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Article
Publication date: 13 June 2008

Elizabeth M. LaRue

The purpose of this research is to measure the validity and the adoption of a new web page assessment tool called SPAT (Site, Publisher, Audience, Timeliness).

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to measure the validity and the adoption of a new web page assessment tool called SPAT (Site, Publisher, Audience, Timeliness).

Design/methodology/approach

A convenience sample of 37 Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs) participated in an evaluation of the web page assessment tool SPAT. Four web pages with diabetes content were selected for a pre‐ and post‐test evaluation. A follow‐up questionnaire measured adoption of the SPAT tool.

Findings

There was a significant difference when using the mnemonic SPAT to evaluate the site, publisher and timeliness of a web page. Using SPAT to evaluate the audience of a web page also showed an improvement. While there was an increase in reviewing the text of a web page for biases after the SPAT intervention, it was not significant. The CDEs easily utilized SPAT with the diabetes content web pages and their successful manipulation of the SPAT tool demonstrated face validity. After learning of SPAT, responses to the follow‐up questionnaire revealed adoption of the tool by CDEs.

Practical implications

Use of SPAT may enable health care providers to systematically evaluate health‐related web page content.

Originality/value

SPAT is a novel tool that reinforces a user to practice basic literacy concepts. The value of SPAT is that it is a people centered tool that may easily be used by anyone to evaluate web pages.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 26 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 July 2013

Erno Selos, Teemu Laine, Inger Roos, Petri Suomala and Lauri Pitkänen

This study aims to focus on the switching path analysis technique (SPAT) application to enlarge the understanding of customer switching from the business to consumer (B‐to‐C…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the switching path analysis technique (SPAT) application to enlarge the understanding of customer switching from the business to consumer (B‐to‐C) context to the processes of business‐to‐business (B‐to‐B) supplier switches.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a theory extension of SPAT, with nine (9) supplier switching cases in different B‐to‐B settings. The cases shed light also on the actual triggers and determinants of the B‐to‐B switches.

Findings

The study proves the applicability of SPAT in B‐to‐B settings. The B‐to‐B context adds complexity, forming a relationship flow where many driving factors act for switching. Thus, the findings suggest that a comprehensive analysis of the triggers and determinants is required to understand the switching processes. In particular, the characteristics of the active/passive behaviour should be analysed separately in the customer and in the old and new suppliers.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical findings are exploratory in nature. Further research should refine the characteristics of active and passive behaviour at the levels of the relationship, the companies and the individuals to comprehend the notion of the influential trigger in SPAT. Further research should also address the wider topic of the patterns of certain triggers and determinants that actually lead to unstable supplier relationships.

Practical implications

The B‐to‐B supplier switches appear to be complex processes. The supplier should be able to be constantly aware of the major changes in the customer's business. Based on this awareness, the supplier may actively affect the development of the relationship to avoid unwanted switches.

Originality/value

The paper combines the relatively mature research stream of B‐to‐C supplier switches and access to B‐to‐B supplier‐switching cases. The theory contribution of the paper is the extension of the theory to the B‐to‐B context, with relevant research implications.

Details

Managing Service Quality: An International Journal, vol. 23 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-4529

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2018

Peter Joyce and Wendy Laverick

The purpose of this paper is to assess the advantages and disadvantages of the use of spit guards by police forces in the UK and to make recommendations regarding an…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the advantages and disadvantages of the use of spit guards by police forces in the UK and to make recommendations regarding an evidence-based approach to decisions related to the use of such equipment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based upon an examination of a range of primary source material, secondary sources and grey literature.

Findings

Although the use of spit guards can be justified by factors that include the need to protect police officers from contracting serious infectious diseases, there are a number of problems that concern ethical policing and human rights. Concerns arise when spit guards are deployed against vulnerable individuals, are used offensively rather than defensively and when such equipment is deployed disproportionately against persons from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. Additionally, the image of the police may suffer if spit guards are accompanied by the use of excessive force which may be perceived as an abuse of police power.

Practical implications

The paper makes recommendations that a comprehensive evidence base is required to assist practitioners to make informed decisions regarding the deployment of spit guards. This evidence base should include the extent to which officers are spat at, medical evidence relating to spitting and the transmission of serious diseases, the views of the public concerning the deployment of spit guards and estimations as to whether such equipment will deter spitting by suspects of crime.

Originality/value

This paper provides an original academic contribution to the ongoing debate on the use of spit guards within policing. In particular, it brings together a wide range of material that relates to this topic and presents it as a coherent set of arguments located in a single source.

Details

Safer Communities, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-8043

Keywords

Executive summary
Publication date: 12 December 2017

UK/US: Twitter spat unlikely to sink long-term ties

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES227430

ISSN: 2633-304X

Keywords

Geographic
Topical
Executive summary
Publication date: 5 July 2017

CHINA/INDIA: Border spat will worsen before subsiding

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES221965

ISSN: 2633-304X

Keywords

Geographic
Topical
Executive summary
Publication date: 14 August 2017

CAMBODIA/LAOS: Border spat will cool, for now

Executive summary
Publication date: 18 July 2023

IRAN: Diplomatic spat with Russia will be short-lived

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES280587

ISSN: 2633-304X

Keywords

Geographic
Topical
Executive summary
Publication date: 25 April 2023

ROMANIA/UKRAINE: Danube Delta spat will not escalate

Executive summary
Publication date: 2 June 2023

MOROCCO: Government will try to manage Spanish spat

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES279491

ISSN: 2633-304X

Keywords

Geographic
Topical
Executive summary
Publication date: 5 July 2019

MEXICO: Presidents’ spat will further anger police

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES245006

ISSN: 2633-304X

Keywords

Geographic
Topical
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