David James Johnston, Selinda Adelle Berg, Karen Pillon and Mita Williams
The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of how students accept and use e-textbooks in higher education by assessing their experiences with e-textbooks from…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of how students accept and use e-textbooks in higher education by assessing their experiences with e-textbooks from Flat World Knowledge (FWK) and Nelson Education during a two year campus pilot.
Design/methodology/approach
Students enrolled in one of 11 classes involved in the library’s e-textbook pilot were recruited to complete an online survey including questions related to the perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of electronic textbooks, as well as their general habits with the textbook. This study uses the Technology Acceptance Model as a framework for analysis.
Findings
Students experienced a drop in enthusiasm for e-textbooks from the beginning to the end of the pilot. While research suggests that students prefer for print over electronic in some contexts, students rarely acted on that preference by seeking out available alternative print options. Student experience with the open/affordable textbook (FWK) was very comparable to that of the high cost commercial text (Nelson).
Originality/value
While previous research suggests that students have a general preference for textbooks in print rather than electronic, the study suggests that preference may not dictate the likelihood that students will use print options. Students appear to be willing and able to easily make use of the content and functions in their e-textbooks. Despite overall positive reviews for the e-textbooks, students experienced a drop in enthusiasm for e-textbooks from the beginning to the end of the pilot.
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Tahir Sufi, Bindu Ranga and Indu Ranga
This paper aims to unravel how tourists balance their novel experiences with risk perceptions, psychological resilience and behavioral intentions. Additionally, it explores how…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to unravel how tourists balance their novel experiences with risk perceptions, psychological resilience and behavioral intentions. Additionally, it explores how tourists' personalities moderate the relationship between experiences and travel intentions.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 234 self-administered questionnaires were distributed to a diverse group of tourists who recently explored the Srinagar region to capture their perspectives. The data obtained was analyzed using Smart PLS-SEM.
Findings
This study revealed that the impact of perceived terror risk on behavioral intentions is not statistically significant. Instead, tourists' experiences significantly influence psychological resilience and behavioral intentions. Tourists with higher resilience are inclined to perceive these experiences as aiding in managing negative feelings.
Research limitations/implications
The study's focus is confined to one conflict zone within the country due to research constraints, excluding other areas.
Practical implications
This research provides practical insights for destination management authorities and highlights areas for improvement for tourism service providers and the government in the Srinagar region, as well as other conflict regions. Emphasizing mutual respect between locals and tourists can foster community-based tourism, enhancing the region's appeal and promoting positive intentions for all involved parties.
Social implications
This study examines how local communities in conflict-affected areas adjust to and manage the presence of tourists, with an emphasis on building resilience and support systems. Additionally, it explores how travel decisions and behaviors are influenced by tourists' perceptions of safety and how these perceptions can influence broader societal attitudes toward areas affected by conflict. Evaluating the local population's economic reliance on tourism may result in changed social dynamics, as well as possible exploitation or over-reliance on industry. Promoting mutual understanding and cultural interchange between locals and visitors may have a positive impact on efforts to promote social cohesion and peacebuilding.
Originality/value
This study broadens the scope of the existing literature on destination attributes in conflict zones, offering a unique perspective on the intrinsic features of this issue. The solutions proposed in this study contribute a novel dimension to the current literature.
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Violeta Alarcão, Pedro Candeias, Miodraga Stefanovska-Petkovska, Sónia Pintassilgo and Fernando Luís Machado
A growing body of evidence suggests that experiences of discrimination may affect physical and mental health through multiple pathways. This paper aims to characterize the extent…
Abstract
Purpose
A growing body of evidence suggests that experiences of discrimination may affect physical and mental health through multiple pathways. This paper aims to characterize the extent of everyday perceived discrimination among Brazilian and Cape Verdean immigrant adults in Portugal, to identify its forms and analyze its association with mental health.
Design/methodology/approach
This study draws on data from the EQUALS4COVID19 (Equity in health in times of pandemic) project that implemented a cross-sectional survey combining online and face-to-face questionnaires for data collection between February and November 2022.
Findings
Women were less likely than men to report no discrimination experiences and more likely to report combined bases of discrimination. While Brazilian women were more likely than Cape Verdean counterparts to report gender and nationality-based discrimination, Cape Verdean women and men were more likely to report experiencing race-based discrimination. Gender (being identified as a woman) and length of stay in Portugal were the main predictors of depression, while resilience and perceived social support were protective factors. Participants with higher levels of resilience showed a significantly diminished association between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms.
Practical implications
This study highlights the need for further research on the interlocking influences of gender, race, nationality and other structures of power, on health and illness to increase our understanding of what would help meet the specific needs of migrants’ mental health and improve equitable health care.
Originality/value
The findings on the multiple and intersectional discrimination perceived by the Brazilian and Cape Verdean populations in Portugal illustrated the ways mental health can be affected by social structures, such as gender and ethnic hierarchies, and can be used to inform the relevance to design and implement programs on combating individual and institutional discrimination and improving the rights of all people.
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Noel Scott, Brent Moyle, Ana Cláudia Campos, Liubov Skavronskaya and Biqiang Liu
Vibha Soni, Priti Saxena, Sana Moid, Abhineet Saxena and Mita Mehta
This study aims to use a multi-stage scale development process to identify the dimensions of philanthropic corporate social responsibility (PCSR) in India’s fast-moving consumer…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to use a multi-stage scale development process to identify the dimensions of philanthropic corporate social responsibility (PCSR) in India’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a study to develop a comprehensive, reliable and valid scale for measuring PCSR based on the customer perception of FMCG product manufacturers. This research adopted a comprehensive and detailed scale development process using multi-stage sampling for scale development. This final study was conducted on a sample of 402 respondents from the city of Jaipur, India.
Findings
The results have underlined the multi-dimensional aspect of PCSR; these dimensions are: altruism towards society, volunteering for local community development, generosity towards ecology, benevolent spirit and problem-solving charity.
Practical implications
This study gives valuable insights into philanthropic scale development in the FMCG sector that can immensely help domestic and international marketers to formulate CSR as a strategy. This research provides insights into a wide range of scales which can be base for future research studies that aim to explore different organizational settings.
Originality/value
PCSR and CSR are important for developing strategies for sustainable businesses across the globe. Dimensions of PCSR will be useful for practitioners and researchers in developing second-order constructs for future studies.
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Alinda Kokkinou, Ondrej Mitas and Albert Mandemakers
Companies rely on supply chain robustness and resilience to maintain their competitive advantage despite disruptions. The study examines how organizations can orchestrate employee…
Abstract
Purpose
Companies rely on supply chain robustness and resilience to maintain their competitive advantage despite disruptions. The study examines how organizations can orchestrate employee empowerment, digital transformation technologies, and trust to develop supply chain robustness and resilience capabilities.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional survey design is used to test the study hypotheses. Data are collected from international and domestic organizations operating in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxemburg using an online survey, and analyzed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
Digital transformation tools contribute to supply chain robustness and resilience in different ways. Digital transformation tools and employee empowerment contribute to the development of a data-driven culture and thereby to supply chain robustness. Digital transformation tools also contribute to increased supply chain visibility. This in turns strengthens trust relationships with suppliers, contributing to supply chain resilience.
Originality/value
The study extends dynamic capability theory and organization information processing theory by demonstrating how investments in assets such as digital technologies can contribute to increasing an organization’s information processing capability directly, by building vertical information systems, but also indirectly, by contributing to the development of lateral relations.
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Alinda Kokkinou, Albert Mandemakers and Ondrej Mitas
Modern supply chains have become increasingly vulnerable to disruptions, as evidenced by the recent COVID-19 crisis, the Suez Canal blockage and the war in Ukraine. The purpose of…
Abstract
Purpose
Modern supply chains have become increasingly vulnerable to disruptions, as evidenced by the recent COVID-19 crisis, the Suez Canal blockage and the war in Ukraine. The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of disruptions on organizations and their supply chains, and to examine which resilience principles and corresponding strategies were effective at maintaining and/or creating competitive advantage.
Design/methodology/approach
Anchored in contingent resource-based view theory and organizational information processing theory, the study uses an explanatory mixed-methods explanatory research design consisting of two surveys followed by semi-structured interviews to elaborate on the quantitative results.
Findings
The quantitative findings showed that data analytic capability combined with a data driven culture had a positive impact on competitive advantage through improved supply chain robustness. No similar effect for supply chain resilience on competitive advantage was found. This was explained by the qualitative findings which showed that insights enabled data analytic capability led to increased supply chain robustness by encouraging proactive measures such as safety stock and redundancies in the supply chain. However, supply chain resilience required these measures to be in place. Without them, supply chain managers were unable to act upon the insights enabled by visibility.
Originality/value
The empirical findings show that data analytic capability impacts supply chain robustness and resilience in different ways, especially in the context of unprecedented disruptions.
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Alinda Kokkinou, Emma Tremiliti, Marc van Iwaarden, Ondrej Mitas and Sebastiaan Straatman
The purpose of this study is to explore how tourists use connected mobile devices such as smartphones to manage their tourist experience.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore how tourists use connected mobile devices such as smartphones to manage their tourist experience.
Design/methodology/approach
A multi-method, cross-sectional approach was used consisting of questionnaires about tourists self-reported use of connected mobile devices and recorded observations of tourists' interaction with their devices.
Findings
Respondents who reported a more intense use of their connected mobile devices also reported a heightened tourist experience. Specifically, high users reported more intense emotions and expressed the belief that using their device improved the quality of their vacation. More extensive use of connected mobile devices was also linked to the perception that waits for attractions and restaurants were shorter.
Research limitations/implications
While the data and methods employed do not allow for testing of causality, the field research approach provides the benefit of high ecological validity, complementing previous studies on this topic.
Practical implications
Commercial service providers should explore ways to stimulate the use of devices, for instance by offering information about the attraction, or by providing an attractive setting for tourists taking photos. This contributes to shorter time perception and improved visitor evaluations.
Originality/value
Tourists' use of connected mobile devices to manage their tourist experience varies in terms of quality and intensity. Findings show that travelers know how to use their smartphones in a way that best suit their information and social needs.
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War is one of the worst characteristics of human nature. Wars over territory, religion, and governance were and are always present through history. War and tourism seem dissonant…
Abstract
War is one of the worst characteristics of human nature. Wars over territory, religion, and governance were and are always present through history. War and tourism seem dissonant at first glance. However, the post effects of war enable its components, such as battlefields and artefacts, to become tourist attractions. People share the impetus to visit war attractions such as battlefields, military museums, cemeteries, memorials, and other war-related sites. There is a supply for this type of tourism in exchange for the demand. This type of tourism is referred to in the literature as battlefield tourism. The meaning and definition of battlefield tourism are the main aim of this chapter. What is battlefield tourism? What are the components of battlefield tourism? How can battlefield tourism be defined? These are the primary questions this study tries to address.