bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting e‐learning effectiveness: proposing a conceptual model
Authors: Macgregor George , Turner James 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe use of e‐learning is largely predicated upon the assumption that it can facilitate improvements in student learning and therefore can be more effective than conventional techniques. This assumption has been supported by some in the literature but has been questioned by a continuing body of contrary or indifferent evidence. The purpose of this paper is to improve the theoretical understanding of the variables influencing e‐learning effectiveness, the manner in which these variables have been studied to date, and to propose a suitable conceptual model of e‐learning effectiveness to aid its evaluation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper revisits and critically reviews major contributions to the e‐learning effectiveness literature.FindingsOwing to a variety of issues prevalent in the literature, it is clear that the variables influencing effectiveness are multifarious and few researchers impose adequate controls or factor them into research designs. Drawing on the work of Dewey, Englebart, and Kaplan, a conceptual framework of e‐learning effectiveness is proposed. This model maps out the key variables involved in the study of e‐learning effectiveness and the interactions between variables.Originality/valueIt is anticipated that such a model will assist researchers in developing future evaluative studies which are both sufficiently robust and holistic in design. It is also hypothesised that studies designed using the conceptual model will be more likely to yield results corroborating the ability of e‐learning to affect improvements in student learning.
Combining learning and assessment in assessment‐based gaming environments
Authors: Zapata‐Rivera Diego , VanWinkle Waverely , Doyle Bryan , Buteux Alyssa , Bauer Malcolm 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose and demonstrate an evidence‐based scenario design framework for assessment‐based computer games.Design/methodology/approachThe evidence‐based scenario design framework is presented and demonstrated by using BELLA, a new assessment‐based gaming environment aimed at supporting student learning of vocabulary and math. BELLA integrates assessment and learning into an interactive gaming system that includes written conversations, math activities, oral and written feedback in both English and Spanish, and a visible psychometric model that is used to adaptively select activities as well as feedback levels. This paper also reports on a usability study carried out in a public middle school in New York City.FindingsThe evidence‐based, scenario design framework proves to be instrumental in helping combine game and assessment requirements. BELLA demonstrates how advances in artificial intelligence in education, cognitive science, educational measurement, and video games can be harnessed and integrated into valid instructional tools for the classroom.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper provides initial evidence of the potential of these kinds of assessment‐based gaming tools to enhance teaching and learning. Future work involves exploring student learning effects in randomized controlled studies and comparing the internal assessment models to more traditional assessment instruments.Originality/valueBELLA is the first step toward achieving engaging, assessment‐based, gaming environments for a variety of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)‐related areas with explicit support for English language learners.
Course management systems in higher education: understanding student experiences
Authors: Yuen Allan , Fox Robert , Sun Angie , Deng Liping 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe course management system (CMS), as an evolving tool and innovation, is increasingly used to promote the quality, efficiency and flexibility of teaching and learning in higher education. This paper aims to examine students' experiences of CMSs across faculties at a comprehensive university in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachThis is an exploratory study. With questionnaires as the means of data collection, the exploration focuses on: perceived usefulness of technologies for study, usage pattern of CMSs, students' perceptions of CMSs, user support preference, and self‐reported experiences.FindingsThe results show significant differences between academic levels of students in their uses and perceptions, and shed light on issues concerning technology, pedagogy, and implementation strategies of CMSs in higher education.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a small‐scale study and results will not produce generalizations that can be applied directly in other institutions. However, empirical studies in CMS implementation are relatively rare, and results of this study provide initial evidence to shed light on a number of issues concerning the implementation of CMSs.Practical implicationsOn the whole, this study centering on university students' experiences and perceptions could inform the decision‐making process concerning successful implementation of CMSs.Originality/valueMany studies concerning e‐learning have focused on practitioner perspective or course design and overlooked students' voices. In this study, students' experiences are central. In particular, the paper probes the possible differences between academic levels of students.
Global health partnerships: leadership development for a purpose
Authors: Hockey Peter , Tobin Alexandra , Kemp Juliette , Kerrigan Janet , Kitsell Fleur , Green Penny , Sewell Amanda , Smith Christopher , Stanwick Stephanie , Lees Peter 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a novel approach to leadership development for UK healthcare workers, while contributing to health service improvement in a developing country.Design/methodology/approachA quality improvement faculty are used to teach and mentor National Health Service (NHS) International Development Clinical Fellows in quality improvement (QI) methods. Using accepted QI methods, sensitive and practical improvement projects are selected in partnership with local people in Cambodia in order to start achieving United Nations Millennium Development Goals related to child and maternal health. Simultaneously, NHS International Fellows gain an unparalleled opportunity to develop their leadership skills, which should benefit the NHS on their return to the UK.FindingsHealthcare quality improvement methods, developed in First World countries, are transferable to the developing world and also function as a vehicle for developing leadership skills in experienced healthcare workers.Practical implicationsThis leadership development programme fits with the stated aims of the Global Health Partnerships report, which encourages the NHS to play a global role in healthcare development in the developing world. Other First World healthcare systems could adopt this leadership development method to both improve the leadership capability of their own staff while also making a significant contribution to less well‐developed healthcare systems.Originality/valueThe combination of leadership development through quality improvement is novel – promising to benefit both providers and recipients.
Learning together: a cohort approach to organizational leadership development
Authors: Sharlow Janice , Langenhoff Paula , Bhatti Aslam , Spiers Jude , Cummings Greta 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate the formation of the Leadership Development Initiative (LDI) and to demonstrate how the program was collaboratively tailored to meet the organizational and developmental needs of leaders in the organization, using a learning cohort approach for implementation.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes how the LDI was designed, implemented, and assessed through its various stages of formation. Beginning with theory, a learning cohort approach was envisioned to not only bridge organizational departments by bringing leaders from all divisions to learn together, but would also be more sustainable in the long term. A participatory action research study was used to enhance program development and to ultimately explore the effectiveness of the LDI.FindingsThe LDI was critical to developing leadership and management competencies/skills, organizational networking, relationship building, and fostering a philosophy of leadership as collaborative visionary practice toward a common goal.Research limitations/implicationsThe conceptual framework of the LDI using a learning cohort approach may provide an approach for further development of leadership programs in other healthcare organizations.Practical implicationsThe LDI demonstrated how internally developed leadership programs can be an effective approach, with evaluation and application of research findings to continually improve and enhance the program, when resources are limited but the desire to learn is not.Originality/valueThe LDI program is a peer based, cohort approach established through a conceptual framework based on advanced leadership theories and practices.
Gender differences in professional development of healthcare managers
Authors: Gumus Gulcin , Borkowski Nancy , Deckard Gloria J. , Martel Karen J. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeAs a profession, healthcare management values commitment to lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Individual participation, however, is voluntary and healthcare managers choose to participate based in part on perceptions of organizational support (rewards, promotion and recognition) as well as on individual values. As women are narrowing the career attainment gap, participation in development activities may play a critical role. This paper aims to present a pilot study which assesses the differences in male and female healthcare managers' participation in professional development activities and perceived organizational support.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory survey was emailed to current and past members of three professional associations who share similar missions “to provide educational and networking opportunities” for their members in the southern region of Florida.FindingsThe findings suggest that women healthcare managers are less likely to pursue professional development activities than their male counterparts even when the outcome (i.e. obtaining professional certification) is associated with career advancement and salary increases. Furthermore, men are more likely than women to attend multiple continuing education programs when paying out of pocket.Research limitations/implicationsThis pilot study is one of the first attempts to account for the factors that explain gender differences in pursuing personal development activities. Rather than conclusive judgments, it provides directions for further research.Practical implicationsAs professional and leadership competencies become more ingrained in the industry, women may need to recognize and commit to development activities associated with healthcare leadership and management.Originality/valueCompetencies gained through professional development activities may impact career attainment.
Transformations in Canadian health systems leadership: an analytical perspective
Authors: Dickson Graham 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to articulate the shifts in the theoretical conceptualization of, and the practice of leadership in health care in Canada that are happening as a response to challenges of system transformation; and the implications of those shifts for individual leaders, for health services delivery, for research into health system leadership, and for leadership development approaches in university and health agencies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins with an analysis of the historical, contemporary, and futuristic context that shapes the conceptualization and practice of leadership now and into the future. The context consists of two parts. First, the need for leadership in health systems in Canada will be established. Second, a conceptual and practical exploration of leadership in health care, beginning with a review of the literature and moving on to exploration of two key projects pertaining to health leadership and health leadership development in Canada, commissioned by senior leaders in health care, will be analyzed for their contribution to defining leadership.FindingsThe findings outline key shifts in leadership that must take place to respond to changes in the national health environment and be pro‐active in shaping it. A typology of those shifts in order to show the constituent elements framing the evolution of leadership is outlined.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research on different models and approaches to leadership being promulgated in Canada, their impact on health system capacity building for change, and on new models of education for leaders, is needed.Practical implicationsAs the speed of change in health service delivery grows, the form of leadership required to steward it in a productive fashion changes. As a lag grows between “old” models of leadership and “new” models, leaders themselves experience frustration at their ability to be effective in creating system change. This has implications for our expectations of, and ability to practice leadership; and for our developmental approaches to developing leadership.Originality/valueThe paper helps to explain what kind of leadership is required to truly transform health systems on a national scale. It also contributes to the international dialogue around health systems transformation, capacity building, and improving health service delivery.
Sources of alpha and beta in property funds: a case study
Authors: Baum Andrew , Farrelly Kieran 
Published: October 2009

PurposeSince the mid‐1990s, in a generally strongly performing property market, there has been huge growth in the aggregate size and number of global property funds in both listed and unlisted formats. Managers have been able to raise significant capital, which potentially rewards them with performance fees without necessarily being able to provide clear evidence of out‐performance against defined market benchmarks or performance targets. In a more challenging, mature and increasingly transparent market this is unlikely to continue to be the case as it will be increasingly possible to assemble performance records. The purpose of this paper is to describe the sources of risk and return within property funds and set out a more holistic performance attribution framework encompassing the concepts of alpha (out‐performance) and beta (risk), which traditional attribution frameworks in property fund management do not.Design/methodology/approachA four component risk and return attribution framework is put forward. The first two components are portfolio structure which measures the impact of allocations to more or less risky markets, and stock selection which considers more or less risky assets. Fund structure, measures the impact of financial leverage and fees and finally the return impact of timing is attributed to the movement of capital into and out of the fund.FindingsA case study of a single unlisted fund has been used to compare traditional attribution results with an examination of alpha and beta return attribution. In this instance fund structure, which is largely the financial leverage impact, is found to be significant. This simply reflects extra risk taking and there is no clear evidence of manager out‐performance, yet significant performance fees are paid to the manager.Originality/valueThe paper provides a complete framework for the performance measurement and attribution of property funds, which enables investors to gain a fuller understanding of these increasingly used investment conduits.
Does noise have a stationary impact on residential values?
Authors: Marmolejo Duarte Carlos , González Tamez Carlos 
Published: October 2009

PurposeEnvironmental noise has become a major issue in densely urbanized areas. The impact of this externality on the quality of life is reflected by a decrease in the residents' well‐being, and subsequently a decrease in property values. A considerable number of studies have used hedonic pricing (HP) to assess the impact of noise on property markets, but few of them have considered the existence of submarkets. Theoretically, it could be expected that the marginal value of 1 dB varies according to the neighbourhood's noise exposure, the property characteristics (e.g. insulation level) and the annoyance experienced by residents. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether noise has a stationary impact on property prices.Design/methodology/approachGeographically weighted regression is used, which resolves spatial dependencies (i.e. spatial autocorrelation) and considers “soft borders” between submarkets to study the impact of noise on the value of a sample of multifamily dwellings in Barcelona.FindingsThe analysis suggests that the noise level does matter, although the noise depreciation sensitivity index (NDSI) found (0.08 per cent) is in the bottom decile of the HP studies reviewed by Navrud. However, the NDSI is not stationary throughout the city, suggesting that 1 dB has a different impact in different areas.Originality/valueNoise impact seems to depend not only on the noise intensity to which dwellings are exposed but also on the nature of the noise source. This may suggest the presence of other externalities that arouse social aversion.
An overview of residents' perceptions toward gaming development in local community
Authors: Lee Choong‐Ki , Back Ki‐Joon 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to overview empirical research on gambling impacts, theories employed to these gambling impact studies and methodology of gambling impacts.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive review of literature on several gaming and tourism journals is presented.FindingsThe paper summarizes theories associated with gaming research, gaming impact variables and methodological perspectives in gaming research.Practical implicationsThe overview of residents' perception provides policy makers to take appropriate actions, minimizing negative impact and maximizing positive impact of gaming industry.Originality/valueThe paper is the most comprehensive review of both theories and methodologies of journal articles dealing with residents' perception toward gambling development from early 1980s through 2009.
Casino customers in Asian versus western gaming jurisdictions
Authors: Kale Sudhir H. , Spence Mark T. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeMost of the growth in casino expansion for the foreseeable future will take place in Asia. Western casino operators appreciate the immense opportunities afforded by the Asian markets, but judging by their performance abroad some have not adapted in ways necessary to survive and prosper. The purpose of this paper is to expose key differences between Asian and Western gaming jurisdictions. In light of these differences, it is a serious mistake for Western casino executives to follow an ethnocentric approach when planning marketing activities and customer service initiatives for Asian customers. To rectify this situation, a framework is advanced that will assist Western operators to adapt to Asian markets.Design/methodology/approachDifferences between Asian and Western gamblers in both their game preferences and behaviours are based upon cited data sources and upon the authors' observations during flied trips to various casino jurisdictions. When appropriate, insights gleaned from a series of informal interviews conducted with senior executives in Macau as well as gaming‐related consulting conducted by the authors in both Asia and North America are shared, albeit for legal reasons the sources are confidential. The TROPICS framework presented herein was developed by the lead author and presented to senior gaming executives at the University of Nevada, Reno 2008 executive development program. The seven elements of this framework – now refined – are targeting, retention, organization, people, incentives, culture, and systems.FindingsThis paper concludes that in order to better serve Asian markets, there is an urgent need to empirically assess patron behavior and the attendant casino marketing adaptations that will be required to succeed in these markets.Practical implicationsA series of questions and issues related to each of the seven elements in the TROPICS framework are raised. The proposed framework is equally applicable to firms operating in Western countries as well as those in Asia; however, when put into practice, the outcome will be different marketing strategies adapted to each casino's market structure and macro‐environment. Regardless of context, this systematic approach to strategy formulation will ensure consistency and alignment across various elements of strategy.Originality/valueThe paper identifies the differences between Asian and Western gamblers to assist Western operators to adapt to Asian markets.
Senior citizen gaming: more than just buffets
Authors: Steve Wu Sze‐Wei , Wortman James 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purposes of this paper are: to review senior gambling literature and summarize the current situation; to discover the gambling characteristics of senior citizens; to discover senior casino patrons' motivational factors for gambling; and to suggest potential research areas.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is an extensive review of literature about senior citizen gaming is performed.FindingsThis paper illustrates the current situation and the gambling characteristics and motivational factors for the elderly and provided marketing strategies for casinos and destination marketers.Practical implicationsSeven marketing strategies are provided based on the findings of this paper.Originality/valueThis paper will be of value to anyone seeking to better understand the current situation and motivational factors for senior gaming.
An overview of consumer non‐problem gaming research
Authors: Zemke Dina , Shoemaker Stowe 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the extant research around the non‐pathological gaming customer and then propose research for future study of this customer.Design/methodology/approachAcademic literature combined with the results of primary research is used to examine the incidence of gambling and non‐problem gaming research trends in the hospitality industry.FindingsThe overview of the publicly available research on the casino gaming consumer leads to a host of suggestions for future research.Practical implicationsThe practical implications include recent developments in gaming consumer profiles, as well as suggested for future research to further understand the non‐problem gaming consumer.Originality/valueThe paper examines existing literature and is valuable for anyone who wishes to begin studying the gaming consumer. This paper provides direction for future study.
When something goes wrong
Authors: Alain Marc , Dessureault Danny , Brunelle Natacha , Crête Chantal 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine Loto‐Quebec's strategy as it adopts the new concept called Ludoplex.Design/methodology/approachThe stakeholders' (public health representatives and police officials) viewpoint is obtained during interviews.FindingsThis paper concludes that the next year and a half will be decisive for the survival of a marketing strategy that still has to prove its worthiness.Practical implicationsThis paper describes a new type of gaming operation that is compatible with an entertainment complex attracting families and older children. The concept has a potential for application in tourism destinations that allow gaming.Originality/valueThe paper provides the viewpoint of the new strategy announced by Loto‐Quebec by interviewing the stakeholders. It offers practical viewpoint for readers.