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1 – 10 of 441Mathew Moyo and Siviwe Bangani
The aim of this study was to determine data literacy (DL) training needs of researchers at South African public universities. The outcome of this study would assist librarians and…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to determine data literacy (DL) training needs of researchers at South African public universities. The outcome of this study would assist librarians and researchers in developing a DL training programme which addressed identified needs.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey research method was used to gather data from researchers at these universities by convenience. Online questionnaires were distributed to public universities through library directors for further distribution to researchers.
Findings
The results indicate low levels of DL training at the respondent South African public universities with most researchers indicating that they had not received any formal training on DL. A few researchers indicated that they would welcome DL training.
Research limitations/implications
This study was exploratory in nature and data was received from eight universities, which is not representative of all the 26 public universities in South Africa. Nonetheless, the low DL confirmed by the majority in the realised sample is indicative of the need to further investigate the subject.
Practical implications
Librarians and research support personnel should collaborate on the development of DL training courses, workshops and materials used by researchers at institutions of higher learning to enhance DLs on campus.
Originality/value
This study may be novel in South Africa in investigating the DL training needs of researchers at several universities and contributes to the growing body of literature on research data management
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Thowayeb Hassan and Mahmoud Ibraheam Saleh
While past research has begun exploring digital-free tourism, tourism digital detox and their benefits, no study to date has comprehensively mapped trends, findings and…
Abstract
Purpose
While past research has begun exploring digital-free tourism, tourism digital detox and their benefits, no study to date has comprehensively mapped trends, findings and limitations across this growing body of literature. This study aims to conduct the first bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review to address this gap.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilized a mixed methodology of bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review. Structured search strings were applied to databases to identify relevant papers, which were screened according to inclusion criteria. Bibliometric analysis of included papers was performed using Bibliometrix, an R package enabling network visualization, statistical tests and science mapping. This allowed the identification of significant topics, theories, methods, citations and publication trends over time.
Findings
The results clearly show that factors previously lacking attention in past tourism research, such as the interplay between online and offline experiences during travel, are emerging as important determinants of travelers' well-being. This study outlines the current state of scholarship on managing technology's impacts on travelers' psychological and social needs. Specifically, we found limited research integrating how digital detox tools shape pre-trip planning, on-site activities and post-trip sharing of travel experiences.
Originality/value
This is the first study to comprehensively map trends and findings in digital-free tourism and tourism digital detox research using a blended bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review methodology. It offers vital direction toward strengthening theoretical understanding and supporting balanced connectivity and fulfillment for all tourists going forward. By addressing limitations, this research approach helps develop this area of scholarship in a unified manner.
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Home is a place/system/product that becomes increasingly occupied with various tasks used to be performed in workplaces. However, the knowledge of the relationship between…
Abstract
Purpose
Home is a place/system/product that becomes increasingly occupied with various tasks used to be performed in workplaces. However, the knowledge of the relationship between residential physical environments and occupant experience is limited, especially when considering the effect of indoor plants (IPs) and climate zones. To address the gap, this study conducted a questionnaire survey in three cities across different regions in China.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on User Experience and Customer Satisfaction Index theory, following the research paradigm, a total of 627 valid samples were collected and analyzed in a stepwise statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics, reliability and validity test, correlation test and region comparison, then the model of PROCESS was adopted to examine the hypotheses that are given based on the former studies.
Findings
The results showed that residential physical environments have a significant effect on occupant satisfaction (OS) in all regions, as well as OS on occupant performance. However, regional differences were found that OS is a complete mediator in the Middle region, while a partial mediator in the North and South. A slight moderating effect of IPs was also found in the region of South. Nevertheless, both the number of plants and plant types have a significant moderating effect on the mechanism.
Originality/value
Besides combining two theories and confirming the mechanism in the residential physical environment, it is also the first study to consider the moderating effects of IPs and climate zones, providing potential empirical support for not only design and management stages but also facing global challenges of working at home and climate changes.
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Zainab Ahmadi, Mahdi Salehi and Mahmoud Rahmani
This study aims to analyze the relationship between economic complexity (EC) and the green economy (GE) with the real and accrual earnings management (REM and AEM) of the listed…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyze the relationship between economic complexity (EC) and the green economy (GE) with the real and accrual earnings management (REM and AEM) of the listed companies on the Iranian stock exchange. The authors study whether EC and the GE can affect REM and AEM.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used a multiple regression model based on the panel data and a fixed effect model to test hypotheses. The sample includes 1,351 companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange from 2014 to 2021.
Findings
The results show a positive and significant relationship between EC and the GE with REM and AEM.
Originality/value
Considering the importance of a GE and since this research is the first to address the mentioned topic in emerging markets, it provides helpful insights for financial statement users, analysts and legal entities. Our study fills the literature gap and promotes knowledge regarding its relevant literature. Examining this relationship portrays the latest research perspectives in this field. The information from this study can assist in environmental management decision-making and relevant policymaking, promoting the movement toward sustainable development.
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This study analyzes the indirect (i.e. through brand content engagement-BCE) and direct effects of informative, credible, novel, and aesthetically pleasing attributes of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study analyzes the indirect (i.e. through brand content engagement-BCE) and direct effects of informative, credible, novel, and aesthetically pleasing attributes of influencer-generated branded content on endorsed brand-related attitude and a subsequent attitudinal spillover effect on the followers' firm-generated endorsed brand-related ad click behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
Data for this study were collected from 300 users who follow the top 40 Pakistani social media macro-influencers using an online survey. The conceptual model and hypotheses were tested through process macro and structural equation modeling.
Findings
This study finds informative, credible, novel, and aesthetically pleasing factors vital attributes of influencer-generated branded content, which indirectly (i.e. via BCE) and directly affects followers’ endorsed brand-related attitude. This study also finds that these factors have a positive attitudinal spillover effect on followers’ firm-generated endorsed brand-related ad-click behavior on social media.
Practical implications
This study presents guidelines to firms and their partner influencers about designing and implementing follower-valued content-driven influencer marketing campaigns.
Originality/value
This study contributes to extant influencer marketing literature by integrating multiple attributes of influencer-generated branded content, which carry different values for followers, and using the Self-perception theory, the Multi-attribute attitude model, and the Spillover theory to explain their indirect and direct effects on endorsed brand-related attitude and a subsequent attitudinal spillover effect on firm-generated endorsed brand-related ads.
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Ayda Rastiemadabadi, Joaquín Sabaté Bel and Melisa Pesoa Marcilla
This study aims to explore the relationship between contemporary cities and traditional urban forms. The central focus lies in identifying the key factors that facilitate the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the relationship between contemporary cities and traditional urban forms. The central focus lies in identifying the key factors that facilitate the harmonious coexistence of these contrasting sides of the city.
Design/methodology/approach
This study takes Iranian bazaars as exemplars of traditional urban forms. To assess their current status, a comprehensive examination of their general evolution is conducted, tracing the transition of these urban complexes up to the present day. Subsequently, morphological analysis and exploration of spatial arrangements across numerous cases are employed to unveil the factors contributing to their disappearance or adaptation within the framework of Iran’s contemporary urban era.
Findings
The evolution process of the Iranian bazaar shows that the encounter between traditional bazaars and modernity occurred swiftly and blindly, resulting in adverse effects on traditional urban forms, notably bazaars. In recent years, contemporary urban planning has undertaken corrective measures, adopting a more nuanced approach. This shift significantly strides in restoring the symbiotic relationship between cities and their traditional bazaars. Morphologically, certain bazaars have preserved their vitality in contemporary cities through their natural development patterns, adept integration with new urban textures and the implementation of ingenious adaptive strategies.
Originality/value
This study employs a comprehensive and equitable approach to examining a distinct category of traditional urban forms. It initiates the inquiry by meticulously considering historical continuity in conjunction with detailed contemporary circumstances, subsequently scrutinising their losses, damages and developmental aspects. An extensive collection of cases is assembled and subjected to a consistent analytical framework for comparative evaluation to obtain the most accurate result. Consequently, the outcomes of this research may help the present urban planners engaged in projects concerning the restoration, preservation, revitalisation and development of traditional urban forms.
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The purpose of this study is to enable the planning of construction projects with simultaneous consideration of time, cost and safety risks. It also aims to improve the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to enable the planning of construction projects with simultaneous consideration of time, cost and safety risks. It also aims to improve the decision-making process by evaluating the effectiveness of the Rao-2 algorithm in solving multi-objective time-cost-safety risk problems. In the end, this model is designed to support project managers in enhancing management approaches by addressing project challenges and constraints more efficiently.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the Rao-2 algorithm, along with Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) and Whale Optimization algorithm (WOA), were improved using the crowding distance-based non-dominated sorting method. Rao-2 was first compared to GWO and WOA. Subsequently, it was compared with well-established algorithms in the literature, including genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and differential evolution (DE). The C-metric, hypervolume and spread metrics were employed for performance measurement. The performance of the algorithms was evaluated on four case studies consisting of 11, 13, 18 and 25 activities.
Findings
The results revealed that Rao-2 performs better than other algorithms as the number of activities increases, when compared using the Hypervolume, Spread and C-metric measures. In terms of performance measures, the GWO algorithm outperformed Rao-2 in some evaluation metrics for the instance involving 11 activities. However, as the number of activities grew, the Rao-2 method consistently generated higher-quality Pareto fronts and outperformed GWO and WOA in all evaluation metrics. The solutions generated by Rao-2 were also superior to those obtained from GA, PSO and DE in all case studies, further demonstrating the capability of our framework to produce a wide range of optimal solutions with high diversity across different case studies.
Originality/value
This research demonstrates that Rao-2 not only improves solution quality when generating Pareto fronts but also achieves better results with fewer function evaluations compared to GA, PSO and DE. The algorithm's efficiency makes it particularly well-suited for optimizing time, cost and safety risks in large-scale construction projects, which in turn positions Rao-2 as a better choice for such projects by producing superior results compared to other algorithms. By providing high-quality solutions with reduced computational demands, Rao-2 offers a faster and more resource-efficient tool for decision-making, contributing to advancements in both the theory and practice of construction project management.
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Sandra Castro-González, Belén Bande and Pilar Fernández-Ferrín
Few studies have explained how and when consumers are willing to engage in online brand-related activities (COBRAs). This study examines the role of brand love in a consumer’s…
Abstract
Purpose
Few studies have explained how and when consumers are willing to engage in online brand-related activities (COBRAs). This study examines the role of brand love in a consumer’s decision to engage in online brand-related activities, considering the mediating effect of attitudinal brand engagement and the moderating effect of brand value on this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
The study analysed data from 404 Spanish consumers using structural equation modelling and the PROCESS package in SPSS to test hypotheses, including mediation and moderation effects.
Findings
The study expands on previous research by revealing the mediating role of brand attitudinal engagement in the relationship between brand love and COBRAs and the moderating role of brand value in the relationship between brand engagement and COBRAs. The results show that online consumers who feel brand love from an online store are likelier to be engaged with the brand. This predisposes them to comment on, share, and create content related to the company or brand. Furthermore, consumers who attribute a high value to the brand are likelier to engage in brand-related online activities.
Originality/value
This study offers valuable insights into mechanisms to encourage consumers to generate content, known as user-generated content, to the extent that the tools for developing this content are the same.
研究目的
至今, 很少研究嘗試去探討消費者為何或於何時會樂意去參與與品牌相關的在線活動。本研究擬探討品牌摯愛對消費者會否決定參與與品牌相關的在線活動所扮演的角色; 研究方法是透過分析態度品牌參與的中介效應和品牌價值在上述品牌摯愛與參與在線活動之間的關聯上所起的調節效果,以求達至研究目的。
研究設計/方法/理念
研究人員收集來自404名西班牙消費者的數據,並以結構方程模型和SPSS裏的模組PROCESS,去檢測有關的假設,包括就中介效應和調節效果的假設。
研究結果
研究揭示了態度品牌參與在品牌摯愛與COBRAs 之間的關聯上所扮演的中介角色,研究亦揭示了品牌價值在品牌參與與COBRAs之間的關聯上所扮演的調節角色; 就此而言, 本研究拓展了從前學者探討有關的領域。再者,研究結果顯示,如果消費者從網上商店產生品牌愛慕的話,他們會投入這個品牌; 這使他們更有可能去評價有關的公司和品牌,以及去分享和創建關於公司和品牌的內容; 而且,若消費者視品牌本身擁有高度價值的話,他們會更易於參與與品牌相關的在線活動。
研究的原創性
本研究提供了寶貴的啟示,使我們更了解驅使消費者去創造內容 (即用戶生成內容) 的機制,以至生成這些內容的工具均儘相同的地步。
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Hani M. Alqahtany and Wadee Ahmed Ghanem Al-Gehlani
The author’s interest in vernacular architecture, over the years, has attracted the author’s attention to three distinctive and similar forms of architecture in faraway regions of…
Abstract
Purpose
The author’s interest in vernacular architecture, over the years, has attracted the author’s attention to three distinctive and similar forms of architecture in faraway regions of the globe. These are; Asir region of Saudi Arabia, The Caucasus including the republic of Georgia, Chechenia, and North Ossetia, and Sichuan region in China. Stone towers dominate the landscape of these remote regions. The similarity of these towers in these far away regions is quite remarkable.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper will introduce these towers in their geographic, social and natural context. Although several studies have been done on these regions, it is the aim of this paper to introduce their architecture in a comparative approach to explore how these remotes corners of the globe with different historical, ethnic and cultural backgrounds developed similar architectural forms in total isolation from each other.
Findings
Architecture is a physical production of different and diverse factors. Geographically, isolated regions with similar natural and social factors, mountainous landscape, tribally-based, agrarian societies, produces similar architectural forms.
Originality/value
This paper is a clear testimony to the human nature and how people think, react and build, under similar conditions. Architecture becomes a manifestation of human oneness, unity, believes and behaviour.
Kyriakos Riskos, Paraskevi Dekoulou, Leonidas Hatzithomas and Ioanna Papasolomou
Fierce competition among over-the-top (OTT) platforms has rendered branding a precondition for consumer appeal. This study proposes a new structural equation model for OTT brands…
Abstract
Purpose
Fierce competition among over-the-top (OTT) platforms has rendered branding a precondition for consumer appeal. This study proposes a new structural equation model for OTT brands, especially Netflix, where hedonic and eudaimonic entertainment motives function as facilitators of consumer brand engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey was conducted. Structural Equation Modeling was used to build the model and test for various direct, mediation, and moderation effects.
Findings
The results suggest a multiple mediation model in which the relationship between the two types of entertainment and intention to use Netflix is sequentially mediated by consumer attention and consumer brand engagement. Moreover, this study confirms that female consumers, compared to male consumers, exhibit higher levels of consumer brand engagement when motivated by hedonic entertainment.
Originality/value
This is the first study to present a novel structural model for the content consumption of OTT brands and test the role of the two types of entertainment in the intention to use Netflix.
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