The effectiveness of using digital platforms to practice English during the COVID-19 crisis as perceived by Ecuadorian students

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Estrella
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Social Implication ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Levene Test ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis mixed-methods research aimed to investigate students’ opinions on the effectiveness of using digital platforms to carry on their learning process.Design/methodology/approachThis is a mixed-methods research. One hundred students, registered in the last English course of their curriculum, took part in the investigation. They filled out a Likert-scale survey using the criteria for CALL evaluation. During the data analysis of the quantitative section of the research, a chi-square of 15.0672 and a p-value of 0.519719 were obtained, making this result not significant at p < 0.05. A Levene test of variance equality was performed on the resulting data to confirm the results. Personal interviews were carried out to triangulate the previous results.FindingsThis study determined that Ecuadorian undergraduate students have a negative perception of the usefulness of using a digital class to learn English. These results have important implications for teachers who must work harder during these times of COVID-19 to attain students' attention.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited by its conception of qualitative methods. This limitation also opens the door for further studies. The quantitative and mixed methods studies are suggested to confirm the results obtained here.Practical implicationsThis study has practical implications for teachers and language center managers. They can use the information attained to adapt their teachings in order to improve these results. Managers will benefit from it as they can plan for teacher training considering the comments given by students.Social implicationsThe social implication of this study is that the students, through their comments, have implied the need of having some sort of socialization and ERT does not permit such.Originality/valueThis paper has value as it closes the gap of information regarding the use of this new teaching modality attained from Latin American countries and more specifically from Ecuador.

Analysis of relationship marketing factors for sports centers with mixed methods research

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 182-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheng Yen Lee
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Relationship Marketing ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Customer Relationship ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Statistical Survey ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of relationship marketing factors of sports centers on commitment to relationship and intention to recommend. Design/methodology/approach A statistical survey was conducted for quantitative research, and in-depth interviews, for qualitative research, according to the mixed methods research. Findings The results of the quantitative research show that the relationship marketing factors of bonding, facility, and price positively influence commitment to relationship. Expertise and facility positively influence intention to recommend. Finally, commitment to relationship positively influences intention to recommend. Practical implications Sports centers could build relationships based on polite and hospitable service, and host monthly events for building rapport among members. Instructors’ expertise promotes bonding and serves as the most essential factor for intention to recommend. Sports centers must adequately introduce promotions related to rational consumption and specialized promotion. Centers that are managed too carelessly or frugally will have a highly negative impact on customer relationship and intention to recommend. Originality/value This study aims to empirically analyze customer needs by comparing the results of in-depth interviews with customers based on the results of quantitative studies through mixed methods research. It determines the relationships between the aforementioned variables, providing practical implications through analysis of the customers’ subjective consciousness by focusing on sports facilities in order to secure competitive advantage, and thus, overcome financial difficulties.

Mixed or merged? Integration as the real challenge for mixed methods

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pat Bazeley
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Real ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Single Instrument ◽  
Real Challenge ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Giampietro Gobo called for new methods that combine qualitative and quantitative approaches in a single instrument, suggesting this was the next challenge facing social research and mixed methods in particular. The purpose of this paper is to respond to that challenge. Design/methodology/approach An overview of methods, demonstrating their inherently mixed qualities, with special emphasis on a range of methods that can be classified as merged. Findings The real challenge is not to find merged methods, but to ensure integration of the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the methods used during the analysis and writing processes. Practical implications Researchers need to be alerted to the mixed elements within their work, to learn how to better tap into these and to exploit the integrative potential of their methods during analysis and writing. Researchers need more “rounded” methods training. Originality/value This paper refocuses the challenge facing mixed methods research.

Why “merged” methods realize a higher integration than “mixed” methods: a reply

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 199-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giampietro Gobo
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pragmatic Analysis ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose After the initial life (which coincides with the origins of social research in the 1850s, and lasts until 1940s), mixed methods revive at the beginning of 1970s. However, this second life (or renaissance) receives the deleterious imprinting of quantitative methods. In fact, some of the old positivist assumptions are still reproduced and active in most of mixed methods research. This imprinting is traceable in the ambiguity (and purposive semantic stretching) of the term “qualitative”: from the 1990s, it encompasses almost everything (even approaches considered positivistic in the 1950s!). Whereby the semantical extension of the term “qualitative” has become a sort of Trojan horse for a new legitimation of many quantitative and positivist researchers: a great swindle. Today “qualitative” is nonsense and acts as a bug, which muddies the qualitative-quantitative debate. For this reason, it would be better to remove the bug (i.e. to discharge the term “qualitative” from the language of social research and methodology), reset and start over from the level of specific research methods, considering carefully and balancing their diversity before mixing them. The purpose of this paper is to outline two (complementary) ways of integration of methods (“mixed” and “merged”), arguing that “merged” methods realize a higher integration than “mixed” methods, because the former overcome some weaknesses of the latter. Design/methodology/approach A semantic and pragmatic analysis of the term “qualitative.” Findings In social and behavioral sciences, the second life of mixed methods has been heavily affected by old positivist and quantitative assumptions. Research limitations/implications The term “qualitative” should be discharged from the language of social research and methodology. Practical implications The coveted integration in “mixed” methods, could be better pursed through “merged” methods. Social implications Disentangling the strands of a debate (the qualitative-quantitative one) become muddy. Originality/value An alternative framework, to interpret the mixed methods history and their recent developments, has been proposed.

Consumer value creation through WhatsApp use

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 455-471
Author(s):  
Jorge Cruz-Cárdenas ◽  
Jorge Guadalupe-Lanas ◽  
Ekaterina Zabelina ◽  
Andrés Palacio-Fierro ◽  
Margarita Velín-Fárez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
Role Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Value ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand in-depth how consumers create value in their lives using WhatsApp, the leading mobile instant messaging (MIM) application. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts the perspective of customer-dominant logic (CDL) and uses a qualitative multimethod design involving 3 focus groups and 25 subsequent in-depth interviews. The research setting was Ecuador, a Latin American country. Findings Analysis and interpretation of the participants’ stories made it possible to identify and understand the creation of four types of value: maintaining and strengthening relationships; improving role performance; emotional support; and entertainment and fun. In addition, the present study proposes a conceptual model of consumer value creation as it applies to MIM. Practical implications Understanding the way consumers create value in their lives using MIM is important not only for organizations that offer MIM applications, but also for those companies that develop other applications for mobile phones or for those who wish to use MIM as an electronic word-of-mouth vehicle. Originality/value The current study is one of the first to address the topic of consumer behavior in the use of technologies from the perspective of CDL; this perspective enables an integrated qualitative vision of value creation in which the consumer is the protagonist.

Beyond visual clutter: the interplay among products, advertisements, and the overall webpage

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyunjoo Im ◽  
Hae Won Ju ◽  
Kim K.P. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Visual Complexity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Responses ◽  
Marketing Effectiveness ◽  
Consumer Experiences ◽  
Visual Clutter ◽  
Negative Relationships ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeLittle research has been done to understand how individual elements (e.g. advertisements) within a webpage are processed and evaluated when visual complexity is increased. Thus, this study aimed to investigate how consumers allocate attention and evaluate products and advertisements on complex webpages when they are casually browsing.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted two experiments to test the causal effects of different degrees of visual complexity on consumer responses to products and advertisements. An eye-tracking experiment (n = 90) and a follow-up online experiment (n = 121) were conducted using undergraduate students as participants.FindingsParticipants formed a global impression from the overall webpage complexity, which spilled over to evaluation of individual elements on the webpage (e.g. product, advertisement). The inverted U-shaped relationships (vs. linear negative relationships) between webpage visual complexity and attitude toward the webpage, products, and advertisements were observed. The focal product was given a consistent level of attention regardless of the complexity level.Practical implicationsThis study provides implications for website organization and design to maximize positive consumer experiences and marketing effectiveness. The findings provide implications for retailers and advertisement buyers.Originality/valueThis study expanded the knowledge by examining the interplay between individual elements of webpages and the whole webpage complexity when consumers browse visually complex webpages. It is a novel finding that the overall webpage complexity effect spills over to locally attended products or advertisements.

Supporting learners’ STEM-oriented career pathways with digital badges

2019 ◽  
Vol 120 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 87-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline R. Pitt ◽  
Adam Bell ◽  
Rose Strickman ◽  
Katie Davis
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Career Pathways ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Digital Badges ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technology Industry ◽  
Learning Pathways ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the potential for digital badges to support alternate learning and career pathways in formal and informal learning environments. Stakeholder groups in higher education and industry discussed how digital badges might transform current processes of admitting undergraduate students and hiring young professionals. Design/methodology/approach This research uses a thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 30 stakeholders in higher education and the technology industry. Findings Interview participants expressed optimism about the potential for digital badges to make learning pathways visible to learners and external audiences and to promote equity in STEM (STEM: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and careers. Participants noted several obstacles, largely focused on issues of credibility and logistics of working with badges across settings. Research limitations/implications Though the research approach is limited in geographic scope, the findings have broad applicability and insight for the use of digital badges in general. Practical implications Education policymakers, employers and scholars will be able to use the insights from this investigation in their efforts to find innovative ways to expand and diversify the STEM workforce, as well as support a wider range of learners than is currently supported by initiatives aligned with the school-to-workforce pipeline metaphor. Originality/value This paper directly confronts issues of real-world applications of digital badges by discussing practical implications with college admissions officers and employers. The current study fills a need for research that investigates the use of digital badges across – as opposed to within – contexts.

Mastering the challenge of business ecosystems

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Denning
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Digital Ecosystem ◽  
Business Ecosystems ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The author discusses the challenges of implementing a digital ecosystem, a way of transcending the boundaries of a firm to include additional producers to provide more value to customers and also by making customers active partners. Design/methodology/approach An ecosystem is intentionally organized to generate, facilitate and benefit from interactions rather than transactions. Findings The author explains how firms can make the customers active participants in creating and evolving the network by embracing the dynamic concept of an ecosystem. Practical/implications The ecosystem becomes more valuable to users as more users join. Originality/value Essential reading for executives experimenting with corporate digital platforms.

India’s destination image and loyalty perception in Thailand

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 565-582
Author(s):  
Theera Erawan
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Indirect Effects ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Destination Loyalty

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the direct and indirect effects of destination image on destination loyalty. Indirect effects are measured via tourists’ satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach A reliable conceptual framework was developed through a mixed methods research methodology. A three-pronged approach was used to cross-validate the results from a literature review, expert interviews, and exploratory study. Structural equation modeling was used in conceptual model development and hypotheses testing. Findings Exploratory dimensions of destination image, satisfaction and destination loyalty of Indian cities were revealed from Thai tourists’ perception. The positive indirect effects of destination image on destination loyalty via satisfaction is supported. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to tourists of Thai nationality who visited India’s travel destinations. Future research should include further generalization of the research methodology to specific travel destination. Practical implications This study provides useful information for India’s tourism industry, specifically for the marketing of historical cities as travel destinations. Originality/value By proposing a reliable conceptual model based on a mixed methods research methodology, this study is among the first to explore destination image, satisfaction and destination loyalty in India’s tourism context. The mediating role of satisfaction on destination image and destination loyalty was also recognized as an extension of, and contribution, to the theoretical foundation for the destination image concept.

A varietal-specific approach to investigate wine risk perception in South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 640-659
Author(s):  
Nadia Van der Colff ◽  
Chris Pentz ◽  
Helene Nieuwoudt
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
South African ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chenin Blanc

Purpose This study aims to describe South African consumers’ wine risk perception on varietal level with recommendations for Chenin blanc. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory mixed methods approach was followed where qualitative data were used to develop the questionnaire. Quantitative data were collected from 2,051 respondents using an online survey. ANOVA and Fischer least significance difference tests were used to indicate statistical significance. Findings Significant perceived risks (PRs) associated with Chenin blanc across age and ethnic groups were functional, time and financial risks. Risk-reducing strategies (RRS) in the white wine category were favourite brands and a trusted store, while Sauvignon blanc was also described as an RRS. Recommended Chenin blanc RRS include tastings and events with food. Research limitations/implications Measurement of PR remains challenging. This research approach can be reproduced and/or adapted to investigate other struggling varietals and/or regions-of-origin. The convenience sample limits generalisability. Practical implications Segments were identified to develop new markets for Chenin blanc. RRS emphasise the importance of real sensory experience rather than media exposure to build knowledge and familiarity. Originality/value This study is a pioneering endeavour in terms of using an exploratory mixed methods research approach to investigate and describe risk perception of a specific wine varietal. Recommendations, with implications for strategic marketing decisions, are made for South African Chenin blanc.

A mixed methods research toward a framework of a maintenance management model

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 260-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amal Naji ◽  
Mohamed EL Oumami ◽  
Otmane Bouksour ◽  
Zitouni Beidouri
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Maintenance Management ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Management Model ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Basic Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Maintenance Factors ◽  
Maintenance Model

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a picture of the maintenance management status in a sample of Moroccan industries through highlighting the most impacting factors. A preliminary framework of a maintenance management model is proposed on the basis of the study findings. Design/methodology/approach A mixed methods research (MMR), including qualitative and quantitative independent studies, was conducted in a sample of Moroccan industries. The process of collecting data involved submission of questionnaires to industrial managers and on-site visits. Analyzing case studies and correlations between maintenance factors were used to define the status of maintenance management. The preliminary framework of a maintenance management model was presented through a basic graph. Findings The surveyed companies have three levels of maintenance management: inner, medium and good. The most impacting maintenance factors include the top management policy and maintenance department approach. Most of the companies surveyed do not have an overall maintenance model, as most of decisions are based on random factors rather than the data analysis approach. The preliminary framework of maintenance management model involves the main factors with recommendations to improve maintenance management performance. Research limitations/implications The sample in this study is limited to seven companies in the qualitative study and thirty-one companies in the quantitative study. The informants are the industrial managers of those companies. In order to apply this maintenance model in industry, an advanced version of this model is to be developed through providing key performance indicators (KPI) and an implementation process for each factor, including other participants in the companies from top management and operational levels. Practical implications The study may contribute to assess maintenance management and to develop a framework of maintenance management models in industries, especially when no previous basic study was conducted in a specific context. Originality/value The original contribution of this paper is using MMR to develop a preliminary framework of a maintenance management model. This methodology aims to narrow the gap between academic studies and maintenance management in industries.

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