scholarly journals Workplace learning in crowdwork

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 250-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anoush Margaryan
Keyword(s):  
Workplace Learning ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Learning Potential ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Practices ◽  
Self Study ◽  
Work Tasks ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Self Regulatory Learning

Purpose This paper aims to explore workplace learning practices within two types of crowdwork – microwork and online freelancing. Specifically, the paper scopes and compares the use of workplace learning activities (WLAs) and self-regulatory learning (SRL) strategies undertaken by microworkers (MWs) and online freelancers (OFs). We hypothesised that there may be quantitative differences in the use of WLAs and SRL strategies within these two types of crowdwork, because of the underpinning differences in the complexity of tasks and skill requirements. Design/methodology/approach To test this hypothesis, a questionnaire survey was carried out among crowdworkers from two crowdwork platforms – Figure Eight (microwork) and Upwork (online freelancing). Chi-square test was used to compare WLAs and SRL strategies among OFs and MWs. Findings Both groups use many WLAs and SRL strategies. Several significant differences were identified between the groups. In particular, moderate and moderately strong associations were uncovered, whereby OFs were more likely to report (i) undertaking free online courses/tutorials and (ii) learning by receiving feedback. In addition, significant but weak or very weak associations were identified, namely, OFs were more likely to learn by (i) collaborating with others, (ii) self-study of literature and (iii) making notes when learning. In contrast, MWs were more likely to write reflective notes on learning after the completion of work tasks, although this association was very weak. Originality/value The paper contributes empirical evidence in an under-researched area – workplace learning practices in crowdwork. Crowdwork is increasingly taken up across developed and developing countries. Therefore, it is important to understand the learning potential of this form of work and where the gaps and issues might be. Better understanding of crowdworkers’ learning practices could help platform providers and policymakers to shape the design of crowdwork in ways that could be beneficial to all stakeholders.

Researchers’ awareness about plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection tools – does awareness effect the actions towards preventing plagiarism?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sk. Mamun Mostofa ◽  
Mashiat Tabassum ◽  
S.M. Zabed Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Plagiarism Detection ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reported Study ◽  
Chi Square Test

Purpose This paper aims to analyse researchers’ awareness about plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection tools on the actions that they take to prevent plagiarism. It also employs a structural model that examines whether awareness of plagiarism and anti-plagiarism tools have any significant effect on the actions taken by the researchers to avoid plagiarism. Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire was distributed to researchers at a large public university in Bangladesh. The survey accumulated 184 valid responses. Descriptive statistics were obtained to assess researchers’ awareness about plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection tools and the actions taken by them. The reasons that may cause plagiarism were also identified. The awareness of the availability of the anti-plagiarism software that was being used by the university and its actual use by the researchers was gathered through the survey. Non-parametric Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were conducted to investigate the differences in awareness levels and actions in terms of gender, age, discipline and current level of research. The chi-square test was carried out to examine the relationship between awareness about the availability of the anti-plagiarism software and its use by the researchers. Finally, the survey data were analysed using structural equation modeling to examine the effects of awareness of plagiarism and anti-plagiarism software on the actions taken by the researchers. Findings The study revealed that the level of awareness regarding plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection software is generally high among the researchers. There are some significant differences between researchers’ demographic and personal characteristics and their awareness levels and actions with regard to plagiarism. The findings indicate that almost three-quarters of the researchers were aware about the anti-plagiarism tool that is being used, whereas more than half of the researchers indicated that they used the software to assess their works. The results of the structural equation model do not show a good fit, although there is strong statistical evidence that awareness about plagiarism and anti-plagiarism software has significantly impacted researchers’ actions towards preventing plagiarism. Originality/value There is no reported study on researchers’ awareness of plagiarism and its affiliated issues in Bangladesh. The findings of this study will not only provide useful insights regarding awareness about plagiarism but also assist university authorities to formulate relevant policy and take necessary actions against plagiarism in higher education institutions.

Blockchain in human resource management of organizations: an empirical assessment to gauge HR and non-HR perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Himani Mishra ◽  
M. Venkatesan
Keyword(s):  
Resource Management ◽  
Human Resource Management ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Database Technology ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Scope Of Application ◽  
Log Linear

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to understand the views of employees about the application of distributed ledger database technology blockchain, in area of human resource management (HRM) of organizations. The current study aims to understand the views of both HR and non-HR employees of how they assess the current scenario of HRM in their organizations, their awareness about the blockchain technology and their opinion about the scope of application of blockchain in HRM.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 158 employees was collected consisting of employees working in both HR and non-HR profiles across various organizations. Chi-square test of homogeneity, log-linear analysis and basic frequencies were used to analyze the data.FindingsThe results revealed that there was no difference in viewpoints of HR and non-HR employees across all contexts related to blockchain in HRM. The study also analyzed the opinion of employees regarding advantages, organizational barriers and probable usages of blockchain in HRM.Research limitations/implicationsThe study will provide an insight to the organization decision-makers who are willing to roll out Industry 4.0 technology blockchain in HRM and beliefs of employees regarding acceptance of such change in organization.Originality/valueThis study will be a novel attempt to understand the scope of application of blockchain technology in HRM of organizations in Indian context.

Self-reported income data: are people telling the truth?

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 1349-1359
Author(s):  
Fernando Antonio Ignacio González
Keyword(s):  
Household Survey ◽  
Executive Branch ◽  
Benford’S Law ◽  
Mean Deviation ◽  
Public Officials ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Anomalous Data ◽  
Benford's Law ◽  
Chi Square Test

Purpose This paper aims to detect anomalous data in income reports of Argentina, including personal income – from a sample of households – and statements of public officials. Design/methodology/approach A widely known technique in forensic accounting – such as Benford’s Law – is used. The Chi-square test and the absolute mean deviation are used for verification. The databases consulted include the income declared by households in the Permanent Household Survey – for the 2003-2017 period – and the capital declarations of high-ranking public officials – for the period 1999-2017. Findings The results suggest that income reported in the Encuesta Permanente de Hogares do not follow a Benford´s distribution, and the degree of conformity with this decreases significantly between 2007 and 2015 – coincident with the intervention period of the Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos. Patrimonial statements of public officials present an acceptable level of compliance with Benford’s law, especially among those of the legislative branch (in more than 90% of cases) although to a lesser extent among officials of the executive branch. Practical implications The results suggest that income reports from the Permanent Household Survey, for the period 2007-2015, should be used with reservations because of their possible manipulation. Originality/value During the intervention of the official statistics institute in Argentina (2007-2015), the idea of lack of credibility of its reports has been disseminated. To date, however, there is no empirical evidence to support it related to income.

Why do consumers procrastinate and what happens next?

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (7) ◽  
pp. 795-805
Author(s):  
Shabnam Azimi ◽  
George R. Milne ◽  
Elizabeth G. Miller
Keyword(s):  
High Price ◽  
Price Uncertainty ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Time Limits ◽  
Price Consciousness ◽  
Consumer Emotions ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Antecedents And Consequences

Purpose This paper aims to examine the factors leading to and resulting from procrastination under high price uncertainty and provide recommendations for how managers can reduce consumer procrastination, thus decreasing consumer regret, anger and retaliatory behaviors. Design/methodology/approach Hypothesized relationships were tested through two scenario-based experiments using student samples. Data was analyzed using general linear model, path analysis and Wald chi-square test. Findings Long time limits, price uncertainty and price consciousness, all increase the likelihood of procrastination. Prestige seeking reduces procrastination, but only when time limits are short. When one delays a purchase and later the price of the item gets increased or one makes a purchase and later the price gets further reduced, procrastination and purchase decision both equally can lead to anger, which then increases the probability of exit, voice or word of mouth (WOM); however, procrastination has a much stronger impact than deciding to purchase on self-responsibility and regret, which in turn increases negative WOM. Research limitations/implications This paper provides a greater understanding of antecedents and consequences of procrastination as well as the drivers of retaliatory behavior. Further, the findings highlight differential consequences of consumer regret and anger on consumption behaviors. Practical implications This paper provides practical suggestions for reducing consumers’ procrastination through leveraging the effects of purchase time limit and price uncertainty in general, and more specifically, for prestige-seeker and price conscious consumers. The findings provide evidence for a silent path from procrastination to retaliation and highlight the importance of possible remedies or interventions by the companies to mitigate consumer emotions resulting from procrastination. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to apply temporal motivation theory in the context of consumer behavior under price uncertainty, and examine consequences of consumer procrastination in terms of thoughts, feelings and retaliatory behavior.

scholarly journals Children as active citizens and Egyptian primary schools

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nevine Samir Mohamed Ibrahim Abou Donia
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Education System ◽  
Citizenship Education ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Life Skills ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
New Education ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This paper aims to provide an evaluation of the new education system, based on Life Skills and Citizenship Education (LSCE), in Egyptian primary schools. This study analyzes how effective could be the implementation of LSCE in the process of constructing active democratic citizens, in particular, in the case of Egypt, highlighting problems facing the new education approach. Design/methodology/approach The study methodologies are twofold; the content analysis of the primary one new curriculum “Discover”, to assess the curriculum's strengths and weakness; and the questionnaire to the primary six students, to investigate the relationship among the twelve life skills. Findings Content analysis of the textbook shows that the learning process based on LSCE is appropriate for the construction of active citizens. The textbook provides Egyptian children with the necessary opportunities to learn and create, through creative participatory methods. The relationship between the social dimension and other dimensions has been proven by means of the chi-square test. The relationship between participation and the two approximately absent skills “resilience and empathy” has been clarified as both are strongly interrelated with participation. The results illuminate a strong relationship between participation and the remaining life skills. Research limitations/implications More questionnaires are needed to assess the grade of life skills achievement among students in grade one and two, as it is regarded one of the limitations of the present study, owing to the complicated procedures and the limited time. Practical implications The research suggests the formulation of wider project-based activities to be included in the textbooks of all the primary grades. In this regard, real contribution with NGOs and local governments shall be developed to facilitate the involvement of children in actual projects, in accordance with their ages, and to encourage students to participate, as they notice the efficient results of their contribution. Social implications The research stresses on the importance of enhancing participation, as it is proven through the chi-square test that it is strongly related to other skills. Originality/value The scarcity of analytical studies to evaluate the effectiveness of citizenship education programs on children, after the application of the new Egyptian education system.

Software entrepreneurs’ competencies based on business growth

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-132
Author(s):  
Iman Sudirman ◽  
Joko Siswanto ◽  
Atya Nur Aisha
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Customer Service ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Service Orientation ◽  
Achievement Orientation ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technical Competencies ◽  
Chi Square Test

Purpose This study aims to identify the competencies of small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) entrepreneurs in the software sector and the perceived level of attainment in each competency. It also examines whether these competencies and their levels affect business turnover and growth (in terms of business scale and duration). Design/methodology/approach To accomplish this purpose, the study took a quantitative approach, involving a survey of 33 SME entrepreneurs, which was then processed using statistical tests, including chi-square test, Kruskal–Wallis test and ordinal regression. Findings There were four findings of the study. Firstly, software SME entrepreneurs need 17 competencies, with high levels of soft competencies being required and average levels of technical competencies. Secondly, there are significant differences in perceived levels of customer service orientation (p = 0.089) depending on the scale of the business and in perceived levels of project management (p = 0.087) depending on the duration of the business. Thirdly, customer service orientation (p = 0.031) and project management (p = 0.01) both have a significant influence on business revenues. Fourthly, there were significant gaps in perceived levels of competency (p < 0.05) in achievement orientation, customer service orientation and project management. Originality/value There is existing research that conducts competency mappings at the managerial level in large-scale organizations; however, this sort of research in relation to SME entrepreneurs is still lacking. The present study seeks to fill this gap. It also maps integrated entrepreneurial competencies, including soft and technical competencies; a focus that is lacking in previous studies.

Image of Poland as perceived by German and British medical tourists

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 861-871 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Dryglas ◽  
Adrian Lubowiecki-Vikuk
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Medical Tourism ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Projected Image ◽  
Image Characteristics ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify Poland’s image as a medical tourism destination (MTD). Design/methodology/approach Survey data were collected from 282 German and British medical tourists, using a self-administered questionnaire. The Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing method was used to conduct the survey. Subsequently, the responses were analysed using advanced statistical tools (McNemar’s exact test, Cochran’s Q test and Chi-square test). Findings Before visiting Poland, the respondents perceived the country through the prism of medical attributes, whereas after the visit, they perceived it through the prism of non-medical attributes. Research limitations/implications Identification of a set of MTD image characteristics has important implications for scholars, allowing them to understand attributes which shape projected and perceived MTD image. Such construct can also be a useful tool for marketing planners, destination managers and marketers to create an effective marketing policy and projected image of MTDs based on these features. Originality/value The study fills an important gap regarding the lack of conceptual and empirical content allowing for exploration of MTD image.

scholarly journals School teachers’ perception and challenges towards online teaching during COVID-19 pandemic in India: an econometric analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuba Kamal ◽  
Asheref Illiyan
Keyword(s):  
Online Teaching ◽  
Sample Survey ◽  
School Teachers ◽  
Continuous Training ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Learning Gap ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Virtual Teaching

PurposeCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has impacted catastrophically every sector of the economy throughout the world. And, the education sector is not leftover from the devastating effects of lockdown, especially in South Asia. It has led to the prolonged closure of schools/universities, subsequently, traditional teaching expeditiously transformed into online teaching. In the light of the events, this study is pertinent to examine teachers’ perceptions of online teaching and the obstacles they face in online teaching during this pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe research takes a quantitative and sample survey approach. A Google Form Questionnaire was used to obtain a sample of 200 Delhi school teachers in March and April 2021. Data were analyzed in SPSS by using Descriptive Statistics, Factor Analysis, Reliability and Chi-Square test, etc.FindingsThe result of the study indicates that on average, teachers have a positive perception about virtual teaching amid COVID-19 for reducing the learning gap and shaping pupils’ future during the crisis. Nevertheless, they encountered several obstacles in online teaching such as technical obstacles, difficulties in online exams and assessment, etc.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study would persuade educational institutions and policymakers for enhancing the quality of online teaching by embracing the newest instructional strategies and providing continuous training to teachers.Originality/valueSeveral studies described obstacles confronted by instructors in virtual teaching in higher education during the Coronavirus while disregarding the perception and challenges of school teachers toward e-learning in an ongoing outbreak. The present study replenishes this gap.

Acceptability and challenges of online higher education in the era of COVID-19: a study of students' perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raj Kishor Bisht ◽  
Sanjay Jasola ◽  
Ila Pant Bisht
Keyword(s):  
Online Education ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Initial Time ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Mode ◽  
The World ◽  
Students First ◽  
Chi Square Test

PurposeEmergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) forced the world-wide education system to adopt online mode immediately. There are two main objectives of the paper: the first one is to know the acceptability of online mode of examination and learning amongst students by analysing the various aspects like difficulty, mental pressure, study pattern, etc. and the second one is to know the role of gender in adopting online education.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey is conducted amongst the students of Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, India. Stratified sampling method has been used to select the students. First, a simple statistical analysis of the responses is conducted, and then chi-square test of independence has been used to know the dependency of various aspects on gender.FindingsThe two main findings of the present study are as follows: first, the online examinations were accepted with ease and low pressure in comparison to regular examination and second, the gender has a significant role in adopting online education with the observations that female students were more adoptable with online education in terms of assignments, study patterns and comfort. The present work also focuses on the challenges of online education like Internet connectivity, class interactions, etc.Research limitations/implicationsThe present work was carried out during the initial time of pandemic in India when the focus was to continue the academic process by utilizing all the available resources in the absence of well-defined standards of online education.Practical implicationsThe findings of the paper can be used for making strategies for online education across the world.Social implicationsThe findings of the paper have shown that gender plays a significant role in adoptability of online education in Indian context.Originality/valueThe present work is conducted amid the environment of COVID-19. It reflects the analysis of students' responses towards the acceptability of online education under the difficult conditions developed due to the pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

Reach, Uptake, and Satisfaction of Three Delivery Modes of FUEL Your Life

2019 ◽  
pp. 152483991986992
Author(s):  
Heather M. Padilla ◽  
Heather Zuercher ◽  
Melissa Robertson ◽  
David M. DeJoy ◽  
Mark Wilson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Diabetes Prevention Program ◽  
Delivery Mode ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Study Condition ◽  
Group Coaching ◽  
Self Study ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Intervention Uptake

Background. FUEL Your Life (FYL) is a worksite translation of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). In a randomized controlled trial, participants in a phone coaching condition demonstrated greater weight loss compared to participants in a group coaching or self-study condition. The purpose of this article is to describe the differences in participant reach, intervention uptake, and participant satisfaction for each delivery mode. Method. Employees who were overweight, obese, or at high risk for diabetes were recruited from city–county governments. Process evaluation data were collected from health coach records, participant surveys, and research team records. Differences between groups were tested using Pearson chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance. Results. Employee reach of targeted enrollment was highest for the self-study condition. Overall, intervention uptake was highest in the phone coaching condition. Participants who received phone coaching had increased uptake of the participant manual and self-monitoring of food compared to participants who received group coaching or self-study. Discussion. FYL demonstrated that DPP could be effectively delivered in the worksite by three different modalities. When implemented in a self-study mode, reach is greater but intervention uptake is lower. Phone health coaching was associated with greater intervention exposure.

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