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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 January 2023

Javier A. Sánchez-Torres, Yuri Lorene Hernández Fernández and Carolina Perlaza Lopera

This study examines the factors that influence the ecotourist behavior of university students. The understanding of what motivates these students can inform future suggestions for…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the factors that influence the ecotourist behavior of university students. The understanding of what motivates these students can inform future suggestions for strategies and actions in ecotourism.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was applied to university students of the University of Medellín, Colombia. It was an exploratory empirical study that surveyed a total of 696 students.

Findings

The results show that students with a positive attitude toward ecology tend to be interested in nature-related activities, therefore generating an intention to engage in ecotourism. The authors found that those who view ecotourism as an activity that promotes fun and happiness tend to engage more frequently in these activities.

Originality/value

This study is of great interest for research in motivational theory, specifically the analysis of personality profiles and how these relate to specific tourism behaviors. The findings of this study strongly suggest that those interested in the management and development of ecotourism should establish practices and programs that consider factors such as tourist segmentation, effective communication of the positive qualities of ecotourism and environmental stewardship involved in these activities.

Details

Journal of Tourism Futures, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2055-5911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 April 2024

Jorge Torres-Ortega, Javier Loyola-Campos, Davor Ibarra-Pérez and Valentina Hernández-Muñoz

This paper aims to determine the effect of a set of factors (attitude toward entrepreneurship, perceived behavioral control or entrepreneurial self-efficacy, previous experience…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the effect of a set of factors (attitude toward entrepreneurship, perceived behavioral control or entrepreneurial self-efficacy, previous experience, internal locus of control and entrepreneurial alertness) on the entrepreneurial intentions of Chilean secondary vocational school students.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was sent to all secondary-level students from four Chilean vocational schools (3,052 students). A total of 1,644 valid questionnaires were received. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results show that attitude toward entrepreneurship and perceived behavioral control positively and significantly impact the students’ entrepreneurial intentions, but not the previous experience.

Research limitations/implications

Since this research was carried out in a specific reality, the results may lack generalizability. Also, the proposed model requires further development through the incorporation of other factors. It is then suggested to replicate this study in other countries as well as to incorporate new variables and test new relationships.

Practical implications

Entrepreneurship education programs at the secondary level should emphasize changing/stimulating adolescents’ attitudes toward entrepreneurship as well as improving their confidence in their entrepreneurial abilities.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies that provide empirical evidence about the determinants of entrepreneurial intentions in adolescents, particularly in Latin America, and with a large sample.

Propósito

El propósito de este estudio es determinar el efecto de un conjunto de factores (actitud hacia el emprendimiento, control conductual percibido o autoeficacia emprendedora, experiencia previa, locus de control interno y alerta emprendedora) sobre las intenciones emprendedoras de estudiantes secundarios técnico-profesionales chilenos.

Diseño/metodología/aproximación

Una encuesta online fue enviada a todos los estudiantes de nivel secundario de cuatro escuelas técnico-profesionales chilenas (3,052 estudiantes). Se recibieron un total de 1,644 cuestionarios válidos. Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados a través de una técnica de modelización de ecuaciones estructurales (PLS-SEM).

Resultados

Los resultados muestran que la actitud y el control conductual percibido impactan positiva y significativamente sobre las intenciones emprendedoras de los estudiantes, no así la experiencia previa.

Limitaciones/implicancias de la investigación

Dado que esta investigación se llevó a cabo en una realidad específica, se debe ser cauteloso a la hora de generalizar sus resultados. Asimismo, el modelo propuesto requiere un mayor desarrollo a través de la incorporación de otras variables. Se sugiere entonces replicar este estudio en otros países, así como incorporar nuevas variables y someter a prueba nuevas relaciones.

Implicancias prácticas

Los programas de educación emprendedora en el nivel secundario debiesen poner énfasis en cambiar/estimular las actitudes hacia el emprendimiento de los adolescentes, así como en mejorar su confianza en sus propias habilidades emprendedoras.

Originalidad/valor

Este es uno de los pocos estudios que aporta evidencia empírica acerca de los determinantes de las intenciones de emprender en adolescentes, particularmente en América Latina y con una muestra amplia.

Details

Academia Revista Latinoamericana de Administración, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1012-8255

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 February 2024

Aitor Ruiz de la Torre Acha, Rosa María Rio Belver, Javier Fernandez Aguirrebeña and Christophe Merlo

This study explores the impact of new technologies, such as simulation and virtual reality, on the pedagogy and learning of engineering students. It aims to compare the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores the impact of new technologies, such as simulation and virtual reality, on the pedagogy and learning of engineering students. It aims to compare the effectiveness of these digital tools against traditional teaching methods in enhancing student learning experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a quantitative research approach, the study involved third-year engineering students from the “Production Management” course at the School of Engineering of Vitoria-Gasteiz. Data were collected through an ad hoc questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software, focusing on student satisfaction, challenges in adopting new technologies and the evolving roles of students and teachers.

Findings

The research highlighted several key aspects. Firstly, it identified the need for adapting teaching methods to incorporate new technologies effectively. Secondly, the integration of simulation and virtual reality was found to facilitate a deeper understanding of real-world problems, as students could engage with these issues in a simulated, virtual environment. Finally, the study emphasized the importance of pedagogical approaches that leverage these technologies to increase student involvement and motivation. The results suggest a positive impact of digital tools on the learning process in engineering education.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s scope was limited to one course within a single institution, suggesting the need for broader research across various disciplines and educational settings.

Originality/value

This research offers valuable insights into the integration of simulation and virtual reality in engineering education, underscoring their potential to enhance the learning experience and knowledge acquisition among students.

Details

Education + Training, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0040-0912

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2024

Israel Javier Juma Michilena, Maria Eugenia Ruiz Molina and Irene Gil-Saura

The purpose of this study is to identify groups of employees based on their motivations, detecting the main barriers that may influence their willingness to participate in the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify groups of employees based on their motivations, detecting the main barriers that may influence their willingness to participate in the pro-environmental initiatives proposed by their employer.

Design/methodology/approach

To identify the different groups of employees, an online survey was conducted, and the Chi-square automatic interaction detection algorithm segmentation technique was used with a sample of 483 employees from 9 Latin American universities.

Findings

The results allowed us to identify various segments, in which the main obstacle linked to intrinsic motivation is the university culture and, to a lesser extent, the lack of equipment, while for extrinsic motivation, the lack of infrastructure is the most determining factor. Likewise, the results reflect that, compared to the less motivated employees, those who show greater motivation (both intrinsic and extrinsic) are the ones who encounter the greatest barriers, so that the perceptions of the most motivated, as expert observers, help to identify the main obstacles that organisations must remove to promote pro-environmental behaviours among staff members.

Practical implications

The results obtained help to guide the representatives or organisational leaders on the actions that generate the greatest impact in the mitigation of climate change from a motivational approach of behavioural prediction.

Social implications

This study contributes to a more sustainable society by developing an understanding of how employees react to issues related to climate change. Knowing the perceptions of employees can be a turning point so that other members of society can get involved in pro-environmental behaviours.

Originality/value

Many studies have analysed the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations of employees to engage in pro-environmental behaviours; however, as far as the authors are aware, this has not been analysed from the perspective of barriers to motivation.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 18 August 2022

Marina Salse, Javier Guallar-Delgado, Núria Jornet-Benito, Maria Pilar Mateo Bretos and Josep Oriol Silvestre-Canut

The purpose of this study is to determine which metadata schemas are used in the museums and university collections of the main universities in Spain and other European countries…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine which metadata schemas are used in the museums and university collections of the main universities in Spain and other European countries. Although libraries and archives are also university memory institutions (according to a Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums perspective), their collections are not included in this study because their metadata systems are highly standardized and their inclusion would, therefore, skew our understanding of the diverse realities that the study aims to capture.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis has three components. The first is a bibliographic review based on Web of Science. The second is a direct survey of the individuals responsible for university collections to understand their internal work and documentation systems. Finally, the results obtained are complemented by an analysis of collective university heritage portals in Europe.

Findings

The results of this study confirmed the hypothesis that isolation and a lack of resources are still major issues in many cases. Increasing digitalization and the desire to participate in content aggregation systems are forcing change, although the responsibility for that change at universities is still vague.

Originality/value

Universities, particularly those with a long history, have an important heritage whose parts are often scattered or hidden. Although many contemporary academic publications have focused on the dissemination of university collections, this study focuses on the representation of information based on the conviction that good metadata are essential for dissemination.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 April 2024

Sebastián Javier García-Dastugue, Rogelio García-Contreras, Kimberly Stauss, Thomas Milford and Rudolf Leuschner

Extant literature in supply chain management tends to address a portion of the product flow to make food accessible to clients in need. The authors present a broader view of food…

Abstract

Purpose

Extant literature in supply chain management tends to address a portion of the product flow to make food accessible to clients in need. The authors present a broader view of food insecurity and present nuances relevant to appreciate the complexities of dealing with this social problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an inductive study to reveal the deep meaning of the context as managers of nonprofit organizations (NPO) define and address food insecurity. The focus was on a delimited geographic area for capturing interactions among NPOs which have not been described previously.

Findings

This study describes the role of supply chains collaborating in unexpected ways in the not-for-profit context, leading to interesting insights for the conceptual development of service ecosystems. This is relevant because the solution for the food insecure stems from the orchestration of assistance provided by the many supply chains for social assistance.

Research limitations/implications

The authors introduce two concepts: customer sharing and customer release. Customer sharing enables these supply chains behave like an ecosystem with no focal organization. Customer release is the opposite to customer retention, when the food insecure stops needing assistance.

Social implications

The authors describe the use of customer-centric measures of success such improved health measured. The solution to food insecurity for an individual is likely to be the result of the orchestration of assistance provided by several supply chains.

Originality/value

The authors started asking who the client is and how the NPOs define food insecurity, leading to discussing contrasts between food access and utilization, between hunger relief and nourishment, between assistance and solution of the problem, and between supply chains and ecosystems.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2023

Teresa Cunha Ferreira, David Ordóñez-Castañón and Rui Fernandes Póvoas

This research seeks to provide methodological bases for the identification, documentation and critical reflection of good practices of architectural design in built heritage…

Abstract

Purpose

This research seeks to provide methodological bases for the identification, documentation and critical reflection of good practices of architectural design in built heritage. These are applied explicitly to the School of Porto architects, which express a high sense of pedagogy and community practice in this field. The methodological approach defines the selection criteria for a georeferenced inventory and the procedures for in-depth analysis of adaptive reuse strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The works included in the inventory were selected according to geographical, chronological, typological, qualitative and quantitative criteria. The cases chosen for in-depth analysis have been studied along four thematic axes to dissect all the intervention processes (previous state, design/construction and final state). This approach is supported by a cross-analysis of different sources (oral, written, graphic) and using drawing as a fundamental research tool.

Findings

The research has collected and disseminated up to 150 works by 44 architects, providing a comprehensive portrait of heritage intervention by the School of Porto over the past decades. The selection of 22 buildings for in-depth documentation reveals a particular sensibility toward the cultural values through a case-by-case approach based in deep knowledge of the preexisting context and the introduction of contemporary additions in continuity and harmonious relation with the environmental and sociocultural context.

Originality/value

This work provides a novel methodology suitable for further extension and adaptation to other case studies, as a first contribution to a more comprehensive “Atlas of Architectural Design in Built Heritage” with European case studies. The research aims to introduce new and deeper perspectives on reference works that may constitute pedagogy for the future practice of architects within contextual, inclusive and sustainable approaches.

Details

Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 May 2023

Maryanne Scutella, Carolin Plewa and Carmen Reaiche

Advances in technology have given rise to an increased demand by small businesses for personalised e-government services. Given the importance of small businesses to the…

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Abstract

Purpose

Advances in technology have given rise to an increased demand by small businesses for personalised e-government services. Given the importance of small businesses to the Australian economy, it is vital to deliver small business-centric services that offer potential to generate value. To do that effectively, government departments need to understand factors that affect small business. The purpose of this study is to explore how preferences for personalised services and the use of intermediaries affect small business participation behaviour and, in turn, stimulate positive outcomes that are of interest to the government.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on secondary data from a survey of 800 Australian small businesses about the digital services offered by a large government department. Structural equation modelling was used to empirically test the model.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that whilst preference for personalisation has a positive relationship with participation behaviour, reliance on an intermediary does not. While such behaviour fosters emotional connection and perceptions of partner quality, the results of this study show no significant impact on satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study advances knowledge about how small businesses can gain value from personalised support services. Importantly, it focuses on participation behaviour and small business – both of which are largely absent from existing studies. The findings can assist government departments to design personalised services that are valued by small businesses.

Details

Internet Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 December 2023

José Carlos Vázquez-Parra, Marco Cruz-Sandoval, Carlos Sotelo, David Sotelo, Martina Carlos-Arroyo and Jorge Welti-Chanes

This article aims to present the results of an exploratory pilot study that demonstrates the validity of a self-created implementation methodology to develop the students' level…

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to present the results of an exploratory pilot study that demonstrates the validity of a self-created implementation methodology to develop the students' level of perceived achievement of the social entrepreneurship competency and explain how this is equally valid in developing the perceived achievement of the complex thinking competency.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a multivariate descriptive statistical analysis, this article offers the results of an educational intervention carried out on a sample group of students from a Mexican university before and after a training program in social entrepreneurship.

Findings

The favorable results showed that the proposed methodology is valid for scaling social entrepreneurship and complex thinking competencies and their subcompetencies.

Originality/value

These results are not only academically valuable, as they highlight the need to delve into the relationship between these two competencies, but they also allow us to appreciate the ample opportunities for practical implementation of entrepreneurship programs by universities and other institutions to work directly with social entrepreneurs and seek alternatives to develop skills through devising, proposing and developing social entrepreneurship projects.

Details

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-3896

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2024

Etelvina Nabais and Mário Franco

This study aims to understand the sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), analysing their current practices in the social, environmental and economic…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to understand the sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), analysing their current practices in the social, environmental and economic domain.

Design/methodology/approach

To fulfil this objective, an exploratory, qualitative approach was adopted, using the multiple case study methodology and focusing on eight cases (SMEs) in Portugal. Data were collected through interviews, since this technique allows proximity and interaction with decision makers and those responsible for firms’ sustainability.

Findings

From content analysis of the interviews held, the results show that SMEs are aware of and committed to sustainability and that the external context and some of its particularities have a significant impact on their sustainable development. These SMEs undertake various practices of a social, environmental and economic nature, highlighting especially environmental ones such as efficient resource consumption, using more sustainable resources, recycling waste and waste management.

Practical implications

This study contributes greater knowledge of the phenomenon of SMEs’ sustainable development and identifies practical examples that could increase this firm segment’s awareness of the importance of sustainable practices associated with developing their business.

Originality/value

In this study, new and innovative sustainability practices are presented in the SMEs. The authors can underline that this study contributes to reinforcing the theory about the topic investigated by adding knowledge about sustainable development in the SME context. It deepens knowledge in this scientific area, which can be spread in the scientific community and among SMEs.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

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