title: Consumer adoption of blockchain food traceability: effects of innovation-adoption characteristics, expertise in food traceability and blockchain technology, and segmentation

authors: Wang, Ou

abstract: Purpose: This study explores the influence of the following factors on consumer adoption of blockchain food traceability (BFT): innovation-adoption characteristics, segmentation, expertise in food traceability, expertise in blockchain technology, food categorical preferences and perceived important features of BFT. Design/methodology/approach: The data was collected via an online questionnaire with 1,401 participants in New Zealand. Exploratory factor analysis, structural equation modelling and segmentation analysis were undertaken. Findings: Consumer adoption of blockchain food traceability was significantly influenced by two innovation-adoption characteristics – perceived incentives and perceived complexity, as well as their expertise in food traceability. Two consumer segments were identified: Conservatives (48%) and Pioneers (52%). Significant differences were found between these two segments in terms of gender, age, education, occupation, residential area and ethnicity. Consumers are more willing to use BFT for purchasing fresh, imported, staple and normal foods than for processed, domestic and upscale foods. Their perceived important specific features of BFT are product origin, food safety information, quality control, food safety information, hygienic condition and scarcity management. Originality/value: This study contributes knowledge to address the current knowledge gap regarding consumer adoption of blockchain food traceability by using a large sample set. It is also the first study to recognise consumer segments for BFT; to provide information about consumers' important socio-demographic characteristics, food categorical preferences and perceived important features towards BFT; and to explore the influences of consumers' innovation-adoption characteristics, expertise in food traceability and expertise in blockchain technology on their adoption of blockchain food traceability.

text: Consumer adoption of blockchain food traceability: effects of innovation-adoption characteristics, expertise in food traceability and blockchain technology, and segmentation Purpose: This study explores the influence of the following factors on consumer adoption of blockchain food traceability (BFT): innovation-adoption characteristics, segmentation, expertise in food traceability, expertise in blockchain technology, food categorical preferences and perceived important features of BFT. Design/methodology/approach: The data was collected via an online questionnaire with 1,401 participants in New Zealand. Exploratory factor analysis, structural equation modelling and segmentation analysis were undertaken. Findings: Consumer adoption of blockchain food traceability was significantly influenced by two innovation-adoption characteristics – perceived incentives and perceived complexity, as well as their expertise in food traceability. Two consumer segments were identified: Conservatives (48%) and Pioneers (52%). Significant differences were found between these two segments in terms of gender, age, education, occupation, residential area and ethnicity. Consumers are more willing to use BFT for purchasing fresh, imported, staple and normal foods than for processed, domestic and upscale foods. Their perceived important specific features of BFT are product origin, food safety information, quality control, food safety information, hygienic condition and scarcity management. Originality/value: This study contributes knowledge to address the current knowledge gap regarding consumer adoption of blockchain food traceability by using a large sample set. It is also the first study to recognise consumer segments for BFT; to provide information about consumers' important socio-demographic characteristics, food categorical preferences and perceived important features towards BFT; and to explore the influences of consumers' innovation-adoption characteristics, expertise in food traceability and expertise in blockchain technology on their adoption of blockchain food traceability.

year: 2022

title: Portfolio of compositions

authors: Tang, Xu

subjects: Music

abstract: The portfolio is a creative response to the question of how autochthonous new music might be composed which genuinely reflects the interaction of Western and Chinese traditional music and philosophy. The solution proposed is to avoid excessively fusing musical elements derived from different cultures but instead to seek the most appropriate response to each unique compositional situation, utilising a different palette of techniques in each case. The artistic aim is to create in each composition a unique musical space in which musical elements and philosophical underpinnings from both East and West can interact without fusion, each retaining its own characteristics.
The analytical notes provide exegeses of the technical procedures adopted in each work and the musical and cultural context of each work.

text: Portfolio of compositions The portfolio is a creative response to the question of how autochthonous new music might be composed which genuinely reflects the interaction of Western and Chinese traditional music and philosophy. The solution proposed is to avoid excessively fusing musical elements derived from different cultures but instead to seek the most appropriate response to each unique compositional situation, utilising a different palette of techniques in each case. The artistic aim is to create in each composition a unique musical space in which musical elements and philosophical underpinnings from both East and West can interact without fusion, each retaining its own characteristics.
The analytical notes provide exegeses of the technical procedures adopted in each work and the musical and cultural context of each work.

year: 2021

title: Student belonging: critical relationships and responsibilities

authors: Berryman, Mere

subjects: Belonging

abstract: In this paper, we consider New Zealand’s education system to understand what can happen when we focus only on excellence and students reaching their potential, without simultaneously investing in their sense of belonging and wellbeing. National statistics suggest we are alienating and shortchanging an increasing number of students and, for disproportionate numbers of Indigenous students, these statistics are part of a world trend. The literature, and the students themselves, highlight the need to overturn the underlying racism that persistently disadvantages clearly identifiable groups of students over others. Until we do, using equity and excellence as the most powerful drivers for reform, will continue to promote conditions where our students’ sense of belonging and wellbeing are undermined throughout their education and we will risk, failing to address the ensuing negative statistics. We conclude with a response that we have learned from working with these same students.

text: Student belonging: critical relationships and responsibilities In this paper, we consider New Zealand’s education system to understand what can happen when we focus only on excellence and students reaching their potential, without simultaneously investing in their sense of belonging and wellbeing. National statistics suggest we are alienating and shortchanging an increasing number of students and, for disproportionate numbers of Indigenous students, these statistics are part of a world trend. The literature, and the students themselves, highlight the need to overturn the underlying racism that persistently disadvantages clearly identifiable groups of students over others. Until we do, using equity and excellence as the most powerful drivers for reform, will continue to promote conditions where our students’ sense of belonging and wellbeing are undermined throughout their education and we will risk, failing to address the ensuing negative statistics. We conclude with a response that we have learned from working with these same students.

year: 2019