Search results

1 – 10 of over 2000
Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 September 2016

Vighnarajah, Farzanah Ali Hassan, Norhasni Abd Aziz and Ooi Siew Lee

Wawasan Open University Library undertook a survey study, based on the Wilson’s revised model of information behaviour (1999), to profile information-seeking behaviour of their…

3517

Abstract

Purpose

Wawasan Open University Library undertook a survey study, based on the Wilson’s revised model of information behaviour (1999), to profile information-seeking behaviour of their distance students in using library resources in their research and learning activities. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Using random sampling method, samples were selected to ensure proper representation of the population across four schools of studies and five regional centres. A total of 550 questionnaires were sent to undergraduate and postgraduate students, and 435 completed questionnaires were returned with a success response rate of 79 per cent.

Findings

Findings indicated significant differences between undergraduate and postgraduate students in using the university’s MyDigital Library and physical library for their information needs. Findings also indicated significant difference between first-year and post-first-year students in using internet search engines as part of their information-seeking process.

Practical implications

Students improving on their information-seeking behaviour in the learning and research work paved way for them to better experience university vivacity and not isolate themselves from distance learning.

Originality/value

This paper acknowledges the importance of promoting good information-seeking behaviour among distance learners in the scholarship of learning and research work. The paper also amplifies the important role library plays in minimizing students’ sense of isolation in university learning experience.

Details

Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1858-3431

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 6 December 2022

Esmee Peters, Louise Knight, Kees Boersma and Niels Uenk

Both high reliability theory (HRT) and “new school” supply chain resilience (SCR) promote a multi-layered, adaptable, transformational, and holistic perspective on organizing and…

2708

Abstract

Purpose

Both high reliability theory (HRT) and “new school” supply chain resilience (SCR) promote a multi-layered, adaptable, transformational, and holistic perspective on organizing and managing. The authors explore whether, and if so how, HRT offer fresh perspectives on the SCR challenges experienced during COVID-19 and on organizing for future resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

Addressing SCR at the interorganizational network level, and blending theory synthesis and case study research, the authors assess if and how HRN constructs and practices can guide analysis of SCR in dynamic, complex networks, and help shape development pathways towards organizing for resilience. Findings draw on thick description and iterative coding of data (58 interviews and 200+ documents) on the buyer network responsible for managing the supply of critical medical products in the Netherlands.

Findings

HRT highlights the interconnectedness of challenges encountered during COVID-19 and helps design future resilience through three lessons. Organizing for SCR requires (1) both anticipation and containment strategies, (2) stable working relationships characterized by trust, and (3) a clear basis of command underpinned by experience-based legitimacy.

Originality/value

Distinctive from SCR, which views crises as “black swans”, HRT organizes around everyday consideration of the risk of failure. Taking a buyer network perspective, the authors move beyond the buyer-supplier network focus in SCR. The authors contend that emphasis on measures such as supplier base management, stockpiling, and domestic production are essential but not sufficient. Rather, HRT implies that deep structural and social ties within the buyer network should also be emphasized.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 43 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 7 June 2021

Marta Frasquet, Marco Ieva and Cristina Ziliani

This paper analyses how the purchase channel and customer complaint goals affect the sequential choice of post–purchase complaint channels when customers experience a service…

2263

Abstract

Purpose

This paper analyses how the purchase channel and customer complaint goals affect the sequential choice of post–purchase complaint channels when customers experience a service failure followed by a service recovery failure (double deviation).

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey involving a scenario manipulation was conducted with 577 apparel shoppers. The study employs multi-group latent class analysis to estimate latent customer segments within both online and offline groups of shoppers and compare latent classes between the two groups.

Findings

The results show that the purchase channel has a lock-in effect on the complaint channel, which is stronger for offline buyers. Moreover, there is evidence of channel synergy effects in the case of having to complain twice: shoppers who complain in store in the first attempt turn to online channels in the second complaint attempt, and vice versa. Complaint goals shape the choice of complaint channels and define different shopper segments.

Originality/value

The present study is the first to adopt a cross-stage approach that analyses the dependencies between the purchase channel and the complaint channel used on two subsequent occasions: the first complaint after a service failure and the second following a service recovery failure.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 49 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 May 2021

Anna-Maija Multas and Noora Hirvonen

This study examines the information literacy practices of young video bloggers, focusing on the ways in which they construct their cognitive authority through a health-related…

2545

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the information literacy practices of young video bloggers, focusing on the ways in which they construct their cognitive authority through a health-related information creation process.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws upon socially oriented information literacy research and nexus analysis as its methodological framework. Data, including YouTube videos, theme interviews and video diaries, were collected with three Finnish video bloggers and qualitatively analysed using nexus analytical concepts to describe the central elements of social action.

Findings

The study shows that video bloggers employ several information practices during the information creation process, including planning, information-seeking, organization, editing and presentation of information. They construct their cognitive authority in relation to their anticipated audience by grounding it on different types of information: experience-based, embodied and scientific. Trustworthiness, emphasized with authenticity and genuineness, and competence, based on experience, expertise and second-hand information, were recognized as key components of credibility in this context.

Originality/value

This study increases the understanding of the complex ways in which young people create information on social media and influence their audiences. The study contributes to information literacy research by offering insights into the under-researched area of information creation. It is among the few studies to examine cognitive authority construction in the information creation process. The notion of authority as constructed through trustworthiness and competence and grounded on different types of information, can be taken into account in practice by information professionals and educators when planning information literacy instruction.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 78 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 February 2023

Mohammed Jawad Abed and Anis Mhalla

The paper aims to present a grid-connected multi-inverter for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to enhance reliability indices after selected the placement and level of PV solar.

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to present a grid-connected multi-inverter for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to enhance reliability indices after selected the placement and level of PV solar.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the associated probability is calculated based on the solar power generation capacity levels and outages conditions. Then, based on this probability, dependability indices like average energy not supplied (AENS), expected energy not supplied and loss of load expectations (LOLE) are computed, also, another indices have been computed such as (customer average interruption duration index (CAIDI), system average interruption frequency index (SAIFI) and system average interruption duration index (SAIDI)) addressing by affected customers with distribution networks reliability assessment, including PV. On the basis of their dependability indices and active power flow, several PV solar modules installed in several places are analyzed. A mechanism for assessing the performance of the grid's integration of renewable energy sources is also under investigation.

Findings

The findings of this study based on data extracted form a PV power plant connected to the power network system in Diyala, Iraq 132 kV, attempts to identify the system's weakest points in order to improve the system's overall dependability. In addition, enhanced reliability indices are given for measuring solar PV systems performance connected to the grid and reviewed for the benefit of the customers.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this study are two methods for determining the reliability of PV generators taking into consideration the system component failure rates and the power electronic component defect rates in a PV system which depend on the power input and the power loss using electrical transient analysis program (ETAP) program.

Details

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, vol. 42 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-9899

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 4 April 2023

Obinna Alo, Ahmad Arslan, Anna Yumiao Tian and Vijay Pereira

This paper is one of the first studies to examine specificities, including limits of mindfulness at work in an African organisational context, whilst dealing with the ongoing…

1778

Abstract

Purpose

This paper is one of the first studies to examine specificities, including limits of mindfulness at work in an African organisational context, whilst dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It specifically addresses the role of organisational and managerial support systems in restoring employee wellbeing, social connectedness and attachment to their organisations, in order to overcome the exclusion caused by the ongoing pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a qualitative research methodology that includes interviews as the main data source. The sample comprises of 20 entrepreneurs (organisational leaders) from Ghana and Nigeria.

Findings

The authors found that COVID-19-induced worries restricted the practice of mindfulness, and this was prevalent at the peak of the pandemic, particularly due to very tough economic conditions caused by reduction in salaries, and intensified by pre-existing general economic and social insecurities, and institutional voids in Africa. This aspect further resulted in lack of engagement and lack of commitment, which affected overall team performance and restricted employees’ mindfulness at work. Hence, quietness by employees even though can be linked to mindfulness was linked to larger psychological stress that they were facing. The authors also found leaders/manager’s emotional intelligence, social skills and organisational support systems to be helpful in such circumstances. However, their effectiveness varied among the cases.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first studies to establish a link between the COVID-19 pandemic and mindfulness limitations. Moreover, it is a pioneering study specifically highlighting the damaging impact of COVID-19-induced concerns on leader–member exchange (LMX) and team–member exchange (TMX) relationships, particularly in the African context. It further brings in a unique discussion on the mitigating mechanisms of such COVID-19-induced concerns in organisations and highlights the roles of manager’s/leader’s emotional intelligence, social skills and supportive intervention patterns. Finally, the authors offer an in-depth assessment of the effectiveness of organisational interventions and supportive relational systems in restoring social connectedness following a social exclusion caused by COVID-19-induced worries.

Details

Journal of Managerial Psychology, vol. 39 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-3946

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 22 April 2020

Nasser Fathi Easa and Haitham El Orra

The relationship between human resource management practices (HRMP) and innovation has been described as a black box, where a lot still needs to be investigated. Thus, the aim of…

18003

Abstract

Purpose

The relationship between human resource management practices (HRMP) and innovation has been described as a black box, where a lot still needs to be investigated. Thus, the aim of this paper is to investigate the nature of the link that exists between HRMP and innovation in both public and private organizations. To do so, theoretical underpinnings and existence of a mediating or a moderating mechanism is inspected.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an empirical systematic review of research conducted between 2010 and 2018, content analysis has been conducted for 31 peer-reviewed articles in the English language.

Findings

Inspecting the nature of relations existed in the chosen articles, interesting findings are addressed relative to the nature of the human resource management systems (HRMS) used, practices encompassed and their different utility. HRMS has been shown to be associated with product innovation yet more evidence is needed for supporting process innovation.

Practical implications

The HRMS/HRMP and innovation relationship is inspected, important practices that would guide managers to induce innovation are highlighted. Usage of multiple HRMS and contingency in constructing such systems is indicated.

Originality/value

Contribution to comprehend the black box and areas for future research has been offered.

Details

International Journal of Disruptive Innovation in Government, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2516-4392

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 April 2022

Eva Born and Johannes M. Lehner

This paper aims to contribute to research on management training and development by exploring the impact of extensive training labeled as drill on coping with critical situations…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to research on management training and development by exploring the impact of extensive training labeled as drill on coping with critical situations. More specifically, it inquires into conditions and supplements for drill to move from mere adaptation to exaptation, relating to the transfer of drilled procedures to serve novel requirements, in events involving different types of surprise.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts an interpretive research approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with members of the Austrian Military on cases of resilient field action in manifold situations of surprise.

Findings

The paper reveals that two different kinds of drill lead to properties that are essential for recovery from shock during critical events: the pure drill and the preaptative drill. Pure drill enables automatized action in situations when time or emotional pressure is too high for reflection or consideration of different options. Preaptative drill, pertaining to drill enhanced with background knowledge, leads to adaption or even exaptation of automatized action through reflection.

Originality/value

The present paper is the first to show the potential impact of drill on the ability to deal with specific kinds of surprise. It suggests that incorporating explanatory background knowledge about why and how rules and learned behaviors that were created into training programs can be of vital importance for dealing with surprise successfully.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 41 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 1 June 2021

Felicita Davis, Manoj Britto Francis Gnanasekar and Satyanarayana Parayitam

The present study is aimed at examining the antecedents of online shopping user behavior and customer satisfaction. More specifically, (1) the effect of social influence, variety…

8292

Abstract

Purpose

The present study is aimed at examining the antecedents of online shopping user behavior and customer satisfaction. More specifically, (1) the effect of social influence, variety seeking behavior, advertising and convenience on user behavior, and (2) the effect of user behavior on customer satisfaction are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model is developed and tested after verifying the psychometric properties of the survey instrument. Data were collected from 556 respondents from three major cities (Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore) in the southern part of India using structured instrument. Hierarchical regression is performed. Measurement model was checked using structural equation modeling (Lisrel package).

Findings

The results reveal that (1) social influence, (2) variety seeking, (3) advertising, (4) convenience, (5) trust and (6) product factors were positively related to online user behavior. Results also show that user behavior is significantly and positively related to customer satisfaction. The hierarchical regression results also showed moderating effects of (1) trust in the relationship between social influence, variety seeking and user behavior, and (2) product factors in the relationship between advertising, convenience and user behavior. Finally, results suggest that user behavior is partially mediating the relationship between trust and customer satisfaction, i.e. trust has both direct and indirect effect on customer satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

As with any survey-based research, the present study suffers from the problems associated with self-report measures viz., common method bias and social desirability bias. However, the authors attempted to minimize these limitations by following appropriate statistical techniques.

Practical implications

This study contributes to both practicing managers and the literature on advertising. The study suggests that trust and product play a major role in strengthening the relationship between antecedents and user behavior.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights about the importance of gaining trust in influencing consumer behavior. The conceptual model the authors developed is novel in the sense not many studies are available in India to empirically examine the moderating relationships of trust and product in consumer behavior.

Details

South Asian Journal of Marketing, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2719-2377

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 20 December 2017

Murallitharan Munisamy, Tharini Thanapalan, Pattaraporn Piwong, Alessio Panza and Sathirakorn Pongpanich

Out-of-pocket (OOP) payments continue to be a major method of financing healthcare in many low- and middle-income countries including Malaysia. Although macro-level data show that…

1510

Abstract

Purpose

Out-of-pocket (OOP) payments continue to be a major method of financing healthcare in many low- and middle-income countries including Malaysia. Although macro-level data show that this is a substantial percentage of national health expenditure, at the grassroots level, the amount spent on health by households remains unknown in Malaysia. The purpose of this paper is to assess the validity and reliability of an adapted-for-purpose questionnaire designed to capture urban household health expenditures (HHEs) among Malaysian households.

Design/methodology/approach

This two-part study assessed content validity of the questionnaire using three experts and the reliability of the questionnaire through a test-retest study among 50 OOP-paying patients followed up at one private primary care clinic in Kuala Lumpur. This study was approved by the Malaysian Research Ethics Committee (NMRR-16-172-29311-IIR).

Findings

The validity of the 83-item questionnaire was high, with an item content validity index of 1.00 and a scale content validity index average score of 1.0 agreed to among the evaluating experts. In the test-retest reliability study, the majority of the categorical questionnaire items had perfect agreement values (k=0.81-1.00). Continuous questionnaire items were also found to be highly reliable with no significant differences between the test-retest segments and high correlation coefficient values (intra-class correlation coefficient>0.7).

Originality/value

The HHE questionnaire had excellent content validity and very high test-retest reliability. The results of this study suggest that this questionnaire could be used in Malaysian studies to determine actual urban HHE which is a first step toward developing universal health coverage for all.

Details

Journal of Health Research, vol. 32 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2586-940X

Keywords

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