Search results

1 – 5 of 5
Open Access
Article
Publication date: 8 July 2021

Catherine S. Browers and Henry Wai Leong Ho

In recent years, diversity and inclusion in higher education has become a topic of increased interest both nationally and internationally. Given the importance of this topic in…

1702

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, diversity and inclusion in higher education has become a topic of increased interest both nationally and internationally. Given the importance of this topic in today's world, it is surprising that the research is limited, especially with university students in the rural areas. This study examines on-campus students' perceptions of university diversity initiatives, and their value to the university environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus-group interviews with both undergraduate and graduate students from a public university in rural Michigan, USA, were conducted. Focus groups were used in this study because they are a particularly good method for generating discussion and stimulating ideas.

Findings

Overall, the participants identified several positive attitudes toward diversity and inclusion that included being accepting and respectful. However, it is significant that some participants are limited in their perceptions of culturally diverse backgrounds, which has resulted in some anxiety.

Originality/value

This study not only provides guidance to current institution administrators to create effective inclusive environments in their university. It can also be treated as a model for other rural universities, as building a successful inclusive environment in the future.

Details

Higher Education Evaluation and Development, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-5789

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 December 2022

Scot Squires and Henry Wai Leong Ho

While there is a large body of research looking at consumers’ perception of debt, much of this previous research focuses on older generations. Less is known about the perceptions…

Abstract

Purpose

While there is a large body of research looking at consumers’ perception of debt, much of this previous research focuses on older generations. Less is known about the perceptions and attitudes toward debt of younger consumers, specifically those from Generation Z who are from rural areas in the USA. The purpose of this paper is to identify young rural consumers’ perceptions and attitudes toward debt.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative research used surveys. A well-established scale for measuring consumer attitudes toward debt has been adopted and applied. Because of the sensitive and personal nature of debt, anonymous, self-reporting questionnaires were used to allow respondents to respond freely and minimize potential bias that could be caused by socially desirable responses. The young respondents who participated in the research were invited verbally or via email by the investigators to complete the survey online via QuestionPro.

Findings

This study found the majority of consumers from Generation Z reported that using credit is basically wrong. Also, these young consumers claimed that being in debt is never a good thing. Additionally, the authors found gender differences. Young male consumers were more likely to claim that they had their debt under control, and young female consumers were more likely to claim that financial debt had influenced their life.

Originality/value

These Generation Z perceptions provide constructive data for use in evaluating and amending marketers’ strategies to better connect with the young customers. Companies may want to stress how their products are risk adverse, provide a sort of financial security and will not leave the customer in debt. This is especially important following the COVID-19 pandemic as local businesses in a college community are trying to attract students back to their establishments.

Details

Young Consumers, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-3616

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 October 2021

Henry Wai Leong Ho and Scot Squires

Internships are an integral part of a college curriculum, yet students are sometimes unaware of how to secure this opportunity. This research aims to determine efficient methods…

Abstract

Purpose

Internships are an integral part of a college curriculum, yet students are sometimes unaware of how to secure this opportunity. This research aims to determine efficient methods to provide information to students within the given majors, identify barriers on what is stopping students from seeking out internships earlier and identify the appropriate time for students to receive internship information.

Design/methodology/approach

This study undertook descriptive research in a preliminary investigation of the undergraduate business students' attitude toward learning about the internship program offered by a business school of a state funded university in Michigan, USA. The data-collection instrument consisted of structured closed-ended questions relevant to undergraduate business students' perceptions and attitude toward learning about the internship program.

Findings

The results of this survey of 631 undergraduate students revealed a relationship between gender and the willingness to gain information about internships. Additional findings revealed that students who received information at the beginning of their schooling were more likely to plan for the internship in advance. Finally, students who preferred to receive information about internships multiple times were most likely to contact their academic advisor or internship director for more resources.

Originality/value

Together, the results of these findings can be used for current institution and other business schools with similar setting to reduce the barriers students face and allow undergraduate business students greater accessibility to internship positions.

Details

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-3896

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2014

Sheau-yueh Janey Chao

This article was based on the information from The 5th International Conference of Institutes and Libraries for Chinese Overseas Studies held in the University of British Columbia…

Abstract

Purpose

This article was based on the information from The 5th International Conference of Institutes and Libraries for Chinese Overseas Studies held in the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC, Canada in which the author was a presenter in session 4.2.9a of the Early life of Yuan Shikai and the formation of Yuan family. The paper aims to include comprehensive analysis and development of the history of Chinese migration. An annotated bibliography of suggested readings was offered to highlight the subject knowledge for further research in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper includes comprehensive analysis and development of the history of Chinese migration and the experiences and family histories of overseas Chinese in Canada. An annotated bibliography of suggested readings was offered to highlight the subject knowledge for further research in this area.

Findings

The paper offers full description and comprehensive analysis of the history of Chinese migration and overseas Chinese studies in Canada. A bbibliography of suggested readings was offered for further research in this area.

Research limitations/implications

This research study has a strong subject focus on Chinese migration, overseas Chinese studies, and resource-sharing in the subject area. It is a specific field for research in Asian studies.

Practical implications

The result of this study will assist students, researchers, and the general public in the area of overseas Chinese studies and developing their interests in the social and historical value of Chinese migration history and resource-sharing in the area.

Originality/value

Very little research has been done in the area of Chinese migration and historical development. The paper would offer historians, sociologists, ethnologists, librarians, administrations, professors, as well as students in the fields of Asian history, anthropology, sociology, political science, geography, and other Asian-related interdisciplinary studies.

Article
Publication date: 21 September 2020

Amra Kapo, Alisa Mujkic, Lejla Turulja and Jasna Kovačević

Conceptual model in this paper combines existing scientific knowledge grounded in theories of planned behavior, diffusion of innovation and a unified theory of acceptance and use…

1712

Abstract

Purpose

Conceptual model in this paper combines existing scientific knowledge grounded in theories of planned behavior, diffusion of innovation and a unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, while aiming to identify relevant determinants of continuous use of e-learning by employees who used e-learning in the past year at their workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed and empirically tested the positive impact of professional, personal, IT and environmental factors on the continued use of e-learning among 672 employees across different sectors using the structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

Research results suggest that the most powerful determinant of continuous use of e-learning are personal factors. Environmental influences and technological aspects also exhibit a positive and significant impact on the continuous use of e-learning. Research hypothesis related to the positive influence of professional factors on the continuous use of e-learning has not been empirically confirmed. Also, results demonstrated that continued use of e-learning contributes to better individual business performance.

Practical implications

The practical contribution is threefold: to companies, education institutions and human resource managers. For companies, identification of key determinants will lead to a better understanding of employees needs regarding continuous job improvements. The findings can be used by educational institutions to design e-learning programs according to results and real value to employees. On the other hand, human resource managers can benefit from this study in terms of getting concrete factors that motivate employees for continuous job improvement.

Originality/value

The research sheds light on the proposed integrated model that tests the post-adoption of the continuous use of e-learning within an organizational context.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 34 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

1 – 5 of 5