Testing, testing: a usability case study at University of Toronto Scarborough Library

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 88-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Guay ◽  
Lola Rudin ◽  
Sue Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Usability Testing ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Steady Increase ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
University Of Toronto ◽  
Key Resources ◽  
Task Oriented

Purpose With the rise of virtual library users and a steady increase in digital content, it is imperative that libraries build websites that provide seamless access to key resources and services. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Usability testing is a valuable method for measuring user habits and expectations, as well as identifying problematic areas for improvement within a website. Findings In this paper, the authors provide an overview of user experience research carried out on the University of Toronto Scarborough Library website using a mixture of qualitative and quantitative research methods and detail insights gained from subsequent data analysis. Originality/value In particular, the authors discuss methods used for task-oriented usability testing and card sorting procedures using pages from the library website. Widely applicable results from this study include key findings and lessons learned from conducting usability testing in order to improve library websites.

The human factor: assessing individuals’ perceptions related to cybersecurity

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Ramlo ◽  
John B. Nicholas
Keyword(s):  
Computer Security ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Q Methodology ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
College Majors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Security Breaches ◽  
Study Participants

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to reveal and describe the divergent viewpoints about cybersecurity within a purposefully selected group of people with a range of expertise in relation to computer security. Design/methodology/approach Q methodology [Q] uses empirical evidence to differentiate subjective views and, therefore, behaviors in relation to any topic. Q uses the strengths of qualitative and quantitative research methods to reveal and describe the multiple, divergent viewpoints that exist within a group where individuals sort statements into a grid to represent their views. Analyses group similar views (sorts). In this study, participants were selected from a range of types related to cybersecurity (experts, authorities and uninformed). Findings Four unique viewpoints emerged such that one represents cybersecurity best practices and the remaining three viewpoints represent poor cybersecurity behaviors (Naïve Cybersecurity Practitioners, Worried but not Vigilant and How is Cybersecurity a Big Problem) that indicate a need for educational interventions within both the public and private sectors. Practical implications Understanding the divergent views about cybersecurity is important within smaller groups including classrooms, technology-based college majors, a company, a set of IT professionals or other targeted groups where understanding cybersecurity viewpoints can reveal the need for training, changes in behavior and/or the potential for security breaches which reflect the human factors of cybersecurity. Originality/value A review of the literature revealed that only large, nation-wide surveys have been used to investigate views of cybersecurity. Yet, surveys are not useful in small groups, whereas Q is designed to investigate behavior through revealing subjectivity within smaller groups.

The use of social media by South African organisations

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nomusa Nomhle Dlamini ◽  
Kevin Johnston
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Social Media ◽  
South African ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Brand Management ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Main Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present how organisations in South Africa are using social media. The paper further explores the value of social media to South African organisations and if it is important for an organisation to have a social media presence. Design/methodology/approach The study used quantitative research methods to answer the main research question and sub-questions. Findings The data collected revealed that most organisations in South Africa are using social media for free advertising, CRM and marketing. The popular social media sites used by these organisations are Facebook and Twitter, with LinkedIn increasing in popularity. The data further revealed that social media is important in organisations for relationship building, contact keeping advertising, marketing, attracting customers, brand management and information gathering. Research limitations/implications The role of social media is changing, it was initially a marketing tool, but the findings revealed that majority of organisations are using social media for free advertising, CRM and marketing. Social media is an easy CRM tool that offers effective and efficient capabilities. Practical implications It is important to use integrate social media with the organisations processes to market and advertise new products, it is an instant and cost-saving way of communicating with customers, and helps in reaching and attracting new customers. Social implications Social media is important for keeping contact and building relationships with customers, advertising and marketing, way to attract customers, brand management tool and gathering information. Originality/value The study provides guidance to how organisation can use social media, identifying the value of using social media and highlighting the importance of social media in an organisation in the South African context.

Critical success factors of an effective repairs and maintenance service for social housing in the UK

Facilities ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 226-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Tucker ◽  
Martin Turley ◽  
Sam Holgate
Keyword(s):  
Social Housing ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Service Levels ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Maintenance Service ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the critical success factors of an effective repairs service by initially identifying what the important considerations are. Design/methodology/approach – Using quantitative research methods the study then examines how important each of the factors is considered from the perspective of those responsible for such services in the Northwest of England, the level of implementation throughout the region is also examined. Findings – Respondents felt that all 11 factors are perceived as “very” important but only nine are “always” implemented within their place of work. Sustainability and innovation are identified as the two factors that are least critical. It can also be said that although important and well implemented, the in-house skills factor does not appear to be considered as critical in comparison to the other factors. Originality/value – The UK housing sector is under an enormous amount of pressure to meet the needs of a growing population in extremely uncertain financial conditions. Social housing is a potential solution but providers are currently contending with reduced budgets and cuts to staffing levels together with an expectation that service levels will be maintained and value for money maximised. Repairs and maintenance of their stock is at the forefront of their challenge to meet these expectations and it is therefore vital that the service they provide is effective.

Examining the incentives and motivations for research-based legislation in Uganda

2014 ◽  
Vol 63 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 60-85
Author(s):  
Fredrick Kiwuwa Lugya
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Literature Analysis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Expert Analysis

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to discuss the factors that would increase or decrease the prospects to use research evidence in legislation in a developing country. Design/methodology/approach – Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to identify the gaps in ability to utilise research evidence among policymakers. A combination of expert analysis of five policy brief formats, 13 self-administered semi-structured interviews with policymakers, focus group discussion and literature analysis informed data collection. Findings – The incentives and motivations for research-based legislation are classified into three categories: those that concern legislators and researchers, those that concern legislators only and those that concern researchers only. Originality/value – The work discusses the need for policymakers to make decisions based on facts. The findings are a reflection of a long interaction the author had with policymakers and researchers in Uganda.

scholarly journals Usability testing of the Letters of 1916 Digital Edition

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 120-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Wusteman
Keyword(s):  
User Experience ◽  
General Public ◽  
Digital Humanities ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Usability Testing ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Edition ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the process and implications of usability testing a prototype version of the Letters of 1916 Digital Edition. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents the testing, the lessons learned and how those lessons informed the subsequent redesign of the site. Findings Results imply that a majority of users, even digital humanists, were not looking for a unique and specialised interface, but assumed – and preferred – a user experience that reflects common search systems. Although the audience for digital humanities sites is becoming increasingly diverse, the needs of the different user groups may be more similar than had previously been assumed. Research limitations/implications The usability test employed 11 participants, five of whom were coded as “general public”. Four of these five had previously volunteered to transcribe and upload letters. This meant that they were already familiar with the project and with the Letters of 1916 Transcription Desk. However, their prior involvement was a result of their genuine interest in the site, thus ensuring that their interactions during testing were more realistic. Practical implications The lesson learned may be useful for the Digital Editions of future crowdsourced humanities projects. Originality/value Letters of 1916 is the first crowdsourced humanities project in Ireland. The theme of the project is topical, emotive and socially important in Ireland and among Irish diaspora today. The project’s content has been created by the “ordinary citizens of Ireland” and they are likely to be the major users of the Digital Edition. The study explores how the Digital Edition can support these users, while also facilitating the range of traditional scholars and digital humanities researchers.

Qualitative research can improve understandings about disaster preparedness for independent older adults in the community

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 296-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn Tuohy ◽  
Christine Stephens ◽  
David Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Prevention Programmes ◽  
Qualitative Methodologies ◽  
Disaster Preparedness And Response

Purpose – Improving older adults’ preparedness for and response to natural disasters has become an important issue. Population ageing, together with concerns about increasing extreme weather-related events, has added further impetus to the need to reduce older adults’ vulnerability to disasters. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the above issues. Design/methodology/approach – Social and environmental influences on community dwelling independent older adults have not been accounted for in models of hazard adjustment, which have invariably used quantitative research methods. Findings – To date much of the preparedness and response research has focused on organisational responses to preparedness, while perspectives from older adults have received less attention. Furthermore social and environmental influences on community dwelling independent older adults have not been accounted for in models of hazard adjustment. Originality/value – Extending research to include qualitative methodologies, which recognises older adults as active participants in research about themselves, would contribute to increasing understandings about influences on disaster preparedness and response; and inform social policies and prevention programmes.

Use of electronic resources by law academics: a case study from the University of Namibia

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 57-68
Author(s):  
Anna Leonard ◽  
Nampa Meameno Hamutumwa ◽  
Chiku Mnubi-Mchombu
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Interview Guide ◽  
The University

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of e-resources by the Faculty of Law’s academic staff at the University of Namibia’s (UNAM’s) main campus. The study aimed to determine their level of awareness of electronic resources (e-resources) available to them, how useful and effective they found these e-resources, and the challenges they face in accessing them. Design/methodology/approach A convenient sampling technique was used to select a sample of 12 law academics from the population of 17. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods using questionnaires and a semi-structured interview guide. Findings Findings revealed that the majority of the law academics were aware of the e-resources subscribed by UNAM’s library, although some were not aware of the newly subscribed international law databases. The findings further revealed that the academics used e-resources for research, publications and teaching purposes, but irregular training, bandwidth problems and limited searching skills hindered their use of e-resources. Practical implications Findings could be used to inform future collection-development decisions, realignment of information-literacy training and promotion and marketing of library services. Originality/value This study has made a significant contribution in the understanding the use of electronic legal resources by law academics at UNAM. The findings and recommendations could also benefit similar academic institutions in developing countries like Namibia.

Awareness of preservation of historic buildings and sites in Ghana: the case of residents in Kumasi

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwadwo Twumasi-Ampofo ◽  
Rexford Assasie Oppong ◽  
Victor K. Quagraine
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Young Generation ◽  
Historic Buildings ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Academic Paper

PurposeThis study focuses on historic buildings and site preservation (HBSP), which forms part of cultural heritage amidst rampant demolishing and seeming neglect of such heritage in Ghana. The purpose of this study is to assess public awareness of the importance of HBSP in Kumasi.Design/methodology/approachThe study combines qualitative and quantitative research methods. Primary data were collected through questionnaires and interviews based on a purposive sampling technique. Respondents were residents of Kumasi.FindingsThe study revealed that awareness of the importance of HBSP is dependent on the demographic variables. The young generation below 30 years seems more aware of the importance of HBSP.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited by the fact that respondents were not willing to reveal income levels. Laws governing cultural heritage, including HBSP at the MMDAs, was not studied in detail and could be an area for further research.Practical implicationsThis study brings out the need to be aware of the importance of HBSP and train staff to enforce laws governing HBSP in six metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) as part of Ghana's urban regeneration. This study further raises awareness among residents for sustainable architectural heritage preservation in Ghana.Originality/valueThe concept of HBSP is not popular in Ghana. This academic paper apparently assesses the level of awareness of the importance of HBSP among residents in Kumasi with an aim to identify and train staff of MMDAs on laws governing HBSP.

Equality and harmony: diversity management in China

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanley Bruce Thomson ◽  
William X. Wei ◽  
Phillip Swallow
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Keyword Search ◽  
Diversity Management ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Eastern Coast ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Racial And Ethnic Differences

Purpose Considering the importance of China as a global economic power and the emphasis placed on human resources in a knowledge economy, the findings of no less than 30 articles on diversity management in that country seem inadequate given the growing importance of diversity in the workplace. Analysis of those articles reveals that most of the research focuses on firms located on the eastern coast. Moreover, while cataloging the types of industry and ownership covered provides a broad overview, specific industries and ownership types require further examination. Methodology Searches were conducted in both English and Chinese databases using the keyword search phrase of “diversity management and China”. The criteria for including an article were as follows: 1) an emphasis on diversity management within the business environment; 2) a focus on applications of diversity management within the People’s Republic of China, thus excluding Taiwan; and 3) a research-based or conceptual orientation. The search was further limited by using the “abstract” as a limiter under the assumption that if the concepts were important, the author(s) would have used that terminology in the abstract. Findings Gender emerged as a major concern along with residential status; racial and ethnic differences, on the other hand, cultural and/or other influences on diversity management received limited attention. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used by the various authors, but exploratory methods such as grounded theory saw minimal use. With the little research done on diversity management in China, it is difficult to assess whether or Chinese firms are fully using its available workforce. China must embrace diversity management practices with a view to achieving competitive advantages as well as equality and harmony in the workplace. Originality/value This is one of the first published reviews of articles from both Chinese and English databases that delves into the issue of diversity management in China.

Teachers' perspectives on factors of female students' outperformance and male students' underperformance in higher education

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Shoaib ◽  
Hazir Ullah
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Ann Model ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
The University

PurposeThis paper attempts to explore possible contributing factors of females' outperformance and males' underperformance in the higher education in Pakistan from teachers' perspective. The central question of the study is what are the key factors that affect female and male students' educational performance at the university level? Using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) as a framework, we attempted to predict differentials of the perceived “female outperformance” and “male underperformance” in higher education. We carried out the study by employing quantitative research methods.Design/methodology/approachThe data for the study come from 253 teachers from University of the Punjab-largest and oldest University in Pakistan. We used a structured questionnaire for data collection. The analysis was carried out with the help of ANN model. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data.FindingsThe testing results of ANN indicated 85.3% of teachers' perception was correctly predicted on various dimensions of performance differentials across female and male students in higher education.Research limitations/implicationsThe study banks on primary data collected from teachers of the University of University of the Punjab, Pakistan. Thus, the study's universe was limited to one university – University of Punjab. It is purely based on a quantitative approach employing ANN.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study have several significant implications, i.e. it makes a significant contribution to the existing body of scholarly texts on the issue of gender reverse change in academic performance in higher education.Originality/valueThe findings of this research, derived from primary data in Pakistan context, qualify this research as an original one. We also claim that this study is one of the first studies on gender reverse change in academic performance among graduate students in a public sector university of Pakistan employing ANN.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document