The emotional and social side of analytics professionals: an exploratory study of the behavioral profile of data scientists and data analysts

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Bonesso ◽  
Fabrizio Gerli ◽  
Elena Bruni
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Data Science ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
System Thinking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Competency Based ◽  
Skills Shortages ◽  
Behavioral Competencies

PurposeAnalytics technologies are profoundly changing the way in which organizations generate economic and social value from data. Consequently, the professional roles of data scientists and data analysts are in high demand in the labor market. Although the technical competencies expected for these roles are well known, their behavioral competencies have not been thoroughly investigated. Drawing on the competency-based theoretical framework, this study aims to address this gap, providing evidence of the emotional, social and cognitive competencies that data scientists and data analysts most frequently demonstrate when they effectively perform their jobs, and identifying those competencies that distinguish them.Design/methodology/approachThis study is exploratory in nature and adopts the competency-based methodology through the analysis of in-depth behavioral event interviews collected from a sample of 24 Italian data scientists and data analysts.FindingsThe findings empirically enrich the extant literature on the intangible dimensions of human capital that are relevant in analytics roles. Specifically, the results show that, in comparison to data analysts, data scientists more frequently use certain competencies related to self-awareness, teamwork, networking, flexibility, system thinking and lateral thinking.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted in a small sample and in a specific geographical area, and this may reduce the analytic generalizability of the findings.Practical implicationsThe skills shortages that characterize these roles need to be addressed in a way that also considers the intangible dimensions of human capital. Educational institutions can design better curricula for entry-level data scientists and analysts who encompass the development of behavioral competencies. Organizations can effectively orient the recruitment and the training processes toward the most relevant competencies for those analytics roles.Originality/valueThis exploratory study advances our understanding of the competencies required by professionals who mostly contribute to the performance of data science teams. This article proposes a competency framework that can be adopted to assess a broader portfolio of the behaviors of big data professionals.

An exploratory study of team conflict in the capital investment decision-making process

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 960-985
Author(s):  
Frank Lefley
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Team Performance ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Capital Investment ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Sample Number ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Conflict ◽  
Investment Appraisal ◽  
Personal Conflict

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the current management perceptions regarding conflict within teams, specifically looking at capital investment appraisals, with the aim of improving team performance.Design/methodology/approachThe research was undertaken in two stages. The first stage is based on a postal questionnaire survey relating to the appraisal of capital investments, addressed to large UK organisations. The second stage was conducted through semi-structured interviews, which were followed by a short-questionnaire sent out by e-mail, and designed from the information obtained from the interviews. The research is both qualitative and quantitative.FindingsFrom the exploratory study, the author was able to identify and further investigate what the author’s respondents termed “personal” and “departmental” conflicts, as well as what the author perceived to be “good” (positive) conflict and “bad” (negative) conflict. The author finds that controlled “departmental” conflict may lead to enhanced decision making, while “personal” conflict may be destructive and lead to non-optimal decision making. The author also identified the importance of the investment appraisal “procedure” as distinct from the individual models used, and suggests that this is one way of controlling conflict within teams.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited by the fact that it is based on individual perceptions of a small sample number. However, the sample consists of some of the most senior executives from the largest UK organisations whose views are usually difficult to obtain by academics.Practical implicationsIt provides senior managers with a comprehensive view, by their peers, and a better understanding of team conflict, especially with regard to “personal” and “departmental” conflicts; thus, allowing them to manage teams more efficiently in the future.Originality/valueThe research is unique in that it focusses on conflict within teams that are given the specific task of appraising capital projects and it theorises on what the respondents’ terms “departmental” and “personal” conflict. It brings up-to-date, managements’ current perception of team conflict and contributes to the ongoing search for a better understanding of conflict within business teams, and ultimately to an enhanced team performance and improved decision making.

Modifications to global supply chain management strategies resulting from recent trade disruptions: an exploratory study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey E. Johnson ◽  
Peter Haug
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Global Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Inventory ◽  
Recent Emergence

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore modifications to the supply chain strategies of international manufacturers resulting from recent momentous trade disruptions, including the US-China trade war, global tariff escalations, Brexit and heightened geopolitical tensions. Design/methodology/approach The research methodology consisted of a series of in-depth personal interviews with senior supply chain executives of six large US international manufacturers. Findings The study identified several short-term reactive strategies taken, including pulling purchase orders or production forward, building inventory and applying for exceptions from tariffs, along with longer-term proactive strategies such as shifting and expanding supplier and manufacturing locations. Research limitations/implications The study’s limitations involve its small sample size and its findings being industry and company-specific to a limited number of firms. While the sample size was deemed sufficient for this exploratory study, larger sample sizes and subsequent industry-specific analyses are recommended. Practical implications The global supply chain modifications effectively used by the firms in the study can offer guidance for practitioners facing similar challenges following major trade disruptions. Originality/value Due to the very recent emergence of the trade disruptors examined in this study, extant literature is limited. Hence, the findings noted in the paper offer not only guidance for practitioners but also make a strong contribution to research and literature on global supply chain risk management and disruption risk mitigation.

Exploratory study about audience response to product endorsements by online DIY celebrities and traditional celebrities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Fan
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Marketing Communications ◽  
Celebrity Endorsement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Asian Market ◽  
Celebrity Endorsers

Purpose Celebrity endorsement is common in the marketing communications context, especially in the Asian market. Thanks to the popularity of online DIY celebrities, many marketing communications practitioners have started to involve such celebrities in brand and product endorsement strategies. However, few existing studies have compared the endorsement persuasiveness of online DIY celebrity endorsers with traditional celebrity endorsers, particularly in the Asian market. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to fill the literature gap by examining how consumers perceive and evaluate online DIY and traditional celebrity endorsers. Design/methodology/approach In-depth personal interviews were conducted with 15 interviewees with a median age of 23. They were asked to report their overall evaluations and attitudes toward online DIY celebrity endorsers and traditional celebrity endorsers, and their respective endorsement strategies. Findings Although the popularity of online DIY celebrities is growing in China, they received a lower level of appreciation from interviewees than traditional celebrities. The persuasiveness of online DIY celebrity endorsers was not as effective as that of traditional celebrity endorsers. Interviewees even held an overall negative attitude toward online DIY celebrities and their endorsements. Interviewees perceived traditional celebrity endorsers more positively, and their endorsements to be more effective, than online DIY celebrity endorsers. Research limitations/implications The small sample size may constrain any generalization to be drawn from the findings. Future studies are suggested using survey and experiment methodology to further test and compare the persuasiveness of online DIY and traditional celebrity endorsement. Practical implications We suggest communications practitioners continue to use traditional celebrities to improve overall brand image and enhance the target audience’s purchase intention as the exploratory study reveals that audiences have an overall positive experience with traditional celebrities, instead of online DIY celebrities. If online DIY celebrities are preferred in communications strategies, we suggest practitioners carefully select qualified online DIY celebrity endorsers based on image congruence between such online DIY celebrities and the product category in that audiences in the exploratory study are quite cautious when exposed to product endorsement messages from online DIY celebrities. Besides this, audiences have more confidence in product endorsement if there is a fit between online DIY celebrities’ expertise and the endorsed product type. Originality/value This is the first qualitative study on consumers’ perception of product endorsement at the level of online DIY and traditional celebrity endorsers.

Consumer trust in Google’s top developers’ apps: an exploratory study

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 474-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Harris ◽  
Amita G. Chin
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Consumer Trust ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Societal Welfare ◽  
Additional Level ◽  
Google Play ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to investigate Google’s top developers’ apps with trust badges to see if they warrant an additional level of trust and confidence from consumers, as stated by Google. Design/methodology/approach Risky app permissions and in-app purchases (IAP) from Google’s top developers and traditional developers were investigated in several Google Play top app categories, including Editor’s Choice apps. Analysis was performed between categories and developer types. Findings Overall, Google’s top developers’ apps request more risky permissions and IAP than do traditional developers. Other results indicate that free apps are more dangerous than paid apps and star ratings do not signify safe apps. Research limitations/implications Because of a limited number of Google’s top developers and Editor’s Choice apps, conclusions are drawn from a small sample of apps and not the entire market. Practical implications Google’s top developers’ apps are suited well for increasing revenue for Google and developers at the consumer’s expense. Consumers should be wary of top developer trust badges. Social implications As the lure for “top free” and “top developer” software is strong among consumers, this research contributes to societal welfare in that it makes consumers aware that Google top developer app trust badges and free apps are more dangerous than traditional developer and paid apps, as they request risky permissions at a much higher frequency. Therefore, consumers should be very careful when downloading apps that are advertised as “top free” or “top developer”. Originality/value Google’s top developers’ apps and Editors’ Choice apps have not been investigated from the perspective of permissions and IAP before.

How do mid-level managers experience data science disruptions? An in-depth inquiry through interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA)

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atri Sengupta ◽  
Shashank Mittal ◽  
Kuchi Sanchita
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Data Science ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Extant Literature

PurposeRapid advancement of data science has disrupted both business and employees in organizations. However, extant literature primarily focuses on the organizational level phenomena, and has almost ignored the employee/individual perspective. This study thereby intends to capture the experiences of mid-level managers about these disruptions vis a vis their corresponding actions.Design/methodology/approachIn a small-sample qualitative research design, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was adopted to capture this individual-level phenomenon. Twelve mid-level managers from large-scale Indian organizations that have extensively adopted data science tools and techniques participated in a semi-structured and in-depth interview process.FindingsOur findings unfolded several perspectives gained from their experiences, leading thereby to two emergent person-job (mis)fit process models. (1) Managers, who perceived demands-abilities misfit (D-A misfit) as a growth-alignment opportunity vis a vis their corresponding actions, which effectively trapped them into a vicious cycle; and (2) the managers, who considered D-A misfit as a psychological strain vis a vis their corresponding actions, which engaged them into a benevolent cycle.Research limitations/implicationsThe present paper has major theoretical and managerial implications in the field of human resource management and business analytics.Practical implicationsThe findings advise managers that the focus should be on developing an organizational learning eco-system, which would enable mid-level managers to gain their confidence and control over their job and work environment in the context of data science disruptions. Importantly, organizations should facilitate integrated workplace learning (both formal and informal) with an appropriate ecosystem to help mid-level managers to adapt to the data-science disruptions.Originality/valueThe present study offers two emergent cyclic models to the existing person–job fit literature in the context of data science disruptions. A scant attention of the earlier researchers on how individual employees actually experience disruption, and the corresponding IPA method used in the present study may add significant value to the extant literature. Further, it opens a timely and relevant future research avenues in the context of data science disruptions.

scholarly journals Further evidence that singing fosters mental health and wellbeing: the West Kent and Medway project

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Clift ◽  
Sharon Manship ◽  
Lizzi Stephens
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Community Singing

Purpose Clift and Morrison (2011) report that weekly singing over eight months for people with enduring mental health issues led to clinically important reductions in mental distress. The purpose of this paper is to test the robustness of the earlier findings. Design/methodology/approach Four community singing groups for people with mental health issues ran weekly from November 2014 to the end of 2015. Evaluation place over a six-month period using two validated questionnaires: the short Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE-10) questionnaire, and the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS). Findings In all, 26 participants completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires. CORE-10 scores were significantly reduced, and WEMWBS scores significantly increased. Comparisons with the earlier study found a similar pattern of improvements on CORE items that are part of the “problems” sub-scale in the full CORE questionnaire. There was also evidence from both studies of participants showing clinically important improvements in CORE-10 scores. Research limitations/implications The main limitations of the study are a small sample size and the lack of a randomised control group. Originality/value No attempts have been made previously to directly test the transferability of a singing for health model to a new geographical area and to evaluate outcomes using the same validated measure.

scholarly journals Entrepreneurs' behavioural competencies for internationalisation

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 723-747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Cortellazzo ◽  
Sara Bonesso ◽  
Fabrizio Gerli
Keyword(s):  
Geographical Area ◽  
Performance Criterion ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
International Strategy ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Export Intensity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Specific Geographical Area ◽  
Training Programmes

PurposeThe entrepreneur is the main decision-maker in small and medium-sized enterprises and is the principal force in the implementation of a firm's international strategy. Research has paid limited attention to the intangible aspects of human capital, namely behavioural competencies that may have an impact on the entrepreneur's ability to take advantage of international opportunities. This study addresses this gap, identifying the behavioural competencies that distinguish entrepreneurs who pursue a stronger internationalisation expansion beyond the European market.Design/methodology/approachA competency modelling process is implemented for a sample of Italian entrepreneurs. Data on behavioural competencies are obtained through the coding of behavioural event interviews administrated to the entrepreneurs. Export intensity is adopted as a performance criterion to classify the entrepreneurs.FindingsThree behavioural competencies (change catalyst, teamwork and organisational learning orientation) emerged as more significantly activated by entrepreneurs who show a higher export intensity in the global market.Research limitations/implicationsThe exploratory nature of the study, conducted in a small sample and in a specific geographical area, may reduce the generalisability of the findings.Practical implicationsEntrepreneurs can become aware of the behavioural competencies needed for the implementation of internationalisation processes. Additionally, training programmes can be designed to promote the development of these behaviours.Originality/valueBridging the literature on international entrepreneurship, cross-cultural studies and competency-based research, this study highlights the role of behavioural competencies in the internationalisation process from a micro level of analysis. This article proposes a competency framework that can be adopted to assess a broader portfolio of entrepreneurs' behaviours.

Impact of intellectual capital on the financing of startups with new business models

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nirjhar Nigam ◽  
Sondes Mbarek ◽  
Afef Boughanmi
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Human Capital ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Business Models ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Relational Capital ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Business ◽  
New Business Models

Purpose Financing investments in a knowledge-intensive sector may be more difficult as there is a greater degree of uncertainty and asymmetries of information. This paper aims to examine whether a company’s intellectual capital (human capital, relational capital and structural capital) can serve as a quality signal in the financing of health care startups with new business models. Design/methodology/approach The study constructed a manual database using several paid and unpaid databases. This paper collected random data from 204 startups that obtained funding during the 2014–2017 period and used signaling theory to examine the factors that impact access to external financing for Indian health care technology startups. Findings This paper found that venture capitalists partly base their financing decisions on the relational capital of the startup represented by startups’ age and the average number of website visits, the presence of a syndicate of investors. Human capital variables and structural variables do not show much significant impact. This paper also find some business models show a negative impact on financing implying that investors are reluctant to invest in new technologies that carry more uncertainty and take a longer time to become profitable. Research limitations/implications Before concluding this paper, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the study and some implications for future research purposes. First, the study is conducted on only 204 startups from India, and as such, it suffers from a small sample size, like many other comparable survey-based studies in entrepreneurship. Second, the results are obtained with respect to data collected from Indian startups and represent the Indian context which limits the generalization on a global level. Practical implications The results suggest that years of experience and prior relevant experience, do not actually impact the financing of a new venture. These results are crucial as India has a unique demographic advantage over other countries in relation to age. If young minds are adequately nurtured, this can result in innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation (which still remains as a foremost challenge for India). Social implications From a policy perspective, a number of implications emerge from the current study. There is a need for ameliorating the capacity of the education system in providing top-quality support including a greater focus on entrepreneurship courses and to replicate the education delivery model from top foreign institutes. The government should take this opportunity to revive the system of education and follow the methodology of elite institutes and to develop entrepreneurship spirit in other colleges and schools. Originality/value Financing the investments of young startups with new business models in knowledge-based sectors may be more difficult. In this paper, this paper demonstrates that startups have to effectively use and manage their intellectual assets to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. The findings of the paper emphasize the role of intellectual capital in securing financing through venture capital.

scholarly journals Halal holidays: exploring expectations of Muslim-friendly holidays

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 642-655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Wingett ◽  
Sarah Turnbull
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Expectations ◽  
Exploratory Approach ◽  
Dress Codes ◽  
Halal Food ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the expectations of Muslim tourists when taking a halal holiday. Understanding consumer expectations is an important factor in any service context since expectations determine whether the consumer is satisfied or dissatisfied with the service outcome. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory approach was adopted and in-depth interviews with Muslim tourists and halal holiday providers were undertaken. Findings The findings identified services and facilities Muslim consumers expect from a halal holiday and those they did not expect to see. Factors such as halal food, women-only facilities and dress codes were identified as services and facilities that are expected, whereas no alcohol was seen to be an important factor for Muslim tourists. Research limitations/implications This exploratory study used a small sample and hence the findings should not be seen to be generalisable. However, the study provides a number of valuable insights into the expectations of Muslim leisure tourists. Halal travel organisations and tourism boards will benefit from a better understanding of factors that influence the satisfaction/dissatisfaction of Muslim tourists. Originality/value The study makes three main contributions to our understanding of halal holidays. First, the study identifies expectations that are likely to influence satisfaction, such as halal food and women-only facilities. Second, the study highlights those expectations which are likely to cause dissatisfaction for halal holidaymakers, such as alcohol and dress codes. Third, the study highlights the difference in expectations which exist between halal holidaymakers and how the interpretation and practice of Islam is highly varied.

scholarly journals Consumer interpretations of fashion sustainability terminology communicated through labelling

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine L. Ritch
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Sustainable Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Advice ◽  
Consumer Concerns ◽  
Sustainable Fashion ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine how consumers interpret and understand sustainable fashion production and how this informs their fashion consumption practice.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopts an interpretivist approach with in-depth interviews with 28 participants. Sampling criterion sought consumers already engaged with sustainable production – professionally working mothers – to explore how their sustainability knowledge was evaluated for sustainable fashion claims. Garment labels that descripted facets of sustainable production were introduced to encourage discourse of sustainable fashion knowledge.FindingsThe findings illustrate that sustainable fashion production is not understood and efforts to apply sustainability concepts were often misunderstood which led to scepticism for higher pricing and marketing claims. Despite this, there was concern for the wider implications of sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations include the small sample from one geographical area (Edinburgh), despite the richness of the data collected.Practical implicationsThe research offers practical advice for fashion marketers to educate consumers through effective communication strategies how sustainable fashion concepts improve consumer concerns surrounding fashion production.Social implicationsThe research indicates increased concern for fashion sustainability, something that fashion retailers should be mindful of.Originality/valueThere has been little research examining consumer interpretation of sustainable fashion terminology, and this research adds to understanding how sustainability is evaluated within fashion production.

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