Yi‐Fang Wu, Elaine Fontenot Molaison, Janet F. Pope and Shirley Reagan
This study aims to address consumer attitudes toward and acceptance of commercial soymilk and dairy yogurts containing varying levels of fat.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to address consumer attitudes toward and acceptance of commercial soymilk and dairy yogurts containing varying levels of fat.
Design/methodology approach
A convenience sample was used, consisting of 185 students from a university in northern Louisiana. Four yogurts (soymilk yogurt, full fat dairy yogurt, low fat dairy yogurt, and non‐fat dairy yogurt) were evaluated. A 9‐point hedonic scale was used to evaluate each yogurt for overall acceptance. Questionnaires were used to ascertain consumer knowledge of the benefits of soy, attitudes toward soymilk yogurt and demographic characteristics of subjects.
Findings
Acceptance scores for soymilk yogurt were significantly lower than scores for traditional dairy yogurts ( p<0.0001). Consumer attitudes regarding the health benefits of soy correlated with overall acceptance of soymilk yogurt (r=0.29; p<0.0001). Results indicate that college students are unaware of the health benefits of soy, and presently prefer traditional dairy yogurt to soymilk‐based yogurts.
Originality/value
The results of this study provide useful information to nutritionists working with a college‐aged population. In addition to promoting healthy, convenient snacks, the education also should include information on the positive aspects of soy and its incorporation in the diet through tasty methods.
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Chih-Hung Wu, Yi-Fang Lin, Kang-Lin Peng and Chih-Hsing Liu
This study aims to explore the augmented reality (AR) effectiveness of museum visiting.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the augmented reality (AR) effectiveness of museum visiting.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the AR marketing of the motivation model and the inspiration model, the critical mental process and AR were revealed that could increase museum visits. The mixed-methods approach was adopted to analyze the qualitative research and test the model hypotheses to understand the perceptions of the increasing AR marketing of museum visits.
Findings
The authors found that inspiration and perceived quality AR are critical to enhancing the attitudinal of museum visits. AR developers can thus focus on utilitarian and hedonic benefits in perceptual augmentation quality to inspire users’ willingness to visit museums.
Originality/value
This study extended the inspiration model through a mixed-methods approach to investigate how AR technologies encourage and leverage visitor experience to increase museum visit intention psychologically.
研究目的
本研究旨在探索增强现实(AR)对博物馆参观的影响。
设计/方法
基于AR营销的动机模型和启发模型, 本研究揭示了能够增加博物馆参观动机的关键心理过程和AR技术。本研究采用混合方法分析定性研究并测试模型假设, 以了解对增加AR营销的博物馆参观的感知。
研究结果
我们发现, 启发和感知质量的AR技术对提升参观博物馆的态度至关重要。因此, AR开发者可以将注意力集中在实用和享乐的益处上, 通过提升感知质量来激发用户参观博物馆的意愿。
创新性/价值
本研究通过混合方法扩展了启发模型, 研究了如何通过AR技术在心理上鼓励和利用游客体验来增加参观博物馆的意愿。
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Fang-Yi Lo, Yue Wang and Wu Zhan
The purpose of this paper is to establish the effect of top management team (TMT) cultural diversity on firm performance with a framework that considers such an effect from both…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to establish the effect of top management team (TMT) cultural diversity on firm performance with a framework that considers such an effect from both cost and benefit perspectives. The paper also examines whether and how diversity management mechanisms such as socialisation and tenure may moderate the effect of TMT diversity on firm performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing upon two competing perspectives of resource-based view (RBV) and transaction cost economics (TCE), this paper theorises and tests the potential positive and negative effects of TMT cultural diversity on firm performance with 442 publicly listed IT companies in the USA.
Findings
The results supported the RBV prediction that TMT cultural diversity enhances firm performance and socialisation strengthens the positive effects of a culturally diverse TMT on firm performance. However, tenure was not found to be important in promoting diversity gains or mitigating diversity costs. By showing clear support for the RBV prediction of the positive impact of TMT cultural diversity and refuting the TCE prediction of the potentially negative effects, this research strengthens the business case for embracing cultural diversity in TMTs.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the current literature by developing a more balanced framework to deepen our knowledge of how TMT cultural diversity may impact firm performance, and how the use of socialisation and tenure may moderate the TMT cultural diversity–firm performance relationship from both cost and benefit perspectives.
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Yu‐Cheng Lee, Yi‐Fang Hsieh and Yau‐Bin Guo
Traditional studies on a decomposed theory of planned behavior (DTPB) analyze the relationship of variables through a structural equation model. If certain variables do not fully…
Abstract
Purpose
Traditional studies on a decomposed theory of planned behavior (DTPB) analyze the relationship of variables through a structural equation model. If certain variables do not fully comply with the independent hypothesis, it is not possible to conduct proper analysis, which leads to false conclusions. To solve these problems, the aim of this research is to adopt an expert opinion‐driven decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), and re‐establish the causal relationship and the degree of interrelationship of DTPB variables.
Design/methodology/approach
This research used a university library website as an individual case, and illustrated the benefits of constructing DTPB model by using DEMATEL through the opinions of 23 experts surveyed by questionnaires.
Findings
According to the analysis result of constructing DTPB model by using DEMATEL, when DTPB variables were distributed within quadrants of high centrality and degree of causality, they became the key influential variables; when distributed within quadrants of low centrality and degree of causality, the variables needed urgent management.
Originality/value
When traditional DTPB does not consider the direct and indirect relationships among variables, the original causal relationship of variables will be influenced, and then the original variables cannot fully demonstrate their causal relationship. Therefore the feasibility and effect of constructing DTPB model by using DEMATEL proposed in this research are proved through individual cases.
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Regina Collins and Nancy Steffen-Fluhr
The purpose of this paper is to describe how one group of ADVANCE Project researchers investigated faculty co-authorship networks to identify relationships between women’s…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe how one group of ADVANCE Project researchers investigated faculty co-authorship networks to identify relationships between women’s positions in these networks, their research productivity and their advancement at the university – and to make those relationships transparent.
Design/methodology/approach
Multiple methods for capturing faculty network data were evaluated, including collecting self-reported data and mining bibliometric data from various web-based sources. Faculty co-authorship networks were subsequently analyzed using several methodologies including social network analysis (SNA), network visualizations and the Kaplan–Meier product limit estimator.
Findings
Results suggest that co-authorship provides an important way for faculty to signal the value of their work, meaning that co-authoring with many others may be beneficial to productivity and promotion. However, patterns of homophily indicate that male faculty tend to collaborate more with other men, reducing signaling opportunities for women. Visualizing these networks can assist faculty in finding and connecting with new collaborators and can provide administrators with unique views of the interactions within their organizations. Finally, Kaplan–Meier survival studies showed longitudinal differences in the retention and advancement of faculty based on gender.
Originality/value
Together, these findings begin to shed light on subtle differences that, over time, may account for the significant gender disparities at STEM institutions, patterns which should be investigated and addressed by administrators. Lessons learned, as well as the novel use of SNA and Kaplan–Meier in investigating gender differences in STEM faculty, provide important findings for other researchers seeking to conduct similar studies at their own institutions.
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Fang-Yi Lo, Wing-Keung Wong and Jessica Geovani
The authors aim to obtain the optimal combinations of factors from institutional environment adaptation mechanisms and internal resources or capabilities that influence the…
Abstract
Purpose
The authors aim to obtain the optimal combinations of factors from institutional environment adaptation mechanisms and internal resources or capabilities that influence the sustainability of a firm.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors develop a new index, called the sustainability index, based on the stakeholder perspective by employing a corporate credit risk index, an evaluation of a firm's corporate governance, corporate financial performance and firm age. The authors then apply both Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) Regression Analysis and Fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (FsQCA) to obtain the optimal models for firms' sustainability.
Findings
The OLS analysis shows that the variables including financial leverage, slack, innovation capability, manufacturing capability and human capital that have significant influences on the sustainability of firms. Our FsQCA analysis obtains configurations of several solutions for firm sustainability and concludes that the fit of combinations of institutional factors and/or internal resources and capabilities of a firm is related to its sustainability.
Research limitations/implications
The limitations in our new index include these: first, one may add more key metrics to measure the index; second, the findings do not provide any necessary nor a sufficient condition to get sustainability for sure. The limitations of using multiple regression analysis are that it is not able to reveal the combinations of causal conditions that can lead to the outcome in the real world as well as to the sustainability of a firm in our study. To overcome the limitations, the authors apply fsQCA analysis to identify combinations of causal conditions to a firm's sustainability in our study.
Practical implications
Introducing the sustainability index enables us to find out all factors influencing the sustainability of a firm. The authors’ analysis can be used to identify combinations of causal conditions to lead to outcomes in the real world. Their analysis enables managers to know how to predict the sustainability of the firm. For example, the authors’ fsQCA analysis shows that low marketing capability will lead to the high sustainability of the firm. This information helps managers to make the decision or plan to achieve good results toward their businesses and get better allocate their resources and get a better investment.
Social implications
The authors’ analysis can be used to identify combinations of causal conditions to lead to outcomes in the real world and enable managers to know how to predict the sustainability of the firm. A correct prediction can assist companies in developing their future operations, which would enhance their competitiveness vis-à-vis rivals during this time of global economic volatility, which, in turn, enables firms to perform better and employ more employees that could help the entire society.
Originality/value
The sustainability index the authors developed in our paper is new in the literature and the findings obtained by both OLS Regression Analysis and FsQCA are new in predicting a firm's sustainability. The authors’ findings are useful for academics, managers and policymakers in predicting and maintaining a firm's sustainability.
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Kuncheng Zhang, Shi-Zheng Tian, Benshuo Yang, Xin-Chang Guo and Yi-Fang Zhang
The island areas, in particular, are characterized by a more fragile ecological carrying capacity and higher value of resources and environment, which requires us to take Xi…
Abstract
Purpose
The island areas, in particular, are characterized by a more fragile ecological carrying capacity and higher value of resources and environment, which requires us to take Xi Jinping's green ecological development view as the theoretical basis and adhere to the high-quality development path of gradual development and ecological environment priority. Taking Shengsi and Daishan counties as examples, on the basis of their high-quality development evaluation and identification of the main influencing factors, this study explores the specific path of Xi Jinping's ecological development view in the high-quality development of typical island counties in China.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper applies the interpretative structural model to construct an evaluation index system for the high-quality development of the island. In determining the factor weights of the index layer, the AHP hierarchical analysis method was combined with the Delphi method to increase the objectivity of the assignment process as much as possible. This study used the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution to calculate island high quality development index. To measure the main obstacle factors, the index factor contribution rate, the index factor deviation, and the index factor obstacle degree were applied in this research.
Findings
As China intensifies its maritime strategy, the sustainability of coastal and island regions is critical, particularly given their fragile ecosystems and high resource value. Our study reveals a declining trend in the high-quality development index for Shengsi, peaking at 0.4262 in 2010 and dropping to 0.3261 in 2012. To reverse this, it's essential to align with President Xi Jinping's green ecological development framework and commit to a high-quality development pathway.
Originality/value
The connotation and extension of Xi Jinping's view of ecological development should be continuously studied in depth and enriched, with green development as the core idea to guide the correct direction of the high-quality development of the island. In this paper, it is suggested that researchers are supposed to focus on these problems, such as the changes of sea water quality, the reduction of urban greening, the continuous negative growth of population in island areas, the decline of forestry added value and air quality protection, so as to ensure the sustainable high-quality development of example islands.
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Chin‐Yi Fang, Pao‐Yu (Jessie) Peng and Wei‐Ta (Woody) Pan
The purpose of this study is threefold: to use an innovative metafrontier‐to‐data‐envelopment analysis (MDEA) model incorporating multiple outputs and inputs – including the item…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is threefold: to use an innovative metafrontier‐to‐data‐envelopment analysis (MDEA) model incorporating multiple outputs and inputs – including the item revenue, gross profit, food costs, time‐driven labor costs, and other operating expenses (OOEs) – to distinguish four quadrants based on efficiency and profit to offer different strategies to the restaurateur under study; to compare the proficiency levels of the different meal categories of the à la carte and combo set menus using the metatechnology ratio (MTR) via the MDEA; and to use slack‐based analyses with simulation to improve the financial performance of a teppanyaki‐style restaurant.
Design/methodology/approach
Six months of point of sale (POS) data are obtained from a teppanyaki‐style restaurant. The proposed inputs are categorized into total food costs, total labor cost, the number of processes, and OOEs. Two outputs (total revenue and gross profit) are used to assess the efficiency of the menu items. The MTR is used to differentiate the proficiency level of the heterogeneous meal categories and to create four quadrants based on the efficiency index and financial performance.
Findings
The MTR is lower for the combo set category than for the à la carte category. Four quadrants are obtained based on the efficiency and financial performance to provide further menu suggestions. The MDEA analysis yields menu suggestions that could enhance the overall efficiency and profitability of the menu items. A simulation using these two models is conducted and shows that the restaurant profitability would be 22 percent greater using the MDEA than using the menu engineering model.
Research limitations/implications
Because there are no publicly listed teppanyaki‐style restaurants in Taiwan and it is difficult to find the same menu in different restaurants, this study consists of only a single restaurant, and the results may not be generalizable to other types of restaurants.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to menu analysis by establishing an efficiency index and using financial performance as criteria for determining which menu items to improve in a teppanyaki‐style restaurant. The MTR of the metafrontier model can differentiate the proficiency level of the heterogeneous categories, such as à la carte and combo set menus. This paper offers empirical results pertaining to the classification of menu items and describes a slack‐based analysis for improving menu items.
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Yi-Fang Yang and Yahn-Shir Chen
The purpose of this paper is to examine the direct and interactive effects of audit service quality and audit market concentration on performance of public accounting firms in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the direct and interactive effects of audit service quality and audit market concentration on performance of public accounting firms in Taiwan.
Design/methodology/approach
Empirical data of this study come from registered public accounting firms in Taiwan, an industrial data. From the perspective of industrial economics and based on the structure-conduct-performance paradigm (Cowling and Waterson, 1976), this study use OLS to test the linear regression equation.
Findings
Empirical results indicate that both audit service quality and audit market concentration have positive effects on performance. The interaction terms between audit service quality and audit market concentration are positively related to performance.
Practical implications
This documents that human capital is the core resource in public accounting firms which could enhance performance through higher audit service quality under intense market competition. Specifically, facing increasingly competitive audit market, public accounting firms response to the hostile situation by employing auditors with higher educational level, more work experience, with professional licenses, and taking more continuing professional education.
Originality/value
Few previous researches consider the effects of either market concentration or audit service quality on firm performance. This study simultaneously examines the relation among audit service quality, audit market concentration, and performance of public accounting firms. With the results, this study contributes knowledge to human resource and quality management-related literatures.
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Yi Fang and Xinman Peng
The impact of banking deregulation on firms and economic growth is heavily researched, but not the effects on banks’ risk-taking. This study aims to investigate the impact of…
Abstract
Purpose
The impact of banking deregulation on firms and economic growth is heavily researched, but not the effects on banks’ risk-taking. This study aims to investigate the impact of China’s 2009 banking deregulation on bank risk-taking, particularly from a balance sheet capacity perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a difference-in-differences approach, this study examines how deregulation affects bank risk-taking. A three-stage regression strategy is employed to conduct mechanism analysis.
Findings
The results reveal that deregulated banks exhibit higher levels of risk-taking. Mechanism analysis confirms the bank balance sheet capacity channel: deregulation helps strengthen the net interest margin of deregulated banks, which enhances their balance sheet capacity and subsequently increases their risk appetite. In addition, deregulation improves firms’ access to long-term credit in regions with limited credit availability, especially for smaller firms, thereby expanding the financial sector’s service outreach.
Practical implications
While banking deregulation enhances credit availability for firms and supports the real economy, it also raises banks’ risk-taking, posing challenges to financial stability. Our study highlights the trade-off between supporting the real economy and maintaining financial stability under banking deregulation.
Originality/value
This study fills a gap in research on the effects of banking deregulation on bank risk-taking, highlighting the critical role of balance sheet capacity in this process.