bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of the student–instructor relationship on student-centric measures
Authors: Haverila Matti , Haverila Kai Christian
Published: February 2021

Purpose

On the basis of the justice, attachment, social support, self-determination theories, this research paper examines the impact of the student–instructor relationship construct on the customer-centric measures of overall student satisfaction, and perceived value for money and their impact of the behavioral intentions as an endogenous construct. We considered universities as providers of complex services focusing on students' service quality and students as the customers of the higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey instrument was used to collect data among undergraduate and graduate business students in a medium-sized Canadian university (N = 178). Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the strength, significance, and effect sizes of the relationships between the key constructs.

Findings

The results indicate that the student–instructor relationship is significantly related to student satisfaction and value for money perceptions. Also, the student satisfaction and behavioral intentions, value for money and student satisfaction, and value for money and behavioral intentions relationship were significant.

Originality/value

The perceived quality of student–instructor relationship and its relationship to customer-centric measures like satisfaction, value for money and behavioral intentions has received relatively little attention in previous research and was discovered to be an important contributor to the perceived student satisfaction and value for money. The importance of the student–instructor relationship is further emphasized indirectly via the perceived value for money construct to student satisfaction.
Development of dyadic relationships between competitors within multi-actor alliances
Authors: Santos Jose Novais , Baptista Cristina Sales
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Several studies have focused on the development of relationships between buyers and sellers; however, we still have a limited understanding of the interaction processes of the relationships between competitors over time. This paper aims to explore the development of relationships between competitors adopting an interaction and network approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines nine relationships between competitors that are part of two multi-actor alliances in the pharmaceutical industry. The study builds on nine longitudinal case studies supported by 24 in-depth interviews.

Findings

The findings reveal that the development of the relationships between competitors within the alliances comprises exchange and coordination processes. The cases show that relationship development is a “never-ending process” within the alliance that includes five phases: co-existence, formation, development, dormancy and dissolution. A third party is identified as having a catalyst role in relationship development.

Originality/value

Supported by a comprehensive literature review on relationship development models, this study highlights the value of applying an interaction and network approach for studying relationships between competitors.
Determinants of eco-socially conscious consumer behavior toward alternative fuel vehicles
Authors: Saleem Muhammad Abid , Eagle Lynne , Low David
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Climate change and global warming are acknowledged to be growing issues caused by emissions of greenhouse gases. Fuel-efficient or green cars offer a technological solution to reduce CO2 emissions from car exhaust. This study aims to draw on value–belief–norm (VBN) theory to provide an explanation of eco-socially conscious consumer behavior (ESCCB) related to the choice and use of personal cars.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected from 1,372 customers of the automobile industry of Pakistan, randomly drawn from 8 metropolitan cities. Partial least squares structural equation modeling is used to verify the hypotheses of the study.

Findings

By using variance-based structural equation modeling, this study showed that the VBN theory is fully supported in the cultural context of Pakistan and behavioral context of ESCCB. More specifically, personal introjected norms of the customers proved to be strong predictors of ESCCB while personal integrated norms predicted eco-social purchase intentions well.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the only study of its kind that examines the VBN model in the context of a developing country, Pakistan, and for a category of behaviors rarely tested before, i.e. ESCCBs related to purchase and use of personal cars.
The utility of the Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System for conducting comparative case analysis
Authors: Davies Kari , Imre Hanne , Woodhams Jessica
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System (ViCLAS) is a computerised database which is used by law enforcement in several countries to find potential links between serial violent crimes. In 2012, Bennell, Snook, MacDonald, House and Taylor identified a number of assumptions that must be valid for these computerised systems to be effective.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper revisits and expands on these assumptions with specific reference to the use of ViCLAS, looking at research that has been conducted since this 2012 review and outlining where research is still outstanding.

Findings

The importance of evaluating ViCLAS is highlighted in this paper.

Practical implications

Particularly, the research agenda highlights how the practice of comparative case analysis when using ViCLAS could be improved.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first review of the research dedicated specifically to the evaluation of ViCLAS.
Comparing fidelity monitoring methods in an evidence-based parenting intervention
Authors: Tiwari Ashwini , Whitaker Daniel , Self-Brown Shannon
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Two common methods in community settings of assessing program fidelity, a critical implementation component for program effectiveness, are video and audio recordings of sessions. This paper aims to examine how these two methods compared when used for a home-based behavioral parenting-training model (SafeCare®).

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-five SafeCare video-recorded sessions between home visitors and parents were scored by trained raters either using the video or audio-only portions of recordings. Sessions were coded using fidelity checklists, with items (n = 33) classified as one of two fidelity aspects, content [delivery of program components (n = 15)], or process [communication and rapport building (n = 11)]. Seven items were considered to overlap between constructs. Items were coded as having been done or not done appropriately. Coders rated items as “technological limitation” when scoring methods hindered coding. Analyses compared percent agreement and disagreement between audio and video coders.

Findings

Overall agreement between coders was 72.12%. Levels of agreement were higher for content items (M = 80.89%, SD = 19.68) than process items (58.54%, SD = 34.41). Disagreements due to technology limitations among audio coders were noted among 15 items; particularly, higher levels of disagreement were seen among process items (42.42%) than content items (9.64%).

Originality/value

Compared to video, fidelity monitoring via audio recordings was associated with some loss of process-related fidelity. However, audio recordings could be sufficient with supplements such as participant surveys, to better capture process items. Research should also examine how content and process fidelity relate to changes in family behavior to further inform optimal fidelity monitoring methods for program use.
Perceptions and experiences of virtual reality in public libraries
Authors: Dahya Negin , King W.E. , Lee Kung Jin , Lee Jin Ha
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Virtual reality (VR) is becoming a more available technology including in public spaces like libraries. The value and role of VR as a tool for learning and social engagement are unclear. The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which library patrons and librarians perceive VR and experience VR through library drop-in programs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on research conducted in seven Washington State Libraries where VR was adopted for drop-in programming for the first time. Data was collected between March and June 2018 and involved interviews with librarians and patrons, a patron user experience survey, and observational field notes from researchers on site during library programs.

Findings

Findings are presented in relation to user perceptions of VR compared to their actual VR experiences, and in relation to informal learning and social engagements. The authors frame the analysis and discussion in relation to sociotechnical imaginaries – culturally situated ideas about the relationship between society and technology, and considering the larger cultural landscape that informs collective views about the present and future.

Social implications

The paper discusses pending and potential inequalities related to gender, race and class in conversation with technology industry and VR. Issues discussed include unequal access to technology in public libraries and representation of minoritized groups in VR.

Originality/value

This work takes a critical perspective considering the inequities in relation to mainstreaming VR through public spaces like libraries.
The effect of government expenditure and free maternal health care policy (FMHC) on household consumption in Ghana
Authors: Fosu Prince , Ankrah Twumasi Martinson
Published: February 2021

Purpose

In Covid-19 pandemic era when most households' members have lost their jobs and incomes, the government assistance and programs in ensuring household consumption smoothing is very significant. The main objectives of this study are to analyze the impact of government expenditure and free maternal healthcare (FMHC) policy on household consumption expenditure in Ghana in both long run and short run.

Design/methodology/approach

They used the ARDL to estimate the impact of government expenditure on household consumption and Segmented Linear Regression to examine impact of FMHC policy household consumption using longitudinal data from 1967 to 2018.

Findings

The results revealed that government expenditure had a negative and statistically significant effect on household consumption expenditure suggesting that government expenditure crowed-out private consumption in Ghana. Also, it was observed that before the implementation of the FMHC policy, there was an increase household consumption expenditure, but after the introduction of the FMHC policy, the study household consumption expenditure decreases significantly suggesting that FMHC policy has strong association with household consumption in Ghana.

Research limitations/implications

Due to limited data availability, this study did not assess the impact of the FMHC policy at the household or district level. Also, Ghana has introduced a free senior high school education policy in 2017 so further research could analyze the implications of these policies for household consumption in Ghana at the micro-level using different estimation technique such as the difference in difference.

Practical implications

The study suggests the need to increase public spending on basic social amenities and also extend the free maternal healthcare policy to all pregnant women especially those in the rural areas of Ghana as these have a greater impact on household consumption in Ghana. The findings from this study have important implications for household savings and interest rate in Ghana. The findings from this study also have important implications for both fiscal policy and healthcare policy in Ghana and other developing countries.

Originality/value

To the best of my knowledge this is the first empirical study to examine the effect of government expenditure and free maternal healthcare policy on household consumption in Ghana.
Modelling of mechanical properties of Pa6 based reinforced graphite and graphite nano platelets composites using different aspect ratio
Authors: Umar Muneer , Ofem Michael Ikpi , Anwar Auwal Sani , Salisu Abubakar Garba
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to fabricate and study the effect of five cumulative graphite (G) and graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) filler loading composites by polymerising PA6 precursor; monomer epsilon caprolactam with the two carbons in situ while taking cognisance of the mixing effects (simultaneous stirring and sonication at varying amplitudes and duration). Different aspect ratios will be used to model the two streams of polymerisations.

Design/methodology/approach

High viscosity extrusion grade PA6 and synthetic G of less than 2 µm particle size were used as fillers. GNP and G are dried for 6 h in vacuum oven at 90°C. Prior to in situ polymerisation, probe sonication was applied to disperse fillers in molten ɛ-caprolactam, the PA6 monomer. Five carbon loadings were made, that is 5–25 Wt.% for G and 0.5–2.5 Wt.% for GNP composites. Two different sonification regimes were applied 20% sonication amplitude for 20 min (20/20) and 40% sonication amplitude for 10 min (40/10).

Findings

Better tensile properties were achieved using the 20/20 processing streams for both G and GNP. The G- and the GNP-based composites systems of the 20/20 processing stream had tensile modulus and yield strength retained or improved above the unfilled PA6 value. The highest modulus obtained in the 20/20 streams are 1,878 and 1,201 MPa, respectively, for GNP and G at the highest loading levels, while the 40/10 processing streams had 963 and 1,247 MPa, respectively, for the GNP and G.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, nobody has ever used sonification amplitude to compare mechanical properties.
Marriage and business performance: the case of women-owned micro and small businesses in Tanzania
Authors: Tundui Hawa Petro , Tundui Charles Stephen
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine marriage and family-related determinants of performance of micro and small businesses owned by women in Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed a total of 429 micro and small women entrepreneurs using a one-stop semi-structured questionnaire. The authors used hierarchical logistic regression analysis to determine the effect of marriage and related variables on enterprise performance.

Findings

The multivariate results have established that marriage has both positive and negative effects on businesses owned by women. Businesses experienced growth when owners received moral support, made an independent decision regarding business activities and used family labour and household resources to support business operations. Businesses were affected when the business owner faced difficulty in balancing business-family responsibilities. Also, some forms of spousal and family support appear to hurt business growth.

Practical implications

The present study adds to the literature and provides evidence of the influence of marriage and related responsibilities on the performance of women businesses. This understanding can help policymakers and other stakeholders to design appropriate and effective policies and programmes that could help to improve the performance of businesses owned by women for their economic empowerment, graduation out of poverty and improvement in the overall household welfare. The interventions should also consider both women businesses specific needs and the needs of their households and address intra-household decision-making processes.

Originality/value

Women entrepreneurs face numerous challenges to start and grow their businesses. Among the significant challenges facing women’s entrepreneurship include marriage and family-related responsibilities. Nevertheless, little is known about how marriage influences and shapes women entrepreneurial processes in Tanzania.
Strategic management of credit card fraud: stakeholder mapping of a card issuer
Authors: Gianotti Enrico , Damião da Silva Eduardo
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to set a framework for strategic management of credit card fraud, by mapping its stakeholders within a card issuer and outlining its ideal strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives are attained via case study. Primary data was collected by interviewing two fraud risk managers at the card issuer, while secondary data was collected by gathering all investor reports released from 2015 to 2019 by the financial institution. All data were submitted to content analysis and further analyzed using Mendelow’s power/interest matrix.

Findings

Seven groups of stakeholders were identified, the expectations of each group uncovered and KPIs proposed to measure how well the financial institution meets those expectations. Strategies to deal with and prioritize groups were outlined, while highlighting the need for repositioning stakeholders identified as potential blockers or facilitators of strategic initiatives and pressure factors in times of low performance.

Practical implications

Strategic management of stakeholders is essential for fraud risk managers and researchers to understand what is relevant and what is not. This paper creates a framework for addressing managerial and academic efforts based on stakeholders mapping. Further initiatives in research and practice should consider the following question: “Which stakeholder expectation will be better satisfied?” In case the answer is “none”, it is advised that the initiative be reconsidered.

Originality/value

Previous literature focusses mostly on the technical challenges, leaving a gap in both literature and practice for using Strategic Management. For the first time in literature, this research combines theories and terminologies from fraud risk management and strategic management.
Domestic financial liberalization and economic growth nexus: the role of corruption
Authors: Haruna Abdulhadi Aliyara , Abu Bakar Abu Sufian
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of domestic financial deregulation on economic growth in five selected sub-Saharan African nation (SSA). The paper also explored the interaction effect of domestic financial deregulation and corruption on growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used Driscoll and Kraay standard errors based on the pooled ordinary least squares, which is robust to heteroskedasticity, cross-sectional dependence and autocorrelation.

Findings

The outcome indicates that domestic financial liberalization has accelerated growth in SSA economies. Similarly, evidence reveals that foreign direct investment and credit to the private sector by banks accelerate growth. However, evidence indicates that labour and capital negate growth. Also, the interaction term for domestic financial liberalization and corruption shows a negative influence on growth. The study, therefore, recommends that well-tailored policy design and strategy be implemented to provide a smooth and conducive business environment for investors.

Originality/value

Numerous studies have analysed the influence of financial deregulation on growth; however, none have examined the effects of domestic financial deregulation on growth in the context of SSA. Also, no studies have explored the interaction effect of domestic financial deregulation and corruption on growth.
The challenges of countering fraud in Malta’s remote gaming industry
Authors: Zerafa Antonio , Banks James , Waters Jaime
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges of countering fraud in Malta’s remote gaming industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Six individuals from three major stakeholders in Malta’s remote gaming industry were interviewed for this study.

Findings

The interviewees report that a multitude of fraudulent activities are present in Malta’s remote gaming industry. This includes identity fraud, credit card fraud, bonus abuse and collusion and chip dumping. Participants indicate that crimes of fraud often go unreported and unrecorded, resulting in a limited evidence base upon which to develop holistic and effective counter-fraud measures.

Research limitations/implications

The research sample is small, although this study is the first to examine the perspectives of key stakeholders working in one of the world’s largest remote gaming industries. Findings are of relevance to regulated online gambling markets across the globe.

Practical implications

The study suggests that better intelligence sharing amongst gambling operators and regulators can serve to enhance counter-fraud measures both locally and internationally.

Originality/value

The reputational and commercial imperative of gambling operators and regulators means that research studies pertaining to the topic of crime in the remote gaming industry that incorporate their perspectives are rare.
The effects of consumers' cultural sensitivity, ethnocentrism and demographical characteristics on attitude toward luxury fashion brands in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Rambocas Meena , Mahabir Jon Marc
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Consumers' attitude toward luxury brands remains a crucial area for many researchers and marketers. But, attitude toward domestically-produced luxury fashion brands in developing countries have not been sufficiently examined. Drawing on the social identity theory (SIT), this study proposes that consumer ethnocentrism (CE) and cultural sensitivity (CS) will significantly influence attitudes toward luxury fashion brands produced in Trinidad and Tobago. Furthermore, the study suggests that consumer demographical characteristics of age, gender and income will moderate the influence.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 160 fashion consumers and analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The findings confirm the positive impact of CE on consumers' attitude toward domestically produced luxury products, while CS has a significant but negative effect. Also, the results show that these effects are consistent across different levels of income, but vary by age and gender.

Practical implications

These findings provide a deeper understanding of consumers' perceptions and inherent biases toward luxury brands. It further explains how brands with ostentatious value, in particular fashion brands, produced in Trinidad and Tobago, can compete against larger international brands.

Originality/value

The study is one of the few that examines the effects of personal values on attitudes toward luxurious fashion brands produced in a developing country. It uniquely extends the SIT model by examining the influence of CE, CS and demographical characteristics on preferential attitudes toward locally produced luxury fashion brands.
An analysis of the impact of jurisdictional fragmentation on property taxes in Ghana
Authors: Oppong Felix
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Following decades of weak financial capacity of local governments in raising enough revenues to finance their budgets, this paper aims to examine the impact of jurisdictional fragmentation on property taxes in Ghana. Since independence in 1957, many local governments in Ghana are yet to build their fiscal capacity to collect enough own source revenues to support their local budgets. All local government laws in Ghana have assigned property taxes to local governments.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses quantitative econometric techniques with local level panel data from 2010 to 2016 to examine the impact of fragmenting assemblies in Ghana.

Findings

The paper finds that fragmenting local governments have an overall negative effect on property taxes in district assemblies in Ghana. However, fragmentation of metropolitan assemblies has an overall positive effect on property taxes, relative to district assemblies. In the case of municipal assemblies, fragmentation has a net positive effect on property taxes but an overall marginally negative effect, relative to district assemblies. Also, the paper finds that grants, capital expenditure and administrative expenditure of local governments do not impact on the collection of property tax revenues in all types of assemblies in Ghana.

Originality/value

The paper concludes that relative to metropolitan assemblies, fragmenting districts assemblies is not congruent with government efforts to promote the collection of property taxes in Ghana.
Establishing the antecedents of accountant’s job satisfaction in an emerging market
Authors: Varma Ashish , Malhotra Gunjan
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to ascertain the mediating effect of organisational commitment (OC) on the linkage between task performance (TP) and job satisfaction (JS) of accountants.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire administered to accountants from India. The partial least squares structural equation modelling method was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The results reveal that OC mediates the linkages between TP and JS. It was also empirically confirmed that neither age nor gender of the accountant had any significant effect on the relationship between the TP and JS.

Originality/value

This study makes three distinct contributions. Firstly, it was empirically observed that OC mediates the linkage between TP and JS. This means that even when the accounting tasks being performed by the accountants are interesting and challenging, organisations should still invest in getting the accountants deeply committed to organisational values and goals for them to experience JS. Secondly, this focus on commitment is independent of gender and age differences. Accountants at all levels and of both genders would experience higher levels of JS once they are more committed to the organisation. Finally, this study has ramifications for global accounting professional practices, as accounting firms from the USA and the European Union have been outsourcing their services to firms in countries such as India.
Adoption of integrated reporting in Sri Lanka: coverage and trend
Authors: Cooray Thilini , Senaratne Samanthi , Gunarathne Nuwan , Herath Roshan , Samudrage Dileepa Neelangi
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the coverage of and trends in reporting content elements in the integrated reports of the Sri Lankan companies following the International Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRF).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a comprehensive checklist developed on the content elements of the IIRF, 171 corporate integrated reports were content-analyzed over a period of three years. The results were theorized subsequently using the legitimacy theory.

Findings

The study identifies that the extent of and trend in the coverage of content elements of the IIRF have increased during the period under consideration despite some under-addressed areas. It indicates that Sri Lankan companies are making progress in the preparation of integrated reports in line with the IIRF, which provides evidence in support of both strategic and institutional perspectives of the legitimacy theory because of the proactive actions taken by managers to acquire legitimacy along with the other normative and mimetic pressures available in the IR landscape.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies that evaluate the compliance of IR adopters with the IIRF overtime in the entirety of a single country. It also develops a comprehensive index to capture the disclosure requirements of IR and extends the analysis to a voluntary context using both strategic and institutional perspectives of the legitimacy theory.
IPO valuation using the price-multiple methods: evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Ong Chui Zi , Mohd-Rashid Rasidah , Taufil-Mohd Kamarun Nisham
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the valuation accuracy of Malaysian initial public offerings (IPOs) by using price-multiple methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional data including 467 IPOs listed on the Malaysian stock exchange were used for the period of 2000–2017. This study used univariate ordinary least square (OLS) regression to analyse the relationship between IPOs’ price-multiples and comparable firms’ price-multiples. The test of valuation accuracy was conducted via computing valuation errors by segregating the sample into two groups: fixed-price IPOs and book-built IPOs. Furthermore, multiple OLS regression was used to examine the influence of IPO valuation on underpricing.

Findings

The findings of the results suggested that IPOs price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-book (P/B) and price-to-sales (P/S) multiples were positively related to the median P/E, P/B and P/S multiples of five comparable firms matched by industry and revenues. The P/S multiple was shown to be the most significant valuation method, specifically in book-built IPOs. The findings indicated that those firms that had a lower valuation in comparison to the comparable firms were inclined to underprice their IPOs to allure investors to subscribe IPOs. In addition, book-built IPOs that had fair valuations were inclined to generate higher initial returns for investors.

Practical implications

The findings of this study observed implications for underwriters in avoiding the mis-valuation issue by considering the book-building mechanism.

Originality/value

This study attempted to explore the suitability of the valuation method to value IPOs in Malaysia.
Corporate social responsibility and debt financing of listed firms: a quantile regression approach
Authors: Oware Kofi Mintah , Mallikarjunappa T.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to examine the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on debt financing (natural logarithm of debt and leverage ratios) of listed firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Using content analysis for data extraction, the study examines listed firms on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) from 2010 to 2019 financial year. It uses a quantile regression and panel fixed effect regression as the model's application.

Findings

The study shows that CSR expenditure has a positive and strong correlation with debt financing (i.e. natural logarithm of long-term and short-term debts). The first findings show that CSR expenditure has a negative and statistically significant association with total leverage ratio, using conditional mean and median percentile. However, there is a positive and statistically significant association between CSR expenditure and long-term leverage ratio at the 25th and 50th percentile. The second findings show that CSR expenditure has a positive and statistically significant association with long-term debt but an insignificant association with short-term debt and total debt under a conditional mean average. The application of quantile regression addresses the values that fall outside the confidence interval and therefore document a positive and statistically significant association between CSR expenditure and debt financing (short-term debt, long-term debt and total debt) at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentile.

Originality/value

The introduction of quantile regression gives a novelty in CSR and debt financing study, which to the best of the authors’ knowledge, has not received any attention. Similarly, firms have better information on how to position their CSR expenditure to attract providers of debt financing.
Misalignment between policy and staff experience: the case of an Australian hospital redevelopment
Authors: Pomare Chiara , Churruca Kate , Long Janet C. , Ellis Louise A. , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Hospitals are constantly redeveloping to improve functioning and modernise the delivery of safe and high-quality care. In Australia, it is expected that different stakeholders have the opportunity to contribute to the design and planning of hospital redevelopment projects. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential for misalignment between policy (“work as imagined”) and staff experiences of a hospital redevelopment (“work as done”).

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of a large Australian hospital in a capital city undergoing redevelopment. Forty-six semi-structured interviews were conducted with hospital staff. Staff experiences were identified in corroboration with additional data: key-informant discussions with members of the hospital executive; document analysis (e.g. hospital and government documents) and survey responses about experiences of the hospital redevelopment.

Findings

A disjuncture was identified between policy and the experiences of hospital staff. Over one in every three (36.0%) staff felt uninformed about the redevelopment and 79.4% were not involved in decisions throughout the process of design and redevelopment, which contradicted the procedure laid out in policy for hospital development.

Originality/value

Despite the seemingly “good news story” of allocating billions of dollars to redeveloping and modernising health services in Australia, the experiences of staff on the front lines suggest a lack of consultation. Rectifying these concerns may be integral to avoid fragmentation during the challenging circumstances of hospital redevelopment.
Emerging challenges in the health systems of Kerala, India: qualitative analysis of literature reviews
Authors: Muraleedharan Manesh , Chandak Alaka Omprakash
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The substantial increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is considered a major threat to developing countries. According to various international organizations and researchers, Kerala is reputed to have the best health system in India. However, many economists and health-care experts have discussed the risks embedded in the asymmetrical developmental pattern of the state, considering its high health-care and human development index and low economic growth. This study, a scoping review, aims to explore four major health economic issues related to the Kerala health system.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of the literature was performed using PRISMA to facilitate selection, sampling and analysis. Qualitative data were collected for thematic content analysis.

Findings

Chronic diseases in a significant proportion of the population, low compliance with emergency medical systems, high health-care costs and poor health insurance coverage were observed in the Kerala community.

Research limitations/implications

The present study was undertaken to determine the scope for future research on Kerala's health system. Based on the study findings, a structured health economic survey is being conducted and is scheduled to be completed by 2021. In addition, the scope for future research on Kerala's health system includes: (1) research on pathways to address root causes of NCDs in the state, (2) determine socio-economic and health system factors that shape health-seeking behavior of the Kerala community, (3) evaluation of regional differences in health system performance within the state, (4) causes of high out-of-pocket expenditure within the state.

Originality/value

Given the internationally recognized standard of Kerala's vital statistics and health system, this review paper highlights some of the challenges encountered to elicit future research that contributes to the continuous development of health systems in Kerala.
Lessons learnt from CBR practice at Hua Don Primary Health Care, Thailand
Authors: Khanthong Phaksachiphon , Chaiyasat Chatchadapon , Danuwong Chayada
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the capacity map of professional learning community (PLC) practicing community-based research (CBR) in Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, Thailand, and the implementation of the lessons learnt from the process and essential skills at Hua Don Primary Health Care (PHC).

Design/methodology/approach

Participatory action research (PAR) design was conducted in two phases, one on campus and the other in the PHC. For gathering and validating the data, the snowball sampling technique, focus group, in-depth interviews and the triangulation method were used.

Findings

The PLC capacity map from the first phase provided the essential skills of CBR and the second phase revealed lessons learnt from the implementation in the Hua Don PHC. The shortcut in researching a new target area by a collaboration of the community leader and village health volunteers was prominent. The results could be interpreted in creating collaboration in health care with a new community.

Originality/value

The capacity map is a practical guideline for a beginner or CBR novice researcher, and the lessons learnt help the implementation in the health field, particularly in PHC, succeed smoothly.
An evaluation of factors affecting the management of COVID-19 in Bangladesh
Authors: Huda Syed S.M Sadrul , Akhtar Afsana , Dilshad Segufta , Maliha Syeeda Raisa
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The study aims to gain insights into the management of COVID-19 in Bangladesh to identify the factors that are relevant to managing the pandemic in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was carried out by pursuing the archival method. The information was collected from credible newspaper reports over the previous months, as well as articles published on the subject of COVID-19.

Findings

The research revealed important and relevant dimensions of the health sector in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. The major factors were doctors, nurses (health service providers), patients, (customers) and society. This is a pioneering paper, which documents the major lessons learned from the management of COVID-19 in Bangladesh concerning three stakeholders of the health-care system, i.e. providers, patients and society. This paper covers the situation regarding the ongoing pandemic from three perspectives – provider, customers and society, and thus, may help to develop future research regarding the development of health-care management models for addressing the pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitations of this paper is its over dependence on secondary sources for collecting the information.

Practical implications

This paper presents the learnings from the pandemic in health-care management in different categories (e.g. social, doctor/nurse, patients), which can help the managers in understanding different dimensions of the health-care sector from different perspectives. The problems as well as the learnings stated in the paper can help the policy makers implement such strategies to ensure better delivery of the medical health-care service during a pandemic.

Social implications

This paper clearly reveals the social dimensions of the COVID-19 by assessing the social aspects of COVID-19 management. Both social stigma and support are traced out during evaluating the situation. Thus, the social forces will be able to rethink about their role in addressing the social costs of pandemic.

Originality/value

This is a commentary piece.
Ten commonly asked questions about Covid-19 and lessons learned from Thailand
Authors: Viwattanakulvanid Pramon
Published: February 2021

Purpose

As the world faces a new health crisis threatening people with the spread of Covid-19, this study aims to summarize the key information of Covid-19 related to disease characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and prevention along with the lessons learned from Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

The narrative review was synthesized from various sources such as the World Health Organization; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Ministry of Public Health and other related news; articles in ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar; and the author's perspective regarding the lessons learned from Thailand with keywords of “Covid-19” and “Coronavirus” from January to August 2020. Google Trends was used to set common questions.

Findings

Covid-19 is the seventh family of coronaviruses that cause various symptoms related to respiratory systems. The disease can be treated through general and symptomatic treatment, by using antiviral drugs. As of July 2020, there are four potential vaccine candidates ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, mRNA-1273, Ad5-nCOV and BNT162b1. The recommendations for Covid-19 prevention are physical distancing, face masks, eye protection and hand washing. Thailand is now considered as low-risk for Covid-19 possibly because of (1) soft policy by government actions, (2) village health volunteers, (3) integration of technology and (4) fact-based communications.

Originality/value

This study summarized the key points about Covid-19, clarified some misunderstandings and shared strategic actions from Thailand, which can be adapted according to the different capacities and situations in other countries.
COVID-19-related online misinformation in Bangladesh
Authors: Al-Zaman Md. Sayeed
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the popular themes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related online misinformation in Bangladesh and to provide some suggestions to abate the problem.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses online COVID-19-related misinformation in Bangladesh. Following thematic analyses, the paper discusses some dominant misinformation themes based on the data collected from three fact-checking websites of Bangladesh run by media professionals and scholars.

Findings

COVID-19-related online misinformation in Bangladesh has six popular themes: health, political, religious, crime, entertainment and miscellaneous. To curb misinformation, many initiatives have been taken so far that have produced little success. This paper briefly proposes the implementation of an experimental two-way misinformation prevention technique for a better result.

Originality/value

Acknowledging previous initiatives, this paper discusses the major themes and offers additional solutions to reduce online misinformation which would benefit academics as well as policymakers.
Seasonality in the peer-to-peer market for tourist accommodation: the case of Majorca
Authors: Benítez-Aurioles Beatriz
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to verify the hypothesis that seasonality in the peer-to-peer (p2p) market for tourist accommodation is smaller than the existing in conventional markets, taking the case of the island of Majorca as a reference. This paper will also determine the role of professional hosts in the management of prices and in the marketing of accommodation according to seasonal demand variations.

Design/methodology/approach

From the information obtained through web scrapings of Airbnb listings and from data provided by official statistics, comparable indicators of seasonality are developed. Likewise, econometric estimates are provided to detect differences regarding the determination of accommodation prices between professional and nonprofessional hosts.

Findings

The p2p market is less subject to seasonality than the conventional one. In the particular case of Palma de Majorca, fluctuations in accommodation demand are even smaller than in the rest of the island's municipalities. Professional hosts apply marketing techniques related to price and product promotion and are sensitive to demand variations altering prices and responding to the economic stimuli in this way. At an academic level, these findings suggest, on the one hand, the relevance of considering the heterogeneity of the touristic market when constructing theoretical models. And, on the other hand, basic economic principles should be applied to explain agent behavior in the p2p market.

Research limitations/implications

This work does not use a direct demand measurement. Instead, it approximates demand through the reviews left by guests in p2p markets. At least in the case of the island of Majorca, the touristic demand represents a reduced percentage of touristic demand in total.

Practical implications

So far, both public and private strategies to combat seasonality have focused on increasing occupancy in conventional accommodation. Still, the fact that hotel demand and private accommodation demand are different has relevant implications for price management, touristic products, supply planning and the implementation of marketing campaigns. Also, advertising could be aimed at alleviating the undesirable effects of seasonality.

Social implications

The evidence presented helps the design of public policy strategies aimed at mitigating the problem of seasonality in touristic demand to accommodate it to social preferences in each area.

Originality/value

This is the first piece of research, as far as we are aware of, that addresses the phenomenon of demand seasonality in the p2p market for tourist accommodation. In addition, a comparison is made with the seasonal patterns that characterize the conventional hotel market. New ideas are provided for the design of a comprehensive touristic policy in which both markets are considered.
How luxury restaurants will enhance the concept of guest delight
Authors: Panchapakesan Padma , Amin Muslim , Herjanto Halimin
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of service excellence and guest delight on guest affective commitment to luxury restaurants, more specifically, the mediating effect of guest delight in the relationship between service excellence and guest affective commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 270 guests with a response rate of 67.5%. SmartPLS software was used for data analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that service excellence and guest delight had increased guest affective commitment to the luxury restaurant. It has been determined that guest delight acts as a mediator between service excellence and guest affective commitment.

Practical implications

Providing a high level of service excellence and delighting, thereby encouraging luxury guests to have a high level of commitment to the restaurant. Therefore, luxury guests' expectations must be exceeded to obtain their commitment to the restaurant.

Originality/value

This research study provides a substantial contribution to the hospitality literature by providing a significant concept of guest delight that can offer the opportunity to establish a new understanding of guest affective commitment in the luxury restaurant context.