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11 – 20 of over 29000The purpose of this paper is to examine whether and how a methodological coupling of visualisations of trace data and interview methods can be utilised for information practices…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine whether and how a methodological coupling of visualisations of trace data and interview methods can be utilised for information practices studies.
Design/methodology/approach
Trace data visualisation enquiry is suggested as the coupling of visualising exported data from an information system and using these visualisations as basis for interview guides and elicitation in information practices research. The methodology is illustrated and applied through a small-scale empirical study of a citizen science project.
Findings
The study found that trace data visualisation enquiry enabled fine-grained investigations of temporal aspects of information practices and to compare and explore temporal and geographical aspects of practices. Moreover, the methodology made possible inquiries for understanding information practices through trace data that were discussed through elicitation with participants. The study also found that it can aid a researcher of gaining a simultaneous overarching and close picture of information practices, which can lead to theoretical and methodological implications for information practices research.
Originality/value
Trace data visualisation enquiry extends current methods for investigating information practices as it enables focus to be placed on the traces of practices as recorded through interactions with information systems and study participants' accounts of activities.
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Liviu Florea, Sorin Valcea, Maria Riaz Hamdani and Thomas W. Dougherty
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how individual interviewers’ dispositional cognitive motivations may influence interview interactions and outcomes. More specifically…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how individual interviewers’ dispositional cognitive motivations may influence interview interactions and outcomes. More specifically, this study explores the influence of the need for cognition, need for cognitive closure, and accountability on the relationship between first impressions and selection decisions.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 41 graduate students were assigned the role of interviewers and were tasked to interview 331 undergraduate students at a large Midwestern university. The selection interview was designed to recruit qualified undergraduate students to the MBA program of the university.
Findings
First impressions significantly influenced selection decisions, but did not influence interviewers’ behaviors. Moreover, multilevel analyses reveal that interviewers’ need for cognition and accountability moderate the relationship between first impression and selection decisions, albeit in different direction. Need for cognition strengthens, whereas accountability weakens the relationship between first impression and selection decision.
Research limitations/implications
A potential interviewer bias is apparent, where interviewers high on need for cognition tend to weight first impressions more in the decision process. However, this bias was not directly observable, since interviewers’ behaviors during the interview were not affected by first impressions.
Originality/value
The present study goes beyond previous research on first impressions in the employment interview, finding that dispositional differences account for the tendency to weigh first impressions in the selection decision.
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Shweta Pandey and Deepak Chawla
This study illustrates the use of qualitative methods for establishing content validity for e-lifestyle and website quality constructs in relation to their impact on loyalty…
Abstract
Purpose
This study illustrates the use of qualitative methods for establishing content validity for e-lifestyle and website quality constructs in relation to their impact on loyalty towards clothing e-retailers. The use of constructs without going through a content validation process limits the overall validity of conclusions drawn from the research results and therefore, the study addresses this research gap.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a detailed literature review, dimensions of the two constructs were identified. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions across 29 online shoppers were used for exploring the definition and scope of each construct dimension. This was followed by identification, adaptation and/or addition of items for each dimension basis inputs from respondents. Further, expert inputs were used for elimination of redundant items whilst ensuring proportional representation of all facets of the construct domain.
Findings
Use of qualitative methods for content validity and scale item development in effect contributed to the existing literature and highlighted issues as well as suggestions for clothing e-retailers.
Research limitations/implications
The paper is limited to the process of content validity. Further techniques may be used for establishing other forms of validity. Modification and adaptation of constructs may be required for other product segments.
Practical implications
The paper enhances the extant knowledge about the two constructs in terms of definitions and items, which can be further used for marketing and driving loyalty.
Originality/value
The use of qualitative methods for establishing content validity is an important but often neglected step in marketing research. This paper reveals how the same can reveal interesting and important insights for marketers.
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Sujatha Perera, Jill McKinnon and Graeme Harrison
This paper uses a stakeholder approach to examine how the role of accounting and the status of accountants changed over a 30 year period (1970 to 2000) in a major Australian…
Abstract
This paper uses a stakeholder approach to examine how the role of accounting and the status of accountants changed over a 30 year period (1970 to 2000) in a major Australian government trading enterprise. Data are gathered from semi‐structured interviews with organizational participants and documentation. The study provides support for the importance of stakeholders in shaping organizational processes and practices, including accounting practices, and for the effects of changes in stakeholder constituency and agenda on such practices. The study also provides evidence of the roles accounting and accountants may play in implementing a stakeholder agenda, including both instrumental and symbolic roles, and how the status of accountants may rise and fall commensurate with those roles.
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Chupun Gowanit, Natcha Thawesaengskulthai, Peraphon Sophatsathit and Thitivadee Chaiyawat
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the adoption of a mobile insurance claim system (M-insurance) and develops a framework for the adoption of M-insurance by consumers.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the adoption of a mobile insurance claim system (M-insurance) and develops a framework for the adoption of M-insurance by consumers.
Design/methodology/approach
This study assesses mobile technology for claim management through the lens of the technology acceptance model (TAM) and diffusion of innovation (DOI) models as a major guideline, using exploratory research through in-depth interviews with four executive experts who are first movers in mobile claim motor insurance in Thailand. Semi-structured interviews and open-ended questions were used to conduct group interviews of insurance consumers who mostly use smartphones. The data were collected in a qualitative research approach from Thai insurance consumers (n=177), and contents were classified and analysed to gain strong insights into respondent opinions, comments, attitudes, behaviour, and experiences.
Findings
The results indicate that the external (social) factors influence attitude and behaviour of consumers which link to their intention to adopt M-insurance. These external factors include: preference for face-to-face service; confidence of insurers in accepting claim; and risk of claim knowledge that might cause legal issues among others. In application, the findings shall meaningfully enhance insurer firms’ improvement of adoption rate and development of future features and functions of M-insurance.
Research limitations/implications
This study is based on insurance consumers in each region of Thailand but focuses only on mobile claim management for motor insurance. Although the findings bring new insight and understanding of consumer preferences and behaviours, they were not tested statistically.
Practical implications
The study has practical implications for motor insurance claimants who are concerned over the complicated policy conditions, the perspective risk of claim knowledge and fault admission, and the on-site investigation by surveyor for another party. These are the guidance impediments to overcome M-insurance adoption improvement.
Originality/value
Previously, TAM and DOI approaches have been employed to study general adoption of M-banking by quantitative research which confirmed descriptive data and tested the hypothesis, but neglected crucial data. However, M-insurance is different from M-banking in term of features and functions, purpose and process of usage, and legal liability. Therefore, this study is one of a few empirical studies that attempt to identify insightful factors to consumer uptake of M-insurance which is in its early stage and lacks an underpinning TAM model. This study contributes by identifying insights of “pull” factors to successfully develop M-insurance in Thailand.
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This paper aims to explore qualitative semi‐structured interviews – conducted with NHS mental healthcare patients/prisoners located in one HM Prison Service (HMPS) establishment…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore qualitative semi‐structured interviews – conducted with NHS mental healthcare patients/prisoners located in one HM Prison Service (HMPS) establishment. The methodological reflections, whilst not directly related to the content of the interviews, seek to offer a debate about interview data in relation to the processes of their creation.
Design/methodology/approach
The dialogue is designed primarily for those who conduct, or have an interest in, mental health‐orientated research, particularly those who undertake studies in secure settings with mental health service users as participants.
Findings
Regarding interview method as a tool for data collection/creation, methodological foci for discussion include the structure of interview questions, participant unfamiliarity with the process, body language and non‐verbal communication, plus discussions concerning conversational turn‐taking and interviewee agency.
Originality/value
This article stems from a small‐scale empirical fieldwork study in one prison setting and offers a debate about interview data in secure settings with mental health service users.
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Arit Chaudhury, Seshadev Sahoo and Varun Dawar
In the backdrop of emerging market setting of India, this study aims to attempt to identify how Institutional investors use sell side analyst outputs for their decision-making…
Abstract
Purpose
In the backdrop of emerging market setting of India, this study aims to attempt to identify how Institutional investors use sell side analyst outputs for their decision-making processes in light of inherent biases in their forecasts and recommendations. The study also conceptualizes the role of internal buy side teams in the process and try to figure out the key attributes and services provided by sell side analysts, which provide maximum value to the investors.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is centered upon in-depth semi-structured interviews of ten institutional investors from top Indian asset management companies covering a wide range of topics tied back to theoretical explanations. The data collected was transcribed, coded and analyzed using content analysis to ensure a systematic synthesis of point of view.
Findings
The findings show that internal analyst teams of institutional investors play a dominant role in terms of validation of sell side analysts’ outputs (given the inherent biases in sell side analyst forecasts). Further, the engagement of sell side analysts by the investors are determined not only through profitable recommendations but also on the basis of soundness of the investment rationale along with other services provided. Finally, this study puts into perspective, the critical role of analyst industry knowledge and access to company management (as opposed to analyst pedigree and forecast accuracy) for institutional investors decision-making.
Practical implications
The findings of the paper have profound implications for various stakeholders such as companies, sell side analysts, policy makers, researchers and students of finance in terms of detailed understanding of investment processes of institutional investors in the context of emerging markets like India, which have a different legal and regulatory set-up compared to developed markets. The authors also provide a critical perspective through an intriguing paradox that exists between finance theory and its relevance for actual practitioners.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in India which look inside the “black box” of institutional investors and their decision-making process, especially with respect to how they use sell side outputs.
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Gülmüş Börühan and Melisa Ozbiltekin-Pala
The study analysed the amount of plate waste in a university refectory in Izmir, Turkey to find ways of minimizing plate waste in the university, providing sustainability and…
Abstract
Purpose
The study analysed the amount of plate waste in a university refectory in Izmir, Turkey to find ways of minimizing plate waste in the university, providing sustainability and contributing to the development of circular economy and raising awareness about the plate waste problem.
Design/methodology/approach
Observation and semi-structured interviews were used to determine the volume of plate waste and level of awareness of academicians, students and administrative staff and suggest sustainable solutions for food waste in university refectories. The data gained from the semi-structured interviews were analysed with qualitative analysis software (MAXQDA®).
Findings
Plate waste in the university's refectories is increasing due to the lack of precautionary measures. Academicians, students and administrative staff all showed low awareness rates.
Originality/value
This study is original in investigating theoretically and empirically one of the main reasons for food waste, namely plate waste in mass consumption sites, and evaluating the effect of food waste from an economic, social and environmental perspective.
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Muhammad Ayat, Azmat Ullah and Chang Wook Kang
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively affected project management organisations especially those conducting large construction projects that involve a large…
Abstract
Purpose
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively affected project management organisations especially those conducting large construction projects that involve a large number of people, complex supply chains, and lack of experience and preliminary arrangements in managing remote work. This study aims to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on the construction sector and how to minimise the effect of pandemic disruptions.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on the reviews of relevant reports, articles and semi-structured interviews of the construction experts working in the Pakistan construction industry during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The primary data for this study were collected through semi-structured interviews with the construction experts and analysed them using thematic analysis. A total of 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted in this study.
Findings
Through thematic analysis, this study identified approximately 55 initial raw data themes, 15 first-order themes, 11 second-order themes and 4 general dimensions of the impact of COVID-19 on the construction sector. The authors identified working style and behavioural changes, challenges and risks, stakeholders and new directions for the construction sector in the post-pandemic world as the four main dimensions of the effect of the pandemic on the construction sector. Further, least digitalisation, complex cash flow, abundance of labour-intensive methods, diverse stakeholders, and dependencies on foreign expertise, imported material and machineries were identified as the most important reasons for poor resiliency of the construction sector during COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan.
Originality/value
This study major contributions are: (1) analysing the impact of COVID-19 on the construction sector in relation to Pakistan, (2) discussing new directions for the construction sector and (3) putting in place a set of mitigation measures that will help minimise disruptions in construction-related projects to ensure that set objectives are achieved.
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Nurul Fadzila Zahari, Adi Irfan Che-Ani, Robiah Binti Abdul Rashid, Mas Ayu Mohd Tahir and Suzana Amat
The purpose of this paper is to reveal the significant factors that contribute to the development of the assessment framework for wheelchair accessibility to National Heritage…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to reveal the significant factors that contribute to the development of the assessment framework for wheelchair accessibility to National Heritage Buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was conducted via semi-structured interviews and go-along interview (Accessible Audit) through selected multiple case studies to reveal the main factors that contribute to the development of the assessment framework for wheelchair users in National Heritage Buildings in Malaysia. There are four National Heritage Buildings (gazetted under National Heritage Act, 2005) selected for this research.
Findings
The findings revealed a few significant factors comprising the physical built environment, organizational behavior and structure, financial resources, and existing legislation.
Research limitations/implications
This research is limited to wheelchair users and National Heritage Buildings, which was conducted through semi-structured interviews and go-along interview (Accessible Audit).
Practical implications
This research investigates the standpoints of both the National Heritage Building operators and the wheelchair users pertaining to accessibility in National Heritage Buildings with regard to their respective roles as management and users.
Social implications
The research demonstrates the importance of social participation effects on the accessibility in National Heritage Buildings based on empirical evidence in highlighting operators’ and wheelchair users’ challenges toward enhancing their accessibility.
Originality/value
This research will be a great contribution to the development of the assessment framework for wheelchair accessibility in National Heritage Buildings in Malaysia, including accessibility for pushchair, elderly, and pregnant women.
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