Namita Jain, Asha Thomas, Vikas Gupta, Mario Ossorio and Daniele Porcheddu
The research aims to measure the effectiveness of collaborative learning exchanges transpired through digital tools and technologies (DT&Ts) employed by the mentor universities…
Abstract
Purpose
The research aims to measure the effectiveness of collaborative learning exchanges transpired through digital tools and technologies (DT&Ts) employed by the mentor universities during the COVID-19 pandemic by conducting an empirical study on undergraduate students in Indian higher educational institutions (HEIs) under the mentorship program based on the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. The pandemic scenario, its impact on the mentor university's social responsibility and the way DT&Ts can assist are investigated in this article.
Design/methodology/approach
The interactions with experts and students were conducted to explore the DT&Ts for learning exchanges. Next, structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to validate the model and perform regression analysis. The quantitative data collection was made through questionnaires during the second deadly wave of COVID-19 that hit India.
Findings
The independent variables (IVs) such as the IT infrastructure support (IT_IS), virtual collaborative tools (VCTs) and future-oriented technologies (FOTs) have a significant impact on the CSR learning outcomes (CSR_LOs) of undergraduate students under the mentorship program. However, IV research instruments for innovation could not make a significant effect.
Research limitations/implications
The IVs IT_IS, VCTs and FOTs influence the CSR_LOs, while RII does not have an influential impact.
Practical implications
As the online learning environment is expected to stay at least in a blended form, adequate CSR funding in infrastructure is necessitated to harness the full potential of this important resource, technology. The results of this empirical investigation affirm that IT_IS, VOTs and FOTs significantly impact CSR_LOs during the crisis. The study findings would encourage the mendtor universities and their stakeholders, including the mentee universities, to evolve and create an ecosystem for effective management of these resources to attain positive outcomes. The study findings can guide the mentor universities in managing uncertainties like pandemics and effectively using the earlier-mentioned critical resources for social responsibility. This research also allows the development of future applications adnd models in mentor-mentee universities for social responsibility, post-pandemic transformation and resilience.
Social implications
The DT&Ts came to the immediate rescue during the pandemic and positively affected collaborative CSR_LOs by the mentor universities, but they have not evolved to a level where offline learning can be replaced entirely. Hence, it can be inferred that a hybrid model is preferable. The study also improves the understanding of how DT&Ts are being harnessed to aid collaborative learning in fulfilling the mentors' CSR in fatal emergencies. The purpose is to equip the education system through mentorship so that universities can sustain, innovate and grow even in trying times. Also, it discusses the dynamics of various DT&Ts for creating a sustainable learning environment and utilizing them to make the teaching prolific and influential.
Originality/value
There is a scarcity of literature regarding the learning outcomes realized through CSR initiatives and collaboration between mentor-mentee institutions. There is a need to understand how these knowledge exchanges continued despite the physical restrictions during the pandemic. In this direction, this study helps to understand how the DT&Ts played a critical role in continuing learning and keeping abreast in a knowledge society from the perspective of resource-based view (RBV) in these precarious situations.
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Raffaele Campo, Daniele Porcheddu, Pierfelice Rosato and Lan Thanh Mai
This research is aimed at exploring how colours impact the taste expectations of beverages, considering three different countries: Italy, Poland and Morocco. Specifically, the…
Abstract
Purpose
This research is aimed at exploring how colours impact the taste expectations of beverages, considering three different countries: Italy, Poland and Morocco. Specifically, the purpose is to analyse how the sensory interaction can affect young consumers and if the cultural aspect affects them in order to draw consumer behaviour implications.
Design/methodology/approach
This is cross-cultural research, structured into two studies. Researchers have administered two questionnaires for each study. Both the questionnaires included 12 questions (three colours – that were red, yellow and orange – × four flavours – that were sweetness, sourness, bitterness and saltiness): participants were asked to express an evaluation on a scale of 1–10 regarding the association between a certain colour of a hypothetical drink and a certain taste. About 150 subjects were involved: 50 Italians, 50 Poles and 50 Moroccans.
Findings
Results highlighted differences between these three national groups. In particular, yellow generated more bitter/salty expectation by Italians (vs Poles) while Poles perceived the red beverage as sweeter and the orange one sourer than Italians. Moreover, yellow and orange beverages inspired sour expectations in Moroccans, compared to Italians.
Originality/value
The comparison between Italy, Poland and Morocco is the most original aspect of this study. Cross-cultural studies are spread in cross-modal research, but this combination is new in literature. In addition, the focus on young consumers and on online environments are further elements of originality.
Valentina Cillo, Elena Borin, Asha Thomas, Anurag Chaturvedi and Francesca Faggioni
This paper aims to investigate the intersection between crowdfunding (CF), open innovation (OI) and responsible innovation (RI) and identify the emerging trends and gaps in…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the intersection between crowdfunding (CF), open innovation (OI) and responsible innovation (RI) and identify the emerging trends and gaps in research and new paths for CF research in the future. In addition, this paper proposes a conceptual framework and propositions.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is structured in line with the systematic literature review protocol. After reading all the titles, keywords and abstracts, 172 papers focused on OI and RI were selected for this research. Finally, 27 papers that are based on dimensions related to responsible OI were selected for the study.
Findings
Due to CF's multidisciplinary nature, the scientific literature on the role of CF in endorsing responsible OI for shared value co-creation appears fragmented and redundant. Several emerging trends and gaps of research and new paths for CF research in the future arise regarding research methodology and theoretical perspective.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study investigating the intersection between CF OI and RI.