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1 – 10 of over 1000Anthony Olukayode Yusuf, Adedeji Afolabi, Abiola Akanmu, Homero Murzi, Andres Nieto Leal, Sheryl Ball and Andrea Ofori-Boadu
There is a growing mismatch between the skill demands of the industry and the offerings of academia. One way of reducing this mismatch is by improving collaborations between…
Abstract
Purpose
There is a growing mismatch between the skill demands of the industry and the offerings of academia. One way of reducing this mismatch is by improving collaborations between practitioners and instructors using web-networking platforms. However, it is important to understand practitioners’ considerations while collaborating with instructors. Therefore, this study identified these considerations in order to infer inputs for the design of the graphical user interface (GUI) of a web-based platform for connecting instructors and practitioners.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed method was adopted through a survey and focus group. A survey was used to capture practitioners’ considerations while collaborating with instructors for student development, and a focus group helped uncover an in-depth understanding of the study phenomena. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and thematic analysis.
Findings
The results show the willingness of practitioners to collaborate with instructors for student development, the ways by which practitioners are willing to meet instructors' course-support needs and their considerations in deciding to do so. Slight differences were observed between the results of the survey and the focus group regarding the ranking of the practitioners’ considerations. The study highlighted demographic differences in practitioners’ considerations when deciding on meeting instructors' course-support needs. The results provide a basis to deduce the GUI inputs of web-networking platforms for connecting instructors and practitioners.
Originality/value
This study revealed practitioners’ design needs and GUI inputs to facilitate the design of web-networking platforms for connecting instructors and practitioners. This study also contributes to user interface design principles, theories on individual differences and practitioners’ involvement in student professional development.
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Evagelos Varthis and Marios Poulos
This study aims to present metaGraphos, a crowdsourcing system that aids in the transcription and semantic enhancement of scanned documents by using a pool of volunteers or people…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to present metaGraphos, a crowdsourcing system that aids in the transcription and semantic enhancement of scanned documents by using a pool of volunteers or people willing to participate in exchange for a financial reward.
Design/methodology/approach
The metaGraphos can be used in circumstances where optical character recognition fails to produce satisfactory results, semantic tagging or assigning thematic headings to texts is considered necessary or even when ground-truth data has to be collected in raw form.
Findings
The system automatically provides a Web-based interface comprising a static HTML page and JavaScript code that displays the scanned images of the document, coupled with the corresponding incomplete texts side by side, allowing users to correct or complete the texts in parallel.
Social implications
By assisting the parallel transcription and the semantic enhancement of difficult scanned documents, the system further reveals the hidden cultural wealth and aids in knowledge dissemination, a fact that contributes significantly to the academic-scientific dialog and feedback.
Originality/value
Individual researchers, libraries and organizations in general may benefit from the system because it is cost-effective, practical and simple to set up client–server architecture that provides a reliable way to transcribe texts or revise transcriptions on a large scale.
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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.
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Denis Scott, Ling Ma and Tim Broyd
Poor cash flow management and lack of profitability have plagued the construction industry for decades. In response, the UK Government published the project bank account (PBA…
Abstract
Purpose
Poor cash flow management and lack of profitability have plagued the construction industry for decades. In response, the UK Government published the project bank account (PBA) payment strategy in 2012 to mitigate main contractors unfairly withholding liabilities. However, PBAs suffer from adoption challenges, such as systems fragmentation and a lack of incentives for main contractors to adopt them effectively. This study aims to investigate how to reduce systems fragmentation in construction by integrating PBA procedures with existing management workflows to increase payment automation, resulting in improved cash liquidity and better incentives for using PBAs.
Design/methodology/approach
A PBA blockchain decentralised application is developed, presented and critically evaluated. Blockchain is the technology used because of its permissionless, license-free, open-source and immutability properties. It is a suitable general-purpose technology layer for building and testing applications without the limitations associated with centralised technologies, such as high proprietary fees, vendor lock and intellectual property restrictions.
Findings
The research demonstrates how a blockchain application can integrate siloed construction workflows such as cash flow scheduling, supply chain management and payment executions, reducing the management workload for implementing PBAs in construction projects. Furthermore, the proposed application is open-source and replicable, and its user interface is available for external testing here: https://console.atra.io/app/bf26f846-7f16-4f80-90a0-c5488ab6edd3.
Originality/value
PBA is a suitable test case because it enforces an auditable, transparent and neutral account, which are inbuilt properties of blockchains; thus, both systems are harmonious to integrate. PBA is mandated in UK public sector construction projects; therefore, the research has a solid practical foundation.
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Alejandro Morales-Vargas, Rafael Pedraza-Jimenez and Lluís Codina
The field of website quality evaluation attracts the interest of a range of disciplines, each bringing its own particular perspective to bear. This study aims to identify the main…
Abstract
Purpose
The field of website quality evaluation attracts the interest of a range of disciplines, each bringing its own particular perspective to bear. This study aims to identify the main characteristics – methods, techniques and tools – of the instruments of evaluation described in this literature, with a specific concern for the factors analysed, and based on these, a multipurpose model is proposed for the development of new comprehensive instruments.
Design/methodology/approach
Following a systematic bibliographic review, 305 publications on website quality are examined, the field's leading authors, their disciplines of origin and the sectors to which the websites being assessed belong are identified, and the methods they employ characterised.
Findings
Evaluations of website quality tend to be conducted with one of three primary focuses: strategic, functional or experiential. The technique of expert analysis predominates over user studies and most of the instruments examined classify the characteristics to be evaluated – for example, usability and content – into factors that operate at different levels, albeit that there is little agreement on the names used in referring to them.
Originality/value
Based on the factors detected in the 50 most cited works, a model is developed that classifies these factors into 13 dimensions and more than 120 general parameters. The resulting model provides a comprehensive evaluation framework and constitutes an initial step towards a shared conceptualization of the discipline of website quality.
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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.
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Anant Madhav Kulkarni, Muthumari Pandiyan and Chetan Sudhakar Sonawane
The purpose of this research paper is to explore and offer insightful information on the useful use of Google Tag Manager (GTM) in the context of library websites and to bridge…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research paper is to explore and offer insightful information on the useful use of Google Tag Manager (GTM) in the context of library websites and to bridge the gap between GTM’s technical features and the practical requirements of libraries. It gives libraries the ability to use GTM’s capabilities to increase user engagement, data-driven decision-making and improve online services.
Design/methodology/approach
This study reviews existing literature on GTM in the context of websites and libraries. The methodology involves identifying keywords and searching terms related to GTM, digital marketing, user engagement, Web analytics and library websites. Sources and databases were consulted, including library science journals, marketing journals, academic databases, publications on digital marketing and search platforms such as Google Books, Google Scholar, Google Search Engine, JSTOR and library associations like the American Library Association. Initial screening was done based on titles and abstracts, followed by a thorough-text review, categorization and synthesizing of the findings.
Findings
GTM provides libraries with a potent tool to improve their online presence, customize user experiences and collect insightful real-time data. Libraries may harness GTM’s potential to better engage people and provide services by properly implementing it and maintaining it over time. It can be a flexible instrument that supports contemporary library services in the digital era. The findings of this study indicate that GTM technology may be used in library services; nevertheless, there are several barriers, such as librarians’ attitudes and technical abilities, that prevent GTM acceptance in library services.
Originality/value
This study covers the implementation of a free GTM tool in library websites that will help the library and information professionals to leverage the GTM in the library’s online presence. Furthermore, this study recommends that libraries and librarians should develop guidelines and policies for the critical adoption of a free GTM tool in the library environment, which will support improving the library’s user engagement and tracking of library website traffic.
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Alexandra Poulovassilis, Valeri Katerinchuk and Fiona Candlin
This paper aims to present the methodology for designing a system providing comprehensive data about the UK’s museums and enabling research into the history, status and long-term…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present the methodology for designing a system providing comprehensive data about the UK’s museums and enabling research into the history, status and long-term development of the entire sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors have devised and applied an iterative methodology to deliver a knowledge base, web application and website through which these and related resources are publicly accessed, allowing incorporation of the requirements of user stakeholders drawn from across the UK museum sector.
Findings
The methodology has enabled the elicitation of usage scenarios, research questions and feedback from a broad range of user stakeholders, allowing the system to be successfully delivered within the time and staffing constraints of a single publicly-funded research project. Feedback received from external evaluators and users of the system has been overwhelmingly positive.
Originality/value
The system includes the only comprehensive data set of the UK’s museums and is enabling new research by museum studies scholars and museum professionals. The methodology can inform other projects aiming to create specialist knowledge resources involving a wide range of user stakeholders, particularly within constrained time and staffing resources.
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The objective of this chapter is to identify the key characteristics of Global Services businesses that will thrive and achieve success in the future. These factors are integrated…
Abstract
The objective of this chapter is to identify the key characteristics of Global Services businesses that will thrive and achieve success in the future. These factors are integrated into three main pillars, which we refer to as the Triple-Win. The first and most obvious pillar is technology as a tool. The second pillar is the design and sustainability of the business model, without which the previous factor would be merely a cost and not an investment. And last but not the least, there is the purpose which gives meaning to the proposal, focusing on the human being and their environment. The DIDPAGA business model sits at the intersection of these three elements.
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Elaheh Hosseini, Kimiya Taghizadeh Milani and Mohammad Shaker Sabetnasab
This research aimed to visualize and analyze the co-word network and thematic clusters of the intellectual structure in the field of linked data during 1900–2021.
Abstract
Purpose
This research aimed to visualize and analyze the co-word network and thematic clusters of the intellectual structure in the field of linked data during 1900–2021.
Design/methodology/approach
This applied research employed a descriptive and analytical method, scientometric indicators, co-word techniques, and social network analysis. VOSviewer, SPSS, Python programming, and UCINet software were used for data analysis and network structure visualization.
Findings
The top ranks of the Web of Science (WOS) subject categorization belonged to various fields of computer science. Besides, the USA was the most prolific country. The keyword ontology had the highest frequency of co-occurrence. Ontology and semantic were the most frequent co-word pairs. In terms of the network structure, nine major topic clusters were identified based on co-occurrence, and 29 thematic clusters were identified based on hierarchical clustering. Comparisons between the two clustering techniques indicated that three clusters, namely semantic bioinformatics, knowledge representation, and semantic tools were in common. The most mature and mainstream thematic clusters were natural language processing techniques to boost modeling and visualization, context-aware knowledge discovery, probabilistic latent semantic analysis (PLSA), semantic tools, latent semantic indexing, web ontology language (OWL) syntax, and ontology-based deep learning.
Originality/value
This study adopted various techniques such as co-word analysis, social network analysis network structure visualization, and hierarchical clustering to represent a suitable, visual, methodical, and comprehensive perspective into linked data.
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