Kathryn Woods and Terry Damron
This case explores the concept of crowdfunding by examining the background of the fundraising model in addition to the successful campaign, “Let’s Send Kids to Harvard: Vidal…
Abstract
Synopsis
This case explores the concept of crowdfunding by examining the background of the fundraising model in addition to the successful campaign, “Let’s Send Kids to Harvard: Vidal Scholarship Fund.” In this campaign, Brandon Stanton leveraged the large following of his photo blog, “Humans of New York,” to raise more than one million dollars for students in an inner-city middle school. The fundraiser received national attention and broke the record for the most contributors to a single campaign on the popular crowdfunding website, Indiegogo. Students are encouraged to think critically about what elements work together to create a successful crowdfunding campaign.
Research methodology
Secondary data were reviewed to provide a thorough review of the history of crowdfunding as well as to chronicle the events that led up to the successful crowdfunding campaign highlighted in the case study.
Relevant courses and levels
This case is appropriate for university marketing, social media, public relations, and entrepreneurship courses. This case has a difficulty level appropriate for sophomore-, junior-, or senior-level courses.
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Joe Cangelosi, Terry Stringer Damron and David Kim
As consumer health-care spending increases, so does the need for effective communication of preventive health-care information (PHCI) with the potential to prompt lifestyle…
Abstract
Purpose
As consumer health-care spending increases, so does the need for effective communication of preventive health-care information (PHCI) with the potential to prompt lifestyle changes. Through proactive, effective dissemination of PHCI, health-care service providers can minimize and prevent costly health conditions while improving the efficiency of a traditionally reactive health-care system. Taking into account the considerable time consumers spend on social media and networks (SM&N) and hefty health-care spending among Baby Boomer and Generation X consumers, this study aims to address critical questions concerning the importance of SM&N for gathering PHCI, SM&N preferences for gathering PHCI and the types of behavioral changes consumers have pursued in response to PHCI.
Design/methodology/approach
Designed as a generational cohort analysis, this study is based on the responses of 936 Baby Boomer and Generation X respondents to a questionnaire containing 200 items related to PHCI and social/digital media as a vehicle for acquiring both general and preventive health information. Crosstab analysis was used to examine differences in the characteristics of the generational cohorts. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess differences in the degree of importance Baby Boomer and Generation X health consumers assign to 28 SM&N sites as delivery systems of PHCI. The researchers used ANOVA to determine generational differences in behavioral changes associated with a healthier lifestyle as a result of exposure to PHCI.
Findings
There are significant differences in the characteristics of Baby Boomer and Generation X cohorts. Generation X health-care consumers assign greater importance to SM&N sites as PHCI delivery systems. Additionally, Generation X health-care consumers report greater behavioral change resulting from exposure to PHCI.
Research limitations/implications
New information is provided concerning health-care consumer perceptions of SM&N as a source of PHCI and the behavioral changes consumers pursue as a result of PHCI exposure.
Practical implications
This paper measures the effectiveness of interactive health-care marketing activities, explaining the role of SM&N as an effective source of PHCI and providing marketers with insights useful for PHCI content management and dissemination.
Social implications
Effective dissemination of PHCI via SM&N may help prevent illness among Baby Boomer and Generation X consumers and, accordingly, improve quality of life while easing the increasing pressure on the US health-care system.
Originality/value
Study results evidence the value of SM&N sites to health service providers as they endeavor to improve and extend consumer lives through dissemination of PHCI. Ideas and insights within this paper will inform and enhance social media marketing management practices within pharmaceutical and health-care organizations.
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Alan David Smith, Terry Damron and Amye Melton
With the passage of the Affordable Health Care Act in the USA, many companies are investing in corporate wellness programs as a way to reduce healthcare costs and increase…
Abstract
Purpose
With the passage of the Affordable Health Care Act in the USA, many companies are investing in corporate wellness programs as a way to reduce healthcare costs and increase productivity of their workforces. Increasing healthcare expenditures and the pandemic of obesity and chronic diseases are driving forces to the development and implementation of workplace wellness programs across the globe. Companies expect to experience a return on their investment through lower healthcare costs and increased productivity. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, 109 business professionals were surveyed (primarily almost equally divided between Russian and Americans citizens) to examine their health-promoting and health risk behaviors. Demographics were compared in an effort to identify the key differences in order to pinpoint development opportunities to increase efficiencies among target populations.
Findings
According to the results, nationality was related to certain differences in health-promoting behaviors, participation rates and frequency of wellness programs offered by employers. No differences were found among different age groups. The results indicated that not even a single wellness program design is appropriate for all companies or even one company across all locations.
Research limitations/implications
Although there were no general conclusions have been drawn nor have the influencing factors for the different behaviors of the various target groups been adequately examined in this exploratory study, there were baselines developed for future research.
Originality/value
Few empirical studies exists that measure the perceived value of corporate wellness programs, especially among different cultural settings. In effect, wellness programs need to be developed specifically for the target population, with considerations to perceived value differences.
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Anna Marie Johnson and Sarah Jent
This article presents an annotated bibliography of literature recently published on the topic of library instruction and information literacy in academic, school, public, special…
Abstract
This article presents an annotated bibliography of literature recently published on the topic of library instruction and information literacy in academic, school, public, special, and all types of libraries. Collaboration was a strong theme, especially among academic and school libraries. Other themes discussed in the articles include the globalism of information literacy, assessment, the use of course management systems, and the use and value of online tutorials.
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George Ouma Ochieng'a and Maurice Ogada
Good health is important for the happiness and productivity of employees of any organization and a nation. With the declining government funding for public Universities in Kenya…
Abstract
Purpose
Good health is important for the happiness and productivity of employees of any organization and a nation. With the declining government funding for public Universities in Kenya, providing health cover for employees is a real challenge. Thus, the universities have to explore widely acceptable and sustainable options. This study aims to explore the correlations of employee preferences for health care schemes and evaluated the cost implications of each of the available Schemes.
Design/methodology/approach
The study applied a multinomial probit analysis on cross-sectional data from Taita Taveta University (TTU) in Kenya's coastal region. Cost-benefit analysis was used to rank alternative healthcare schemes. For triangulation of information, individual interviews were supplemented with key informant interviews.
Findings
Two sets of factors, personal attributes of employees and the attributes of the health care provider, were found to drive employee preferences for health care schemes. Thus, the universities need to consider these attributes in their choice sets of health care schemes to gain employee support.
Research limitations/implications
The study was based on a cross-sectional survey that may not capture the dynamic elements in institutional management. Thus, future research may build panel data on the current one for further analysis.
Practical implications
The study found that household characteristics and the perceived attributes of the healthcare providers are key drivers of the preferences. Thus, it is important to consider the characteristics of the employees (for example, age, family sizes, etc.) and attributes of healthcare providers before selecting a healthcare scheme for the workers
Originality/value
This is a pioneer study on the choice of healthcare scheme for institutions of higher learning in Kenya. Universities are made aware of what informs employee's preferences for health schemes. This is important for tailoring health care schemes to match employee preferences for greater satisfaction.