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Article
Publication date: 19 April 2022

Prosenjit Ghosh and Sabyasachi Mukherjee

The study aims to cluster the travellers based on their social media interactions as well as to find the different segments with similar and dissimilar categories according to…

609

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to cluster the travellers based on their social media interactions as well as to find the different segments with similar and dissimilar categories according to traveller's choice. The study also aims to understand the behaviour of clusters of the travellers towards destination selection and accordingly make the tour packages in order to improve tourists' satisfaction and gain viable benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

Agglomerative hierarchical clustering with Ward's minimum variance linkage algorithm and model-based clustering with parameterized finite Gaussian mixture models has been implemented to achieve the respective goals. The dimension reduction (DR) technique was introduced for better visualizing clustering structure obtained from a finite mixture of Gaussian densities.

Findings

A total of 980 travellers have been clustered into 8 different interest groups according to their tourism destinations selection across East Asia based on individual social media feedback. For selecting the optimal number of clusters as well as the behaviour of the interested travellers groups, both these proposed methods have shown remarkable similarities. DR technique ensures the reduction in dimensionality with seven directions, of which the first two directions explained 95% of total variability.

Practical implications

Tourism organizations focus on marketing efforts to promote the most attractive benefits to the clusters of travellers. By segmenting travellers of East Asia into homogeneous groups, it is feasible to choose a similar area to test different marketing techniques. Finally, it can be identified to which segments, new respondents or potential clients belong; consequently, the tourism organizations can design the tour packages.

Originality/value

The study has uniqueness in two aspects. Firstly, the study empirically revealed tourists' experience and behavioural intention to select tourism destinations and secondly, it finds quantifiable insights into the tourism phenomenon in East Asia, which helps tourism organizations to understand the buying behaviours of tourists' segments. Finally, the application of clustering algorithms to achieve the purpose of this study and the findings are very new in the literature on tourism, to understand the tourist behaviour towards destination selection based on social media reviews.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 December 2023

Florent Govaerts and Svein Ottar Olsen

This study aimed to identify and profile segments of seaweed consumers in the United Kingdom.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to identify and profile segments of seaweed consumers in the United Kingdom.

Design/methodology/approach

Hierarchical k-means cluster analysis was used to identify consumer segments based on consumers' self-identity and environmental values. In addition, the study used subjective knowledge, intentions and consumption to profile different consumer segments. The data were collected in 2022 through a consumer survey with a representative sample from the United Kingdom (n = 1,110).

Findings

Cluster analysis segmented consumers into three groups: progressive (39%), conservative (33%) and egoistic (28%). The progressive segment was most likely to consume seaweed food products. Consumers in the progressive segment identify themselves as food innovative and healthy; they also highly value the environment and their pleasure. Conservative and egoistic consumers were significantly less likely to consume seaweed food products.

Practical implications

The results suggest that public policy officers and marketers promote seaweed food products by emphasizing biospheric values for innovative (younger) consumers, as well as seaweed’s good taste and nutritional/health qualities.

Originality/value

This study identifies and examines the profiles and characteristics of seaweed consumers based on their values and self-identity. Through this research, the authors have discovered how environmental values and self-identity can effectively group consumers into homogeneous segments. Moreover, the authors have identified a specific consumer group in the UK that is more likely to consume seaweed food products.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2023

Nihar J. Gonsalves, Anthony Yusuf, Omobolanle Ogunseiju and Abiola Akanmu

Concrete workers perform physically demanding work in awkward postures, exposing their backs to musculoskeletal disorders. Back-support exoskeletons are promising ergonomic…

Abstract

Purpose

Concrete workers perform physically demanding work in awkward postures, exposing their backs to musculoskeletal disorders. Back-support exoskeletons are promising ergonomic interventions designed to reduce the risks of back disorders. However, the suitability of exoskeletons for enhancing performance of concrete workers has not been largely explored. This study aims to assess a passive back-support exoskeleton for concrete work in terms of the impact on the body, usability and benefits of the exoskeleton, and potential design modifications.

Design/methodology/approach

Concrete workers performed work with a passive back-support exoskeleton. Subjective and qualitative measures were employed to capture their perception of the exoskeleton, at the middle and end of the work, in terms of discomfort to their body parts, ease of use, comfort, performance and safety of the exoskeleton, and their experience using the exoskeleton. These were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Findings

The exoskeleton reduced stress on the lower back but caused discomfort to other body parts. Significant correlations were observed between perceived discomfort and usability measures. Design modifications are needed to improve the compatibility of the exoskeleton with the existing safety gears, reduce discomfort at chest and thigh, and improve ease of use of the exoskeleton.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted with eight concrete workers who used the exoskeleton for four hours.

Originality/value

This study contributes to existing knowledge on human-wearable robot interaction and provides suggestions for adapting exoskeleton designs for construction work.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 December 2022

Fredrick Muyia Nafukho, Beverly J. Irby, Roya Pashmforoosh, Rafael Lara-Alecio, Fuhui Tong, Mary E. Lockhart, Walid El Mansour, Shifang Tang, Matthew Etchells and Zhuoying Wang

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship among training design, trainee motivation and work environment on the transfer of learning for teachers enrolled in a…

4804

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship among training design, trainee motivation and work environment on the transfer of learning for teachers enrolled in a continuing professional education (CPE) training program and the confirmation of potential positive, predictive relationships of trainee motivation, work environment and training design to transfer of learning. This study investigated the contribution of training efficiency and relevance as measured by the training design; work environment as measured by work autonomy, work complexity and work variability; and trainee’s motivation of training (learning- and job-oriented) to the transfer of knowledge and skills from the training program to their workplace. Both direct and indirect effects of mentioned components on the learning transfer were explored.

Design/methodology/approach

This study included 160 teachers working in high-needs schools with large numbers of English learners (ELs) Southwest USA. Teachers in this study primarily needed professional development to empower them and enhance their instructional capacity for ELs and economically challenged students. During the recruitment, participants completed a demographic information (e.g. gender, ethnicity, number of years teaching, age, educational background) survey.

Findings

A mediation model with training design as the mediating factor was developed and analyzed. The results revealed that training design fully mediated the relationship between trainees’ work environments and the transfer of knowledge, skills and attitude acquired from the training to their workplace. Furthermore, it partially mediated the relationship between learning-oriented motivation and the transfer of learning. These findings further amplify the significance of CPE program training design and foster important considerations for future research regarding the isolation of specific training design aspects that significantly contribute to the mediation of these relationships.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the significance of learning transfer in developing professional knowledge and skills for target employees and trainees, confirming the mediating effects of training design on training transfer holds critical implications for future research. Specific and purposeful attention needs to be given to the design of CPE training. Investigations into the effects of training design and successful elements such as the training platform (online, hybrid or in-person), sample size, group structure, facilitation and participant demographics are warranted.

Practical implications

The finding of this research provides a preliminary guide for scholar-practitioners. Results of the study confirmed the role that learning-oriented motivation, job-oriented motivation, work variability or flexibility, work complexity and training design play in transfer of learning. In practice, training professionals will be more comfortable pinpointing the factors that lead to the transfer of learning or the lack of it.

Originality/value

Learning transfer has been found to be imperative for target employees and trainees to develop professional knowledge, skills and attitudes. Results of this study reveal variables that promote the positive transfer of learning to the workplace.

Details

European Journal of Training and Development, vol. 47 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-9012

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 September 2023

Cong Doanh Duong, Bich Ngoc Nguyen, Xuan Hau Doan, Van Hau Nguyen and Anh Trong Vu

Little is known about how religious beliefs can motivate consumers to behave more pro-environmentally. Drawn on an integrated model of the theory of planned behavior, the norm…

Abstract

Purpose

Little is known about how religious beliefs can motivate consumers to behave more pro-environmentally. Drawn on an integrated model of the theory of planned behavior, the norm activation model and the self-determination theory, this study aims to explore the effects of religious beliefs (especially, karmic beliefs (KB) and beliefs in a just world (BJW)) on consumers' pro-environmental behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 736 consumers recruited from the eight most populous cities in Vietnam using the mall-intercept survey approach and structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to test the hypothesized model and hypotheses.

Findings

The findings indicate that KB and BJW can increase consumers' green intrinsic motivation, which subsequently encourages them to engage in pro-environmental consumption. Moreover, awareness of consequences (AOC) and ascription of responsibility (AOR) serially indirectly inspire consumers' sustainable consumption through serial mediators, including personal norms (PN), attitudes toward green products and green purchase intention.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, some theoretical and managerial implications for pro-environmental consumption are provided.

Originality/value

The study offers fresh perspectives on the role of religious beliefs in pro-environmental research. Additionally, this study sheds new light on the marketing literature by integrating the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and norm activation model (NAM) with self-determination theory (SDT) to explore the underlying mechanisms and effects of psychological components on consumers' pro-environmental behaviors.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 April 2023

Virginia Barba-Sánchez, Yolanda Salinero, Pedro Jiménez Estévez and Pablo Ruiz-Palomino

The high and persistent unemployment rates of people with intellectual disabilities (PwID) reveal the wide gap that still remains to be bridged. Entrepreneurship combinedly with a…

Abstract

Purpose

The high and persistent unemployment rates of people with intellectual disabilities (PwID) reveal the wide gap that still remains to be bridged. Entrepreneurship combinedly with a high enterprising tendency could improve PwID's life satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach was used, based on questionnaires and structured face-to-face interviews on 37 PwID who had recently become entrepreneurs. Data were firstly quantitatively analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), and qualitative data were used to enable robust findings.

Findings

The entrepreneurial tendency of PwID who had recently become entrepreneurs was found to be a positive to their life quality (LQ), job satisfaction and life satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

This study revealed that entrepreneurship among PwID who had high enterprising tendency enhances their LQ, job satisfaction and life satisfaction. However, further research could evaluate whether becoming an entrepreneur is in itself enough to change PwID's life to better, such that a comparison could be done between PwID who become entrepreneurs and PwID who have a salaried job.

Practical implications

New aspects in the design of public social policies to improve PwID's life satisfaction are suggested. These include the facilitation of both entrepreneurship and enterprising tendency for PwID to enhance their life satisfaction.

Originality/value

There are very few occasions in which PwID set up businesses. This is one of the first studies to analyze the benefit of entrepreneurship and enterprising tendency on the LQ, the satisfaction at work and the life satisfaction of PwID.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 62 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 October 2021

Hadi Al-Abrrow, Akram Sami Fayez, Hasan Abdullah, Khai Wah Khaw, Alhamzah Alnoor and Gadaf Rexhepi

This study examines the effect of open-mindedness (OM) and humble behavior on innovation through the mediator role of learning.

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the effect of open-mindedness (OM) and humble behavior on innovation through the mediator role of learning.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative design was adopted to collect data through a questionnaire-based survey distributed to 400 employees at international oil companies operating in Iraq.

Findings

The results indicate a direct positive of learning on innovation. Hence, there is a natural and partial indirect effect of humble behavior on innovation and a full indirect impact of OM on innovation through learning.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical and practical implication of this study indicates that individual learning on innovation is vital when the workplace environment has a diversity of cultural backgrounds. Moreover, the implications of this study may contribute to determining the weakness of invention in such industries because of the effect of personal characteristics (i.e. OM and humble) on readiness to learn.

Originality/value

In a culturally diverse work environment, the behavior of humble and OM will have a significant impact on the intensity of individual learning, which would increase innovation in the context of the oil industry. Therefore, the essence of originality in this study is to lead the managers to pay attention to the psychological aspects of the workplace environment that require learning and innovation.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 18 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 January 2024

Farhat Haque

This paper aims to focus on the issue of high employee turnover in the Indian tech industry. An integrative review is conducted to analyse the past and current state of…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the issue of high employee turnover in the Indian tech industry. An integrative review is conducted to analyse the past and current state of literature, as well as prepare a research agenda for future studies.

Design/methodology/approach

A pool of 72 articles published between 2010 and 2022 is reviewed with a special focus on Indian tech employees. This study elucidates the extent and impact of employee retention strategies through content analysis.

Findings

Two broad perspectives have been established in the literature: the reasons for quitting and the explanations for staying. By means of a comprehensive review, this paper combines these two aspects of literature and suggests factors under organization’s control to retain competent tech employees.

Originality/value

The study is designed to integrate the two theoretical viewpoints of employee turnover literature by consolidating the reasons behind quitting behaviour and staying intention. Codes combining the two aspects are presented as a valuable resource to retain tech talent.

Details

The Learning Organization, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-6474

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 April 2023

Victoria Helen Rustad Bjerke

The purpose of this study is to identify contextual antecedents for team learning in professional service firms.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify contextual antecedents for team learning in professional service firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modelling was applied to establish reliability and validity and to measure the size of relationships. Evidence was drawn from an empirical sample of 210 consultants in the Nordic professional service industry.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal and strongly support that two important contextual antecedent factors that facilitate for team learning in professional service firms are market orientation and leader support for collaborative learning practices. The effect of leader support on team learning is also mediated by a market orientation.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of knowledge on contextual factors that contribute to team learning. This study provides insight of theoretical and practical value.

Details

The Learning Organization, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-6474

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2023

Faruk Anıl Konuk

This research aims to examine the influence of brand signals (transparency, innovativeness and reputation) on brand trust and price fairness toward organic food restaurant brand.

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Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to examine the influence of brand signals (transparency, innovativeness and reputation) on brand trust and price fairness toward organic food restaurant brand.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data were gathered with the survey instrument from respondents who had previously visited organic food restaurant. The formulated hypotheses were analyzed with structural equation modeling.

Findings

The collected data demonstrated the positive effect of brand signals on brand trust and price fairness. Trust in organic food restaurant brand was found to positively impact both price fairness and brand loyalty. Additionally, the results provided evidence of the positive linkage between price fairness and brand loyalty. Among brand signals, brand transparency exerted the greatest impact on brand trust and price fairness. The findings also indicated the significant indirect linkage of brand signals on restaurant brand loyalty through brand trust and price fairness.

Originality/value

Through the lens of signaling theory and equity theory, this study provides novel insights into how brand signals contribute to brand trust, price fairness and organic food restaurant brand loyalty. The managerial implications for implementing brand strategies for organic food restaurants were discussed.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 61 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

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