Information security behaviors of smartphone users in China: an empirical analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 1177-1190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Juan Zhang ◽  
Zhenzhen Li ◽  
Hepu Deng
Keyword(s):  
Information Security ◽  
Empirical Analysis ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
User Behavior ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Smartphone Use

Purpose Understanding user behavior is increasingly critical for information security in the use of smartphones. There is, however, lack of empirical studies about the behavior of smartphone users for information security in China. The purpose of this paper is to present an empirical analysis of the behavior of smartphone users in China in relation to information security. Design/methodology/approach A review of the related literature is conducted, leading to the development of a questionnaire for investigating the behavior of smartphone users. An online survey of the smartphone users in China is conducted. The collected data are analyzed with the use of descriptive analysis and Pearson’s chi-square test to better understand the behavior of smartphone users on information security. Findings The paper shows that there are serious concerns about information security in the use of smartphones in China including the ignorance of security information in downloading and using applications, inadequate phone settings, inappropriate enabling of add-on utilities and lack of proper disaster recovery plans. The study also reveals that there is a significant difference between different groups of users on information security in smartphone use. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on a purposeful sample of smartphone users in China. It is exploratory in nature. Practical implications The paper can lead to a better understanding of the behavior of smartphone users and information security in China and provide relevant government departments and institutions with useful information for developing appropriate strategies and policies and designing specific training programs to improve information security in the smartphone use. Originality/value This paper is the first of this kind to collect quantitative data from users in China for better understanding the behavior of smartphone users on information security. It provides insight towards the adoption of various measures for information security from the perspective of smartphone users in China.

Correlates of agrarian indebtedness in rural India

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Subash Surendran Padmaja ◽  
Jabir Ali
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Rural India ◽  
Heckman Selection Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Household Characteristics ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Agricultural Households ◽  
Nationally Representative

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the factors determining the incidence and extent of indebtedness among agricultural households in rural India. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on a nationally representative survey carried out under the 70th Round of the National Sampling Survey Office (NSSO) across rural India. Data on household characteristics, farming characteristics, indebtedness and extent of outstanding credit have been extracted from the comprehensive survey data. Four research hypotheses have been formulated and tested using simple statistical techniques. Further, using the Heckman Selection Model, the study assesses the factors determining the agrarian indebtedness among households in rural India. Findings The results from the descriptive analysis show that there is a significant difference in socio-economic and farm characteristics of indebted and non-indebted households. Further, the level of indebtedness differs across sources of the loan, landholding sizes and geographical locations among agricultural households. The results of regression analysis clearly indicate that household characteristics, farm characteristics and sources of loan determine both the incidence and extent of indebtedness among agricultural households. Research limitations/implications The main limitation of the study is that only the data giving information regarding the amount of outstanding loans have been collected, and there is no information regarding the amount of credit availed, the purpose and the due date of payment. Further, there is scope to improve the robustness of the empirical model by adding and modifying explanatory variables. Originality/value There are only a limited number of empirical studies providing an understanding of the factors determining the indebtedness of agricultural households in rural India. Hence, this study is a good value addition to the existing literature.

Infodemic surrounding COVID-19: Can LIS students recognize and categorize “problematic information” types on social media?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamima Yesmin ◽  
S.M. Zabed Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Wrong Answer ◽  
Student Groups ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Correct Definition ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
And Task

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate Library and Information Science (LIS) students’ understanding of infodemic and related terminologies and their ability to categorize COVID-19-related problematic information types using examples from social media platforms. Design/methodology/approach The participants of this study were LIS students from a public-funded university located at the south coast of Bangladesh. An online survey was conducted which, in addition to demographic and study information, asked students to identify the correct definition of infodemic and related terminologies and to categorize the COVID-related problematic social media posts based on their inherent problem characteristics. The correct answer for each definition and task question was assigned a score of “1”, whereas the wrong answer was coded as “0”. The percentages of correctness score for total and each category of definition and task-specific questions were computed. The independent sample t-test and ANOVA were run to examine the differences in total and category-specific scores between student groups. Findings The findings revealed that students’ knowledge concerning the definition of infodemic and related terminologies and the categorization of COVID-19-related problematic social media posts was poor. There was no significant difference in correctness scores between student groups in terms of gender, age and study levels. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time an effort was made to understand LIS students’ recognition and classification of problematic information. The findings can assist LIS departments in revising and improving the existing information literacy curriculum for students.

scholarly journals Analysis of the drivers and benefits of BIM incorporation into quantity surveying profession

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 750-766 ◽  
Author(s):  
Solomon Olusola Babatunde ◽  
Damilola Ekundayo ◽  
Olubola Babalola ◽  
Jumoke Aduramigba Jimoh
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Whitney Test ◽  
Mann Whitney Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Quantity Surveying

Purpose Building information modeling (BIM) inclusion in education pedagogy is crucial in preparing skilled graduates for employment in the construction industry. Against this backdrop, studies on BIM education abound in architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) programmes in higher education institutions (HEIs). However, there are limited empirical studies on BIM potentials in the quantity surveying (QS) profession in HEIs, particularly in developing countries. The purpose of this study is to identify and assess the BIM drivers and benefits as important to the QS profession using an empirical approach. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the BIM drivers and benefits in relation to the QS profession, which was used to design a questionnaire. To capture a broad perception, a questionnaire survey was carried out which targeted the academia and final year undergraduate students from two selected universities offering QS honour degree programmes in Nigeria. Data collected were analysed using mean score, standard deviation and Mann–Whitney test. Findings The study identified 12 BIM drivers in relation to the QS profession and the analysis of the ranking revealed that almost all the identified BIM drivers are considered by respondents as important. The study further identified 14 BIM benefits and the analysis of the ranking indicated that all the identified BIM benefits are considered as important. The results of the Mann–Whitney test indicated a slight statistically significant difference, particularly in one of the selected universities on the ranking of the BIM drivers and benefits as important to the QS profession. Practical implication The findings of the study provide empirical evidence on the current perceptions of the drivers and benefits of BIM to QS academia and students as they explore the concept for the advancement of QS profession. Originality/value This study would provide practical insights to use BIM for QS practice. Also, this study would contribute to improving the QS graduates and professional quantity surveyors understanding of the BIM knowledge applicable to QS profession.

Barriers to bond financing for public-private partnership infrastructure projects in emerging markets

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Solomon Olusola Babatunde ◽  
Srinath Perera
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Public Private Partnership ◽  
Bond Markets ◽  
Infrastructure Projects ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Private Partnership ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify and critically assess the barriers to bond financing for public–private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects in Nigeria using an empirical quantitative analysis. Innovative ways to finance long-term infrastructure projects had been documented. However, there is a dearth of empirical studies on the barriers to bond financing for PPP infrastructure projects. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the barriers to bond financing for infrastructure projects, which were employed to design a questionnaire. A questionnaire survey was carried out which targeted financial experts in the Nigerian financial institutions/local banks. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to include mean score, chi-square (χ2) test and factor analysis (principal component analysis). Findings The analysis of the ranking in terms of the mean score values for the 12 identified barriers indicated that all the identified barriers are considered by respondents as critical barriers to bond financing for PPP infrastructure projects in Nigeria. The study, through factor analysis, grouped the 12 identified barriers into 5 principal factors. These include governance and institutional capacity issues, higher issuance cost and risk, difficulties in getting approval for changes, the small size of bond markets and stringent disclosure requirements. Practical implications This research is significant by providing the empirical evidence of the barriers to bond financing for PPP infrastructure in emerging markets, especially in Nigeria. Originality/value The findings would enable the policymakers to draw some policy recommendations that will positively influence the development of bond markets in Nigeria and emerging markets at large. These study findings are crucial, as not many empirical studies have been conducted in Nigeria.

A study of consumers’ pre-purchase evaluation of apparel products in Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Berihun Bizuneh ◽  
Shalemu Sharew Hailemariam ◽  
Selam Tsegaye
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Garment Fit

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore pre-purchase apparel evaluation cues and examine the effect of demographic variables empirically in the context of a developing country. The initiation for the study was driven by the absence of such prior research and supplemented by the big market opportunity for clothing products in the country under investigation.Design/methodology/approachA self-administered online survey was used for data collection. Demographic questions, 23 apparel measurement items composed of 17 product-based and 6 sustainability-based items, and an open-ended question were included in the questionnaire. Factor analysis was used for dimension reduction and one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) for hypotheses testing.FindingsGarment fit, design features, colour, fabric type and seasonality are the five important characteristics most Ethiopian consumers consider while buying apparel products. Factor analysis resulted in five important factors used for pre-purchase apparel evaluation amongst which the design and extrinsic cue is found to be the most important. Environmental factors in the apparel industry got higher emphasis than social factors. While age and educational background made differences in apparel evaluation, gender did not show a significant difference.Originality/valueThe paper provides a founding insight in exploring apparel evaluation cues by considering product- and sustainability-based cues in a developing country context. It also examines the effect of three demographic variables which are rarely studied in such combination.

scholarly journals Food choice in the e-commerce era

2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (4) ◽  
pp. 1215-1237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ou Wang ◽  
Simon Somogyi ◽  
Sylvain Charlebois
Keyword(s):  
Food Choice ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Shopping ◽  
Business To Consumer ◽  
Food Choice Motives ◽  
Specific Food

PurposeThis study associated consumers' food choice motives and socio-demographic characteristics with their attitudes and consumptions towards food shopping with four e-commerce modes: business-to-consumer (B2C), online-to-offline delivery (O2O Delivery), online-to-offline in-store (O2O In-store) and New Retail. It also explored consumer preferences for specific food categories within the four e-commerce modes.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was administered to 954 participants from three Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. Descriptive analysis and linear regression were used in the data analysis.FindingsThe following food choice motives (FCMs) and socio-demographic characteristics had a significant effect on food e-commerce attitudes and/or consumption, with some or all of the four e-commerce modes: Taste Appeal, Value for Money, Safety Concerns, Quality Concerns, Processed Convenience, Purchase Convenience, Others' Reviews, City, Gender, Household Size, Age, Income, Occupation and Marital Status. Consumers also have different consumption preferences for food categories in the four e-commerce modes.Originality/valueThis is the first study to associate consumer FCMs and socio-demographics with their e-commerce attitudes and consumption regarding food in four e-commerce modes: B2C, O2O Delivery, O2O In-store and New Retail.

Cybersecurity behaviour of smartphone users in India: an empirical analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 293-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pintu Shah ◽  
Anuja Agarwal
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Security Threats ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Computing Device ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Security Controls ◽  
The Usa ◽  
High Level

Purpose For a good number of Indians, their smartphone is their first digital computing device. They have less experience in dealing with the Internet-enabled device and hence less experience in handling security threats like malware as compared to users of other countries who have gone through the learning curve of handling such security threats using other Internet-enabled devices such as laptop and desktop. Because of this, the inexperienced Indian smartphone user may be vulnerable to Internet-related security breaches, as compared to the citizens of developed economies. Hence, it is essential to understand the attitude, behaviour and security practices of smartphone users in India. Limited research is available about the security behaviour of smartphone users in India as the majority of research in this domain is done outside India. Design/methodology/approach In this empirical study, the researchers identified 28 cybersecurity behaviours and practices through a survey of relevant literature. An online survey of identified cybersecurity behaviours and practices was administered to 300 smartphone users. Frequency analysis of the respondent data was done to understand the adoption of recommended cybersecurity behaviours and practices. Pearson’s chi-square with 5% level of significance has been used to test the hypotheses. Post hoc analysis with Bonferroni correction was conducted for statistically significant associations. Findings Overall, the respondents did not exhibit good cybersecurity behaviour. Respondents have adopted some of the most popular security features of the smartphone such as the use of screen lock. However, respondents have not adopted or are not aware of the technical security controls such as encryption and remote wipe. Statistically significant differences were found between the cybersecurity behaviour and practices and independent variables such as gender, age, mobile operating system (OS) and mother tongue. Respondents reported high level of motivation to protect their device and data, whereas they reported moderate level of threat awareness and the ability to protect to their device and data. Results of the comparative analysis with a similar study in China and the USA are also reported in this study. Research limitations/implications The main limitations of this study are as follows: the respondents' perceptions about their cybersecurity behaviours and practices were measured as opposed to their actual behaviours and practices and the generalizability of the study is limited because the sample size is small as compared to the total number of smartphone users in India. Practical implications The findings of this study may be useful for the design of effective cybersecurity prevention and intervention programs for general smartphone users of India. Originality/value This study provides an insight about cybersecurity behaviour of smartphone users in India. To the knowledge of the researchers, this is the first study to collect such quantitative data of smartphone users in India for a better understanding of the cybersecurity behaviours and practices. This study identified 28 cybersecurity behaviours and practices, which smartphone users should follow to improve cybersecurity.

scholarly journals Occurrence of Oral Ulcerations in Patients undergoing Orthodontic Treatment: A Comparative study

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 32-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Apeksha Mainali
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Change ◽  
Orthodontic Treatment ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Visual Aids ◽  
Oral Ulceration ◽  
Treatment Procedure ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Chi Square Test

Introduction: Intra-oral and extra-oral tissues are at risk of damage during orthodontic treatment, most commonly oral ulcerations. Clinicians should assess and monitor every aspect of patient’s treatment procedure to achieve an uneventful and successful final result. Objective: To evaluate occurrence of oral ulcerations in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. To evaluate the most common type of ulceration and to assess the management of such ulcerations by the orthodontists. Materials & Method: A questionnaire-based study was used among Nepalese and international orthodontists. Data were analyzed statistically using descriptive analysis and Chi-square test, p<0.05 was considered to be significant with a confidence interval of 95%. Result: Most common oral ulceration encountered during orthodontic treatment was traumatic ulceration which was managed by symptomatic measures. There was a statistically significant difference in the method of education to the patients among national and international orthodontists. Conclusion: Careful use of instruments, careful fitting and adjustment of the appliances should be done to avoid oral ulcerations during orthodontic treatment. Topical medicines can be used for management of such ulcers. Nepalese orthodontists should focus on using audio-visual aids for patient education as it has great promise in enhancing patient understanding and in prompting behavioral change.  

Exploring the relationship between employee engagement and its antecedents: the moderating role of smartphone use

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheng-Wei Lin ◽  
Yuan-Hung Liu ◽  
Eugenia Y. Huang
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Communication ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Indicator Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Smartphone Use ◽  
Moderating Role

PurposeThis study empirically verified employee engagement (EE) as an outcome of organizational communication and confirmed that the formation of EE is strengthened when smartphone use (SU) is at a higher level.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach was used in this research, whereby 408 valid samples were collected with an online survey. The hypotheses of direct effects were tested using the structural equation modeling (SEM) procedure, and the moderating effects were tested using the unconstrained product indicator method and the PROCESS macro.FindingsThe results showed that EE was significantly influenced by person–organizationvalue fit (POVF), transformational leadership (TFL) and job autonomy (JA), and the effects of POVF and TFL were moderated significantly by SU. Although the influence of social support (SS) on EE was insignificant in the full model, SU moderated the effect of SS. The evidence also showed that work–family conflict (WFC) had no negative impact on EE.Research limitations/implicationsThe participants of this study were restricted to a local area.Practical implicationsOrganizations should develop job designs via two-way communication to bring up EE and SU can facilitate the process.Originality/valuePrevious research has identified EE as an outcome of organizational communication, but this concept has not yet been empirically verified. This research provides evidence to verify the above-mentioned concept and additionally confirms the moderating role of SU.

Co-creation of a food marketing offer by final purchasers in the context of their lifestyles

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Izabela Baruk
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
World Literature ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Food Marketing ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Product Service ◽  
And Cluster Analysis ◽  
A Company

PurposeThis article is theoretical and empirical in nature. Its purpose is to determine whether a lifestyle resulting from a particular personality type is significant for elements of a food marketing offer, which final purchasers would like to co-create with offerors.Design/methodology/approachA cognitive-critical analysis of the world literature on the subject was used to prepare the theoretical section. The results of the analysis indicate a cognitive and research gap in analyzing the above aspects. In order to reduce the gap, empirical studies were conducted in which a questionnaire was used to gather primary data. The data were subjected to quantitative analysis using statistical analysis including exploratory factor analysis, Pearson chi-square independence test, V-Cramer coefficient analysis, Kruskal–Wallis test and cluster analysis.FindingsThe results of the statistical analysis allowed three research hypotheses to be verified. It was found that there is dependence between respondents' lifestyles and elements of a marketing offer which they would like to co-create with offerors. It was also found that a lifestyle is a feature differentiating both material and non-material elements of a marketing offer which respondents would like to co-create with offerors. Such dependence was identified for, respectively, a material product, service and brand, regardless of whether these considered a company or a product. Thus, research hypotheses were proved to be valid for respondents.Research limitations/implicationsThe results obtained from the research have a cognitive and applicability value. They contribute to the theory, including marketing and customer behavior. They can also facilitate the shaping of good mutual relationships between offerors and final purchasers as important partners cooperating in the process of creating marketing values.Originality/valueThe originality of the approach presented is confirmed by the fact that until now elements of a marketing offer which purchasers would like to co-create with offerors have not been analyzed in the context of a lifestyle either in theory or in practice.

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