Online search for information about universities: a Hong Kong study

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 511-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phoebe Wong ◽  
Daisy Lee ◽  
Peggy M.L. Ng
Keyword(s):  
Information Search ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Academic Discipline ◽  
Private Higher Education ◽  
Online Environment ◽  
Prospective Students ◽  
University Choice ◽  
Search Behaviour ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Search For Information

PurposeA fuller understanding of the information search behaviour of prospective students in the digital era is one of the keys to success in university recruitment. The purpose of this paper is to investigate students’ university choice factors in relation to the online environment.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 637 samples from 11 private higher education institutions were collected and tested against assumptions before performing statistical analysis including exploratory factor analysis and mean comparison.FindingsThe findings revealed that there are some significant differences in gender and academic discipline in the use of the internet to search for university information. In addition, four constructs of university information were identified that are perceived as important by students in their search behaviour: “university reputation”, “eligibility and affordability”, “teaching and learning” and “university tangibility”. The outcomes of this research provide some noteworthy insights which have numerous strategic digital marketing implications.Originality/valueWhile most existing studies have explored types of social media apps or online channels that prospective students use, little research has touched on students’ university choice factors in relation to the online environment. Responding to Constantinides and Zinck Stagno (2011) and Hemsley-Brownet al.’s (2016) call, this paper aims to address this research gap by investigating students’ university information search in relation to the online environment.

Factors contributing to Gen Z's deep learning: investigating undergraduates' course experience in Malaysian private higher education institutions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Mee Thien ◽  
Mi-Chelle Leong ◽  
Fei Ping Por
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Deep Learning ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Private Higher Education ◽  
Generic Skills ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Course Experience ◽  
Private Higher Education Institutions

PurposeThis study aims to examine the relationship between undergraduates' course experience and their deep learning approach and to identify areas of improvement to facilitate students' deep learning in the private higher education context.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 844 Malaysian undergraduate students who studied in six private higher education institutions (HEIs) in Penang and Selangor. This study used partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) for data analysis.FindingsThe findings revealed that good teaching and appropriate assessment have no significant relationship with deep learning. Generic skills, clear goals and standards, appropriate workload and emphasis on independence are positively related to deep learning. Generic skills and emphasis on independence are two domains that deserve attention to enhance deep learning among undergraduates.Practical implicationsLecturers need to focus on to the cultivation of generic skills to facilitate students' deep learning. Student autonomy and student-centred teaching approaches should be empowered and prioritised in teaching and learning.Originality/valueThe current study has its originality in providing empirical findings to inform the significant relationship between dimensions of course experience and deep learning in Malaysian private HEIs. Besides, it also identifies the areas of improvement concerning teaching and learning at the private HEIs using importance-performance matrix analysis (IPMA) in a non-Western context.

Using the eye-tracking method to study consumer online health information search behaviour

2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 739-754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacek Gwizdka ◽  
Yan Zhang ◽  
Andrew Dillon
Keyword(s):  
Eye Tracking ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Knowledge Gain ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Search Behaviour ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
Information Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce eye tracking as a method for capturing direct and indirect measures of online human information search behaviour. The unique contribution of eye-tracking data in studying information behaviour is examined in the context of health information research. Design/methodology/approach The need for multiple methods of data collection when examining human online health information behaviour is described and summarised. The nature of human eye movements in information use and reading is outlined and the emergence and application of contemporary eye-tracking technology are explained. Findings The paper summarises key contributions and insights that eye tracking has provided across multiple studies, with examples of both direct data on fixations and gaze durations as well as theoretical assessments of relevance and knowledge gain. Originality/value The paper provides a basic introduction to the application of a unique method for information research in general and online health information search in particular and provides readers with an awareness of how such data are captured and interpreted.

Mutual fund investor’s behaviour towards information search and selection criteria

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inderjit Kaur
Keyword(s):  
Mutual Funds ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Mutual Fund ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
National Capital Region ◽  
Search Behaviour ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Search And Selection

PurposeThe fund selection process of investors in a mutual fund needs to be understood for designing better marketing strategies. Knowledge and perception about the mutual funds can affect investor’s behaviour towards information search and selection criteria during the decision process. Therefore, this study aims to examine Indian mutual fund investors under the framework of Theory of Planned Behaviour and consumer’s behaviour model.Design/methodology/approachThe data have been collected from mutual fund investors in the National Capital Region–Delhi, India, through structured questionnaire. The collected data were examined with relevant statistical tools.FindingsKnowledge and perception affect information search behaviour of the investor. Investors having better knowledge of mutual funds access impersonal sources of information and performance of fund affects their choice, whereas investors having lesser knowledge of mutual fund take advice of experts and select funds based on fund characteristics. Investors with better return perception for mutual funds ignore performance as selection criteria, whereas investors having poor risk perception tend to reduce their bias by accessing personal sources of information. Education and income of investor affect knowledge and perception of mutual funds.Practical implicationsThe financial advisor-driven investors ignore performance as selection criteria and could lead to dissatisfaction later. Therefore, to make the industry investor driven, mutual funds need to focus on improving the knowledge of investors.Originality/valueThis paper shows the unique effect of knowledge and perception on information search behaviour of investors towards mutual funds. The knowledgeable investor selects mutual funds by understanding all risks and benefits.

scholarly journals Followers’ reactions to influencers’ Instagram posts

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-54
Author(s):  
Daniel Belanche ◽  
Marta Flavián ◽  
Sergio Ibáñez-Sánchez
Keyword(s):  
Information Search ◽  
Product Information ◽  
Product Involvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Behaviors ◽  
Customer Interaction ◽  
Search For Information ◽  
Marketing Actions ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Natural Way

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze how positive behaviors toward influencers (customer interaction) and promoted products (looking for product information) can be achieved, taking into account influencer–product fit, in a fashion marketing campaign. In addition, account following and product involvement are examined as possible moderators in these relationships. Design/methodology/approach The data were gathered from online participants. The participants were Instagram users who already knew a popular influencer on the platform. The experimental design manipulated the types of picture posted by the influencer to observe customers’ reactions in terms of intention to interact with the influencer’s account and to look for further information about promoted products. Findings The authors’ findings suggested that influencer–product matches in posts on Instagram encourage users to search for information about promoted products but do not affect their intention to interact with influencers’ accounts. Nevertheless, customers’ reactions toward an influencer’s posts differ based on whether they are followers of the influencer and whether they are highly or lowly involved with the promoted product. Practical implications Both brands and influencers should properly manage influencer marketing actions. Brands should control influencers’ audiences and their involvement with featured products so that they are seen to promote them in a natural way. Influencers should endorse branded products that fit their own style; this will increase the interaction on their accounts. Originality/value This research contributes to a better understanding of how users can be encouraged to undertake positive online actions as regards influencers (interaction with their accounts) and promoted products (information search) in influencer marketing campaigns.

Activity-based market segmentation of rural well-being tourists

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juho Antti Pesonen ◽  
Anja Tuohino
Keyword(s):  
Market Segmentation ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Online Reviews ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Market Segment ◽  
Search Behaviour ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Search For Information

Providing well-being and wellness services are growing trends in tourism. Well-being tourism has considerable potential as well with respect to tourism in rural areas. The objective of this article is to study well-being tourists as a heterogeneous market segment via activity-based segmentation in rural areas. Their online information search behaviour is compared to that of other market segments to ensure that the various segments can be targeted online and to elaborate upon the information search behaviour of various activity segments. Using cluster analysis, three different rural tourist segments can be identified in Finland based on their well-being activities. The results show the possibilities for activity-based segmentation in understanding the preferences for well-being services. The study demonstrates that the various rural well-being activity segments differ from each other based on socio-demographics and in how they use the Internet to search for information, book their holidays and write online reviews. All of these differences have managerial implications when it comes to developing rural well-being products, and they also demonstrate the possibilities for activity segmentation in rural well-being tourism.

Assessing information competences of translation and interpreting trainees

2014 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Pinto ◽  
Javier García-Marco ◽  
Ximo Granell ◽  
Dora Sales
Keyword(s):  
Learning Community ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Further Training ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Core Competences ◽  
Information Treatment ◽  
Available Technology ◽  
Search For Information

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a study about Information Literacy instruction addressed to the user community of translators and interpreters through the application of InfoLiTrans Test. This test is one of the outcomes of project InfoLiTrans, aimed at applying an overall framework for assessing the acquisition of the information competence in four big macro areas: information search, assessment of information, information treatment, and communication and dissemination of information. Design/methodology/approach – The test was used to analyse, explore, and improve the information competence of Translation and Interpreting trainees from 17 universities in Spain. Data were processed and analysed after collecting responses at two levels of difficulty: basic and advanced. A statistical descriptive analysis was performed to diagnose the learning level of each competence area. Findings – Overall levels of information management were found to be excellent, particularly in relation to disseminating and communicating information, and to assessing the information required for translation tasks. Such results show a profitable synergy between translators' core competences and their information competences. However, skills required to search for information and to make use of it with available technology could be improved, providing room for further training. Originality/value – Considering the diagnosis of information competences put forward by the research, this paper provides guidelines for further improvement of translators' instruction on information literacy, thus, encouraging the design of models, methods and tools that could be more effective for this learning community.

Exploring consumer–brand engagement: a holistic framework

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Man Lai Cheung ◽  
Guilherme D. Pires ◽  
Philip J. Rosenberger III
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Brand Attitude ◽  
Search Behaviour ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Engagement ◽  
Online Engagement ◽  
Enduring Involvement ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the causal relationships between constructs related to consumer–brand engagement (CBE), including consumers’ enduring involvement, ongoing information search behaviour, online engagement behaviour and brand attitude in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach The theoretical framework is tested using data from 302 customers of a durable technology product, a smartphone, in Hong Kong, collected using a self-administered online survey. Partial least squares-structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data. Findings The results reveal that consumers’ enduring involvement and ongoing information search behaviour are key drivers of CBE, ultimately enhancing customers’ brand attitude. The importance of enduring involvement in strengthening ongoing search behaviour, online engagement behaviour and CBE is confirmed, together with the importance of ongoing search behaviour in strengthening CBE. Further analysis demonstrated the full mediating role of ongoing search behaviour in the relationship between enduring involvement and online engagement behaviour, such that CBE fully mediates the impact of ongoing search behaviour on brand attitude. Research limitations/implications The research contributes to the extant literature by providing an understanding of how to strengthen CBE for durable technology products, such as smartphones. However, this study is cross-sectional in nature, focusing on smartphones in Hong Kong only. Thus, future research should consider comparisons between countries with diverse cultures as well as other industries, such as the service sector, to enhance the generalisability of the study’s findings. Practical implications Marketers should seek to heighten customers’ involvement levels by encouraging customer–brand interactions, which is not only useful in encouraging customers’ ongoing search and online engagement behaviour but also critical in strengthening CBE. Additionally, marketers are recommended to encourage customers’ ongoing search behaviour (at the category level), which is useful in encouraging consumers’ online engagement behaviour as well as strengthening CBE. Originality/value The role of ongoing search behaviour in brand building has received little attention in the branding literature. This paper makes a noteworthy contribution to CBE research by empirically testing a holistic framework, confirming that enduring involvement and ongoing search behaviour are critical drivers in the process of strengthening CBE. This paper also demonstrates the mediation roles of ongoing search behaviour and CBE in the holistic framework.

The effect of consumer self-confidence on information search and share intention

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid Jamil ◽  
Zahid Hussain ◽  
Rana Faizan Gul ◽  
Muhammad Asim Shahzad ◽  
Ahsan Zubair
Keyword(s):  
Information Search ◽  
Information Acquisition ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Specific Product ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Search For Information

Purpose The knowledge about a specific product develops self-confidence among consumers and facilitates them to share and search for information. This study aims to highlight the effects of consumer’s self-esteem on search and share intentions of information. Furthermore, this relationship was analyzed through the mediation of subjective knowledge (SK). Design/methodology/approach The data were collected from 1,136 Chinese respondents having a perception of purchasing cellphones. To analyze the data, check its normality and validity, analysis of moment structures (AMOS) was used. However, to inspect the relationship of study variables, “structural equation modeling” and Hayes and Preacher’s (2014) model were used to mediate the analysis. Findings The study results revealed that consumer’s self-confidence (information acquisition confidence, persuasive knowledge confidence, personal outcome decision-making and market interface confidence) affect the information search and share the intention of consumers. Additionally, the presence of SK significantly and positively mediates this relationship. Originality/value This study intends to investigate the role of all practical aspects of consumer’s self-confidence in searching and sharing information by mediating the role of SK. Moreover, it used all the possible and useful dimensions, which were ignored by previous studies.

The role of historical and contextual knowledge in enterprise search

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianne Lykke ◽  
Ann Bygholm ◽  
Louise Bak Søndergaard ◽  
Katriina Byström
Keyword(s):  
Information Search ◽  
Contextual Knowledge ◽  
Search System ◽  
Work Task ◽  
Log Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Enterprise Search ◽  
Work Tasks ◽  
Search For Information ◽  
Task Types

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to examine enterprise searching practices across different work areas and work tasks in an enterprise search system in an international biotechnology company.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method approach studying employees' authentic search activities during a 4-month period by log data, questionnaire survey and interviews. The log data analysed the entire active searcher group, whereas the questionnaire and interviews focused on frequent searchers.FindingsThe three studies provided insight into the searching activities and an understanding of the way searchers used the enterprise search system to search for information as part of their work tasks. The data identified three searcher groups, each with specific search characteristics. Four work task types were identified, and for all four types the searchers applied a tracing searching technique with use of contextual and historical relationships as paths.Practical implicationsThe findings point to the importance of knowledge on historical and contextual relations in enterprise search.Originality/valueThe work sheds new light on enterprise searchers' information search practices. A significant contribution is the identification of a tracing search method used in relation to four essential work task types. Another contribution is the importance of historical and contextual knowledge to support the tracing search and decide what paths to follow.

scholarly journals Higher education: a once-in-a-lifetime purchase

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 865-890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsiao-Pei Yang ◽  
Dorothy Yen ◽  
John M.T Balmer
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Prospective Students ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Selection ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Promotional Materials ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
Marketing Information

Purpose Drawing on infrequent purchase and university selection literature, the purpose of this study is to make theoretical contributions to the identification and comprehension of the ‘once-in-a-lifetime purchase’ (OILP) phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach Data derived from in-depth interviews with 34 Taiwanese and 11 Chinese students over two phases suggest that an OILP qualitatively differs from other purchases. Findings The principal traits of OILP are quadripartite in character: zero-repurchase intention; permanency of purchase; high social pressure and extensive information search. The results contribute to the theoretical understanding of the higher education (HE) sector as one type of OILP provider, and managerial implications are discussed specifically for the HE institutions. Practical implications Marketing managers of HE institutions should be cognisant of the range of information collected by prospective OILP customers from a variety of different sources. Prospective students who are OILP customers perceive non-marketing information as more reliable than marketing promotional materials and will better assist them during their decision making. Originality/value The paper makes explicit theoretical and instrumental contributions to our identification and comprehension of the OILP phenomenon, thus shedding new light on studies of consumer purchase decision literature. It also extends previous understanding of HE marketing by showing that choosing an HE degree is, in fact, an OILP and, as such, requires a new way of approaching prospective students as consumers.

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