This paper synthesizes existing experimental research in the area of investor perceptions and offers directions for future research. Investor-related experimental research has…
Abstract
This paper synthesizes existing experimental research in the area of investor perceptions and offers directions for future research. Investor-related experimental research has grown substantially, especially in the last decade, as it has made valuable contributions in establishing causal links, examining underlying process measures, and examining areas with little available data. Within this review, I examine 121 papers and identify three broad categories that affect investor perceptions: information format, investor features, and disclosure credibility. Information format describes how investors are influenced by information salience, information labeling, reporting and accounting complexity, financial statement recognition, explanatory disclosures, and proposed disclosure changes. Investor features describes investors’ use of heuristics, investor preferences, and the effect of investor experience. Disclosure credibility is influenced by external and internal assurance, management credibility, disclosure characteristics, and management incentives. Using this framework, I summarize the existing research and identify areas that would benefit from additional research.
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Smart card-based E-payment systems are receiving increasing attention as the number of implementations is witnessed on the rise globally. Understanding of user adoption behavior…
Abstract
Smart card-based E-payment systems are receiving increasing attention as the number of implementations is witnessed on the rise globally. Understanding of user adoption behavior of E-payment systems that employ smart card technology becomes a research area that is of particular value and interest to both IS researchers and professionals. However, research interest focuses mostly on why a smart card-based E-payment system results in a failure or how the system could have grown into a success. This signals the fact that researchers have not had much opportunity to critically review a smart card-based E-payment system that has gained wide support and overcome the hurdle of critical mass adoption. The Octopus in Hong Kong has provided a rare opportunity for investigating smart card-based E-payment system because of its unprecedented success. This research seeks to thoroughly analyze the Octopus from technology adoption behavior perspectives.
Cultural impacts on adoption behavior are one of the key areas that this research posits to investigate. Since the present research is conducted in Hong Kong where a majority of population is Chinese ethnicity and yet is westernized in a number of aspects, assuming that users in Hong Kong are characterized by eastern or western culture is less useful. Explicit cultural characteristics at individual level are tapped into here instead of applying generalization of cultural beliefs to users to more accurately reflect cultural bias. In this vein, the technology acceptance model (TAM) is adapted, extended, and tested for its applicability cross-culturally in Hong Kong on the Octopus. Four cultural dimensions developed by Hofstede are included in this study, namely uncertainty avoidance, masculinity, individualism, and Confucian Dynamism (long-term orientation), to explore their influence on usage behavior through the mediation of perceived usefulness.
TAM is also integrated with the innovation diffusion theory (IDT) to borrow two constructs in relation to innovative characteristics, namely relative advantage and compatibility, in order to enhance the explanatory power of the proposed research model. Besides, the normative accountability of the research model is strengthened by embracing two social influences, namely subjective norm and image. As the last antecedent to perceived usefulness, prior experience serves to bring in the time variation factor to allow level of prior experience to exert both direct and moderating effects on perceived usefulness.
The resulting research model is analyzed by partial least squares (PLS)-based Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach. The research findings reveal that all cultural dimensions demonstrate direct effect on perceived usefulness though the influence of uncertainty avoidance is found marginally significant. Other constructs on innovative characteristics and social influences are validated to be significant as hypothesized. Prior experience does indeed significantly moderate the two influences that perceived usefulness receives from relative advantage and compatibility, respectively. The research model has demonstrated convincing explanatory power and so may be employed for further studies in other contexts. In particular, cultural effects play a key role in contributing to the uniqueness of the model, enabling it to be an effective tool to help critically understand increasingly internationalized IS system development and implementation efforts. This research also suggests several practical implications in view of the findings that could better inform managerial decisions for designing, implementing, or promoting smart card-based E-payment system.
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Information and communications technology (ICT) offers enormous opportunities for individuals, businesses and society. The application of ICT is equally important to economic and…
Abstract
Information and communications technology (ICT) offers enormous opportunities for individuals, businesses and society. The application of ICT is equally important to economic and non-economic activities. Researchers have increasingly focused on the adoption and use of ICT by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as the economic development of a country is largely dependent on them. Following the success of ICT utilisation in SMEs in developed countries, many developing countries are looking to utilise the potential of the technology to develop SMEs. Past studies have shown that the contribution of ICT to the performance of SMEs is not clear and certain. Thus, it is crucial to determine the effectiveness of ICT in generating firm performance since this has implications for SMEs’ expenditure on the technology. This research examines the diffusion of ICT among SMEs with respect to the typical stages from innovation adoption to post-adoption, by analysing the actual usage of ICT and value creation. The mediating effects of integration and utilisation on SME performance are also studied. Grounded in the innovation diffusion literature, institutional theory and resource-based theory, this study has developed a comprehensive integrated research model focused on the research objectives. Following a positivist research paradigm, this study employs a mixed-method research approach. A preliminary conceptual framework is developed through an extensive literature review and is refined by results from an in-depth field study. During the field study, a total of 11 SME owners or decision-makers were interviewed. The recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using NVivo 10 to refine the model to develop the research hypotheses. The final research model is composed of 30 first-order and five higher-order constructs which involve both reflective and formative measures. Partial least squares-based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is employed to test the theoretical model with a cross-sectional data set of 282 SMEs in Bangladesh. Survey data were collected using a structured questionnaire issued to SMEs selected by applying a stratified random sampling technique. The structural equation modelling utilises a two-step procedure of data analysis. Prior to estimating the structural model, the measurement model is examined for construct validity of the study variables (i.e. convergent and discriminant validity).
The estimates show cognitive evaluation as an important antecedent for expectation which is shaped primarily by the entrepreneurs’ beliefs (perception) and also influenced by the owners’ innovativeness and culture. Culture further influences expectation. The study finds that facilitating condition, environmental pressure and country readiness are important antecedents of expectation and ICT use. The results also reveal that integration and the degree of ICT utilisation significantly affect SMEs’ performance. Surprisingly, the findings do not reveal any significant impact of ICT usage on performance which apparently suggests the possibility of the ICT productivity paradox. However, the analysis finally proves the non-existence of the paradox by demonstrating the mediating role of ICT integration and degree of utilisation explain the influence of information technology (IT) usage on firm performance which is consistent with the resource-based theory. The results suggest that the use of ICT can enhance SMEs’ performance if the technology is integrated and properly utilised. SME owners or managers, interested stakeholders and policy makers may follow the study’s outcomes and focus on ICT integration and degree of utilisation with a view to attaining superior organisational performance.
This study urges concerned business enterprises and government to look at the environmental and cultural factors with a view to achieving ICT usage success in terms of enhanced firm performance. In particular, improving organisational practices and procedures by eliminating the traditional power distance inside organisations and implementing necessary rules and regulations are important actions for managing environmental and cultural uncertainties. The application of a Bengali user interface may help to ensure the productivity of ICT use by SMEs in Bangladesh. Establishing a favourable national technology infrastructure and legal environment may contribute positively to improving the overall situation. This study also suggests some changes and modifications in the country’s existing policies and strategies. The government and policy makers should undertake mass promotional programs to disseminate information about the various uses of computers and their contribution in developing better organisational performance. Organising specialised training programs for SME capacity building may succeed in attaining the motivation for SMEs to use ICT. Ensuring easy access to the technology by providing loans, grants and subsidies is important. Various stakeholders, partners and related organisations should come forward to support government policies and priorities in order to ensure the productive use of ICT among SMEs which finally will help to foster Bangladesh’s economic development.
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Excellenzen meine sehr verehrten Damen und Herren liebe Kollegen Es ist mir eine besondere Freude und Ehre, erstmals einen AIEST Kongress in der Sozialistischen Republik der…
Abstract
Excellenzen meine sehr verehrten Damen und Herren liebe Kollegen Es ist mir eine besondere Freude und Ehre, erstmals einen AIEST Kongress in der Sozialistischen Republik der Tschechoslowakei zu eröffnen und dies in der prächtigen Stadt Prag, der Hauptstadt und dem kulturellen und politischen Mittelpunkt. Die Stadt ist durch ihr reiches Erbe an kulturellen Gütern besonders für unsern 34. Kongress geeignet. Auf den berechtigten Wunsch der Organisatoren des diesjährigen Kongresses hin haben wir das Thema “Tourismus und architektonisches Erbe — kulturelle, rechtliche, wirtschaftliche und marketing‐orientierte Aspekte” gewählt.
T H Tan, H. K. Samihah and S. N. Phang
Affordable housing has become an important issue with the greatest need being in urban centres. Currently, an increase in urban population growth is higher than the supply of…
Abstract
Affordable housing has become an important issue with the greatest need being in urban centres. Currently, an increase in urban population growth is higher than the supply of affordable housing, and this has resulted in a severe shortage of affordable housing as house builders are unable to construct houses at prices which are low enough for urban middle income households. Despite efforts by the Malaysian government to launch homeownership schemes for first-time homebuyers, most private housing developers might not be motivated to participate in these schemes. One of the major reasons for the disappointing supply affordable house under these schemes is mainly due to institutional and economic issueslinked to the construction of such houses in the country. This paper looks at the challenges facing private housing developers in affordable housing provision and makes recommendations to address housing affordability in the country.
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C'est un lieu commun que de réaffirmer ici l'importance croissante des mouvements touristiques dans le monde actuel sur les plans économique, social, culturel ou politique. Dans…
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C'est un lieu commun que de réaffirmer ici l'importance croissante des mouvements touristiques dans le monde actuel sur les plans économique, social, culturel ou politique. Dans le domaine économique seulement, leur développement entraˆne des conséquences décisives tant sur les relations économiques internationales (le problème des balances des paiements se pose différemment maintenant que les échanges de personnes viennent compléter les échanges de marchandises) que sur l'orientation des activités économiques internes (citons, par exemple, les investissements touristiques — hôtellerie ou moyens de transport — les changements de la consommation par suite de la croissance dans les budgets familiaux du poste distractions et voyages — l'amélioration du niveau de vie — le développement du secteur tertiaire, commerce et services — l'urbanisation, dont le tourisme est, en tant qu'évasion hors des grandes agglomérations, une des conséquences, etc.). Et en face de ce fait: il n'est pas un secteur de l'activité économique qui ne soit transformé, plus ou moins profondément, par l'essor du tourisme — une constatation amère: ce phénomène décisif, économique, social, démographique, culturel n'occupe encore qu'une place tout à fait insignifiante, quand elle n'est pas nulle, dans l'enseignement supérieur de la plupart des pays. Il serait cependant très désirable qu'une meilleure connaissance de ces phénomènes, sans nul doute appelés à poursuivre encore leur développement, soit plus largement répandue parmi les jeunes destinés à former les cadres supérieurs, c'est‐à‐dire l'élite des nations. De ce point de vue, le bilan que l'on peut dresser aujourd'hui ne laisse pas d'être fort affligeant.
The findings of the Steering Group on Food Freshness in relation to the compulsory date marking of food contained in their Report, reviewed elsewhere in this issue, has brought…
Abstract
The findings of the Steering Group on Food Freshness in relation to the compulsory date marking of food contained in their Report, reviewed elsewhere in this issue, has brought within measurable distance the Regulations which were, in any case, promised for1975. The Group consider that the extension of voluntary open date marking systems will not be sufficiently rapid (or sufficiently comprehensive) to avoid the need or justify the delay in introducing legislation.
Yanzhong Wang, Yang Liu, Wen Tang and Peng Liu
The finite element method has been increasingly applied in stress, thermal and dynamic analysis of gear transmissions. Preparing the models with different design and modification…
Abstract
Purpose
The finite element method has been increasingly applied in stress, thermal and dynamic analysis of gear transmissions. Preparing the models with different design and modification parameters for the finite element analysis is a time-consuming and highly skilled burden.
Design/methodology/approach
To simplify the preprocessing work of the analysis, a parametric finite element modeling method for spur and helical gears including profile and lead modification is developed. The information about the nodes and elements is obtained and exported into the finite element software to generate the finite element model of the gear automatically.
Findings
By using the three-dimensional finite element tooth contact analysis method, the effects of tooth modifications on the transmission error and contact stress of spur and helical gears are presented.
Originality/value
The results demonstrate that the proposed method is useful for verifying the modification parameters of spur and helical gears in the case of deformations and misalignments.
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Bala Shanmugam and Mahendran Nair
The recent wave of mergers and acquisitions in the financial institutions all over the developed nations has also taken its toll in Malaysia. Factors such as globalization…
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The recent wave of mergers and acquisitions in the financial institutions all over the developed nations has also taken its toll in Malaysia. Factors such as globalization, liberalization and information technology developments have contributed to the need for a more competitive, resilient and robust financial systems in Malaysia. This is added by the recent 1997 Asian financial crisis, which contributed for speeding the mergers and acquisitions process in the Malaysian banking sector. The end result is the formation of ten anchor banks from a total of 54 financial institutions as at end of 2001. This paper has explored the causes and the process of the mergers and acquisitions as well as the future implications in the Malaysian banking system.
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Zijie Niu, Aiwen Zhan and Yongjie Cui
The purpose of this study is to test a chassis robot on rugged road cargo handling.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to test a chassis robot on rugged road cargo handling.
Design/methodology/approach
Attitude solution of D-H series robot gyroscope speed and acceleration sensor.
Findings
In identical experimental environments, hexapodal robots experience smaller deviations when using a four-footed propulsive gait from a typical three-footed gait for forward motion; for the same distance but at different speeds, the deviation basically keeps itself within the same range when the robot advances forward with four-foot propulsive gait; because the foot slide in the three-footed gait sometimes experiences frictions, the robot exhibits a large gap in directional deviations in different courses during motion; for motion using a four-footed propulsive gait, there are minor directional deviations of hexapodal robots resulting from experimental errors, which can be reduced through optimizing mechanical structures.
Originality/value
Planning different gaits can solve problems existing in some typical gaits. This article has put forward a gait planning method for hexapodal robots moving forward with diverse gaits as a redundant multifreedom structure. Subsequent research can combine a multiparallel-legged structure to analyze kinematics, optimize the robot’s mechanical structure and carry out in-depth research of hexapod robot gaits.