Ahmad Reza Roozbehi, Mohammad Zabetian Targhi, Mohammad Mahdi Heyhat and Ala Khatibi
This numerical study aims to investigate the modification of the hexagonal pin fin geometry to enhance both the thermal and hydraulic performance of the copper micropin fin heat…
Abstract
Purpose
This numerical study aims to investigate the modification of the hexagonal pin fin geometry to enhance both the thermal and hydraulic performance of the copper micropin fin heat sink with single-phase water coolant in a laminar regime. The heat sink performance evaluation criteria have been investigated for the parametric effects of vertex angle θ (10–120) and relative length (RL) (0.25–9) of hexagonal pin fins.
Design/methodology/approach
To carry out research and reduce the computational cost, only one heat sink unit is simulated and analyzed using periodic boundary conditions on the side walls and includes a hexagonal pin fin and half channel on both sides to reflect the structural characteristics completely. The governing equations are also solved using finite volume method.
Findings
The results reveal that θ = 60 and RL = 1 yield the optimum thermal performance and heat sink performance is significantly influenced by the vertex angle and RL. The modified hexagon geometry improves fluid flow behavior by reducing the volume of the recirculation region behind the pin fin, preventing its effects on the downstream pin fins and restricting the thermal boundary layer development on its straight side. At Re = 1,000, the modified geometry enhances the average Nusselt number by 24.46% and the thermal performance factor by 23.89%, demonstrating the potential of modified hexagonal pin fins to enhance micropin fin heat sink performance.
Originality/value
Prior studies suggest using the pin fins with a regular hexagonal cross-section to obtain better thermal performance. However, this comes with a higher pressure drop penalty. The modification of the hexagonal pin fin geometry has been investigated in this numerical study to enhance both the thermal and hydraulic performance of the micropin fin heat sink. Because little attention has been paid to the modification of the regular hexagonal pin fins, as a geometry inspired by natural honeycomb structures, its design optimization is relatively scarce, and a gap was felt in this field.
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Ala' Omar Dandis, Mohammad Badi’ Al Haj Eid, Robin Robin and Nathalie Wierdak
The main objective of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting customer lifetime value (CLV) for Internet service providers in Jordan, namely, technical quality…
Abstract
Purpose
The main objective of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting customer lifetime value (CLV) for Internet service providers in Jordan, namely, technical quality, functional quality, brand credibility, confidence benefits, special treatment benefits, customer satisfaction and commitment.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey was conducted involving a sample of 481 respondents. SPSS was used to analyse the data and test the proposed relationships, while SmartPLS was used to examine the robustness of our results.
Findings
Results showed that confidence benefits, special treatment benefits and brand credibility had a significant and positive impact on customer satisfaction and commitment, with brand credibility appearing as the most influential factor leading to customer satisfaction and commitment, and ultimately CLV. Furthermore, research reveals an insignificant relationship between functional quality, technical quality and customer satisfaction.
Practical implications
Services' providers seeking to increase CLV need to build strong and sustainable relationships with their customers.
Originality/value
This study incorporates a set of crucial customer relationship management strategies that could be universally applied to enhance customers benefits and business performance. This is also the first study of its kind conducted in the Middle East, particularly in Jordan.
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Matthias Murawski and Markus Bick
Considering working in the digital age, questions on the consequences for the individual workers are, so far, often neglected. The purpose of this paper is to deal with the…
Abstract
Purpose
Considering working in the digital age, questions on the consequences for the individual workers are, so far, often neglected. The purpose of this paper is to deal with the question of whether the digital competences of the workforce is a research topic. The authors argue for the thesis that it is indeed a research topic.
Design/methodology/approach
In addition to a literature analysis of the top IS, HR, and learning publications, non-scientific sources, as well as the opinions of the authors, are included. The authors’ thesis is challenged through a debate of corresponding pros and cons.
Findings
The definition of digital competences lacks scientific depth. Focussing on the workforce is valid, as a “lifelong” perspective is not mandatory for research. Digital competence research is a multidisciplinary task to which the IS field can make a valuable contribution.
Research limitations/implications
Although relevant references are included, some aspects are mainly driven by the opinions of the authors. The theoretical implications encompass a call for a scientific definition of digital competences. Furthermore, scholars should focus on the competences of the workforce, including occupations, roles, or industries. The authors conclude by providing a first proposal of a research agenda.
Practical implications
The practical implications include the alignment of multiple stakeholders for the design of “digital” curricula and the integration by HR departments of the construct of digital competences, e.g. for compensation matters and job requirements.
Originality/value
This paper is one of very few contributions in the area of the digital competences of the workforce, and it presents a starting point for future research activities.
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Rezarta Sallaku and Vania Vigolo
Drawing on social exchange theory, this study clarifies the roles of authenticity, interactivity and involvement in predicting customer engagement (CE) and, ultimately, customer…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on social exchange theory, this study clarifies the roles of authenticity, interactivity and involvement in predicting customer engagement (CE) and, ultimately, customer loyalty towards an online peer-to-peer accommodation platform. In addition, the study explores the effect of interactivity in increasing authenticity.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through an online questionnaire of a sample of Italian tourists who had previously booked a service on Airbnb. The analyses were conducted by adopting partial least squares structural equation modelling.
Findings
The model has high power in predicting customer loyalty to an online peer-to-peer accommodation platform. Specifically, involvement is the primary predictor of CE and customer loyalty. Authenticity and interactivity also have a significant and positive effect both on CE and customer loyalty. In addition, CE partially mediates the relationship between authenticity, interactivity and involvement and customer loyalty. Finally, interactivity has a significant positive effect on authenticity.
Practical implications
The results encourage hospitality service providers to invest in the creation (and co-creation) of authentic experiences to increase CE and customer loyalty. Hospitality managers can also enhance CE by increasing involvement and interaction with customers through various touchpoints (online and offline) in different moments of the customer journey.
Originality/value
This study proposes an original model to predict customer loyalty to peer-to-peer hospitality platforms. The findings shed new light on the drivers of CE and provide empirical support for the mediating effect of CE. The study also contributes to the literature on authenticity by demonstrating the positive effect of interactivity on authenticity.
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Ahmad S. Haider and Saleh Al-Salman
The study aims to probe into university instructors' reactions to adopting the remote online learning model brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to probe into university instructors' reactions to adopting the remote online learning model brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study investigates the instructors' perspectives, in the humanities and science classes, on the effectiveness of the emergency remote teaching (ERT) compared to face-to-face teaching.
Design/methodology/approach
The data for the study were compiled from the responses of 127 instructors representing two private universities in middle and northern Jordan. The sample included 66 faculty members in the humanities and 61 in the sciences. The instructors' responses were elicited through a Likert-type questionnaire consisting of 20 items.
Findings
The present study's findings have shown that online instruction is becoming more common despite the presence of some major challenges facing instructors. The results showed that the e-learning system seems to better suit the humanities courses compared to the sciences courses. The findings also showed that faculty members in the humanities are more satisfied with the effectiveness of the assessment tools utilized in the online courses than their colleagues in the sciences. In addition, humanities e-courses seem to provide a more interactive learning environment than e-courses in the sciences.
Practical implications
More training for instructors on how to design online course syllabi to ensure effective delivery is needed. Instructors need to develop ways to encourage students to interact in virtual e-classes to the same level as the on-ground classes. Instructors also need to adopt the “blended learning” system as a transitional stage before switching completely to online learning.
Originality/value
Different studies have investigated how COVID-19 has impacted education. The current study brings to light the perspectives of the Jordanian teaching staff on transitioning to ERT during the COVID-19 crisis taking into account the differences between humanities and sciences classes.
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Mohamed Ismail Mohamed Riyath and Uthuma Lebbe Muhammed Rijah
The study investigates the factors that impact the adoption of learning management systems (LMSs) among educators for effective implementation of open and distance learning (ODL…
Abstract
Purpose
The study investigates the factors that impact the adoption of learning management systems (LMSs) among educators for effective implementation of open and distance learning (ODL) environment in advanced technological institutes (ATIs).
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses the extended technology acceptance model (TAM) and analyses data using the partial least square–based structural equation modelling approach to validate the construct and test proposed hypotheses. Data were collected through an online questionnaire from the respondents.
Findings
This study reveals that perceived self-efficacy and job relevance significantly impact perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEU). PU, PEU and service quality significantly impact attitudes of educators, which impact their behavioural intention and actual use of LMS as a chain reaction.
Practical implications
The management should organise hands-on training sessions to improve educators' computer self-efficacy and explain the importance of the LMS and its features to offer an effective ODL environment for delivering high-quality education.
Originality/value
The previous studies focused on LMS use from the students' point of view rather than educators. This study investigates educators' LMS adoption in ATIs using the extended TAM. The findings may be helpful for management to implement an effective ODL environment that offers fully integrated distance learning and e-learning during the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.
Saumyaranjan Sahoo, Junali Sahoo, Satish Kumar, Weng Marc Lim and Nisreen Ameen
Taking a business lens of telehealth, this article aims to review and provide a state-of-the-art overview of telehealth research.
Abstract
Purpose
Taking a business lens of telehealth, this article aims to review and provide a state-of-the-art overview of telehealth research.
Design/methodology/approach
This research conducts a systematic literature review using the scientific procedures and rationales for systematic literature reviews (SPAR-4-SLR) protocol and a collection of bibliometric analytical techniques (i.e. performance analysis, keyword co-occurrence, keyword clustering and content analysis).
Findings
Using performance analysis, this article unpacks the publication trend and the top contributing journals, authors, institutions and regions of telehealth research. Using keyword co-occurrence and keyword clustering, this article reveals 10 major themes underpinning the intellectual structure of telehealth research: design and development of personal health record systems, health information technology (HIT) for public health management, perceived service quality among mobile health (m-health) users, paradoxes of virtual care versus in-person visits, Internet of things (IoT) in healthcare, guidelines for e-health practices and services, telemonitoring of life-threatening diseases, change management strategy for telehealth adoption, knowledge management of innovations in telehealth and technology management of telemedicine services. The article proposes directions for future research that can enrich our understanding of telehealth services.
Originality/value
This article offers a seminal state-of-the-art overview of the performance and intellectual structure of telehealth research from a business perspective.
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C. Clifford Defee, Brent Williams, Wesley S. Randall and Rodney Thomas
Theory is needed for a discipline to mature. This research aims to provide a summary analysis of the theories being used in contemporary logistics and supply chain management…
Abstract
Purpose
Theory is needed for a discipline to mature. This research aims to provide a summary analysis of the theories being used in contemporary logistics and supply chain management (SCM) studies.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive literature review of articles appearing in five top tier logistics and SCM journals is conducted in order to identify how often theory is used and to classify the specific theories used. An analysis of the theoretical categories is presented to explain the type and frequency of theory usage.
Findings
Over 180 specific theories were found within the sampled articles. Theories grouped under the competitive and microeconomics categories made up over 40 per cent of the theoretical incidences. This does not imply all articles utilize theory. The research found that theory was explicitly used in approximately 53 per cent of the sampled articles.
Practical implications
Two implications are central. First, in the minds of editors, reviewers and authors is approximately 53 per cent theory use enough? Literature suggests there continues to be a need for theory‐based research in the discipline. A first step may be to increase our theory use, and to clearly describe the theory being used. Second, the vast majority of theories used in recent logistics and SCM research originated in other disciplines. Growth in the discipline dictates the need for greater internal theory development.
Originality/value
Despite multiple calls for the use of theory in logistics and SCM, little formal research has been produced examining the actual theories being used. This research provides an in‐depth review and analysis of the use of theory in logistics and SCM research during the period 2004‐2009.