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1 – 10 of 117Chi-I Lin and Yuh-Yuh Li
The purpose of this paper is to investigate students’ understandings of ocean sustainability and the pedagogical influence of higher education on those conceptions.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate students’ understandings of ocean sustainability and the pedagogical influence of higher education on those conceptions.
Design/methodology/approach
The conceptions of ocean sustainability of 54 university students of various academic disciplines enrolled in the 2014/2015 semester course “Sustainable Oceans” were assessed through use of auto-photography. Data were collected at the beginning and end of the course. Inter-rater reliability was measured by percentage of identical coding outcomes by two coders.
Findings
Auto-photography is effective in assessing notions of sustainability. Social and economic dimensions were captured less frequently than environmental aspects in the students’ photographs. Overall, students demonstrated vague perceptual awareness about who should take responsibility concerning lifeworld-related issues. Also, their perceptions were affected by their choice of academic discipline. Engaging students in inter-/transdisciplinary learning, integrating the arts, science and community, helped develop a more balanced, action-motivated conception of sustainability. Post-test patterns of change in students’ vision and action were observed.
Practical implications
Implementing sustainability education in a university’s coordinating bodies is effective in constructing a campus-based learning network, and participation in local community empowerment promotes a substantial and multidimensional concept of sustainability, and teaching material that includes content from the fine arts, literature or music stimulates students’ awareness of, and sensitivity to, lifeworld issues.
Originality/value
This paper provides an innovative, auto-photography-based methodology, including an operational procedure, coding book and method of analysis, for assessing students’ conceptions of sustainability. It also develops an interdisciplinary course that serves a “threshold” intervention role in ocean sustainability education.
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Kazuhito Isomura and Pei-Yuh Huang
The purpose of this paper is to clarify how to develop a global brand through examining the case of MUJI.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to clarify how to develop a global brand through examining the case of MUJI.
Design/methodology/approach
To build a global brand, a company is required to develop a repeatable business model that turns the source of differentiation into activity systems. So, from this hypothesis, the paper examines how the MUJI strategy worked and failed in the process of rapid growth.
Findings
MUJI succeeded in differentiation by proposing attractive value, developing products embodying its value and establishing its brand image through its stores. However, its rapid growth seriously damaged and diluted its brand image; and MUJI did not build a rational management system to respond to its expansion; consequently, MUJI’s business performance deteriorated. To revitalize its brand, MUJI reconstructed its product and store development and introduced a low-cost operating system through learning from another company.
Practical implications
The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.
Originality/value
The case study of MUJI suggests that building a global brand is required to integrate its value communication into product and store development and to develop a business model to sustain its business globally.
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Film provides an alternative medium for assessing our interpretations of cultural icons. This selective list looks at the film and video sources for information on and…
Abstract
Film provides an alternative medium for assessing our interpretations of cultural icons. This selective list looks at the film and video sources for information on and interpretations of the life of Woody Guthrie.
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Kyeong-Mee Park, Jieun Cheong, Seoyul Kim, Wonse Park and Kee-Deog Kim
The purpose of this study is to obtain the optimal three-dimensional (3D) printing condition through the accuracy evaluation of the protective dental splints (PDSs) produced using…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to obtain the optimal three-dimensional (3D) printing condition through the accuracy evaluation of the protective dental splints (PDSs) produced using 3D printed dental casts under various conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
The dental casts of dentiform were made using the conventional method and three digital methods. The three 3D printers used one or two materials for each, and the density of the material was varied to find the appropriate printing condition. PDSs were fabricated by the same method using vacuum former on conventional dental casts, and 3D printed dental casts. PDSs were mounted on a dentiform, and the accuracy was measured according to the criteria.
Findings
All of the PDSs fabricated using the traditional method showed the highest accuracy, whereas the PDSs made using 3D printed casts showed accuracies that varied with the type of printer, material characteristics and printing density. Achieving the accuracy required for 3D printed dental casts to be used as protective dental devices made with a vacuum former requires appropriate materials and 3D printing density. The findings of this study can be used when making 3D printed models and individual PDSs through intraoral scanning for patients in whom it is difficult to take impressions using traditional methods.
Originality/value
When a digital device is applied to the fabrication of PDSs, it has the advantage of saving time and materials and preventing damage to teeth and periodontal tissue that may occur during the conventional method.
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This article has been withdrawn as it was published elsewhere and accidentally duplicated. The original article can be seen here: 10.1108/02635579710173239. When citing the…
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn as it was published elsewhere and accidentally duplicated. The original article can be seen here: 10.1108/02635579710173239. When citing the article, please cite: Chang Chung Li, Tsong Shin Sheu, Yuh Ren Wang, (1997), “Some thoughts on the evolution of quality engineering”, Industrial Management & Data Systems, Vol. 97 Iss: 4, pp. 153 - 157.
Chi-I Lin and Yuh-Yuh Li
This study aims to investigate the potential of an empathetic mindset aimed at empowering undergraduate students to work toward sustainable development (SD), addressing both…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the potential of an empathetic mindset aimed at empowering undergraduate students to work toward sustainable development (SD), addressing both theoretical and practical dimensions.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed quantitative and qualitative research method was used in this study. Cross-sectional quantitative survey data on students’ mindsets and actions toward SD was collected to examine the theoretical relationship between belief and behavior. Qualitative inquiry using focus-group interviews explored students’ on-site learning experiences.
Findings
This study provides evidence for the impact of an empathetic mindset on education for sustainable development (ESD). Results showed that students with a more empathetic mindset showed better attitudes and behaviors toward SD actions. Findings suggest that developing an empathetic mindset improves students’ attitudes toward taking substantial action to protect the environment.
Originality/value
This study introduces a novel perspective extending the application of empathetic mindset in ESD.
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Jeng-Haur Horng, Shin-Yuh Chern, Chi-Lin Li and Yang-Yuan Chen
This paper aims to investigate the temperature and wear properties of vertical ball screws and to discuss the surface design of ball screws in industrial applications.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the temperature and wear properties of vertical ball screws and to discuss the surface design of ball screws in industrial applications.
Design/methodology/approach
The energy equation of the screw surface considering the frictional heat was established to verify the surface temperature of the ball screw. X-ray diffraction was used to examine the micro-contact temperature between the ball and screw. Debris size and density were examined to investigate wear properties of ball screws and to study the relationship of wear debris and temperature.
Findings
First, the main energy source for the surface temperature of high speed vertical ball screws is derived from friction force between ball and screw. Second, the temperature rise between the ball and screw has great relevance with wear debris concentration. Third, the surface temperature of the screw is higher than between the nut and ball for high speed vertical ball screws due to high convection heat transfer. The contact temperature of the nut near the flange is smaller than that of the nut away from the flange end due to the high contact load and thermal conduction. Finally, correlation of particle size and surface roughness value for vertical ball screws was established, and its effects on contact temperature were studied. The theoretical analysis and experiments will help to characterize the design and manufacture of vertical ball screws.
Originality/value
The surface temperature and micro-contact temperature analytical model were established to study the ball screw design. Based on the surface-particle micro-contact temperature balance, the optimal range of surface roughness was designed for vertical ball screws, considering the wear debris and micro-contact temperature.
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Hong Yuh Ching and Fábio Gerab
The purpose of this paper is to extend the applicability of stakeholder, legitimacy and signaling theories by examining to what extent proactive corporate social responsibility…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to extend the applicability of stakeholder, legitimacy and signaling theories by examining to what extent proactive corporate social responsibility disclosures are interrelated to attempt to gain and maintain legitimacy, to gain support of the stakeholders and to reduce information asymmetry.
Design/methodology/approach
To test the theoretical arguments, a longitudinal approach over a five-year period of 145 companies’ sustainability reports and statistical analysis was applied to investigate the evolution of their quality.
Findings
The results show a significant increase in the quality of sustainability reporting, and the experience gained while writing these reports can contribute to this. Based on signaling and legitimacy theories, this paper suggests that improvement in sustainability reporting quality acts as an important signal to gain legitimacy in case of information asymmetry during the legitimacy process. Th disclosure for economic and social dimensions is better than that of the environmental dimension, and the improvement in quality over time is the because of synergies and interlinkages more between these two dimensions of sustainability, and to a lesser extent because of the environmental dimension.
Practical implications
Firms should view investing in sustainability reporting disclosure as a strategy for obtaining business legitimacy.
Originality/value
The results of this paper are of interest for several reasons: extend and broaden the use of signaling in studying its use on sustainability reporting; the use of three theories is an appropriate framework for empirical analysis of sustainability reporting disclosure quality in Brazil; and add to the scarce evidence of sustainability reporting in Brazil.
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Sara Osama Alkhawaja and Mohamed Albaity
This study aims to examine the effect of future time perspective (FTP), financial risk tolerance (FRT) and knowledge of financial planning for retirement (KFPR) on retirement…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the effect of future time perspective (FTP), financial risk tolerance (FRT) and knowledge of financial planning for retirement (KFPR) on retirement saving behavior (RSB).
Design/methodology/approach
Primary data were collected using a non-probability judgmental sampling technique. A questionnaire was distributed either manually (by hand) or through email where 370 United Arab Emirates (UAE) residents used in the higher education sector participated. The data analysis was obtained by using SPSS and Smart-PLS software. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the linear relationship between FTP, FRT, KFPR and RSB.
Findings
The findings from this study are consistent with previous research. FTP and KFPR had a significant positive effect, while FRT had an insignificant negative effect on RSB.
Research limitations/implications
This study examined the effect of a few psychological variables on RSB and was conducted on a sample of university employees in the UAE. Additional research should examine environmental influences, individual differences and other psychological process factors. Furthermore, future research could extend the current study into other industries and other the Middle East and North Africa countries.
Practical implications
A better understanding of the factors that influence RSB can help working individuals, financial advisors/financial planning professionals, financial institutions and government/policymakers strengthen their understanding and initiatives toward retirement planning.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors knowledge, none of the previous research papers studied RSB in the UAE. Additionally, it is important to note that the results of this study can be generalized to all Gulf Cooperation Council countries because of the similar economic, political, ethical, social and cultural factors.
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The main purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of corporate image and relationship marketing on trust, the impact of trust on consumer purchase intention, and the…
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of corporate image and relationship marketing on trust, the impact of trust on consumer purchase intention, and the moderating effects of word‐of‐mouth between the influence of trust on consumer purchase intention.
Design/methodology/approach
Consumers of an online travel agency in Taiwan aged over 18 were taken as the research sample. Primary data were collected through convenience sampling. Regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The main findings are: corporate image has a significantly positive influence on trust, and commodity image has the most significant influence on trust, followed by functional image and institution image; structural and financial relationship marketing has significantly positive influence on trust, and structural relationship marketing has greater influence on trust compared with financial relationship marketing; trust has a significantly positive influence on consumer purchase intention; and positive word‐of‐mouth has a moderating effect between the influences of trust on consumer purchase intention.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations of this study include: the data obtained in this study only reflected the correlations and cause and effect among the variables studied during a specific period of time; this paper only focused on tour agencies; consumers who used only the most popular online tour agencies were selected. Therefore, the samples might involve some bias. The implications of this study include: different types of corporate image will have different levels of influence on consumer trust. There is a need to support the previous study that relationship marketing has a significantly positive influence on consumer trust. The moderating effects of positive word‐of‐mouth between the influences of trust on consumer purchase intention must be examined. The influence of trust on purchase intention must be considered.
Practical implications
The study findings reveal the need and importance for a company to improve corporate image continuously. The study indicates the need to emphasize the use of critical relationship marketing and to realize the nature and importance of the moderating effect of word‐of‐mouth.
Originality/value
The value of this study is combined theory and practical and finding four management implications and three practical implications.
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