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1 – 10 of over 140000The paper aims to propose a user-centred collaborative framework for providing integrated information services (IIS) to corporate users in China. The framework is conceptualized…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to propose a user-centred collaborative framework for providing integrated information services (IIS) to corporate users in China. The framework is conceptualized based on a literature review of IIS models and a case study. The authors provide suggestions with regard to the implementation of effective and efficient information services for corporate users based on the proposed framework.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper reviews the efforts of investigating appropriate models for integrated information services (IIS) and proposes a user-centred collaborative framework for providing IIS for corporate users. It is organized as follows: first is an overview through a review of the related literature of the current status of information resource services in China. Then, a case study of IIS in Hubei Province is analysed. Next, a user-centred collaborative IIS framework is presented that aims to address the needs of corporate users. The paper concludes with a summary and suggestions for future study to build effective and efficient IIS systems.
Findings
Through an exploratory survey conducted in 2009, it was discovered that, in general, corporate users need all kinds of information, not only scientific publications but also business and market information. Their channel to obtain needed information was mainly the Internet. Books and domain-specific databases were also used by most of the participants. The major challenges for corporate users to obtain needed information included the high cost of purchasing or leasing desired information resources, the low quality of information on the Internet, limited information workers or their skills and the quality of high-level information services.
Research limitations/implications
The survey served as a tool to gather primitive information on user needs. It was an incomplete, unsystematic exploration. However, the authors could still gain some insights on the users’ information needs and directions for future IIS. The results showed that Hubei Science and Technology Information Sharing Service, which was an implementation of the agency collaboration-based IIS model, satisfied the needs of less than 30 per cent of the participants. It has much room for improvement.
Practical implications
This paper proposes a user-centred collaborative integrated information services (UCIIS) framework. The UCIIS framework takes the idea of the user-centred integrated information service (IIS) model that the construction of IIS should start from understanding the users of the services, but it also takes important characteristics from the agency collaboration-based IIS model.
Originality/value
The discussion in this paper is basically on the macro level, leaving a lot of interesting future work to design, develop and evaluate IIS systems based on the proposed framework. Specifically, interest is in developing user models through systematic and comprehensive investigation of corporate information users’ needs, and examining current library and information science curricula to produce qualified information professionals who can carry out user experience studies, and high-level knowledge discovery tasks using various advanced computational technologies.
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Structural equation modeling was conducted, and a sample with 577 consumers was investigated.
Abstract
Purpose
Structural equation modeling was conducted, and a sample with 577 consumers was investigated.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) model, this study aims to explore how channel integration affects usage intention through perceived value in food delivery platform (FDP) services. Moreover, the author also examines the moderating effects of personal innovativeness and experience on the relationships in the model.
Findings
The study found that channel integration affects usage intention through perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment and perceived price. Moreover, the moderating effects of personal innovativeness and experience are both significant in the model.
Research limitations/implications
This study found that perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment and perceived price are three major values influencing the relationship between channel integration and usage intention in FDP services. Moreover, for consumers with high personal innovativeness, perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment, social image and perceived risk affecting usage intention will be weaker than for consumers with low personal innovativeness. However, for highly experienced consumers, perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment and perceived price affecting usage intention will be stronger than for less experienced consumers.
Practical implications
This study suggests that practitioners should develop value-driven innovative services and activities by integrating various channels for customers. Moreover, they should segment consumers on the basis of different levels of personal innovativeness and experience to provide different strategies for increasing the intention to use the service.
Originality/value
This study advances the extant knowledge of the SOR model in the context of online-to-offline commerce.
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Joonyong Park and Renee Boyoung Kim
The purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents of consumers’ omnichannel (OC) adoption intention and explore how consumers’ personality trait affects their OC adoption…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents of consumers’ omnichannel (OC) adoption intention and explore how consumers’ personality trait affects their OC adoption behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 227 Korean consumers were invited to participate in a survey study, and partial least squares–structural equation modeling was performed to analyze the measurement and structural models.
Findings
The results show that three consumer groups by “Need for Cognition (NFC)” show different response to four identified OC attribute/benefits. Finally, the authors hypothesize and find that shed light on the possible ways to differentiate OC marketing for different target consumers and provide implications for practice and further research.
Research limitations/implications
This study provides empirical evidence that OC is an expanded retail format of e-commerce, which is predominantly affected by how information on the cross-channel marketing mix/retail strategies is delivered to consumers. From communication perspective, findings suggest that retail communication strategy need more careful attention in dealing with individual difference of consumers. In addition, the significant role of NFC on consumers’ OC adoption process validates the importance of customization and differentiation in retailers’ message to different consumer groups. In order to do so, comprehensive analysis on consumer database may be necessary to develop personalized OC service. In-depth analysis of consumer profile may enable more specific methods for marketing and managing consumers in the OC context. Although the study provides additional empirical findings for consumers’ perception on selected characteristics of OC (i.e. delivery approach of information and service in OC and institutional mechanism of OC), there may be additional extrinsic motivation factors which affect consumers’ OC adoption behavior. Extrinsic factors such as web design, convenience, assortment, moving saving which trigger positive perception of OC, may be important determinants to consider. Furthermore, situational factor such as social media (Huseyinoglu et al., 2018) and behavioral factors such as platform use habit (Chen, 2018) may also be significant in assessing consumers’ OC adoption behavior. Finally, this study has been conducted on a particular culture setting, and the generalizability of study findings, particularly about the role of NFC may need to be improved by cross-culture evaluation.
Practical implications
NFC-high and medium consumers are likely to use the four OC service options in future, while a larger proportion of the NFC-low consumers shows negative response to the OC service usage. This evidently shows that innovative features of OC service are not homogenously adopted by consumers, and subject to their experience and intrinsic difference, adoption rate was found to vary. This suggests that companies need to pay careful attention in implementing innovative OC service, and may approach communication of information strategically for different consumer groups. For high-NFC consumers with previous BOPIS experience, retailers may effectively engage them by enhancing and expanding the BOPIS service features, yet for low-NFC consumers, raising awareness and initiating interest among unexperienced consumers may be more imminent issue. Indirect communication using peripheral cues may be necessary to draw less motivated consumer group.
Social implications
The OC retailers may need to set the scope and range of information into in-depth information and simplified/unified information, and address the different type of information to different consumer groups in order to facilitate consumers’ OC adoption. For consumers with medium and high NFC, it may be necessary to provide in-depth, detailed information relevant to product quality and promotional items consistently both in on/offline channels to gain their trust. Consumers with low NFC are found to prefer unified and simplified messages on information for price, delivery, inventory in on/offline channels.
Originality/value
This study addresses the perceived value of unique and fundamental features and specificity of OC service by consumers with different personality trait. The authors develop consumers’ OC adoption model based on the theory of reasoned action, which depicts relationship between four extrinsic motivation factors and consumers’ intention for the OC usage, which is further differentiated by an intrinsic factor. We segment consumers based on individual difference of “NFC” and investigate how different consumer groups value different aspect of the selected OC attributes and benefits. Findings validate the importance of customization and differentiation in retailers’ message to different consumer groups and in facilitating consumers’ OC adoption.
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Tser Yieth Chen, Tsai Lien Yeh, Hsueh Ling Wu and Ssu Deng
The aim of this research is to explore the influence of channel integration quality on consumer perception and response from the individual customer perspective.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this research is to explore the influence of channel integration quality on consumer perception and response from the individual customer perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collected 517 online questionnaires from residents in Taipei (Taiwan) and Shenzhen (China) in 2020 based on quota sampling. The empirical study employed structural equation modeling.
Findings
Based on the empirical results, the primary path indicated that channel-service configuration positively affected experience quality, which mainly positively affected customer engagement. The secondary path showed that channel-service configuration positively affected experience quality, which positively affected customer empowerment. Furthermore, experience quality and relationship proneness are mediating variables concerning the impact of channel integration quality on customer responses.
Research limitations/implications
This study had time and budget limitations; thus, 517 questionnaires were collected from Taipei and Shenzhen. If the budget allows, it would be better to collect 1,000 questionnaires in total (500 from Taipei and 500 from Shenzhen).
Practical implications
Retailers should realize the core of omni-channel retailing, which is no longer concentrated on the “quantity” of channels but on consumers. When omni-channel retailers integrate online and offline channels, the retailers should try to understand what consumers want and then provide similar and diverse products and services in different channels so that consumers have more choices.
Originality/value
The novelty of this research is the investigation of the mediation effect of channel integration quality and consumer responses on retailers and consumers, and enriching current research on omni-channel retailing from the bottom-up perspective, as well as a comprehensive study on the two types of channel integration quality and two types of consumer responses.
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Alemayehu Molla, Sophia Xiaoxia Duan, Hepu Deng and Richard Tay
Mobility as a service (MaaS) is a new model of bundling personal transport options from multiple providers to provide frictionless service. The model integrates information and…
Abstract
Purpose
Mobility as a service (MaaS) is a new model of bundling personal transport options from multiple providers to provide frictionless service. The model integrates information and service to enable users to search, book and pay through a single digital platform. The aim of MaaS is to minimize individual car ownership and revolutionize personal mobility habits in favour of sustainable modes. Thus, it is important to understand consumers' readiness for MaaS. This study explains the factors that influence MaaS adoption.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive review of the related literature has been conducted, leading to the development of a conceptual model for investigating the key factors that influence MaaS adoption. The model draws upon the digital platform, schema congruity and planned behaviour theories. The model is then tested using structural equation modelling and survey data collected from 331 respondents.
Findings
The findings indicate that MaaS information schema congruity, the digital platform's personalizability, customizability, functional integration, network integration and governance of data together with attitude towards MaaS and subjective norm concerning MaaS influence MaaS adoption. Furthermore, MaaS digital platform expectation and MaaS information schema congruity contribute to users' attitude towards MaaS use.
Originality/value
The paper highlights the design and informational attributes of MaaS platforms that influence their adoption and contributes an integrated research model that links digital platform characteristics, behavioural factors and information schema congruity. Future research can use the constructs and measures we developed in this study to build deeper understanding of what contributes to the success of digital platforms.
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Drawing on dynamic capability theory, this study investigates how online–offline channel integration (OOCI) affects a firm's supply chain resilience and how such an effect is…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on dynamic capability theory, this study investigates how online–offline channel integration (OOCI) affects a firm's supply chain resilience and how such an effect is moderated by market turbulence and regulatory uncertainty.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample of 273 Chinese firms that conduct online and offline business and hierarchical regression analysis were used to examine the research model.
Findings
The results suggest that the effect of OOCI on supply chain resilience differs in terms of its dimensions (i.e. information integration, transaction integration and service integration). While information integration and service integration were positively associated with supply chain resilience, transaction integration had a non-significant relationship with supply chain resilience. Moreover, market turbulence negatively moderated the effect of transaction integration and positively moderated the effect of service integration. Regulatory uncertainty positively moderated the effect of transaction integration and negatively moderated the effect of service integration. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Originality/value
This study examines the effect of OOCI on supply chain resilience. It further explores the influence of market turbulence and regulatory uncertainty on the relationship between OOCI and supply chain resilience.
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Elisha Ondieki Makori and Norak Mauti Osebe
The purpose of this paper is to focus on Koha enterprise resource planning system and its potential impact on information management organizations in Kenya against the risks and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on Koha enterprise resource planning system and its potential impact on information management organizations in Kenya against the risks and myths associated with the solution.
Design/methodology/approach
The study focused on selected scan and analysis of information management organizations using Koha enterprise resource planning system in addition to document or desk review analysis. Expert opinions and ideas of information professionals, especially information systems and information leaders, also provided vital knowledge.
Findings
Koha enterprise resource planning system as the premier and leading free and open-source software is transforming and integrating information services in knowledge-based organizations. Driving significant forces include economical benefits, global customer base, free use and distribution, technical and online support, compatibility and integration with other technologies and global access to information and organization of knowledge. The study also established that the risks and myths associated with the system such as compatibility and integration with other technological solutions are no longer possible challenges. Koha provides business intelligence and cloud computing solutions over proprietary or commercial systems for managing and supporting information in organizations.
Research limitations/implications
This study purposively focused on selected information and knowledge management organizations using the Koha free and open-source enterprise resource planning system in addition to expert opinions and ideas of stakeholders in the information industry.
Practical implications
Koha enterprise resource planning system provides alternative solutions to information organizations already burdened with limited financial resources. In addition, it proves to the entire world that the solution that was developed for rural and small-based information organizations has developed into a leading knowledge enterprise resource planning solution. In information management organizations, Koha enterprise resource planning system is the strategic asset whose growth and use has increased tremendously across the globe.
Social implications
Potential widespread application and usage of the Koha enterprise resource system that was initially developed for rural and small information organizations is proof enough that the free and open-source software movement can produce best solutions that are economically viable over proprietary systems. Significant impact of the enterprise system across the globe indicates that information management organizations, information professionals and leaders are satisfied with the system.
Originality/value
In the knowledge-based economy, where technological systems and solutions are fundamental for quality delivery of services to the customers, information professionals must and as always provide the necessary technology, leadership and management qualities. Across the world, Koha free and open-source enterprise resource planning system is increasingly gaining momentum in information management organizations, and Kenyan information professionals are no exception.
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G.G. Chowdhury and Sudatta Chowdhury
Digital library research has attracted much attention in the most developed, and in a number of developing, countries. While many digital library research projects are funded by…
Abstract
Digital library research has attracted much attention in the most developed, and in a number of developing, countries. While many digital library research projects are funded by government agencies and national and international bodies, some are run by specific academic and research institutions and libraries, either individually or collaboratively. While some digital library projects, such as the ELINOR project in the UK, the first two phases of the eLib (Electronic Libraries) Programme in the UK, and the first phase of DLI (Digital Library Initiative) in the US, are now over, a number of other projects are currently under way in different parts of the world. Beginning with the definitions and characteristics of digital libraries, as proposed by various researchers, this paper provides brief accounts of some major digital library projects that are currently in progress, or are just completed, in different parts of the world. There follows a review of digital library research under sixteen major headings. Literature for this review has been identified through a search on LISA CD‐ROM database, and a Dialog search on library and information science databases, and the resulting output has been supplemented by a scan of the various issues of D‐Lib Magazine and Ariadne, and the websites of various organisations and institutions engaged in digital library research. The review indicates that we have learned a lot through digital library research within a short span of time. However, a number of issues are yet to be resolved. The paper ends with an indication of the research issues that need to be addressed and resolved in the near future in order to bring the digital library from the researcher‘s laboratory to the real life environment.
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Mehdi Alipour-Hafezi, Hamidreza Radfar, Behrooz Rasuli, Majid Nabavi, Mohsen Haji Zeinolabedini, Afsaneh Dehnad, Shirin Mohamadzadeh and Leila Nemati-Anaraki
This paper aims to propose an integrating model for creating virtual libraries in Iranian universities of medical sciences.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose an integrating model for creating virtual libraries in Iranian universities of medical sciences.
Design/methodology/approach
This study was conducted with an analytic survey method. The statistical population comprised 66 Iranian universities of medical sciences, of which 59 libraries participated in the study. A researcher-made checklist was used for data collection. To ensure the accuracy of data, interviews and, in some cases, observations were also performed. Statistical estimates, including frequency, percentage, cumulative frequency and diagrams, were used for data analysis, and the system analysis method was used for modeling.
Findings
Results demonstrated that the library software programs of the studied universities of medical sciences do not have desirable interoperability capabilities. Only Azarsa program can exchange information with other systems. In terms of metadata and its standards, the studied libraries use programs with various standards, with MARC and Dublin Core standards being the most frequently used ones in the studied sample.
Originality/value
The model proposed here for integration is a hybrid model which can translate metadata standards and use the Z39.50 and OEI protocol to transfer data.
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Harold W. Webb and Linda A. Webb
The development and testing of an instrument for obtaining user feedback on the overall quality of B2C electronic commerce Web sites, SITEQUAL, is discussed. Using previous…
Abstract
The development and testing of an instrument for obtaining user feedback on the overall quality of B2C electronic commerce Web sites, SITEQUAL, is discussed. Using previous research in information quality and service quality as a springboard, a conceptual model and an instrument to measure Web site quality were developed. A factor analysis was conducted which suggested that four minimum Web site quality factors and seven desired Web site quality factors are important to consumers in the retail music industry. The use of Web site quality factors for measurement of consumer expectations and perceptions, determining Web site requirements, and guiding the testing process is suggested.
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