Advancing mixed-methods research through PLS-SEM and NVivo: a methodological integration in AI literacy studies Mahadi Hasan Miraz, Rohana Sham, Sanmugam Annamalah Quality and Quantity, 2026 This study examines Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and NVivo as tools for analysing non-normal data and small samples. PLS-SEM is a robust tool for analysing small samples and offering predictive modelling advantages, while NVivo is a leading qualitative data analysis (QDA) tool. The study uses mixed-methods research, using empirical data to assess PLS-SEM’s performance and surveys, interviews, usability testing, and case studies to evaluate NVivo’s capabilities. PLS-SEM can model latent concepts like customer engagement and efficacy, while NVivo can analyse qualitative data like interview transcripts, reflective diaries, and business discourse. NVivo outperforms competing QDA tools in advanced coding, data visualisation, and integration features, with 72% of surveyed researchers preferring it for its effectiveness and usability. Usability testing revealed NVivo had a 30% higher task efficiency and a high user satisfaction score (8.5/10), despite a moderate learning curve. PLS-SEM is a robust and adaptable statistical method for complex quantitative research, especially when data quality or sample size is constrained; as this research is based on 350 samples from AI literacy in university students. NVivo is a versatile and user-friendly QDA tool, enhancing the rigour and efficiency of qualitative analysis. Together, these tools offer a methodological advancement for researchers undertaking mixed-methods studies, promoting more accurate, predictive, and interpretable research outcomes across disciplines.
Leveraging intellectual capital and dynamic capabilities for service innovation: insights from management consulting firms Weiwei Zhang, Sanmugam Annamalah, Rohana Sham, Selim Ahmed Journal of Intellectual Capital, 2026 Purpose This study examines how intellectual capital components – human, structural, relational and renewal capital (RNC) – impact service innovation performance (SIP) in Chinese management consulting firms. It also investigates the mediating role of dynamic capabilities (DCs) in transforming intellectual capital into innovative service outcomes. The research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how consulting firms can strategically leverage their intangible resources and organizational capabilities to sustain a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving market. Design/methodology/approach The study employs a quantitative research design using survey data from Chinese management consulting firms. Structural equation modeling is utilized to test relationships between intellectual capital dimensions, DCs and SIP. The analysis focuses on the direct effects of human, structural, relational and RNC on innovation, as well as the mediating effect of DCs. This empirical approach integrates theories from the resource-based view (RBV), enterprise capability theory and service innovation literature. Findings Results indicate all four intellectual capital components positively and significantly influence service innovation, with RNC exerting the strongest effect. DCs mediate these relationships by enabling firms to sense opportunities, seize them and reconfigure resources effectively. Human capital (HC) fosters creativity; structural capital supports knowledge management; relational capital enhances client collaboration and RNC drives continuous learning and adaptability. The findings confirm that strategic orchestration of intellectual capital through DCs is essential for sustaining innovation in consulting services. Research limitations/implications The study is limited by its focus on Chinese consulting firms, which may restrict generalizability to other cultural or industry contexts. The cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, suggesting longitudinal studies for future research. Measurement of intellectual capital and DCs relies on self-reported data, which may introduce bias. Further research could explore sector-specific variations, incorporate qualitative insights and examine external environmental factors influencing the intellectual capital innovation relationship. Despite limitations, the findings offer valuable insights for theory development and practical innovation management in knowledge-intensive service industries. Practical implications Consulting firms should invest in targeted HC development, advanced knowledge management systems and robust client relationship management to drive service innovation. Emphasizing continuous learning and renewal through research and development, foresight activities and collaborative partnerships is critical. Firms must enhance DCs by adopting agile project management and digital tools to quickly sense, seize and reconfigure resources. An integrated innovation strategy combining intellectual capital development with capability building helps firms remain competitive and responsive to rapid market changes. These practices foster sustained innovation, improved client satisfaction and organizational resilience. Social implications By enhancing service innovation, consulting firms contribute to more effective and customized solutions for client organizations, potentially improving overall business performance and economic growth. The promotion of continuous learning and talent development supports workforce skill advancement and knowledge diffusion within the industry. Trust-based client relationships foster transparency and collaboration, encouraging ethical business practices. Additionally, innovation driven by intellectual capital and DCs can lead to sustainable consulting services that better address complex societal challenges. These outcomes collectively promote a knowledge-based economy and strengthen the social fabric of professional service ecosystems. Originality/value This study uniquely integrates intellectual capital theory, DCs and service innovation theory to offer a holistic framework explaining innovation performance in consulting firms. It empirically validates the mediating role of DCs in converting intellectual capital into service innovation, extending the RBV with capability orchestration. By focusing on the Chinese management consulting context, the research provides culturally relevant insights into intangible resource management. The multi-theoretical model advances academic understanding and offers actionable strategies for practitioners to enhance innovation through coordinated development of human, structural, relational and RNC alongside dynamic organizational capabilities.
Examining cultural and linguistic mediation: the role of In-house interpreters in mitigating communication friction in Sino-Malaysian corporations Wong Chee Hoo, Sanmugam Annamalah, Selim Ahmed, Ilham Sentosa, Kalisri Logeswaran Aravindan, Rajinder Dass Cogent Social Sciences, 2026 In the globalized business landscape, effective cross-cultural communication is essential for organizational success. This study investigates the role of interpreters in reducing communication friction between Malaysian and Chinese stakeholders. Drawing on sixteen in-depth case studies, the findings demonstrate how interpreters actively manage conflicts arising from linguistic and cultural differences. Interpreters play a critical role in reframing confrontational or sensitive remarks, transforming potentially contentious exchanges into constructive dialogue. They also provide accurate technical explanations during negotiations, ensuring shared understanding and minimizing ambiguity. Beyond language transfer, interpreters act as cultural mediators by offering contextual insights that enhance mutual comprehension and cooperation. While maintaining professional neutrality, they adapt communication styles to align with the cultural expectations of both parties. Interpreters further manage interaction dynamics by recommending strategic pauses to clarify misunderstandings, de-escalate tension, and encourage patience during intense discussions. These interventions enhance cross-cultural awareness and promote sensitivity to differing norms and values. As conflict managers and cultural bridges, interpreters contribute to more inclusive and respectful workplace environments. Their involvement reduces miscommunication, strengthens trust, and supports smoother collaboration, ultimately improving organizational productivity. This study highlights the indispensable role of interpreters in international business and underscores their contribution to fostering effective communication and collaboration among culturally diverse stakeholders.
Driving open innovation in SMEs: the role of organizational and strategic dynamics Sanmugam Annamalah, Kalisri Logeswaran Aravindan, Selim Ahmed Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 2025 The primary focus of this research is on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore engaged in manufacturing activities, particularly those involved in the production of technology products. Although numerous studies have explored open innovation, further research is essential to investigate the interconnected factors influencing its adoption. This study aims to examine the relationship between organizational citizenship behaviours, integrative culture, management linkages, transactional costs, and the role of appropriability regimes in shaping SMEs' inclination to adopt open innovation. Adopting a positivist paradigm, this research employs quantitative methodologies with a deductive research approach. Hypotheses were developed to explore the impact of the identified factors. Primary data were collected through a survey targeting SMEs, utilizing a Likert-scale-based questionnaire. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to evaluate the factor structure and validate the measurement model. Subsequently, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to assess the relationships between variables and ensure the internal consistency of the derived factors. The findings highlight the potential of open innovation practices in SMEs to enhance technological outcomes, resulting in the development of advanced, high-quality, and ecologically sustainable products and services. These practices contribute significantly to societal well-being and sustainability. Furthermore, the integration of technological innovation fosters the educational development of future management leaders, equipping them with essential skills for managing innovation in a globalized world. Establishing collaborative relationships across diverse industries promotes organizational learning and cultivates a proactive approach to innovation management, addressing critical challenges in the era of globalization.
Advancing Economics Education: Embracing Pluralism and Critical Realism Annamalah, Sanmugam, Foroughi, Amir, Chee, Hoo Wong, Logeswaran, Aravindan Kalisri, Ahmed, Selim Journal of Sustainability Research, 2025 Advocating for a pluralistic economics curriculum requires examining historical and contemporary debates on the standardization of economics education and criticisms of traditional teaching methods. In the UK during the 1970s, the economics curriculum was unified under the neoclassical economic paradigm, aiming for a cohesive approach. However, this singular focus was criticized for oversimplifying economic phenomena and neglecting alternative perspectives. Similarly, in the US during the 1980s, economics education was standardized through a neoclassical framework, providing a structured approach that became global. This framework, though consistent, faced criticism for its rigidity and failure to incorporate diverse economic theories that could address real-world complexities. In Malaysia, similar debates have emerged. Critics argue that the current curriculum, which emphasizes neoclassical economics, does not adequately reflect Malaysia’s unique economic context and challenges. They advocate for a curriculum that includes heterodox, Islamic, and development economics. This research explores perceptions of these paradigms through semi-structured interviews with educators, students, and curriculum developers. The findings indicate that a pluralistic approach is crucial for offering students a comprehensive understanding of economic issues specific to Malaysia. The push for a pluralistic economics curriculum is based on the recognition that a singular economic perspective is insufficient for addressing the complex economic issues encountered in the real world. By incorporating diverse perspectives, students would be better prepared to analyse and address the multifaceted economic challenges they will face in their professional and personal lives.
Exploring the Relevance and Rigour of Case Study Research in Business: A Contemporary Perspective Sanmugam Annamalah, Kalisri Logeswaran Aravindan, Selim Ahmed, Ilham Sentosa Journal of Sustainability Research, 2025 The case study research method has gained significant recognition as a vital approach for investigating complex business phenomena in contemporary settings. This study explores the relevance and rigour of case studies within the business research community, emphasizing their unique ability to provide in-depth insights into multifaceted issues such as digital transformation, corporate sustainability, market dynamics, and strategic decision-making. Despite common misconceptions regarding the validity and rigour of the case study method, this study elucidates how robust methodological frameworks can ensure construct, internal, external, and reliability, thereby reinforcing its standing as a credible research strategy. Current challenges faced by businesses, ranging from the rapid integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to the dynamics of globalization and shifting consumer expectations, underscore the necessity of utilizing a case study approach. Through detailed examinations of real-world scenarios, case studies reveal a nuanced understanding of how organizations adapt to disruptive forces, manage crises, and implement innovative strategies. By capturing the complexities of organizational behaviours and market interactions, case studies provide valuable insights that can inform both practice and theory, enabling businesses to navigate today’s volatile environments effectively. Case studies not only enhance the understanding of theoretical concepts but also empower researchers and practitioners to apply these concepts to real-world challenges, bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application. Ultimately, this study calls for greater acceptance of case study research in business as a rigourous and valuable method for generating insights that drive organizational performance, inform strategic decision-making, and contribute to the development of theories that are responsive to the complexities of the modern business landscape. Through this enhanced understanding, business researchers and practitioners alike can leverage the case study method to address pressing challenges and seize opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world.
Exploitation, exploration and ambidextrous strategies of SMES in accelerating organisational effectiveness Sanmugam Annamalah, Pradeep Paraman, Selim Ahmed, Thillai Raja Pertheban, Anbalagan Marimuthu, Kumara Rajah Venkatachalam, Ramayah T. Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing, 2025 Purpose This study aims to analyse the resilience strategy utilized by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling these businesses to effectively adapt their operations in response to varying conditions by providing them with essential resources. SMEs operate in marketplaces that are both dynamic and frequently tumultuous. These markets provide SMEs with a variety of obstacles, including economic ups and downs, advances in technology, evolving customer tastes and new regulatory requirements. SMEs need to create a strategic strategy to survive and grow in such situations. This strategy ought to help strengthen their resiliency and make it possible for them to make the most of emerging opportunities while simultaneously lowering the dangers. Design/methodology/approach The questionnaires adopted and adapted from previous research served as the basis for gathering the data. The manufacturing industry was polled through the use of questionnaires. To test the hypothesis, the data were analysed using Smart PLS. Through the use of closed-ended questions directed to the proprietors, managers or senior executives of SMEs, data were collected from each and every institution in the sample. Following the examination of the data by means of descriptive analysis and the presentation of several scenarios using information relating to SMEs, the findings were presented. Findings The ambidextrous strategies that are used by SMEs have a propensity to offer a constructive contribution to SMEs. In this study, it was discovered that ambidexterity, which is defined as the capacity to both seek and capitalise on possibilities, has a significant bearing on the organisational effectiveness of SMEs. The results showed that ambidextrous strategies have a propensity to work as mediators in interactions involving proactive resilience tactics and performance. Research limitations/implications The research expands our understanding of how SMEs in the manufacturing sector may improve their performance by concentrating on growing their ambidextrous strategies. Practical implications This study provides a plausible explanation of two crucial management mechanisms for enhancing the sustainability of organisational effectiveness. The relationships between ambidextrous capabilities and firm effectiveness are malleable, and this study suggests that nurturing formal and informal relationships may be the key to SMEs' long-term sustainable performance. Improving the knowledge and performance of supply chain systems for SMEs in the manufacturing sector and boosting their competitiveness in domestic and international markets are the practical contributions of this study. Social implications Our comprehension of monitoring, cooperation and innovation within social management was deepened as a result of these facts. In addition, the study conducted in the sector uncovered four essential connections that outline how managers should actively work towards lowering social risks, developing new possibilities and increasing business performance. These capacities and links, when taken as a whole, provide the foundation upon which an integrated framework and five research propositions are built. Originality/value This research offers a convincing explanation of fundamental management processes for enhancing the sustainability of organisational effectiveness. This research implies that developing formal and informal interactions may be the key to the sustainable performance of SMEs over the long run. The relationships between ambidextrous capabilities, methods and organisational effectiveness are flexible, and this study also suggests that these relationships may be shaped. The practical contributions made by this research include boosting the understanding and performance of supply chain systems for SMEs as well as the competitive power of these businesses in both local and international markets.
Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty: Navigating Supply Chain Challenges Through Proactive Risk Surveillance and Mitigation Strategies among SMEs in ASEAN countries Sanmugam Annamalah, Kalisri Logeswaran Aravindan, Selim Ahmed F1000research, 2025 Supply chain risk management is crucial for the consumer products industry, given its susceptibility to uncertainties and risks. This research investigates the relationship between supply chain risks and performance within this sector, based on a sample of 385 entrepreneurs from Small Medium Sized enterprises (SMEs) in the consumer goods industry across ASEAN countries. Supply chain performance, defined as the ability to meet end-customer demands, involves ensuring commodity availability, on-time deliveries, and maintaining sufficient inventory and capacity across organizational boundaries, from raw materials to the final consumer. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the study establishes a strong correlation between supply chain performance and risks, highlighting the necessity for effective supply chain risk management to enhance overall performance in the consumer products industry. Understanding the diverse economic development, infrastructure, and regulatory environments across ASEAN nations is crucial. Leveraging the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) for economic integration and regional trade agreements can mitigate supply chain risks and improve performance. Entrepreneurs in the consumer products industry are encouraged to collaborate with governmental organizations, considering the challenges posed by regulatory landscapes, cross-border logistics, and geopolitical risks within ASEAN. Adapting strategies to the specific characteristics of each ASEAN country, optimizing logistics, and addressing cultural nuances are essential for successful supply chain risk management. By aligning with regional and national governments, businesses can proactively address risks, seize opportunities, and contribute to the resilience and growth of the ASEAN consumer products industry.
Integrating PLS-SEM and NVivo in Mixed-Methods Educational Research: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Quantitative and Qualitative Analytical Tools Mahadi Hasan Miraz, Sanmugam Annamalah, Rohana Sham Educational Process International Journal, 2025 Background/purpose. It revisits Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) as a robust tool for analyzing non-normal data and small samples, offering predictive modeling advantages. This study also compares the merits, practical applications, and added value of both tools in tackling complicated research issues, notably in education and social sciences, rather than reviewing their techniques. Simultaneously, it evaluates NVivo as a leading qualitative data analysis (QDA) tool, focusing on its effectiveness in organizing, coding, querying, and visualizing diverse qualitative datasets. Materials/Methods. The study places both tools in real-world educational research settings to help researchers choose and utilize methodologies that align with their data and goals. This mixed-methods research employed two approaches. Method A utilized empirical data to assess PLS-SEM's performance using statistical metrics such as R², Q², and Composite Reliability. It compared PLS-SEM with MRA, CB-SEM, and Factor Analysis. Method B involved surveys, interviews, usability testing, and case studies to evaluate NVivo’s capabilities. NVivo was compared with ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA, and Dedoose on parameters like coding flexibility, usability, visualization, and collaborative features. Results. The manuscript demonstrates how PLS-SEM can model latent concepts, such as student engagement, learning outcomes, and institutional support, while NVivo can analyze qualitative data, including interview transcripts, reflective diaries, and classroom discourse. NVivo outperformed competing QDA tools in advanced coding, data visualization, and integration features, with 72% of surveyed researchers preferring it for its effectiveness and usability. Usability testing revealed NVivo had a 30% higher task efficiency and a high user satisfaction score (8.5/10), despite a moderate learning curve. NVivo was particularly effective in thematic exploration and supported collaborative research. Conclusion. PLS-SEM proves to be a robust and adaptable statistical method for complex quantitative research, especially when data quality or sample size is constrained. NVivo stands out as a versatile and user-friendly QDA tool, enhancing the rigor and efficiency of qualitative analysis. Together, these tools offer a methodological advancement for researchers undertaking mixed-methods studies, promoting more accurate, predictive, and interpretable research outcomes across disciplines.
Determinants of Electric Car Patronage Intention Kalisri Logeswaran Aravindan, Muhammad Aiman Izzat, Thurasamy Ramayah, Thing Soong Chen, Yap Voon Choong, Sanmugam Annamalah, Narinasamy Ilhavenil, Arman Bin Ahmad International Journal of Technology, 2023
Adoption of retail internet banking: A study of demographic factors Journal of Internet Banking and Commerce, 2012
Perceived barriers of innovative banking among Malaysian retail banking customers Journal of Internet Banking and Commerce, 2012
Service quality transformation and its impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty in Malaysian retail banking sector World Applied Sciences Journal, 2011