scholarly journals Under the microscope – an examination of the supports for ethnic entrepreneurs in Ireland

2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (6) ◽  
pp. 666-683
Author(s):  
Naomi Birdthistle
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Foreign Languages ◽  
Minority Languages ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Career Option ◽  
Ethnic Entrepreneurs ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
Training And Support

Purpose Because entrepreneurs operate in a world of uncertainty, the ability to analyse a situation, extract the important and ignore the superfluous, compare potential outcomes, and extrapolate from other experiences to the current one is vital. Researchers have identified several skills an entrepreneur requires to operate their business and the purpose of this paper is to examine if the training and support necessary for entrepreneurship to occur within ethnic communities exists in Ireland. Design/methodology/approach This study was carried out among established ethnic entrepreneurs and representatives from support agencies in Ireland. A quantitative research methods approach was adopted using online surveys. Responses from 36 ethnic entrepreneurs and eight support organisations were received. Findings Targeted programmes offered by service providers included programmes in foreign languages; providing literature in foreign languages; and specially designed seminars for ethnic entrepreneurs. Of the established ethnic entrepreneurs, the majority indicated that, although they have deficiencies in their skillset they did not avail of programmes because they were unaware of them. Originality/value Irish service providers need to provide additional services to ethnic entrepreneurs to be on par with their EU counterparts. Irish service providers need to provide general and targeted training programmes through minority languages. If Ireland wants to continue being known as the “land of a hundred thousand welcomes” and be able to support the much-anticipated asylum seekers who may choose entrepreneurship as a career option, it needs to consider the adoption of the recommendations of this study and provide better tailored services for the ethnic entrepreneur.

The human factor: assessing individuals’ perceptions related to cybersecurity

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Ramlo ◽  
John B. Nicholas
Keyword(s):  
Computer Security ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Q Methodology ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
College Majors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Security Breaches ◽  
Study Participants

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to reveal and describe the divergent viewpoints about cybersecurity within a purposefully selected group of people with a range of expertise in relation to computer security. Design/methodology/approach Q methodology [Q] uses empirical evidence to differentiate subjective views and, therefore, behaviors in relation to any topic. Q uses the strengths of qualitative and quantitative research methods to reveal and describe the multiple, divergent viewpoints that exist within a group where individuals sort statements into a grid to represent their views. Analyses group similar views (sorts). In this study, participants were selected from a range of types related to cybersecurity (experts, authorities and uninformed). Findings Four unique viewpoints emerged such that one represents cybersecurity best practices and the remaining three viewpoints represent poor cybersecurity behaviors (Naïve Cybersecurity Practitioners, Worried but not Vigilant and How is Cybersecurity a Big Problem) that indicate a need for educational interventions within both the public and private sectors. Practical implications Understanding the divergent views about cybersecurity is important within smaller groups including classrooms, technology-based college majors, a company, a set of IT professionals or other targeted groups where understanding cybersecurity viewpoints can reveal the need for training, changes in behavior and/or the potential for security breaches which reflect the human factors of cybersecurity. Originality/value A review of the literature revealed that only large, nation-wide surveys have been used to investigate views of cybersecurity. Yet, surveys are not useful in small groups, whereas Q is designed to investigate behavior through revealing subjectivity within smaller groups.

Factors affecting the development of e-government using a citizen-centric approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 206-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kanda Sorn-in ◽  
Kulthida Tuamsuk ◽  
Wasu Chaopanon
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Government Agencies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Government Services ◽  
Government Sector ◽  
The Government

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the factors affecting the development of e-government by using a citizen-centric approach. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a mixed-methods study consisting of qualitative and quantitative research. Data were collected from government agencies using a structured interview and questionnaire about e-government services. The research was collected from the people responsible for the management of an e-government project in 75 government agencies. In addition, the researcher collected data from 1,400 citizens by using an e-Survey questionnaire that grouped participants by age. Findings – By using a citizen-centric approach, the paper identified the factors affecting the development of e-government. There were five factors from the viewpoint of government agencies and citizen groups: quality of e-government services, policy and governance, information technology infrastructure, organization and economy and society. Research limitations/implications – The research covered the development patterns of e-government for services from government to citizens only. Practical implications – Seeing the importance of environmental factors for both service providers and service users would facilitate continuous improvement of e-government service provision by government agencies. Social implications – The results reflect citizens’ need for e-government services; quality is their priority. Hence, government agencies must consider the quality of the delivery of information and e-government services as they relate to the lifestyles and needs of citizens. Originality/value – The creation of knowledge from merging e-government concepts with citizen-centric principles is a modern government sector management theory. This research stresses the need for the government sector to see the need for e-government and to recognize the factors for its successful development. This means the design and development of e-government services should respond to the increasing needs of the citizens.

Testing, testing: a usability case study at University of Toronto Scarborough Library

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 88-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Guay ◽  
Lola Rudin ◽  
Sue Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Usability Testing ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Steady Increase ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
University Of Toronto ◽  
Key Resources ◽  
Task Oriented

Purpose With the rise of virtual library users and a steady increase in digital content, it is imperative that libraries build websites that provide seamless access to key resources and services. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Usability testing is a valuable method for measuring user habits and expectations, as well as identifying problematic areas for improvement within a website. Findings In this paper, the authors provide an overview of user experience research carried out on the University of Toronto Scarborough Library website using a mixture of qualitative and quantitative research methods and detail insights gained from subsequent data analysis. Originality/value In particular, the authors discuss methods used for task-oriented usability testing and card sorting procedures using pages from the library website. Widely applicable results from this study include key findings and lessons learned from conducting usability testing in order to improve library websites.

The use of social media by South African organisations

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nomusa Nomhle Dlamini ◽  
Kevin Johnston
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Social Media ◽  
South African ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Brand Management ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Main Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present how organisations in South Africa are using social media. The paper further explores the value of social media to South African organisations and if it is important for an organisation to have a social media presence. Design/methodology/approach The study used quantitative research methods to answer the main research question and sub-questions. Findings The data collected revealed that most organisations in South Africa are using social media for free advertising, CRM and marketing. The popular social media sites used by these organisations are Facebook and Twitter, with LinkedIn increasing in popularity. The data further revealed that social media is important in organisations for relationship building, contact keeping advertising, marketing, attracting customers, brand management and information gathering. Research limitations/implications The role of social media is changing, it was initially a marketing tool, but the findings revealed that majority of organisations are using social media for free advertising, CRM and marketing. Social media is an easy CRM tool that offers effective and efficient capabilities. Practical implications It is important to use integrate social media with the organisations processes to market and advertise new products, it is an instant and cost-saving way of communicating with customers, and helps in reaching and attracting new customers. Social implications Social media is important for keeping contact and building relationships with customers, advertising and marketing, way to attract customers, brand management tool and gathering information. Originality/value The study provides guidance to how organisation can use social media, identifying the value of using social media and highlighting the importance of social media in an organisation in the South African context.

Critical success factors of an effective repairs and maintenance service for social housing in the UK

Facilities ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 226-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Tucker ◽  
Martin Turley ◽  
Sam Holgate
Keyword(s):  
Social Housing ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Service Levels ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Maintenance Service ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the critical success factors of an effective repairs service by initially identifying what the important considerations are. Design/methodology/approach – Using quantitative research methods the study then examines how important each of the factors is considered from the perspective of those responsible for such services in the Northwest of England, the level of implementation throughout the region is also examined. Findings – Respondents felt that all 11 factors are perceived as “very” important but only nine are “always” implemented within their place of work. Sustainability and innovation are identified as the two factors that are least critical. It can also be said that although important and well implemented, the in-house skills factor does not appear to be considered as critical in comparison to the other factors. Originality/value – The UK housing sector is under an enormous amount of pressure to meet the needs of a growing population in extremely uncertain financial conditions. Social housing is a potential solution but providers are currently contending with reduced budgets and cuts to staffing levels together with an expectation that service levels will be maintained and value for money maximised. Repairs and maintenance of their stock is at the forefront of their challenge to meet these expectations and it is therefore vital that the service they provide is effective.

The core processes adopted for outsourcing HRM in Australia and its outcomes

2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (7) ◽  
pp. 1521-1535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pattanee Susomrith ◽  
Alan Brown
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Political Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Fit ◽  
Australian Context ◽  
Monitoring Process ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Good Reputation ◽  
Cultural Similarity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discover the types of HR outsourcing processes employed by Australian organisations and their relationship to outsourcing outcomes. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based upon the results of a survey of medium to large Australian organisations. The survey data were analysed using quantitative analysis to extract the types of HR outsourcing processes, outcomes, and their relationship. Findings The analyses identified three types of HR outsourcing processes: screening and selecting, strategic fit, and managing and monitoring. The “strategic fit” process exhibited the strongest relationship to the HR outsourcing outcome followed by the “managing and monitoring” process. The “screening and selecting” did not correlate with HR outsourcing outcome. For each type of HR outsourcing process no correlation was found with the outsourced HR functions. It was found that the most important criteria for selecting an outsourced service provider were trustworthiness, reputation in the industry, cost structure, and history with the organisation. The least important criteria were the service provider’s financial position and cultural similarity with the organisation. Research limitations/implications The research design acquired information from a single participant from each organisation which may result in a one-dimensional view. In addition, the data were collected from Australian organisations limiting its generalisation globally. Environmental and political factors were not included in the study. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to consider the influence of these factors on the HR outsourcing process. Practical implications The discovered HR outsourcing processes, although different from the generic HR outsourcing model, can be used by organisations to outsource HR functions in a more efficient and effective manner within the Australian context. The research results also indicate the importance for service providers to develop a good reputation and establish trust. Originality/value This study is the first quantitative research that determines the specific HR outsourcing processes and how they related to the HR outsourcing outcome in medium to large Australian organisations. The identification of these process types is unique and useful in validating and refining HR outsourcing knowledge within the Australian context.

Examining the incentives and motivations for research-based legislation in Uganda

2014 ◽  
Vol 63 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 60-85
Author(s):  
Fredrick Kiwuwa Lugya
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Literature Analysis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Expert Analysis

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to discuss the factors that would increase or decrease the prospects to use research evidence in legislation in a developing country. Design/methodology/approach – Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to identify the gaps in ability to utilise research evidence among policymakers. A combination of expert analysis of five policy brief formats, 13 self-administered semi-structured interviews with policymakers, focus group discussion and literature analysis informed data collection. Findings – The incentives and motivations for research-based legislation are classified into three categories: those that concern legislators and researchers, those that concern legislators only and those that concern researchers only. Originality/value – The work discusses the need for policymakers to make decisions based on facts. The findings are a reflection of a long interaction the author had with policymakers and researchers in Uganda.

Qualitative research can improve understandings about disaster preparedness for independent older adults in the community

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 296-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn Tuohy ◽  
Christine Stephens ◽  
David Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Prevention Programmes ◽  
Qualitative Methodologies ◽  
Disaster Preparedness And Response

Purpose – Improving older adults’ preparedness for and response to natural disasters has become an important issue. Population ageing, together with concerns about increasing extreme weather-related events, has added further impetus to the need to reduce older adults’ vulnerability to disasters. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the above issues. Design/methodology/approach – Social and environmental influences on community dwelling independent older adults have not been accounted for in models of hazard adjustment, which have invariably used quantitative research methods. Findings – To date much of the preparedness and response research has focused on organisational responses to preparedness, while perspectives from older adults have received less attention. Furthermore social and environmental influences on community dwelling independent older adults have not been accounted for in models of hazard adjustment. Originality/value – Extending research to include qualitative methodologies, which recognises older adults as active participants in research about themselves, would contribute to increasing understandings about influences on disaster preparedness and response; and inform social policies and prevention programmes.

scholarly journals Contracting and Behavioural Practices in State Owned Enterprises in Uganda

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayub Masaba Kutosi ◽  
Muhwezi Moses ◽  
Sarah Eya
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
Contracting Process ◽  
Procurement Contracts ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Public procurement regulations in Uganda were initiated among other objectives; to ensure accountability, transparency and value for money in all public procurement activities. Despite the presence and application of these regulations, State Owned Enterprises have continued to face challenges in contracting for works, goods and services. Evidence shows that most procurement contracts are never fulfilled because of mal practices and high transaction costs. This study sought to examine whether contracting impacted behavioural practices in procurement performance of Uganda’s State Owned Enterprises. The study mainly employed quantitative research methods, in the process of research instrument design, data collection, analysis and presentation. The study sample consisted of 160 employees picked from 20 State Owned Enterprises in Kampala and Entebbe districts of Uganda. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire, sorted and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results reveal a positive and significant relationship exists between contracting and behavioural practices (r =.353**, p<.01). Further, the regression model indicates that contracting significantly predicts Behavioural practices in State Owned Enterprises (Beta=.763, Sig. =.000). For improved performance, State Owned Enterprises should clearly set their contract objectives to guide all those involved in the contracting process. There should be key deliverables in those objectives, which should be communicated to the relevant stakeholders. Further, staff on the contracting team should be selected on merit. This is very important in order to avoid biased selection of contracting teams – even when some of these people do not have the required experience and expertise. This is very important because service providers can exploit such a team to their benefit once they realize that the team is weak and vulnerable.  

scholarly journals PENGARUH KUALITAS PELAYANAN TERHADAP KEPUASAN PELANGGAN DALAM MENGGUNAKAN LAYANAN OJEK ONLINE DI KARAWANG

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-28
Author(s):  
Lania Muharsih
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Service ◽  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Positive Effect

The progress of this online transportation company certainly depends on the quality of service provided to its customers. Companies engaged in online-based transportation service providers are required to provide good service to their customers in order to satisfy their customers. This study aims to determine the effect of service quality on customer satisfaction in using online taxibike services in Karawang. The research method used is quantitative research methods with non-experimental research design. Sampling in this study was carried out by using a quota sampling technique. The number of samples in this study were 384 respondents. The method of data collection was carried out using service quality instruments with 57 valid items and customer satisfaction instruments with 29 valid items. Based on the Cronbach Alpha formula, the reliability coefficient of the service quality instrument is 0.978 and the customer satisfaction instrument is 0.907, which means that these two scales are very reliable. The results of the data analysis show that there is a positive effect of service quality on customer satisfaction in using online taxibike services in Karawang. This means that the better the quality of service provided by online taxibike service providers in Karawang, the higher customer satisfaction. The results of the calculation of the coefficient of determination show that service quality has a positive effect on customer satisfaction by 1.7%, while the other 98.3% are influenced by other variables not examined in this study. The suggestions for further research are examining other variables that can affect customer satisfaction, such as service quality and price.Keywords: Service quality, customer satisfaction, online taxibike Kemajuan perusahaan transportasi online ini tentunya bergantung pada kualitas pelayanan yang diberikan untuk para pelanggannya. Perusahaan yang bergerak di bidang jasa penyedia transportasi berbasis online dituntut untuk memberikan pelayanan yang baik kepada pelanggannya agar bisa memuaskan pelanggannya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kualitas pelayanan terhadap kepuasan pelanggan dalam menggunakan layanan ojek online di Karawang. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian kuantitatif dengan desain penelitian non-eksperimental. Pengambilan sampel pada penelitian ini dilakukan dengan teknik pengambilan sampel kuota. Adapun jumlah sampel dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 384 responden. Metode pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan instrumen kualitas pelayanan sebanyak 57 item sahih dan instrumen kepuasan pelanggan sebanyak 29 item sahih. Berdasarkan rumus Alpha Cronbach diperoleh koefisien reliabilitas instrumen kualitas pelayanan sebesar 0,978 dan instrumen kepuasan pelanggan sebesar 0,907, yang berarti kedua skala ini sangat reliabel. Hasil analisis data menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh positif kualitas pelayanan terhadap kepuasan pelanggan dalam menggunakan layanan ojek online di Karawang. Artinya semakin baik kualitas pelayanan yang diberikan penyedia jasa layanan ojek online di Karawang maka semakin tinggi kepuasan pelanggan. Hasil perhitungan koefisien determinasi menunjukkan bahwa kualitas pelayanan memberikan pengaruh positif terhadap kepuasan pelanggan sebesar 1,7%, sedangkan 98,3% lainnya dipengaruhi oleh variabel-variabel lain yang tidak diteliti dalam penelitian ini. Adapun saran untuk penelitian selanjutnya yaitu meneliti variabel-variabel lain yang dapat memengaruhi kepuasan pelanggan misalnya kualitas jasa dan harga.Kata Kunci: Kualitas pelayanan, kepuasan pelanggan, ojek online

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