bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crude oil, crypto-assets and dependence: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mzoughi Hela , Ghabri Yosra , Guesmi Khaled 
Published: May 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to empirically investigate the extent to which interdependence in markets may be driven by COVID-19 effects.

Design/methodology/approach
The current global COVID-19 pandemic is adversely affecting the oil market (West Texas Intermediate) and crypto-assets markets.

Findings
The authors find that the dependence structure changes significantly after the global pandemic, providing valuable information on how the COVID-19 crisis affects interdependencies. The results also prove that the performance of digital gold seems to be better compared to stablecoin.

Originality/value
The authors fit copulas to pairs of before and after returns, analyze the observed changes in the dependence structure and discuss asymmetries on propagation of crisis. The authors also use the findings to construct portfolios possessing desirable expected behavior.
The effect of small business financing decision on business performance in Ghana: the moderated mediation role of corporate governance system
Authors: Tetteh Lexis Alexander , Kwarteng Amoako , Gyamera Emmanuel , Lamptey Lazarus , Sunu Prince , Muda Paul 
Published: May 2022

Purpose
The paper aims to investigate the role of corporate governance in the relationship between small businesses financing choice decisions on the business performance.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper was situated within the financial growth cycle theory and stewardship theory and survey approach was adopted for data collection. The statistical analysis was conducted by using partial least square structural equation modelling.

Findings
The results indicate that the interaction of corporate governance and financing choice decisions strengthens the performance relationship. Further, corporate governance mediates the positive relationship between financing choice decisions and performance. Thus, suggesting that corporate governance can carry the effect of the financing choice decisions to business performance.

Practical implications
The findings of our research reveal that, small businesses who follow solid corporate governance procedures should expect higher business performance. This is because financing decisions alone will not assure positive business performance unless they are tied to a broader perspective of effective corporate governance practices.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that contributes to the small business financing choice and performance literature by combining the strengths of financial growth cycle theory and stewardship theory to explain the financing choice decisions and, in particular, the role of corporate governance in the relationship. Further, the study is unique in its nature because it presents a successful model for small businesses in emerging economies to concentrate more on the role of corporate governance in enhancing business performance.
Flexibility out of standardization
Authors: Cabri Giacomo , Fioretti Guido 
Published: May 2022

PurposeThis article aims to provide a theoretical unifying framework for flexible organizational forms, such as so-called adhocracies and network organizations.Design/methodology/approachIn this article, organization practices that are typical of the software industry are analyzed and re-interpreted by means of foundational concepts of organization science. It is shown that one and the same logic is at work in all flexible organizations.FindingsCoordination modes can be fruitfully employed to characterize flexible organizations. In particular, standardization is key in order to obtain flexibility, provided that a novel sort of coordination by standardization is added to those that have been conceptualized hitherto.Research limitations/implicationsThis article highlights one necessary condition for organizations to be flexible. Further aspects, only cursorily mentioned in this paper, need to be addressed in order to obtain a complete picture.Practical implicationsA theory of organizational flexibility constitutes a guide for organizational design. This article suggests the non-obvious prescription that the boundary conditions of individual behavior must be standardized in order to achieve operational flexibility.Social implicationsThis theoretical framework can be profitably employed in management classes.Originality/valueCurrently, flexible organizations are only understood in terms of lists of instances. This article shows that apparently heterogeneous case-studies share common features in fact.
Reading ‘rithmatic: examining the impact of a literacy intervention on mathematics placement assessment
Authors: Cardenas Elliott Diane , Sand Dianna , Jones Elizabeth 
Published: May 2022

PurposeCollege placement assessments in the USA have underperformed in predicting college readiness. This has prompted a wave of reforms to placement practices and policies. Recently, student preparation for placement assessments has come to the forefront as a means for enabling better evaluation of college readiness. In this study, the authors explored the effects of an intervention aimed at preparing students for precollege placement assessments. The intervention focused on the provision of mathematics discipline-specific literacy skills because demonstrating mathematical mastery depends on students’ ability to read, understand and translate text into mathematical computations.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, the authors used a randomized control trial design. The design enabled the authors to draw causal inferences while examining the effects of a placement assessment preparation intervention on mathematics placement and course outcomes. The authors also examined the intervention’s effect across incoming first-year college students with varying levels of readiness.FindingsFindings demonstrated a positive and significant effect on assessment scores and placement for intervention participants with a stronger effect for those with higher levels of readiness. Intervention participants exhibited comparable academic success outcomes as those who did not receive the intervention.Originality/valueLittle assessment research has explored the intersection of mathematics and literacy skills in relation to college readiness assessment. In addition, findings support the utility of preparation for college placement assessments.
Exploring success factors of marketing in private healthcare organizations: evidence from Lebanon
Authors: Arzubiaga Unai , Schiavone Francesco , Ali Mohamad Talal , Chen Junsong 
Published: May 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the marketing success factors of an international private healthcare company operating in Lebanon and examine how these factors evolve depending on different business phases.Design/methodology/approachAn extreme single-case study of a Lebanese healthcare center was conducted. The data sources consisted of semi-structured interviews and archival data including industry reports, newspaper articles and internal documents.FindingsThis study offers interesting, non-studied insights into marketing success factors in the private healthcare sector. In particular, it shows how to evolve from more traditional business models to disruptive yet very attractive personalized services with high-quality standards.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the theoretical position developed fits the unique characteristics of the studied industry and country settings, it is necessary to be cautious in generalizing the study to other geographical settings and industries.Practical implicationsThis research provides managers and decision-makers with insights into how to identify, organize and develop success factors in the marketing discipline during different business phases of private healthcare organizations.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the scarce literature on the marketing of private healthcare organizations by exploring success factors in a non-studied geographical and cultural context.
Humanistic communication professionals: dialogue and listening skills as core competencies of humanistic communication professionals in the Netherlands
Authors: Elshof Marjon , Hendrawan Bram 
Published: May 2022

PurposeMany organisations wrestle with how to develop value-oriented businesses and societies. A humanistic communication approach that promotes understanding and dialogue amongst stakeholders can contribute to a solution. Communication professionals play a pivotal role in achieving a humanistic communication process. This paper aims to determine the significance of humanistic communication professionals and their characteristics.Design/methodology/approachA literature review was conducted to identify the characteristics of humanistic communication professionals. Thereafter, the extent to which such characteristics have been implemented in competency models in the Netherlands was investigated. This country’s strong tradition of developing competencies for communication professionals has resulted in competency models that serve as standards for professional development.FindingsThe literature review shows that a humanistic approach to communication is characterised by dialogic engagement and social listening to build and maintain trust, foster transparency and create engagement with stakeholders. Communication professionals can act as “cultural interpreters”, “organisational listeners” and “stewards of meaning”. The human element plays a key factor in the competency standards for communication professionals in the Netherlands, although the extent to which they are embedded varies. The analysis shows a shift from passing on a message towards dialogue and engagement.Originality/valueMost studies of communication professionals’ competencies have been based on roles or tasks they perform. Little scholarly attention has been paid to competencies that add to developing value-oriented businesses and societies. This paper focuses specifically on how communication professionals can contribute to creating humanistic organisations.
Relationship of brand credibility and brand loyalty: the mediating effects of attitude toward brand
Authors: Haq M. Ikram Ul , Khaliq Alvi Abdul , Somroo Muhammad Akram , Akhtar Nadeem , Ahmed Ashfaque 
Published: May 2022

PurposeCurrent research addresses the issue of brand loyalty while identifying its potential predictors. The research also examines the direct impact of brand credibility on brand loyalty and attitude toward brand and the direct impact of attitude toward brand and on brand loyalty respectively. Moreover, this research examines the mediating effect of attitude toward brand for the relationship of brand credibility and brand loyalty.Design/methodology/approachThis is a cross-sectional research. Data is collected with the help of structured questionnaire. Simple random sampling technique is used for gathering the data from 220 Samsung users from Lahore, Pakistan.FindingsResults indicate that brand credibility has a positive influence on attitude toward brand and brand loyalty respectively. Attitude toward brand partially intervenes the relation of brand credibility and brand loyalty.Research limitations/implicationsThere are some limitations of the current research. It includes only the customers of Samsung mobile. Data is collected from the customers of Lahore, Pakistan, only. This research can also be conducted among the customers of OPPO, Vivo and Apple and compare the results of current research with the results of OPPO, Vivo and Apple, which will provide the useful insights. This kind of research will also be conducted among the customers of other kinds of products like FMCGs, luxury items and even on the organizations of industrial products for generalizability. In future, customers of other cities of Pakistan like Karachi, Multan and Faisalabad may also be included for generalization.Practical implicationsThis research provides a practical framework for the marketing department of Samsung mobiles and explains how brand credibility shape the brand loyalty through the path of attitude toward Samsung mobiles. So, Samsung mobiles can maintain current policies regarding brand credibility and attitude toward brand for attaining the better level of brand loyalty. Longitudinal research studies on these variables will also be helpful for the marketing department of Samsung for checking the level of propose relationships periodically and comparing it with previous results which will provide the true picture about propose relationships. If the value of propose relationships increases or remains at same level, then Samsung can maintain the current policies about these variables and if the value of these variables decreases, the Samsung will improve the current policies about these variables.Originality/valueThis research contributed in theory of reasoned action by proposing the brand credibility, attitude toward brand and brand loyalty in single model. Before this, these relations were explained separately. This research adds to the body of literature by checking the mediating effect of attitude toward brand for the relationship of brand credibility and brand loyalty.
Analyzing the green financing and energy efficiency relationship in ASEAN
Authors: Quang Phung Thanh , Thao Doan Phuong 
Published: May 2022

PurposeThe need to improve energy efficiency as an essential factor for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through green financing is one of the most important issues worldwide. It is even more important for ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries because of their potential for economic growth and the challenge of their environmental problems. This paper therefore addresses the question of whether and how green finance (with the proxy of issued green bonds [GBs]) promotes energy efficiency (with the proxy of energy intensity) in the ASEAN member countries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper runs a two-stage generalized method of moments (GMM) system model for the quarterly data over the period 2017–2020. It also uses a linear interaction model to explore how the pandemic may affect the relationship between green finance and energy efficiency in this region.FindingsThe main results only demonstrate the short-term negative impact of GBs on energy intensity. Furthermore, per capita income, economic integration and renewable energy supply can be used as potential variables to reduce energy intensity, while modernization in ASEAN increases energy intensity. Establishment of digital green finance, long-term planning of a green finance market, trade liberalization and policies to mitigate the negative impacts of COVID-19 are recommended as golden policy implications.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study has several limitations. First, it accounts for explanatory variables by following a number of previous studies. This may lead to omissions or errors. Second, the empirical estimates were conducted for 160 observations due to the repositioning of GBs in ASEAN, which is not bad but not good for an empirical study.Originality/valueTo the best of authors' knowledge, there has not been any in-depth study focusing on the relationship between energy efficiency and green financing for the case of ASEAN economies.
Longitudinal upgrades and asymmetric effects of satisfaction and perceived-value
Authors: Miller Chadwick J. , Sajtos Laszlo , Lemon Katherine N. , Salas Jim , Troncoza Martha , Ostrom Lonnie 
Published: May 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how customers’ upgrading/downgrading (t−1) behavior may be predictive of future spending. Further, this paper also investigates how customers’ post-consumption evaluations of upgrades and downgrades [satisfaction(t−1) and perceived value(t−1)] may moderate the relationship between upgrades/downgrades and future spending.

Design/methodology/approach
The predictions are tested using a large longitudinal data set of river cruise purchases (N = 48,103) and largely replicated using a data set of zoo membership purchases (N = 2,469).

Findings
Satisfaction(t−1) mitigates the positive relationship between prior upgrades(t−1) and future spending(t). In contrast, perceived value(t−1) magnifies the positive relationship between prior upgrades(t−1) and future spending(t). However, no positively moderating effects are observed to alleviate the negative relationship between prior downgrades(t−1) and future spending(t).

Practical implications
This research suggests that managers should work hard early in customer–firm relationships because of an asymmetric difficultly in altering the trajectory of an established relationship. Specifically, relationships that are trending downward (as consecutive downgrades would suggest) are difficult to repair – a mechanism to alter this trajectory is not observed. In contrast, relationships that are trending upward (as consecutive upgrades would suggest) can be improved with high perceived value evaluations but also degraded with high satisfaction evaluations.

Originality/value
This research should recast marketers’ understanding of the value of customers’ upgrade and downgrade decisions. Instead of using customers’ upgrade or downgrade decisions as the dependent variable, or final outcome in buyer behavior, this study shows how the accumulation of prior upgrades and prior downgrades, over time, acts as a bellwether of the customer–firm relationship. Further, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to connect these upgrade/downgrade decisions to customers’ evaluations of those purchases to understand how individual purchases can impact the overall customer–firm relationship.
Technology acceptance by university lecturers: a reflection on the future of online and hybrid teaching
Authors: Weilage Christopher , Stumpfegger Eva 
Published: May 2022

Purpose
Most research using extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) and other technology acceptance models (TAM) are quantitative studies. This leaves room for interpretation when they are applied to university lecturers’ acceptance of online teaching because the models were originally created for the consumer perspective. This study aims to bridge this gap by integrating existing (quantitative) research with (qualitative) reasoning.

Design/methodology/approach
This study reflects online and hybrid teaching acceptance by reviewing exemplary existing research using UTAUT2 as the conceptual framework.

Findings
UTAUT2 TAMs use a broad range of criteria that do not immediately agree with university lecturers’ acceptance of online teaching. This study finds that existing research results are inconclusive and attempts to link criteria when suitable. Performance expectancy should not only encompass individual attitudes and skills but also the nature of the subject taught. Social influence is driven by recognition and student evaluations. Hedonic motivation best fits the elsewhere well-researched concept of intrinsic motivation. This study suggests that universities choose their online teaching technology wisely, promote its ease of use and offer training as well as continuous support to lecturers, especially when addressing future uncertainties.

Originality/value
This study explains the implications of using TAMs for research of higher education online teaching. Potential reasons and arguments for the inconclusiveness of the studies reviewed are discussed, and measures for university policy and communication improvement are suggested.
Social media in learning on nature: case Finnish amateur mycologists
Authors: Santaoja Minna 
Published: May 2022

PurposeEco-social crises such as the loss of biodiversity call for transformative learning. This study analyzes the prospects of social media in learning about nature.Design/methodology/approachThe study is placed in the intersection of science and technology studies, futures studies, environmental social sciences, and environmental humanities. The study draws on a qualitative case study of a mycologists' Facebook group. The empirical material was collected through digital ethnography.FindingsSocial media provides opportunities for learning about nature for many people. However, specialized naturalist social media groups are increasingly geared towards citizen science. The development may fragment the online naturalist cultures and narrow the scope for learning.Research limitations/implicationsInsights from a single case study cannot be broadly generalized. However, the case highlights significant features to consider in promoting collective learning in social media in the future.Originality/valueMuch of the previous research has focused on social media uses in the formal education of youth. This study addresses social media in informal and collective learning, specifically about nature.
The frequency and clustering of autism-related behaviors during encounters between the police and the autism community
Authors: Wallace Danielle , Herbert Jessica , McGhee Hassrick Elizabeth , Kabourek Sarah E. 
Published: May 2022

PurposeThis paper intends to examine the behaviors autistic individuals display during police encounters, determine if there are differences in those behaviors by age and gender, then examine if any behaviors cluster or frequently co-occur.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from the Survey of Parents and Caregivers of Individuals with autism spectrum disorder and focusing on a subsample of respondents who report that their autistic loved one has had prior police contact, the authors examine the frequency and clustering of behaviors displayed by autistic individuals during police encounters. The authors use chi-square tests of independence to examine age and gender differences and latent class analysis to assess behavioral clustering.FindingsThe findings show that many behaviors that autistic individuals display during police encounters are associated with social communication and interaction difficulties, such as failure to maintain eye contact and difficulty answering questions. Many of these overlap with police training on deception, compliance and passive resistance. Moreover, the authors find that there are age differences in two behaviors, fidgeting and not responding to one's name. Lastly, the authors find that many of these behaviors cluster in unexpected ways, adding a layer of complexity to encounters between the police and autistic individuals.Originality/valueTraining police officers, autistic individuals and their loved ones on interactions with the police is critical for positive outcomes. Without details on what occurs inside a police encounter, constructing those trainings is difficult. While this study provides only a small glimpse into police encounters with the autistic community, it is a first step toward understanding these multifaceted interactions better.