Linear and nonlinear relationships: a hybrid SEM-neural network approach to verify the links of online experience with luxury hotel branding

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Menglong Xia ◽  
Yang Zhang

PurposeMobile technologies have recently come to serve as the primary reservation option for the hospitality industry. This study examines the role of online experience in determining potential consumers' perceived hotel brand image, through a three-stage model based on the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) framework.Design/methodology/approachA dual-stage analytical procedure, including structural equation modeling (SEM) and an artificial neural network (ANN) approach, was adopted to test the hypotheses.FindingsOnline experience of mobile applications (apps) can be influenced by perceived usefulness. As the indivisible component of consumers' cognitive beliefs, perceived ease of use exerts a positive impact on online experience. The online experience of mobile apps positively influenced brand awareness and satisfaction, further contributing to potential consumers' brand image formation.Research limitations/implicationsThis study empirically verified the relationships among potential hotel consumers' perceptions of official hotel mobile app quality, online experience and brand image.Practical implicationsThis study reiterates the importance of official hotel apps in implementing online marketing strategies, suggesting that hoteliers should pay attention to enhancing the quality of their official apps.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first to combine machine learning techniques with the traditional SEM approach to assess linear and nonlinear relationships in consumers' perceptual models. Additionally, the findings provide theoretical insights into the online experience of mobile apps and reveal the perceived brand image formation process of potential consumers.

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 222-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajan Yadav ◽  
Sujeet Kumar Sharma ◽  
Ali Tarhini

Purpose – The advent of mobile telephony devices with strong internet capabilities has laid the foundation for mobile commerce (m-commerce) services. The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine predictors of m-commerce adoption using a modification of the widely used technology acceptance model and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model. Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected from 213 respondents by means of an online survey. The data were analyzed through multi analytic approach by employing structural equation modeling (SEM) and neural network modeling. Findings – The SEM results showed that variety of services, social influence, perceived usefulness, cost and perceived trust have significant influence on consumer’s intention to adopt m-commerce. The only exception was perceived ease of use which observed statistically insignificant influence on adoption of m-commerce. Furthermore, the results obtained from SEM were employed as input to the neural network model and results showed that perceived usefulness, perceived trust and variety of services as most important predictors in adoption of m-commerce. Practical implications – The findings of this study give an insight of key determinants that are important to develop suitable strategic framework to enhance the use of m-commerce adoption. In addition, it also provides an opportunity to academicians and researchers to use the framework of this study for further research. Originality/value – The study is among a very few studies which analyzed m-commerce adoption by applying a linear and non-linear approach. The study offers a multi-analytical model to understand and predict m-commerce adoption in the developing nation like India.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugene Okyere-Kwakye ◽  
Khalil Md Nor

Purpose Electronic library (E-library) is a form of computer mediated system that uses electronic media, such as Web/internet devices and distributes resources to improve on the quality of teaching and learning. Students’ use of e-library for learning is essential and as such the government has invested hugely into its subscription for several university libraries in Ghana. However, most university students feel reluctant to use the e-library resources for their studies. The purpose of this paper is therefore to examine the factors that influence students’ intention to use e-library resources for their studies. Design/methodology/approach Questionnaire was used to collect data from 200 students from one Technical University in Ghana. Structural equation modeling (SmartPLS) was used to analyze the data. Findings The study found that accessibility, attitude, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and relevance to studies have positive significant effect on students’ attitude to use e-library. In addition, self-efficacy, subjective norm and attitude have positive significant influence on students’ intention to use e-library. Research limitations/implications Although the sample frame used for this study may be unique, but the total amount of data collected was limited to providing the general representative of the Ghanaian students in one particular university. Other researchers may consider collecting data from other universities to extend the sample frame for a larger sample size of students. Practical implications Academic administrators need to organize training and workshops on how to use the e-library portal for their search and other didactic assignments. Most importantly, students should be given IT or internet tutorials as foundation for the use of the e-library portal. Social implications Universities have to provide internet access such as hotspot and network routers at the labs, classrooms and other vantage points. It is believed that with these in place, adequate access to the internet would promote students’ engagement on the e-library facility. Originality/value The study examines the factors that influence students’ intention to use e-library resources for their studies in Ghana.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee-Andra Bruwer ◽  
Nkosivile Welcome Madinga ◽  
Nqobile Bundwini

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the key factors influencing the adoption of grocery shopping and to examine the moderating effect of education between antecedents of the adoption of grocery shopping apps and user attitude and intention to purchase.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate the relationship between the latent variables: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude and intention to use grocery shopping apps. Partial least squares multigroup analysis (PLS-MGA) was used to examine the moderating effect of education. A total of 305 grocery shopping apps users were surveyed using a structural questionnaire.FindingsThe results indicated that all the factors considered in the framework were significant in predicting the intention to use the grocery shopping apps. The findings show that education has no significant impact on any relationship.Practical implicationsA better understanding of the factors that affect the acceptance of mobile grocery shopping apps is important for developing better strategic management plans.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies to research the adoption of grocery shopping apps in a developing country, as well as the first to focus on consumers in South Africa.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yung-Ming Cheng

Purpose This study aims to propose a hybrid model based on expectation–confirmation model (ECM), DeLone and McLean IS success model and task-technology fit (TTF) model to examine whether quality factors and TTF as the antecedents to user beliefs can affect organizational users’ continuance intention of cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP). Design/methodology/approach Sample data for this study were collected from end-users of cloud ERP working in companies in Taiwan. A total of 370 questionnaires were distributed in the 37 sample companies, and 315 (85.1 per cent) usable questionnaires were analyzed using structural equation modeling in this study. Findings This study’s findings indicated that users’ perceptions of system quality, information quality and TTF all contributed significantly to their satisfaction, confirmation and perceived usefulness (PU) of cloud ERP, which in turn directly or indirectly led to their continuance intention of cloud ERP; that is, the results strongly supported the hybrid model integrating ECM, DeLone and McLean IS success model and TTF model with all hypothesized links being significant. Originality/value Empirically, this study’s research model capturing ECM, DeLone and McLean IS success model and TTF model has significantly shed light on the possible formulation of a richer post-adoption model. Noteworthily, considerably more attention should be paid to the fit between information-related characteristics and cloud ERP users’ work goals and needs, while TTF, based on both system-related and information-related technology characteristics, significantly contributes to users’ satisfaction, confirmation and PU, which together directly or indirectly explain their intention to continue using cloud ERP.


2018 ◽  
Vol 118 (8) ◽  
pp. 1647-1670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wangyue Zhou ◽  
Zayyad Tsiga ◽  
Boying Li ◽  
Shuning Zheng ◽  
Shuli Jiang

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify antecedents of e-finance continuance intention with Alibaba’s Yu’E Bao as an example. Design/methodology/approach An online questionnaire was used to collect the data (n=293), and partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed for data analysis. Four e-finance features (perceived reputation, website quality, e-finance familiarity and situational normality) are introduced with trust acting as a moderator between the users’ satisfaction and continuance intention to use an e-finance platform. Findings The results find that website quality, familiarity and situational normality can influence perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU). PEOU and PU, together with reputation, are positively associated with confirmation which further leads to satisfaction. The positive effects that satisfaction and trust have on e-finance continuance intention are confirmed, and trust is found to be a significant moderator on the relationship between satisfaction and continuance intention. Practical implications The findings can be used to guide e-finance providers to improve their platform design and services to retain users. Originality/value This study combines the theory of trust, Technology Acceptance Model and Expectations Confirmation Theory to investigate the factors that influence the continuance intention in the context of e-finance in China.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 167-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Hsin Chen ◽  
Ching-Jui Keng

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop an extended Push-Pull-Mooring-Habit (PPMH) framework in order to better understand users’ intention of switching from offline to an online real-person English learning platform service. Design/methodology/approach Based on 301 valid responses collected from an online survey questionnaire, structural equation modeling was employed to examine the research model. Findings The causal model was validated using SmartPLS 3.0, and all study hypotheses were supported. The results show that push effects (learning convenience, service quality and perceived price), pull effects (e-learning motivation, perceived usefulness), mooring effects (learning engagement, switching cost and social presences) and habit effects (relationship inertia) all significantly influence users’ switching intentions from offline to an online real-person English learning platform. Practical implications The findings should help online English learning service providers and marketers to understand the intention of offline English learning users to switch to an online real-person English learning platform, and develop related theories, services and regulations. Originality/value The present study extends the prior research of an online real-person English learning platform by providing PPMH as the general framework and demonstrating its efficacy in explaining user switching intentions.


2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hemlata Gangwar ◽  
Hema Date ◽  
R Ramaswamy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to integrate TAM model and TOE framework for cloud computing adoption at organizational level. Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual framework was developed using technological and organizational variables of TOE framework as external variables of TAM model while environmental variables were proposed to have direct impact on cloud computing adoption. A questionnaire was used to collect the data from 280 companies in IT, manufacturing and finance sectors in India. The data were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Further, structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed model. Findings – The study identified relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, organizational readiness, top management commitment, and training and education as important variables for affecting cloud computing adoption using perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU) as mediating variables. Also, competitive pressure and trading partner support were found directly affecting cloud computing adoption intentions. The model explained 62 percent of cloud computing adoption. Practical implications – The model can be used as a guideline to ensure a positive outcome of the cloud computing adoption in organizations. It also provides relevant recommendations to achieve conducive implementation environment for cloud computing adoption. Originality/value – This study integrates two of the information technology adoption models to improve predictive power of resulting model.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 1153-1183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheshadri Chatterjee ◽  
Arpan Kumar Kar ◽  
Yogesh K. Dwivedi ◽  
Hatice Kizgin

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the factors influencing the citizens of India to prevent cybercrimes in the proposed Smart Cities of India.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual model has been developed for identifying factors preventing cybercrimes. The conceptual model was validated empirically with a sample size of 315 participants from India. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with SPSS and AMOS softwares.FindingsThe study reveals that the “awareness of cybercrimes” significantly influences the actual usage of technology to prevent cybercrimes in Smart Cities of India. The study reveals that government initiative (GI) and legal awareness are less influential in spreading of the awareness of cybercrimes (AOC) to the citizens of the proposed smart cities.Research limitations/implicationsThe conceptual model utilizes two constructs from the technology adoption model, namely, perceived usefulness and ease of use. The study employs other factors such as social media, word of mouth, GIs, legal awareness and organizations constituting entities spreading awareness from different related literature works. Thereby, a comprehensive theoretical conceptual model has been proposed which helps to identify the factors that may help in preventing cybercrimes.Practical implicationsThis study provides an insight to the policy maker to understand several factors influencing the AOC of the citizens of the proposed Smart Cities of India for the prevention of cybercrimes.Originality/valueThere are few existing studies analyzing the effect of AOC to mitigate cybercrimes. Thus, this study offers a novel contribution.


2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 148-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uttam Chakraborty ◽  
Savita Bhat

Purpose Brand image is considered as a signaling phenomenon because high brand image ensures quality product that can reduce consumer’s uncertainty. A strong brand image induces consumers to pay higher prices, which in turn provides competitive advantage and market success to a company. Online reviews, blogs and texts on brand usage experiences are more effective than oral communication to build a strong brand image. Online reviews on products create distinct places for brands in the consumer’s mind, and thus ultimately affect images of the brands. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of online reviews on functional and hedonic brand images in the context of consumer electronic products in India. Design/methodology/approach The present study adopts a novel approach to collect data. The data have been collected from select e-commerce sites’ brand pages on Facebook through Google form application. A number of respondents are 1,038. Structural equation modeling technique has been used to examine the effects of online reviews on functional and hedonic brand images. Findings The data analysis reveals that source and review quality have more significant effect on credibility evaluation of online reviews as compared to the effects of review consistency and receiver. Moreover, credible online reviews have more impact on hedonic brand image rather than functional brand image in the context of consumer electronics product in India. Originality/value The present study combines Yale attitude change model and attribution theory to examine the effects of online reviews on brand image.


2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 313-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pei-Shan Wei ◽  
Hsi-Peng Lu

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that influence people to play socially interactive games on mobile devices. Based on network externalities and theory of uses and gratifications (U&G), it seeks to provide direction for further academic research on this timely topic. Design/methodology/approach – Based on 237 valid responses collected from online questionnaires, structural equation modeling technology was employed to examine the research model. Findings – The results reveal that both network externalities and individual gratifications significantly influence the intention to play social games on mobile devices. Time flexibility, however, which is one of the mobile device features, appears to contribute relatively little to the intention to play mobile social games. Originality/value – This research successfully applies a combination of network externalities theory and U&G theory to investigate the antecedents of players’ intentions to play mobile social games. This study is able to provide a better understanding of how two dimensions – perceived number of users/peers and individual gratification – influence mobile game playing, an insight that has not been examined previously in the mobile apps literature.


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