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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 January 2024

Mauro Cavallone, Andrea Pozzi, Philipp Wassler and Rocco Palumbo

The purpose of the paper is to analyze the supply and demand of marketing and communication consulting services and evaluate actual and perceived gaps.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to analyze the supply and demand of marketing and communication consulting services and evaluate actual and perceived gaps.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses two different datasets to assess the gap. The supply database comes from desk research carried out in the province of Bergamo (n. 159 consulting agencies). The demand dates are the results of 100 structured interviews with local companies that requested marketing and communication consulting services both inside and outside the province.

Findings

Findings show that there is no significant shortage in local service supply. Nonetheless, a limited gap exists between the provision of specific services and their overall quality. Conversely, the perceived gap is wider, leading to an impression of scarce availability – a notion disproven by the analysis of the actual supply.

Practical implications

The study suggests that local agencies may overcome their “myopic” attitude and need to increase their visibility, competencies and expertise by investing in these areas and improving networking.

Originality/value

There are no previous studies that compare the supply and demand for marketing and communication consulting services. The paper also provides insights into actual and perceived gaps in a hypercompetitive environment.

Article
Publication date: 2 April 2024

Andrew Swan, Anne Schiffer, Peter Skipworth and James Huntingdon

This paper aims to present a literature review of remote monitoring systems for water infrastructure in the Global South.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a literature review of remote monitoring systems for water infrastructure in the Global South.

Design/methodology/approach

Following initial scoping searches, further examination was made of key remote monitoring technologies for water infrastructure in the Global South. A standard literature search methodology was adopted to examine these monitoring technologies and their respective deployments. This hierarchical approach prioritised “peer-reviewed” articles, followed by “scholarly” publications, then “credible” information sources and, finally, “other” relevant materials. The first two search phases were conducted using academic search services (e.g. Scopus and Google Scholar). In the third and fourth phases, Web searches were carried out on various stakeholders, including manufacturers, governmental agencies and non-governmental organisations/charities associated with Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in the Global South.

Findings

This exercise expands the number of monitoring technologies considered in comparison to earlier review publications. Similarly, preceding reviews have largely focused upon monitoring applications in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This paper explores opportunities in other geographical regions and highlights India as a significant potential market for these tools.

Research limitations/implications

This review predominantly focuses upon information/data currently available in the public domain.

Practical implications

Remote monitoring technologies enable the rapid detection of broken water pumps. Broken water infrastructure significantly impacts many vulnerable communities, often leading to the use of less protected water sources and increased exposure to water-related diseases. Further to these public health impacts, there are additional economic disadvantages for these user communities.

Originality/value

This literature review has sought to address some key technological omissions and to widen the geographical scope associated with previous investigations.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 June 2022

Taposh Roy

Although employees are considered key stakeholders, they receive limited attention in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature compared to other stakeholders such as…

Abstract

Purpose

Although employees are considered key stakeholders, they receive limited attention in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature compared to other stakeholders such as customers. This study aims to address this gap, investigating how different factors, including CSR communication, may affect employee perceptions, and to what extent they can influence or be influenced by CSR activity.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from three multinationals (MNCs) operating in Bangladesh. Mid- and entry-level employees from different departments, namely, marketing, logistics, human resources, IT and finance, were approached for data collection. It is important to note that all the study participants were Bangladeshi.

Findings

This study demonstrates how CSR perceptions, shaped by the level of employee awareness, personal beliefs about CSR and perceived motivation for adopting CSR, strengthen psychological ties between employees and their organisation. One-way CSR communication adopted by these MNCs disseminates positive information about an organisation’s contribution to society and creates an aspirational and ideational image, which enhances identification, evokes positive in-group biases and encourages employees to defend their organisation against criticism. This study further demonstrates that employee CSR engagement can galvanise their experience of organisational identity, enhance their pride and reinforce their organisational identification.

Originality/value

Drawing on social identity theory and the CSR communication model proposed by Morsing and Schultz (2006), this study aims to understand employees’ CSR perceptions and the possible impact of this on their behaviour. Previous studies largely focus on customers’ perceptions of these activities, which means the link between CSR perception and employee behaviour remains unclear. The current study suggests that employees working in Bangladesh will not withdraw support from their organisations if CSR is used to build reputation or public image. The findings extend the literature by arguing that some employees in developing countries not only seek to improve their status by working in a reputed organisation but also tend to engage with CSR activities undertaken by their organisation.

Details

Society and Business Review, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5680

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2023

Carlos Lopezosa, Dimitrios Giomelakis, Leyberson Pedrosa and Lluís Codina

This paper constitutes the first academic study to be made of Google Discover as applied to online journalism.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper constitutes the first academic study to be made of Google Discover as applied to online journalism.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper constitutes the first academic study to be made of Google Discover as applied to online journalism. The study involved conducting 61 semi-structured interviews with experts that are representative of a range of different professional profiles within the fields of journalism and search engine positioning (SEO) in Brazil, Spain and Greece. Based on the data collected, the authors created five semantic categories and compared the experts' perceptions in order to detect common response patterns.

Findings

This study results confirm the existence of different degrees of convergence and divergence in the opinions expressed in these three countries regarding the main dimensions of Google Discover, including specific strategies using the feed, its impact on web traffic, its impact on both quality and sensationalist content and on the degree of responsibility shown by the digital media in its use. The authors are also able to propose a set of best practices that journalists and digital media in-house web visibility teams should take into account to increase their probability of appearing in Google Discover. To this end, the authors consider strategies in the following areas of application: topics, different aspects of publication, elements of user experience, strategic analysis and diffusion and marketing.

Originality/value

Although research exists on the application of SEO to different areas, there have not, to date, been any studies examining Google Discover.

Peer review

The peer-review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-10-2022-0574

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 48 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 December 2023

Saad Saif, Hashim Zameer, Ying Wang and Qadir Ali

Growing environmental issues worldwide need the engagement of all stakeholders to compliance with the decisions of global leaders made at COP21 and COP26. In this regard, the…

Abstract

Purpose

Growing environmental issues worldwide need the engagement of all stakeholders to compliance with the decisions of global leaders made at COP21 and COP26. In this regard, the present study looks at the influence of retailer social responsibility and consumer environmental responsibility by reinforcing consumer’s green consumption behaviors. Similarly, the proposed study incorporates the mediating role of customer trust and environmental concern to understand whether retailer corporate social responsibility and consumer environmental responsibility strengthen green consumption behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple hypotheses have been developed in light of the theoretical analysis of the available literature. The information was gathered through a survey method. A web-based portal was used to administer the survey, and 340 useable responses were processed by SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 23.0 for experiential analysis. First, the validity and reliability were evaluated. The authors then tested potential relationships using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Survey data analyzed using the SEM approach reveal that consumer environmental responsibility and retailer CSR does not drive green consumption behavior directly. However, green concern and consumer trust mediates the relation of consumer environmental responsibility and retailer CSR towards green consumption behavior. Another mediating path was also tested through environmental responsibility and green concern among retailer's CSR and green consumption behavior. The outcomes of this path are also significant.

Practical implications

The study holds promising implications for green consumption behaviors. The following can be achieved by implementing more sustainable supply chain strategies, such as lowering carbon footprint, purchasing eco-friendly goods and supporting environmental causes through retailers and consumers as well.

Originality/value

This study investigated the joint contribution of retailer CSR and environmental responsibility to green consumption for the first time. The work strengthens the body of knowledge in the field of managerial decision-making and creates new directions for scholarly investigation.

Details

Marketing Intelligence & Planning, vol. 42 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-4503

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 February 2024

Parthesh R. Shanbhag, Yogesh Pai P., Murugan Pattusamy, Gururaj Kidiyoor and Nandan Prabhu

This study aims to investigate the potential positive effects of cause-related marketing (CRM) campaigns that show evidence of commitment to espoused causes. It examines whether…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the potential positive effects of cause-related marketing (CRM) campaigns that show evidence of commitment to espoused causes. It examines whether consumers respond positively when a CRM campaign promises to deliver proof of the espoused cause.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted the grounded theory approach to conceptualize the promised impact evidence construct. A promised impact evidence scale was developed and validated using robust qualitative and quantitative methods, including item response theory estimates.

Findings

The study provides evidence for promised impact evidence as a reflective second-order latent construct. The promised impact evidence scale demonstrates strong internal consistency, reliability and validity. In addition, this study posits that promised impact evidence is an antecedent of advertising trust, purchase intention, advertising credibility and persuasive and selling intent.

Originality/value

This study positioned the promised impact evidence scale against the theoretical underpinnings of the persuasion knowledge model. Specifically, this scale contributes to existing knowledge because it applies the persuasion knowledge model in CRM campaigns by adopting an acceptance focus, as opposed to the rejection focus used in developing persuasion knowledge model scales.

Details

Journal of Consumer Marketing, vol. 41 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0736-3761

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 March 2024

Florian Rupp, Benjamin Schnabel and Kai Eckert

The purpose of this work is to explore the new possibilities enabled by the recent introduction of RDF-star, an extension that allows for statements about statements within the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to explore the new possibilities enabled by the recent introduction of RDF-star, an extension that allows for statements about statements within the Resource Description Framework (RDF). Alongside Named Graphs, this approach offers opportunities to leverage a meta-level for data modeling and data applications.

Design/methodology/approach

In this extended paper, the authors build onto three modeling use cases published in a previous paper: (1) provide provenance information, (2) maintain backwards compatibility for existing models, and (3) reduce the complexity of a data model. The authors present two scenarios where they implement the use of the meta-level to extend a data model with meta-information.

Findings

The authors present three abstract patterns for actively using the meta-level in data modeling. The authors showcase the implementation of the meta-level through two scenarios from our research project: (1) the authors introduce a workflow for triple annotation that uses the meta-level to enable users to comment on individual statements, such as for reporting errors or adding supplementary information. (2) The authors demonstrate how adding meta-information to a data model can accommodate highly specialized data while maintaining the simplicity of the underlying model.

Practical implications

Through the formulation of data modeling patterns with RDF-star and the demonstration of their application in two scenarios, the authors advocate for data modelers to embrace the meta-level.

Originality/value

With RDF-star being a very new extension to RDF, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, they are among the first to relate it to other meta-level approaches and demonstrate its application in real-world scenarios.

Details

The Electronic Library , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 February 2024

Ricardo Matheus, Stuti Saxena and Charalampos Alexopoulos

The purpose of the study is to understand the moderating impact of perceived technological innovativeness (PTI) in terms of gender differences as far as adoption and usage of Open…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to understand the moderating impact of perceived technological innovativeness (PTI) in terms of gender differences as far as adoption and usage of Open Government Data (OGD) is concerned.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) methodological approach is used wherein the adapted unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model is being used for estimating the research model.

Findings

PTI has been attested to have moderating impact on the UTAUT-BI relationships in select cases (SI, SQ, IQ, TR-BI). Furthermore, gender differences were observed as far as far as the PTI's moderating role on UTAUT-BI relationships were concerned.

Originality/value

While there has been ample impetus upon the OGD adoption and usage propensities underscoring the role of different variables, the present study's contribution lies in terms of understanding the moderating role of PTI as far as individual-centric analysis is concerned.

Details

The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4880

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2023

Patience Emefa Dzandza Ocloo and Lizette King 

Libraries in Africa are adopting technology at a fast pace. However, literature has provided enough evidence of the many challenges libraries on the continent are facing in the…

Abstract

Purpose

Libraries in Africa are adopting technology at a fast pace. However, literature has provided enough evidence of the many challenges libraries on the continent are facing in the use of the adopted information technology of which information systems (ISs) are major components. Literature also does not provide evidence of IS standard, policy or guideline at both national and international levels as a benchmark for the use of these systems. Therefore, this paper aims to propose an IS standard guideline as a guide for libraries in Africa to develop IS policies, standards or guidelines to help in effective use of IS in libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers based their proposed standard guideline on the findings from their earlier research works and evidence from other existing literature as has been reviewed in this paper.

Findings

Findings from the literature revealed that libraries in Africa face a number of challenges in the use of IS which can be categorised into four main areas, namely, financial challenges, technological and infrastructural challenges, human resource challenges and organizational challenges.

Originality/value

This paper proposed an IS standard guideline to serve as a guide for libraries in Africa to develop IS policies, standards or guidelines to help in effective use of IS in libraries.

Details

Digital Library Perspectives, vol. 40 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5816

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 March 2024

Khan Md. Raziuddin Taufique, Md. Mahiuddin Sabbir, Sarah Quinton and Syed Saad Andaleeb

Acknowledging previous scholarly focus on functional attributes in understanding technology acceptance behaviour, the current study aims to offer a novel perspective by…

Abstract

Purpose

Acknowledging previous scholarly focus on functional attributes in understanding technology acceptance behaviour, the current study aims to offer a novel perspective by integrating eight different dimensions of utilitarian and hedonic attributes to examine their influence in delivering a holistic web-based retail shopping experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model was tested and validated through data collected from 370 online shoppers across both hedonic and utilitarian product ranges. Hypotheses were tested using covariance-based structural equation modelling with multi-group analysis to examine the moderation effect.

Findings

The findings strongly support the model confirming eight new utilitarian and hedonic dimensions that influence web-based retail shopping behaviour. The findings also confirm that hedonic attributes remain important even for utilitarian product purchasing.

Practical implications

The key managerial implication is the demonstrated need to balance utilitarian and hedonic attributes in web-based retail platforms, where previously, there has been an overemphasis on functional features. Web-based retailers should consider the optimal blend of utilitarian (e.g. information quality) and hedonic (e.g. aesthetic) attributes in the design of a retail shopping site, irrespective of the product category.

Originality/value

This study integrates multiple dimensions of utilitarian and hedonic attributes into a single model and highlights the interplay of these attributes, thus extending the technology acceptance model. This paper also advances scholarship through its identification of attribute impact across different product categories.

Details

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

Keywords

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