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1 – 10 of 210Victoria Cardullo, Chih-hsuan Wang, Megan Burton and Jianwei Dong
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between factors in the extended technology acceptance model (TAM) model and teachers' self-efficacy in remote teaching…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between factors in the extended technology acceptance model (TAM) model and teachers' self-efficacy in remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the authors sought to listen to classroom teachers as they expressed their unbiased views of the advantages, disadvantages and challenges of teaching remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was employed to examine the relationship between factors in the extended TAM model and teachers' self-efficacy in remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic using the 49-item questionnaire. A multiple regression analysis using a stepwise procedure was used to examine the relationship between factors in the extended TAM model and teachers' self-efficacy. Three open-ended questions closely examined remote teaching during the pandemic, related to challenges, advantages and disadvantages.
Findings
Qualitative findings challenges included Internet connection, lack of interaction and communication and challenges with motivation and student engagement. Disadvantages included teachers’ level of self-efficacy in using technology to teach, lack of support and resources to teach online and the struggle to motivate and engage students. Perceived benefits included flexibility for the teacher and differentiation, rich resources and a way to support learners when in-person instruction is not possible.
Research limitations/implications
The data suggest that instead, during COVID-19, many teachers were learning about the platforms simultaneously as they were instructing students.
Practical implications
To ensure quality remote instruction and that students receive the support to make instruction equitable, teachers need to perceive that their instructional technology needs are met to focus on teaching, learning and needs of their students.
Social implications
Teachers need opportunities to explore the platforms and to experience success in this environment before they are exposed to the high stakes of preparing students to meet K-12 standards.
Originality/value
Instructional delivery has not explored teacher motivational and instructional teaching self-efficacy related to satisfaction with the learning management system (LMS).
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This research explores perceptions of knowledge management processes held by managers and employees in a service industry. To date, empirical research on knowledge management in…
Abstract
This research explores perceptions of knowledge management processes held by managers and employees in a service industry. To date, empirical research on knowledge management in the service industry is sparse. This research seeks to examine absorptive capacity and its four capabilities of acquisition, assimilation, transformation and exploitation and their impact on effective knowledge management. All of these capabilities are strategies that enable external knowledge to be recognized, imported and integrated into, and further developed within the organization effectively. The research tests the relationships between absorptive capacity and effective knowledge management through analysis of quantitative data (n = 549) drawn from managers and employees in 35 residential aged care organizations in Western Australia. Responses were analysed using Partial Least Square-based Structural Equation Modelling. Additional analysis was conducted to assess if the job role (of manager or employee) and three industry context variables of profit motive, size of business and length of time the organization has been in business, impacted on the hypothesized relationships.
Structural model analysis examines the relationships between variables as hypothesized in the research framework. Analysis found that absorptive capacity and the four capabilities correlated significantly with effective knowledge management, with absorptive capacity explaining 56% of the total variability for effective knowledge management. Findings from this research also show that absorptive capacity and the four capabilities provide a useful framework for examining knowledge management in the service industry. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the perceptions held between managers and employees, nor between respondents in for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Furthermore, the size of the organization and length of time the organization has been in business did not impact on absorptive capacity, the four capabilities and effective knowledge management.
The research considers implications for business in light of these findings. The role of managers in providing leadership across the knowledge management process was confirmed, as well as the importance of guiding routines and knowledge sharing throughout the organization. Further, the results indicate that within the participating organizations there are discernible differences in the way that some organizations manage their knowledge, compared to others. To achieve effective knowledge management, managers need to provide a supportive workplace culture, facilitate strong employee relationships, encourage employees to seek out new knowledge, continually engage in two-way communication with employees and provide up-to-date policies and procedures that guide employees in doing their work. The implementation of knowledge management strategies has also been shown in this research to enhance the delivery and quality of residential aged care.
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Michael Sankey and Fernando F. Padró
This paper aims to present findings from a benchmarking exercise by 24 higher education institutions (HEIs) about the use of the Australasian Council on Open, Distance and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present findings from a benchmarking exercise by 24 higher education institutions (HEIs) about the use of the Australasian Council on Open, Distance and e-learning (ACODE) Benchmarks and its benchmarking process to provide data about technology-enhanced learning (TEL) environments.
Design/methodology/approach
Results of the first instalment of a major benchmarking activity of the robustness of the benchmarks and of the benchmarking process itself based on two surveys provided participants, one during the collaborative session between participants from the 24 HEIs and nine months later.
Findings
The most important conclusion was the interest and usefulness of the benchmarks for participating HEIs, especially the sharing of information between HEIs. Six recommendations from the data indicated the desire to formally endorse the benchmarks, facilitate a formal benchmarking activity every two years, postpone the merger of four benchmarks into two and create more online tools to share practice.
Research limitations/implications
Data were collected and analysed through non-validated surveys based on ACODE’s need-to-know to develop baselines specific to the usefulness of the benchmarks themselves, the benchmarking process itself and next steps.
Practical implications
This paper provides a comparative view of how 24 universities approach online education and their use of the ACODE Benchmarks and how they facilitate HEI regulatory compliance.
Social implications
ACODE Benchmarks are one of few institution-wide quality improvement tools or frameworks for TEL available for universities to use. The benchmarking exercise provides a process through which HEIs can learn from each other how to improve their approaches to e-learning activities to better serve student learning needs.
Originality/value
Reporting of how universities seen as leading practitioners in TEL pursue good/best practice, decision-making and reporting.
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The purpose is to conduct a systematic review of circular water management and its role in improving water availability amid increased demand and decreased supply.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose is to conduct a systematic review of circular water management and its role in improving water availability amid increased demand and decreased supply.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review was implemented, which helped in the identification, selection and critical appraisal of the various research to answer the research question. It was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) statement. The review was conducted mainly on Web of Science and Scopus databases between November 20 and December 8, 2022, with search strategies involving free-text searching, phrase searching, truncation and Boolean operators.
Findings
The search process yielded 46 articles exploring circular water management. The findings reveal that circular water management offers more promise than linear or business-as-usual approaches. There are various circular water management models, although most of them emphasize a shift from the “take, make, consume and waste” principles. Contrarily, the success of the circular water management framework hinges on its ability to embrace resilience based on changing environmental conditions. Furthermore, the model focuses on improving inclusiveness with various stakeholders working together to improve water management.
Originality/value
The research is the first of its kind as it identifies a critical gap, the imperative need to develop a universal framework that can significantly advance the comprehension of circular water management.
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George Okechukwu Onatu, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala and Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa
Karel Diéguez-Santana, Giselle Rodríguez Rudi, Ana Julia Acevedo Urquiaga, Emanuel Muñoz and Neyfe Sablón-Cossio
In this paper, the authors adopt the theory of the circular economy to study the transitions that take place in three case studies in Mexico and Ecuador. The work is aimed to…
Abstract
Purpose
In this paper, the authors adopt the theory of the circular economy to study the transitions that take place in three case studies in Mexico and Ecuador. The work is aimed to systematize a circular economy assessment tool that fosters opportunities for improvement in business practices.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology is based on a descriptive quantitative analysis, where a checklist is made with 91 items and nine study variables. This is from the study of the bibliography and business practice. Furthermore, the neural network method is used in a case study to predict the level of circular economy and the importance of each variable according to the sensitivity by the Lek’s profile method.
Findings
It is based on a descriptive quantitative analysis, where a checklist with 91 items and nine study variables is made, defined from a bibliographic study and business practice. Furthermore, the neural network method is used in a case study to predict the level of circular economy and the importance of each variable based on sensitivity.
Research limitations/implications
The application of the tool requires prior knowledge of the circular economy approach, which is why specialized personnel are needed for its application. This makes research more expensive in time and human resources.
Practical implications
The practical and methodological contribution of this work lies in the feasibility of the tool that favors the definition of improvement actions for the implementation contribution to the circular economy in business practices.
Social implications
The social contribution is framed in the gradual transition to circular economy approaches in underdeveloped countries.
Originality/value
The use of the neural network method to predict the level of circular economy in a case study allows making decisions in a predictive way. This encourages the development of the circular economy according to the context needs.
Objetivo
En este trabajo adoptamos la teoría de la economía circular para estudiar las transiciones que ocurren en tres casos de estudio en México y Ecuador. El trabajo tiene como objetivo sistematizar una herramienta de evaluación de la economía circular que fomente oportunidades de mejora en las prácticas empresariales.
Diseño / metodología / enfoque
La metodología se basa en un análisis cuantitativo descriptivo, donde se elabora un checklist con 91 ítems y nueve variables de estudio. Esto a partir del estudio de la bibliografía y la práctica empresarial. Además, el método de la red neuronal se utiliza en un estudio de caso para predecir el nivel de economía circular y la importancia de cada variable según la sensibilidad utilizando el método Lekprofile.
Hallazgos
Los resultados muestran que la herramienta es aplicable a diferentes contextos y simultáneamente permite la evaluación de la economía circular de forma holística. Además, la herramienta se puede vincular a técnicas predictivas, como el método de red neuronal. Esto se demostró en un estudio de caso.
Originalidad
en el uso del método de redes neuronales para predecir el nivel de economía circular en un caso de estudio. Esto permite la capacidad de tomar decisiones de forma predictiva y esto incentiva el desarrollo de la economía circular según la necesidad del contexto.
Limitaciones / implicaciones de la investigación
Las limitaciones se centran en la necesidad de conocer el tema de la economía circular para la aplicación de la herramienta. Por lo tanto, se necesita capacitación antes de comenzar un nuevo estudio. Esto encarece la investigación en tiempo y recursos humanos.
Implicaciones prácticas
El aporte práctico y metodológico de este trabajo radica en la viabilidad de la herramienta que favorece la definición de acciones de mejora para la contribución de la implementación a la economía circular en las prácticas empresariales.
Implicaciones sociales
La contribución social es parte de la transición gradual a enfoques de economía circular en países subdesarrollados.
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Susan Elwood, Chuleeporn Changchit and Robert Cutshall
This study aims to examine students' perceptions and their acceptance towards implementing a laptop program.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine students' perceptions and their acceptance towards implementing a laptop program.
Design/methodology/approach
Extensive research has been carried out on the technology acceptance model (TAM) to better understand the behavioral intention of individuals to accept and use technology. Therefore, the TAM was adopted as the theoretical framework. Data analysis consisted of factor analysis according to the TAM model's two primary constructs, followed by T‐tests to determine the impact of the discovered factors on participants' attitudes on a laptop initiative.
Findings
This study analyzes survey questions related to the two factors in the TAM model, as well as the discovery of a third factor, perceived change. By understanding what factors are of main concern to students, a laptop program can be made more useful to students and universities.
Research limitations/implications
This research was limited to one particular university. Suggestions for further research are to adapt and conduct the suggested survey tool in other university settings, according to the constructs of the TAM model as described in this paper.
Practical implications
The laptop initiative questionnaire contains questions that focus on all three TAM model factors. This provides a comprehensive base of questions for those needing to conduct similar lines of research within their universities.
Originality/value
This paper provides a tested survey based upon the widely accepted technology acceptance model with an added factor pertinent to the exploration of technology acceptance within the university environment.
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The purpose of the paper is the analysis of the evolution of students’ satisfaction over time in a large Italian university and the effects on it because of some characteristics…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is the analysis of the evolution of students’ satisfaction over time in a large Italian university and the effects on it because of some characteristics of the teachers: didactic practices, beliefs and needs with regard to teaching and learning.
Design/methodology/approach
The first step of the analysis identifies a latent construct, measured with items composing the questionnaire, and proposes a reduced set of indicators to measure satisfaction and to model its evolution over time (information collected in three consecutive academic years is available). A second step clusters teachers in homogenous groups with reference to their opinions, beliefs and needs, collected with a new survey conducted at the University of Padova, with the aim of developing strategies to support academic teachers. Then, a mixture conditional latent growth model is estimated with covariates affecting the latent parameters and class membership.
Findings
Model estimation identifies a large group of university courses with a high level of satisfaction, which stays constant over time, and a small group of problematic courses with low satisfaction, moreover, that decreases over the three considered academic years. Interesting significant effects of covariates related to both the teacher and the didactic activity are estimated.
Originality/value
Statistical analyses show that the implementation of innovative didactic practices and commitment to quality of teaching are important factors to be encouraged by the university management. On the contrary, the traditionalist way of teaching and a low passion for teaching do not improve students’ satisfaction.
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