Joshua M. Davis, Lorraine S. Lee and Mun Y. Yi
Past research recognizes the important influence of individual beliefs on technology acceptance and use. This line of research has also identified a variety of factors that drive…
Abstract
Past research recognizes the important influence of individual beliefs on technology acceptance and use. This line of research has also identified a variety of factors that drive the formation of these beliefs. One category of variables that has received less attention in this research stream consists of individual preferences, in particular time‐use preferences. In the current study we address the gap in the technology acceptance literature by introducing and empirically testing a new construct labeled computer polychronicity, which captures individuals’ time‐use preferences regarding information technology. A new measure of computer polychronicity is developed and subsequently tested using partial least squares estimation. Computer polychronicity is then theorized as a key driver of perceived usefulness, linking computer anxiety and computer playfulness to perceived usefulness. Overall, the results of model testing support the notion that preferences play an important role in the formation of technology‐related beliefs.
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Antomne Caunes, Noureddine Takorabet, Sisuda Chaithongsuk and Laurent Duranton
The purpose of this paper is to present a synthesis of the analysis and modeling of the rotor losses in high speed permanent magnets motors.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a synthesis of the analysis and modeling of the rotor losses in high speed permanent magnets motors.
Design/methodology/approach
Three types of losses are as a result of eddy currents in the conductive parts of the rotor. The analysis includes their characterization and the setup of a numerical model using finite element method. The adopted methodology is based on the separation of the losses which allows a better understanding of the physical phenomena. Each type of losses will be modeled and computed separately.
Findings
It is possible to make a precise estimate of the different losses in the rotor while keeping a relatively short computing time.
Research limitations/implications
The analysis is applied on a high-speed permanent magnet motor for avionic application. The model is validated with the commercial finite element model (FEM) software Flux2D.
Originality/value
The developed model allows an important save in terms of CPU-time compared to commercial FEM software while staying accurate. The separation of each losses and their sources is important for motor engineers and was requested for them to improve the designs more easily.
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Jeffery S. Smith, Lorraine Lee and Mark Gleim
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of radio frequency identification (RFID) implementation on service performance.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of radio frequency identification (RFID) implementation on service performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilizes a case study methodology to explain the impact of RFID on performance. The service profit chain is used as the overarching framework to facilitate the discussion. Qualitative methods in the form of in‐depth interviews, observation, and participation are employed for the collection of data.
Findings
The results in the paper indicate that RFID implementation has a significant impact on the consumer components (quality, value, satisfaction, and financials) of the service profit chain. The implementation also has an effect on the technical aspects of internal operations (internal quality and productivity) but is limited in how it affects the employee components (satisfaction, capability, and loyalty).
Research limitations/implications
The paper denotes the potential impact on performance of RFID implementation through the utilization of a qualitative research approach, which limits the scope of the findings. Also, the focal organizations are non‐profits, which can also hinder generalizability.
Originality/value
This research is one of the first to empirically examine the way in which RFID implementation can affect operational and financial performance. In doing so, valuable insights are gained as to how RFID can be used to improve existing performance. Additionally, areas are identified that can be investigated to further benefit from the implementation.
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Jeffery S. Smith, Gavin L. Fox, Sung‐Hee “Sunny” Park and Lorraine Lee
The purpose of this paper is to examine the institutional factors that affect the productivity of individuals in the field of operations.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the institutional factors that affect the productivity of individuals in the field of operations.
Design/methodology/approach
This study identifies a sample of graduates from PhD programs in operations and utilizes a partial least squares analysis to examine the effect of academic origin, academic affiliation, and advisor productivity on each individual's research productivity.
Findings
The results of the analysis indicate that the productivity of an individual is directly influenced by the aggregate prestige of the institutions where the individual was employed during article publication and indirectly influenced by the prestige of the institution where the individual received the terminal degree. Additionally, differences were found between groups when the sample was divided by focus (operations management (OM) versus operations research (OR). The OM model held the same relationships as the combined model, while the OR model included significant direct effects of academic origin and indirect effects of the advisor's productivity on the individual's productivity.
Originality/value
This research is the first to fully evaluate the institutional antecedents to research productivity of individuals in operations. In doing so, valuable insights are gained as to how to facilitate the success of researchers in operations. Additionally, factors are highlighted that should be considered by institutions looking at hiring freshly minted PhDs. Finally, these results can benefit practitioners when considering working with academics as a source of emerging information or consulting.
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Hélène Yildiz, Sandrine Heitz-Spahn and Lydie Belaud
The purpose of this paper is to understand why people shop at small retailers in their community. The authors investigate the influence of consumers’ civic commitment, measured at…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand why people shop at small retailers in their community. The authors investigate the influence of consumers’ civic commitment, measured at behavioural and perceptual levels, on small-retailer patronage (SRP).
Design/methodology/approach
Data from 984 respondents represent four French cities that host common town-centre shopping streets and large out-of-town retail parks. A structural equation model applied to the theoretical framework tests the relationships between civic behavioural commitment (CBC), civic perceptual commitment (CPC) and declared SRP.
Findings
The more an individual consumer exhibits civic behavioural commitment (CBC) to his/her community, the greater his/her small-retailer patronage (SRP). Furthermore, consumers who express strong civic perceptual commitment (CPC) prefer to patronise small retailers. Results show that CPC has a stronger impact on SRP than CBC does.
Practical implications
If the CPC has stronger effects on SRP than CBC does, town managers can catch people’s attention by communicating civic commitment to enhance CPC. Solidarity could be developed through large-scale social projects to send a strong signal to consumers regarding retailers’ commitment in the community. Finally, the study highlights the role businesses, retailers and consumers play in building communities. Partnerships across all local stakeholders should be built.
Originality/value
This paper is the first to define civic behavioural commitment within consumers’ life place based on social capital theory. Moreover, it offers a new framework for understanding perception of commitment within a community, and its impact on SRP. This measurement scale allows more efficient capturing of civic commitment to communities.
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Jingwen (Daisy) Huang, IpKin Anthony Wong, Qi Lilith Lian and Huiling Huang
What kind of robotic service do customers prefer when they dine out alone? This study aims to investigate how robotic service type affects solo diners’ attitude toward robotic…
Abstract
Purpose
What kind of robotic service do customers prefer when they dine out alone? This study aims to investigate how robotic service type affects solo diners’ attitude toward robotic service and restaurant revisit intention, through the mediation of rapport. It also examines the moderating effects of the need to belong and restaurant type.
Design/methodology/approach
Three experiments were conducted. Study 1 used a one-factor between-subjects design to test the effect of robotic service type on rapport and solo diners’ responses. Study 2 conducted a 2 (robotic service type: service-delivery vs entertainment) × need to belong quasi-experimental design to examine the moderation of need to belong. Study 3 used a 2 (robotic service type: service-delivery vs entertainment) × 2 (restaurant type: traditional restaurant vs solo-friendly restaurant) factorial between-subjects design to test the moderation of restaurant type. A qualitative study (Study 4) complements the experimental results based on semistructured interviews.
Findings
Entertainment (vs service-delivery) robotic service has a stronger effect on solo diners’ responses, with rapport serving as a mediator. Additionally, solo diners with a heightened need to belong demonstrate an intensified rapport effect when receiving entertainment-oriented robotic service. Furthermore, restaurant type plays a moderating role between robotic service type and consumer responses. For traditional restaurants, solo diners who receive entertainment (vs service-delivery) robotic service tend to form stronger rapport and favorable responses. The results of the qualitative study elucidate and support the hypothesized relationships of the experimental studies.
Practical implications
Restaurant operators could consider offering entertainment-based smart devices that allow solo diners to indulge themselves during the dining encounter. Restaurants could also design environmental cues that can signify a sense of comfort, such as redesigning tables with individual seats for solo diners to enhance their perceptions of shared characteristics among other solo diners in the same space.
Originality/value
This research advances the literature on solo dining and robotic service, by investigating how human–robot interaction can fulfill solo diners’ relatedness goals, as self-determination theory suggests. This inquiry also represents an early attempt in the hospitality literature to empirically examine the influence of robotic service type on consumer responses through the mediation of rapport.
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Laurent Dupont, Laure Morel and Claudine Guidat
The purpose of this paper is to discuss how French universities can play a key role in generating Smart City (SC) through an innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) dedicated…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss how French universities can play a key role in generating Smart City (SC) through an innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) dedicated to urban transformation.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors led an action-research study for five years with several research and pedagogic projects, including users or citizens.
Findings
The paper points out main factors of SC development. It also presents shared demonstrators’ characteristics, including industrial scale, sustainability, and citizens’ participation.
Research limitations/implications
This research is experimented with only one regional multi-case study.
Practical implications
Practical implications of this paper include a University of Lorraine diversification strategy through the “Chaire REVES” supported by public and private partners.
Social implications
At the regional level, industrial-university-territorial partnerships could tackle both societal and economical issues “with,” “for,” and “by” citizens.
Originality/value
Based on the Living Lab concept, this case study shows a concrete regional university strategy involving: user-centric design, collaborative processes, citizens’ workshops, and new financial and organizational answers enabling collaboration between private companies and public institutions. The paper also argues that innovative PPPs involving users are necessary for developing SC.
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This article examines the early post-World War II civil rights organizing of black women radicals affiliated with the organized left. It details the work of these women in such…
Abstract
This article examines the early post-World War II civil rights organizing of black women radicals affiliated with the organized left. It details the work of these women in such organizations as the Civil Rights Congress and Freedom newspaper as they fought to challenge the unjust conviction and sentencing of black defendants caught in the racial machinations of U.S. local and state criminal justice systems. These campaigns against what was provocatively called “legal lynching” formed a cornerstone of African American civil rights activism in the early postwar years. In centering the civil rights politics and organizing of these black women radicals, a more detailed picture emerges of the Communist Party-supported anti-legal lynching campaigns. Such a perspective moves beyond a view of civil rights legal activism as solely the work of lawyers, to examining the ways committed activists within the U.S. left, helped to build this legal activism and sustain an important left base in the U.S. during the Cold War.