Nilani Priyanka Gunasekara, Warnakulasuriya Mahesh Niroshan Fernando and E.A.C.P. Karunarathne
Over the past few years, the internet has expanded rapidly, and it has been considered a systematic way that consumers use to retrieve health-related information. However, the…
Abstract
Purpose
Over the past few years, the internet has expanded rapidly, and it has been considered a systematic way that consumers use to retrieve health-related information. However, the existing literature does not provide an articulated view of online health information-seeking behaviour through an in-depth understanding of users’ searching-related behaviour. The objectives of this study are to identify the factors affecting consumers’ health-related internet use and recognise the relationships between those specified and health-related internet use. Finally, the recommendations are made based on the findings.
Design/methodology/approach
An amalgamated model of technology acceptance model and health belief model was used to hypothesise health-related internet use behaviour, which is then tested using a cross-sectional survey of 287 Sri Lankan managerial-level employees. The covariance-based structural equation modelling with AMOS was used to check the study hypotheses.
Findings
Findings of this study depict five factors contributing to consumers’ health-related internet use as follows: perceived health risk towards chronic diseases consisting of perceived susceptibility and perceived severity; health consciousness; perceived usefulness of the internet; perceived ease of internet use; and attitude towards health-related internet use. As theorised, the internet’s perceived usefulness was positively and significantly related to consumers’ use of health-related internet and attitude towards health-related internet use. But as hypothesised, perceived ease of internet use did not directly affect consumers’ use of health-related internet. Further, findings reveal that health-related internet use is estimated by perceived health risk than health consciousness.
Originality/value
Findings reveal that Sri Lankan managerial-level employees have a reactive health behaviour driven by the perceived health risk and the desire to seek online health information.
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E.A.C.P. Karunarathne, W.M.T.H. Wijesundara, A.S.T. Athukorala and K.P.S.P. Chithrananda
Despite the growing use of social media platforms, it’s important to acknowledge and understand the potential negative aspects associated with its usage. This paper aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the growing use of social media platforms, it’s important to acknowledge and understand the potential negative aspects associated with its usage. This paper aims to explore the impacts of social media stress development and understand the roles of self-esteem, social media dependency and online reputation.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey-based quantitative approach was followed for this study, targeting social media users over 18 years of age, and the data were gathered through an online questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to evaluate the study model.
Findings
Study findings indicate that higher self-esteem reduces reliance on social media. Also, social media users’ concern about the digital image is caused by increasing social media dependency, which may lead to stress as individuals struggle to maintain a positive digital image on these platforms.
Originality/value
This study provides valuable insights into the negative aspects of social media use, emphasizing the need for strategies to mitigate the risks associated with excessive social media use and encourage the use of healthier digital habits to ensure user’s psychological well-being.
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Nguyen Cong Chinh and Nguyen Nhat Tung
This study aims to introduce an effective optimization algorithm for finding the suitable penetration of renewable distributed generators (RDGs) in the power system. The target of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to introduce an effective optimization algorithm for finding the suitable penetration of renewable distributed generators (RDGs) in the power system. The target of this research is to minimize the total costs, including the cost of emissions, the cost of purchasing electricity from the primary grid and the cost of branch power losses.
Design/methodology/approach
Energy valley optimizer (EVO) is applied to solve the optimization problem for determining the integration of photovoltaic units and wind turbine units in the system. This study considers the time variation of load demand and output power of units to improve the quality of the found solution. Simulation results are collected for evaluating the performance of the used methods in the same conditions.
Findings
The results indicated the huge economic and technical benefits from adopting the optimal solution of placement and sizing of RDGs in the power system. Besides, the outstanding efficiency of EVO is also proven through comparison with sunflower optimizer, drawer algorithm, osprey optimization algorithm, genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization and artificial bee colony algorithm.
Originality/value
The mathematical models for the objective function and the constraints are appropriately described for the optimization problem. A simulation program for applying the optimization algorithms to the above problem is developed in the MATLAB software. The simulation results demonstrated the excellent benefits not only economically but also technically for the hybrid distribution system.
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P. G. S. A. Jayarathne, Narayanage Jayantha Dewasiri and K. S. S. N. Karunarathne
Owing to the significance of a healthy lifestyle, we investigate the antecedents of the healthy lifestyle of young consumers in Sri Lanka. 658 structured questionnaires were…
Abstract
Owing to the significance of a healthy lifestyle, we investigate the antecedents of the healthy lifestyle of young consumers in Sri Lanka. 658 structured questionnaires were collected from young consumers in Sri Lanka as part of the survey procedure. The judgmental sampling method is used to choose the respondents. The analysis makes use of both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings disclose a high degree of healthy lifestyle among young consumers in Sri Lanka. Further findings revealed that health consciousness, collective esteem, and neighborhood environment are the antecedents for a healthy lifestyle. As young consumers are more concerned about a healthy lifestyle, managers in certain industries such as food and beverages, hotels, and restaurants should adopt their products and services in line with a healthy lifestyle.
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A.C.I.D. Karunarathne, J.P.R.C. Ranasinghe, U.G.O. Sammani and K.J.T. Perera
The tourism industry has been extensively affected by numerous disasters throughout its history including 30 decades of ethnic war, the tsunami disaster in 2004 and the Easter…
Abstract
Purpose
The tourism industry has been extensively affected by numerous disasters throughout its history including 30 decades of ethnic war, the tsunami disaster in 2004 and the Easter Sunday attack in 2019 substantially impacted the resources and capacities of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka. This study aims to explore the impact of COVID-19 on Sri Lanka as a tourism destination and the tourism industry as a resilient sector of the economy.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study was conducted from July 2020 to September 2020 focusing on the perspectives of multi-level stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry in three distinct areas of Sri Lanka, namely, the coastal area, hill country and cultural triangle. The data were collected from 15 stakeholders via semistructured interviews. Convenience sampling method was used to choose the sample and thematic analysis was occupied to meet the study objectives.
Findings
This study will help to reframe the resources and capacities of the country as an emerging destination identifying the diverse credentials from the perspective of different stakeholders to embed the essential resilience after the pandemic.
Research limitations/implications
The prevailing lockdown situation and travel restrictions within the country was a huge challenge during the data collection process. Further to that, the respondents were reluctant to meet outsiders owing to the health threat, and hence some important stakeholders were missing from the study.
Originality/value
This study proposes effective measures to build up a robust destination, necessary strategic planning for policymakers and provisions for stakeholders in the industry to address the health and safety of travelers in the case of future potential health epidemics.
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Heba Atef El-Akhras, Marwa Ali Abd El-Wahab, Elham Gharib Saghier and Kareem M. Selem
Despite ChatGPT usage advantages to complete assignments as quickly as possible with detailed information, its adoption risks are crucial factors that may significantly influence…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite ChatGPT usage advantages to complete assignments as quickly as possible with detailed information, its adoption risks are crucial factors that may significantly influence student outcomes, like creative skills and achievement levels. Hence, this paper examines the potential effects of ChatGPT adoption risks on students’ cognitive achievement, underpinned by perceived risk theory (PRT). Further, this paper examines the mediating role of creative thinking levels among hospitality college students.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper employed a quantitative approach to collect data. Using an online survey, simple random sampling was employed to ensure bias. Hence, 267 faculty members at tourism and hospitality colleges affiliated with Egyptian public universities responded, and their responses were tested using SmartPLS v.4.
Findings
Creative thinking partially mediated five potential risks of students’ ChatGPT adoption effects on their cognitive achievement. More specifically, psychological risks of ChatGPT adoption among students are considered one of the most likely to reduce their levels of creative thinking and their ability to achieve achievement.
Practical implications
This paper provides insights for policymakers aimed at enhancing higher education quality in tourism and hospitality colleges. Accordingly, this paper concludes by highlighting the importance of addressing ChatGPT adoption’s psychological risks, integrating strategies to promote creative thinking among students and fostering responsible artificial intelligence usage in higher education.
Originality/value
This paper underscores the critical role of faculty members in navigating and mitigating these risks, fostering a more conducive learning environment for responsible ChatGPT usage.
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Sheila Namagembe and Shamim Nantumbwe
Environmental emissions are increasing in the urban areas. Much of the emissions arise from public procurement activities given that public sector firms are major customers to…
Abstract
Purpose
Environmental emissions are increasing in the urban areas. Much of the emissions arise from public procurement activities given that public sector firms are major customers to many supplying firms. Given the tremendous contribution, this study aims to examine the adoption of environmentally friendly urban freight logistics practices among public sector firms through assessing the impact of urban environmental governance, government environmental communication and organizational environmental governance.
Design/methodology/approach
Data for the study were collected in a single time period from central procuring and disposing entities (public sector firms) in the urban areas. A sample of 105 public sector firms in were used. One procurement officer and one member of the contracts committee were the key informants in the study. AMOS SPSS version 26 was used to obtain the results for the structural model and measurement model, respectively.
Findings
The findings indicate that the adoption of environmentally friendly urban freight logistics practices among public sector firms is significantly influenced by government environmental communication, organizational environmental governance and urban environmental governance. Urban environmental governance significantly influences organizational environmental governance. Urban environmental governance fully mediates the relationship between government environmental communication and public sector firms’ adoption of environmentally friendly urban freight logistics practices. Also, urban environmental governance and organizational environmental governance mediate the relationship between government environmental communication and adoption of environmentally friendly urban freight logistics practices.
Research limitations/implications
This study examined the adoption of environmentally friendly urban freight logistics practices among public sector firms. However, the study was conducted in a public procurement setting rather than a private sector procurement setting. Also, the study examined the impact of government environmental communication on public sector firms’ adoption of environmentally friendly urban freight logistics practices ignoring the impact of internal communications made within the public sector firms on environmental issues.
Originality/value
This study examined the adoption of environmentally friendly urban freight logistics practices among public sector firms. Freight logistics in public sector procurement has not been given significant attention in earlier research. Emphasis is placed on sustainable public sector procurement ignoring other aspects that would help curb environmental emissions that may arise during and after the delivery of public procurement requirements.
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C. Michael Hall, Alexander Safonov and Sarah Naderi Koupaei
This paper aims to identify research approaches and issues in relation to the main paradigms of resilience: engineering resilience, ecological resilience and socio-ecological…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify research approaches and issues in relation to the main paradigms of resilience: engineering resilience, ecological resilience and socio-ecological resilience. This paper provides a synthesis of the core elements of each resilience approach and their implications.
Design/methodology/approach
A critical thematic review was undertaken of the hospitality and tourism resilience literature.
Findings
Resilience is a contested boundary object with different understandings according to conceptual and disciplinary position. The dominant approach in hospitality and tourism studies is primarily informed by engineering resilience with the focus at the organizational level. The ontological and epistemological understanding of resilience and change concepts appears limited leading to a lack of appreciation of the multi-scaled nature of resilience and the importance of slow change.
Research/limitations/implications
The research has important implications for understanding the key elements of different approaches to resilience.
Practical implications
The research synthesis may help improve resilience strategy and policymaking, including indicator selection.
Social implications
The research notes the relationship of resilience to sustainability, the potential for learning and decision-making practices.
Originality/value
In addition to thematic analysis, a model of the multi-scaled nature of resilience is provided and the key elements of the three main approaches with implications for theory and practice.
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Narayanage Jayantha Dewasiri, Angodage Kalpani Madhushika Pigera, Karunarathnage Sajith Senaka Nuwansiri Karunarathne and Mananage Shanika Hansini Rathnasiri
This study examines the impact of financial services employees’ engagement on the attitude toward artificial intelligence (AI) in Sri Lanka. The model developed in this study…
Abstract
This study examines the impact of financial services employees’ engagement on the attitude toward artificial intelligence (AI) in Sri Lanka. The model developed in this study comprises three constructs to demonstrate employee engagement (EE), namely, psychological state engagement (PSE), trait engagement (TE), and cognitive engagement (CE). Further, the model tests the moderating effect of age and gender on the relationship between EE and attitude toward AI. The authors conducted this research through a survey of 200 employees at Sri Lankan financial service firms. The findings indicate that EE substantially impacts attitudes regarding AI. Additionally, PSE, CE, and attribute engagement substantially affect how people feel about AI. Further, age has a moderating effect on the association between EE and attitude toward AI among financial services personnel. Based on the findings and discussion, the researcher recommends AI’s most significant importance in promoting a high level of engagement. The results would be helpful for both academic researchers and practitioners, especially HR managers, to understand the status of AI in Sri Lanka and formulate strategies to expedite EE.
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Daniel D. Prior, Lakshi Karunarathne Hitihami Mudiyanselage and Omar Khadeer Hussain
This study aims to examine buying center members’ information control (IC) in complex organizational buying contexts to uncover the effect of IC on overall procurement performance…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine buying center members’ information control (IC) in complex organizational buying contexts to uncover the effect of IC on overall procurement performance (PP) and the effects of expert power (EP), legitimate power (LP) and referent power as antecedents to IC.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling in AMOS version 21 to assess the hypotheses using a cross-sectional survey of 294 Sri Lankan buying center members active in complex organizational buying.
Findings
Results show that IC has positive effects on overall PP and that both EP and LP are significant antecedents to IC.
Research limitations/implications
The findings challenge the conventional wisdom that sharing all information in complex organizational buying is a sure-fire way to gain success. Instead, a measured, deliberate approach is more productive and this is more likely necessary and fruitful if the buying center member has EP or LP.
Practical implications
Procurement managers, supply chain managers and other managers with responsibility for implementing complex organizational buying outcomes should seek to enhance IC in buying center members to promote positive procurement outcomes, but this may stifle suppliers’ attempts to influence the process. Buying center members with EP and LP are more likely to face pressure to exert IC.
Originality/value
This study is the first to examine IC, its antecedents and consequences in complex organizational buying scenarios. EP and LP appear to underpin IC which, itself, has significant effects on PP.