scholarly journals Distance learning during COVID-19 pandemic: satisfaction, opportunities and challenges as perceived by faculty members and students

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghaleb Awad El Refae ◽  
Abdoulaye Kaba ◽  
Shorouq Eletter
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This study aims to investigate and assess the first experience of faculty members and students with distance learning implemented at Al Ain University (AAU) to contain the spread of Coronavirus or COVID-19. The paper attempted to understand faculty and students’ satisfaction with institutional readiness for distance learning and perception towards opportunities and challenges of distance learning. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on data collected in March 2020 through an online survey questionnaire from the participants (students = 445, faculty members = 139). The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) was used in formulating a conceptual framework. The collected data were analysed using several statistical techniques and partial least square structural equation modelling, to test and verify hypotheses. Findings The study found that, although faculty members and students expressed high satisfaction with the institutional readiness for distance learning and believed in its opportunities and advantages, they expressed concerns about the challenges facing distance learning. Findings of the study indicated a relationship between the status or college of the participant and perceived opportunities and advantages of distance learning. Hypotheses testing supported the study framework and UTAUT theory by identifying and confirming the impact of perceived opportunities of distance learning on satisfaction with the institutional readiness for distance learning. Originality/value The study suggested that non-distance learning institutions should keep offering courses through distance learning to prevent any shortcomings in the future.

Impact of perceived brand localness and globalness on brand authenticity to predict brand attitude: a cross-cultural Asian perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asif Ali Safeer ◽  
Yun Chen ◽  
Muhammad Abrar ◽  
Nilesh Kumar ◽  
Amar Razzaq
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Brands ◽  
Brand Authenticity ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe study aims to investigate the impact of perceived brand localness (PBL) and perceived brand globalness (PBG) on brand authenticity (BA) to predict consumers' attitudes toward local and global brands in two Asian markets. Further, the study examines the moderating role of uncertainty avoidance (UA) after controlling the effects of brand familiarity (BF) in Asian markets (China and Pakistan).Design/methodology/approachIn accordance with the non-probability technique and through an online survey, the study collected 1,880 responses (on local and global brands) from China and Pakistan. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is the most robust technique applied to examine the proposed hypotheses in the Asian environment.FindingsAfter controlling the effects of BF, the findings revealed that PBL and PBG positively influenced consumers' perceptions of BA, which had a significant impact on consumers' brand attitudes toward both local and global brands in Asian markets. Further, the research identified that BA was an essential mediator from the Asian perspective. The interaction effects of UA and PBL on BA were discovered positively significant in Pakistan, whereas the effects of UA and PBG on BA were found negatively significant in Pakistan and had no effects in China.Research limitations/implicationsThe research focused on two Asian countries (China and Pakistan). However, future researchers may collect additional data from other Asian countries in order to generalize the findings in all Asian markets.Practical implicationsThe research assists local and global managers in designing and implementing various targeting, positioning and segmentation strategies for successfully managing businesses in Asian markets.Originality/valueThe novel research is based on signaling theory that contributes to the local and global branding domains from the Asian perspective (China and Pakistan).

Between awareness of halal food products and awareness of halal-certified food products

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hardius Usman ◽  
Chairy Chairy ◽  
Nucke Widowati Kusumo Projo
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Religious Commitment ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Difference

Purpose The purpose of this study are: to study the difference between halal awareness and halal certified awareness, and the relationship between the two variables; to study the differences in knowledge about halal and halal certified, as well as their relationship with halal awareness and halal certified awareness; and to build and test research models regarding factors that affect certified halal awareness. Design/methodology/approach The target population is Muslims who live in Indonesia and are 18 years old or more. The self-administered survey method is carried out based on a purposive sampling technique. The authors collect data from 428 Muslim respondents in Indonesia through an online survey. This study applies the partial least square–structural equation model to examine causal relationships and test hypotheses. Findings This study reveals several results: halal awareness is a different concept from halal-certified awareness; knowledge of halal is a different concept from knowledge of halal certificates; awareness is an outcome of knowledge, but knowledge is not an outcome of awareness; halal awareness has a significant effect on halal-certified awareness; knowledge about halal certificates has a significant effect on halal-certified awareness, but knowledge about halal does not have a significant effect; knowledge of halal certificates is not influenced by knowledge of halal and halal awareness; and exposure and religious commitment have a significant role in increasing knowledge and awareness. Originality/value Research that explores the difference between halal awareness and halal certified awareness, and Muslim knowledge about halal and halal certified, especially in the context of halal-certified food, is still very limited in the literature provided, if not unavailable. Furthermore, this study also builds and tests research models regarding the factors that affect certified halal awareness, which is limited or may not have been found in the literature.

Role of halal literacy and religiosity in buying intention of halal branded food products in India

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adil Khan ◽  
Mohd Yasir Arafat ◽  
Mohammad Khalid Azam
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Muslim Population ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Test Of Hypotheses ◽  
Halal Food ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This study aims to investigate the influence of religiosity (intrinsic and extrinsic) and halal literacy on the intention of Muslim consumers to purchase halal branded food products in India. An extended version of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) was used as a framework. Apart from religiosity and halal literacy, the influence of attitude, social norms and perceived behavioural control of halal on buying intention were also tested. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a survey design. The data were collected from 350 individual respondents, using a closed-ended, structured questionnaire. The quality of the measurement model has been assessed through reliability testing, factor loading, average variance extracted and Fornell-Larcker criterion. The test of hypotheses was conducted by performing the partial least square structural equation modelling. Findings The result of hypotheses testing shows that both intrinsic and extrinsic types of religiosities did not have a direct influence on buying intention. However, religiosity (extrinsic and intrinsic) and halal literacy have significant relationships with most of the antecedents of the intention of the TPB. In addition, both kinds of religiosities (extrinsic and intrinsic) and halal literacy had a significant indirect effect (through TPB antecedents) on buying intention. Originality/value Muslim population in India is one of the largest in the world, yet there is a lack of popular halal branded food products in the market. Nevertheless, few researchers have attempted to study the consumer behaviour of the Muslim population for halal products in India. A large amount of research work on halal food behaviour is from countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia, where the Muslim population is in the majority and halal brands are already popular. Further, this paper studies the impact of dimensions of religiosity, which has been overlooked by researchers studying the halal food purchasing behaviour. The study also explores the impact of halal literacy, an understudied construct in halal marketing literature. The present study is amongst the earliest empirical research based on Muslim consumers in India on the topic of halal branded food products.

Accounting students' perceptions of work–life balance, accounting career image and intention to pursue accounting careers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saarce Elsye Hatane ◽  
Bernard Emerson ◽  
Olievia Soesanto ◽  
Ruth Arum Gunawan ◽  
Hatane Semuel
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Least Square Method ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Accounting Students ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to discover the impact of work–life balance on the intention to pursue accounting careers through accounting career image.Design/methodology/approachThe study managed to collect 693 closed questionnaires, using the five-point Likert Scale, from accounting students in several universities in Java, Sulawesi and Kalimantan, as the three most densely populated islands in Indonesia. The research model is analysed using partial least square method as a part of structural equation modelling.FindingsThere are positive and significant influences between work–life balance and the intention to pursue accounting career when supported by accounting career image. The positive perception of accounting career image motivates accounting students to pursue accounting careers. Accounting students argue that attaining a balance between work and personal life can improve positive perceptions of accounting careers, which drive them to pursue a career in accounting. Work–life balance is an essential factor due to the fact that it can, directly and indirectly, affect the intention to pursue accounting careers. In addition, positive image of accounting profession is found to be able to strengthen the positive influence of the work–life balance to pursue accounting careers.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies can continue along the line of this study as the intention to choose an accounting career can change from time to time. In addition, the generational difference may create a discrepancy in perception and orientation in choosing accounting careers. Therefore, future studies should consider a broader scope and more updated objects.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that working experience is an essential part for accounting students in choosing accounting careers, and so higher education institutions need to consider including field work-practice in their curriculums. Companies are also expected to prioritise work–life balance since it will motivate accounting students to choose an accounting career.Originality/valueThis study investigates the link between work–life balance and decisions to pursue accounting careers through accounting students' perceptions in Indonesia. This study combines the influences of work–life balance and accounting career image on the intention to pursue accounting careers in one model, in which accounting career image is the mediating variable in the indirect link of work–life balance.

Determinants of Muslim travellers Halal food consumption attitude and behavioural intentions

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah ◽  
Nurul Alia Aqilah Hamdan
Keyword(s):  
Food Consumption ◽  
Perceived Control ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Halal Food

Purpose The demand for Muslim friendly tourism industry has been gaining momentum from the increasing number of Muslim travellers globally. This paper aims to examine the role of religiosity in Muslim travellers Halal food consumption attitude and behaviour while travelling to the non-Muslim destination. Design/methodology/approach A total of 384 respondents participated in this study through an online survey. This study used the partial least square structural equation modelling to assess the survey measurements and hypotheses testing. Findings This study asserts that the Muslim travellers’ Halal consumption attitude relies heavily on their level of religiosity, subjective norms and perceived control behaviour. Besides, the results provide evidence that consumption attitude mediates the relationship between religiosity, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and intention in consuming Halal food products while travelling abroad. Practical implications This study highlighted the critical aspects of an emerging Muslim market that travel for leisure with the urge to comply with their Islamic teachings and religiosity. It is vital for non-Muslim tourism destination marketers to tailor their marketing strategies and consider promoting Islamic dietary rules when planning their travel packages. Originality/value This study is one of the few that focus on Muslim-friendly tourism and the role of religiosity in Muslim traveller’s Halal food consumption behaviour. This study confirms that the theory of planned behaviour model can be used to explain Muslim travellers Halal food consumption attitude while travelling to a non-Muslim destination.

When art meets mall: impact on shopper responses

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 277-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Vukadin ◽  
Apiradee Wongkitrungrueng ◽  
Nuttapol Assarut
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Spillover Effect ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Shopping Mall ◽  
Experiential Marketing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Symbolic Value ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the role of artistic elements in a shopping mall’s experiential marketing strategy and the effects of artistic elements on customer shopping value (e.g. utilitarian, hedonic and symbolic) and shopper response (e.g. satisfaction, behavioural intention).Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 300 shoppers in a shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand. A partial least square-structural equation model was used to examine the impact of the artistic elements along with other elements in the shopping mall on shopper response through perceived shopping value.FindingsEmpirical evidence shows that artistic elements in an artified mall have a positive effect on customer hedonic and symbolic value, which in turn leads to positive shopper response. Artistic elements perform better than other elements in predicting symbolic value.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest that artistic elements should be considered a new source of mall differentiation and customer experience enhancement. Unique artistic elements add emotional and symbolic appeal to the mall, and mall managers should carefully choose artistic content that matches the position and target shoppers of their mall.Originality/valueThis paper proposed and empirically examined the effect of artistic elements as the new fourth atmospheric element. It extends the art infusion theory by applying it to the “non-luxury” shopping mall context to demonstrate the spillover effect of art on shopping value, which further influence shopper response.

scholarly journals E-Learning as a Response to COVID-19 Pandemic: A preliminary study on College Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 61-68
Author(s):  
Siska Ayu Kartika
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Distance Education ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
E Learning ◽  
The Impact

There is a dilemma of accepting the new educational system, that we know as “e-learning” by students within educational institutions. We have to replace face-to-face education with distance education in response to the COVID-19. This form of distance education, e-learning, differs from conventional education: being suddenly, unreadily and forcefully implemented.  This study examined and assessed the impact of e-learning to college students, during pandemic. An online survey was conducted amongst some college students in the Mechanical Engineering Dept, at Universitas Balikpapan using a purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Square - Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The result of this study has confirmed the positive of direct effect variables (attitude, affect and motivation; perceived behavioral intention (ease of use technology, accessibility and cognitive engagement). This study suggests relevant parties to the education system, to improve the implementation of e-learning systems.

scholarly journals Organizational changes, trust and information sharing: an empirical study

2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 677-692
Author(s):  
Farhan Ahmad ◽  
Isto Huvila
Keyword(s):  
Information Sharing ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Organizational Changes ◽  
Multinational Organization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose While there is relatively plenty of evidence for the positive impact of communication on the perceptions of organizational change, how organizational changes affect information sharing is relatively unknown. The purpose of this paper is to investigate if a favorable perception of ongoing organizational changes has a positive impact on information sharing and whether trust mediates this relationship. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire (n=317) was administered to the employees of a large Finnish multinational organization. Partial least square structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses based on earlier research findings. Findings The results show that a positive perception of recent organizational changes improves information sharing both directly and indirectly, mediated by trust. Consequently, when changes are perceived negatively, employees recoil from information sharing which is known to have negative implications for organizations. Research limitations/implications Data were collected in a single organization. The nature of the specific changes in the studied organization and its particularities undoubtedly had an effect on respondents’ perceptions. Originality/value This paper contributes to organizational information management research by elaborating on the relationship between organizational changes and interpersonal information sharing between employees. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first quantitative study confirming the impact of the perception of organizational changes on employee information-sharing behavior.

Brand hate and retaliation in Muslim consumers: does offensive advertising matter?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Uzma Noor ◽  
Mahnaz Mansoor ◽  
Sajeela Rabbani
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
The Body ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Brand Hate

Purpose This study aims to investigate the generation of negative emotions and behavior in Muslim consumers from their attitude toward offensive advertising. Mediation of brand hate between attitude toward offensive advertising and brand retaliation was examined. The conditional indirect impact of religiosity on attitude toward offensive advertising and brand retaliation through brand hate was also realized. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional research design was used using the mall intercept survey technique. Data were collected from 380 respondents visiting the malls in the areas of Pakistan’s twin cities (Rawalpindi and Islamabad) after ensuring appropriateness for the study. Partial least square–structural equation modeling through SmartPLS software was used as a statistical technique to test the hypotheses. Findings The findings confirm that attitude toward offensive advertising affects brand hate and brand retaliation positively. The conditional indirect effect of religiosity on the relationship of attitude toward offensive advertising and brand retaliation has also proved significant. Originality/value The present study has filled a significant gap in the literature of brand hate by introducing brand hate as a mediator in the relationship of attitude toward offensive advertising and brand retaliation. It further added in the body of knowledge of brand hate by a moderated mediation mechanism of religiosity on the relationship of attitude toward offensive advertising and brand retaliation through brand hate. The present study has considered the non-offensive product being promoted through offensive advertising and explored the impact of attitude toward offensive advertising on brand hate and brand retaliation in Muslim consumers.

Hide and seek – the role of personality, sense of coherence and experiential information in hidden information needs

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jannica Heinström ◽  
Shahrokh Nikou ◽  
Eero Sormunen
Keyword(s):  
Personality Traits ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Concealed Information

PurposeThe aim of this study is to assess the impact of personality traits and sense of coherence (SOC) on concealing information needs out of shame. The study also investigates the link between concealed information needs and the use of experiential information for psychological wellbeing.Design/methodology/approachA Partial Least Square ‐ Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) approach is used to assess and analyse the proposed conceptual model, which is based on the responses of 412 upper secondary school students.FindingsThe findings reveal that personality traits not only have direct significant effects on concealing information needs but that their effects are also mediated by SOC. The positive relationship between concealed information needs and the use of experiential information is confirmed in the study.Originality/valueThis study is the first to show that personality and SOC influence concealing information needs. Two pathways are found. Firstly, negative emotionality and a low SOC lead to a heightened sense of shame. Secondly, introversion induces a more guarded behaviour. The study, moreover, quantitatively demonstrates a link between concealed information needs and the use of experiential information for psychological wellbeing.

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