Navin Malik, Celeste Alvaro, Kerry Kuluski and Andrea J. Wilkinson
To develop a psychometrically validated survey to assess satisfaction in complex continuing care/rehabilitation patients.
Abstract
Purpose
To develop a psychometrically validated survey to assess satisfaction in complex continuing care/rehabilitation patients.
Design/methodology/approach
A paper or computer-based survey was administered to 252 complex continuing care/ rehabilitation patients (i.e., post-acute hospital care setting for people who require ongoing care before returning home) across two hospitals in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Findings
Using factor analysis, five domains were identified with loadings above 0.4 for all but one item. Behavioral intention and information/communication showed the lowest patient satisfaction, while patient centredness the highest. Each domain correlated positively and significantly predicted overall satisfaction, with quality and safety showing the strongest predictive power and the healing environment the weakest. Gender made a significant contribution to predicting overall satisfaction, but age did not.
Research limitations/implications
Results provide evidence of the survey’s psychometric properties. Owing to a small sample, supplemental testing with a larger patient-group is required to confirm the five-factor structure and to assess test-retest reliability.
Originality/value
Improving the health system requires integrating patient perspectives. The patient experience, however, will vary depending on the population being served. This is the first psychometrically validated survey specific to a smaller speciality patient group receiving care at a complex continuing care/rehabilitation facility in Canada.
Luay Jum’a, Marwan Mansour, Dominik Zimon and Peter Madzík
This study aims to investigate the intention to use blockchain technology (BT) in the context of supply chain (SC) operations through an integrated technology adoption framework…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the intention to use blockchain technology (BT) in the context of supply chain (SC) operations through an integrated technology adoption framework using two well-known models, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and the technology acceptance model (TAM). Moreover, the study looked at the direct effect of TAM and UTAUT elements on attitude toward BT, as well as the role of attitude toward BT as a mediator between TAM and UTAUT elements and intention to use BT.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a quantitative research method, and a structured questionnaire was used to gather primary data. The final sample, drawn using a convenience sampling that consisted of 273 managers from the Jordanian manufacturing sector. Structural equation modeling statistical method was conducted using the Smart PLS program to test hypotheses in the proposed study framework.
Findings
The study has provided intriguing results. It found that two UTAUT elements, namely performance expectancy and social influence and one TAM element, namely perceived usefulness, have a significant impact on the attitude toward BT. Besides that, the study found that attitude toward BT significantly mediated the relationship between UTAUT-TAM elements and intention to use BT. The findings revealed that three elements namely performance expectancy, social influence and perceived usefulness have statistical significance on intention to use BT through the mediation of attitude. Finally, there is a direct significant positive relationship between the attitude toward BT and intention to use it.
Research limitations/implications
The study helps decision-makers, South Carolina practitioners and academics recognize the fundamental factors that increase manufacturing firms’ intentions to use blockchain in their SCs. This gives decision-makers a better understanding of why users accept or reject BT, as well as how to improve user acceptability through technological design. Future studies should seek for a bigger sample size and use random sampling techniques. Furthermore, the study should be replicated in other industries or developing countries to validate the findings.
Originality/value
There is a scarcity of studies identifying the factors that increase blockchain adoption intention in SCM and developing countries. This study differs in that it examines BT intention to use in the context of SC using an integrated technology adoption framework that uses two well-known models, UTAUT and TAM, whereas other studies typically use only one model/theory. Moreover, given the importance of attitude in behavior, this study also investigated the effect of TAM-UTAUT elements on attitude toward BT, as well as the role of attitude toward BT as a mediator between TAM and UTAUT elements and intention to use BT.
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Saravanan N., Navin Kumar B., Bharathiraja G. and Pandiyarajan R.
This paper aims to investigate the resultant optimal ultimate tensile strength, elongation, flexural strength and modulus, compression strength and impact strength of fabricated…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the resultant optimal ultimate tensile strength, elongation, flexural strength and modulus, compression strength and impact strength of fabricated alkali-treated Lagenaria siceraria fiber (LSF)-reinforced polymer matrix composite by optimizing input factors and microstructural characterization by influencing fiber length, fiber concentration and treatment condition of LSF.
Design/methodology/approach
The fabrication of LSF-reinforced composite specimens involved surface treatment followed by custom experimental design using a simple hand layup process. The wear analysis was performed by a multi-tribotester TR25 machine, and the developed model was validated by using statistical software Design Expert V.8 and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The surface morphology of the sample was also analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy.
Findings
The alkali treatment for LSFs had reduced the hemicellulose, and enhanced mechanical performance was observed for 30 wt.% concentration of L. siceraria in epoxy resin. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed thermal stability up to 245°C; microstructure revealed fiber entanglements in case of longer fiber length and compression strength reduction; and the surface-treated fiber composites exhibited reduced occurrences of defects and enhanced matrix–fiber bonding. Enhanced mechanical performances were observed, namely, ultimate tensile strength of 17.072 MPa, elongation of 1.847%, flexural strength of 50.4 MPa, flexural modulus of 3,376.31 GPa, compression strength of 52.154 MPa and impact strength of 0.53 joules.
Originality/value
The novel approach of optimizing and characterizing alkali surface-treated LSF-reinforced epoxy matrix composite was explored, varying fiber length and concentrations for specimens by empirical relations and experimental design to obtain optimal performance validated by ANOVA. Enhanced properties were obtained for: 7 mm fiber length and 30 wt.% concentration of fiber in the composite for alkali-treated fiber.
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Hasirumane Venkatesh Mukesh, Nandana Prabhu, Navin Kumar Koodamara, Suman Chakraborty and Pallavi Kamath
The central purpose of this study is to investigate the relative effects of leadership styles, i.e. transactional leadership and transformational leadership, and achievement…
Abstract
Purpose
The central purpose of this study is to investigate the relative effects of leadership styles, i.e. transactional leadership and transformational leadership, and achievement motivation on the entrepreneurial potential of MBA and engineering students. This study also examines whether the MBA and engineering students differ in terms of their entrepreneurial potential.
Design/methodology/approach
This study has used a cross-sectional research design along with a quasi-experimental research method to investigate the study's objectives on a sample consisting of 952 engineering and business students. The study has also used the PLS-SEM approach to carry out the data analysis, and to evaluate the group differences among MBA and engineering students concerning the relationships investigated, i.e. leadership motivation-entrepreneurial potential, and achievement motivation-entrepreneurial potential.
Findings
This research has primarily made four findings. First, the study has found that there are statistically significant differences between students pursuing a business education, and those students who are seeking management education about their entrepreneurial potential. Second, this study demonstrates that leadership and achievement motivation are strongly associated with entrepreneurial potential. Third, this research shows that the achievement motivation-entrepreneurial potential is more substantial among engineering students than among business students. However, the leadership-entrepreneurial potential relationship is more influential among MBA students than among engineering students. Lastly, the effect size of leadership is small in comparison with the effect size of achievement motivation, which is substantially healthy.
Originality/value
This research has attempted to address the riddle of a leadership attribution error in the context of entrepreneurship. Accordingly, this study has demonstrated that the idea of leadership attribution error has empirical evidence in the context of entrepreneurship also. Further, this study has tried to address the “behavior-motive preeminence” dichotomy. The results of this research show that internal motivation is more reliable than external leadership behavior in cultivating the entrepreneurial potential of students.
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Introduction: Blockchain is gaining attention in various industries and sectors. It is described as an emergent technology with immense possibilities similar to how the internet…
Abstract
Introduction: Blockchain is gaining attention in various industries and sectors. It is described as an emergent technology with immense possibilities similar to how the internet has revolutionised how businesses are currently carried out. Still, various sectors have either not adopted or are in a very nascent stage to adopt blockchain technology in their operations. The current research examines how blockchain can be used in the insurance sector. This industry was chosen as it is extremely relevant in today’s world and directly bears its economy.
Purpose: To determine the current and future path in which the insurance industry is moving about blockchain technology adoption and find synergy between blockchain technology and the insurance business.
Need for study: The insurance industry is highly relevant in today’s world and directly bears the country’s economy. Additionally, blockchain is an emergent technology with immense possibilities similar to how the internet has revolutionised how businesses are done. The current research looks at how blockchain can be used in the insurance business.
Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted in this study by reviewing literature related to blockchain technology and the insurance sector. Science direct was used as a source of information. For this study, the literature review approach was chosen since it allows us to trace the growth of the subject matter and identify the patterns that have formed through time.
Findings: The study found that the insurance sector has recognised the latent benefits of blockchain technology and has begun to develop its usage in selected cases such as fraud prevention and risk assessment.
Practical implications: The current study can be referred to by academicians, marketers, industry people, and policymakers. The study encourages companies and academicians to further investigate the usage of blockchain in insurance.
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Tang Ting, Md Aslam Mia, Md Imran Hossain and Khaw Khai Wah
Given the growing emphasis among scholars, practitioners and policymakers on financial sustainability, this study aims to explore the applicability of machine learning techniques…
Abstract
Purpose
Given the growing emphasis among scholars, practitioners and policymakers on financial sustainability, this study aims to explore the applicability of machine learning techniques in predicting the financial performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs).
Design/methodology/approach
This study gathered 9,059 firm-year observations spanning from 2003 to 2018 from the World Bank's Mix Market database. To predict the financial performance of MFIs, the authors applied a range of machine learning regression approaches to both training and testing data sets. These included linear regression, partial least squares, linear regression with stepwise selection, elastic net, random forest, quantile random forest, Bayesian ridge regression, K-Nearest Neighbors and support vector regression. All models were implemented using Python.
Findings
The findings revealed the random forest model as the most suitable choice, outperforming the other models considered. The effectiveness of the random forest model varied depending on specific scenarios, particularly the balance between training and testing data set proportions. More importantly, the results identified operational self-sufficiency as the most critical factor influencing the financial performance of MFIs.
Research limitations/implications
This study leveraged machine learning on a well-defined data set to identify the factors predicting the financial performance of MFIs. These insights offer valuable guidance for MFIs aiming to predict their long-term financial sustainability. Investors and donors can also use these findings to make informed decisions when selecting their potential recipients. Furthermore, practitioners and policymakers can use these findings to identify potential financial performance vulnerabilities.
Originality/value
This study stands out by using a global data set to investigate the best model for predicting the financial performance of MFIs, a relatively scarce subject in the existing microfinance literature. Moreover, it uses advanced machine learning techniques to gain a deeper understanding of the factors affecting the financial performance of MFIs.
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Neha Singh, Rajeshwari Panigrahi, Rashmi Ranjan Panigrahi and Jamini Ranjan Meher
Blockchain technology can potentially address the challenges of information storage, sharing and management and improve them further in an organization and sector as a whole. This…
Abstract
Purpose
Blockchain technology can potentially address the challenges of information storage, sharing and management and improve them further in an organization and sector as a whole. This study aims to investigate the effects of technology, organization and environment on the behavioral intention of employees to adopt blockchain in the Indian insurance sector and the mediating role of knowledge management practices.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire was used to collect a sample size of 390 responses based on convenience sampling. Partial least square structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.
Findings
The findings highlighted that organizational factors, followed by technological factors, significantly impact employees' behavioral intentions. The results established that the impact of environmental factors is insignificant on blockchain adoption intention. Knowledge management practices significantly mediate the relationship between organizational factors, technological factors and behavioral intention.
Practical implications
The results indicate that organizations must prioritize organizational factors (technological competence, top management support and financial readiness) and knowledge management practices (knowledge creation, sharing and retention) to positively impact employees' behavioral intentions and ensure successful and effective technology adoption.
Originality/value
Using the Technology-Organization-Environment framework, the study tests the conceptual model, showing the relationship between technological, organizational and environmental factors, behavioral intention and knowledge management practices. The role of knowledge management practices in technology adoption within organizations has been scarcely explored. This study adds significant and novel contributions in this area.