Crisis-centric distance learning model in Jordanian higher education sector: factors influencing the continuous use of distance learning platforms during COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abeer F. Alkhwaldi ◽  
Amir A. Abdulmuhsin

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the factors that affect the acceptance of distance learning systems by university academic staff and students in Jordan. To achieve this objective, it has been proposed to examine the distance learning experience of Jordanian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) after the universities institution suspended face-to-face (traditional) courses delivery owing to novel Coronavirus’ (COVID-19) fears. Design/methodology/approach This study expands upon unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 by incorporating contextual variables such as trust (TR), autonomy (AUT) and compatibility (CMP). Data collection has been carried out through an online survey, which targeted participants at public and private universities during the crisis time of coronavirus. Structural equation modelling has been used to validate the proposed research model. Findings The outcomes revealed that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, TR and AUT were the significant predictors of distance learning acceptance in both samples. By identifying the factors affecting the acceptance of distance learning systems, it will be more useful to offer better services of distance learning. This will also help to demonstrate that distance learning will be capable of delivering the educational aims of HEIs to areas where a pandemic outbreak in the Middle East. Originality/value Distance learning provides university students with quality education, engaging platforms and most significantly a safe teaching environment. The results and implications to both practice and theory are described.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amit Shankar ◽  
Achint Nigam

PurposeThe mobile human resource management application (mHRM app) has recently been seen as an innovative cloud-based solution to manage human resource management (HRM) within organisation. Despite its great potential, organisations have shown resistance towards the usage of the mHRM app. This study investigates the dark side of electronic HRM (eHRM) by examining factors affecting HR professionals' resistance to the mHRM app using status quo bias (SQB) theory. The study also examines the moderating effect of personal innovativeness.Design/methodology/approachResponses were collected from 239 HR professionals using an online survey. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and PROCESS macro were used to examine the hypotheses.FindingsThe results indicated that regret avoidance, inertia, switching costs and perceived threat significantly affect HR professionals' resistance towards mHRM app adoption. Results also indicated that high personal innovativeness negatively moderates the association between inhibitors and resistance to adopt the mHRM app.Practical implicationsThe study's findings will help HR professionals reduce their resistance towards mHRM app adoption.Originality/valueThis study enriches eHRM, mobile applications and the SQB literature.


2021 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 744-762
Author(s):  
Yin Ma ◽  
Dawn Bennett

PurposeWith a focus on Chinese higher education students, the purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between students' perceived employability and their levels of academic engagement and stress.Design/methodology/approachThe study engaged 1,155 students from three universities in China. Students responded to an online survey, reporting their confidence in relation to their perceived employability, academic engagement and stress in life. The authors employed structural equation modelling to explore students' confidence in each employability attribute and to assess perceived employability relation to academic engagement and perceived stress.FindingsThe results suggest that self-perceptions of employability are positively associated with students' academic engagement and negatively associated with perceived stress. Perceived employability mediated the majority paths.Originality/valueThis is one of the few studies to examine perceived employability in line with academic engagement or stress and the first study to do so in China.


2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (9) ◽  
pp. 2282-2299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constanza Bianchi ◽  
Gary Mortimer

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to empirically explore antecedents of local food purchase intention in two food producing countries with different cultural backgrounds. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was employed to collect data from consumers located in Chile (n=283) and Australia (n=300). A proposed model is tested with structural equation modelling. Findings – Attitude towards consuming local food is a strong and direct driver of intentions to purchase local food in both countries. Attitude towards supporting local agri-businesses and consumer ethnocentrism are found to positively impact attitude towards consuming local food in both countries. Attitude towards local agri-businesses also has a direct effect on intentions to purchase local food in Australia, but not in Chile. Interestingly, subjective norms are not found to affect intentions to consume local food in either country. Research limitations/implications – The paper examines factors affecting the attitude towards and behavioural intention regarding local food consumption and develops an extended model of local food consumption. An outcome of this new model is the inclusion of personal variables, which influence local food purchasing behaviour. Practical implications – Producers and retailers need to develop campaigns explaining how consuming local food supports local businesses and farmers, which will reinforce personal values associated with local consumption. Originality/value – This is the first study to demonstrate that positive attitudes towards local foods are important drivers of local food purchase behaviour, independent of the cultural characteristics or level of economic development within a country.


Author(s):  
Bokolo Anthony Jnr.

AbstractAs the years progresses, higher education has move towards implementing Blended Learning (BL) which is a combination of face-to-face and online mode of teaching and learning which have continued to advance in institutions all over the world. Accordingly, it is important to investigate the factors that may influence lecturers’ perception towards BL approaches. Likewise, there are fewer studies that explored BL in lecturers’ perspective. Therefore, this study proposed a framework based on Model of Personal Computer Utilization (MPCU) theory to examine the factors that influence lecturers’ perception of BL to improve teaching quality in higher education. A total of 413 lecturers across universities, colleges, and polytechnics responded to an online survey questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Science and Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling was utilized for data analysis. The results suggest that social factors affect towards use, complexity, job fit, long term consequences, facilitating conditions, and Information Technology (IT) experience significantly influences lecturers’ perception towards using BL initiatives to improve academic activities in higher education. Findings from this article support institutions in developing an understanding of the factors that can be considered to improve teaching design, as well as in improving IT for teaching and learning purposes.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan-Andrei Sitar-Taut ◽  
Daniel Mican

PurposeThis paper investigates if the existing degree of students' acceptance and use of mobile or m-learning may face the online shift determined by SARS-CoV-2. Based on the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2), a new comprehensive model, SD-UTAUT (social distancing-UTAUT), is developed to better understand relationships between the original constructs, plus personal innovativeness (PI) and information quality (IQ). It identifies the key factors affecting behavioral intention (BI) and use by examining the influence of revaluated hedonic motivation (HM) and learning value (LV) importance as mediators.Design/methodology/approachThe paper opted for an exploratory study involving 311 learners, using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsSD-UTAUT can be a new m-learning model in higher education. It has high predictive power and confirmed 15 out of 16 hypotheses. The most powerful relationship is between performance expectancy (PE) and HM. IQ affected LV the most, since HM the behavioral use (BU). HM impacts the use behavior (UB) more than LV, but habit (HT) affects it the most.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the pandemic context, output may lack generalizability and reproducibility.Practical implicationsTo improve usage, staff must provide better support, course creators emphasize the objectives and competencies and developers integrate innovation. The joy and pleasure of m-learning use may stimulate the LV through interesting and interactive content, like incorporating gamification.Originality/valueThe model set-up and circumstances are previously unseen. SD-UTAUT confirms ten new hypotheses and introduces the student's grade point average (GPA) as a moderator.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-01-2021-0017


2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 183-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradeep Kumar Nair ◽  
Faizan Ali ◽  
Lim Chee Leong

Purpose – This study aims to explain the factors affecting students’ acceptance and usage of a lecture capture system (LCS) – ReWIND – in a Malaysian university based on the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) model. Technological advances have become an important feature of universities’ plans to improve the flexibility and accessibility in a learning and teaching environment. For private universities, which are market-driven, it is vital to assess if these technologies influence the perceptions and behaviour of their target beneficiaries. Design/methodology/approach – The study is designed using a causal research design to examine the cause–effect relationship between the study variables. The study sample consists of 398 students selected via purposive sampling. Data are collected using a five-point Likert scale covering UTAUT2’s factors and variables featuring ReWIND’s acceptance and usage. Partial least squares-based structural equation modelling is used to analyse the data. Findings – The findings show that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, price–value, hedonic motivation and habit have significant influence on students’ acceptance and usage of ReWIND. Research limitations/implications – This research examines the factors affecting students’ acceptance and usage of ReWIND in a Malaysian university. The main limitation of this study is that it focuses only on the factors highlighted in the UTAUT2 model. Practical implications – The results provide a useful framework to the universities for the successful implementation of student-friendly technologies such as ReWIND to enhance their learning experience. Originality/value – Responding to the need of studies validating the UTAUT2 model in the adoption and use of different technologies, this study contributes to the literature by extending the UTAUT2 into the context of LCS at a private university in a developing country.


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 337-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jungsun (Sunny) Kim ◽  
Sungsik Yoon ◽  
Dina Marie V. Zemke

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants of customers’ intentions to use location-based services (LBS) offered by a hotel. The study examined whether hotel customers’ coupon proneness, trust, privacy concerns and familiarity with LBS are significant determinants of their intentions to use LBS. Design/methodology/approach An online survey using a scenario-based narrative was administered to collect data from participants who have smartphones and have stayed at a full-service hotel within the previous 12 months. A research model tested data collected from 402 hotel customers, using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Findings Three proposed determinants (i.e. familiarity, coupon proneness and trust) positively influenced customers’ intentions to use LBS. Out of the four dimensions of privacy concerns (concerns of collection, error, unauthorized secondary use and improper access), only concerns about data collection negatively influenced customers’ intentions to use a hotel’s LBS. Originality/value This study extends the literature on LBS adoption and other technology with privacy issues by modifying existing models and empirically testing it in the new context of hotels.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Elizabeth Hardy ◽  
Rebecca Malby ◽  
Nina Hallett ◽  
Anam Farooq ◽  
Carol Chamley ◽  
...  

Purpose The introduction of a People’s Academy (PA) within the School of Health and Social Care (HSC) at London South Bank University has created ripples across the pond that is Higher Education. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach Working as a coproduction innovation hub, the PA celebrates inclusion of those with a lived experience of HSC services into the academic community as valued members of the teaching and learning team. In its second year the PA has gained attention and achieved a “highly commended” status from external regulating bodies. Findings In this paper the authors report on aspects arising from an entrepreneurial education approach. First, is the work-based learning experience students achieve within the Higher Education Institution (HEI) setting, preparing them for clinical placements and client encounters. Second are ripples of activity the PA work streams have sent throughout the academic staff via critically creative working practices as a process of entrepreneurial education. Conclusions focus on a sustainable approach to recovery and resilience (whether physical or psychological) and overall well-being that PA members recognise as a raised level of compassion for sustainable health and well-being for all. Social implications The work and enthusiasm of the PA as an authentic social engagement process rippling across the “University” experience; whether for students in the classroom or when working alongside academic staff, is identifiable in all aspects of academic activities. Most importantly is a positive gain in terms of knowledge, skills and confidence for the PA members themselves and their own well-being enhancement. Originality/value The PA approach to entrepreneurial education and work-based learning across the HEI setting is one of the first of its kind. This paper outlines core practices to achieve innovative coproduction approach that others may wish to replicate.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 263-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inga Lapina ◽  
Renāte Roga ◽  
Peeter Müürsepp

Purpose Higher education institutions (HEIs) are becoming more aware of the effects of globalization and of the fact that the need for international work experience, as well as partially or fully acquired education abroad, is increasing. The aim of the research is to analyze factors influencing international students’ decision regarding the country and HEIs and to evaluate students’ learning experience and satisfaction with their choice to develop suggestions for the improvement of different dimensions related to the quality and export of higher education. Design/methodology/approach Several research methods, such as literature review, logical and comparative analysis, as well as the empirical method to obtain information by conducting a survey, and the induction method to interpret and generalize the survey results are applied in this research. To discover learning experiences and determinants of students’ choice of the host country and HEI, research was carried out, under which two questionnaires were developed. The survey involved foreign students from seven HEIs in Latvia and one Estonian university. Findings The environment in which HEIs operate is becoming more open to the increasing international influence and competition and leads to increasing opportunities for international studies and choice available to students. The quality of the academic staff and study programmes are the most important factors in creating value for the student. As a result of the research, suggestions for higher education quality improvement and export development have been structured within economics, culture and quality dimensions into three levels – individual, institutional and state. Research limitations/implications The study does not analyze the foreign students’ countries of origin in terms of political, economic situations or other factors. Upon researching the proportion of foreign students in Latvian HEIs, it was found that most students acquire education in Riga; therefore, regional HEIs have not been included in the survey. Originality/value The results obtained can be used to improve the quality of higher education and encourage the export of higher education by introducing the necessary changes in the areas identified during the research at the state as well as HEI level. The authors also provide an insight into the areas where implementation of changes is necessary to improve the international students’ level of satisfaction and their learning experience.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmet Bulent Ozturk ◽  
Wei Wei ◽  
Nan Hua ◽  
Ruoxi Qi

Purpose Based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2), the purpose of this study was to examine users’ continued usage intention of mobile event application (MEA) technology. Design/methodology/approach A self-administered online survey was used to collect the study data from 407 MEA users, and structural equation modeling was used to test the study’s hypotheses. Findings The study’s results revealed that users’ continued usage behavior was positively influenced by effort expectancy, performance expectancy, habit, facilitating condition and perceived security. The study’s results further indicated that personal innovativeness had a positive impact on effort expectancy and performance expectancy. Practical implications The findings of the current study deliver important practical implications for event organizers and event technology vendors for identifying factors affecting MEA users’ continued usage intention. Originality/value By extending UTAUT2, the current study is one of the first studies that examined users’ intention to continue to use MEA technology.


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