Hung Nguyen, Thai Huynh, Nha Tran and Toan Nguyen
Visually impaired people usually struggle with doing daily tasks due to a lack of visual cues. For image captioning assistive applications, most applications require an Internet…
Abstract
Purpose
Visually impaired people usually struggle with doing daily tasks due to a lack of visual cues. For image captioning assistive applications, most applications require an Internet connection for the image captioning generation function to work properly. In this study, we developed MyUEVision, an application that assists visually impaired people by generating image captions that can work with and without the Internet. This work also involves reviewing some image captioning models for this application.
Design/methodology/approach
The author has selected and experimented with three image captioning models for online models and two image captioning models for offline models. The user experience (UX) design was designed based on the problems faced by visually impaired users when using mobile applications. The application is developed for the Android platform, and the offline model is integrated into the application for the image captioning generation function to work offline.
Findings
After conducting experiments for selecting online and offline models, ExpansionNet V2 is chosen for the online model and VGG16 + long short-term memory (LSTM) is chosen for the offline model. The application is then developed and assessed, and the results show that the application can generate image captions with or without the Internet, providing the best result when having an Internet connection, and the image is captured in good lighting with a few objects.
Originality/value
MyUEVision stands out for its both online and offline functionality. This approach ensures the image captioning generator works with or without the Internet, setting it apart as a unique solution to address the needs of visually impaired individuals.
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Surangkana Trangkanont and Chotchai Charoenngam
The purpose of this paper is to identify the salient risks borne by private firms and to investigate their effective risk response strategies in public-private partnership (PPP…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the salient risks borne by private firms and to investigate their effective risk response strategies in public-private partnership (PPP) low-cost housing (LCH) projects in Thailand.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper employs grounded theory and case study methodologies to extensively analyze ten private firms’ risks and their strategic risk mitigation. As a result, the matrix of imperative risks’ root causes and the area of the project life cycle most exposed to their impacts were proposed. This included the framework of the risk response strategy application.
Findings
The private firm's risk mitigation strategies depended on the salient risks’ impact and the private firms’ predictability and controllability of the risk outcome. This included the private firm's participating objectives and core business, decision maker's risk attitude, risk perception, experience of risk, and risk assessment skill, and the project life cycle phase of risk occurrence.
Practical implications
Under the same characteristics of the immature PPP market in developing countries, the contractors’ effective risk management framework can be used as a guideline to complement the contractors’ decision making on risk response strategy selection and resource allocation in the PPP project life cycle.
Originality/value
Despite working under the familiar environment of construction risk and generous payment method in PPP-LCH projects, only few contractors were successful. The examination of risks borne and effectively responded by the private sector increases the likelihood of the project success.
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Surangkana Trangkanont and Chotchai Charoenngam
Numerous studies to date have demonstrated the public-private partnership (PPP) project procurement method's failure to deliver low-cost housing (LCH) to low-income groups (LIGs…
Abstract
Purpose
Numerous studies to date have demonstrated the public-private partnership (PPP) project procurement method's failure to deliver low-cost housing (LCH) to low-income groups (LIGs) in developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to investigate critical failure factors (CFFs), and how they cause the failure of PPP-LCH program.
Design/methodology/approach
Grounded Theory methodology was used to gather and analyze the data in order to identify, categorize, and develop the logically causal relationships among CFFs that cause PPP-LCH program failure.
Findings
Ten CFFs in various phases of PPP-LCH project life cycle caused PPP-LCH program failure. Some CFFs resulted from ineffective PPP policy and strategy, while some were beyond the control of the project/program management team. These CFFs were inter-/intra-related to one another in a particular way.
Originality/value
Despite the increase in PPP-LCH projects/programs for LIGs in practice and the prevalence of failure, the studies of PPP-LCH project/program failure still suffer from insufficient conceptual clarity about the causes of these failures. The lessons learned, to some extent, help decision makers in both public and private sectors to reduce the probability of the PPP-LCH project/program failure by clearly explaining the nature of each CFF.
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The purpose of this paper is to provide a deeper understanding of the different factors of destination quality in explaining European tourist satisfaction in Nha Trang city, which…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a deeper understanding of the different factors of destination quality in explaining European tourist satisfaction in Nha Trang city, which has one of the 29 most beautiful bays in the world and more than one million international tourists per year. The authors will also make some recommendations to attract more European visitors to Nha Trang and to increase satisfaction, as measured by their intention to return in the future.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample of 356 European visitors participated in this study. A structural equation modelling was applied in order to test the relationship between the constructs, and to evaluate their reliability and validity.
Findings
The results indicate satisfactory reliability and validity of the constructs and support the five hypotheses within a structural equation modelling. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating the roles of different factors in explaining tourists’ satisfaction. Specially, in some previous studies, the composition of the destination quality such as accommodation, food services, the retail and souvenir shops and destination attractions has a great impact on domestic tourist’s satisfaction. While the study found that the biggest factor affecting European tourist’s satisfaction was the friendliness and hospitality of the local people in Nha Trang city.
Research limitations/implications
Future studies should test the difference in satisfaction with the quality of destinations of European tourists to Nha Trang city. Research sample surveys should be collected in order to the magnitude and priority of key European tourist markets such as Russia, England, France, Spain and Germany. In addition, future studies should include more representative samples in other cities and include both domestic and international visitors. The proposed model intends to combine some components of tourism behaviour dimensions (value, involvement, knowledge, ambivalence, certainty, preference, trust, etc.) to test the satisfaction and destination intentional loyalty within this multidimensional perspective in a tourist destination context. The study has not considered the relationship between the increase of Russian tourists to the Nha Trang city in recent years and the decline of the European tourists (England, France, Spain, and so on). Thus, future studies should extend the model to have a more comprehensive picture about the cultural differences and cultural conflict in explaining the loyalty destination of European tourists.
Practical implications
Based on the research findings, the paper strongly recommends the city government to build an image of Nha Trang with friendly and hospitable people. Schools, tourism companies, and local authorities should pay attention to education and training to raise public awareness for tourism development and respect for tourists. The local government needs to develop activities to help the city residents become the typical citizen in the eyes of European tourists, contributing to the sustainable development of tourism in the city.
Originality/value
This study explores and tests the different factors of destination quality in explaining European tourists’ satisfaction. The research findings confirm that different dimensions of perceived destination quality are important variables to explain European tourist satisfaction.
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David Gligor, Albert Tan and Thi Nha Trang Nguyen
The purpose of this paper is to identify the obstacles that impede cold chain implementation in developing countries.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the obstacles that impede cold chain implementation in developing countries.
Design/methodology/approach
A grounded theory methodology was employed to execute this research. Eight semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with senior managers in Vietnam. In addition, consistent with grounded theory guidelines, the authors utilized archival data to facilitate theory development.
Findings
The results of the analysis revealed a total of ten key obstacles: deficient professional skills, lack of quality and safety-control measures, high concentration of intermediaries, poor infrastructure, lack of information systems, high cost of installation and operation, inadequate education and training at farmer level, deficiency of standardization, lack of government support for local businesses and social norms.
Originality/value
Although many authors have recognized the enormity of food wastage and limited employment of cold chain in developing countries compared to developed countries, few efforts have been made to explore the reasons for the limited use of cold chains in developing countries. There are several noteworthy theoretical and managerial contributions that emerged from addressing this gap.
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Phuc Hong Luu, Michael P Dunne, Warwick Pearse and Belinda Davies
In order to improve the safety of seafood in the domestic seafood distribution chains (DSDCs) in Vietnam, a better understanding of current hygiene and practices compliance with…
Abstract
Purpose
In order to improve the safety of seafood in the domestic seafood distribution chains (DSDCs) in Vietnam, a better understanding of current hygiene and practices compliance with government regulations is needed. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
Infrastructure conditions and documents related to hygiene procedures of 50 trading places were evaluated using checklists. The hygiene handling practices of 135 fish distributors were also observed by using notational analysis methods. This notational analysis method focused on actions related to microbiological contamination in terms of hand washing or glove changing and the cleaning and sanitising of tools and equipment. Additionally, microbiological quality of 135 samples of raw finfish at points along distribution chains was compared with national standards.
Findings
The results indicated that all trading places could be classified as non-compliant or seriously non-compliant with the regulations. The practices of fish distributors were also assessed to be at high risk for contamination of raw fish. The findings showed that approximately 42 and 39 per cent of samples from fishing ports and fish markets, respectively were classified as unacceptable according to the microbiological standards of Vietnam.
Research limitations/implications
The present study is limited to research only from fish landing at fishing ports to the distribution to consumers at retail markets.
Originality/value
Recommendations for improving food safety in the DSDCs in Vietnam have been developed from the findings of this study and are provided. However, due to similarities with fish distribution chains in other countries, these recommendations may have broader application.
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Dao Truc Thi Vo, Malik Abu Afifa, Duong Van Bui, Hien Vo Van and Nha Nguyen
This paper aims to examine the nexus among cloud-based accounting (CBA), employee job performance (EJP) and operational performance (OPP) in the circumstances of Vietnam, an…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the nexus among cloud-based accounting (CBA), employee job performance (EJP) and operational performance (OPP) in the circumstances of Vietnam, an emerging nation. In which the authors examine EJP as a mediator variable inside the research model. Furthermore, the employee digital skills (EDS) factor is examined as a moderating variable for the CBA-EJP nexus and the CBA-OPP nexus, respectively.
Design/methodology/approach
The study’s sample was acquired through extensive screening methods. This study used email surveys to acquire data. The survey was sent to 1,200 chief financial officers of Vietnamese firms. For analysis, the ending pattern of 401 e-surveys was used.
Findings
By using partial least squares structural equation modeling, the results imply that the CBA has a favorable effect on EJP and OPP. Furthermore, EJP favorably mediates the linkage between CBA and OPP, whereas EDS play a significant moderator role in the CBA-EJP nexus and CBA-OPP nexus, respectively.
Practical implications
This study highlights the crucial role of human factors (i.e. EDS and EJP) for the internal modern applying behaviors (i.e. CBA) and firm value (i.e. OPP) of firms in emerging markets. Therefore, managers should scrutinize the performance of human factors in an essential interval to improve modern applied behaviors and make them more powerful, thus improving the OPP of their firms. Substantially, firm managers should focus on employing the EDS, which enhances the CBA-EJP nexus and the CBA-OPP nexus, respectively.
Originality/value
This study enlarges the OPP documentation by detailing the beneficial effects of human factors as well as the CBA. Furthermore, the study recognizes the effectiveness of EDS as a moderator variable in the context of developing economies. Finally, this work has been regarded as earlier empirical research that integrates all of the aforementioned components into a single model in emerging economies, particularly Vietnam.
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Thi Van Hoa Tran, Cong Doanh Duong, Thanh Hieu Nguyen, Thi Song Lam Tran and Trong Nghia Vu
The purpose of our study is to examine the direct and mediating effects of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of our study is to examine the direct and mediating effects of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance and sensation seeking (UPPS) impulsivity traits on entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention as well as to test the moderation impact of ADHD symptoms in the link between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and start-up intention.
Design/methodology/approach
The stratified random sampling was approached to recruit the data from 2,566 university students in Vietnam. Cronbach’s alpha and confirmatory factor analysis were used to test the reliability and validity of scales. Then, Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to test direct effects, while PROCESS macro was approached to test moderation and mediation impacts.
Findings
The study found evidence that ADHD symptoms, sensation seeking, lack of premeditation and lack of perseverance are significantly and directly conducive to the formation of entrepreneurial intention. Yet, ADHD symptoms might weaken the link between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention. Entrepreneurial self-efficacy was also found to partially mediate the link between sensation seeking, lack of premeditation, and lack of perseverance and intention to become an entrepreneur.
Practical implications
The findings provide constructive recommendations for policymakers and educators to nurture and foster university students’ entrepreneurial activities as well as to restrain the negative effects of ADHD symptoms on youths.
Social implications
Understanding the impacts of psychiatric symptoms, such as ADHD and UPPS impulsivity, on entrepreneurial activities provide useful insights to individuals with ADHD symptoms, the community and the society to restrain the detrimental impacts of psychological disorder symptoms and consider entrepreneurship as a career choice.
Originality/value
The study is expected to have a significant contribution to psychological entrepreneurship literature by broadening our horizons of the links between psychiatric symptoms and entrepreneurial intentions. Especially, this study reveals that ADHD symptoms and UPPS impulsive traits are significantly correlated with intention to become entrepreneurs and the link between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention become weaker when the degree of ADHD symptoms is high.
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Vinh Van Thai and Devinder Grewal
Ports, as one of the important links between different modes of transport within the logistics chain, have special essence since their efficiency and competitiveness will…
Abstract
Ports, as one of the important links between different modes of transport within the logistics chain, have special essence since their efficiency and competitiveness will certainly have an impact on the chain, and hence the national and regional economy. Vietnam, as a developing country gradually integrating into the regional and global economy, is rationalizing its economic sectors, including transportation. In this environment, ports play a vital role for the purpose of achieving comparative advantages in the international market. However, the Vietnamese port system is burdened with outdated work practices, low efficiency and poor competitiveness compared to other ports in the region. This paper identifies some of the problems in the Vietnamese port system and proposes strategies to address them.
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Tz-Li Wang, Phuong Thi Kim Tran and Vinh Trung Tran
This paper aims to examine the effects of gender and visit frequency as moderating variables on the relationships among destination perceived quality, tourist satisfaction and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the effects of gender and visit frequency as moderating variables on the relationships among destination perceived quality, tourist satisfaction and word-of-mouth (WOM).
Design/methodology/approach
This study incorporated several previous research models to propose a conceptual model that fully explains the relationships among destination perceived quality, tourist satisfaction, visit frequency and WOM. One important thing to consider is whether gender and visit frequency impact on the relationships among these factors. In addition, this study was able to generate measurement items for the dimensions by analyzing specific tourism conditions in Danang City and referring to the scales of these factors in previous studies. Quantitative research was conducted to test the scales of the research model and hypotheses through data collected from 303 domestic tourists.
Findings
Structural equation modeling and a multi-group analysis were used to test the hypotheses and the invariance of structural coefficients across groups. The results indicate that destination perceived quality has significant, positive and direct effect on tourist satisfaction; WOM is positively influenced by destination perceived quality and tourist satisfaction; and there is significant relationship between visit frequency and WOM. In particular, when exploring the impact of moderating variables such as gender and visit frequency, this study also found that the impacts of destination perceived quality on WOM are different between genders, and this impact is stronger for female rather than male tourists; and the effect of destination perceived quality on tourist satisfaction is stronger for the first visit than for later visits.
Research limitations/implications
This paper is limited in its ability to gather a larger sample to more generally represent the complete domestic market, as well as in its lack of a comparison of online versus offline WOM effects by gender.
Originality/value
This paper was conducted to have a better understanding of how tourist demographic characteristics such as gender and visit frequency are important contributors that influence the relationships among these three factors. This paper has important implications for marketers and managers of Danang, such as local tourism authorities, commercial association managers, hotel owners, restaurant owners and tour managers working to improve the quality of this destination, and thus better satisfying tourists and competing with other destinations.