Jason Ho and Charles B. Weinberg
This paper seeks to assess how different segments in the movie market respond to three marketing drivers, namely prices, product availability and viewing channels (including…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to assess how different segments in the movie market respond to three marketing drivers, namely prices, product availability and viewing channels (including piracy).
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 12 conjoint profiles were designed with various levels of the three marketing drivers and a questionnaire was administered to respondents from a major Canadian city. Respondents were then segmented by their channels of acquiring pirated movies and a regression model was run to test for their potential differential responses to the three marketing drivers.
Findings
The data show that consumers who had recently obtained hardcopies of pirated movies were more price‐sensitive than other consumers. On the other hand, consumers who had obtained pirated movies through two channels, namely purchasing hardcopies and downloading softcopies, were not as eager as non‐pirates to see the movie as soon as it was released or in a movie theater. Surprisingly, the different segments appear to place a similar value on viewing a movie on an authentic DVD as compared to a pirated one.
Research limitations/implications
As respondents were from a convenience sample in a Canadian city, further research should replicate and extend this study in other geographical markets.
Practical implications
The findings demonstrate the need to segment consumers of pirated products by the channels of acquisition and suggest that the movie industry's attempt to portray piracy as being immoral or unethical has had limited impact.
Originality/value
This paper sheds light on the differences between consumers who obtained pirated movies through purchasing hardcopies and those through the internet.
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This qualitative study researches the concept of entrepreneurship in an indigenous population by assessing the external and internal challenges entrepreneurs face, discusses the…
Abstract
This qualitative study researches the concept of entrepreneurship in an indigenous population by assessing the external and internal challenges entrepreneurs face, discusses the various types of support offered, and compiles recommendations for partners to understand the Diné entrepreneur. This research interviewed nine enrolled members of the Navajo Nation tribe who have either created businesses on the reservations, managed non-profits aimed at supporting entrepreneurs, or possessed a wealth of entrepreneurial experiences working both on or off the Navajo Nation Reservation. This text builds upon the themes of economic development, cultural-match, and indigenous sovereignty by analyzing the concept, action, and future of Diné entrepreneurship.
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Jason West, Maiko Chu, Lincoln Crooks and Matthew Bradley-Ho
Business wargames represent an alternative approach to challenge organisations to uncover internal capabilities through competitive actions designed to counteract external threats…
Abstract
Purpose
Business wargames represent an alternative approach to challenge organisations to uncover internal capabilities through competitive actions designed to counteract external threats and address strategic mismatches. Internal capabilities uncovered as a result of actions taken during a competitive wargame aims to replicate market conditions found in competitive industries. These outcomes are difficult to achieve using many popular strategy design methods. The purpose of this study is to examine the use of war game-style activities in formulating corporate strategy that incorporate the natural behaviors of the leadership team in creating strategic plans.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a case study from the banc assurance industry, the authors review a wargame process composed of two competing teams; the banc assurance organisation and an unincorporated joint venture between a banking institution and an insurance company. The goal of each entity was to develop strategy to improve both customer satisfaction and market share at the expense of each other given a finite set of resources. Success was judged using a simple set of metrics defined by both a consumer team and an independent umpire.
Findings
Consumers of financial services are price sensitive and highly brand loyal. Unwillingness to switch brands to a prevailing competitor or other emerging (Fintech) institution persists to a threshold of a price and/or value differential of 15 to 20 per cent. The results highlight potential deficiencies in the proposed banc assurance strategy through the observation of customer behaviours and inefficient resource use.
Originality/value
The wargame approach conducted in a realistic landscape revealed internal capabilities not otherwise evident. The impact of authentic human behaviours in setting business strategy was captured which is very difficult to replicate using more formal scenario analysis and planning.
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Jason Jie Xiang Bui, Yee Yong Tan, Fu Ee Tang and Carrie Ho
This study aims to investigate the hydraulic behaviour of a pilot-scale, two-staged, vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) for septage treatment, in terms of factors such as…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the hydraulic behaviour of a pilot-scale, two-staged, vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) for septage treatment, in terms of factors such as hydraulic retention time and hydraulic loading rate and its influence on the treatment dynamics. Because of intermittent feeding mode of VFCW systems and variation in its loading, its hydraulic behaviour is highly variable and need to be understood to optimize its treatment performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Tracer test were carried out using bromide ion with varying hydraulic loading rates (HLR) of 6.82 cm/d, 9.09 cm/d and 11.40 cm/d (i.e. equivalent to 75 L/d, 100L/d and 125 L/d). Tracer data is then analysed using the Residence Time Distribution (RTD) method.
Findings
RTD analysis showed that the increase in HLR increases the average hydraulic retention time (HRT). Subsequently, the increase in HLR results in a lower recovery of effluent, resulting in poor productivity in treatment. The study also showed that the removal of nitrogen and organic matter improved with increasing HRT. However, observations show no correlation between HRT and total solids removal.
Originality/value
A performance evaluation method (by tracer) is proposed to understand the hydraulics of flow in constructed wetlands, which has not been widely studied. Additionally, the dynamics of treatment in VFCWs treating septage may also be revealed by the tracer method. The study can be applied to any constructed wetlands designed for treatment of wastewater, septage or sludge.
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Venkateswarlu Velisala, G. Naga Srinivasulu, B. Srinivasa Reddy and K. Venkata Koteswara Rao
Fuel cells technologies are the most promising green energy technologies for diverse applications. One of the fastest growing areas is the portable electronic applications where…
Abstract
Fuel cells technologies are the most promising green energy technologies for diverse applications. One of the fastest growing areas is the portable electronic applications where the power range is the order of 1–100 W. For most of the portable electronic devices, rechargeable battery is the major energy source. Due to limitations like limited capacity, requirement of external power for recharge have led many researchers to look for alternative power sources to power portable electronic devices. The high energy density of fuel cells makes them very attractive alternative to batteries for portable power applications. There are a variety of fuel cell technologies being considered to replace batteries in portable electronic equipment. Direct Liquid Fuel Cells (DLFCs) have attracted much attention due to their potential applications as a power source for portable electronic devices. The advantages of DLFCs over hydrogen fed PEM fuel cells include a higher theoretical energy density and efficiency, a more convenient handling of the streams, and enhanced safety. Unlike batteries, fuel cells need not be recharged, merely refueled. This paper provides an overview on challenges of DLFCs (Direct Liquid Fuel Cells), like fuel crossover, cost, durability, water management, weight and size along with approaches being investigated to solve these challenges. Portable Fuel Cell Commercialization Targets for future and producers of portable fuel cells across the globe are also discussed in this paper.
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Angela H.L. Chen, Jason Z.-H. Lee and Yun-Lun Ho
The delivery drivers this paper surveyed generally intend to accept all orders to avoid missing out on potential earnings. However, uncertainty about the timing of future orders…
Abstract
Purpose
The delivery drivers this paper surveyed generally intend to accept all orders to avoid missing out on potential earnings. However, uncertainty about the timing of future orders and variability in their potential earnings raises a crucial question: Would it be more beneficial for drivers to decline orders that are likely to involve low earnings or a long idle time after delivery? If so, how can they make informed choices when selecting orders? This paper aims to explore the key factors that can support drivers in making these decisions.
Design/methodology/approach
The role of order cancelation in Taiwan’s Uber Eats delivery process was first highlighted. This paper followed the grounded theory methodology and collected the data of completed orders from delivery drivers and authors’ participation in deliveries. The data included variables representing order characteristics, such as departure neighborhood, destination and duration for completing the order. Regression methods were then used to identify the variables that affect the driver’s evaluation of a received order in terms of the order’s earnings and idle time after completing the order and determine whether the order is desirable to the driver.
Findings
Upon receiving an order, drivers can decide whether to accept it by evaluating the earnings they will make for completing the order. The earnings are likely higher if the pay rate multiplier is higher that day or the order departure neighborhood is in a hot zone. After arriving at the restaurant, drivers can again make this decision by estimating the idle time they will spend waiting for their next order after delivering the current order. This idle time is likely longer if the driver is expected to spend greater time fulfilling the order since receipt, or if the earnings for completing the order are greater. This idle time is likely shorter if there are more restaurants in the order destination neighborhood, or if the order departure neighborhood or the order destination neighborhood is in a hot zone. Orders can be categorized as good or poor and the key factors for this categorization are whether the order departure and destination neighborhoods are in a hot zone, and the waiting time at the restaurant.
Originality/value
While food delivery research has commonly focused on customer satisfaction and platform efficiency, less attention has been paid to the strategic decision-making of delivery drivers – a relatively underrepresented group in the gig economy. This study aims to help these drivers become more adept participants in the competitive landscape of food delivery platforms. By examining how Taiwanese drivers navigate platform structures to maximize profitability and improve their work experience, this research contributes valuable insights to discussions on the sustainability of gig work.
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This paper examines the national solidarity in Brunei Darussalam during the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequential impact on younger generations. Utilising Emile Durkheim's…
Abstract
This paper examines the national solidarity in Brunei Darussalam during the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequential impact on younger generations. Utilising Emile Durkheim's solidarity theories, I examine how young people's social media use builds on state discourse in the pandemic. I contend that a shift towards an organic society is visible through a social cohesion that is based on differentiated roles. I argue that the citizenry plays a vital role in the forward momentum toward Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0, which illustrates that solidarity cannot be forged as a top-down directive. By prompting economic and creative divisions of labour, the local use of social media in a public health crisis has shown the government a new way to foster solidarity. Significant implications for youth as future leaders of the nation are discussed.
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Gloria Weng Kei Kam and Eilo Wing Yat Yu
The purpose of this paper is to understand the regime–youth relationship in Macao. It will use the framework by Weiss and Aspinall (2012) to explain the rise of Macao youth…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the regime–youth relationship in Macao. It will use the framework by Weiss and Aspinall (2012) to explain the rise of Macao youth activism and the de-harmonization of their relationship with the authorities.
Design/methodology/approach
According to Weiss and Aspinall, the emergence of youth movements in Asia after the Second World War was based on four factors: the development higher education systems, youth’s collective identities, youth’s trust in the ruling regime and transnational flows of activist ideas and inspirations. This paper analyzes the rise of Macao youth through the four dimensions by Weiss and Aspinall.
Findings
The rise of Macao youth movement is attributable to the development of tertiary education, youth’s collective identities, lowered trust in the regime and international inspiration. Better-educated Macao youth have been increasing their demands for political participation while their distrust in the MSAR government pushes their mobilization. The rise of youth movements around the world after the millennium inspires Macao youth activists’ political mobilization. Interestingly, Macao’s youth movement has been gradually integrated into the opposition forces instead of campaigning by youth organizations. In response to youth activism, the MSAR government, however, could not alleviate the youth’s hostility against the authorities, but its repressive approach intensified the regime-youth tension.
Originality/value
The paper includes interviews with leaders of young activists for their understanding of youth movement in Macao. It can serve the purpose for comparative study of youth movement among Asian societies.
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Jason Davies and Aisling O'Meara
Sadistic behaviour is not uncommon in offender populations, especially in some groups of violent and sexual offenders. However, little research has been conducted on sadism in a…
Abstract
Sadistic behaviour is not uncommon in offender populations, especially in some groups of violent and sexual offenders. However, little research has been conducted on sadism in a non‐offender group who are not part of a sadomasochistic culture or club. Twelve undergraduates, six of whom considered themselves sadistic and six who did not, completed an open‐ended questionnaire exploring individuals' experiences and views of themselves and others. Questionnaire responses were analysed using a thematic analysis approach and substantial differences were found between the two groups. Further research should be conducted with general population groups to further our understanding of sadistic behaviour and attitudes.