Paul Owusu Takyi, Constance Sorkpor and Grace Nkansa Asante
The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of mobile money on savings and saving practices among individuals in Ghana.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of mobile money on savings and saving practices among individuals in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
Employing an instrumental variable (IV) estimation technique, comprehensive data from the Financial Inclusion Insight (FII) Survey is used, implemented by InterMedia company and conducted from December 2014 to January 2015 in Ghana.
Findings
It is found that mobile money use generally increases savings and saving behavior among individuals in Ghana. In particular, our results show that mobile money use increases the probability of individuals saving for business startup or business expansion, child's education and emergencies. Also, for the heterogeneous effects of mobile money use on saving practices, strong evidence that the use of mobile money is more pronounced in rural areas than in urban centers is found.
Originality/value
To the best of our knowledge, no empirical study has been done on Ghana to extensively examine how mobile money affects various saving practices in Ghana as it is done in this paper. The paper highlights the need for ongoing enhancement of financial inclusion in rural areas by the government of Ghana and other stakeholders to boost savings among rural folks, while not neglecting that in urban areas. Generally, the findings for this paper support the use of mobile money as a tool for enhancing the financial inclusion agenda by policymakers in Ghana and many other countries around the world.
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Chandra Shekhar Pandey, Shri Ram Pandey, Patanjali Mishra and Shweta Pandey
The purpose of the study was to develop and validate a scale for measuring epistemic trust in open educational resources (OERs).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study was to develop and validate a scale for measuring epistemic trust in open educational resources (OERs).
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed methods approach was employed, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The scale development involved several stages, including various iterations of exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).
Findings
The study resulted in a valid and reliable nine-factor scale for measuring epistemic trust in OERs. These factors are reliability and credibility of information, source competence and expertise, goodwill and intentions of the source, transparency and openness, consistency and stability, accessibility and usability, peer and social validation, engagement and interaction and ethical and moral integrity. The CFA confirmed the nine-factor structure and showed good model fit. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the dimensions ranged from 0.668 to 0.823, indicating acceptable to excellent internal consistency. Extracted (AVE) value for each factor indicates the strong convergent validity of the scale.
Research limitations/implications
The study’s focus is on measuring epistemic trust of university students in OERs.
Practical implications
By providing a reliable and valid instrument to measure epistemic trust in OERs, the study provides a practical approach for OER creation, curation and use.
Social implications
The study proposes a framework for combating misinformation by providing a scale to assess the epistemic trust in OERs.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to develop a comprehensive scale specifically designed to measure epistemic trust in OERs.
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Samuel Nii Boi Attuquayefio, David Aboagye-Darko and Amanda Quist Okronipa
Through the lens of the information systems success model, self-determination theory, and TAM2, this study proposes and tests an integrative model to investigate students’…
Abstract
Purpose
Through the lens of the information systems success model, self-determination theory, and TAM2, this study proposes and tests an integrative model to investigate students’ satisfaction with the use of e-learning systems in higher education institutions in a developing country context.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a quantitative approach. Based on data collected from a sample of 185 students, the study used partial least squares-structural equation modeling to investigate and test the model’s hypothesized relationships.
Findings
This study revealed that gamification significantly influences behavioral intention and learning engagement. Also, our study suggests that behavioral intention significantly influences learning engagement and students’ actual use of e-learning systems. In addition, our study revealed that learning engagement significantly influences students’ satisfaction.
Originality/value
This study contributes theoretically and practically by proposing an integrative model to investigate the antecedents to students’ satisfaction in the context of developing countries. In addition, this study extends the research stream of gamification and perceived security within the e-learning context in developing countries.
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This research article aims to systematically explore the association between digitalisation and individual investors’ behavioural biases. Through an extensive exploration of…
Abstract
Purpose
This research article aims to systematically explore the association between digitalisation and individual investors’ behavioural biases. Through an extensive exploration of digitalisation modes and their various serviceable avenues in the investment arena, the study aims to elucidate the impact of behavioural biases on individual investors’ investment decision-making processes.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to gain insights into behavioural finance and the associated behavioural biases of investors in digitalisation. IPA, a qualitative method grounded in heuristic, phenomenological, and idiographic elements, facilitates the exploration of individual investor experiences and the role of digitalisation and behavioural biases within.
Findings
Investors are categorised into two groups – decision seekers and decision makers – based on their digital inclination and the purpose behind using digital tools. The attributes of these segments are detailed under the sub-themes of Digital Inclination, Market Cognizance, Sophistication and Maturity, Sophomorism and Perception of Digitalisation. The study also identifies the specific behavioural biases pertinent to each segment. Additionally, it introduces a novel section on the insights related to human emotions, behaviour and sentiment within financial markets.
Originality/value
The essence of the current article is the application of the IPA method to the field of behavioural finance. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt of its kind which provides a methodical and comprehensive understanding of both, digitalisation and behavioural biases that affect the individual investor’s decision-making. It offers valuable insights for researchers, academicians and scholars in behavioural finance, enhancing the understanding of how behavioural biases influence investment decisions.
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Peng Zhou, Yue Gai and Chaowei Wang
This study conducts a systematic literature review on the determination of urban land value to offer a comprehensive understanding of the methods, datasets, themes and factors of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study conducts a systematic literature review on the determination of urban land value to offer a comprehensive understanding of the methods, datasets, themes and factors of land value. The study aims to identify research gaps and suggest directions for future research in urban land value.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts the systematic literature review (SLR) approach to synthesize the literature on urban land value. The SLR is structured according to a three-stage protocol, involving planning, conducting and reporting to ensure transparency and reproducibility. Quantitative bibliometric analysis and qualitative hierarchical thematic analysis are used to assess the evolution of research and to identify key themes and factors.
Findings
The study reveals an unbalanced research focus on developed economies and residential land in urban land value literature. A hierarchical framework categorizes 644 factors into 25 subthemes and 8 themes across physical dimensions (e.g. land attributes and structure attributes) and market dimensions (e.g. land market and macroeconomic conditions). Two primary estimation methods – regression and residual – are identified, each suitable based on data availability. The literature’s evolution is driven by advances in empirical methods. An extensive catalog of databases is compiled, and a corresponding menu of methods is discussed with a focus on empirical identification strategies.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited by the focus on urban land value and the exclusion of agricultural, recreational and transportation land. Future research should expand to other land types and integrate new data sources and advanced methodologies such as machine learning to enhance empirical robustness.
Practical implications
The systematic review provides a foundation for practical applications and policy discussions on land value estimation and taxation. It offers a useful catalog of land value databases and a menu of land evaluation methods. They are useful for real estate businesses to perform accurate land evaluations and investment appraisals. They can also assist governments in determining precise land value for tax assessments and public policy formulation.
Originality/value
This paper is among the first to apply the SLR approach to urban land value – the price of an essential asset owned by households, businesses and governments. A key contribution is the identification of two distinct evolution patterns of literature: a “pine tree” pattern, showing linear, accumulative growth using homogeneous methodologies (e.g. regression methods) and a “palm tree” pattern, where diverse methods (e.g. residual methods) form independent branches. This analysis provides a new perspective on how methodological homogeneity influences the structure of research themes, offering insights into the dynamics of knowledge development in the field and in general.
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Andrew Ebekozien, Clinton Aigbavboa, Mohamed Ahmed Hafez Ahmed, Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan, John Ogbeleakhu Aliu, Matthew Ikuabe and Angeline Ngozika Chibuike Nwaole
Studies have shown that research is a global innovation’s “engine room.” Therefore, young adult-built environment researchers (YABER), especially in developing countries, need…
Abstract
Purpose
Studies have shown that research is a global innovation’s “engine room.” Therefore, young adult-built environment researchers (YABER), especially in developing countries, need research upskilling and reskilling training for better-integrated outcomes. Evidence shows that research training can improve YABER competencies and proficiencies. In Nigeria, YABER may have had some challenges in training needs. There is a lack of extant literature about the issues facing Nigeria’s YABER upskilling and reskilling training needs. Thus, this study investigated the perceived problems facing YABER and proffered measures to improve their training needs in Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
The researchers used participants from Edo State, Abuja and Lagos State, Nigeria. This study adopted a qualitative research approach. The researchers accomplished saturation after 40 virtual interviews and adopted a thematic analysis for the primary data.
Findings
The research shows that the built environment research refines current and creates new knowledge. The built environment researchers (trainers and trainees) need training but face challenges. Findings clustered measures to improve quality research publications in the built environment through YABER training into government/regulatory agencies-related, higher education institutions-related and researcher-related measures.
Originality/value
The developed framework and thematic network analysis could be used to stimulate YABER training needs and, by extension, stir Nigeria’s higher education institutions regulatory agencies to upgrade requirements for academic staffers, especially published articles, to be compulsorily Scopus/Web of Sciences indexed for promotion exercise. This is the global best practice, and Nigerian scholars cannot be in isolation. It will form part of this study’s implication and revitalise UNSDG 4.