bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Models of benthic bipedalism
Authors: Giardina F. , Mahadevan L.
Published: January 2021

Walking is a common bipedal and quadrupedal gait and is often associated with terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Inspired by recent evidence of the neural underpinnings of primitive aquatic walking in the little skateLeucoraja erinacea, we introduce a theoretical model of aquatic walking that reveals robust and efficient gaits with modest requirements for body morphology and control. The model predicts undulatory behaviour of the system body with a regular foot placement pattern, which is also observed in the animal, and additionally predicts the existence of gait bistability between two states, one with a large energetic cost for locomotion and another associated with almost no energetic cost. We show that these can be discovered using a simple reinforcement learning scheme. To test these theoretical frameworks, we built a bipedal robot and show that its behaviours are similar to those of our minimal model: its gait is also periodic and exhibits bistability, with a low efficiency mode separated from a high efficiency mode by a ‘jump’ transition. Overall, our study highlights the physical constraints on the evolution of walking and provides a guide for the design of efficient biomimetic robots.
Forcing the issue: testing gecko-inspired adhesives
Authors: Suresh Srinivasan A. , Hajj-Ahmad Amar , Hawkes Elliot W. , Cutkosky Mark R.
Published: January 2021

Materials are traditionally tested either by imposing controlled displacements and measuring the corresponding forces, or by imposing controlled forces. The first of these approaches is more common because it is straightforward to control the displacements of a stiff apparatus and, if the material suddenly fails, little energy is released. However, when testing gecko-inspired adhesives, an applied force paradigm is closer to how the adhesives are loaded in practice. Moreover, we demonstrate that the controlled displacement paradigm can lead to artefacts in the assumed behaviour unless the imposed loading trajectory precisely matches the deflections that would occur in applications. We present the design of a controlled-force system and protocol for testing directional gecko-inspired adhesives and show that results obtained with it are in some cases substantially different from those with controlled-displacement testing. An advantage of the controlled-force testing approach is that it allows accurate generation of adhesive limit curves without prior knowledge of the expected behaviour of the material or the loading details associated with practical applications.
Centrosome-centric view of asymmetric stem cell division
Authors: Chen Cuie , Yamashita Yukiko M.
Published: January 2021

The centrosome is a unique organelle: the semi-conservative nature of its duplication generates an inherent asymmetry between ‘mother’ and ‘daughter’ centrosomes, which differ in their age. This asymmetry has captivated many cell biologists, but its meaning has remained enigmatic. In the last two decades, many stem cell types have been shown to display stereotypical inheritance of either the mother or daughter centrosome. These observations have led to speculation that the mother and daughter centrosomes bear distinct information, contributing to differential cell fates during asymmetric cell divisions. This review summarizes recent progress and discusses how centrosome asymmetry may promote asymmetric fates during stem cell divisions.
A robot chamfering system for special-shaped and thin-walled workpieces
Authors: Li Mingyang , Du Zhijiang , Ma Xiaoxing , Dong Wei , Wang Yongzhi , Gao Yongzhuo , Chen Wei
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a robotic automation system for processing special-shaped thin-walled workpieces, which includes a measurement part and a processing part.

Design/methodology/approach

In the measurement part, to efficiently and accurately realize the three-dimensional camera hand-eye calibration based on a large amount of measurement data, this paper improves the traditional probabilistic method. To solve the problem of time-consuming in the extraction of point cloud features, this paper proposes a point cloud feature extraction method based on seed points. In the processing part, the authors design a new type of chamfering tool. During the process, the robot adopts admittance control to perform compensation according to the feedback of four sensors mounted on the tool.

Findings

Experiments show that the proposed system can make the tool smoothly fit the chamfered edge during processing and the machined chamfer meets the processing requirements of 0.5 × 0.5 to 0.9 × 0.9 mm2.

Practical implications

The proposed design and approach can be applied on many types of special-shaped thin-walled parts. This will give a new solution for the automation integration problem in aerospace manufacturing.

Originality/value

A novel robotic automation system for processing special-shaped thin-walled workpieces is proposed and a new type of chamfering tool is designed. Furthermore, a more accurate probabilistic hand-eye calibration method and a more efficient point cloud extraction method are proposed, which are suitable for this system when comparing with the traditional methods.
Synthesis analysis for multi-UAVs formation anomaly detection
Authors: Jianhong Wang , Yanxiang Wang
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deal with the anomaly detection problem in multi-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) formation that can be transformed to identify some unknown parameters; a more general nonlinear dynamical model for each UAV is considered to include two terms. Due to an unknown parameter corresponding to the normal or abnormal state for each UAV, the bias-compensated approach is proposed to obtain the unbiased parameter estimation. Meanwhile, the biased error and accuracy analysis are also given in case of strict statistical description of the uncertainty or white noise. To relax this strict statistical description on external noise, an analytic center approach is proposed to identify the unknown parameters in presence of bounded noise, such that two inner and outer ellipsoidal approximations are constructed to include the membership set. To be precise, this paper is regarded as one extension and summary for the author’s previous research on the anomaly detection in multi-UAV formation. Finally, one simulation example is given to confirm the theoretical results.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, one extended nonlinear relation is constructed to embody the mutual relationship of UAVs. Secondly, to obtain the unbiased parameter estimations, the bias-compensated approach is applied to achieve it under the condition of white noise. Thirdly, in case of unknown but bounded noise, an analytic center approach is proposed to deal with this special case. Without loss of generality, the author thinks this paper can be used as one extension and summary for research on multi-UAVs formation anomaly detection.

Findings

An anomaly detection problem in multi-UAVs formation can be transformed into a problem of nonlinear system identification, and in modeling the nonlinear dynamical model for each UAV, two terms are considered simultaneously to embody the mutual relationships with other nearest UAV.

Originality/value

To the best knowledge of the authors, this problem of the anomaly detection problem in multi-UAVs formation is proposed by the authors’ previous work, and the problem of multi-UAVs formation anomaly detection can be transferred into one problem of parameter identification. In case of unknown but bounded noise, an analytic center approach is proposed to identify the unknown parameters, which correspond to achieve the goal of the anomaly detection.
“If more people cut out gluten, the zombies would wake up”: the construction of health-related concerns by gluten-free food consumers
Authors: Wei ML
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Markets for free from foods have undergone extensive growth as consumers attempt to manage their health in increasingly novel ways. This research explores the making of consumer perceptions about the health of gluten-free foods.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs qualitative methods including in-depth interviews with consumers of gluten-free foods and content analysis of online consumer comments.

Findings

Findings illustrate how consumers leverage personal responsibility, social commentary and political criticism in ways that forge essential connections with traditional medical authority. In particular, consumers blend diverse views together by expressing reverence, positioning complementarity and framing temporality.

Research limitations/implications

This research highlights the productive role of consumers in shaping what constitutes health-related concerns and widens the scope of explanatory factors beyond product- and individual-level differences. This research is set in the context of gluten-free foods and draws on interview data from a single set of consumers. Future research could consider other free from markets including, for example, soy-free foods and corn-free foods, both of which implicate some of the most common ingredients in food products and potential regional differences both within and outside of North America.

Practical implications

This research offers insights into the marketing of gluten-free foods and free from foods in general, specifically the participation of consumers in legitimising the need for these foods on the basis of health.

Originality/value

I weave together multiple streams of work across disciplines including food marketing, contested illnesses and institutional logics to further our understanding of the dynamic nature of contemporary markets for free from foods.
Curvilinear relationship between experienced incivility and nontask behavior in Korean companies
Authors: Song Gi Ryung , Kim Kyoung Seok
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Most existing studies treat the relationship between experienced incivility and behavioral responses as linear. However, the current study examines the curvilinear relationships between experienced incivility and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and instigated incivility using conservation of resources (COR) theory and by referring to related studies that have identified typical positive and negative employee nontask behaviors. Furthermore, this study identifies turnover intention as a moderator of these curvilinear relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

All samples were obtained from respondents working for Korean companies listed on the Korean Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (KOSDAQ); 228 samples were used for the analysis. A quadratic regression function was established to analyze the curved relationships according to hierarchical stages.

Findings

Our analysis determined that aU-shaped curvilinear relationship exists between experienced incivility and OCB, and an invertedU-shaped curvilinear relationship exists between experienced and instigated incivility. However, the moderating effect of turnover intention is significant only in the relationship between experienced and instigated incivility.

Originality/value

This study exhibits three points of originality—first, by simultaneously considering two dependent variables as responses to experienced incivility and examining their response patterns; second, by using a curvilinear relationship model to investigate the relationship between experienced incivility and its dependent variables; and finally, by finding a moderator to the curved relationship.
Research on the rework risk core tasks in prefabricated construction in China
Authors: Shen Kaicheng , Li Xiaodong , Cao Xinying , Zhihui Zhang
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the process of prefabricated construction (PC) and analyze the impacts of rework risk to identify the core tasks for which the rework risk has severe impacts.

Design/methodology/approach

The methods consist of a literature review, expert interviews, a questionnaire survey and a rework risk function. The expert interviews and questionnaire survey were administered to experts in the entire process of PC from the dimensions of rework frequency, rework cost and rework time. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the data. The rework risk function was based on the loss expectancy method.

Findings

There are 13 core tasks that have higher impacts than the average level. The core tasks in the design stage account for 100% of the tasks in the stage, those in the manufacturing stage account for 20% and those in the construction stage account for 23.1%. Compared with the other stages, the design stage is characterized by significantly more frequent rework, higher rework costs and longer rework time. The manufacturing stage is characterized by significantly higher rework costs than the construction stage. The manufacturing stage and construction stage are co-reliant, and both are impacted by the design stage.

Practical implications

The findings provide stakeholders with a clear understanding of the core tasks of the PC process and represent a method for identifying core tasks. Stakeholders can learn from this to focus on the core tasks to reduce rework risk and manage the process with the priority of PC rework management based on the following order: design > manufacturing > construction. The approach is suitable for core task identification in other areas.

Originality/value

This research provides insight into rework risk management and provides a novel analysis method for rework risk and PC management from the perspective of the construction process. The findings are valuable for supporting stakeholders in making effective construction plans to reduce the impacts of rework risk in PC and provide a reference for future research on process optimization.
Promoting entrepreneurial intentions for academic scientists: combining the social cognition theory and theory of planned behaviour in broadly-defined academic entrepreneurship
Authors: Wang Miao , Cai Jianfeng , Munir Hina
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Drawing on the social cognition theory, the purpose of this research is to explore how selected individual and organizational determinants, namely individual academic output (AO) and previous commercialization experience, organizational scientific reputation and entrepreneurial support policies (ESPs) influence their broadly-defined academic entrepreneurial intentions, involving spin-off intention (SOI), patenting and licensing intention (PLI), contract research and consulting intention (CCI) through theory of planned behaviour (TPB) modelling.

Design/methodology/approach

The current research constructs the framework by combining reciprocal determinism in the social cognition theory with TPB. To testify the hypotheses, partial least squares structural equational modelling (PLS–SEM) technique with 272 observations from Chinese universities was utilized.

Findings

The findings show that academic-related determinants, namely individual AO and organizational reputation (OR), are more likely to influence academic scientists' SOI through TPB modelling, while entrepreneurial-related determinants in terms of individual previous commercialization experience (PCE) and ESPs in higher education organizations are more influential for promoting behavioural intention to all kinds of academic entrepreneurship activities through TPB modelling. The more formal academic entrepreneurship involvement (engaging in creating spin-offs) is better explained through TPB modelling, especially the continuous mediating effects of subjective norms and entrepreneurial attitude and perceived behavioural control are more effective on spin-off activities. In addition, subjective norms are more influential in mediating relationships between individual or organizational antecedents and academic entrepreneurial intentions in the Chinese context.

Originality/value

Combining the social cognition theory and TPB, this study first investigated how individual intentions to engage in broadly-defined academic entrepreneurial activities are promoted through TPB modelling. The results, relating to the divergence of different determinants shaping different academic entrepreneurial intentions through various paths in TPB modelling, will provide insight into university managers and policymakers to improve academic entrepreneurship engagement in the Chinese context.
How implicit self-theories and dual-brand personalities enhance word-of-mouth
Authors: Mandal Sudipta , Sahay Arvind , Terron Adrian , Mahto Kavita
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Consumers subscribe to different mindsets or implicit theories of personality malleability, namely, fixed and growth mindsets. This study aims to investigate how and why consumers’ mindsets can influence their word-of-mouth (WOM) intentions toward a brand and the consequent implications for a brand’s personality.

Design/methodology/approach

Three mall-intercept studies and one online study demonstrate the influence of consumers’ fixed and growth mindsets on their WOM intentions. The first two mall-intercept studies identify motivations underlying consumers’ WOM intentions as a function of their mindset orientations. The third mall-intercept study examines the implications of such mindset-oriented WOM intentions for a brand’s personality dimension and the underlying psychological mechanism. The fourth study tests the link between WOM intent and behavior.

Findings

Results show that fixed (growth) mindset individuals exhibit greater WOM intentions than growth (fixed) mindset individuals for motives of “impression management” (“learning and information acquisition”). Findings further demonstrate that brands that exhibit dual personality dimensions simultaneously, one salient and the other non-salient at any instant, garner equivalent WOM intentions from both fixed and growth mindset individuals, contingent on the fit between the salient brand personality dimension and the dominant consumer mindset. Finally, using a real brand, it can be seen that WOM intentions actually translate into behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The study measures offline WOM intent but not offline WOM behavior.

Practical implications

This study sheds new light on branding strategy by demonstrating how and why dual-brand personalities may attract consumers with both kinds of implicit self-theory orientations. Relatedly, it also demonstrates a technique of framing ad-appeals that support the dual-brand personality effect.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to propose and demonstrate the use of simultaneous dual-brand personalities as an optimal branding strategy.
Understanding the knowledge and engagement of facilities management with dementia-friendly design in Irish hospitals: an exploratory study
Authors: Xidous Dimitra , Grey Tom , Kennelly Sean P. , O’Neill Desmond
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This exploratory study stems from research conducted between 2015–2018 focussing on dementia-friendly design (DFD) in hospitals (Grey T. et al. 2018). Specifically, this study focusses on facilities management (FM) staff in Irish hospitals to gain a preliminary understanding of the level of knowledge and engagement of FM in the implementation of dementia-friendly hospital (DFH) design.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach based on a series of ad hoc semi-structured interviews, and an online survey. The aims were, namely, assess the extent of FM engagement in hospital works; measure the level of awareness regarding DFD; and identify facilitators and barriers to DFD in hospital settings. Participants (74) comprised FM staff in 35 Irish acute care hospitals. The research findings are based on thematic analysis of ad hoc semi-structured interviews (participants, n = 4) and survey responses (participants, n = 13).

Findings

While FM staff reported to possess important knowledge for building DFH, they also mentioned a lack of engagement of FM in design processes and hospital works.

Practical implications

The research has gained insight into the role of FM in promoting a dementia-friendly approach. Lack of or poor engagement of FM in design processes and hospital works means not fully tapping into rich expertise that would be invaluable in the development, implementation and maintenance of DFH. Universal design is a key driver for facilitating their engagement in the design, implementation and maintenance of DFH environments.

Originality/value

This is the first study exploring the role of FM in supporting a DFD approach in acute care hospitals.
A new (3 + 1)-dimensional Painlevé-integrable Sakovich equation: multiple soliton solutions
Authors: Wazwaz Abdul-Majid
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a new (3 + 1)-dimensional Painlevée-integrable extended Sakovich equation. This paper formally derives multiple soliton solutions for this developed model.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the simplified Hirota’s method for deriving multiple soliton solutions.

Findings

This paper finds that the developed (3 + 1)-dimensional Sakovich model exhibits complete integrability in analogy with the standard Sakovich equation.

Research limitations/implications

This paper addresses the integrability features of this model via using the Painlevée analysis. This paper reports multiple soliton solutions for this equation by using the simplified Hirota’s method.

Practical implications

The study reports three non-linear terms added to the standard Sakovich equation.

Social implications

The study presents useful algorithms for constructing new integrable equations and for handling these equations.

Originality/value

The paper reports a new Painlevée-integrable extended Sakovich equation, which belongs to second-order partial differential equations. The constructed model does not contain any dispersion term such as uxxx.
Enhancing social and individual sustainability in urban co-living
Authors: Mellner Christin , Niemi Maria , Pollanen Elin , Osika Walter
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Urbanisation is trending globally, leading to population densification and housing shortage and people living increasingly in isolation. This entails challenges to sustainable development including ecological, social and well-being issues. This paper aims to evaluate the effects of a six-month onboarding self-leadership programme including exercises in mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy, amongst residents in a co-living space (n = 24) and a waiting list (n = 21).

Design/methodology/approach

At baseline and post-intervention, participants filled out questionnaires and two waves of in-depth interviews (n = 24) were conducted. Repeated measures one-way analysis of variance and thematic text analyses were performed.

Findings

Participation in the programme significantly (all ps < 0.000 to 0.050) improved relationship quality and communication about one’s needs regarding work-non-work boundaries, especially amongst residents at the co-living space. Moreover, programme participation significantly increased perceived work-non-work boundary control, work-life balance, psychological well-being, psychological flexibility and self-compassion, with effect sizes (hp2) in the medium to the large range (0.14 to 0.39). Qualitative findings suggested that increased psychological flexibility and self-compassion encouraged co-living residents to be more vulnerable and trusting, which enabled communication regarding one’s needs and enhanced mutual social support and relationship quality. This, in turn, improved overall boundary management, work-life balance and well-being.

Originality/value

Co-living settings – while contributing to overall sustainable development through more efficient use of space and resources – can also contribute to societal and individual sustainability. However, to ensure this contribution, the physical environment including private areas and common and semi-public areas, as well as the socio-emotional environment need to be considered.
A non-linear mathematical model-based routing protocol for WBAN-based health-care systems
Authors: Rajendra Prasad Ch , Bojja Polaiah
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present a non-linear mathematical model-based routing protocol for wireless body area networks (WBANs). Two non-linear mathematical models for WBANs are used in the proposed protocols Model 1 and Model 2. Model 1 intends to improve the data transmission rate and Model 2 intends to reduce energy consumption in the WBANs. These models are simulated for fixed deployment and priority-based data transmission, and performance of the network is analyzed under four constraints on WBANs.

Design/methodology/approach

Advancements in wireless technology play a vital role in several applications such as electronic health care, entertainment and games. Though WBANs are widely used in digital health care, they have restricted battery capacity which affects network stability and data transmission. Therefore, several research studies focused on reducing energy consumption and maximizing the data transmission rate in WBANs.

Findings

Simulation results of the proposed protocol exhibit superior performance in terms of four network constraints such as residual energy, the stability of the network, path loss and data transmission rate in contrast with conventional routing protocols. The performance improvement of these parameters confirms that the proposed algorithm is more reliable and consumes less energy than traditional algorithms.

Originality/value

The Model 1 of the proposed work provides maximum data extraction, which ensures reliable data transmission in WBANs. The Model 2 allocates minimal hop count path between the sink and the sensor nodes, which minimizes energy consumption in the WBANs.
Cognitive biases policy (CBP) in performance improvements – the example of benchmarking
Authors: Kulikowski Konrad
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Despite evidence showing that cognitive biases – the systematic errors made by humans during cognitive processing, are prevalent among decision-makers, there is a lack of theoretical models providing insight into how these limitations of human mind might affect decisions made during performance management. This study aims to fill this gap and contribute to performance management scholarship by proposing a conceptual framework broadening our understanding of the role of cognitive biases in performance improvements practices and by highlighting remedies for cognitive biases.

Design/methodology/approach

Using benchmarking as an example, the authors integrate the knowledge from performance management and cognitive psychology literature. Examples of cognitive biases possible during benchmarking are used to illustrate how the limitations of human mind might have a critical role in performance management.

Findings

The cognitive biases might diminish the positive effect of performance improvement practice on organizational performance. As there is a prevalence of cognitive biases coupled with the inability of individuals to recognize and face them, the remedy for cognitive biases should be sought not at an individual but rather on an organizational level, in creating organizational cognitive biases policy (CBP).

Originality/value

The presented model provides new insights into the role of cognitive biases in performance management and allows seeing CBP as a safeguard against the effects of cognitive biases on performance. By referring to cognitive biases and CBP, our model also helps to understand why the same performance improvement practices might incite different opinions among decision-makers.
Agencification in Greece: a parallel public sector?
Authors: Lampropoulou Manto
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the impact of agencification on the process of administrative reorganization in Greece. It is suggested that agencies tend to create a parallel administrative space that operates disjointly or even detached from the central bureaucracy. This hypothesis is tested and elaborated in relation to Greece's centralist administrative tradition.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis identifies the critical junctures of the domestic agencification pattern and seeks to explain its evolution on the basis of historical-cultural factors, rational choice explanations and country-specific variables. The methodology combines quantitative and qualitative research. Along with a review of existing literature, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and the Registry of Entities and Agencies.

Findings

The findings show that agencification never became a coherent policy reform tool, while its outcomes were filtered by the centralist and politicized tradition of the Greek state. The effect of agencification was proved to be highly path-dependent and contingent upon the broader administrative tradition. The agencification policy does not follow a clear direction and has been shaped as a random combination ofad hocdecisions, external pressures and domestic politics.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides some generalizations of the agencification experience. However, they do not cover all specificities and particularities of agencies and their applicability varies. Further research could consider these variations.

Originality/value

A novelty of this study is that it links the agencification effect with three key aspects of the administrative reform process, namely, decentralization, debureaucratization and depoliticization. In addition, no single study exists regarding agencification in Greece; thus, the paper is the first to provide an overall view of the Greek arm's length bodies.
Personalization of serious games for learning
Authors: Bontchev Boyan Paskalev , Terzieva Valentina , Paunova-Hubenova Elena
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present principles for personalization of both learning content and gameplay in serious games for learning, which are based on a combined model of the student that comprises user, learner and player-related aspects of the student’s profile. Each of the considered user, learner and player sub-models has a static and dynamic group of characteristics. These characteristics assist general approaches for learning mazes game personalization applied to embedded mini-games (designed as information units, learning objects and educational tasks) so that to be adjustable and to enable learners to acquire knowledge more effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

A student modelling approach was applied to design the personalization of learning content in the educational maze game and each of them contained mini-games. To evaluate the student’s preferences about the types of mini-games and ways of their personalization depending on individual and group student characteristics, the authors conducted an online survey.

Findings

This study presents examples of personalization of four types of mini-games available in maze halls, namely, question, searching, arranging and action games. Next, the research discusses findings from an online survey aiming at the evaluation of the preferred types of mini-games and the way of their personalization. There are analysed results concerning the impact of the student model characteristics on the preferred ways of personalization in educational maze games, together with criteria for personalization of educational resources according to student’s level of knowledge, age, goals and learning style.

Research limitations/implications

A significant limitation of the research is the relatively small number of survey participants and the lack of studying the impact of learning and playing styles over game personalization. Another limitation of the study is the inclusion of only some of the mini-games within the demonstration maze, which respondents play before answering the survey questions.

Originality/value

This paper presents original research on the personalization of educational maze game based on a model of the student profile that comprises both static and dynamic properties reflecting user, learner and player-related aspects of the student character, together with results obtained from an online survey.
Distance learning during COVID-19 pandemic: satisfaction, opportunities and challenges as perceived by faculty members and students
Authors: El Refae Ghaleb Awad , Kaba Abdoulaye , Eletter Shorouq
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate and assess the first experience of faculty members and students with distance learning implemented at Al Ain University (AAU) to contain the spread of Coronavirus or COVID-19. The paper attempted to understand faculty and students’ satisfaction with institutional readiness for distance learning and perception towards opportunities and challenges of distance learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on data collected in March 2020 through an online survey questionnaire from the participants (students = 445, faculty members = 139). The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) was used in formulating a conceptual framework. The collected data were analysed using several statistical techniques and partial least square structural equation modelling, to test and verify hypotheses.

Findings

The study found that, although faculty members and students expressed high satisfaction with the institutional readiness for distance learning and believed in its opportunities and advantages, they expressed concerns about the challenges facing distance learning. Findings of the study indicated a relationship between the status or college of the participant and perceived opportunities and advantages of distance learning. Hypotheses testing supported the study framework and UTAUT theory by identifying and confirming the impact of perceived opportunities of distance learning on satisfaction with the institutional readiness for distance learning.

Originality/value

The study suggested that non-distance learning institutions should keep offering courses through distance learning to prevent any shortcomings in the future.
Perceived organizational support, self-efficacy and work engagement: testing for the interaction effects
Authors: Musenze Ibrahim Abaasi , Mayende Thomas Sifuna , Kalenzi Abbey , Namono Rehema
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of the interaction effect of perceived organizational support (POS) and self-efficacy (SE) with work engagement (WE) within the primary education industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper relies on structural equation modeling (SEM) with AMOS (V.22) to test and resolve the conditional hypothesis that fusion of POS and SE is necessary for WE.

Findings

The scale of effect of POS on WE depends on SE; hence, the assumption of nonadditivity is achieved. Precisely, the interaction of POS and SE is necessary for WE.

Research limitations/implications

The study was based on a single research methodological approach, namely quantitative research methodology, which could have been affected the outcome of this investigation. Future studies could investigate WE interaction model through qualitative lens in order to provide a triangulation opportunity. Moreover, the findings from the current study are cross-sectional, and data were collected at a snapshot. Therefore, future research should consider the multiplicative effects studied in this paper across time.

Practical implications

Attempts to heighten WE levels, among government primary school teachers in Uganda, would require that management regularly ventures into finding a more practical and feasible fusion of POS with SE in order to provide significant levels of WE among employees of primary education industry.

Originality/value

This is the first study that tests the interactive effects of POS and SE on WE in Uganda's primary education industry.
Understanding how customers engage with social tourism websites
Authors: Bravo Rafael , Catalán Sara , Pina José M.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the effect of technology acceptance variables on customer attitude and customer engagement behaviours (CEB) with social tourism websites (STWs).

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was carried out with 346 customers. A model was developed to analyse the relationships between CEB and their determinants. Partial least squares – structural equation modelling was used to test the model.

Findings

Customers’ perceptions of enjoyment, ease of use, usefulness and trustworthiness positively influence their attitude towards STWs and their subsequent engagement behaviours [purchases, word of mouth (WOM) and referrals].

Originality/value

This study develops and empirically tests a model that analyses the impact of technology acceptance model variables on CEB, both transactional (customer purchases) and non-transactional (customer WOM, referrals and feedback), in the context of STWs.
Reaping benefits from knowledge transfer – the role of confidence in knowledge
Authors: Nair Smitha R. , Pillai Kishore Gopalakrishna , Demirbag Mehmet
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a conceptual model that examines the role of an individual’s confidence in the transferred knowledge in realizing benefits from such transfers. In so doing, the paper attempts to address the gap in the knowledge transfer (KT) literature pertaining to the inability of recipients to gain benefits from incoming transferred knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model has been developed by drawing from the literature on socio-cognitive approaches by using psychological variables (individual-level differences in need for closure, regulatory focus and self-efficacy) and contextual factors that include the perceived novelty of knowledge and positive feedback from social interactions, which influence confidence in incoming knowledge.

Findings

The conceptual model builds on the socio-cognitive perspective and explores some of the important issues that could contribute to the individual’s adeptness (or lack thereof) in deriving benefits from transferred knowledge, thus addressing a vital gap in strategy and management literature.

Originality/value

The paper introduces the concept of confidence in knowledge to the KT literature, which could lend valuable insights pertaining to deriving benefits from transferred knowledge. In addition, by highlighting the role of important individual-specific constructs in determining the ability to gain benefits from KT, the paper makes a significant contribution to the stream of research on the micro-foundational bases of strategy. Finally, exploring perceived novelty as a knowledge attribute in this paper adds an interesting perspective to the individuals’ perception of the target knowledge quality and the resulting confidence in the incoming knowledge, which could in turn be moderated by individual differences.
Quality of place and resident satisfaction in a historic – religious urban settlement in Iran
Authors: Maghsoodi Tilaki Mohammad Javad , Hedayati Marzbali Massoomeh , Safizadeh Mina , Abdullah Aldrin
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Given its ineffective urban control strategies, Iran’s urbanisation experiences indicate highly rapid migration, horizontal expansion, spatial inequality and an imbalanced distribution of public services. Considering the significance of historic fabric for the spatial continuity of neighbourhoods and the formation of the physical identity of cities, this study aims to evaluate the impact of quality of place (QoP) on resident satisfaction in a historic – religious settlement of Sari, a provincial capital city in the north of Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

Various studies have evaluated resident satisfaction in the old urban fabric, but scarce investigations have focussed on the impact of QoP on resident satisfaction at historic-religious settlements. Conceptually, this research extends theory by reframing QoP as a reflective, hierarchical construct and modelling its impact on satisfaction. A sample of 227 residents was analysed via structural equation modelling.

Findings

Understanding the contribution of QoP to residential satisfaction is a key element in facilitating sustainable neighbourhood development so as to improve the condition of a historic neighbourhood. QoP is a second-order construct with four dimensions, namely, public facilities, sense of belonging, perception of safety and environmental quality, and is highly reflected by public facilities, followed by perception of safety, environmental quality and sense of belonging. The objective characteristics of the environment and subjective wellbeing perceived by residents play significant roles on resident satisfaction, especially in historic neighbourhoods.

Originality/value

Analysis of the structural model supports the theoretical findings in the literature that associate high QoP with high satisfaction. The model of this work can be applied for a wide range of human settlements.
Assessing dynamic capabilities of incumbents in the face of unprecedented industry transformation: the case of the automotive industry
Authors: Hoeft Fabian
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a holistic approach to the assessment of dynamic capabilities (DCs). Holistic refers to incorporating all DCs of an organisation relevant for determining and executing the firm's strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-phase study was conducted. First, secondary sources, such as media, industry and annual reports, are being used to initially assess CASE (connected, autonomous, shared and electric) and implications for incumbent car manufacturers in a structured way. Second, semi-structured interviews with automotive managers and further automotive stakeholders offer in-depth insights into CASE, as well as incumbents' strategies and the underlying rationale.

Findings

The proposed framework for assessing DCs offers a holistic approach and provides new angles of analysis. First, the time dimension is considered using scenarios since timing is vital in strategy and implementation. Second, capabilities are broken down into technological and non-technological, sharpening strategic decision-making of automakers. Third, the analysis considers external VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) as they interplay with internal DCs.

Research limitations/implications

Further testing of the proposed DC assessment approach offers a promising opportunity for future research. This paper focuses on the automotive industry, but it is worth investigating the extent to which the approach can be used in other dynamic industries, such as finance or retail.

Originality/value

The approach proposed highlights the importance and nuances of considering external perspectives in the DC assessment and the relevance of non-technological capabilities in the automotive industry. Thereby, it contributes to the literature on capability assessments and the operationalisability of the DC lens.
How a learning organization cultivates self-directed learning
Authors: Hutasuhut Ida , Ahmad Zaidi Adruce Shahren , Jonathan Victoria
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study aims to provide empirical evidence of how the five disciplines of learning organization introduced by Senge (1990) are practiced and how it could cultivate self-directed learning among employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study used a case study approach to get an in-depth understanding of how organizational learning is practiced in an innovative motorcycle-manufacturing company in Indonesia. A total of 30 staff and managers were selected purposively and interviewed by using a semi-structured interview to gain information about their experience in practicing the 5 disciplines in their daily work–life. Among the 30 participants, 11 were at the managerial level and 19 were at the staff level. Data collected were analyzed using a content analysis approach.

Findings

This study provides empirical evidence of how self-directed learning is cultivated in an organization that applies the five disciplines of learning organization introduced by Senge (1990). This study found that to cultivate self-directed learning, an organization needs to build a working climate where the five disciplines are integrated into daily work–life. Organizations need to ensure that its vision is shared by each of the employee, build synergy for personal mastery and team learning, train their employees to continuously refine their mental models and improve their ability to think using a systems approach.

Practical implications

The implications and recommendations arising from this study, first, provide insight to managers and human resource (HR) practitioners about the importance of creating a conducive working environment for learning. Moreover, with learning facilities in the era of industrial revolution 4.0, organizations need to shift their attention on how to transfer the responsibility of learning to the hands of the employees and HR practitioners should focus on providing more opportunities for employees to direct their own learning. Second, to support a learning environment that is conducive for cultivating self-directedness in learning requires commitment from top leaders in the organization.

Originality/value

This study observed that Senge’s approach to organizational learning focuses heavily on the individual’s processes and the interactions between them. Further studies are suggested to integrate knowledge management, particularly on how new knowledge is gained, stored, created, used and disseminated under the five pillars of the learning organization. It is also recommended to look at a broader perspective, such as the role of technology in intensifying learning and the role of strategic leadership in learning.
Survey on onboarding practices in Carnegie research institutions
Authors: Semenza Jenny Lynne , Harden Tania , Koury Regina
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe survey findings on onboarding initiatives at the Carnegie Doctoral Research Institutions of Higher Education libraries. The findings would be helpful to libraries that are at the beginning of their own onboarding initiatives or that wish to compare ongoing efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a survey of Carnegie Doctoral Research Institutions of Higher Education libraries using Qualtrics, an online survey software. Link to the survey with a short explanation was e-mailed to the 319 identified contacts and 111 responses were received at the end of the survey.

Findings

Survey responses revealed that the most prevalent types of onboarding initiatives are an orientation to campus policies and procedures and meeting with human resources. Half of the respondents introduce new employees to the social/cultural norms of the library informally, with responsibility for onboarding falling on the supervisor. Surprisingly, diversity and inclusion have not been identified as formal components of the onboarding by those who engage in it.

Originality/value

Specific research into the onboarding initiatives of Carnegie Doctoral Research Institutions of Higher Education libraries does not exist.
Open Building & Sustainable Environment
Authors: Kendall Stephen
Published: January 2021

With new urgency, governments, private corporations and institutions and private citizens are demanding sustainable new construction, regenerative neighborhoods and building adaptation rather than demolition. These demands are voiced in respect to both immediate and long−term community and individual values and aspirations.