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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 18 August 2021

Maria Giovanna Confetto and Claudia Covucci

For companies that intend to respond to the modern conscious consumers' needs, a great competitive advantage is played on the ability to incorporate sustainability messages in…

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Abstract

Purpose

For companies that intend to respond to the modern conscious consumers' needs, a great competitive advantage is played on the ability to incorporate sustainability messages in marketing communications. The aim of this paper is to address this important priority in the web context, building a semantic algorithm that allows content managers to evaluate the quality of sustainability web contents for search engines, considering the current semantic web development.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the Design Science (DS) methodological approach, the study develops the algorithm as an artefact capable of solving a practical problem and improving the operation of content managerial process.

Findings

The algorithm considers multiple factors of evaluation, grouped in three parameters: completeness, clarity and consistency. An applicability test of the algorithm was conducted on a sample of web pages of the Google blog on sustainability to highlight the correspondence between the established evaluation factors and those actually used by Google.

Practical implications

Studying content marketing for sustainability communication constitutes a new field of research that offers exciting opportunities. Writing sustainability contents in an effective way is a fundamental step to trigger stakeholder engagement mechanisms online. It could be a positive social engineering technique in the hands of marketers to make web users able to pursue sustainable development in their choices.

Originality/value

This is the first study that creates a theoretical connection between digital content marketing and sustainability communication focussing, especially, on the aspects of search engine optimization (SEO). The algorithm of “Sustainability-contents SEO” is the first operational software tool, with a regulatory nature, that is able to analyse the web contents, detecting the terms of the sustainability language and measuring the compliance to SEO requirements.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 33 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 June 2020

Jamal Al Qundus, Adrian Paschke, Shivam Gupta, Ahmad M. Alzouby and Malik Yousef

The purpose of this paper is to explore to which extent the quality of social media short text without extensions can be investigated and what are the predictors, if any, of such…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore to which extent the quality of social media short text without extensions can be investigated and what are the predictors, if any, of such short text that lead to trust its content.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies a trust model to classify data collections based on metadata into four classes: Very Trusted, Trusted, Untrusted and Very Untrusted. These data are collected from the online communities, Genius and Stack Overflow. In order to evaluate short texts in terms of its trust levels, the authors have conducted two investigations: (1) A natural language processing (NLP) approach to extract relevant features (i.e. Part-of-Speech and various readability indexes). The authors report relatively good performance of the NLP study. (2) A machine learning technique in more precise, a random forest (RF) classifierusing bag-of-words model (BoW).

Findings

The investigation of the RF classifier using BoW shows promising intermediate results (on average 62% accuracy of both online communities) in short-text quality identification that leads to trust.

Practical implications

As social media becomes an increasingly new and attractive source of information, which is mostly provided in the form of short texts, businesses (e.g. in search engines for smart data) can filter content without having to apply complex approaches and continue to deal with information that is considered more trustworthy.

Originality/value

Short-text classifications with regard to a criterion (e.g. quality, readability) are usually extended by an external source or its metadata. This enhancement either changes the original text if it is an additional text from an external source, or it requires text metadata that is not always available. To this end, the originality of this study faces the challenge of investigating the quality of short text (i.e. social media text) without having to extend or modify it using external sources. This modification alters the text and distorts the results of the investigation.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 33 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 15 November 2016

Kathleen M. Alley and Barbara J. Peterson

To review and synthesize findings from peer-reviewed research related to students’ sources of ideas for writing, and instructional dimensions that affect students’ development of…

Abstract

Purpose

To review and synthesize findings from peer-reviewed research related to students’ sources of ideas for writing, and instructional dimensions that affect students’ development of ideas for composition in grades K-8.

Design/methodology/approach

The ideas or content expressed in written composition are considered critical to ratings of writing quality. We utilized a Systematic Mixed Studies Review (SMSR) methodological framework (Heyvaert, Maes, & Onghena, 2011) to explore K-8 students’ ideas and writing from a range of theoretical and methodological perspectives.

Findings

Students’ ideas for writing originate from a range of sources, including teachers, peers, literature, content area curriculum, autobiographical/life experiences, popular culture/media, drawing, and play. Intertextuality, copying, social dialogue, and playful peer interactions are productive strategies K-8 writers use to generate ideas for composing, in addition to strategies introduced through planned instruction. Relevant dimensions of instruction include motivation to write, idea planning and organization, as well as specific instructional strategies, techniques, and tools to facilitate idea generation and selection within the composition process.

Practical implications

A permeable curriculum and effective instructional practices are crucial to support students’ access to a full range of ideas and knowledge-based resources, and help them translate these into written composition. Instructional practices for idea development and writing: (a) connect reading and writing for authentic purposes; (b) include explicit modeling of strategies for planning and “online” generation of ideas throughout the writing process across genre; (c) align instructional focus across reading, writing, and other curricular activities; (d) allow for extended time to write; and (e) incorporate varied, flexible participation structures through which students can share ideas and receive teacher/peer feedback on writing.

Details

Writing Instruction to Support Literacy Success
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-525-6

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2018

Liqiong Liu, Liyi Zhang and Pinghao Ye

This study aims to analyse the basic status of application of social networking sites (SNSs) in Chinese university libraries and explore the relationship between microblog and the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the basic status of application of social networking sites (SNSs) in Chinese university libraries and explore the relationship between microblog and the output of scientific research achievements in universities. This study suggests methods for improving the efficiency of SNS use in university libraries and promotes scientific research achievements and social services in universities.

Design/methodology/approach

Online survey and statistical analysis were conducted to collect the number and types of SNSs used by 112 libraries in Chinese universities under the “211 project”. This study used microblog as an example and analysed the distribution of SNS use in different types of university libraries. Correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to analyse the factors related to microblogs, such as number of followings, followers, posts and published articles.

Findings

SNSs changed the information utilization behaviour of users. Survey results show that an increasing number of university libraries are using SNSs. These sites are mainly microblogs and WeChat. The proportion of the number of SNSs applied by comprehensive universities and science and technology universities was higher than that of other types of universities. Results of multiple regression analysis using microblogs showed that the number of followers has a significantly positive effect on the number of published articles of the university.

Research limitations/implications

This study has three main limitations. First, data collection is incomplete, which easily causes the error of analysis results. Second, the overall status of SNS use in libraries is lacking in accurate understanding, which indicates limitations in terms of the analysis and conclusion. Finally, the research scope was narrow and only studied the situation of libraries using microblogs. Future research should focus on the data collection and sorting, make comparative studies of different periods of data, conduct cultural studies on the user usage perspective and conduct research on the application of different social network platforms in libraries.

Practical implications

The use of SNSs has brought new challenges and opportunities to university libraries because of rapid development of the internet and the scale of expansion microblogs. Moreover, microblogs have become an important platform of university libraries for self-promotion and marketing. This study proposes methods and measures for promoting the SNS popularity of university libraries, enhancing their content and increasing the role of SNSs in their interaction.

Originality/value

Statistical analysis was conducted to analyse the status of SNS use in university libraries and the data of SNS use in different types of universities. Effective measures were offered to address the issues found in the study. The results confirmed that the number of followers has a significantly positive effect on the number of published articles of the university, which could improve the enthusiasm of university libraries in using SNS, enhance the efficiency of information service and strengthen the use awareness of the teachers and students.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 April 2010

Gráinne Fadden, Rebecca Heelis and Michelle Palmer

With more than 160,000 carers in Ireland, there is a considerable need to provide support and coping strategies to reduce the burden of care on both the individual and the…

Abstract

With more than 160,000 carers in Ireland, there is a considerable need to provide support and coping strategies to reduce the burden of care on both the individual and the economy. Government policies are increasingly involving carers within health services, as they provide real‐life insights into the needs of service users and carers. Further, healthcare professionals and carers can benefit from training delivered by the carers themselves.The current report was a highly successful initiative where carers and professionals from both sides of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland worked together effectively to deliver an 11‐week programme of support to carers of those with mental health problems. This innovative initiative aimed to achieve health gain and social well‐being in the border areas, as well as to build constructive partnerships. The participants were relatively inexperienced in delivering training prior to the training course, but acquired the skills and knowledge needed with the help of a detailed training manual and three follow‐up supervision days.The training trainers' course and subsequent caring for carers programme elivered by carers from both sides of the border were successful initiatives in bringing together people from both sides of the political divide in Northern Ireland, and in linking them with people from the Republic of Ireland.

Details

Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research, vol. 2 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-6599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 October 2015

Choy-Har Wong, Garry Wei-Han Tan, Siew-Phaik Loke and Keng-Boon Ooi

The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that influence users’ behavioral intention (BI) to adopt mobile social networking sites (mSNS) in facilitating formal/informal…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that influence users’ behavioral intention (BI) to adopt mobile social networking sites (mSNS) in facilitating formal/informal learning. Specifically, the study also investigates the association of mobility, reachability and convenience with performance expectancy (PE) and effort expectancy (EE).

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach was applied to test on 266 valid responses.

Findings

The findings indicated that learning compatibility (LC), PE, EE and copyright clearance (CC) has a significant effect on BI. The results also revealed that EE is influenced by mobility, reachability and convenience. PE however was found to be influenced by convenience.

Practical implications

The results of this study provides valuable insights and references for practitioners and mobile network providers in developing mSNS in facilitating learning.

Originality/value

While mSNS have the potential to become a new research area with numerous benefits for the learning community, there is little research on the adoption factors on mSNS in facilitating learning. This study therefore attempts to close the research gap by contributing to the mobile literatures.

Book part
Publication date: 29 December 2016

Haoshen Hu and Jörg Prokop

We study the information content of issuer credit rating changes announced by a group of six Chinese credit rating agencies. We conduct an event study, and we use multivariate…

Abstract

We study the information content of issuer credit rating changes announced by a group of six Chinese credit rating agencies. We conduct an event study, and we use multivariate regression analyses to identify factors driving abnormal stock returns. Our results confirm prior findings for Western countries that downgrades are associated with significant negative abnormal returns. However, upgrades and positive or negative rating outlooks do not seem to have information content. While we cannot find differences in information content conditional on which rating agency issues the downgrade, we find that abnormal returns may vary with the target firm’s industry. In addition, the magnitude of stock price reactions to rating downgrades seems to be related to the business cycle to some extent. With respect to the role of the industry in explaining the information content of rating changes, our results may be biased due to small sample size. Nevertheless, they illustrate that the role the industry plays in explaining investor behavior may deserve special attention in future research. Our findings imply that new rating information seems to be processed quickly in the Chinese stock market, and that market reactions to rating signals are largely in line with what has been observed for Western stock markets. Both observations lend credibility to observable stock prices. The chapter sheds new light on the relevance of Chinese credit rating agencies from an equity investor’s perspective and confirms similarities between the Chinese and Western stock markets with respect to the way rating signals are processed by investors.

Details

Risk Management in Emerging Markets
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-451-8

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2005

John Story and Peggy Sue Loroz

The purpose of this paper is to propose and test a series of precepts which explain the role of technology and technology congruence in consumers' perceptions of brand extensions.

3298

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose and test a series of precepts which explain the role of technology and technology congruence in consumers' perceptions of brand extensions.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of relationships between technological congruence and consumer evaluations of brand extensions is proposed. Regression analysis and a series of planned contrasts are employed to test these relationships.

Findings

In general, extensions that are higher in overall technology content are perceived as being higher in quality. Higher technology brands benefit from a superordinate brand technology effect. However, this technology content effect is moderated by the congruence/incongruence of the levels of technology of the brands, products, and attributes.

Research limitations/implications

The primary limitations of this research are that it focused on a relatively small and homogeneous segment of the population (average age 24) and it tested the effects of technological incongruence only on perceived quality.

Practical implications

These results have extensive implications for designing and positioning brand extensions in the market. The implications are particularly salient for brands that are perceived as employing relatively low technology.

Originality/value

These results improve one's understanding of customers' responses to brand extensions, particularly when the product or associated attributes are technologically incongruent with the brand.

Details

Journal of Product & Brand Management, vol. 14 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1061-0421

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 10 August 2018

Allan H. Church, Lorraine M. Dawson, Kira L. Barden, Christina R. Fleck, Christopher T. Rotolo and Michael Tuller

Benchmark surveys regarding talent management assessment practices and interventions of choice for organization development (OD) practitioners have shown 360-degree feedback to be…

Abstract

Benchmark surveys regarding talent management assessment practices and interventions of choice for organization development (OD) practitioners have shown 360-degree feedback to be a popular tool for both development and decision-making in the field today. Although much has been written about implementing 360-degree feedback since its inception in the 1990s, few longitudinal case examples exist where interventions have been applied and their impact measured successfully. This chapter closes the gap by providing research findings and key learnings from five different implementation strategies for enhancing 360-degree feedback in a large multi-national organization. Recommendations and implications for future research are discussed.

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2022

Haksin Chan, Kevin J. Zeng and Morgan X. Yang

This article aims to advance a new theoretical perspective on the basis of prosumption theory, namely, that online review platforms can be conceptualized as prosumer communities…

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to advance a new theoretical perspective on the basis of prosumption theory, namely, that online review platforms can be conceptualized as prosumer communities (and online reviews as prosumer-generated content). This perspective meshes with message tuning research to suggest specific mechanisms through which peer-to-peer prosumption takes place in online review communities. Overall, this article enriches and deepens theoretical understanding of prosumption behavior in the product review context and offers practical advice for inducing high-value, prosumer-generated content in online communities.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory observations of current practices across a wide spectrum of review platforms were conducted. The observed platforms include independent review sites (e.g. Yelp) and review sites affiliated with e-tailers (e.g. Amazon), general review sites (e.g. Viewpoints) and product-specific review sites (e.g. Healthgrades), large-scale review sites (e.g. TripAdvisor) and review sites of a smaller scale (e.g. Judy’s Book) and review sites based in different geographic regions, including Australia (e.g. Productreview.com.au), China (e.g. Taobao), Europe (e.g. Reevoo), India (e.g. Zomato) and North America (e.g. Foursquare).

Findings

Theoretical analysis suggests that high-quality review content is the result of collaborative prosumption characterized by three distinct value-adding processes: history-based message tuning, audience-based message tuning and norm-based message tuning. In-depth observations reveal that today’s review platforms are leveraging these value-adding processes to varying degrees. The overwhelming diversity of the observed platform features points to the need for more research on platform design and management.

Research limitations/implications

This research identifies three distinct dimensions of review quality – novelty, relevancy and congruency – that can be systematically managed through platform design. The exploratory nature of this research necessitates follow-up work to further investigate how high-quality review content emerges in the historical, interpersonal and cultural contexts of online prosumer communities.

Practical implications

The prosumption-inducing mechanisms identified in this research have major consumer welfare and strategy implications. First, they may lead to novel, relevant and congruent consumer reviews. Second, they may enhance the value of brand communities (which rely heavily on collaborative prosumption).

Originality/value

This research addresses two intriguing questions pertinent to marketing theory and practice in the digital era. First, how do high-quality reviews emerge on product review platforms (which consist of ordinary consumers)? Second, what constitutes high-quality review content and how can platform managers facilitate the collaborative creation of high-quality review content by ordinary consumers?

Details

European Journal of Marketing, vol. 56 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

Keywords

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