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Article
Publication date: 15 September 2020

Kelly McKenna and Levi Altringer

This study aims to investigate the Colorado state university (CSU) MOVES online, transportation module, which was implemented for the dual purpose of promoting alternative modes…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the Colorado state university (CSU) MOVES online, transportation module, which was implemented for the dual purpose of promoting alternative modes of transportation and while providing students with the information and skills necessary to comfortably and safely commute on and around campus without a personal motor vehicle.

Design/methodology/approach

This mixed methods research tests the effect of the CSU MOVES transportation module on students’ familiarity, comfortability and knowledgeability, the researchers investigate within- and across-group changes in student survey responses over time.

Findings

The educational transportation module had an immediate and significant impact on the students’ familiarity, comfortability and knowledgeability regarding alternative and active transportation methods and this effect lasted over the semester. In addition, participating students experienced much larger gains in their knowledgeability of safe active transportation practices.

Research limitations/implications

The CSU MOVES survey data was limited in multiple ways, including self-selection into participation and completion of the transportation module, as well as the small sample size and lack of an authentic control group.

Originality/value

Universities and colleges across the country are becoming critically aware of issues surrounding transportation on and around campus and CSU is one of the first universities to join together with the local community to implement a transportation education module. Transportation initiatives have been motivated by multiple factors such as the supply of and demand for parking on and around campuses, sustainability efforts to reduce carbon emissions associated with university operations and the promotion of student health through active lifestyle practices.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 22 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 27 November 2020

Swapnil Undale, Ashish Kulkarni and Harshali Patil

Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic forced nationwide lockdown in India. During the period of lockdown usage of eWallet increased by 44%. With the increased usage of digital…

22912

Abstract

Purpose

Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic forced nationwide lockdown in India. During the period of lockdown usage of eWallet increased by 44%. With the increased usage of digital transactions, cyber-crime attacks also increased as much as by 86%. The socio-economic environment and the peoples’ mindset in the country yet not ready for this kind of rise in digital transactions. The purpose of this study is to capture “security concern” and “comfortability” in regard to using eWallet during the COVID-19 pandemic situation. The study further investigated the influence of demographics such as gender and income on “security concern” and “comfortability” in using eWallet.

Design/methodology/approach

This was an empirical study. The respondents were selected using a purposive sampling method. Only those people who had been using eWallet were included in the survey. The questionnaire was circulated to 100 respondents who agreed to participate in the survey. After scrutiny total of 43 questionnaires were found to be completely filled in all aspects, and thus used for analysis. This study used an innovative multi-method approach for analysis. The hypotheses were tested using two methods: the conventional p-value method and the robust BCa bootstrap method. The effect size was also reported.

Findings

The findings suggest that female users are more concerned about eWallet security than male users. This study showed that people from the middle-income group are more concerned about the security of digital payments than the people from the lower-income group.

Research limitations/implications

This study covered the influence of two demographic variables “gender” and “income” on security and comfort in using eWallets. Other demographic variables such as age, education, occupation and area of residence (rural or urban) need to be investigated with the inclusion of rural populations. From the findings of this study, this paper argues that the middle-income group in India is more risk intolerant than the lower-income group while higher and lower-income groups are indifferent. A separate detailed study is recommended for additional support. This study used an innovative multi-method approach of analysis and use of bootstrapping. This may encourage other researchers to adopt such approaches.

Practical implications

This study showed that irrespective of the forceful adoption; security concerns are prevailing and on the rise. This is an alarm to developers and service providers that, although the use of eWallets increased exponentially during this COVID-19 pandemic, it is a forceful adoption and not willful. They should not get deceived by rise in eWallet users and must endeavor to improve the security of eWallets otherwise, there may be a sharp decline in eWallet users once the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

Originality/value

This study attempted to capture the comfortability and security concerns of eWallet users during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study used an innovative multi-method approach of analysis and used bootstrapping in addition to the conventional p-value method to test the significance. This study showed that irrespective of the forceful adoption of eWallets owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, security concerns are prevailing and on the rise. The study confirms that gender has an influence on eWallet security. The findings of this study are in partial conformity with the findings of previous researchers.

Details

Vilakshan - XIMB Journal of Management, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0973-1954

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2023

Thamoda Geegamage, Achini Ranaweera and Rangika Halwatura

The fashion industry has been accused of being the second largest environmental polluter in the world. Millions of tons of post-consumer waste are dumped in landfills and garbage…

247

Abstract

Purpose

The fashion industry has been accused of being the second largest environmental polluter in the world. Millions of tons of post-consumer waste are dumped in landfills and garbage disposal sites each year. However, environmental concerns are emerging as a mainstream issue among modern-day consumers. This critical problem has prompted fashion retailers and brands to embrace sustainable practices to address consumers’ environmental concerns by reducing pollution. Given this background, this research aims to understand consumer’s perceptions of value towards second-hand fashion consumption in the context of Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study uses a qualitative approach to understand consumers’ perceptions of value towards second-hand fashion consumption.

Findings

This research uses the theoretical model of the means-end chain model and shows five consumer’s values of second-hand consumers: price-consciousness, consciousness on emotional bonds, comfortability consciousness, quality and brand consciousness and social and environmental consciousness. Furthermore, the authors show non-second-hand fashion consumers’ values as social status consciousness, hygienic consciousness, comfortability consciousness, quality and brand consciousness and self-expressive consciousness.

Originality/value

This research sheds some light on the emerging knowledge of second-hand consumption. This research further points out certain practical implications by drawing attention to a few opportunities and challenges associated with the second-hand fashion business within the Sri Lankan fashion retail sector, in particular when launching new fashion brands catering to second-hand fashion consumers.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 August 2020

Mir Salahuddin and Young-A Lee

The purpose of this study was to identify the major quality features of wearable technology embedded products that have the greatest impact on consumer satisfaction using the Kano…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify the major quality features of wearable technology embedded products that have the greatest impact on consumer satisfaction using the Kano model, an organized approach to specify consumer requirements and expectation through a preference classification technique.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative research method, an online survey was conducted with a convenience sample of US consumers aged between 19 years old and over. A total of otal 471 useable data were obtained and used for the data analysis.

Findings

This study identified that the 11 quality features of wearables belong to one-dimensional quality category among the five Kano categories, although the impact of each quality feature's performance on consumer satisfaction varies. The results also showed that the performance level of durability, long battery life, usability, product safety, comfortability and reasonable price has the greatest impact on consumer satisfaction of wearables.

Research limitations/implications

This study has implications for future research by integrating the Kano model with other design and product development related theoretical models when designing, developing and evaluating various wearable products.

Originality/value

This study quantified the key quality features of wearables using the Kano model, which can be a great measurement tool for future researchers to adopt in their studies. The findings of this study help designers, developers and producers of wearables to prioritize the quality features during the product design, development and manufacturing process.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 33 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 October 2020

Abhinandan Kulal and Anupama Nayak

The study aims at analyzing the perception of teachers and students about online classes. The work tries to explain the opinions of students as regards the impact of online…

97187

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims at analyzing the perception of teachers and students about online classes. The work tries to explain the opinions of students as regards the impact of online courses, their comfortability in its usag, and the support received from teachers in online classes along with teachers' opinions on efficacy, teaching practice followed and training received for an online class.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis was carried out using the data collected through two separate structured questionnaires for students and teachers in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi District in Karnataka. Data were recorded in SPSS and analyzed by using descriptive statistics.

Findings

The study reveals that students are comfortable with online classes and are getting enough support from teachers but they do not believe that online classes will replace traditional classroom teaching. It also finds that teachers are facing difficulties in conducting online classes due to a lack of proper training and development for doing online classes. Technical issues are the major problem for the effectiveness of the online classes.

Practical implications

Most of the colleges think of implementing online classes in their courses. Hence, it becomes essential to obtain the opinions of participants of online classes before applying for it. This study may help colleges to get a general view of online classes among teachers and students.

Originality/value

Internet and new technologies gained importance in all fields including the education sector which gave scope for online classes. In addition to this, the COVID pandemic worldwide has also added to the relevance of online classes. In this light, it is necessary to understand student–teacher perceptions regarding online classes.

Details

Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1858-3431

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 February 2022

Md. Sobuj, Mohammad Asharaful Alam and Akhiri Zannat

The purpose of this study was to find the key face mask features using Kano model in combination with a hierarchical cluster analysis based on customer satisfaction (CS) and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to find the key face mask features using Kano model in combination with a hierarchical cluster analysis based on customer satisfaction (CS) and preference.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used 171 responses collected from a self-administrated online survey with convenience sampling where respondents were asked about 16 different features of face masks.

Findings

The study revealed that, among 6 Kano categories, 15 features were categorized as “one dimensional” and only the high price fell under the “reverse” category but all features were not equally weighted by customers. The result also showed viral protection and comfortability were the most desired features by customers regardless of its price and the “color matching” feature can act both as “one dimension” and as “attractive” feature.

Research limitations/implications

This study will help face mask producers to drive their resources towards those features which customers value more by showing how to prioritize features even if they fall under the same category.

Originality/value

This study used customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction index along with an unsupervised machine learning tool to improve features classification based on Kano model. The findings of this study can be used to formulate future research studies.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 July 2019

Marko Orel and María del Mar Alonso Almeida

The purpose of this paper is to take an explanatory role and analyse the development of workspace ambiences in coworking spaces which optimise the chance of interactivity between…

2184

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to take an explanatory role and analyse the development of workspace ambiences in coworking spaces which optimise the chance of interactivity between individual users and leading towards cooperation. The paper thus offers a discussion on how the ambience that is tailored to a particular coworking space enhances the possibility of collaboration between two or more users of a selected workspace.

Design/methodology/approach

Ethnographically guided observations of six coworking spaces and qualitative interviews with their managers were used to gain an understanding of the workspace ambiences in coworking spaces. As direct measurement of the frequency of collaboration would be logistically profound, this paper rather explores the conditions for spontaneous or moderated interactivity between workspace users, which may be regulated by the creation of an optimal coworking space ambience.

Findings

The following paper defines the coworking space ambience as the look and the feel of a work environment which can arouse certain moods towards a particular place and its users. Coworking spaces may impose various approaches that not only attract potential workspace users and form initial ties between them but also produce a certain ambience that leads to collaborative action between users. The factors of spatial design need to be adapted, and engagement strategies need to be constructed to maximise the preferential output. The research behind the following paper concludes that the factors of spatial comfortability are an essential predisposition for workspace users to engage in cooperation with each other. Various mechanisms are needed to customise these engagements into cooperative action.

Originality/value

While the outcomes of sharing these environments have been periodically explored, no attempts have been made to investigate how coworking ambience is being created and implemented to optimise collaborative efforts of individuals who are sharing the workspace. For that reason, the audience of this paper should not only be limited to academics but may also be suitable for managers and office-space operators seeking to understand dynamics of collaboration within new types of shared office spaces.

Details

Journal of Corporate Real Estate, vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-001X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2007

Masukuni Mori and Mitsuo Matsudaira

Optimum selection of materials and adequate weave structure fitted for end-users are very important for comfortable, sophisticated and fashionable clothes. The optimum theoretical…

Abstract

Optimum selection of materials and adequate weave structure fitted for end-users are very important for comfortable, sophisticated and fashionable clothes. The optimum theoretical weave density is well-known and used practically depending on yarn property; however, wearing comfortability and beautiful appearance of weaves are not studied precisely in the literature yet. These features are considered to be made at the finishing stages of the weave manufacturing process in general; however, the main part of physical properties of fabrics seem to have been determined by their weave structure.

In this study, warp yarn density was changed for men's suit fabrics and the effect of weave density on fabric handle, heat and water transfer property, appearance of clothes, wrinkle resistance, and color brightness are examined. The total hand value (THV) showed the highest at similar density of warp and weft yarn. The total appearance value (TAV) decreased when warp and weft yarn density was smaller. Wrinkle resistance was high in the condition of the maximum warp and weft yarn density. This paper contributes to the development of a fundamental database of designing ideal fabrics.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 January 2021

Intan Nadirah Mohd Yusof, Mohd Rozi Ahmad, Nur Ain Yusof, Mohamad Faizul Yahya, Ibiwani Alisa Hussain, Raja Mohammed Firhad Raja Azidin and Ahmad Munir Che Muhamed

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perceived thermal comfort experienced by active Muslim women (AMW) wearing hijabs determined by their experience of comfort…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perceived thermal comfort experienced by active Muslim women (AMW) wearing hijabs determined by their experience of comfort sensation while doing sports activities or regular exercises. This study also examines whether the casual hijabs which are widely used among AMW are able to supply the appropriate comfort for active purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the quantitative method using survey questionnaires to collect 100 primary data obtained from AMW respondents who are university students located around the Klang Valley region in Malaysia.

Findings

Based on the overall results, this study suggests that the common hijabs that are used for casual applications do not offer sufficient comfort to Muslim women while performing sports activities or regular exercises.

Research limitations/implications

The outcome of this study will help to gain a better understanding on hijab preferences and comfort experienced from the viewpoint of regular hijab users. The information will assist industries to consider the selection of the right materials when developing sportswear hijabs to provide better comfort for more AMW in the near future. The method used in this study is useful to gain information on consumer’s profile and value-added details about the discomfort aspects of hijab which are scarce in the existing literature on thermal comfort.

Originality/value

This study was conducted to explore the type of hijabs commonly worn by AMW while performing sports activities and to obtain their views on the perceived thermal comfort.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 May 2023

Sushil Rana, Urvashi Tandon and Harish Kumar

The purpose of the study is to comprehend medical service quality, information quality and system quality toward actual use of Tele-Health in rural India. The study further…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to comprehend medical service quality, information quality and system quality toward actual use of Tele-Health in rural India. The study further validates the impact of the actual use of Tele-Health on sustainable development, thus providing implications to improve upon the Tele-Health penetration in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 326 healthcare practitioners practicing Tele-Health in North Indian states and Structural Equation Modeling was applied to validate the conceptual framework.

Findings

The results indicated that medical service quality, information quality and system quality influence Tele-Health behavioral intentions which in turn impact actual use and sustainable development. This research draws upon a conceptual framework to deepen our understanding of Tele-Health by providing an all-inclusive overview.

Originality/value

The massive topography of India with a prime rural populace instills the need for timely healthcare facilities. Tele-Health is a solution to all these problems but is at a nascent stage. Therefore, there is a vital need to study the factors which improve the penetration of Tele-Health in the Indian context. The model that emerged from the study may be validated by other Indian sub-continental countries so that Tele-Health may be implemented hassle-free.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

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