bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficiency of the technology acceptance model to explain pre‐service teachers' intention to use technology
Authors: Teo Timothy , Faruk Ursavaş Ömer , Bahçekapili Ekrem 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the efficiency of the technology acceptance model (TAM) to explain pre‐service teachers' intention to use technology in Turkey.Design/methodology/approachA total of 197 pre‐service teachers from a Turkish university completed a survey questionnaire measuring their responses to four constructs which explain their intention to use technology: attitude towards computer use, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use. A structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was employed for modeling and data analysis.FindingsResults revealed that the TAM is an efficient model to explain the intention to use technology of Turkish pre‐service teachers. The proportion of variance explained in pre‐service teachers' intention to use technology by its antecedents was 51 percent. In addition, four out of five hypotheses were supported in this study. Overall, the data in this study provided support that the TAM is a fairly efficient model with a potential to help in understanding technology acceptance pre‐service teachers in Turkey.Originality/valueThe TAM is a well‐tested and validated model to explain the intention to use technology. However, information on its cross‐cultural validity is limited. This study validated the TAM on a sample of pre‐service teachers in Turkey and the results provided initial support for the cross‐cultural validity of the TAM.
Comparing intentions to use university‐provided vs vendor‐provided multibiometric authentication in online exams
Authors: Levy Yair , Ramim Michelle M. , Furnell Steven M. , Clarke Nathan L. 
Published: March 2011

PurposeConcerns for information security in e‐learning systems have been raised previously. In the pursuit for better authentication approaches, few schools have implemented students' authentication during online exams beyond passwords. This paper aims to assess e‐learners' intention to provide multibiometric data and use of multibiometrics during online exams.Design/methodology/approachBased on data collected from 163 e‐learners from two institutions, the authors compared such measures when provided by their university versus by a third‐party service vendor. The multibiometrics discussed included fingerprint, face, and voice recognition.FindingsThe results show a clear indication by the learners that they are significantly more willing to provide their biometric data and intend to use multibiometrics when provided by their university compared with same services provided by a third‐party vendor.Research limitations/implicationsResearch implications include the need for better understanding of multibiometrics implementations in educational settings.Practical implicationsThe findings are profound for vendors of multibiometrics as they must adjust their approach when implementing such technologies at higher educational institutions, rather than simply opt to license the use of such solutions and to host them.Originality/valueThis study helps higher educational institutions better understand that learners do not appear to object to the use of multibiometrics technologies during online exams, rather the way in which such technologies are implemented and managed on‐campus.
Affect and digital learning at the university level
Authors: Katz Yaacov J. , Yablon Yaacov B. 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to examine the efficiency of SMS based cell‐phone vocabulary learning as compared to email vocabulary delivery and snail mail vocabulary delivery at the university level.Design/methodology/approachA total of 241 first year university students studied English vocabulary in their mandatory English foundation course. Students were divided into three groups: study via cell‐phone based SMS messages, via email messages and via snail mail delivery. Vocabulary lists were delivered weekly to students via the three delivery strategies during course. Students in the three groups were tested on English vocabulary and responded to a questionnaire that examined their attitudes toward flexibility of the learning strategy; user friendliness of the learning strategy; learner control of the learning process, learner motivation; and learner autonomy.FindingsResults of the study indicate that there were no significant differences for achievement attained by the three groups on the vocabulary test. However, there were significant differences on students' attitudes toward flexibility of learning; user friendliness of the learning strategy; learner control of the learning process, learner motivation; and learner autonomy. The students who received SMS messages had most positive attitudes on all five factors, followed by attitudes of students who received email messages, who were followed by attitudes of students who received vocabulary via snail mail.Practical implicationsIt appears that SMS based vocabulary delivery is perceived as more effective than email delivery which is felt to be more efficient than snail mail learning. Results of the study indicate the potential for university vocabulary learning via cell‐phone based SMS messaging.Originality/valueThis paper indicates the value of SMS messaging for vocabulary learning at the university level.
Modeling the determinants of pre‐service teachers' perceived usefulness of e‐learning
Authors: Teo Timothy 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the determinants of pre‐service teachers' perceived usefulness of e‐learning for teaching and learning.Design/methodology/approachA total of 189 pre‐service teachers completed a survey questionnaire measuring their responses to four constructs which explain perceived usefulness in the context of e‐learning: learning environment (LE), course delivery (CD), tutor attribute (TA), and facilitating conditions (FC). These were administered during the teaching term where participants were attending a technology course. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed for modeling and data analysis.FindingsResults revealed that 62.5 percent of the total variance in the pre‐service teachers' perceived usefulness of e‐learning was explained by the four variables. Among them, learning environment did not have a significant influence on perceived usefulness. Overall, the data in this study provided evidence to support the notion that perceived usefulness is a multidimensional construct.Originality/valuePerceived usefulness is often employed as an independent variable within a model (technology acceptance model) or theory (theory of planned behavior) in many acceptance studies. This study provides an alternative perspective and new insights of perceived usefulness by positioning it as a dependent variable. Methodologically, this study employed structural equation modeling as the technique to assess the effect of each of the four variables on perceived usefulness, something that conventional techniques (e.g. t‐test, ANOVA) cannot do because the latter are not capable of analyzing latent and observed indicators simultaneously.
Longitudinal research into factors of high performance: the follow‐up case of Nabil Bank
Authors: de Waal André , Frijns Miriam 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThere is a real need for longitudinal research into the factors that cause or contribute to sustainable high organisational performance. Especially in Asia there has not been much research into this topic. The goal of this study is to evaluate whether paying dedicated attention to the factors that were found during previous research to determine the sustainable success of a high‐performance organisation (HPO) in Asia would result in sustainable increased organisational performance.Design/methodology/approachNabil Bank, the case company to which the high performance framework was applied, was visited one year later to evaluate whether its performance had improved after taking into account the improvements that originated from the first research.FindingsAlthough Nabil Bank's financial performance had improved, the increase in HPO results was not so great. Possible explanations for this are that there is a perception gap between management and employees with regard to the improvements achieved, and the fact that Nabil Bank has continued with implementing improvement actions that are already under way, while not starting additional ones specifically targeted at improving the HPO factors. Alternatively, it can be stated that, if the transition to an HPO takes on average three to five years, an improvement per year of 0.3 to 0.5 points is viable. In this light Nabil Bank is definitely on its way to becoming an HPO but it seems to be taking the “slow road”.Practical implicationsThe research results show that dedicated attention has to be paid to the HPO factors in order to take full advantage of them.Originality/valueThis is the first longitudinal research into the factors that determine sustainable high performance in Asian organisations.
Determination of the success factors in supply chain networks: a Hong Kong‐based manufacturer's perspective
Authors: Lao S.I. , Choy K.L. , Ho G.T.S. , Tsim Y.C. , Chung N.S.H. 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to investigate the factors that affect the decision‐making process of Hong Kong‐based manufacturers when they select a third‐party logistics (3PL) service provider and how 3PL service providers manage to retain customer loyalty in times of financial turbulence.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a survey‐based study targeting Hong Kong‐based manufacturers currently using 3PL companies. It investigates the relationship between the reasons for using 3PL services and the requirements for selecting a provider, and examines the relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty. In addition, the relationships among various dimensions – in small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), large enterprises and companies – of contracts of various lengths are investigated.FindingsIn general, the reasons for using 3PL services and the requirements for selecting 3PL service providers are positive‐related. The dimension of “reputation” of satisfaction influences “primary customer loyalty” positively.Practical implicationsConstructive suggestions are provided to help 3PL service providers allocate their limited resources to business areas that help them to meet the demands of their target customers, increase the number of customers, and improve customer loyalty.Originality/valueThe paper is an attempt to help 3PL service providers find ways to survive in a climate of financial crisis.
Comparative study of framework, criteria and criterion weighting of excellence models
Authors: Talwar Balvir 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to present a comparative study of framework, criteria and criterion weighting of 20 Excellence Models/National Quality Awards (EM/NQA), to identify their common features, contradictions and to propose suggestions for development and review of EM/NQA. It also aims to provide some clues to attain sustenance of business results.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on a literature review using the internet and research databases (Emerald and EBSCO). Nine generic criteria are identified and their relative importance within each model is computed based on scores given to their respective contents in the criteria/sub‐criteria of each EM/NQA. The average relative importance of nine criteria, discussions with experts and the author's own experience helped to visualise the emerging scenario and suggest improvements.FindingsEM/NQA frameworks have different shapes. Most EM/NQA start with the criterion “Leadership” and end with “Results”. Ancient wisdom emphasises that the ultimate goal of business is the wellbeing of society. Although the criteria of EM/NQA are similar, the criterion weighting changes due to external environment and cultural factors. The study classifies nine criteria into core criteria, i.e. the need for survival, internal environment criteria, i.e. differentiators, and goodwill criteria, i.e. ensuring sustainability. The focus on goodwill criteria needs to be enhanced to ensure sustainable business growth.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is an attempt to integrate the common learning/contradictions of EM/NQA and provide clues to achieving sustainability. Many EM/NQA custodian websites have limited information in the public domain. A periodic review of models made this study difficult. Future research may focus on studying the impact of criteria weighting in different countries/economic environments to enhance the effectiveness of excellence models.Practical implicationsThe study may help the GEM council, custodians and managers to review EM/NQA and develop strategies for sustainable results.Originality/valueThis paper is based on a literature review, the author's own experience, and interaction with experts. It provides an analysis of 20 EM/NQAs, highlights the need for a universally acceptable model, and suggests emerging dimensions of excellence.
Proposing a quick best practice maturity test for supply chain operations
Authors: Netland Torbjörn H. , Alfnes Erlend 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a quick maturity test to assist a company's development of a supply chain operations strategy. Maturity tests and models have been developed within several areas, but there is a lack of maturity tests targeting supply chain operations.Design/methodology/approachA literature review on maturity models is carried out in order to build the structure of the test, while a literature review on best practices in supply chain management is the basis for the test content.FindingsThe proposed maturity test is an audit scheme built on best practice statements within seven key strategic decision areas – strategy, control, processes, materials, resources, information and organisation. The test is designed with simplicity as a key feature and takes only one hour to complete. The test results are the input to strategic decisions regarding use of best practices in supply chain operations.Practical implicationsSupply chain managers ask for a simple and quick tool that can be used as an eye‐opener and a compass early in the development process of the supply chain operations strategy. The proposed test has a proven potential to point out directions for supply chain improvement areas.Originality/valueThere is a need for a quick assessment tool for mapping the maturity of a company's supply chain operations. The proposed test is a potential answer to this need.
Performance measurement in automated manufacturing
Authors: Mathur Alok , Dangayach G.S. , Mittal M.L. , Sharma Milind K. 
Published: March 2011

PurposeToday's customer‐focused paradigm of business environment puts tremendous pressures of quality, delivery, dependability, flexibility and cost on the manufacturing organisation. Automatic manufacturing systems offer several advantages and are increasingly being adopted as a strategy to improve the performance of manufacturing organisations. Automatic manufacturing systems are highly sophisticated and expensive, and it is therefore important to maximise their productivity. Yet, one can improve only what one can measure. Performance measurement is the key to improving performance, and is a prerequisite to diagnosing, trouble‐shooting and improving the production system. Accordingly, performance measurement has been attracting increasing attention over the last two decades, and several frameworks have emerged for the design, review, evaluation and improvement of performance measurement systems for businesses and manufacturing organizations. The performance measurement, monitoring and continuous productivity improvement of automatic manufacturing systems has assumed special significance on account of their high investments and operating costs.Design/methodology/approachA review of the current literature is undertaken to determine the current status and the status of performance measurement in automated production systems.FindingsOverall equipment effectiveness (OEE) has emerged as one important and universally accepted metric for measuring the overall performance of single automatic equipments. OEE has been further adapted and extended into several variations for use as a metric for automatic manufacturing systems consisting of several automatic machines.Originality/valueThis paper reviews the recent developments and the current status of performance measurement of automatic manufacturing systems.
Visualization: the bridge between commitment and control
Authors: Kerklaan Leo 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to point out that visualization of business situations will stimulate the learning processes of managers and employees. Visualization or problem modeling enhances their commitment for improving organizational readiness to perform at a higher level.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology used compares two approaches for performance improvement: the control and commitment models. From observing managerial behavior one can learn that the control model is a widely used (classic) approach. Academics point out that the model neglects the human factor too much. This prevents organizations from becoming high‐performing. The commitment model offers a solution by promoting the strong alignment of employees' personal objectives with organizational objectives. The resulting problem here is how to align performance between the various echelons rather than to align between the various objectives.FindingsIt is argued that both control and commitment are important. Management should strive for an optimal mix. However, commitment appears to be predominant. In order to make use of this insight, the various echelons should not receive instructions to realize preset objectives, rather they should be involved in a design problem which is experienced as relevant. By problem solving this way each echelon learns what can be improved in their present situation.Research limitations/implicationsIn order to make explicit use of team learning it is necessary to find a standardized way to develop conceptual knowledge. A useful approach here is the use of visualizations of business situations in the problem‐solving process. These visualizations give even more insight if they show cause and effect relations.Practical implicationsVisualizing cause and effect relations is the natural way for developing objectives or for contributing to higher‐level objectives. A practical aspect for management is how to raise the right questions that evoke the visualizations. The structural aspect is that the questions should be aligned through the various levels.Originality/valueAlignment of activities of echelons by asking questions is the best way to align the strategic objectives of an organization all the way down. This is important to CEOs of organizations that pursue strategies that should be implemented quickly.
Factors influencing self‐assessment in a changing library environment
Authors: Borbely Maria 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the results of two consecutive EFQM‐based self‐assessments, which were performed in Meliusz County Library of Debrecen, Hungary in 2007 and 2008. At the time of the first assessment the library operated across several scattered buildings with poor working conditions. By the time of the second self‐assessment the library had moved to a new, modern building, with an ideal working environment. The focus of this examination is to determine how the positive change of environmental impacts influence the satisfaction of both employees and users.Design/methodology/approachIn one of this author's previous research studies, an EFQM‐based toolkit for library self‐assessments was developed which provided the methodological base for these surveys. Enablers of the organization – leadership; policy and strategy; people; partnerships and resources; and processes – were evaluated and surveyed.FindingsThis author had the preconceived notion before evaluating the results that the results of second assessment would naturally be more positive than the results of the first, due to the improved, modern environment. Comparison of the two surveys provided unexpected results, as the employees rated enablers in 2007 consistently higher than in 2008. The goal of this study became an investigation of this interesting dilemma, which proved to have changes of senior management at its roots.Originality/valueThe examinations are conducted using the pro forma method of the EFQM‐based self‐assessment package. No other Hungarian libraries have performed self‐assessment based on this method and an examination of the results of this study proves its applicability. With the help of the pro forma method, the most sophisticated and smallest facts that influence the life of the organization become apparent.
Factor structure and psychometric properties of a Spanish version of LibQUAL+™
Authors: Morales Miguel , Ladhari Riadh , Reynoso Javier , Toro Rosario , Sepulveda Cesar 
Published: March 2011

PurposeLibQUAL is a service‐quality assessment instrument developed by the Association of Research Libraries in partnership with Texas A&M University Library and has been used in numerous institutions. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a Spanish version of the scale in terms of its structure, reliability, and validity.Design/methodology/approachData were collected among students at a well‐known Mexican university. A total of 374 completed questionnaires were used in the analyses. Library service quality was measured using 22 items taken directly from the 2004 version of the LibQUAL scale. The back‐translation method was used to translate the original English version of LibQUAL into Spanish. Data were analysed using SPSS 16.0 and EQS 6.1 in the exploratory and confirmatory stages, respectively.FindingsThe study findings show that the Spanish version of the LibQUAL instrument actually consists of four dimensions: “affect of service”; “information access”; “personal control”; and “library as place”. The results support the reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and nomological validity of the proposed Spanish version of the scale.Originality/valueThis is the first study to empirically evaluate and find support for the convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity of a Spanish version of the LibQUAL scale.