V. Ann Paulins and Loren V. Geistfeld
Consumer perceptions of retail store attributes for a set of particular stores were examined to determine their effect on store preference. Respondents rated 13 stores. Four…
Abstract
Consumer perceptions of retail store attributes for a set of particular stores were examined to determine their effect on store preference. Respondents rated 13 stores. Four variables were found to affect store preference using forward stepwise logistic regression: type of clothing desired in stock, outside store appearance, shopping hours, and advertising. Significance of the effect of store attributes on store preference varied by store type. In addition, associations between customer perception of store attributes, education and age were observed. Implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore student perceptions of job characteristics of their internships – and to explore the relationship between these job characteristics and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore student perceptions of job characteristics of their internships – and to explore the relationship between these job characteristics and overall satisfaction with their retail merchandising internship experiences in terms of contribution toward career development.
Design/methodology/approach
Three internship site categories were identified: stores, corporate settings, and other types. Students completed surveys after their internship experiences.
Findings
There were significant differences observed between site types and overall satisfaction with internships. Desire to recommend to others, variety of tasks, repetition of duties, similarity of activities, pay, opportunities for networking with others, extent of dealing with other people, and extent of receiving information from supervisors were different among sites. Information and feedback from supervisors, variety of activities, closure with tasks, clear results of tasks, autonomy, and networking opportunities were related to internship satisfaction.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to US companies and focuses on retail merchandising internships, so results may not be generalizable in other settings.
Practical implications
Retailers may use this information to enhance the structure and tasks associated with their internships. Students and professors may use this information as academic internships are sought.
Originality/value
This paper provides a comprehensive look at job characteristics as they related to satisfaction in an internship environment and offers insight to companies who offer internships as well as students who seek them.
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Yingjiao Xu and V. Ann Paulins
To study college students' attitudes toward and behavioral intention of shopping online for apparel products by using the theory of reasoned action.
Abstract
Purpose
To study college students' attitudes toward and behavioral intention of shopping online for apparel products by using the theory of reasoned action.
Design/methodology/approach
Focus group interviews and a literature review identified specific items of interest related to the desirability of shopping online for apparel products. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to two groups of respondents: college students who lived in rural and urban areas.
Findings
The students, in general, had positive attitudes toward shopping online for apparel products. ANOVA results showed that the students who intended to shop online for apparel products had more positive attitudes than those who did not have the intention. The GLM results showed that internet usage, employment status, and car access had significant influence on students' attitudes toward online shopping for apparel products.
Research limitations/implications
The samples for this study were randomly chosen from two universities in the United States. This limited sampling frame may affect the generalization of findings.
Practical implications
Both local retailers in rural college towns and online retailers can benefit from the findings of this study.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the literature by studying college students attitudes toward online shopping for apparel products.
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Wai Ming To and Jane W.Y. Lung
An internship is an essential part of vocational-oriented degree programs because it enhances the employability of graduates and prepares them for career development. Thus, it is…
Abstract
Purpose
An internship is an essential part of vocational-oriented degree programs because it enhances the employability of graduates and prepares them for career development. Thus, it is important to understand how students view internships and whether they are satisfied with their internship experience. This paper explores the effects of organizational and individual factors on internship satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a literature review on internship, we propose a theoretical model in which organizational factors, including supervisor support and task clarity, and individual factors, including interns' perceived functional value and perceived social value, can lead to internship satisfaction while task clarity, perceived functional value and perceived social value can affect interns' self-initiative behavior. The proposed model was tested using responses from 161 Chinese students in Macao SAR.
Findings
The results of structural equation modeling indicated that supervisor support and perceived social value had direct and significant impacts on internship satisfaction while task clarity and perceived functional value had direct and significant impacts on interns' self-initiative behavior. Additionally, supervisor support significantly influenced task clarity, perceived functional value and perceived social value.
Originality/value
The paper identifies that supervisor support has a strong and significant impact on internship satisfaction. Additionally, the current study indicates that organizations should pay great attention to appoint the right work supervisors who are able to assign appropriate tasks to interns, provide clear guidance and facilitate social interaction between interns and other people.
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It has often been said that a great part of the strength of Aslib lies in the fact that it brings together those whose experience has been gained in many widely differing fields…
Abstract
It has often been said that a great part of the strength of Aslib lies in the fact that it brings together those whose experience has been gained in many widely differing fields but who have a common interest in the means by which information may be collected and disseminated to the greatest advantage. Lists of its members have, therefore, a more than ordinary value since they present, in miniature, a cross‐section of institutions and individuals who share this special interest.
Aarhus Kommunes Biblioteker (Teknisk Bibliotek), Ingerslevs Plads 7, Aarhus, Denmark. Representative: V. NEDERGAARD PEDERSEN (Librarian).
ON April 23rd this year, when all countries in the world will be celebrating the Quater‐centenary of Shakespeare's birthday, the Shakespeare Memorial Library in Birmingham will…
Abstract
ON April 23rd this year, when all countries in the world will be celebrating the Quater‐centenary of Shakespeare's birthday, the Shakespeare Memorial Library in Birmingham will have attained a majority of one hundred years. Although founded in 1864 the scope of the library was first envisaged by George Dawson, President of the local Shakespeare club in a letter to Aris's Birmingham Gazette of 1861.
All items listed may be borrowed from the Aslib Library, except those marked *, which may be consulted in the Library.
DECEMBER sees the close of the presidency of Lionel R. McColvin. Few men in the record of the Library Association have more deserved the eminence the office affords and the…
Abstract
DECEMBER sees the close of the presidency of Lionel R. McColvin. Few men in the record of the Library Association have more deserved the eminence the office affords and the feeling is aroused that it is all too brief a tenure. None has used twelve months to more useful purpose. He presided over the Annual Conference with dignity and conducted the unfortunate Annual Business Meeting with a fairness that was scrupulous. He has given several public addresses, a notable one being that at the Manchester Public Library Centenary which may be read in The Manchester Review (Autumn, 1952); has served on at least one Government committee, has opened libraries, unveiled the L.C.C. tablet to William Ewart; has found time to address various branch and divisional meetings of librarians, to serve on the N.C.L. Executive Committee, to sign the Fellowship certificates of successful candidates and, of course, has presided over every meeting of the L.A. Council and, we understand, with such success that complete harmony ruled in that very miscellaneous body. He passes on his office with honour and with our gratitude.
By “political economy” I mean both the method of thought and the body of knowledge which refer to human economising behaviour. The body of knowledge includes both theory �…
Abstract
By “political economy” I mean both the method of thought and the body of knowledge which refer to human economising behaviour. The body of knowledge includes both theory — theorems, laws, empirical generalisations, etc., and “facts” — history, description of institution, statistical data, etc. By “Christian theology” I mean both the method of thought and the body of knowledge which refer to the human religious understanding of Jesus of Nazareth. “Religious” here implies awareness of, or belief in, God. The body of knowledge may include pre‐Christian religion (such as that reported in the Old Testament), and the results of independent inquiry (such as natural theology) in so far as these are interpreted by, or “refracted” through what theologians call the “Christ event”.