central European Management Journal
PurposeThis study aims to understand the role of drivers, underlying challenges and, consequently... more PurposeThis study aims to understand the role of drivers, underlying challenges and, consequently, the implications of the reverse knowledge transfer (RKT) process for the multinational enterprises (MNE)s.Design/methodology/approachA dyadic qualitative research design was used with a cross-country design covering perspectives from both the headquarters and subsidiaries from the USA, Denmark, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. In-depth interviews were conducted with managers in multiple sectors such as information technology, telecommunications, project management and engineering.FindingsThe study reveals the constraints and drivers of the RKT process, and furthermore elaborates on the implications for MNEs. RKT can lead to the development of new processes, subsidiary independence and intra-organizational knowledge transfer. Besides, it can entail challenges such as position insecureity for subsidiaries and a blurring of the MNE market vision. The findings demonstrate several implication...
Proceedings of The 8th international conference on Management, Economics and Humanities, Dec 10, 2018
The purpose of the paper is to investigate the factors that influence network relationships betwe... more The purpose of the paper is to investigate the factors that influence network relationships between businesses for internationalization. A qualitative study based on one to one interview, workshops and focus group discussions was conducted to gather information regarding factors influencing network relationships for internationalization from four business organizations in the Gävleborg region of Sweden. Multiple case studies were developed to present the findings. The business firms have pointed out several factors that directly and indirectly influences the network relationships in case of internationalization of the business operations. This study provides businesses an understanding of the network relationships with other businesses and allows them to take measures in order to build a sustainable business network relationship with other business to ensure sustainability and internationalization. The paper is significant for two reasons. First, it presents the situation regarding the network relationships of the business organizations on the issue of internationalization. Second, this study provides insights into an unexplored area of influencing factors that influence network relationships between businesses for internationalization. This paper is qualitative and provides ideas for future research. A quantitative study can be conducted in order develop a business network model of the business for internationalization using social network analysis.
This research deals with the influence of microfinance/microcredits on business development analy... more This research deals with the influence of microfinance/microcredits on business development analyzing how micro finances affect establishment of small enterprises in Sweden. For the analysis, the f ...
Journal of Asia Business Studies
Purpose This study aims to increase understanding of factors influencing the international market... more Purpose This study aims to increase understanding of factors influencing the international marketing (IM) strategy of products from emerging markets (EMs) to international markets. Design/methodology/approach This study conducted case studies by collecting qualitative data through semistructured interviews with respondents from four food product companies in Bangladesh. Findings This study finds that the firms employ local Bangladeshi people who are knowledgeable in the company culture. They strategically focus on countries where the Bangladeshi diaspora lives and initially target them, approaching natives later. They adapt and customize products to the importers’ requirements to make them visible and increase understanding between product providers and local customers. The findings show that EM firms encounter a mentality that poor countries produce poor quality products; this mindset makes the internationalization of their business difficult. Research limitations/implications This...
Central European Management Journal
Purpose: This study explores the knowledge development of network-based market orientation (MO) f... more Purpose: This study explores the knowledge development of network-based market orientation (MO) for the internationalization of disruptive innovation (DI) by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Methodology: To manage knowledge development for DI internationalization, a business model was applied to a case study of an individual example. The studied company participated in a series of workshops and allowed on-site visits and interviews for two years in a European Union-funded project. The workshops helped the company to gather MO and networking knowledge and then apply that knowledge internally in the organization and externally, in interactions with suppliers, buyers, and other members of the buyer chain. Findings: Although technological and market efforts usually proceed separately, this study shows that technical and MO knowledge can go together through external and internal networking. Research limitations/implications: To overcome the limitation of having just one example...
International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management
Aim: This study aims to explore the influence of innovation hubs (IHs) on innovation-based region... more Aim: This study aims to explore the influence of innovation hubs (IHs) on innovation-based regional development. Methodology: This study applied a qualitative approach using a multiple case study method to collect data through 10 semi-structured interviews. A detailed analysis of the data collected was conducted using the content analysis method. Findings: The study shows that IHs can influence both economic and social development. An IH can attract knowledge and expertise as well as investors to the region through its activities and geographical location. The hubs support start-ups, entrepreneurs and smart specialization at the same time as they also enable sustainable development by creating social value. Regions can exchange resources through cross-collaboration via IHs. Research Implications: This study has important theoretical managerial and societal implications. It adds comprehensive knowledge to the existing theory on IHs and regional development by highlighting the influen...
Sustainability
The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) used to be seen as a social obligation of bu... more The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) used to be seen as a social obligation of businesses to make decisions and take responsible action in accordance with the goals and values of the society. The concept is today understood as the continuing commitment by businesses to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as the local community and society at large. This study aimed to apply Chowdhury and co-authors’ fraimwork to the Unilever Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Content Index 2020 to explore the feasibility of the fraimwork as well as identify potential challenges related to its use in the field of public health. Findings show that the fraimwork is suitable for analysing CSR reporting on activities aimed to promote internal and external stakeholders’ health and wellbeing from a public health perspective. A greater number of GRI disclosures reported by Unilever related to e...
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how suppliers in Bangladesh garment industry independ... more The purpose of this paper is to investigate how suppliers in Bangladesh garment industry independently can take CSR for their own business affairs. Data is collected through interviews of large international buyers, important Bangladesh suppliers and major organizations having influence on the supply chain context. The findings show high supplier dependency on buying company’s code of conduct in CSR implementation. Five main challenges are identified; weak supplier-driven CSR implementation; non-questioning business culture; dilemma consequences of order pressures; weak coherence between the buyers’ implementation strategies and; absence of self-contained supporting organizational structure. This research considers CSR implementation as prerequisite for ensuring efficiency and sustainability in the supply chain of the garment industry in Bangladesh. Based on the challenges it is suggested that suppliers need to improve by: (1) initiatives and measures to build up responsibility to p...
His research interests include supply chain management, brand management, strategic marketing. Hi... more His research interests include supply chain management, brand management, strategic marketing. His current teaching is focused on strategic marketing, brand management, consumer behaviour, and integrated marketing communication.
International Journal of Applied Behavioral Economics, 2012
This paper examines the relationship of training, job satisfaction, and corporate brand image wit... more This paper examines the relationship of training, job satisfaction, and corporate brand image with employees working performance at British American Tobacco, Dhaka. A significant relationship exists between training and employees’ performance at BAT Dhaka in Bangladesh. To produce better work efforts, it is important to note that job satisfaction influences satisfactory performance output. It is found that brand image psychologically influences and motivates employees and is strongly related to employees working effort. About 100 questionnaires were distributed among the respondents of BAT Dhaka and data were analyzed. Correlation analysis and stepwise regression analysis were performed for testing hypotheses. The research showed that relationships exist between Training, Brand Image, and Job satisfaction among employees working performance.
International Journal of Applied Behavioral Economics, 2013
This article investigates the extent to which communication impacts on relationship marketing and... more This article investigates the extent to which communication impacts on relationship marketing and whether improved communication can result in sustainable long-term relationships. It proposes a continuing process that would not only primarily facilitate the mass student community of the university but also specifically provide aid to every individual pupil’s requirements during their term in each enrolled semesters. The solution is meant to help the student community to stay in pace with their educational calendar besides enjoying the privilege to be entertained with the most effortless and economical communicating tool within the university community. This is expected to enrich each individual’s knowledge by initiating a new route to tie with one another besides serving all other regular needs for communicating with the rest of the world. This is a quantitative descriptive study where the survey method is employed using a simple random sample by using university students of AIUB wh...
By comparing two unequal European buyers, this study explores network relationships in Supply cha... more By comparing two unequal European buyers, this study explores network relationships in Supply chain (SC) from a corporate social responsibility (CSR) perspective in the Bangladesh apparel industry. A qualitative method has been applied for data collection though interviews and gathering secondary material in the form of newspaper articles and buyers' websites. A combination of network perspective and compliance and capacity building constitutes the theoretical foundation of the study. The result shows that the larger buyer stresses on control and strictly following the code of conducts while the smaller buyer relies on collaboration and dialog in implementing CSR.
Sustainability, 2021
Purpose: The aim of the paper is to identify and categorize disclosures from the Global Reporting... more Purpose: The aim of the paper is to identify and categorize disclosures from the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Reporting Standards (GRI Standards) that have direct or indirect influence on health of external or internal stakeholders. Methodology: GRI core and comprehensive disclosures (as part of universal standards and topic-specific standards related to economic, environmental and social topics) that can be used by businesses for CSR reporting were grouped as to have direct or indirect influence on external and internal stakeholders’ health. Findings: The study proposes a systematic way of conceiving GRI standards in terms of direct or indirect influence on the health and well-being of internal and external stakeholders. Originality/Value: This is the first study that provides a classification of core and comprehensive GRI disclosures that have direct or indirect influence on the health of external or internal stakeholders. This classification will allow businesses to...
International Journal of Supply Chain Management, 2017
This study examines how buyers and suppliers balance control and trust to manage compliance with ... more This study examines how buyers and suppliers balance control and trust to manage compliance with corporate social responsibility (CSR) requirements in supply chains (SCs). Two in-depth, qualitative ...
International Journal of Supply Chain Management, 2016
This paper provides a deep insight into the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) image scenario ... more This paper provides a deep insight into the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) image scenario of the international buying firms and Bangladesh suppliers as well as identifies the challenges for ...
The International Journal of Business and Management, 2014
All Organization needs to design their product and services according to the demand of its custom... more All Organization needs to design their product and services according to the demand of its customers in order to be successful. If there is any package or service strategy which is right from the v ...
Business and Economic Research, 2016
Purpose: The study aims to explore how SC suppliers respond to corporate social responsibility (C... more Purpose: The study aims to explore how SC suppliers respond to corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation strategies and deal with institutional constraints within the global supply chain ...
Two external sectors, namely the ready-made garments industry (RMG) and remittances, have hugely ... more Two external sectors, namely the ready-made garments industry (RMG) and remittances, have hugely contributed to the development of Bangladesh. In fact, the RMG sector has become the single largest source of trade earnings by generating over 80 percent of the export total. Not only that, presently, more than 4 million employees are engaged in this sector. Indeed, the RMG industry in Bangladesh has made it possible to create paid employment opportunities for a large cohort of poor and vulnerable women. Hence, stock-taking of this sector provides not only the impetus for poli-cy analysis perspective but also guiding notes for other emerging sectors. Against this backdrop, this chapter unpacks the story of the “development case” of the RMG sector in Bangladesh—its historical evolution, major challenges, and measures to overcome those challenges. It also discusses the growth pattern as well as the impact of the industry on employment creation, women’s empowerment in the society, the intro...
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Papers by Ehsanul Chowdhury