Measuring the value of online communities

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Christian Franklin ◽  
Michael Mainelli ◽  
Robert Pay
Keyword(s):  
Online Communities ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Statistical Measures ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a set of measures that enable better understanding of online communities, their value and the strategic decisions best suited to them. Design/methodology/approach – After an initial definition of terms and classification of online communities, a framework for assessing the value of communities is presented, enumerating benefits by their relationship to risk and reward. The disconnect between such benefits and the normal statistical measures of success is then addressed. The paper concludes with a short review of a range of other factors that should influence the valuation of online communities. Findings – There are three key points that should allow a structured approach to estimating the value of communities: a 12-part model for classifying online communities by their purposes; a consideration of how these should be measured; and a review of some other factors affecting the valuation of communities. Originality/value – The paper allows a framework for stakeholders of online communities to converse, plan and make decisions regarding those communities. The paper uses a framework already tested in the charity sector by Z/Yen Group and applies it in the online community space.

A Framework for Analyzing Online Communities

2012 ◽  
pp. 129-143
Author(s):  
M. Gordon Hunter ◽  
Rosemary Stockdale
Keyword(s):  
Online Communities ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Community Organizations ◽  
Value Proposition ◽  
Group Interactions ◽  
Community Needs ◽  
Important Stage ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Definition Of

This paper examines online communities and describes how they can be differentiated from other Internet supported group interactions. A definition of an online community is given and three generic types are identified. These types are defined by the community models based on the value proposition for the sponsors and members. The value proposition for members is strongly influenced by the model, as facilities and opportunities for interaction are structured by the site sponsors. Where online communities offer fulfillment of specific needs, people participate and become members. Additional benefits enhance the value of membership and encourage retention and greater interactivity. Significant benefits are gained from online communities for businesses, NGOs, other community organizations and individuals. Identifying the different types of communities and their characteristics is an important stage in developing greater understanding of how virtual communities can contribute to businesses, healthcare, community needs and a myriad of other contexts. Examples of the three generic types of online communities are included for further edification.

Online Community Value Co-creation

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 645-669
Author(s):  
Haili Pan
Keyword(s):  
Value Creation ◽  
Online Communities ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Corporate Strategy ◽  
Social Strategies ◽  
Electronic Communications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Economic Strategies ◽  
Interaction Strategy ◽  
The Impact

PurposeMany companies strengthen their interaction with consumers by establishing online communities and bring convenience to value co-creation with consumers. Some companies use economic and social strategies to stimulate consumer value creation. However, the way to increase the effectiveness of such corporate strategies remains unclear. To address this challenge, this study investigates the impact patterns of economic and social strategies that influence consumers' value co-creation behaviour in firm-hosted online communities (FOCs). Moreover, the effective conditions for the value co-creation of the two strategies are explored.Design/methodology/approachData from an FOC were collected for electronic communications products. A total of 1,305 second-hand data records on value co-creation activities were obtained. Then, an econometric model was built and Stata14.0 software was used for data analysis.FindingsThe effect of economic interaction strategy on the value co-creation in online communities is an inverted U-shaped model, and that of social interaction strategy is relatively stable and is not an inverted U-shaped model. Value creation initiatives introduced by enterprise personnel adopt economic strategies to improve effectiveness. On the contrary, value co-creation activities initiated by consumers use social strategies for the same purpose. Economic strategies are effective for large teams, whereas social strategies may lead to a “free rider” mentality.Research limitations/implicationsThis study finds two important factors affecting the value co-creation in FOCs and their effective boundaries. However, other factors may also affect the online community value co-creation. Future research can further explore the intrinsic mechanisms of these strategies for value co-creation.Practical implicationsThis article mainly discusses the influence of stimulation strategies on the value co-creation in an actual company community and exhibits good practical significance for the value co-creation activity and management in online communities. Firstly, corporate strategy is effective in communities, but this strategy requires proper control. Secondly, the company strategy must consider appropriate application conditions.Originality/valueThis study deepens the understanding of the impact of economic and social strategies on the value co-creation in FOCs and the effective boundaries of these impact patterns.

Factors affecting BIM application in China: a social network model

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuangliang Tai ◽  
Yao Zhang ◽  
Ting Li
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Network Model ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Management Modes ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to promote the application of building information modeling (BIM) in China’s construction industry, key factors and their relationships are explored. Design/methodology/approach Based on a literature review, 28 factors were extracted and their relationships (239 in total) obtained using the Delphi method. A social network model of the factors was constructed and factors were analyzed using social network analysis (SNA). Findings The top 10 key factors and their relationships were obtained using SNA. Among the top 10 critical factors, six were source factors. They were: training for the application of BIM, guidance from experts, proper management modes, efficient BIM teams, specifications and demonstrations and standards for building information communication. The other four factors included as follows: a willingness to accept BIM, knowledge of its value and benefits, the definition of its benefits and the availability of IT software and hardware. These were mediating factors that could further the influence of the source factors. Originality/value The results provide useful information for public agencies and professionals to understand the immediate and mediating influences of the factors on the application of BIM. Solutions and future efforts for different participants are presented to promote the application of BIM-based on the key factors and their relationships.

Whose Opinion Matters? Analyzing Relationships Between Bitcoin Prices and User Groups in Online Community

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 686-702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyeongpil Kang ◽  
Jaegul Choo ◽  
YoungBin Kim
Keyword(s):  
Online Communities ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Price Change ◽  
User Group ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Meaningful Information ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Other Information ◽  
User Groups

Public interest in cryptocurrencies has consistently risen over the past decade. Owing to this rapid growth, cryptocurrency-related information is being increasingly shared online. As considerable portions of such information in online communities are noise, extracting meaningful information is important. Therefore, judging whose opinion should be considered more important or who the opinion leaders in online communities are is critical. This study analyzed the topics that contain meaningful information, in particular, user groups, by investigating the correlation between topic weights and their price change. The proposed analysis method involves (1) effective classification of the user groups using a hypertext-induced topic selection algorithm, (2) textual information analysis through topic modeling, and (3) the identification of user groups that have a high interest in the Bitcoin price by measuring the correlation between the price and the topics and by measuring the topic similarities between each user group and all users to determine the user group that can effectively represent the entire community. By analyzing the information shared by users, we observed that most users are interested in the price information, whereas users having social influence are not only interested in the price but also in other information.

@Digital libraries: harnessing Twitter to build online communities

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (7) ◽  
pp. 1263-1283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iris Xie ◽  
Jennifer A. Stevenson
Keyword(s):  
Social Identity ◽  
Online Communities ◽  
Digital Libraries ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Open Coding ◽  
One Year ◽  
Method Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the types of roles that Twitter played in digital libraries (DLs) and their relationships in building DL online communities. Design/methodology/approach A mixed method analysis of DLs’ tweets was conducted to identify the usage, roles of Twitter in DL communities and relationships among the roles. Twitter data from 15 different DLs for one year were extracted, and an open coding analysis was performed to identify types of Twitter roles. Pearson correlation coefficient was applied to examine the relationships among the roles based on word similarities. Findings The results present 15 types of Twitter roles representing five main categories identified from DL tweets, including information, promotion, related resources, social identity and social connection. Moreover, word similarities analysis identifies more strong relationships among the roles in four main categories (promotion, related resources, social identity and social connection) but less with roles in information. Research limitations/implications Characteristics of DL online communities are discussed and compared with physical library communities. Suggestions are proposed for how tweets can be improved to play more effective roles. To build a strong community, it is critical for digital librarians to engage with followers. Originality/value This study is a pioneering work that not only analyzes Twitter roles and their relationships in building DL online communities but also offers recommendations in terms of how to build a strong online community and improve Twitter use in DLs.

The MAYA principle as applied to apparel products

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 587-607
Author(s):  
Lina M. Ceballos ◽  
Nancy Nelson Hodges ◽  
Kittichai Watchravesringkan
Keyword(s):  
Product Design ◽  
Consumer Products ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Apparel Design ◽  
Aesthetic Preference ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Aesthetic Properties ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Primary Predictor

Purpose There are numerous design principles that can guide strategic decisions and determine good product design. One principle that has received considerable attention in the literature is the MAYA principle, which suggests that consumers seek a balance of typicality and novelty in products. The purpose of this paper is to test the MAYA principle specific to various categories of apparel. By drawing from the MAYA principle as a two-factor theory, the effects of specific aesthetic properties (i.e. typicality and novelty) of apparel products on consumer response were examined. Design/methodology/approach An experimental design in three phases was implemented. Findings Results revealed that typicality is the primary predictor of aesthetic preference relative to pants and jackets, while both typicality and novelty are significant predictors of aesthetic preference relative to shirts, suggesting that the MAYA principle better explains aesthetic preference relative to shirts. Research limitations/implications Understanding consumers’ reactions to product design provides potential value for academics as well as practitioners. Practical implications Consideration of both aesthetic properties is needed when implementing the MAYA principle in apparel design. Originality/value Although studies have examined the MAYA principle relative to consumer products, few have examined how the principle operates relative to apparel products. The definition of a design principle, such as the MAYA principle, assumes that the logic proposed should apply to all types of products. Yet, this empirical study reveals that this is not the case when applied across different apparel categories.

The challenges of creating an online undergraduate community of practice

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-112
Author(s):  
Sarah S. List ◽  
Jane Warland ◽  
Colleen Smith
Keyword(s):  
Online Communities ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Academic Support ◽  
Real Life ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Professional Relationship ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face

Purpose – With less time spent on campus, students are increasingly forming peer friendship and study groups either face to face or online. Communities of practice (CoP) with academic support in the wings could benefit students, but little is known in the about their use in the undergraduate space, or how best they may be structured and facilitated (Andrew et al., 2008). The purpose of this paper is to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – An online CoP was created in partnership with undergraduate bachelor of midwifery students at the University of South Australia using an action research model. This provided an ongoing ability to continuously plan, act, observe and evaluate all aspects of the community created, so that adjustments could be made during the two cycles of the study. Findings – The time paucity of the cohort impacted on their ability to participate fully as partners in the project, and in the community itself. The Facebook community received more visitation than the Weebly community. The student panel reported that despite the online CoP fitting better with their schedules, they would prefer more opportunities to interact face to face with their peers. Research limitations/implications – Students who spend limited time on campus may prefer more real life social contact and support, despite the convenience of an online community. A larger cohort, drawing from a non-professional degree would have allowed greater membership and community participation for a prospective study such as this. Practical implications – Remote study is a growing phenomenon, and students need to feel socially connected and supported to remain enroled and engaged. Social implications – There has been much discussion around the amount of time individuals spend online, and whether support groups formed by students on social media support student learning, or encourage unprofessional behaviours without academic support present. Originality/value – This study reports that online communities are not always a logical solution to time poor students, and they may prefer face to face interactions to build their social and professional relationship.

Pivot decisions in startups: a systematic literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ximena Alejandra Flechas Chaparro ◽  
Leonardo Augusto de Vasconcelos Gomes
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Business Model ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Course Of Action ◽  
The Face ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Resource Reconfiguration

PurposeEntrepreneurs' pivot decisions are poorly understood. The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature on pivot decisions to identify the different conceptualizations, research streams and main theoretical building blocks and to offer a baseline framework for future studies on this phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review of 86 peer-reviewed papers published between January 2008 and October 2020, focusing on the pivot decision in startups, was performed through bibliometric, descriptive and content analyses.FindingsThe literature review identifies four research streams concerning the pivot concept – pivot design, cognitive, negotiation and environmental perspectives. Building on previous studies, this paper provides a refined definition of a pivot that bridges elements from the four research streams identified: a pivot comprises strategic decisions made after a failure (or in the face of potential failure) of the current business model and leads to changes in the firm's course of action, resource reconfiguration and possible modifications of one or more business model elements. This study proposes a framework that elaborates the pivot literature by identifying four stages of the pivot process addressed in the existing literature: recognition, generating options, seizing and testing and reconfiguration.Originality/valueThis study provides a comprehensive review, enabling researchers to establish a baseline for developing future pivot research. Furthermore, it improves the conceptualization of pivots by summarizing prior definitions and proposing a refined definition that places decision-making and judgment at its center. That introduces new contextual and behavioral elements, contributing to a better understanding of how entrepreneurs assess alternative courses of action and envision possible outcomes to redirect a venture after failure.

Using networked narratives to understand internet book reviews in online communities

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun Kuei Huang ◽  
Wen I. Yang
Keyword(s):  
Online Communities ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Word Of Mouth ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Word Of Mouth Communication ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose – The aim of this paper was to investigate word-of-mouth communication behavior and other interactions between bloggers writing book testimonials and their community of readers in order to develop a method and strategy for enhancing word-of-mouth communication about books. Design/methodology/approach – This study conducted a netnographic investigation to explore word-of-mouth communication and interactions about new books between bloggers and their community of readers. Netnography is a qualitative approach for exploring the information exchange among online community members. Findings – It was found that personality traits, testimonials, and the responses of community readers to bloggers affected word-of-mouth related to books. Exposure to testimonials with commercial characteristics will not necessarily hinder the word-of-mouth about books. Practical implications – These results may provide a reference for publishers or related businesses that sell books or products via blogs during the planning of their marketing strategies. Originality/value – Businesses value the effects of online communities on marketing communication. This study provides insights into the communication between bloggers and their community of readers by demonstrating how word-of-mouth affects the promotion of books. This could facilitate the selection of relevant recommendations by management.

Are online communities on par with experts in the evaluation of new movies? Evidence from the Fandango community

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 120-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradeep Kumar Ponnamma Divakaran ◽  
Sladjana Nørskov
Keyword(s):  
Online Communities ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Box Office ◽  
Geographic Context ◽  
Film Studios ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Performance Research ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate two questions. First, are movie-based online community evaluations (CE) on par with film expert evaluations of new movies? Second, which group makes more reliable and accurate predictions of movie box office revenues: film reviewers or an online community? Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from a movie-based online community Fandango for a 16-month period and included all movies released during this time (373 movies). The authors compared film reviewers’ evaluations with the online CE during the first eight weeks of the movie’s release. Findings – The study finds that community members evaluate movies differently than film reviewers. The results also reveal that CE have more predictive power than film reviewers’ evaluations, especially during the opening week of a movie. Research limitations/implications – The investigated online community is based in the USA, hence the findings are limited to this geographic context. Practical implications – The main implication is that film studios and movie-goers can rely more on CE than film reviewers’ evaluation for decision making. Online CE can help film studios in negotiating with distributors, theatre owners for the number of screens. Also, community reviews rather than film reviewers’ reviews are looked upon by future movie-goers for movie choice decisions. Originality/value – The study makes an original contribution to the motion picture performance research as well as to the growing research on online consumer communities by demonstrating the predictive potential of online communities with regards to evaluations of new movies.

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