scholarly journals Qualitative Delphi approach of advanced algae biofuels

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 852-871 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauro Andre Ribeiro ◽  
Patricia Pereira da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Delphi Method ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technical Data ◽  
Algae Biofuels ◽  
Expert Opinions ◽  
Delphi Approach ◽  
Source Of Information

Purpose – Currently, experimental and theoretical work is being performed to ensure that biofuels from microalgae become a reality. However, there is a considerable number of discussions concerning in which processes should be focussed efforts of research and development. The purpose of this paper is to provide decision support not only to help build guidelines of research to be undertaken, but also to contribute to the design of more adequate policy and funding instruments. The key objective of this study is to determine the prospects of employing microalgae into the production of biofuels within a time scale extending to 2030. Design/methodology/approach – The Delphi method is a qualitative research aiming to support strategic future-oriented action, such as policy making in the areas of science and technology. It is especially appropriate in judgment and long-range forecasting (20-30 years) situations, when expert opinions are often the only source of information available, due to a lack of appropriate historical, economic or technical data. Findings – The Delphi method proved to be a successful research method when expert opinions are the main source of information available, due to a lack of appropriate historical, economic or technical data and the outcomes provided a clear outline of the main issues of microalgae biofuels’ market at present and in the future. Research limitations/implications – The outcomes might not represent the majority of the microalgae experts’ opinion due to the sample size. Originality/value – The work presented in this paper is especially original. According to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first qualitative Delphi study related to algae biofuels.

Analysis of sustainability insertion in materials selection courses of engineering undergraduate programmes

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeniffer Fonseca Zanitt ◽  
Izabela Simon Rampasso ◽  
Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves Quelhas ◽  
Milena Pavan Serafim ◽  
Walter Leal Filho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Delphi Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Materials Selection ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Subject

Purpose This study aims to analyse how the materials selection courses of engineering undergraduate programmes can be better aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Design/methodology/approach Initially, a content analysis was performed in 39 materials selection course descriptions from 40 engineering undergraduate programmes of Brazilian higher education institutions, and subsequently, Delphi method procedures were conducted with professors that teach or have taught the course and are knowledgeable in the subject of sustainability. Findings Considering the analysed course descriptions, it was shown that most of the materials selection courses do not consider or present little emphasis on sustainability aspects. Regarding the Delphi method, eight items were evidenced to consider sustainability aspects in the analysed courses. Originality/value This study contributes to the debates about sustainability insertion in engineering undergraduate programmes. More specifically, the findings presented consolidated information that professors and coordinators can use to align materials selection courses with the SDGs better.

How to motivate opinion leaders to spread e-WoM on social media: monetary vs non-monetary incentives

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela López ◽  
Maria Sicilia ◽  
Peeter W.J. Verlegh
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Experimental Design ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Word Of Mouth ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Monetary Incentive ◽  
Opinion Leaders ◽  
Monetary Incentives ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Source Of Information

PurposeOpinion leaders are increasingly important as a source of information, with consumers judging them to be more credible than other media and more influential than other consumers. Thus, companies have an interest in engaging opinion leaders to post about products and brands, and the authors analyse different incentives for encouraging them to spread the word on social media (via electronic word-of-mouth [e-WoM]).Design/methodology/approachA 2 × 3 between-subjects experimental design was developed in which 359 technological opinion leaders (bloggers) participated. The authors manipulated the monetary incentive (money vs no money) and non-monetary incentives (information only vs return product vs keep product) offered in exchange for a brand post.FindingsVarious techniques for approaching opinion leaders are effective, but to differing degrees. Providing a product free of charge increases the likelihood that opinion leaders will post about it, and the highest intention to post is observed when they are allowed to keep the product. In contrast, giving money to opinion leaders could have an indirect negative impact on their intention to post through the expected negative reaction of followers.Originality/valueIt remains unclear how opinion leaders can best be encouraged to spread e-WoM, as incentives used for consumers may work differently for opinion leaders, who have followers that they want to maintain. The main contribution of this paper lies in its explanation of why opinion leaders react differently to monetary versus non-monetary incentives.

Ascertaining the factors that influence the acceptance and purposeful use of cloud computing in medical libraries in India

2016 ◽  
Vol 117 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 644-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayank Yuvaraj
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Delphi Technique ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Direct Impact ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Indian Medical ◽  
Computing Technologies ◽  
Medical Libraries ◽  
Significant Factors

Purpose This paper aims to identify the factors that influence the acceptance and purposeful use of cloud computing technologies in Indian medical libraries. Design/methodology/approach To meet the stated objectives, a three-round Delphi study was carried out; a panel of 32 participants, with expertise and experience of cloud computing in the context of Indian medical libraries, was constituted. Findings During the study, the participants identified about 60 different factors, and a consensus was reached on 42 of these, which were considered to have a direct impact on the levels of acceptance and purposeful use of cloud computing technologies in Indian medical libraries. The study points out significant factors that should be addressed to accelerate the acceptance and purposeful use of cloud computing technologies in Indian medical libraries. Originality/value The study is the first attempt to study the factors responsible for the adoption of cloud computing in Indian medical libraries through the Delphi technique.

Lawyers’ predicaments in complying with the anti-money laundering law in Malaysia

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 583-596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saslina Kamaruddin ◽  
Zaiton Hamin
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Central Bank ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Money Laundering ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Klang Valley ◽  
Source Of Information

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide some empirical findings on the predicaments of lawyers’ anti-money laundering (AML) compliance in Malaysia and the rationales for such predicaments. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a qualitative research in which the primary data are obtained from seven case studies involving legal firms within the Klang Valley, Selangor, Malaysia, which is triangulated with the data from the Central Bank and the Malaysian Bar Council. Findings The authors contend that despite the vulnerability of their profession to money laundering, the level of awareness of the AML obligations amongst Malaysian legal practitioners is rather minimal. Also, the imposition of obligations upon them in policing their clients and regulating money laundering is not only onerous but also contrary to the ethics of their profession. Originality/value This paper fills the gap in providing the empirical evidence on lawyers’ compliance to their statutory AML obligations in Malaysia. Also, this paper could be a useful source of information for practitioners, academicians and students. It could also be a beneficial guide for policymakers for any possible future amendments to the law.

Determining effective mentor characteristics in inter-organizational mentoring for managers: an approach based on academics’ and practitioners’ perspectives

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuria Gisbert-Trejo ◽  
Jon Landeta ◽  
Eneka Albizu ◽  
Pilar Fernández-Ferrín
Keyword(s):  
Delphi Method ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mentoring Programs ◽  
Valuable Contribution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Program Coordinators ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
And Training ◽  
Delphi Analysis

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the essential mentor characteristics for effective inter-organizational mentoring. This kind of HR development technique, where mentor and mentee belong to different organizations, is becoming increasingly popular and so far has been scarcely studied.Design/methodology/approachFirst, a rigorous literature analysis to identify primary mentor characteristics for managers and professionals has been performed; second, a Delphi analysis has determined their relevance according to the opinion of 125 experienced mentors, mentees and program coordinators that have carried out inter-organizational mentoring processes in Spain; and third, an exploratory factor analysis has reclassified the mentor characteristics into a smaller number of factors.FindingsIn total, 29 relevant mentor characteristics have been identified and valued. The foregoing characteristics are related to seven underlying dimensions or factors that serve to characterize an effective mentor for inter-organizational mentoring programs.Originality/valueThe research extends the existing literature regarding mentor characteristics of those mentors who are engaged in inter-organizational mentoring. In addition, this work offers a valuable contribution to inter-organizational mentoring research based in a Delphi method that includes both academic and practitioner perspectives in a cultural context that may have not received previous attention. The findings can be valuable for both academics who investigate this topic of growing interest, and for practitioners who must face the selection and training of mentors.

The state of opportunities: clarifying the transitions between opportunity types

2015 ◽  
Vol 53 (7) ◽  
pp. 1398-1411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Welter ◽  
Sharon Alvarez
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Work ◽  
The Other ◽  
Theory Building ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
System States ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe how discovery and creation opportunities transition from one to the other and thereby clarify the relationship between opportunity types. This theoretical work will offer insight for studying opportunities and clarify the different practical implications of different opportunity types. Design/methodology/approach – To further the understanding of opportunity types, the paper employs Dubin’s (1978) theory building methodology focussing specifically on the concepts of system states. Approaching opportunity types as system states clarifies the relationship between discovery and creation opportunities. Findings – This research argues that opportunities transition from creation opportunities to discovery opportunities. Furthermore, understanding the opportunity state can clarify the practical implications for entrepreneurs. In particular, entrepreneurs in discovery states employ different processes regarding human resources, strategy, financing, planning, leadership, and potential competitive advantage than entrepreneurs pursuing creation states. Originality/value – This paper offers value to researchers by clarifying the differences between opportunity types. To date, there has been little to no investigation into how opportunity types change from one type to another. This research offers to clarify the debate about the existence of different opportunity types and move the discussion forward theoretically. Additionally, this manuscript offers practical insights for entrepreneurs pursuing different types of opportunities.

Experiences and problems with hygiene masks reported by Japanese hay fever sufferers

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 262-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mika Morishima ◽  
Koya Kishida ◽  
Takashi Uozumi ◽  
Masayoshi Kamijo
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
University Students ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Hay Fever ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technical Data ◽  
Japanese University ◽  
Holistic Perspective

Purpose – In Japan, one of the countermeasures used to avoid the symptoms of hay fever (HF) is a hygiene mask; however, a mask can cause discomfort. The authors believe that co-occurrence analysis, which has been widely in the sciences, will be valuable to this issue. The purpose of this paper is to identify problems associated with the use of hygiene masks and recommend improvements in their function and comfort. The goal of this study was to obtain information for the development of effective hygiene masks for HF sufferers and therefore, improve their quality of life. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conducted a survey of university students with HF (n=1,519) to identify problems with hygiene masks. Students completed self-report questionnaires and co-occurrence analyses were used to examine the data from a holistic perspective. Moreover, technical data, relative to the problems of wearing a mask were acquired experimentally using thermal, hygroscopic, and airflow properties. Findings – Among Japanese university students, hygiene masks were the most popular countermeasure against HF symptoms. In addition, it was found that wearing a mask was not influenced of the type of symptoms. Most problems were related to the masks’ thermal, hygroscopic, and airflow properties. Originality/value – The paper proposed the use of co-occurrence analysis to analyze problems with hygiene masks. Most problems appear to be related to the thermal, hygroscopic, and airflow properties of the masks. Moreover, such phenomena have been experimentally demonstrated.

Web‐based OPACs in Indian academic libraries: a functional comparison

2007 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kanta Kapoor ◽  
O.P. Goyal
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
The Web

PurposeThe paper seeks to provide a comparative analysis of the functionality of five web‐based OPACs available in Indian academic libraries.Design/methodology/approachSame‐topic searches were carried out by three researchers on the web‐based OPACs of Libsys, VTLS's iPortal, NewGenLib, Troodon, and Alice for Windows, implemented in five academic libraries in India. Their functionality was compared using criteria selected from the literature on OPAC searching.FindingsThe web‐based OPACs investigated offered a range of facilities for searching by author, title, control number and by keywords. Federated searching across several e‐collections was limited.Originality/valueThis paper should be a useful source of information to librarians who are planning to introduce web‐based OPACs and also for software vendors who wish to improve the functionality of their products.

The factors and criteria for prioritization of GIS utilization by libraries

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roya Pournaghi ◽  
Fahimeh Babalhavaeji
Keyword(s):  
Delphi Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Delphi Panel ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interdisciplinary Field ◽  
Five Factors ◽  
Interdisciplinary Nature ◽  
Different Dimensions

Purpose – This paper aims to identify the impressive factors on choosing the type of the libraries and information centers and determining their significance and prioritizing them and finally determining the priority of each type according to the identified factors to implement geographic information system (GIS) in the library researches. Design/methodology/approach – A combination of documentary, Delphi and analytic methods was used in the current study. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the topic in mind, different dimensions of the issue were firstly identified through reviewing the research literature. Then, the Delphi panel was formed and the factors and indices for choosing and prioritizing the libraries were extracted and finally the analytic-hierarchy and Topsis method was used for analyzing and ranking the data which were collected through a questionnaire. In this way, the instrument was devised by the researcher and the population under the study consisted of the professors in two fields of LIS and the GIS. The criteria include the “access to the library”, “being active”, “the number of sources”, “the size and space of the place”, “the library equipment”, “compatibility” each one include eight, seven, five, five, two and five factors, respectively. Findings – In the Delphi study, six factors including 32 indices were determined for prioritizing the libraries to implement the GIS in the library researches. The analytic-hierarchy method was applied to compare the factors correspondingly in terms of the degree of their significance. In this way, “access to the library sources”, “being active”, “the number of sources”, “the size and space of the place”, “the library equipment” and “compatibility” were identified as the factors on choosing the library type with the values of 0.39, 0.24, 0.16, 0.08, 0.07 and 0.06, respectively. Then, several types of the libraries were ranked and the findings show that academic libraries are prioritized as the first one for conducting the GIS projects. Originality/value – Employing the factors resulted from the conducted researches is recommended for choosing the libraries to implement the GIS, so that the researches in this interdisciplinary field become more organized. To extend the current study, the extracted factors and indices can be sent to the professors of the LIS from the other countries to elicit their insights and thereby, designing a standard international checklist for choosing the libraries and information centers in the GIS projects.

Social Intrapreneurism and All That Jazz

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 194-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petya Koleva ◽  
Muhammad Azam Roomi
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Students ◽  
Business And Society ◽  
Active Participant ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Source Of Information

Purpose – The authors are reviewing Social Intrapreneurism and All That Jazz: How business innovators are helping to build a more sustainable world – the last book of the scholarly team David Grayson, Melody McLaren and Heiko Spitzeck issued in March 2014 that aims to demonstrate how business can become an active participant in building a sustainable future by utilizing its capacity and resources. Design/methodology/approach – By reviewing their book in perspective through the literature, the authors discuss its potential and significance for academic and business society. Findings – By doing so, the book was identified as a quite beneficial and a valuable source of information for business students with interest in corporate social responsibility and sustainability, individuals having career aspirations in the field of social intrapreneurship, and managers aiming to introduce social intrapreneurism in their organisations. Originality/value – The paper adds some further insights into the topic of social intrapreneurship and the relevance of this practice to well-known and established concepts focused on the relationship between business and society.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document