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Article
Publication date: 4 April 2016

Nikolaos Apostolopoulos and Panagiotis Liargovas

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between regional factors and investment attractiveness of solar energy production. The aim is to create a rank order…

2090

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between regional factors and investment attractiveness of solar energy production. The aim is to create a rank order of the Greek regions based on their investment attractiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was applied in its group choice approach combined with a purposive sampling of experts from the business, governmental and research fields.

Findings

A rank order of the regions was developed related to their investment attractiveness based on the experts’ sampling and the specific criteria that were set. Analyzing the criteria, it was found that general macroeconomic performances of the regions are of low priority, while the ones related to the entrepreneurial development such as solar irradiation and land availability are of high priority.

Practical implications

This work is practically applicable, as it conduces to the management of companies operating in the solar energy sector. It is also useful for policy makers as the regions are prioritized, identifying, in this way, opportunities for investment.

Originality/value

The novel aspect of this research is regions’ ranking based on their dynamic in solar energy investments. The utilization of the AHP offers additional value to the research of energy planning and management, as it is applied for the first time in the solar energy sector, concerning regional factors, solar energy parameters, economic data and expert sampling to develop a rank order of the regions.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 3 June 2008

H. Frank Cervone

University libraries have traditionally been the primary caretaker of scholarly resources. However, as electronic modes of information delivery replace print materials…

Abstract

University libraries have traditionally been the primary caretaker of scholarly resources. However, as electronic modes of information delivery replace print materials, expectations of academic libraries have evolved rapidly. In this environment, academic libraries need to be adaptable organizations. Librarianship, though, is deeply rooted in strong values and beliefs which inherently limit receptivity to change and innovation, but these constraints are not absolute. Social network research indicates that professional advice networks play a significant role in how one thinks about and performs work and that individual perspectives are broadened when diverse input is received. Based on social network analysis methods, this study explored the relationship between individual receptivity to innovation and the composition of a person's professional advice network through a purposive sample of academic librarians in Illinois. The group completed a survey that explored two dimensions: (1) the nature of relationships within their professional advice network and (2) the individual's personal receptivity to innovation. Analysis of the nature of relationships within the professional advice networks was based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques, in contrast to the analysis of the respondents’ receptivity to innovation which was based on quantitative measures. Based on the information from the 440 respondents, the results of this research indicate that there is a relationship between the size of the professional advice networks and individual's receptivity to innovation, but additional aspects of the professional advice network may play a role in an individual's overall receptivity to innovation.

Details

Advances in Library Administration and Organization
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-7623-1488-1

Book part
Publication date: 30 November 2020

Edward K. Ayimey, Robert J. Blomme, Ad Kil and Ben Q. Honyenuga

The paper discusses how market orientation impacts marketing performance in the hotel industry of Ghana. The research was a qualitative research that covered a sample of…

Abstract

The paper discusses how market orientation impacts marketing performance in the hotel industry of Ghana. The research was a qualitative research that covered a sample of nineteen19 hotels in Ghana by using a two-stage nonprobability sampling comprising convenience sampling and purposive sampling. Personal interviews were conducted to collect primary and qualitative data from hotel managers of the sampled hotels. Template analysis was used to analyze the data in order to understand how market orientation impacts selected marketing performance indicators. The study has provided insight into how market orientation impacts marketing performance indicators, precisely sales growth, customer complaints, customer satisfaction, and customer retention. The limitations of the study are that it is a cross-sectional study and it involved only officials of the hotels as participants. Also, the study does not explain how customers perceive market orientation practices and how market orientation affects customer buying behavior. Research implications are that longitudinal research design and involvement of customers as participants should be considered in future-related qualitative studies. The contribution of this study to knowledge is that it has given some explanations to how market orientation impacts sales growth, customer complaints, customer satisfaction, and customer retention in the hotel business.

Details

Advances in Hospitality and Leisure
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83982-385-5

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 August 2022

TamilSalvi Mari, Jin Liew and Veronica Ng

The study aims to explore factors affecting stilt construction and the possibilities of using innovative materials and construction methods to re-establish the traditional stilt…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to explore factors affecting stilt construction and the possibilities of using innovative materials and construction methods to re-establish the traditional stilt structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a qualitative research method using an in-depth interview with selected architects to document experience and insights of the architects on the challenges and possibilities of using innovative materials and construction methods to re-establish the traditional stilt structures. Purposive sampling was used to determine the respondents for the study. Architects with experience designing stilt houses in architects' architectural practice were selected to take in the study.

Findings

Study revealed that generally architects are keen on using stilt structures. Building materials and costs associated with designing and constructing stilt structures were identified as the key challenges. However, architects suggest using recycled building materials as possible solutions to encourage the construction of stilt structures in Malaysia. The architects also preferred to use hybridized recycled materials for stilt structures as hybridized materials have improved structural properties and functions. Additionally, the study identified “psychological hesitation” or “accessibility” as a factor affecting the construction of stilt buildings.

Research limitations/implications

Throughout this study, some limitations have been dealt with. The first is the limitation of sample size. Contemporary stilt architecture is not very common in Malaysia today, and not many architects have experience in designing stilt houses. Although the method of purposive sampling was used, a larger sample size could have generated a more diverse result. The second limitation is the dearth of research on contemporary stilt houses in Malaysia. As stilt construction is uncommon in Malaysia and the existing material focuses primarily on traditional Malay houses, this has been one of the major challenges. Finally, most of the literature on stilt construction is from Southeast Asia, limited or insufficient studies and literature on local stilt construction would have a greater benefit to the study.

Practical implications

The outcomes from this study would benefit the scholars who have an interest in exploring stilts construction in contemporary architecture as well as innovative construction materials and construction methods. As the study brings forth the challenges and possibilities of restoring the traditional stilt constructions, the study can be used as a reference by designers to garner a deeper understanding of the traditional stilt construction and encourage designers to focus on possible innovations for stilt construction from the aspects of materials and methods in ensuring the traditional element is present in future design and construction.

Originality/value

The study is a response to an obvious dearth body of knowledge in stilt construction in the Malaysian context. The study identifies the key challenges and possible and practical solutions. The findings of this study represent a scholastic effort that can be used as a reference by academics and scholars.

Details

Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-6862

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 15 September 2022

Muthmainnah Muthmainnah, Ahmad Al Yakin, Muhammad Massyat, Enkeleda Lulaj and Gul Erkol Bayram

An introduction to edupreneurship, which combines the terms education and entrepreneurship, is a concept that cannot be broken down into its component parts for the sake of…

Abstract

An introduction to edupreneurship, which combines the terms education and entrepreneurship, is a concept that cannot be broken down into its component parts for the sake of simplicity. Together, these two form one unit since their process is an example of what entrepreneurship education is all about: teaching someone to create something that’s worth selling and then making use of it for themselves or their community. When it comes to the purpose of the implementation of this edupreneurship, it is in line with Law No. 20 of 2003 on the System of National Education, which states that ‘National Education works to develop skills and shape the character and civilisation of a dignified nation in order to enrich the life of a nation’.

Aim: Aimed at developing potential students to become humane, those who have good life skills can deal more effectively with life’s demands and obstacles because they can adapt and behave positively. It’s important to have a diverse set of life skills because there are five main categories: self-awareness abilities, thinking abilities, social abilities, academic abilities and occupational abilities.

Procedure: The research was carried out in the Indonesian region of West Sulawesi at Universitas Al Asyariah Mandar. This study was conducted at a university since the primary goal was to develop students’ life skills in a way that incorporates entrepreneurship education as a means of improving entrepreneurial skills. For the purpose of selecting the sample, purposive sampling was used. This study used Google Forms to collect the research data. It was all done online. This study employed a qualitative research design to gather data and analyse the findings. A purposive sampling technique was employed for the sampling, that is, determining sampling with particular considerations based on the fact that the sample in this study is the sixth-semester students of the 2021/2022 academic year who have completed practical work in the Entrepreneurship education course at the teacher training and education faculty (FKIP), totalling 97 students, but only 39 students accepted the online questionnaire.

Findings: Entrepreneurship simultaneously develops students’ life skills such as communication, interpersonal skills, decision-making, problem-solving, negotiation, creative thinking, critical thinking, self-awareness, empathy, self-control, resilience and organising skills.

Details

The New Digital Era: Digitalisation, Emerging Risks and Opportunities
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-980-7

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2003

Allen Foster and Nigel Ford

“Serendipity” has both a classical origin in literature and a more modern manifestation where it is found in the descriptions of the problem solving and knowledge acquisition of…

10092

Abstract

“Serendipity” has both a classical origin in literature and a more modern manifestation where it is found in the descriptions of the problem solving and knowledge acquisition of humanities and science scholars. Studies of information retrieval and information seeking have also discussed the utility of the notion of serendipity. Some have implied that it may be stimulated, or that certain people may “encounter” serendipitous information more than others. All to some extent accept the classical definition of serendipity as a “fortuitous” accident. The analysis presented here is part of a larger study concerning the information‐seeking behaviour of interdisciplinary scholars. This paper considers the nature of serendipity in information‐seeking contexts, and reinterprets the notion of serendipity as a phenomenon arising from both conditions and strategies – as both a purposive and a non‐purposive component of information seeking and related knowledge acquisition.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 59 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 10 December 2015

Dekar Urumsah

The concept and practice of e-services has become essential in business transactions. Yet there are still many organizations that have not developed e-services optimally. This is…

Abstract

The concept and practice of e-services has become essential in business transactions. Yet there are still many organizations that have not developed e-services optimally. This is especially relevant in the context of Indonesian Airline companies. Therefore, many airline customers in Indonesia are still in doubt about it, or even do not use it. To fill this gap, this study attempts to develop a model for e-services adoption and empirically examines the factors influencing the airlines customers in Indonesia in using e-services offered by the Indonesian airline companies. Taking six Indonesian airline companies as a case example, the study investigated the antecedents of e-services usage of Indonesian airlines. This study further examined the impacts of motivation on customers in using e-services in the Indonesian context. Another important aim of this study was to investigate how ages, experiences and geographical areas moderate effects of e-services usage.

The study adopts a positivist research paradigm with a two-phase sequential mixed method design involving qualitative and quantitative approaches. An initial research model was first developed based on an extensive literature review, by combining acceptance and use of information technology theories, expectancy theory and the inter-organizational system motivation models. A qualitative field study via semi-structured interviews was then conducted to explore the present state among 15 respondents. The results of the interviews were analysed using content analysis yielding the final model of e-services usage. Eighteen antecedent factors hypotheses and three moderating factors hypotheses and 52-item questionnaire were developed. A focus group discussion of five respondents and a pilot study of 59 respondents resulted in final version of the questionnaire.

In the second phase, the main survey was conducted nationally to collect the research data among Indonesian airline customers who had already used Indonesian airline e-services. A total of 819 valid questionnaires were obtained. The data was then analysed using a partial least square (PLS) based structural equation modelling (SEM) technique to produce the contributions of links in the e-services model (22% of all the variances in e-services usage, 37.8% in intention to use, 46.6% in motivation, 39.2% in outcome expectancy, and 37.7% in effort expectancy). Meanwhile, path coefficients and t-values demonstrated various different influences of antecedent factors towards e-services usage. Additionally, a multi-group analysis based on PLS is employed with mixed results. In the final findings, 14 hypotheses were supported and 7 hypotheses were not supported.

The major findings of this study have confirmed that motivation has the strongest contribution in e-services usage. In addition, motivation affects e-services usage both directly and indirectly through intention-to-use. This study provides contributions to the existing knowledge of e-services models, and practical applications of IT usage. Most importantly, an understanding of antecedents of e-services adoption will provide guidelines for stakeholders in developing better e-services and strategies in order to promote and encourage more customers to use e-services. Finally, the accomplishment of this study can be expanded through possible adaptations in other industries and other geographical contexts.

Details

E-services Adoption: Processes by Firms in Developing Nations
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-709-7

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 July 2021

Avanish Bhai Patel

The steady rise in aged population has brought many challenges such as social, economic and health care that confront of the older people in their later life. The purpose of this…

Abstract

Purpose

The steady rise in aged population has brought many challenges such as social, economic and health care that confront of the older people in their later life. The purpose of this study is to understand the nature of challenges among the older people and to assess the role of social security programmes for the welfare of the older people. The qualitative descriptive research has been applied in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative descriptive research has been applied in this paper. The study was conducted in a sample of 220 elderly living in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, using purposive sampling. The study was based on interviews. The order of questions and samples depended on the information flow during the interviews. The purposes of using the qualitative descriptive research in the present study are to satisfy the researcher’s curiosity and desire for better understanding to discuss the challenges faced by older people (these challenges are social vulnerability, poor economic conditions, poor health and no familiarity with government programmes), to understand the practicability of the study in extensive way and to explain why any phenomenon occurs or why older people face problems in later life.

Findings

The first finding demonstrates that the different challenges among older people such as social, economic and health challenges are affecting their way of life and sense of well-being and are fracturing their social bonds from the family and society. The second finding indicates that only 46.3% older people are benefitted from government pension programmes schemes. While the numbers of older people are unknown from other government welfare programmes such as health programmes, concession for older people and maintenance and welfare of parent and senior citizen act are not able to work properly due to lack of awareness and lack of proper communication between older people and government bodies.

Originality/value

This is an original work of the author. The research work is based on primary data that examine the nature of challenges such as health, economic and social challenges faced by older people in later life and impact of these problems on the well-being of older people.

Details

The Journal of Adult Protection, vol. 23 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1466-8203

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 September 2023

Ismah Osman, Junainah Junid, Husniyati Ali, Siti Zahrah Buyong, Sharifah Zannierah Syed Marzuki and Nor'ain Othman

This study aims to ascertain consumption values of Muslim tourists, attitudes, satisfaction and loyalty towards a Muslim-friendly accommodation, which has gained recognition from…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to ascertain consumption values of Muslim tourists, attitudes, satisfaction and loyalty towards a Muslim-friendly accommodation, which has gained recognition from the Malaysian Government. Subsequently, an overall Muslim-friendly image was examined as a moderating variable within the associated relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research design with a purposive sampling technique was chosen through a sample size of 378 people in Malaysia and distributed via social media. The respondents were selected based on the Muslim-friendly accommodation recognition (MFAR) initiatives, a procedure of accreditation which acknowledges Muslim-friendly accommodation for tourists. To obtain data from those travellers, structured questionnaires were used. SmartPLS was used for data analysis in this study.

Findings

The values which were found to have an influence on attitude towards a Muslim-friendly accommodation are related to social, emotional, economic, functional, monetary and epistemic elements. On the other hand, hedonic, conditional, Islamic and altruistic values were found to be insignificant in determining the attitude towards a Muslim-friendly accommodation. Subsequently, an overall Muslim-friendly image was found to moderate the relationship between social, monetary and altruistic values and its link concerning attitude towards the accommodation, while the rest of the relationships were not significant. More importantly, attitude seems to have an impact on satisfaction, as well as its loyalty towards a Muslim-friendly accommodation.

Research limitations/implications

Firstly, it begins with understanding Malaysia, one of the developing countries in Southeast Asia. Secondly, data was collected from participants using a survey method, from purposive sampling which may limit the findings’ generalizability. Thirdly, this study focussed exclusively on the perceived value dimensions associated with Muslim-friendly accommodation, thus, disregarding consumers who may associate with other types of tourism and hospitality elements.

Practical implications

The results provide a fresh insight and a better understanding regarding the consumption values and all of its related components towards customer loyalty of the Muslim-friendly accommodation in Malaysia. In addition, the findings deliver new information and a deeper understanding of relevant values in Malaysia’s Muslim-friendly accommodation, which can be used as a standard guideline by industry practitioners, local and abroad.

Social implications

This research supports service providers in developing effective brand management strategies for their own businesses. Apparently, this study discovers that emotional values tend to be the most important values in determining attitude towards Muslim-friendly accommodation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the studies examining the overall perceived Muslim-friendly image within the consumption values that are relevant from an Islamic viewpoint. It provides policymakers, as well as the industry players, some reliable approaches for enhancing Muslim-friendly accommodation.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2024

Sanjay Dhingra and Abhishek

This study aims to explore and conceptualize metaverse adoption using a systematic literature review (SLR). It also aims to propose a conceptual model that identifies significant…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore and conceptualize metaverse adoption using a systematic literature review (SLR). It also aims to propose a conceptual model that identifies significant factors affecting metaverse adoption in the entertainment, education, tourism and health sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

A SLR was conducted using the “preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses” report protocol and the “theory, context, characteristics, methods” framework to include all relevant articles published up to March 2023, which were sourced from the Scopus and Web of Science databases.

Findings

The reviewed literature revealed that the countries with the highest publications in the field of metaverse were China and the USA. It was also found that the technology acceptance model was the most used theoretical framework. Survey-based research using purposive and convenience sampling techniques emerged as the predominant method for data collection, and partial least square-structural equation modeling was the most used analytical technique. The review also identified the top six journals and the variables that help to develop a proposed model.

Originality/value

This review presents a novel contribution to the literature on metaverse adoption by forming a conceptual model that incorporates the most used variables in the entertainment, education, tourism and health sectors. The possible directions for future research with identified research gaps were also discussed.

Details

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

Keywords

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