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Book part
Publication date: 9 December 2016

Theodosios Sapounidis, Ioannis Stamelos and Stavros Demetriadis

This chapter examines the existing work on tangible user interfaces (TUIs) and focuses on tangible programming with the scope to enlighten the opportunities for innovation and…

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter examines the existing work on tangible user interfaces (TUIs) and focuses on tangible programming with the scope to enlighten the opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship in this particular domain.

Methodology/approach

In the first section, we start by presenting in short the history of TUIs and then focus on tangible programming presenting the different design approaches. Then we present the opportunities for innovation and guidelines for future products.

In the second section, we review the entrepreneurial activities that combine educational toys and TUIs.

Findings

The main finding of this chapter is that although TUI design and research are still in its infancy and more design guidelines and research are required to further bridge the digital and the physical world, the first signs of entrepreneurship promise a bright future.

Research limitations

Limitations arise from the fact that many companies keep many of their financial data confidential. Thus, it was impossible to include and validate all the information that we intended to present.

Practical implications

Initially, this chapter motivates and challenges scientist to find novel innovative solutions in the field. Then, reveals the entrepreneurial opportunities and potential customers. Finally, shows the funding sources and how tangible products are offered in the market.

Social implications

We propose a new kind of toys that might alter and expand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in education.

Originality/value

This chapter appears to be unique in the sense that is the first that reports simultaneously on TUIs, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Details

Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Education
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-068-8

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 July 2023

Jill Quest

This study aims to explore brand meaning from a consumer perspective, identifying tangible attributes and intangible associations and their arrangement in brand meaning…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore brand meaning from a consumer perspective, identifying tangible attributes and intangible associations and their arrangement in brand meaning frameworks. Previous literature has focused on brand meaning flowing from intangible associations, and new insights are offered into the tangible attributes’ contribution to brand meaning.

Design/methodology/approach

A phenomenological approach was adopted, and meanings were gathered from lived experiences with consumers of local food brands. Quasi-ethnographic methods were used, including accompanied shopping trips to food fairs and local farm shops, kitchen visits and in-depth interviews in and around the county of Dorset in the south-west of England.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that tangible attributes have sensorial and functional brand meanings and are mentally processed. Both hierarchical and flatter patterned approaches are present when connecting attributes and associations. The hierarchical approach reflects both short and long laddering approaches; the flatter alternative offers an interwoven, patterned presentation.

Research limitations/implications

This is a small in-depth study of local food brands, and the findings cannot be generalised across other brand categories.

Practical implications

Local food brand practitioners can promote relevant sensorial (e.g. taste) and functional (e.g. animal welfare) attributes. These can be woven into appropriate intangible associations, creating producer stories to be communicated through their websites and social media campaigns.

Originality/value

A revised brand meaning theoretical framework updates previous approaches and develops brand meaning theory. The study demonstrates that tangible attributes have meaning and hierarchical connections across tangible attributes, and intangible associations should not always be assumed. An additional patterned approach is present that weaves attributes and associations in a holistic, non-hierarchical way.

Details

European Journal of Marketing, vol. 57 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 January 2023

Jasmina Ognjanovic, Vladimir Dzenopoljac and Stefano Cavagnetto

The study aims to assess the relative impact of intellectual capital (IC) as opposed to tangible assets on profitability and employee performance in hotels in Serbia before and…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to assess the relative impact of intellectual capital (IC) as opposed to tangible assets on profitability and employee performance in hotels in Serbia before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study was undertaken in 2019, the year before COVID-19, and 2020, the year of COVID-19's major impact. This study utilizes the Value-Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC) as a measure of efficient use of IC. Financial data were collected from 163 hotels in Serbia. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results revealed that IC was a relevant factor for both profitability and employee performance before and during the COVID-19. However, the study reveals a negative moderating effect of tangible capital efficiency (TCE), meaning that with the increase of TCE, the relationship between IC and performance becomes weaker.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the study is rooted in VAIC's ability to fully incorporate all elements of IC, leaving the relational capital out.

Practical implications

To achieve better performance, hotel management should direct resources more towards IC and less toward tangible assets, which implies doing more with less.

Originality/value

The results indicate the importance of IC in a period of crisis for the industry and economy that are not recognized as knowledge intensive. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no other study has attempted to assess the relative contribution of tangible assets and IC before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. 6 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 March 2010

Clark Kincaid, Seyhmus Baloglu, Zhenxing Mao and James Busser

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the usefulness of the TANGSERV (tangible quality) scale by examining the effect of tangible quality constructs on restaurant patrons'…

9321

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the usefulness of the TANGSERV (tangible quality) scale by examining the effect of tangible quality constructs on restaurant patrons' affect and behavioral intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A model was proposed based on the literature of tangible quality in service, which posits that tangible quality leads to affective quality and they both have positive impact on customer re‐patronage intentions. Subsequently, an empirical study in Turkey's casual restaurants was conducted to test the aforementioned model.

Findings

The food and service construct and accessibility construct of tangible quality exhibited positive impact on the affect towards restaurants, which in turn influenced re‐patronage intention for restaurants. Affect was a strong mediator, facilitating the relationship between tangible quality and behavior.

Practical implications

Restaurant operators should focus their efforts on ensuring an interesting variety of food and drink offerings presented in interesting and unique ways. They should also ensure that the type of service delivered is consistent from one visit to the next. Cultivating positive feelings toward the brand name is a good approach to increasing re‐patronage intentions. In addition, careful consideration and research should be completed prior to selecting a restaurant location and provision of convenient parking.

Originality/value

The study helps restaurant managers select the most important tangible restaurant feature for consumers and guide the investment resources to address customer expectations.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 22 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 March 2014

Hans Jochen Scholl and Beth Joy Patin

Disasters of catastrophic scope and scale have occurred more frequently in recent years. Governmental and non-governmental response management has struggled, and affected…

Abstract

Purpose

Disasters of catastrophic scope and scale have occurred more frequently in recent years. Governmental and non-governmental response management has struggled, and affected communities have severely suffered during extreme events. Colossal damage and loss of lives have been inflicted, and the recovery efforts require extended periods of time. In post hoc analyses, actionable information has been found a critical resource requiring resilient information infrastructures (RIIs) that do not break down even under extreme duress. RIIs encompass both tangible and less tangible (for example, social) elements. The purpose of this paper is to pave the way for empirical research on the subject and to conceptually develop a framework for the analysis of information infrastructures and their resiliency, when impacted by catastrophic incidents (also known as extreme events).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review the literatures of disaster research and related fields. They synthesize the literatures from the information perspective and develop a framework of RII.

Findings

The synthesis revealed that extreme event-ready RIIs have to be redundant and resourceful both in terms of social, organizational, and knowledge assets as well as in the information and communication technologies. RIIs combine tangible and non-tangible elements, whose interplay is so far incompletely understood.

Research limitations/implications

Roles and criticality of RIIs under the impact of an extreme event need to be studied empirically.

Practical implications

The study holds the promise to be of great potential utility for responders and recovery managers as well as affected communities in preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts as timely and actionable information is still the scarcest and most sought resource during a catastrophic incident.

Originality/value

Disaster research so far has mostly focused on the technical, organizational, social, and socio-psychological effects of disasters. The authors are adding the information perspective as a unique and distinctive contribution to extreme event research, which connects the tangible elements of information infrastructures with its not so tangible elements, captures their interplay, and analyzes their role and criticality for the resiliency of the information infrastructures when under extreme duress.

Details

Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 November 2019

Liang Zhao and Zhe Sun

Despite the growing research exploring the possibility and feasibility of financing socially oriented projects through crowdfunding, relatively little research examines which…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the growing research exploring the possibility and feasibility of financing socially oriented projects through crowdfunding, relatively little research examines which crowdfunding model is better to serve such purpose. The purpose of this paper is to offer novel insights to mitigate this research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique data set collected from the largest Chinese crowdfunding platform is used to test the hypotheses. To solve the perceived self-selection problem, the propensity score matching method is adopted in this paper. Based on this approach, the results of similar prosocial campaigns in two different models (pure donation and hybrid donation) are compared.

Findings

The empirical results show that the hybrid donation model is negatively associated with the status of success and the extent of success of prosocial campaigns. Specifically, compared to the pure donation model, hybrid donation model leads to a lower probability of success, fewer contributors, a lower funding amount and a lower completion ratio.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a relatively understudied theme in crowdfunding, namely, donations. It does so by introducing the concepts of pure vs hybrid donation models and investigates the model selection problem in financing social projects through crowdfunding based on cognitive evaluation theory.

Details

Baltic Journal of Management, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5265

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2018

Ðurdica Perovic, Ilija Moric, Sanja Pekovic, Tatjana Stanovcic, Vasja Roblek and Mirjana Pejic Bach

Contemporary tourism product, in terms of its systemic understanding, consists of tangible and intangible elements. These two elements lead to the increase of tourist satisfaction…

Abstract

Purpose

Contemporary tourism product, in terms of its systemic understanding, consists of tangible and intangible elements. These two elements lead to the increase of tourist satisfaction in a way to provide tourism products and services that match tourist expectations. Finally, tourist satisfaction is considered as a key factor influencing repeat visit intention. In line with mentioned, this study aims to empirically test a model linking tangible and intangible elements, tourist satisfaction and revisit intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the Montenegrin survey called Guest Survey 2010, structural equations modelling has been used to determine the impact of tangible and intangible constructs on tourist satisfaction and tourist repeat visit intention in Montenegro.

Findings

Working on a sample of 740 tourists, the results reveal that both tangible and intangible elements improve tourist satisfaction that influences tourist repeat visit intention. Noteworthy, the findings indicate that intangible elements have a stronger impact on tourist satisfaction than tangible elements have.

Practical implications

Tangible and intangible elements as factors of satisfaction are analysed and evaluated so that they could be improved in a way that provides superior experience to tourists, which hopefully could result in repeat visitation that is considered as a tool for boosting destination competitiveness, thus indicating the need for the systemic approach to tourism management.

Originality/value

This paper extends earlier tourism research by empirically analysing separately both tangible and intangible elements and their association with repeat visitation that is mediated by the tourist satisfaction. Therefore, a more holistic approach relating the antecedents of tourist repeat visit intention is proposed.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 47 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2002

Jessica Santos

Intangibility is one of the distinctive characteristics of service. However, the literature also highlights “tangibles” as one of the basic service quality dimensions…

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Abstract

Intangibility is one of the distinctive characteristics of service. However, the literature also highlights “tangibles” as one of the basic service quality dimensions. Investigates the importance of tangibles and intangibles in perceptions of service quality as assessed by both customers and service providers. Selects four service industries to reflect a range from high to low levels of tangible components and degree of intangibility in both service process and output. Based on 400 telephone interviews with consumers, shows that the level of tangible components has a positive impact on the perceived importance of the tangible dimension in service quality. However, the second phase of this research, involving a qualitative study with managers in the studied industries, shows that the tangibles dimension is relatively neglected in service industries with high tangible involvement. Presents a model of tangibility and intangibility to aid managers in understanding customers’ perceptions, and to stimulate further research.

Details

Managing Service Quality: An International Journal, vol. 12 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-4529

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 April 2021

Jorge Armando López-Lemus, María Teresa De la Garza Carranza, Quetzalli Atlatenco Ibarra and José Guadalupe López-Lemus

The objective of this research is to know the degree of influence that strategic planning (SP) exerts on the tangible and intangible results of business microenterprises in the…

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this research is to know the degree of influence that strategic planning (SP) exerts on the tangible and intangible results of business microenterprises in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological design was quantitative, explanatory, observational and cross-sectional, where a sample of 407 young leaders of microenterprises from the state of Guanajuato, Mexico, was obtained. To evaluate hypotheses, a structural equation model (SEM) was developed. Regarding the goodness and adjustment indices of the SEM, they were absolutely acceptable.

Findings

The results obtained through Pearson’s correlation show that there is a positive and significant relationship between SP and the tangible and intangible results of microenterprises. In addition, through the results obtained with the SEM model, it is statistically demonstrated that SP positively and significantly influences the tangible and intangible results of microenterprises in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico.

Research limitations/implications

In this research, only SP was valued as a variable that intervenes in the process of achieving tangible and intangible results to achieve the business objectives of entrepreneurial microenterprises in the state of Guanajuato. It is essential to point out that other variables that intervene in the process must be considered to generate tangible and intangible results. It is recommended to carry out further research under these variables to identify strategies for improving entrepreneurial microenterprises for their growth, sustainability and rapid positioning in a highly competitive market.

Practical implications

SP represents one of the tools to achieve the success of microenterprises through tangible and intangible results. However, microenterprises show a need to involve the use and application of SP to define clear indicators that contribute to obtaining satisfactory tangible and intangible results.

Originality/value

The findings are relevant and of great value, because there is currently not enough research that focuses on the variables analyzed, in this sense, SP and the tangible and intangible results of young entrepreneurial leaders of microenterprises in the Mexican context. The limitations of this study lie in the low participation and interest of young microenterprise entrepreneurs in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico.

Propósito

El objetivo de esta investigación es conocer el grado de influencia que ejerce la planificación estratégica sobre los resultados tangibles e intangibles de las microempresas empresariales en el estado de Guanajuato, México.

Diseño y Metodología

El diseño metodológico fue cuantitativo, explicativo, observacional y transversal, donde se obtuvo una muestra de 407 jóvenes líderes de microempresas del estado de Guanajuato, México. Para evaluar hipótesis, se desarrolló un modelo de ecuación estructural (SEM). En cuanto a los índices de bondad y ajuste del SEM resultaron absolutamente aceptables.

Resultados

Los resultados obtenidos mediante la correlación de Pearson muestran que existe una relación positiva y significativa entre la planificación estratégica y los resultados tangibles e intangibles de las microempresas. Además, a través de los resultados obtenidos a través del modelo SEM, se demuestra estadísticamente que la planificación estratégica influye positiva y significativamente en los resultados tangibles e intangibles de las microempresas del estado. de Guanajuato, México.

Implicaciones Prácticas

La planeación estratégica representa una de las herramientas para lograr el éxito de las microempresas a través de los resultados tangibles e intangibles. Sin embargo, las microempresas muestran necesidad en el involucramiento del uso y aplicación de la planeación estratégica para la definición de indicadores claros que contribuyan a obtener resultados tangibles e intangibles satisfactorios. En base a lo anterior, resulta ser motivante para los académicos, empresarios y legisladores para motivar el uso de la planificación estratégica en las microempresas debido a las bondades que atrae en garantizar el éxito de la microempresa como lo ha sugerido el Instituto del fracaso, así como también el Desarrollo de la Competitividad Empresarial. Asimismo, la planeación estratégica identifica y analiza los factores relevantes que pueden servir como apoyo a las microempresas así como a los diferentes modelos de emprendimiento que se desarrollan a través de la literatura, ofreciendo una alternativa en el enfoque de su estudio, mismos que se van ajustando a las nuevas tendencias que van surgiendo desde ámbitos nacionales como internacionales, y en particular, en el estado de Guanajuato (México) que representa uno de los estados importantes debido a su actividad económica en los sectores de agroindustria, manufactura (especialmente automotriz) y de servicios del país.

Originalidad/Valor

Los hallazgos son relevantes y de gran valor, pues actualmente no existe suficiente investigación que se enfoque en las variables analizadas, en este sentido, la planificación estratégica y los resultados tangibles e intangibles de jóvenes líderes emprendedores de microempresas en el contexto mexicano. Las limitaciones de este estudio radican en la baja participación e interés de los jóvenes emprendedores de microempresas del estado de Guanajuato. México

Resumo

Objetivo

o objetivo desta pesquisa é conhecer o grau de influência que o planejamento estratégico exerce sobre os resultados tangíveis e intangíveis das microempresas empresariais do estado de Guanajuato, México.

Desenho e Metodologia

O desenho metodológico foi quantitativo, explicativo, observacional e transversal, onde foi obtida uma amostra de 407 jovens líderes de microempresas do estado de Guanajuato, México. Para avaliar as hipóteses, foi desenvolvido um modelo de equações estruturais (SEM). Com relação aos índices de bondade e ajuste do SEM, eles foram absolutamente aceitáveis.

Resultados

Os resultados obtidos por meio da correlação de Pearson mostram que existe uma relação positiva e significativa entre o planejamento estratégico e os resultados tangíveis e intangíveis das microempresas. Além disso, pelos resultados obtidos por meio do modelo SEM, é estatisticamente demonstrado que o planejamento estratégico influencia positiva e significativamente os resultados tangíveis e intangíveis das microempresas no estado. de Guanajuato, México.

Implicações práticas

O planejamento estratégico representa uma das ferramentas para alcançar o sucesso das microempresas por meio de resultados tangíveis e intangíveis. No entanto, as microempresas mostram a necessidade de envolver o uso e a aplicação do planejamento estratégico para definir indicadores claros que contribuam para a obtenção de resultados tangíveis e intangíveis satisfatórios. Com base no exposto, acaba sendo motivador para acadêmicos, empresários e legisladores motivar a utilização do planejamento estratégico nas microempresas pelos benefícios que atrai para garantir o sucesso da microempresa sugeridos pelo Instituto do Fracasso, também bem como o Desenvolvimento da Competitividade Empresarial. Da mesma forma, o planejamento estratégico identifica e analisa os fatores relevantes que podem servir de suporte às microempresas, bem como os diferentes modelos de empreendedorismo que se desenvolvem na literatura, oferecendo uma alternativa no foco de seu estudo, que são ajustando-se às novas tendências que estão surgindo nas esferas nacional e internacional, e em particular, no estado de Guanajuato (México) que representa um dos estados importantes pela sua atividade econômica no agronegócio, manufatura (especialmente automotiva) serviços do país.

Originalidade/Valor

Os achados são relevantes e de grande valor, uma vez que atualmente não há pesquisas suficientes que enfoquem as variáveisanalisadas, neste sentido, o planejamento estratégico e os resultados tangíveis e intangíveis de jovens líderes empreendedores de microempresas no contexto mexicano . As limitações deste estudo residem na baixa participação e interesse dos jovens empreendedores da microempresa no estado de Guanajuato. México

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2006

Lori L. Scarlatos

Educators recognize that group work and physical involvement with learning materials can greatly enhance the understanding and retention of difficult concepts. As a result, math…

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Abstract

Educators recognize that group work and physical involvement with learning materials can greatly enhance the understanding and retention of difficult concepts. As a result, math manipulatives ‐ such as pattern blocks and number lines ‐ have increasingly been making their way into classrooms and children’s museums. Yet without the constant guidance of a teacher, students can easily become distracted, confused, or frustrated. Math games with tangible user interfaces can address the needs of the modern learning environment by providing the guidance that a teacher would while allowing students to work together in a physical environment. This paper describes how math games with tangible user interfaces can be rapidly developed using a library of functions that were designed specifically for tracking visual tags in math games. The paper also discusses pedagogical principles and an approach to designing and developing games that utilize tangible technologies. Examples of math games that have been prototyped this way are presented. The paper concludes with a study that suggests that this approach helps children to stay focused, think about math problems in new ways, and complete the problem at hand. It also suggests that tangible math games may help children to develop problem‐solving skills that transfer to similar problems.

Details

Interactive Technology and Smart Education, vol. 3 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-5659

Keywords

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