Search results

1 – 10 of over 11000
Article
Publication date: 10 January 2008

Michael Robinson

The so‐called “digital native” – the first generation of students and learners who have been born and raised in a world of digital technologies – is now in our universities and…

3463

Abstract

Purpose

The so‐called “digital native” – the first generation of students and learners who have been born and raised in a world of digital technologies – is now in our universities and, hopefully, using library services. This paper aims to survey recent debate about the delivery of information services to the “digital native”, using Hong Kong academic libraries as a case study to reflect on the appropriateness of the services offered.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper questions whether academic libraries which have begun to recognize this phenomenon, and have changed their services significantly in response to this “digital” generation of students and their approach to learning. It looks at the role that academic librarians should have in equipping tertiary students to function in the digital information environment. It also questions whether academic librarians continue to have a role in this, or if they are in fact lagging behind the students' understanding of information technology, and their adoption of new technologies to acquire and use information.

Findings

The paper finds that libraries will be better served in the long run if they consider in what particular ways they appeal to students, and focus on developing services that are aligned with student preferences in their access to and use of information. Rather than competing with search engines, libraries can learn from the way in which they design their services, and through link resolving software can combine the convenience of the web with the quality of their own resources. Identifying reasons for using the library which are not satisfied by the internet, and promoting these through improved virtual and physical access help to define the niche that academic libraries serve and how they can build a better affinity with their student community.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on developing academic libraries to accommodate the new digital developments in information.

Details

Library Management, vol. 29 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 January 2023

Rajasshrie Pillai, Brijesh Sivathanu, Bhimaraya Metri and Neeraj Kaushik

The purpose of this paper is to investigate students' adoption intention (ADI) and actual usage (ATU) of artificial intelligence (AI)-based teacher bots (T-bots) for learning…

2192

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate students' adoption intention (ADI) and actual usage (ATU) of artificial intelligence (AI)-based teacher bots (T-bots) for learning using technology adoption model (TAM) and context-specific variables.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method design is used wherein the quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to explore the adoption of T-bots for learning. Overall, 45 principals/directors/deans/professors were interviewed and NVivo 8.0 was used for interview data analysis. Overall, 1,380 students of higher education institutes were surveyed, and the collected data was analyzed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique.

Findings

The T-bot's ADI’s antecedents found were perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, personalization, interactivity, perceived trust, anthropomorphism and perceived intelligence. The ADI influences the ATU of T-bots, and its relationship is negatively moderated by stickiness to learn from human teachers in the classroom. It comprehends the insights of senior authorities of the higher education institutions in India toward the adoption of T-bots.

Practical implications

The research provides distinctive insights for principals, directors and professors in higher education institutes to understand the factors affecting the students' behavioral intention and use of T-bots. The developers and designers of T-bots need to ensure that T-bots are more interactive, provide personalized information to students and ensure the anthropomorphic characteristics of T-bots. The education policymakers can also comprehend the factors of T-bot adoption for developing the policies related to T-bots and their implications in education.

Originality/value

T-bot is a new disruptive technology in the education sector, and this is the first step in exploring the adoption factors. The TAM model is extended with context-specific factors related to T-bot technology to offer a comprehensive explanatory power to the proposed model. The research outcome provides the unique antecedents of the adoption of T-bots.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 37 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2017

Angela Hall, Neil Towers and Duncan R. Shaw

The shopper journey can cross a number of channels leading up to the point of a possible purchase, which may be unseen by the retailer or brand for the targeted purchase. The…

13873

Abstract

Purpose

The shopper journey can cross a number of channels leading up to the point of a possible purchase, which may be unseen by the retailer or brand for the targeted purchase. The purpose of this paper is to gain a greater understanding of the decision making and purchase intention activity for online Millennial shoppers in deciding what fashion garments to buy in the digital retail environment. The paper also investigates the use of technology and social media involvement in the shopper journey leading up to the point of purchase.

Design/methodology/approach

In line with other studies that investigated online shopper behaviour (Balabanis and Reynolds, 2001; Pavlou et al., 2007), the authors have undertaken an exploratory investigation using an online survey conducted with respondents sourced through using Survey Monkey Audience. The survey was conducted with over 580 respondents (49.7 per cent female and 50.3 per cent male) between 16 and 34 years old living in England.

Findings

The findings highlight a picture of shoppers going on very different shopper journeys with different lengths, influenced by different touch points and using different media and devices. Each customer has their own individual experience and expectation. They can move through extremely diverse, long and complicated journeys in the buying process before they purchase a product. Most striking is their willingness to reach out and be influenced by other people beyond the control of any retailer – using platforms that are not necessarily specifically related with any retailer. Shoppers can undertake numerous activities before they make their final purchase decision, seeking content from different retailers, asking for social validation of their decision from their social networks both online and offline which is often out of sight of the retailer or brand.

Practical implications

The findings show how retailers and brands can understand the shopper decision journey and their behaviours across all the devices and channels that are used. Moreover, for some or part of the digital journey the shopper can often be unseen by the retailer or brand.

Originality/value

Consumers actively seek out novelty, knowledge and inspiration but shoppers employ a variety of interactions over a much greater period of time to arrive at the moment of purchase. This research provides an insight into the range of complex views and positions held by each individual to get a much more complete picture of where shoppers are looking to buy and what are their interests.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 45 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 June 2021

Deepika Jhamb, Nidhi Kampani and Vikas Arya

The study aims to explore the themes responsible for employee orientation and further their role in building strong customer relationships in telecom and organized retail outlets…

1024

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to explore the themes responsible for employee orientation and further their role in building strong customer relationships in telecom and organized retail outlets in emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing the qualitative approach, a total of 31 in-depth interviews with customer relationship management (CRM) officers of telecom and organized outlets were carried out. Data were analysed using NVIVO-12 plus and ATLAS tools.

Findings

The analysis extracted 13 unique themes namely training and development, communication skills, convincing skills, interpersonal skills, knowledge management, grievance handling, organisation's culture development, service climate, adaptive behaviour, customer retention skills, customer profiling, trust and commitment, and suitability of employees. The results claimed that these themes can assist in building strong customer relationships. However, the extent of the significance of themes may vary for telecom and organized retail outlets.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have vital implications for frontline employees to drive customer value as they directly involve with customers. Findings further suggest that hiring of employees according to their location and catchment area of outlets are utmost important.

Originality/value

Employee orientation is an indispensable determinant in building a sustainable relationship with customers through uniqueness and consistency in meeting customers' expectations. This is a first attempt to explore the various unique themes responsible for employee orientation and the imperative role of such themes in maintaining long-lasting customer relationships.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 November 2020

Chin-Feng Lai, Yu-Lin Jeng and Sheng-Bo Huang

In a programming course, students often need tutors' assistance to complete learning activities, as they lack enough background knowledge to complete tasks. A further problem is…

Abstract

Purpose

In a programming course, students often need tutors' assistance to complete learning activities, as they lack enough background knowledge to complete tasks. A further problem is that without individual tutoring, the knowledge gap between students increases. Therefore, the authors have proposed an instant response learning supplement tool (IRLST) to support students' learning, in order to facilitate students' independent problem-solving skills.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors divided the students into two groups according to their learning styles: verbal and visual. The IRLST was used to collect and analyze the information on their usage and provide supplementary resources to facilitate their learning. The proposed system also analyzed the student usage, background knowledge and exam scores to assess their academic performance.

Findings

According to the results of statistical analysis, students' learning performance improved significantly, especially low-scoring students. Moreover, as compiler messages were not recognized, students tended to identify the same problems. Thus, it is suggested that teachers not only should focus on improving the students' syntax but also strengthening their background knowledge and debugging skills.

Research limitations/implications

There are two main limitations in this study: (1) as most of the students were in the visual learning group, the size of the groups was impacted, thus it was not possible to establish a control group; (2) one specific version of the IRLST system did not send reliable advice or supplementary content occasionally.

Originality/value

The IRLST developed in this study can be used to provide immediate supplementary resources to help students overcoming programming problems and developing problem-solving skills.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 41 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1985

J. Rodellar and A.H. Barbat

The concept of active control has been introduced in recent years in order to reduce the seismic response of structures. A predictive control methodology is used to formulate a…

Abstract

The concept of active control has been introduced in recent years in order to reduce the seismic response of structures. A predictive control methodology is used to formulate a discrete‐time structural control algorithm. This algorithm computes the control forces by using not only the information provided by the structural response but also that given by the measurement of the seismic ground acceleration. Results for checking the effectiveness of the control algorithm in reducing the structural response are presented.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 2 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Article
Publication date: 23 August 2018

Giovanni Falsone and Rossella Laudani

This paper aims to present an approach for the probabilistic characterization of the response of linear structural systems subjected to random time-dependent non-Gaussian actions.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present an approach for the probabilistic characterization of the response of linear structural systems subjected to random time-dependent non-Gaussian actions.

Design/methodology/approach

Its fundamental property is working directly on the probability density functions of the actions and responses. This avoids passing through the evaluation of the response statistical moments or cumulants, reducing the computational effort in a consistent measure.

Findings

It is an efficient method, for both its computational effort and its accuracy, above all when the input and output processes are strongly non-Gaussian.

Originality/value

This approach can be considered as a dynamic generalization of the probability transformation method recently used for static applications.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 35 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 23 November 2017

Krysti N. Ryan

The emergence of gender-nonconforming behavior in a child presents an opportunity and, often, significant pressure for parents to question the gender beliefs they have taken for…

Abstract

Purpose

The emergence of gender-nonconforming behavior in a child presents an opportunity and, often, significant pressure for parents to question the gender beliefs they have taken for granted. The purpose of this research is to examine how parents of gender-diverse youth respond to such pressures and ultimately come to understand and support their children’s gender identity.

Methodology/approach

This research is guided by Ridgeway’s theoretical concept of gender as a primary frame for coordinating social life. Using in-depth interviews with 36 supportive parents of gender-diverse children, the author details the process by which parents developed a critical consciousness of gender and subsequently adopted trans-affirming beliefs in response to their children’s gender-nonconformity.

Findings

Findings illustrate the power of gender as a primary frame for organizing life within the family as well as the circumstances under which hegemonic gender beliefs can be disrupted and alternative beliefs can be formed. The analysis shows that the process of making space for gender diversity within the home, which is taken on almost exclusively by mothers, invokes competing maternal mandates of raising “proper” children versus modeling selfless devotion to children’s happiness and well-being. As mothers navigate these conflicting requirements to create greater gender freedom for their children, they reinforce and perpetuate gender stereotypes that cast women as natural caregivers. Ironically, the work of intensive mothering is also the mechanism through which women come to develop alternative gender beliefs that they then use to expand gender possibilities for their children.

Details

Gender, Sex, and Sexuality Among Contemporary Youth
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78714-613-6

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 November 2023

Xiaojiang Zheng and Shixuan Fu

In tourism live streaming (TLS), streamers strive to capture viewers’ attention by responding quickly to viewers’ requests and providing tourism-related knowledge. However, the…

Abstract

Purpose

In tourism live streaming (TLS), streamers strive to capture viewers’ attention by responding quickly to viewers’ requests and providing tourism-related knowledge. However, the effectiveness of such practices in the TLS context remains unclear. Accordingly, based on flow theory, this study aims to uncover the effects of responsiveness and knowledge spillover on viewers’ travelling intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected 319 valid questionnaires to examine the proposed model. Followingly, the authors used a partial least squares structural equation modelling approach using SmartPLS 4 to analyse the survey data.

Findings

The authors found that responsiveness could enhance viewers’ flow experience and destination attachment, fostering travelling intentions. The authors further found that knowledge spillover strengthened the relationship between responsiveness and travelling intentions and responsiveness and flow experience.

Originality/value

This study broadens the scope of extant tourism research by juxtaposing the effects of responsiveness and knowledge spillover on viewers’ travelling intentions in the TLS context. Practically, the findings provide valuable insights for streamers to conduct appropriate viewer–streamer interaction strategies by providing instant responses and tourism-related knowledge to viewers.

目的

在旅游直播中, 主播常常通过快速响应观众并提供目的地知识, 以吸引观众注意。然而这种策略是否有效地提升了观众的旅游意愿仍需进一步验证。因此, 本研究基于心流理论验证了响应性及知识溢出效应对观众旅游意愿的影响。

设计/方法/途径

我们通过评估319份有效问卷来检验所提出的模型, 采用了SmartPLS软件构建偏最小二乘结构方程模型(PLS-SEM)分析问卷数据。

研究发现

我们发现, 响应性将增强观众的心流体验和目的地依恋感, 从而促进旅游意愿。此外, 知识溢出效应强化了响应性和旅游意愿及响应性和心流体验之间的关系。

原创性/价值

本研究同时关注响应性及知识溢出在旅游直播情境下对观众旅游意愿的影响机制。从实践层面, 本研究为旅游主播提供了高效互动及目的地推广的策略。

Propósito

En las retransmisiones turísticas en directo (TLS), los organizadores se esfuerzan por captar la atención de los espectadores respondiendo de forma rápida a sus peticiones y aportando conocimientos relacionados con el turismo. Sin embargo, la eficacia de estas prácticas en el contexto de la retransmisión turística en directo sigue sin estar clara. Por consiguiente, este estudio, basado en la teoría del flujo, trata de descubrir los efectos de la capacidad de respuesta y la difusión de conocimientos en la intención de viajar de los espectadores.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Se recogieron 319 cuestionarios válidos para examinar el modelo propuesto. Seguidamente, se aplicó la técnica de ecuaciones estructurales con mínimos cuadrados parciales (PLS-SEM) mediante el software SmartPLS para analizar los datos de la encuesta.

Resultados

Se concluye que la capacidad de respuesta mejoraría la experiencia de flujo de los espectadores y el apego al destino, fomentando su intención de viajar. Además, se comprueba que la difusión de conocimientos fortalece la relación entre (1) la capacidad de respuesta y la intención de viajar y (2) la capacidad de respuesta y la experiencia de flujo.

Originalidad/valor

La presente investigación amplía el enfoque de los estudios existentes en la investigación turística al aproximar los efectos de la capacidad de respuesta y la difusión de conocimientos sobre la intención de viajar de los espectadores en el contexto de retransmisiones turísticas en directo. Desde el punto de vista práctico, los resultados aportan ideas para que los streamers empleen estrategias de interacción apropiadas con los espectadores, proporcionándoles respuestas instantáneas y transmitiéndoles conocimientos relacionados con el turismo.

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2013

Ebrahim Babaei and Hamed Mashinchi Mahery

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new method for mathematical modeling of the buck dc‐dc converter in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM). By using the presented modeling…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new method for mathematical modeling of the buck dc‐dc converter in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM). By using the presented modeling method, the analysis of the transient and the steady states of the buck dc‐dc converter can be performed.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method is based on the two Laplace and Z transforms. In the proposed method, at first, the equations of the inductor current and the capacitor voltage are obtained as the power switch is on and off. Then by using the Laplace and Z transforms, the obtained equations are solved and the relations of the inductor current and the output voltage are obtained. In the proposed method, the Laplace transform is used for determining of the general relations of the inductor current and the output voltage. Also the Z‐transform is used as a tool for determining the initial values of the inductor current and the output voltage.

Findings

The transient and the steady state response of the dc‐dc converter is analyzed by the proposed method. By using the Z‐transform, the transient response of the converter and the effect of the elements of the converter on the time constant of the transient response are investigated. In addition, the effect of the elements of the converter and the load resistance on the electrical parameters of the converter such as the output voltage ripple and the inductor current ripple are investigated.

Originality/value

The proposed method in this paper is a suitable method for mathematical modeling of dc‐dc converters. The acernote of this method is that it can be used in both transient and steady state response, analysis of the dc‐dc converters. By using the final value theorem of the Z‐transform, the steady state response of the converter is investigated. Also by using this transform, the time constants of the transient response of the converter are determined. Finally, the results of the theoretical analysis are compared with the results of simulation in PSCAD/EMTDC and also the experimental results to prove the validity of the presented subjects.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 32 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 11000