The purpose of this paper is to provide an in‐depth discussion of reference tools in the virtual world of Second Life.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an in‐depth discussion of reference tools in the virtual world of Second Life.
Design/methodology/approach
A description is given of the scripted functions employed by the author, a community virtual library reference desk volunteer of three years.
Findings
The paper finds that each tool can meet the information needs of community virtual library patrons.
Originality/value
The paper reveals that reference desk tool programs that run in the virtual world have implications for real world reference desks of the future.
Details
Keywords
Vincenzo Cavaliere, Sara Sassetti and Sara Lombardi
Building on the importance of students becoming entrepreneurs of their own career, this research aimed to achieve two main objectives: to empirically test the sequential…
Abstract
Purpose
Building on the importance of students becoming entrepreneurs of their own career, this research aimed to achieve two main objectives: to empirically test the sequential relationship between the three dimensions of entrepreneurial alertness as proposed by Tang et al. (2012) and to link such dimensions to self-perceived employability.
Design/methodology/approach
A web survey data were obtained among a sample of 404 universities students. The test of the theoretical framework was performed by running a structural equation modeling (SEM).
Findings
The results show that the three entrepreneurial alertness components are sequentially related. Moreover, the results demonstrated that among the examined dimensions, only evaluation and judgment had a direct effect on self-perceived employability, with the remaining dimensions having an indirect influence.
Originality/value
There has been rarely any previous empirical attempt at investigating a framework that consider the relationship between entrepreneurial attitudes, such as alertness, on employability. The investigation of the entrepreneurial attitudes as antecedents of employability is particularly vital to graduates who will soon enter the labor market as “entrepreneurs of their own career”.
Details
Keywords
Monica Faraoni, Riccardo Rialti, Lamberto Zollo and Anna Claudia Pellicelli
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the micro-linkages fostering consumers’ e-loyalty in grocery retailers B2C e-commerce context. Specifically, the authors focused on the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the micro-linkages fostering consumers’ e-loyalty in grocery retailers B2C e-commerce context. Specifically, the authors focused on the neglected role of security, privacy and website design. Grocery retailing has been selected as the context of research because grocery retailers too have been required to develop B2C e-commerce platforms to meet their consumers’ evolving preferences.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was distributed to several students from University of Florence (Italy). Structural equation modeling was used to compile the research, and its results reflect the impact on e-loyalty development on specific features of the e-commerce environment.
Findings
The main findings of this research are related with the importance of website characteristics as antecedents of e-loyalty in online grocery retailing.
Originality/value
Albeit the explored phenomenon has been subject to extensive study, some of its facets are yet to be fully explored. In particular, though the influence of e-trust, e-satisfaction and e-commitment on e-loyalty has been shown, little attention has been paid to the factors affecting these three antecedents of e-loyalty. In this regard, this research focuses on the importance of B2C e-commerce platform characteristics such as security, perceived relationship investment and website design. In addition, the phenomenon was scarcely explored in grocery retailers B2C e-commerce context.
Details
Keywords
Marco Bellucci, Damiano Cesa Bianchi and Giacomo Manetti
This study aims to review the academic literature on the utilization of blockchain in accounting practice and research to identify potential opportunities for further scientific…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to review the academic literature on the utilization of blockchain in accounting practice and research to identify potential opportunities for further scientific investigation and to provide a framework for how accounting practices are impacted by blockchain.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on a systematic literature review (SLR) of 346 research products available on Scopus, which were mapped with bibliometric analyses and critically discussed in relation to three main topics: the impact of blockchain on accounting and auditing, cryptoassets and finance, business models and supply chain management.
Findings
Blockchain has many potential implications for accounting practice and research. In addition to providing the state-of-the-art of accounting research on blockchain and additional avenues for further studies, this study discusses why practitioners are interested in this technology: triple-entry bookkeeping, the inalterability of transactions, the automation of repetitive tasks that do not require discretionary choices, the representation of cryptocurrencies in financial statements, value-chain management, social and environmental auditing and reporting and business model innovation.
Originality/value
The novel contribution of this study is integrated and threefold. First, this SLR provides a clear picture of the state of the accounting research on blockchain using bibliographic and narrative analyses. Second, it investigates how accounting and auditing practices are impacted by blockchain. Third, it contributes to the accounting literature with its discussion of the potential future research trends related to blockchain for accounting.
Details
Keywords
Saeedeh Rezaee Vessal and Amitabh Anand
The purpose of this research is to conduct a literature review on the evolution, antecedents, and outcomes of luxury consumption (LC). To accomplish our goal, we used a…
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to conduct a literature review on the evolution, antecedents, and outcomes of luxury consumption (LC). To accomplish our goal, we used a combination of bibliometrics and systematic approaches to review 165 articles published between 1998 and 2019. The investigation revealed that the evolution of LC is mostly driven by consumer motivation and is influenced by cultural and psychological variables. Furthermore, we explored the aforementioned antecedents of LC along four major axes. Antecedents related to (1) individual characteristics, (2) brand components, (3) cultural and social values, and (4) organizational strategies. Furthermore, based on the outcomes of LC, we found two categories (individual traits and social values). The chapter concludes by proposing a broader research agenda for the future.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this study is to identify the determinants of success in peer-to-peer (P2P) lending campaigns, especially amid global financial disruptions like the COVID-19…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify the determinants of success in peer-to-peer (P2P) lending campaigns, especially amid global financial disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing a notable gap in current research, we explore how factors such as firm uncertainty, loan characteristics (interest rates and maturity) and venture quality (human, social and intellectual capital) influence P2P lending effectiveness. Using multiple regression analysis on data from 523 projects on the October platform, our study aims to enhance the understanding and operational efficiency of P2P platforms, contributing to a more resilient financial ecosystem.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs a quantitative research design using multiple regression analysis to examine the impact of specific variables on the success of P2P lending campaigns. Data were collected from 523 concluded P2P lending projects on the October platform, spanning from 2015 to 2021. Variables of interest include the level of uncertainty of the firm, loan characteristics such as interest rate and maturity and the quality of the venture assessed through human, social and intellectual capital. This method allows for a robust analysis of the factors contributing to the success of P2P lending within a dynamic financial context.
Findings
The findings of this study reveal that the success of P2P lending campaigns is significantly influenced by the level of uncertainty of the firm, the interest rate of the loan and the quality of the venture. Specifically, higher uncertainty in firms correlates negatively with campaign success, while competitive interest rates positively impact funding outcomes. Furthermore, ventures that demonstrate robust human capital, particularly those with management teams that possess diverse skills and high qualifications, tend to attract more funding. These results underscore the critical role of strategic financial and human resource planning in enhancing the effectiveness of P2P lending platforms.
Originality/value
This study contributes uniquely to the literature by integrating multiple variables – firm uncertainty, loan characteristics and venture quality – into a comprehensive analysis of success factors in P2P lending. It addresses the scarcity of research examining the combined effects of these factors, particularly in the context of global financial disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. By focusing on a specific European platform during a dynamic period, this research provides new insights into how P2P lending can adapt to and thrive amid financial crises. The findings offer valuable guidance for both practitioners and policymakers aiming to optimize P2P lending practices in uncertain economic landscapes.
Details
Keywords
Wilson Charles Chanhemo, Mustafa H. Mohsini, Mohamedi M. Mjahidi and Florence U. Rashidi
This study explores challenges facing the applicability of deep learning (DL) in software-defined networks (SDN) based campus networks. The study intensively explains the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores challenges facing the applicability of deep learning (DL) in software-defined networks (SDN) based campus networks. The study intensively explains the automation problem that exists in traditional campus networks and how SDN and DL can provide mitigating solutions. It further highlights some challenges which need to be addressed in order to successfully implement SDN and DL in campus networks to make them better than traditional networks.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a systematic literature review. Studies on DL relevant to campus networks have been presented for different use cases. Their limitations are given out for further research.
Findings
Following the analysis of the selected studies, it showed that the availability of specific training datasets for campus networks, SDN and DL interfacing and integration in production networks are key issues that must be addressed to successfully deploy DL in SDN-enabled campus networks.
Originality/value
This study reports on challenges associated with implementation of SDN and DL models in campus networks. It contributes towards further thinking and architecting of proposed SDN-based DL solutions for campus networks. It highlights that single problem-based solutions are harder to implement and unlikely to be adopted in production networks.
Details
Keywords
Florence Yean Yng Ling, Yong Jun Ng and Wujuan Zhai
This study aims to explore the relationship between facilities managers’ human values, organizational pride and work outcomes, with the aim of discovering ways to boost their work…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the relationship between facilities managers’ human values, organizational pride and work outcomes, with the aim of discovering ways to boost their work outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-pronged research design comprising an online survey followed by in-depth interviews was adopted. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to model the data.
Findings
All 18 human values and 7 organizational pride emotions are present to a significant extent in facilities managers. The PLS-SEM showed that human values positively affect work outcomes of facilities managers significantly. In addition, work outcomes are further boosted when organizational pride is present.
Research limitations/implications
The degree of human values that an individual possesses may not be easily measured using a five-point Likert scale as there might be social desirability bias.
Practical implications
The implication is that organizations should select and hire facilities managers with high human values and introduce programs and initiatives to improve facilities managers’ organizational pride as these lead to higher work outcomes. Some recommendations on how to achieve these are provided.
Originality/value
The findings extend existing knowledge by empirically showing the mediating influence of organizational pride on the relationship between human values and facilities managers’ work outcomes. When organizational pride is present, work outcomes of facilities managers is boosted.
Details
Keywords
This paper examines the relationship between marketing automation emergence and the marketers' use of heuristics in their decision-making processes. Heuristics play a role for the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines the relationship between marketing automation emergence and the marketers' use of heuristics in their decision-making processes. Heuristics play a role for the integration of human decision-making models and automation in augmentation processes, particularly in marketing where automation is widespread.
Design/methodology/approach
This study analyzes qualitative data about the impact of marketing automation on the scope of heuristics in decision-making models, and it is based on evidence collected from interviews with twenty-two experienced marketers.
Findings
Marketers make extensive use of heuristics to manage their tasks. While the adoption of new automatic marketing tools modify the task environment and field of use of traditional decision-making models, the adoption of heuristics rules with a different scope is essential to defining inputs, interpreting/evaluating outputs and control the marketing automation system.
Originality/value
The paper makes a contribution to research on the relationship between marketing automation and decision-making models. In particular, it proposes the results of in-depth interviews with senior decision makers to assess the impact of marketing automation on the scope of heuristics as decision-making models adopted by marketers.