Faculty of Business Studies

MNCs & Local Enterprises’ HRM Practices in Bangladesh: A Comparative Study

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

MNCs & Local Enterprises’ HRM Practices in Bangladesh: A Comparative Study Hamid, Dewan Afrida This investigation enquires the contemporary Human Resource Management (HRM) practices employed within premier multinational and indigenous corporations operating in Bangladesh. Additionally, it undertakes a comparative inquiry into these practices across the two distinct organizational categories. The study endeavors to elucidate and juxtapose the HRM methodologies embraced by multinational conglomerates and homegrown enterprises in the Bangladeshi business milieu. For a specific purpose, a careful selection process was undertaken, identifying ten multinational corporations (MNCs) along with local enterprises. These selections were based on a comprehensive array of human resource management (HRM) variables, covering areas such as recruitment and selection, training and development, compensation and benefits, employee engagement and retention, performance appraisal, talent management, workplace health and safety, among others. Furthermore, a detailed analysis was conducted, delving into various sub-variables within each HRM aspect. The research methodology involved subjecting these variables to rigorous statistical scrutiny to ascertain their significance as contributing factors. Various statistical measurements were employed to gauge the extent to which these variables impact overall performance. The outcomes of this analytical process proved to be groundbreaking, as they revealed insights that were previously unexplored. These findings were presented through comprehensive assessments, shedding light on the intricacies of HRM practices within the selected companies. Subsequently, the research delved deeper into the identification of existing problems within the realm of performance appraisal practices. By thoroughly examining the data and drawing comparisons across the selected enterprises, critical issues were uncovered. These issues ranged from inconsistencies in evaluation criteria to disparities in performance feedback mechanisms. Moreover, the research did not stop at identifying problems; it also endeavored to provide viable solutions and recommendations. By synthesizing the findings and drawing upon best practices in the field of HRM, actionable recommendations were formulated. These recommendations aimed to address the identified limitations in performance appraisal practices effectively. On the whole, this research represents a significant contribution to the understanding and enhancement of HRM practices in both multinational corporations and local enterprises. By adopting a comprehensive approach that encompasses multiple variables and sub-variables, coupled with robust statistical analysis, the research offers valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of HRM. Furthermore, by offering practical recommendations, it seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice, paving the way for more effective and efficient HRM strategies in the corporate world. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy.

Customer Loyalty through Improved Customer Service: A Case Study of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Customer Loyalty through Improved Customer Service: A Case Study of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited Arafat, Muhammed Tamzid Al This dissertation presents a comprehensive, data-driven investigation into the determinants of customer satisfaction and loyalty at Biman Bangladesh Airlines, addressing a critical gap in the literature on aviation in emerging markets. The research employs a rigorous mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative analysis of survey data from 425 passengers with qualitative insights from 43 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders. The study examines two primary dependent variables (DVs) as Customer Satisfaction and Customer Loyalty, against eight independent variables (IVs) operationalized through 40 distinct attributes, while controlling for three key demographic variables (CVs): Age, Education Level, and Travel Frequency. A novel Multivariate-Machine Learning Synergistic Model (MML-SM) was developed, synergizing traditional statistical methods with advanced machine learning to uncover both linear and non-linear relationships. The Ordered Logistic Regression (OLogit) analysis identified Improved Customer Service (β=1.365, p < 0.001) as the most powerful predictor of satisfaction, with Brand Reputation (β=0.586, p< 0.01) and Price (β=0.541, p<0.001) also showing strong significant effects. The Multivariate Linear Regression (MLR) analysis specifically quantified the drivers of loyalty, revealing Improved Customer Service (β=0.341, p<0.001) as the strongest predictor, followed by Brand Reputation (β = 0.138, p < 0.01) and Price (β = 0.133, p < 0.001). The OLS regression further confirmed Improved Customer Service as loyalty's primary driver (β = 0.7413, p < 0.001; R² = 0.659). The machine learning models revealed critical, non-intuitive realities. Random Forest not only validated the hierarchy of drivers, attributing 56.0% importance to x Improved Customer Service, but also uncovered the phenomenon of diminishing returns on service quality (R² = 0.718–0.784), indicating that blanket improvements beyond a certain point are inefficient. Most strikingly, the XGBoost model assigned 100% feature importance to Improved Customer Service, suggesting that in the complex reality of passenger behavior, all other factors are subsumed by this central construct. The study challenges conventional wisdom by uncovering a paradoxical positive Price-Loyalty relationship across all models (MLR β = 0.133, OLogit β = 0.541), where Bangladeshi travelers perceive premium pricing as an indicator of quality. Conversely, it exposes a critical "service visibility gap" where Staff Services, despite a strong correlation with satisfaction, demonstrated statistically insignificant impacts on loyalty in both MLR and OLogit models, revealing that frontline efforts fail to translate into enduring allegiance. The implications provide a strategic roadmap for Biman to transform operational challenges into a sustainable competitive advantage. Recommendations include targeted interventions such as AI-driven personalization to overcome diminishing returns, value-tiered bundling to leverage the price-perception paradox, and a comprehensive service excellence framework to bridge the identified gaps. The research establishes a new benchmark for customer-centric aviation in emerging markets, demonstrating the power of a triangulated analytical framework to reveal the complex, non-linear drivers of passenger behavior. Keywords: Customer Loyalty, Customer Satisfaction, Service Quality, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, MLR, OLS Regression, Ordered Logit, Random Forest, XGBoost, Emerging Markets, Aviation Service Optimization. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Impact of Digitalization on the Employment in the Manufacturing Industries of Bangladesh

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Impact of Digitalization on the Employment in the Manufacturing Industries of Bangladesh Ashif, Abu Sadat Muhammad The rapid and continuous development of digital technologies is transforming the global manufacturing landscape, restructuring employment patterns, organizational structures, and strategic decision-making process by implementing and adopting Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and Data-Driven technologies. While digitalization enhances operational efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness, its effect on employment remains widely debated, insufficiently examined, inadequately addressed and empirically underexplored in the existing literature, particularly in developing countries. The main aim of this research is to examine the impact of digitalization on employment dynamics in the manufacturing industry in Bangladesh. The study investigates and analyzes workforce transformation, changing skill requirements, organizational strategies, Research and Development (R&D) investment, and policy implications associated with digitalization. This study carries out a bibliometric analysis, which comprehends the global research trends over the past three decades, with a systematic literature review, which summarizes the major theories, facts and contextual background. The conceptual model was constructed through integrating existing theoretical models, such as Creative Destruction, Labor Market Segmentation, Human Capital Theory, Diffusion of Innovation, Skill-Biased Technological Change Model and Technology Acceptance Model, the study develops a theoretically grounded “Moderated plus Direct Effect Model Framework” integrating multiple perspectives on technological change and Labour Market Dynamics. In this study, a mixed-methods research approach is used. In the qualitative analysis, the purposive non-probability sampling method is employed, generating data from 53 semi-structured interviews and four focus groups across diverse sub-sectors of the manufacturing industries. In the quantitative phase, data were collected from 213 respondents representing different manufacturing industries, providing a broad and representative foundation for statistical analysis. Across both phases, participants included employees, industry leaders, policymakers, technical and operational professionals, and academic experts. Responses were examined and analyzed through SPSS Statistics 26.0, and SmartPLS v.4. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used P a g e iii to test Measurement Reliability, Construct validation, and Structural Relationships among digitalization, employment outcomes, organizational strategies, R&D, and firm level moderating characteristics. A pilot study is done before the full-scale study to optimize the research design and evaluate the measurement model. Qualitative analysis shows that workplace structures are rapidly transforming due to automation and AI. There are concerns about job displacement and growing demand for digital skills, and the need for investment, collaboration, and structured upskilling for sustainable employment transitions. In Quantitative analysis, measurement model validates a high level of internal consistency, with Cronbach Alpha and Composite Reliability rating higher than the usual level of 0.70 and AVE higher than 0.50, and this establishes Convergent and Discriminant Validity. The results of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were found to support path coefficients (β), t-statistics, and p-values, stating that digitalization has heterogeneous effects on employment in the manufacturing industry with significant explanatory power (R2 = 0.812; Adjusted R2 = 0.796), significant predictive relevance (Q2 > 0.35), and acceptable model fit. The effect sizes estimates (f2 = 0.05-0.23) show moderate to strong effects of IT investment, R&D, Strategy and Policy and Digital Skills that are emerging as the key determinants on Labour Market Dynamics. The moderation analysis also indicates that Industry Size and Type have a significant impact on the association between digitalization and employment adaptation. The multicollinearity test (VIF < 3.3) and Bootstrapping procedures prove the stability and strength of the model. This research contributes to the digitalization and employment of literature by integrating multiple theoretical perspectives into a unified empirical framework applicable to developing industrial contexts as well as offering practical recommendations to the policymakers, industrial players, and institutions. The research also offers a replicable analytical model for examining technology-driven labor transformation in emerging industrial economies. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Challenges faced by traditional businesses initiating online Sales Services: Bangladesh

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Challenges faced by traditional businesses initiating online Sales Services: Bangladesh Jaigirder, Tasmia E-commerce changed the global business scenario. It provides significant growth opportunities for firms. However, traditional businesses in Bangladesh face unique challenges to integrate online sales into their activities. This research investigates the difficulties confronted by traditional firms in Bangladesh in adopting online sales services. This study examines infrastructural, cultural, technological, and regulatory factors. This paper also provides a comprehensive analysis of the barriers and it proposes actionable solutions. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy.