Search results

1 – 10 of 315
Article
Publication date: 31 August 2005

Harold Boley, Virendrakumar C. Bhavsar, David Hirtle, Anurag Singh, Zhongwei Sun and Lu Yang

We have proposed and implemented AgentMatcher, an architecture for match‐making in e‐Business applications. It uses arc‐labeled and arc‐weighted trees to match buyers and sellers…

Abstract

We have proposed and implemented AgentMatcher, an architecture for match‐making in e‐Business applications. It uses arc‐labeled and arc‐weighted trees to match buyers and sellers via our novel similarity algorithm. This paper adapts the architecture for match‐making between learners and learning objects (LOs). It uses the Canadian Learning Object Metadata (CanLOM) repository of the eduSource e‐Learning project. Through AgentMatcher’s new indexing component, known as Learning Object Metadata Generator (LOMGen), metadata is extracted from HTML LOs for use in CanLOM. LOMGen semi‐automatically generates the LO metadata by combining a word frequency count and dictionary lookup. A subset of these metadata terms can be selected from a query interface, which permits adjustment of weights that express user preferences. Web‐based pre‐filtering is then performed over the CanLOM metadata kept in a relational database. Using an XSLT (Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations) translator, the pre‐filtered result is transformed into an XML representation, called Weighted Object‐Oriented (WOO) RuleML (Rule Markup Language). This is compared to the WOO RuleML representation obtained from the query interface by AgentMatcher’s core Similarity Engine. The final result is presented as a ranked LO list with a user‐specified threshold.

Details

Interactive Technology and Smart Education, vol. 2 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-5659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 April 2022

Aaron Schibik, David Strutton and Kenneth Thompson

The purpose of this study was to investigate assortative mating processes inside Internet-dating-service settings. Unattached consumers traditionally sought to satisfy their need…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate assortative mating processes inside Internet-dating-service settings. Unattached consumers traditionally sought to satisfy their need for love through conventional search processes, including old-fashioned match-making. That was then, this is now; dozens of internet-mediated dating websites promising romantic-love-matches currently operate internationally. These dating services cultivate dating-exchanges by offering new-fashioned match-making processes. Despite these trends, theoretical and practical questions related to how and why dating services marketers might induce superior romantic exchanges between customers by managing assortative mating processes remain unanswered until now.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey-based approach was used to test hypotheses. Pretests were conducted to develop reliable measures of assortative mating propensity. Seven subconstructs of assortative mating were identified by analyzing data from a representative sample. The measurement model was validated before hypotheses testing. The focal assortative mating construct was measured formatively; assortative mating subdimensions functioned as indicators. The model was tested by structural equation modeling.

Findings

Assortative mating processes facilitated superior preference-selection outcomes for individuals seeking consumer-to-consumer romantic relationships inside internet-mediated service settings. Insights were generated about how and why assortative mating processes exercised positive effects on consumers’ attitudes toward online dating and about how dating services marketers might leverage assortative mating tendencies to benefit consumers.

Originality/value

A novel concept was introduced to the services marketing literature, as were several theoretical implications. The study simultaneously measured consumers’ propensities to engage in assortative mating and captured the effects of various physical/behavioral consumer characteristics. This study develops new and practical insights about how dating service marketers could manage the effects of assortative mating processes.

Details

Journal of Services Marketing, vol. 37 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0887-6045

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 July 2009

Yong Han

This paper aims to examine, from an insider's perspective, the ways in which Chinese organizational play may develop employee creativity.

516

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine, from an insider's perspective, the ways in which Chinese organizational play may develop employee creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents concepts based on research.

Findings

Reports how Chinese organizational play may help employees to relax physically, develop informal social relationships and support guanxi – business networks based on connections made by individuals.

Practical implications

Advances the view that managers in China who want a creative workplace should be prepared to put in the time and effort to provide their employees with opportunities for play.

Originality/value

Presents ideas from China that could be applied in some western organizations.

Details

Human Resource Management International Digest, vol. 17 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0967-0734

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 January 2024

Li Chen, Yiwen Chen and Yang Pan

This study aims to empirically test how sponsored video customization (i.e. the degree to which a sponsored video is customized for a sponsoring brand) affects video shares…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to empirically test how sponsored video customization (i.e. the degree to which a sponsored video is customized for a sponsoring brand) affects video shares differently depending on influencer characteristics (i.e. mega influencer and expert influencer) and brand characteristics (i.e. brand establishment and product involvement).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a unique real-world data set that combines coded variables (e.g. customization) and objective video performance (e.g. sharing) of 365 sponsored videos to test the hypotheses. A negative binomial model is used to analyze the data set.

Findings

This study finds that the effect of video customization on video shares varies across contexts. Video customization positively affects shares if they are made for well-established brands and high-involvement products but negatively influences shares if they are produced by mega and expert influencers.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends the influencer marketing literature by focusing on a new media modality – sponsored video. Drawing on the multiple inference model and the persuasion knowledge theory, this study teases out different conditions under which video customization is more or less likely to foster audience engagement, which both influencers and brands care about. The chosen research setting may limit the generalizability of the findings of this study.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that mega and expert influencers need to consider if their endorsement would backfire on a highly customized video. Brands that aim to engage customers with highly-customized videos should gauge their decision by taking into consideration their years of establishment and product involvement. For video-sharing platforms, especially those that are planning to expand their businesses to include “matching-making services” for brands and influencers, the findings provide theory-based guidance on optimizing such matches.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an urgent research need to study how brands and influencers should produce sponsored videos to achieve optimal outcomes.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 February 2009

Lars Nordgren

The “old” concept of productivity seems to be misleading in health care, because it does not involve the contribution of the patient in value creation. The purpose of this paper…

2907

Abstract

Purpose

The “old” concept of productivity seems to be misleading in health care, because it does not involve the contribution of the patient in value creation. The purpose of this paper will therefore be to explore possibilities for developing service productivity in theory and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on a discursive reading of authoritative texts, an understanding of how health care work is organised and of several examples illustrating value creation. A proposed theoretical frame draws on “value creation”, “match matching” and “agency”. Empirical material is used, as are an analysis of a service meeting in health care, official texts in a Swedish context and narratives written by “users” and professionals.

Findings

The concept of service productivity in the context of health care encompasses values such as experienced health, quality of life, accessibility, trust, communication, avoidable suffering and avoidable deaths, and not only reduced costs, activities and outcomes.

Research limitation/implications

There is a need for more research concerning matchmaking and support of the customer. An overall aim for the providers should be to match the value creation process of the customer (patient).

Originality/value

This is a conceptual paper concerning value creation and service productivity in health care.

Details

International Journal of Public Sector Management, vol. 22 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3558

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 July 2020

Pablo de Pedraza, Martin Guzi and Kea Tijdens

Di Tella et al. (2001) show that temporary fluctuations in life satisfaction (LS) are correlated with macroeconomic circumstances such as gross domestic product, unemployment and…

Abstract

Purpose

Di Tella et al. (2001) show that temporary fluctuations in life satisfaction (LS) are correlated with macroeconomic circumstances such as gross domestic product, unemployment and inflation. In this paper, we bring attention to labour market measures from search and matching models (Pissarides 2000).

Design/methodology/approach

Our analysis follows the two-stage estimation strategy used in Di Tella et al. (2001) to explore sectoral unemployment levels, labour market tightness and matching efficiency as LS determinants. In the first stage, we use a large sample of individual data collected from a continuous web survey during the 2007–2014 period in the Netherlands to obtain regression-adjusted measures of LS by quarter and economic sector. In the second-stage, we regress LS measures against the unemployment level, labour market tightness and matching efficiency.

Findings

Our results are threefold. First, the negative link between unemployment and an employee's LS is confirmed at the sectoral level. Second, labour market tightness, measured as the number of vacancies per job-seeker rather than the number of vacancies per unemployed, is shown to be relevant to the LS of workers. Third, labour market matching efficiency affects the LS of workers differently when they are less satisfied with their job and in temporary employment.

Originality/value

No evidence of this relationship has been documented before. Our results give support to government interventions aimed at activating demand for labour, improving the matching of job-seekers to vacant jobs and reducing information frictions by supporting match-making technologies.

Details

International Journal of Manpower, vol. 42 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7720

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 February 2015

Martin Lackéus and Karen Williams Middleton

The purpose of this paper is to explore how university-based entrepreneurship programs, incorporating real-life venture creation into educational design and delivery, can bridge…

3894

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how university-based entrepreneurship programs, incorporating real-life venture creation into educational design and delivery, can bridge the gap between entrepreneurship education and technology transfer within the university environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review and snowball sampling over a two-year period, 18 entrepreneurship education programs were identified as applying a venture creation approach. Ten of these programs were selected for case study, including direct interviews and participatory observation during a two-day workshop. Empirical findings were iteratively related to theory within entrepreneurship education and technology transfer.

Findings

The paper identifies the bridging capabilities of venture creation programs (VCP) across five core themes, illustrating the potential benefits of closer collaboration between entrepreneurship education and technology transfer in a university environment.

Research limitations/implications

A definition for “VCP” is tested empirically. These programs are shown to be sophisticated laboratory environments, allowing for clinical research towards the understanding of entrepreneurship and technology transfer processes.

Practical implications

Findings identify practical benefits of combining entrepreneurship education and technology transfer activities, such as increased value creation through not only new firms, but also an entrepreneurially equipped graduate population. VCPs allow for “spin-through” of innovative ideas in the university environment, while simultaneously contributing to entrepreneurial learning.

Originality/value

This paper presents findings from the first multiple case study into entrepreneurship education specifically designed to develop real-life venture as part of the core curriculum. Findings provide basis for investigating the value of integrating entrepreneurship education and technology transfer at the university.

Details

Education + Training, vol. 57 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0040-0912

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 April 2015

Roslina Othman and Ashraf Ali Salahuddin

The purposes of this study were to measure the relevance status of Index Islamicus, evaluate the semantic correlation between a query and documents and inquire the basis of its…

Abstract

Purpose

The purposes of this study were to measure the relevance status of Index Islamicus, evaluate the semantic correlation between a query and documents and inquire the basis of its rank. Sorting the retrieved results from the most relevant to the least relevant is the common option of an information retrieval system. This sorting mechanism or relevance judgment is computed by measuring closeness of query with its documents.

Design/methodology/approach

Forming up 100 queries on Islamic History and Civilizations, with two indexing elements (keyword and concept), a laboratory experiment was generated on its first ten items of the rank. Throughout an experimental research design, the relevance status value formula was used to measure system-computed rank and compare it with mean average precision.

Findings

The results showed that the average status value of Index Islamicus’s ranking on relevance criterion was 18 per cent effective in terms of retrieving precise documents. Despite the main focus of this study being only on one subject domain and the items calculated were only 1,000, this small percentage of its ranking mechanism proved that semantic correlations between queries with subject domain did not achieve the satisfactory level.

Research limitations/implications

Implication of this study could be a guideline for further research on ranking mechanism of other search engines because the limitation of this study was Index Islamicus being the only database, which was the focus of this study.

Practical implications

Throughout this study, Index Islamicus would be benefited knowing the status of its ranking mechanism as well as other databases can make further research on their own ranking method following this study.

Social implications

Researchers and vendors of online databases can ensure their users a true platform of search engine with a proper ranking list.

Originality/value

Relevance status value model for Index Islamicus on Islamic History and Civilization that allows the system to rank documents according to the match between document and query and gives the idea of a better index. The model improves the system’s ranking mechanism, and promotes the use of semantic relationships. This research promotes the computation of relevance status value by domain for capturing subject-specific relevance criteria and semantic relationships.

Details

International Journal of Web Information Systems, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-0084

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 30 December 2004

Jorge Carrillo

The manufacturing transnational corporations (TNC) subsidiaries established in Mexico are playing a priority role within the labor markets in the Mexican economy, not only because…

Abstract

The manufacturing transnational corporations (TNC) subsidiaries established in Mexico are playing a priority role within the labor markets in the Mexican economy, not only because of their participation in exports, generation of foreign exchange and employment in Mexico, but also because they are in command of a process of deep economic change.

Although the impact TNC subsidiaries have on the local configuration of productive networks, business capacities and links with different sectors has not been studied well enough in Mexico, it is nevertheless widely criticized. In other words, TNC subsidiaries undoubtedly have a positive impact on different areas, such as employment, generating foreign exchange, technological and organizational capacities and labor skills, but it is based on a learning that takes place within the affiliated plants themselves and in intra-firm relations. In spite of government and private efforts, their local spill over effects on Mexican companies is still very weak.

The purpose of this study is to identify the impact foreign TNC subsidiaries located in Mexico have on the development of local suppliers. The methodology is based on the application of three different types of questionnaires: one addressed to television TNC assembly plant workers in Tijuana, another to local suppliers, both foreign and national, and a third questionnaire geared to decision-makers and local business associations. We also considered results from other studies and analyzed different sources of information. The questionnaires were applied in Tijuana throughout January 2001.

The results of the study shows that there is an important industrial agglomeration in Tijuana and several institutions support this environment of clustering. Nevertheless, there are major disadvantages for increased local productive capabilities, but still room for Mexican suppliers and for public and private policy.

Details

Globalism/Localism at Work
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-229-0

Article
Publication date: 22 June 2022

Fabian Hänle, Stefanie Weil and Bart Cambré

Nested within institutional theory and the political economy perspective, this study aims to examine Chinese outward foreign direct investments (OFDI)-supporting organizations and…

Abstract

Purpose

Nested within institutional theory and the political economy perspective, this study aims to examine Chinese outward foreign direct investments (OFDI)-supporting organizations and fostering mechanisms for its SMEs in Europe’s largest economy, Germany.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct a multiple-case study to present rich insights from elite interviews with representatives of Chinese and German governmental organizations, intermediary parties and specialized OFDI consultants. In addition, the authors analyze secondary data such as presentations, websites, brochures, social media and recent Chinese OFDI policies for SMEs. The findings are triangulated by interviewing business owners and senior executives of seven Chinese SMEs that have invested in Germany.

Findings

Cooperating with Germany’s federal government, China’s ministries implemented an effective OFDI support network in Germany, which connects and benefits both economies. This includes Chinese governmental organizations, privately-held national champions, German–Chinese business associations and linked intermediary parties. These organizations support SMEs through four main mechanisms: networking and information, mutually beneficial knowledge transfer between innovation partners, lobbying for potential cooperation and an objective picture of Chinese OFDI and facilitating investment services.

Originality/value

This study advances OFDI theory and contributes to the growing discussion on the internationalization of Chinese SMEs by shedding light on China’s OFDI support organizations and mechanisms in the German market. The study also offers practical contributions. Understanding better how governments can spur internationalization is vital, as it determines the effectiveness of policymaking and fosters international mutual understanding, cultural exchange and firm growth and innovation (Ahlstrom, 2010), and hence ultimately contributes positively to society. Moreover, knowing the specific OFDI support organizations and measures China is currently adopting can serve as a helpful orientation for Chinese entrepreneurs who plan to invest in Germany.

Details

Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, vol. 15 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4604

Keywords

1 – 10 of 315