Andrew Martin Cox and Winnie Wan Ting Tam
Visualisations of research and research-related activities including research data management (RDM) as a lifecycle have proliferated in the last decade. The purpose of this paper…
Abstract
Purpose
Visualisations of research and research-related activities including research data management (RDM) as a lifecycle have proliferated in the last decade. The purpose of this paper is to offer a systematic analysis and critique of such models.
Design/methodology/approach
A framework for analysis synthesised from the literature presented and applied to nine examples.
Findings
The strengths of the lifecycle representation are to clarify stages in research and to capture key features of project-based research. Nevertheless, their weakness is that they typically mask various aspects of the complexity of research, constructing it as highly purposive, serial, uni-directional and occurring in a somewhat closed system. Other types of models such as spiral of knowledge creation or the data journey reveal other stories about research. It is suggested that we need to develop other metaphors and visualisations around research.
Research limitations/implications
The paper explores the strengths and weaknesses of the popular lifecycle model for research and RDM, and also considers alternative ways of representing them.
Practical implications
Librarians use lifecycle models to explain service offerings to users so the analysis will help them identify clearly the best type of representation for particular cases. The critique offered by the paper also reveals that because researchers do not necessarily identify with a lifecycle representation, alternative ways of representing research need to be developed.
Originality/value
The paper offers a systematic analysis of visualisations of research and RDM current in the Library and Information Studies literature revealing the strengths and weaknesses of the lifecycle metaphor.
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Winnie Tam, Andrew M. Cox and Andy Bussey
The purpose of this paper is to identify the features that international student users prefer for next generation OPACs.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the features that international student users prefer for next generation OPACs.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 16 international students of the University of Sheffield were interviewed in July 2008 to explore their preferences among potential features in next generation OPACs. A semi‐structured interview schedule with images of mock‐up screens was used.
Findings
The results of the interviews were broadly consistent with previous studies. In general, students expect features in next generation OPACs should save their time, be easy to use and relevant to their search. This study found that recommender features and features that can provide better navigation of search results are desired by users. However, Web 2.0 features, such as RSS feeds and those features which involved user participation were among the least popular.
Practical implications
This paper produces findings of relevance to any academic library seeking to implement a next‐generation OPAC.
Originality/value
There have been no previous published research studies of users' preferences among possible features of next‐generation OPACs.
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Chee-Hua Chin, Winnie Poh Ming Wong, Tat-Huei Cham, Jun Zhou Thong and Jill Pei-Wah Ling
This study aims to investigate how artificial intelligence (AI)-powered smart home devices affect young consumers' requirements for convenience, support, security and monitoring…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate how artificial intelligence (AI)-powered smart home devices affect young consumers' requirements for convenience, support, security and monitoring, as well as their ability to advance environmental sustainability. This study also examines the variables that impact users' motivation to use AI-powered smart home devices, such as perceived value, ease of use, social presence, identity, technology security and the moderating impact of trust.
Design/methodology/approach
The responses from residents of Sarawak, Malaysia, were collected through online questionnaires. This study aimed to examine the perceptions of millennials and zillennials towards their trust and adoption of AI-powered devices. This study used a quantitative approach, and the relationships among the study constructs were analysed using partial least squares - structural equation modelling.
Findings
The present study found that perceived usefulness, ease of use and social presence were the main motivators among actual and potential users of smart home devices, especially in determining their intentions to use and actual usage. Additionally, there was a moderating effect of trust on the relationship between perceived ease of use, social presence, social identity and intention to use AI-powered devices in smart homes.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to examine the factors influencing smart technology adoption. This study provided meaningful insights on the development of strategies for the key stakeholders to enhance the adoption and usage of AI-powered smart home devices in Sarawak, one of the promising Borneo states. Additionally, this study contributed to the growing body of knowledge on the associations between technology acceptance model dimensions, intention and actual usage of smart technology, with the moderating impact of trust.
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Patricia Martins, Winnie Ng Picoto and France Bélanger
This study explores the differences between digital immigrants (DIs) and digital natives (DNs) in the continuance of routine and innovative information system use.
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the differences between digital immigrants (DIs) and digital natives (DNs) in the continuance of routine and innovative information system use.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative survey was conducted with two different samples comprising 100 DIs and 152 DNs in mandatory information system use contexts. Data were analyzed with structural equation modeling to examine the hypothesized relationships in the research model.
Findings
Results revealed differences among digital nativity groups. The effect of confirmation of expectations about system use on satisfaction is stronger for DNs whereas the effect on task–technology fit (TTF) is similar in both digital groups. Interestingly, significant differences between digital nativity groups occur in routine use. For DIs, TTF and habit are significant while for DNs, satisfaction significantly affects routine use. The results show no difference between digital native groups regarding innovative use.
Originality/value
This study extends the concept of digital nativity to routine and innovative system use, contributing to an enhanced understanding about the differences in information systems continuance (ISC) based on digital nativity. It also provides a fine-grained discussion of how to classify digital nativity and its impact in working contexts and extends the IS continuance model by considering two types of IS usage.
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This study aims to explore adult professional’s role using the conceptual framework of co-production. It proposes that when adult professionals recognise children’s expertise…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore adult professional’s role using the conceptual framework of co-production. It proposes that when adult professionals recognise children’s expertise, they can form equal, interdependent partnerships as co-constructors of knowledge which are integral to co-production practice, but structural and cultural barriers persist when working with justice involved children. This study investigates the sociocultural context of Hong Kong to expand critical knowledge of co-production in youth justice.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses a qualitative approach and reports on data gathered from participant observation and interviews with social workers in a local children’s service.
Findings
This paper empirically uncovers how missed opportunities for social workers to transform their role when working with justice involved children. Partnerships were highly valued as an important part of social workers role, but in practice, equal partnerships were met with institutional and cultural barriers, whereas interdependency formed but social workers still navigated tensions of regulating children’s behaviour.
Research limitations/implications
Deeper theoretical understanding of the structural and cultural impact on co-production across youth justice in the Hong Kong context remains to be explored, though focusing on the repositing of adult professional roles supports a greater understanding of the conflicting practice within youth justice.
Practical implications
Professionals can reflect critically on how their role as co-constructors of knowledge can be achieved to expand children’s meaningful participation into the planning and design of programmes to co-create objectives and share power.
Originality/value
This paper combines theory of co-production with local Asian practices, identifying how barriers towards transformation play out through relationships between children and front-line professionals.
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The purpose of this paper is to assess the antecedent of satisfaction and loyalty in the context of a multi-channel banking environment. Multi-channel banking involves both branch…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the antecedent of satisfaction and loyalty in the context of a multi-channel banking environment. Multi-channel banking involves both branch and electronic banking channels through which the customers interact with the bank.
Design/methodology/approach
The study involved a customer survey of 229 respondents, which used a convenience sampling approach through intercepts and interviews held at bank branches. A structured questionnaire was used, and data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.
Findings
While examining factors such as perceived ease of use, branch service quality evaluation, satisfaction, and loyalty, it is observed, using structural equation modeling, that perceived ease of use and branch service quality are antecedents to satisfaction and satisfaction positively affects the loyalty.
Originality/value
Although it is realized that digital banking will positively influence loyalty, the role of branch service quality cannot be ignored. The role played by the ease of use is higher than branch service quality evaluations.
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Looks at the eighth published year of the ITCRR and the research, from far and near, involved in this. Muses on the fact that, though all the usual processes are to the fore, the…
Abstract
Looks at the eighth published year of the ITCRR and the research, from far and near, involved in this. Muses on the fact that, though all the usual processes are to the fore, the downside part of the industry is garment making which is the least developed side. Posits that the manufacture of clothing needs to become more technologically advanced as does retailing. Closes by emphasising support for the community in all its efforts.
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Eduardo Parra-Lopez, José Alberto Martínez-González and Angel Chinea-Martin
The purpose of this paper is to determine the drivers of the formation of e-loyalty in a tourist destination, providing a model composed of variables that are under the control of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the drivers of the formation of e-loyalty in a tourist destination, providing a model composed of variables that are under the control of the firm along with others that are not fully controllable by professionals.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was carried out with a sample of 497 subjects, university students and online consumers, and with the use of structural equations (partial least squares).
Findings
Results show that young people give a high valuation to all the variables used in the research. These results contribute to the literature on e-loyalty in tourism destinations and improve tourism loyalty in this population segment.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of this research has been related to the number of variables and measurement indicators that, according to the literature review, influence e-loyalty. Finally, a balanced and statistically significant model has been developed that has practical utility and analyzes online purchase of tourism products from a process perspective that includes variables that are internal and external to the firm.
Practical implications
The study suggests that young people have a favourable attitude and predisposition towards e-commerce, which, in turn, favours firms’ efforts to promote consumption and loyalty within the framework of the model’s variables.
Originality/value
This research paper has important value by analysing the initiating variables to determine how e-loyalty can be managed in tourist destinations, in addition to analysing an important segment for future tourism development.
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Purpose – Anthropomorphism abounds in contemporary consumer culture. This chapter evaluates the recent anthropomorphic uptick and shows how it can be utilized for pedagogic…
Abstract
Purpose – Anthropomorphism abounds in contemporary consumer culture. This chapter evaluates the recent anthropomorphic uptick and shows how it can be utilized for pedagogic purposes – namely, a brand animal novel called The Penguin's Progress.
Methods/approach – The chapter adopts a case study approach (though “exemplar” is perhaps a better word). It employs an alternative mode of knowledge representation, fictionalized nonfiction.
Findings – The exemplar reveals that student engagement is enhanced when unorthodox modes of representation are embraced by educators, though such pedagogic tactics are not without their shortcomings.
Research implications – If student reaction to The Penguin's Progress is any indication, then this chapter has enormous implications for the way consumer researchers communicate their ideas. A root and branch rethink is required.
Practical implications – The Penguin's Progress provides an alternative pedagogic option, an off-beat route to knowledge acquisition. Whether it's widely adopted, remains to be seen.
Originality – The chapter reveals that marketing and consumer research does not have to be written in a dry-as-dust manner.
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Ka Ki Chan and Tat Chor Au-Yeung
This research highlights age-specific barriers to employment for older workers and the gap between activation policy design and implementation, focusing on difficulties in…
Abstract
Purpose
This research highlights age-specific barriers to employment for older workers and the gap between activation policy design and implementation, focusing on difficulties in extending working life under employment support services.
Design/methodology/approach
This research employed a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews to gather perspectives on extending the working lives of older adults. Eighteen experienced social workers who worked in employment support services for older workers who aged fifty-five and above participated in the study.
Findings
This study underscores the importance of comprehensively understanding the heterogeneity of individuals' circumstances and emphasizes the impact of intersectionality on the development of extending working life. It incorporates individual and familial difficulties, including considering caregiving responsibilities, health issues and housing challenges before exploring employment-related concerns. The study also highlights external factors influencing older workers' employment prospects, including employer perspectives, government support levels and public recognition of the necessity to extend working life.
Research limitations/implications
This research sheds light on the impact of welfare-related stigma, which imposes obstacles and inflexibility on older workers seeking employment. It ultimately contributes to the sustainability and dynamism of the Asia–Pacific workforce while also informing regional discussions on social security and welfare services.
Originality/value
It uniquely employs the perspectives of social workers providing employment support services to highlight challenges and policy gaps in extending the working lives of older workers in Hong Kong. It also provides practical insights into strategies and mechanisms for extending working life across diverse social contexts.