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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 June 2024

Sara Ahlryd and Fredrik Hanell

The challenges to healthcare caused by the COVID-19 pandemic forced hospital librarians to develop their abilities to cope with change and crises, both on a social level and an…

Abstract

Purpose

The challenges to healthcare caused by the COVID-19 pandemic forced hospital librarians to develop their abilities to cope with change and crises, both on a social level and an organisational level. The aim of this study is to contribute to knowledge about how hospital librarians developed library services during the pandemic and how these changes contributed to building information resilience in the healthcare organisation. This paper also seeks to explore how resilience theory, and specifically the concept information resilience, can be used within library and information science (in LIS) to investigate resilience in the library sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Nine semi-structured interviews with librarians were conducted at four different hospital libraries in four different regions in Sweden between March and May 2022. The empirical material was analysed through an interaction between the tzheoretical perspective and the empirical material through a thematic analysis. In each theme, specific resilience resources are identified and analysed as components of the information resilience developed by hospital librarians.

Findings

The results show that hospital librarians contribute to several different information resilience resources, which support information resilience in the healthcare organisation. Three aspects characterize the qualities of resilience resources: access, flexibility, and collaboration. The findings suggest that the framework for analysing information resilience used in this study is well suited for studying the resilience of libraries from both organisational and informational aspects.

Originality/value

The analysis of information resilience on an organisational level presents a novel way to study resilience in the library sector.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 80 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 18 September 2024

Manpreet Arora

The outbreak of COVID-19 endemic forced people not only to think but also to pause and objectively reflect how to deal with the situation that has arisen and how to develop…

Abstract

The outbreak of COVID-19 endemic forced people not only to think but also to pause and objectively reflect how to deal with the situation that has arisen and how to develop well-being and resilience strategies for the welfare of humanity. The endemic brought a global economic shock of enormous magnitude in most of the countries. Policymakers across the globe today have been facing alarming situations and unpredictable challenges as they try to find solutions to problems in the areas of tourism, at macro-economic levels and in socio-cultural arena. People in developing countries are concerned with earning livelihood and supporting their families and find some opportunities to survive by increase in tourist arrivals. Conversely, industralized countries struggle to improve the general psychological and physical health of their citizens. Travelling for well-being appears to be a sensible and uplifting resilience tactic in such a situation. This piece discusses how, in such a situation, cultivating resilience and well-being techniques may enable us to overcome a variety of obstacles in the travel and tourist industry. According to the author, policies aimed at enhancing well-being through travel should give priority to factors like affordability, accessibility, sustainability, safety and education. By promoting an environment where travel is affordable, accessible and sustainable, policymakers can guarantee that more people can take advantage of the positive experiences and enrichment that travel can provide to their lives, while also benefiting the greater community and environment.

Details

The Emerald Handbook of Tourism Economics and Sustainable Development
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-709-9

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 4 October 2024

Sumit Agarwal and Tan Chek Ann

Fintech has revolutionized personal finance, introducing innovative tools that offer unprecedented access, efficiency, and security in managing finances. This chapter explains…

Abstract

Fintech has revolutionized personal finance, introducing innovative tools that offer unprecedented access, efficiency, and security in managing finances. This chapter explains fintech's personal finance applications, from intuitive budgeting apps and advanced robo-advisors to peer-to-peer payment platforms. It articulates how these tools have shifted the control and management of finances into the hands of consumers, providing real-time financial data, customized investment strategies, improved credit scores, and streamlined transactions that eliminate the need for traditional intermediaries. Furthermore, this chapter features a select list of FinTech50 firms and highlights how individuals can leverage their services. This comprehensive guide is invaluable for individuals seeking to leverage fintech for personal finance optimization and for professionals keen on understanding and navigating the rapidly evolving fintech landscape.

Details

The Emerald Handbook of Fintech
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-609-2

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 30 September 2024

Hassan Ali Khan

As the hospitality business adapts to the digital age, the importance of using Virtual Design (VD) to create memorable visitor experiences has grown. This study aims to…

Abstract

As the hospitality business adapts to the digital age, the importance of using Virtual Design (VD) to create memorable visitor experiences has grown. This study aims to investigate the potential of VD in the hospitality sector, particularly regarding the improvement of guests' overall experiences.

The research study examines how Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and other digital technologies are currently used in VD firms. It explores how these simulated architectural features are implemented in other facets of the hospitality experience, like the decor of guest rooms and restaurants and staff responsiveness to guests' needs.

The study also examines VD's potential outcomes and advantages for the hotel industry and its clients. It investigates the potential of VD to help hospitality businesses offer more customised services, boost customer loyalty and gain an edge in the market. VD implementation in the hospitality business may face several obstacles, some of which are discussed in this study.

Methods include both qualitative and quantitative techniques, such as interviews with experts, guest surveys and an examination of the use of VD in specific hotels. This study intends to help the hotel industry benefit from a VD by analysing real-world case studies and gathering empirical data that can be used to draw conclusions and formulate recommendations.

Details

Marketing and Design in the Service Sector
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-276-0

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 6 July 2020

Francesco Bolici, Chiara Acciarini, Lucia Marchegiani and Luca Pirolo

Technological innovations provide huge opportunities to expand and revolutionize the scope of products and services offered. This is particularly true for tourism, which is…

4221

Abstract

Purpose

Technological innovations provide huge opportunities to expand and revolutionize the scope of products and services offered. This is particularly true for tourism, which is undergoing significant changes due to the development of new technologies. The level of technology diffusion depends on several factors like the exchange of information among peers, and the attitude and shared perception among the contributors. The aim of the study is to explore the diffusion of technology in tourism with a specific focus on the social media discourse around new technologies. Thus, the paper investigates the level of interest in these new technologies analysing the information exchange occurring between individuals on Twitter in order to explore the influence of reciprocal networking.

Design/methodology/approach

To capture the attitudes expressed in the industry, the study analyses the ongoing discourse on Twitter as a proxy for the participants “interest in new technologies. Through a social network analysis of the tweets and retweets conducted over a period of nine months, the research maps the level of information exchange about the diffusion of new technologies. Moreover, the sentiment analysis provides an interesting overview of the individuals” attitudes towards the awareness or the adoption of new technologies.

Findings

Our analysis has provided several insights: (1) the information network on blockchain in tourism consists of participants who change very quickly over time (high turnover of accounts); (2) some contributors have an extremely important role in influencing the flow of information in the system (information centralization), they can have a generalist (discussing several topics) or a specialist (focusing on a specific topic) behaviour and this strategic choice influences their network's structure; (3) these central nodes also have an impact on the definition of positive and negative sentiment towards a topic (sentiment influencer).

Research limitations/implications

The paper contributes to the literature on technology diffusion, by focusing on one of the preconditions of diffusion that is the shared positive attitude towards technological innovation. More specifically, we adopt a network-based approach, which is useful to explain the level of information exchange and the public discourse that can impact the shared perception and attitude towards technological innovation. The study also highlights the role of knowledge brokers in influencing this public discourse. Future studies can deepen the association between positive perception, higher levels of information exchange and increasing usage of specific technologies. Our results also suggest further exploring the opportunity to combine social media data and other sources of information to shed more light on the technological innovation diffusion processes.

Practical implications

This paper shows how practitioners can benefit from the analysis of information exchange about new technologies in tourism adopting a network perspective with the aim of understanding the level of influence among contributors. Moreover, the increasing interest in blockchain technology and the potential combination between social media data and other sources of information can offer promising insights.

Social implications

The present study explores the level of technology diffusion through the analysis of information exchange on social media (Twitter). Furthermore, the dynamics of individual user behaviour offers a better understanding about media effects.

Originality/value

While previous research is focused on the users' perception towards the development of new technologies in tourism, the aim of this study is to investigate the dynamics behind the level of diffusion of information and awareness about these new technologies, which still represents an unexplored area of research.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 36 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 12 September 2024

Wuraola Peter and Barbara Orser

This study examines why low-wealth women entrepreneurs forgo mobile enabled money services and government supported micro finance for informal, community-based revolving loans in…

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines why low-wealth women entrepreneurs forgo mobile enabled money services and government supported micro finance for informal, community-based revolving loans in rural Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Thematic analysis of 25 interviews with women in rural, south-west Nigeria. Entrepreneurial ecosystem theory, in the gendered context of micro finance and community-based lending, is employed.

Findings

This study explains the paradox of forgoing seemingly accessible mobile enabled credit, and formal credit schemes (e.g. micro-finance programs) for informal, one-on-one borrowing. Convenience and trust-based relationships with respected community members ease the burden of time scarcity and vulnerability associated with formal capital. Flexible terms, autonomy, self-reliance and knowing who one is dealing with make Esusu a preferred source of finance. Findings are discussed in the context of gendered entrepreneurial ecosystems in which participants conduct business.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is not representative of women entrepreneurs in rural Nigeria. Survivorship bias is acknowledged. Further research is needed on the psychological risks of informal capital and the benefits of community-based lending.

Practical implications

Measures to scale mobile enabled credit, without commensurate interventions to address time management and other structural issues that confront women traders, limit their utility and impacts. Power differentials between women traders and lenders must also be considered in the design of lending products. Training of women traders and formal lenders should incorporate curricula about gender gaps in capital markets and systematic gender challenges to support entrepreneurs who seek to grow beyond subsistence enterprises.

Originality/value

This study documents decision criteria that motivate informal rural women traders to employ community-based revolving credit or Esusu. Findings inform measures to increase women entrepreneurs' access to capital in a rural sub-Saharan Africa contexts.

Details

International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-6266

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 23 September 2024

Hufrish Majra and Nalini Krishnan

This case study involves interviews with radiologists of various hospitals and with company personnel. Both primary and secondary data sources have been used. The first-hand…

Abstract

Research methodology

This case study involves interviews with radiologists of various hospitals and with company personnel. Both primary and secondary data sources have been used. The first-hand perspective from the radiologists highlighted the challenges they face concerning time and the patient load. The company personnel highlighted using machine learning for used cases to make the platform more robust and accurate. This case has been tested with MBA students.

Case overview/synopsis

An emerging health-care artificial intelligence (AI) start-up, DeepTek.AI, wants to expand its reach in the radiology market. The company intends to leverage technology to assist radiologists in diagnostics. India's health-care sector faces the challenge of needing more trained doctors and nurses to meet the ever-increasing needs of patients. This case study revolves around the radiologists' concerns about implementing the new technology and its ease of use. The features and benefits of integrating AI in diagnostics are the need of the hour, but the reliability of results needs to be ascertained for adopting it.

Complexity academic level

This case was written for marketing applications and practices, trends in marketing, marketing strategy and technology adoption in marketing courses at the post-graduate level. Consumer adoption of finance, hospitality, travel and health-care technology is vital for increasing the company's market share and growth prospects. The students will have an opportunity to understand the challenges and the opportunities.

Details

The CASE Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 1544-9106

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 February 2024

Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah, Muhammad Aliff Asyraff, Mohd Noor Ismawi Ismail and Juke Sjukriana

The purpose of this study is twofold. The first objective is to identify the factors that affect Gen Z tourists' M-payment behaviour. Next, this study investigates the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is twofold. The first objective is to identify the factors that affect Gen Z tourists' M-payment behaviour. Next, this study investigates the inter-relationship between Gen Z tourist’s perception of M-payment benefits, adoption behaviour, usage risk and future usage intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprised Malaysian Gen Z individuals (n = 326) who had experience using M-payment methods while travelling outbound. Given the complex nature of the model and the goal to predict and explain relationships within Gen Z's M-payment usage, partial-least square-structural equation modelling was used to assess the study framework and test the proposed relationships.

Findings

This study reveals significant influences on Gen Z tourists' behavioural intentions towards M-payment usage. Perceived benefits, performance expectancy, social influence and perceived trust positively impact behavioural intentions, while effort expectancy exhibits no significant effect. Furthermore, perceived trust is strongly influenced by perceived security, which also positively influences behavioural intentions. A mediated relationship is evident as trust mediating the effect of perceived security on behavioural intentions.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s findings contribute to understanding the intricate relationships influencing Gen Z's M-payment behaviour and underscore trust's pivotal role in mediating the security–behavioural intention relationship.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to consider Mental Accounting Theory and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology as crucial underpinning theories in comprehending the intricate relationships that influence Gen Z travellers' perceptions and behaviours concerning M-payment systems.

Details

Young Consumers, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-3616

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 12 September 2024

Mallika Sankar, Sathish Pachiyappan, Arjun B S and Anubha Srivastava

In the face of escalating urban populations, the quest for seamless mobility in cities becomes increasingly complex, even in regions where transit options are presumably…

Abstract

In the face of escalating urban populations, the quest for seamless mobility in cities becomes increasingly complex, even in regions where transit options are presumably accessible within the developing world. The imperative to confront urban mobility challenges and forge sustainable cities equipped with adept transportation and traffic management systems cannot be overstated. This study delves into the technological paradigms employed by developed nations and evaluates their pertinence in the current milieu for mitigating urban mobility challenges. Simultaneously, it scrutinizes the deployment of smart city technologies (SCTs) within developing nations, investigating potential technological strides that can be harnessed to achieve sustainable urban transportation. By dissecting the intricacies of SCTs in developing countries, the study aims to unearth viable technological advancements that can be judiciously implemented to foster sustainable urban mobility. It aspires to provide nuanced recommendations for the integration of latent SCTs, unlocking untapped potential to augment the sustainability of urban transportation in the developing world. The research also elucidates strategies geared towards fostering international collaborations which are instrumental in propelling the development of cities characterized by equity and inclusivity. The study underscores the significance of a global alliance in overcoming urban challenges, emphasizing the need for shared knowledge, resources and experiences to propel the evolution of cities towards a more sustainable and equitable future. This research serves as a comprehensive exploration of the intricate interplay between technology, urbanization and international cooperation, offering insights and recommendations pivotal to steering the trajectory of urban development in developing nations.

Details

Smart Cities and Circular Economy
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-958-5

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 30 September 2024

Hassan Ali Khan

Innovation in service, procedure and product design is essential for long-term success in today's fast-paced and cutthroat hospitality sector. This study aims to learn how…

Abstract

Innovation in service, procedure and product design is essential for long-term success in today's fast-paced and cutthroat hospitality sector. This study aims to learn how innovation may revolutionise the hospitality sector and lead to memorable guest experiences.

The research delves into new ways of thinking about service design, emphasizing how to create engaging and individual customer experiences (CXs). In order to stand out in a crowded hospitality market and keep up with customers' ever-changing demands, businesses in the industry are experimenting with new approaches to service, like co-creation, personalisation and experience design.

The study also digs into process innovation in the hotel industry, looking at how the latest tech and automation are helping to streamline processes and boost productivity. Reservation systems, guest check-in and check-out, cleaning and supply chain management are just a few areas that get studied. The study delves into how thoughtful product design may enrich visitors' hotel stays. It explores new and interesting services like in-room entertainment, eco-friendly building techniques and creative cuisine. The study investigates how these unique items affect customers' opinions of the products' worth, satisfaction and loyalty.

Methods such as in-depth interviews with experts, guest surveys and the examination of case studies highlighting cutting-edge design in the hospitality industry are all part of the research strategy. This project seeks to provide useful insights and recommendations for hospitality firms that want to adopt innovative service, process and product design methods by analysing real-world instances and gathering empirical data.

Details

Marketing and Design in the Service Sector
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-276-0

Keywords

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