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The COVID-19 pandemic compelled educational institutions to shift from classroom interactions to electronic learning (e-learning). This study uses eTAM with usability dimensions to examine the use of e-learning for core academic activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Leveraging the switching value framework, it investigates students’ preference for extending the use of e-learning to extracurricular activities post-pandemic. The study also integrates eTAM and the switching value framework to conceptualize students’ e-learning usage behavior in a synchronous learning environment.

Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed research framework using a cross-sectional design. Data were collected through a survey conducted at two premier management institutes with broad national representation in India.

The result revealed that emotional cost had a more significant impact on perceived switching value compared to learning, sunk and reduced performance costs. Also, perceived switching value had a stronger influence on e-learning than the eTAM factors. Interestingly, learning support negatively influenced perceived ease of use and usefulness.

The study provides evidence that while eTAM largely explains e-learning usage during the pandemic, perceived switching value significantly influences its extended use post-pandemic. Our study challenges the belief that eTAM factors influence the continuous use of e-learning post-pandemic. The study insights can guide educational institutions, educators and policymakers in expanding the application of e-learning beyond the pandemic.

This paper is an empirical investigation of the effect of knowledge, skills and entrepreneur competencies on the performance of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) operating in Upper Sindh, Pakistan.

The data were collected from owners/managers of MSMEs operating in major cities of Upper Sindh. A total of 1,100 respondents were identified through snowball and social contacts tools. A total of 316 respondents permitted researchers to visit their firms and collecting data from them by a survey questionnaire.

The findings shows that entrepreneurial skills and networking have a positive and significant effect on entrepreneurial competency. Then, entrepreneurial skills, networking and entrepreneurial competency have a positive effect on enterprise performance. The findings show a significant mediation effect of entrepreneurial competency on the relationships between entrepreneurial skills and networking and enterprise performance.

This paper provides useful conclusion in understanding the entrepreneur’s characteristics and their impact on performance MSMEs, which is crucial for promoting entrepreneurial activities and for enhancing socio-economic conditions among low-income households located in Upper Sindh, Pakistan. The government must make preparation in organizing trade fairs, seminars and road shows on certain services/ products to which MSMEs’ entrepreneurs, consumers and suppliers might be invited to ease their connections.

The purpose of this paper is to present a quantified model for influential factors in the collaboration process in Building Information Modelling (BIM). BIM-based Construction Networks (BbCNs), which comprise teams of specialist organisations engaged to execute BIM-related activities, have become the centrepiece of collaboration in construction projects. In BbCNs, however, a lack of effective collaboration among teams remains a major barrier to receiving the full benefits of BIM. Despite this importance, the role of influential factors in collaboration in BbCNs has remained somewhat esoteric in nature in various previous studies, in which the present study attempts to address this gap.

To develop the quantified model for collaboration in BbCNs, primary empirical data was collected from a questionnaire survey of BIM experts in the construction industry. This data was subsequently analysed through the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) technique using SmartPLS software as a viable and robust package for PLS-SEM analysis.

Quantification of associations to collaboration in BbCNs reveals that unlike the common beliefs espoused in previous studies on collaboration in BbCNs, the lack of BIM-related tools and technologies is no longer the key concern of effective collaboration in BbCNs. Instead, ethical and managerial factors including “ethical approaches”, “liabilities” and “BIM manager role” were found to be in need of more attention for effective collaboration in BbCNs.

Through presenting the first quantified model for collaboration in BbCNs, findings provide a point of reference for practitioners for coaching and managing teams. So too, the findings can be translated into a set of guiding principles for the world of practice for enhancing collaboration in BbCNs.

This paper makes a significant contribution to the field by quantifying the factors that impact collaboration within BbCNs settings. It meticulously assesses the degree of influence wielded by these factors and provides empirical numerical evidence to demonstrate that the lack of BIM tools and software is comparatively less concerning in fostering collaboration within BbCNs when contrasted with human-related factors. This original contribution surpasses prior qualitative evaluations by introducing a systematic framework for ranking and comparing other influential factors, thereby advancing relevant theoretical constructs into the realm of quantitative analysis.

The increasing popularity of live-streaming commerce has provided a new opportunity for e-retailers to boost sales. This study integrated signaling theory and social exchange theory to investigate how streamer- and product-centered signals influence customers’ likelihood of making an impulsive purchase in the live-streaming commerce context.

An online survey was designed and distributed to the target respondents in China using purposive sampling. A total of 735 valid responses were analyzed with partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Both streamer-centered signals, i.e. streamer credibility and streamer interaction quality, were discovered to significantly influence product-centered signal, i.e. product information quality. Additionally, streamer interaction quality was found to have a significant impact on streamer credibility. Furthermore, it was observed that customer engagement played a significant mediating role in the relationship between product information quality and impulsive buying tendency. Moreover, the paths between product information quality and customer engagement, as well as the connection between engagement and impulsive buying tendency, were found to be moderated by guanxi orientation.

Despite the prevalence of impulsive purchases in live-streaming commerce, few studies have empirically investigated the impact of streamer and product signals on influencing customers’ impulsive purchase decisions. Consequently, to the best of our knowledge, this study distinguishes itself by offering empirical insights into how streamers use reciprocating relationship mechanisms to communicate signals that facilitate impulsive purchase decisions.

This study delves into the multifaceted landscape of online advertising, focusing specifically on the customer perceptions of advertisements from prominent e-commerce platforms, AJIO and Myntra. With a sample size of 137 participants, the research employs robust statistical techniques, including simple percentage analysis and chi-square, to unravel insights embedded within the collected data.

Exploring how customers perceive online advertisements, particularly those originating from AJIO and Myntra, and how these perceptions shape their purchasing decisions, the study underscores the importance of transparent and accurate representation of products and services in online ads to foster trust and confidence among consumers. The study provides insights specifically relevant to AJIO and Myntra customers.

This research adds to the existing understanding of online advertising, presenting insights that hold significance for both advertisers and consumers navigating this complex landscape. With the digital domain continuing its rapid evolution, this study serves as a valuable resource, aiding in comprehending.

This review paper examines the germaneness of libraries in sustaining information technology services, rethinking towards implementing futuristic strategies and the significant sustainability factors related to information technology (IT) services, identifying gaps in the existing studies and suggesting future areas of research work.

The study adopted a systematic literature review (SLR), in which 81 articles were identified and utilised for the paper. The inclusion and exclusion research design was used for the study.

The role of libraries in sustaining information technology services is increasingly crucial as they evolve into dynamic IT hubs, addressing the growing digital needs of users. This transformation involves integrating advanced technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning to enhance access and usability of information. Libraries support academic research and education by offering extensive digital archives and research databases, thereby fostering innovation and learning. They also play a vital role in community engagement by providing digital literacy programs and IT training, thus bridging the digital divide. Embracing sustainable IT practices and adapting to technological advancements ensure that libraries remain relevant and effective. However, these initiatives require significant investment in infrastructure and continuous staff training. The results highlight the complexity of maintaining sustainable library IT services and support an active, cooperative, and user-centred strategy.

Despite the importance of libraries in providing IT services, there is a lack of research on the germaneness of libraries in sustaining IT services (DSpace, 2022). The number of research publications on these topics has grown since the late 1990s and is increasing. However, contrary to the vast number of research publications, there are few literature reviews on libraries’ sustainability and information technology. Moreover, little is known about the germaneness of libraries in sustaining IT services.

Libraries’ roles in sustaining IT services and implementing futuristic strategies underscore their evolving importance in contemporary society. Libraries are not just centres of learning but are integral to community development, technological advancement and social inclusion. Rethinking and innovating their approach to IT services, libraries continue to serve as vital hubs of development and engagement, significantly benefiting communities worldwide. Furthermore, by addressing a significant research issue, creating creative solutions, stressing teamwork and supporting an all-encompassing strategy for maintaining library IT services. It is a stimulant for more study and cooperative initiatives to achieve sustainable library and information science development.

This paper aims to provide conceptual clarity on the different approaches of place branding in the literature. It discusses three main approaches and provides a new definition of place brands that acknowledges the full multi-sensory experience of place brands. This paper also elaborates brand management within the three approaches.

Conceptual paper

This study identifies three co-existing approaches of place branding and provides a definition of place brands for each of them. The first approach conceptualises place brands as symbolic constructs that identify and differentiate places from others. Brand symbols such as logos and slogans are central, assuming that brand meaning resides in them. The second approach views place brands as images and associations in the minds of target groups, whereby brands reside in individuals’ minds (the cognitive). This paper aligns with a third approach that views place brands as experiential, multi-sensory constructs. Brands invite not only mental representations in people’s minds but especially also multi-sensory embodied experiences. The authors thus define place brands as marketing systems that consist of dynamic performative assemblages of symbolic, discursive, institutional and material elements that selectively invite certain multi-sensory and embodied experiences of place by stakeholders and target groups.

This paper contributes to conceptual clarity by providing an analytical framework identifying three main approaches to place branding. The authors further reflect on the implications of each approach for brand management. This paper also builds on recent literatures to provide a new and contemporary definition of place brands as multi-sensory experiences that encompasses embodiment.

This study aims to identify the driving factors that influence blockchain technology adoption in the context of a supply chain (SC), considering three dimensions: technology, transactions and collaboration.

An integrative systematic literature review of previous studies was conducted. Using three main dimensions: technology, transactions and SC collaboration, supported by the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, transaction cost economics (TCE) and concepts of SC collaboration, the authors categorized factors that contributed to blockchain technology in SC in the extant literature and proposed a theoretical model that covers these three dimensions.

The findings reveal that the information sharing category – related to the SC collaboration dimension – is the category with the greatest number of motivating factors for blockchain adoption in the SC context, followed by performance expectancy and behavioral uncertainty.

The review considers papers published until 2021 obtained from a specific database.

This study focuses on filling the research gap concerning technology adoption as it considers the interconnection formed by two organizations, interorganizational transactions and SC collaboration, using complementary theories to explain the phenomenon.

Through the theoretical lens of social practice theory, the aim of this research is to investigate how business-to-business (B2B) high-tech startups build their brands in an omni-digital environment, particularly by focusing on the most important digital touchpoints implemented to interact with stakeholders.

A qualitative analysis was performed by conducting 36 semi-structured interviews with key informants operating in B2B high-tech startups, including founders, CEOs, managing directors, marketing managers and other actors from this sector.

The results reveal the enablers, inhibitors and specific objectives of startups in their brand-building processes across digital touchpoints in an omni-digital environment.

This study offers new theoretical insights into new ventures’ brand management strategies through the development of a theoretical framework in which the enablers, inhibitors and specific objectives of the brand-building process of startups are identified. Although the recent literature has addressed the topic of startup brand building, this is the first study, to the authors’ knowledge, focused on the brand-building process of B2B high-tech startups in an omni-digital environment.

This study aims to identify and map the problems of participatory processes in policymaking through a Service Design approach.

First, 50 semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in the field of citizen participation. This was followed by a comparative analysis of how backstage and frontstage stakeholders perceived the identified problems. Secondly, a Service Blueprint model was proposed as a means of mapping the identified problems within the broader framework of a service experience of participation. Finally, a brainstorming session was held with the aim of proposing design solutions to the problems from a human-centred perspective.

Fifteen problems of participatory processes in policymaking were identified, and some differences were observed in the perception of these problems between the stakeholders responsible for designing and implementing the participatory processes (backstage stakeholders) and those who are called upon to participate (frontstage stakeholders). The problems were found to occur at different stages of the service and to affect different stakeholders. A number of design actions were proposed to help mitigate these problems from a human-centred approach. These included process improvements, digital opportunities, new technologies and staff training, among others.

Public managers, politicians and designers of participatory processes can use this study to design participatory processes based on the real needs and expectations of the different stakeholders involved.

This research adds to the literature on citizen participation and Service Design by shedding new light on the problems of participatory processes through a human-centred approach.