“Through the looking glass: envisioning new library technologies” Drones

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Peter Fernandez
Keyword(s):  
Aerial Photographs ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Plant Seeds ◽  
Agriculture Industry ◽  
Common Term ◽  
Aerial Vehicle ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Looking Glass

Purpose The word “drone” is the common term for an unmanned aerial vehicle – a robot that combines flight with sensors (usually cameras) to allow for unprecedented freedom in observing and interacting with the world. Design/methodology/approach This column will explore the technology that makes modern drones possible, what makes drones useful and the role of libraries in making drones accessible to their patrons, now and in the future. Findings Many of these applications are equally appealing to hobbyists and professionals. For some small-scale gardeners, drones can be used to scare away pests, such as deer, or take aerial photographs that provide a new perspective of their garden. Originality/value For the agriculture industry, drones already account for $864.4 million in spending per year and are expected to grow to account for over $4 billion by 2022, as they are used not only to monitor and plan crops but also to plant seeds and provide accurate pesticide control (Wood, 2016).

The role of farm-to-table activities in agritourism towards sustainable development

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Fatimahwati Pehin Dato Musa ◽  
Wei Lee Chin
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Local Agriculture ◽  
Balanced Approach ◽  
Agriculture Industry ◽  
Food Activism

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the role of farm-to-table (FTT) activities in agritourism towards sustainable development based on three agritourism farms in Brunei. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on qualitative data using semi-structured interviews with 23 participants involved in the management of the farms. In-depth interviews are considered the most appropriate approach to gain the unexplored perspectives of the agriculture community at the three agritourism farms. Findings The study found that FTT activities imparted in agritourism contribute towards sustainable development economically, socially and environmentally. FTT leads to the establishment of small medium and micro enterprises, which, in turn, creates employment for the local people. It also plays a part in preserving the ethno-culinary heritage of indigenous food, promoting food localism and sustainable agriculture. These findings suggest that FTT activities play an important role in revitalizing the local community. The outcome of this empirical research may enable planners to better formulate regional policy based on a balanced approach taking into account the three dimensions of sustainability towards agritourism development. From a theoretical standpoint, this study adds value to the literature by identifying the contributions of FTT activities towards sustainable development emphasising on the consumption of local ethnic food and food localism. Originality/value The contributions of agritourism for local farms has not been extensively discussed especially in Brunei’s local agriculture industry. This study will provide evidence that FTT activities contribute towards a moderate form of food activism; one that re-forges the disrupted linkages between people, nature and cultural heritage.

Societal discontent will increase in Bahrain

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Political Representation ◽  
Social Protest ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Profile ◽  
Arab Uprisings ◽  
Base Level

Significance Although large-scale social protest in Bahrain has been cowed over the ten years since the ‘Arab uprisings’, small-scale demonstrations recur, reflecting a base level of discontent. Mobilising issues include economic pressures, limited political representation (especially of the Shia majority) and, most recently, ties with Israel. Impacts Despite protests, Israel’s and Bahrain’s respective ambassadors will keep up high-profile activity and statements. The authorities are likely to exaggerate the role of Iranian interference in order to deepen the Sunni-Shia divide. If Riyadh manages to extricate itself from the Yemen war, that could partly reduce the pressure on Manama.

Challenge-hindrance stressors and career initiative: a moderated mediation model

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Liu ◽  
Lei Ren
Keyword(s):  
Positive Affect ◽  
Job Autonomy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mba Students ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Moderated Mediation Model ◽  
Part Time ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between challenge-hindrance stressors and employees’ career initiative while incorporating the mediating role of positive affect and the moderating role of job autonomy.Design/methodology/approachFive proposed hypotheses were tested using path analysis with two waves of data collected from 136 part-time MBA students.FindingsThe findings show that challenge stressors indirectly facilitate career initiative, whereas hindrance stressors indirectly inhibit career initiative, both with positive affect as mediators. Job autonomy enhances the direct relationship between positive affect and career initiative, as well as the indirect relationships among challenge/hindrance stressors, positive affect and career initiative.Originality/valueThe study brings a new perspective to understanding why an employee conducts career initiative, thereby widening the scope of the antecedents of career initiative. The study discloses positive affect as the mediator that transmits the opposite effects from challenge-hindrance stressors to career initiative. It also identifies job autonomy as an important boundary condition for positive affect to exert its influence on career initiative, as well as challenge-hindrance stressors that influence career initiative via positive affect.

“Hey Alexa–order groceries for me” – the effect of consumer–VAI emotional attachment on satisfaction and repurchase intention

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reema Singh
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Attachment ◽  
Repurchase Intention ◽  
Self Disclosure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Identity ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Grocery Purchase ◽  
Strategic Market ◽  
Purchase Satisfaction

Purpose Given the growing prominence of voice-activated artificial intelligent devices (VAIs) as the strategic market-facing technology for grocery purchases, this article aims to bring together theories on anthropomorphism, trust, emotional attachment, self-connection and self-disclosure in one conceptual framework establishing that consumer–VAI relationship has significant implications for grocery purchase satisfaction and intention to repurchase using VAIs. Design/methodology/approach The study tested seven hypotheses through a survey-based approach comprising of two studies. Findings The study empirically supports VAI anthropomorphism and trust in VAIs as predictors of consumer–VAI emotional attachment and establishes the moderating role of consumer self-disclosure. Consumer–VAI self-connection resulting from emotional attachment results in grocery purchase satisfaction and intention to repurchase using VAIs. Research limitations/implications The article offers a novel perspective on consumer–VAI relationships and the use of VAIs for grocery purchases. It establishes an agentic role of consumers when ordering groceries using VAIs, creating a deeper understanding of how consumer–VAI emotional attachment results in extensions of consumers’ self-identity, resulting in purchase satisfaction and repurchase intention using VAIs. Practical implications Establishing a consumer–VAI relationship, the article brings out the strategic importance of VAIs for marketers in grocery purchases and repurchases, which can be extended to other purchases. Originality/value The article offers a new perspective on establishing VAIs as strategically important market-facing devices by examining consumer relationships with VAIs and offering valuable insights on how consumer emotional attachment with VAIs results in satisfaction and intention to repurchase using VAIs.

Mediating role of attitude in halal cosmetics purchase intention: an ELM perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anubha  
Keyword(s):  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Muslim Women ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Purchasing Intention ◽  
Likelihood Model ◽  
New Perspective

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the role of attitude as a mediator in exploring the Halal cosmetics purchase intention of Indian Muslim women. Various drivers of electronic word of mouth (eWOM) (quality, quantity, consistency and quantity) have been tested as antecedents of purchase intention through the lenses of the elaboration likelihood model (ELM). Design/methodology/approach The positivist paradigm approach has been used to test the proposed mediation model using structural equation modelling. Responses of 313 Indian Muslim women who read reviews shared on various social media platforms before making any halal cosmetics purchase intention have been used for the final analysis. Mediation was tested using bootstrapping. Findings The findings of the study revealed that attitude towards halal cosmetics mediates the relationships of various drivers of eWOM with halal cosmetics purchase intention. However, it was observed that this mediation was partial in the context of eWOM quality, eWOM valence and eWOM consistency. Furthermore, for eWOM quantity, the mediation effect was full as the direct impact of eWOM quality on halal cosmetics purchase intention was not significant but its indirect impact on the latter via attitude was found to be significant. Research limitations/implications This study adds to the marketing communication literature, especially in the context of eWOM. The study also validates ELM theory in explaining the attitude that shapes the halal cosmetics purchase intention, thus the current study enriches the ELM literature. Practical implications The current study offers several implications for halal cosmetics marketers. It offers various suggestions to them on how to capitalize on eWOM as it influences Indian Muslim women’s purchasing intention for halal cosmetics by shaping their attitude towards such cosmetics favourably. Originality/value With reference to halal cosmetics, the current study offers a new perspective by examining the purchasing intention for such cosmetics based on various drivers of eWOM. The attitude towards halal cosmetics as a mediator has helped in better explaining the purchase intention for halal cosmetics.

The bounded incentive effect of informal institutions

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-232
Author(s):  
Yilin Zhang ◽  
Dongling Cai ◽  
Fansheng Jia ◽  
Guangzhong Li
Keyword(s):  
Executive Compensation ◽  
Formal System ◽  
Governance Mechanism ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Informal System ◽  
Corporate Governance Mechanism ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Compensation Incentives

Purpose This paper aims to mainly investigate the role of trust, which is an important informal system, in executive compensation incentives. Design/methodology/approach Using the data of Chinese A-share private enterprises from 2003 to 2014, the paper estimates the effect that trust has on executive compensation incentives. Findings Results indicate that trust can significantly enhance the effectiveness of executive compensation incentives. Furthermore, the better the regional trust environment in which companies are located, the more pronounced the effect is. In particular, the effect of trust on executive compensation incentives is only significant when the formal legal system is immature. As companies continue to grow and develop and the formal system becomes perfect, the role of trust weakens. The formal system, including the corporate governance mechanism and perfect legislation, then becomes the key to promoting executive compensation incentives. Practical implications This paper provides evidence of the significance of both informal and formal systems. It not only emphasises the important role that the informal system has played in “the mystery of China’s economic growth” but also supports the “ruling the country by law” strategy for the sustainable development of China’s economy. Originality/value This paper reveals the relationship between the formal and informal systems, which provides a new perspective on and empirical evidence for the determinants of executive compensation incentives, and it also finds an explanation for the rapid growth of China’s economic development.

The experiences of mothers caring for a child with developmental disabilities: a cross cultural perspective

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 218-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuljit Heer ◽  
John Rose ◽  
Michael Larkin ◽  
Nidhi Singhal
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Cultural Perspective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – India has one of the more progressive disability frameworks in the developing world which tends to adopt western philosophies and principles (e.g. parent participation and advocacy) which to some degree mirrors the type of service delivery in the UK. The purpose of this paper is to adopt a cross-cultural perspective to explore caregiving amongst parents caring for a child with intellectual/developmental disabilities in India. Design/methodology/approach – Three focus groups were used to interview parents at Action for Autism (AFA) located in Delhi, India. The focus groups explored how disability is encountered within an Indian context. Findings – Two main themes were identified in the parents narratives which were “making the decision to get help” and “seeing disabilities in from a new perspective”. Family members played an important role in the decision to get help and acted as a platform for mothers to explore their own concerns. Seeing disability from a new perspective was a four stage process which included initially accepting the diagnosis and their child; regaining control through parenting skills training; witnessing positive changes in their children and themselves and reaping personal benefits as a result of their involvement with AFA. Research limitations/implications – The research is very small scale and focused on parents in a specific organisation, as a consequence the results cannot be generalised. Originality/value – The discourses of these individuals do provide a useful insight into the provision of services to children in India and provide a starting point for cross-cultural understanding of parenting children with disabilities.

scholarly journals Exploring the role of volunteers in social care for older adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ailsa Cameron ◽  
Eleanor K. Johnson ◽  
Paul B. Willis ◽  
Liz Lloyd ◽  
Randall Smith
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The South ◽  
Content Type ◽  
South West

Purpose This paper aims to report the findings of a study that explores the contribution volunteers make to social care for older adults, identifying lessons for the social care sector and policymakers. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory multiple case study design was used to capture the perspectives and experiences of managers of services, volunteer co-ordinators, volunteers, paid care staff and older people. Seven diverse social care organisations took part in the study drawn from three locations in the South West of England. Findings This study identified three distinct models of volunteer contribution to social care services for older people. Although the contributions made by volunteers to services are valued, the study drew attention to some of the challenges related to their involvement. Research limitations/implications The organisations taking part in this small-scale study were all based in the South West of England, and the findings are therefore not generalisable but contribute to the growing evidence base related to this important field. Practical implications This study demonstrates the importance of the volunteer co-ordinator role and suggests that it is properly funded and resourced. It also confirms the importance of volunteers receiving appropriate training and support. Originality/value Given the increasing involvement of volunteers in the provision of social care, this paper provides lessons to ensure the role of volunteers in social care enhances rather than diminishes the quality of care provided.

scholarly journals Urban tourist motivations: why visit Ljubljana?

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 382-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanja Bozic ◽  
James Kennell ◽  
Miroslav D. Vujicic ◽  
Tamara Jovanovic
Keyword(s):  
Capital City ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Pull Factors ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ahp Model ◽  
Pull Factor ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Hierarchy Process

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a new perspective on urban tourist motivations by applying the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model to help to understand how tourists make decisions about which destinations to visit. Design/methodology/approach This study was based on 30 one-hour-long structured interviews with visitors to Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia. Respondents were asked to express their preferences between different pull-factor motives for their visit, using Saaty’s scale, and further qualitative data were collected to examine these preferences in more depth. Findings The results of this study indicate that the most relevant criteria and thus predominant factors in motivation for visits to Ljubljana are the Cultural and Nightlife pull factors, while religious and business motives are the lowest ranked factors. The paper argues that the results show the value of applying the AHP model to understand the role of pull factors in urban tourism destination choice. Research limitations/implications As a single-destination case study, it is important that the findings of this research are evaluated against similar studies in other cities. A limitation of this research is the fact that sub motives within major groups of pull-factor motives have not been explored in this study and this should be the subject of future, more detailed research. Originality/value This research shows the value of applying an under-used methodology to understand urban tourist motivations and knowledge gained through applying this method will be of value to destination marketing organisations as well as to researchers conducting future studies.

Entrepreneurial orientation and the mediating role of organisational learning amongst Indian S-SMEs

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 641-660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanzin Mantok ◽  
Harjit Sekhon ◽  
Gurjeet Kaur Sahi ◽  
Paul Jones
Keyword(s):  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Organisational Learning ◽  
Systematic Sampling ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Strategic Orientations ◽  
Competitor Orientation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine organisational learning as a mediator among small-scale manufacturing enterprises (S-SMEs) which comprise the majority of economic activity in an emergent/developing economy. This study offers further understanding regarding the mediating role of organisational learning in developing world economies, due to its potential regional influence. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey of Indian S-SMEs was undertaken from the District Industrial Center. The study employed a systematic sampling technique to contact owner/managers. Overall, 204 S-SMEs owners/managers participated in the study and 192 usable survey instruments were received. Findings The study offers novel insights to the following questions. First, the factors that prompt entrepreneurial orientation to achieve superior business performance, i.e. the antecedents of entrepreneurial orientation? The results reveal competitor orientation is an antecedent of entrepreneurial orientation that leads to an S-SME’s business performance. Second, the outcomes of entrepreneurial orientation, i.e. the consequences of entrepreneurial orientation? The study reveals organisational learning and business performance are the corollary of entrepreneurial orientation. Third, the examination of whether organisational learning mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and business performance? The findings found the effects of entrepreneurial orientation on business performance are, in part, mediated by organisational learning. Research limitations/implications Three study limitations are recognised. First, other strategic orientations, including technology orientation, production orientation and selling orientation are not included. Second, other constructs have a potentially significant relationship with market and entrepreneurial orientation, such as organisational capabilities, innovation and social context, were not considered. Third, the study is industry-sector specific and does not consider alternative sectors which also may play a potential role in economic development. Originality/value This study enhances the existing S-SME literature by identifying factors contributing to entrepreneurial orientation and its repercussions on business performance. For S-SMEs it adds credence to the role played by organisational learning in mediating the link between entrepreneurial orientation and business performance which potentially encourages owner/managers to dedicate increased time and resources towards creating and maintaining a conducive learning environment. The results support entrepreneurs in acknowledging the importance of competitor orientation during the emergence and development of entrepreneurial orientation, specifically in emerging economy contexts.

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