Exploring academic e-book use: part II through focus groups and interviews

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Goertzen ◽  
Nisa Bakkalbasi
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Text Analysis ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Columbia University ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – In two previous papers, the authors discussed a text analysis method utilized to explore e-book usage across disciplines at Columbia University. To verify the method, the authors conducted focus group and interviews sessions with faculty members and graduate students to understand when and why e-books are used in conjunction with scholarly activities. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Participants answered eight pre-determined questions during one-on-one interviews and dual moderator focus group sessions. They were also invited to complete a questionnaire regarding e-book discovery, access, and use. All sessions were transcribed and the data were analyzed using grounded theory approach to examine emerging themes. Findings – The findings suggest that faculty and graduate students use e-books for discontinuous reading and quick reference purposes. They value the ability to customize learning environments to suit immediate circumstances and needs. Frustration occurs when availability and accessibility are hindered by limitations imposed by platforms or licenses. Participants believe the library can advocate for users and work with vendors to develop business models that promote greater convenience and flexibility online. Originality/value – The study complements and extends existing findings reported in earlier research utilizing a text analysis method. The results indicate that text analysis is a reliable assessment method in the examination of usage trends across e-book collections. Also, the study brings a human sentiment to the discussion of e-book discovery, access, and use. It provides the user community with a voice and left the authors with a deeper understanding of existing information needs on campus.

Exploring academic e-book use: part I through text analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 252-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nisa Bakkalbasi ◽  
Melissa Goertzen
Keyword(s):  
Text Analysis ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Columbia University ◽  
Text Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Search Queries ◽  
Book Title ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
New Ideas

Purpose – Over the past decade, as the electronic book (e-book) collection continues to grow, Columbia University Libraries has been gathering information to develop policies related to e-book acquisition, discovery, and access. The purpose of this paper is to investigate users’ e-book search behavior and information needs across different disciplines. Design/methodology/approach – The research method utilizes text data from two sources: users’ e-book search queries that were entered into the libraries discovery tool called CLIO and e-book title words provided by the Counting Online Usage of Networked Electronic Resources (COUNTER) usage reports. The analysis involves identifying and quantifying certain words from users’ search queries with the purpose of examining the contexts within which these words were used. Findings – The prominence of topical words such as “history,” “social,” and “politics” in the list was an interesting reflection on the kinds of works users were looking for, as were the terms “handbook,” “guide,” and “manual.” The high frequency of these words imply that users were searching for broad topics, reference works, or other collections of instructions, all of which are intended to provide ready reference. Originality/value – Running search queries and e-book title words through a text analysis tool revealed new ideas related to what types of materials users search for and use. Text analysis of search terms and title words provided insight into the nature of e-book use, including broad topic (e.g. history), academic level of use (e.g. introductory), and genre/type (e.g. reference). While it is challenging to deduce reader intent from word frequency analysis, as text data remain widely open for interpretation, the methodology has significant strengths that drive us to continue to use in future studies.

Website benchmarking: an abridged WAM study

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 2061-2079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonie Jane Cassidy ◽  
John Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Continental Area ◽  
Website Analysis ◽  
And Function ◽  
Tourism Websites ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Website benchmarking theory and the website analysis method (WAM) are benchmark tested across non-commercial tropical tourism websites. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach The abridged WAM benchmarks 280 tropical tourism websites from four continental areas (Africa, Asia, Oceania, and The Americas) and presence or absence of website components objectively rank-scores. Across locations significant website benchmark score differences are determined. In all, 20 of these websites are ranked by an eight expert focus group. These experts also seek-out the existence of allocated common website components. Findings The abridged WAM approach is suitable for benchmarking tropical tourism websites. Website benchmarking scores at-level are determined. At the website, domain, and function levels significant continental area differences exist. Experts cross-check the study. They find it easier to rank websites with fewer components, and show split decisions when determining the existence of common website components. Research limitations/implications This study’s abridged version of WAM uses publicly viewable components to show significant differences across website scores, and identifies some missing components for possible future inclusion on the website, and it also supports the WAM benchmarking theory approach. Practical implications Website managers/owners can apply WAM (or an abridged WAM) to benchmark their websites. WAM is theoretically supported and it systematically allows comparison against the universal set of components and/or against competitor websites. A full or abridged WAM approach to website benchmarking is preferable to subjective or survey-based approaches. Originality/value This study successfully applies the Cassidy and Hamilton (2016) theory and approach to practical website benchmarking.

Social media as a platform for information and support for coronavirus: analysis ofCOVID-19 Facebook groups

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossein Motahari-Nezhad ◽  
Maryam Shekofteh ◽  
Maryam Andalib-Kondori
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Public Knowledge ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Content Analysis Method

Purpose This study aims to investigate the characteristics, as well as the purpose and posts of the COVID-19 Facebook groups. Design/methodology/approach A systematic search for COVID-19 Facebook groups was conducted on June 1, 2020. Characteristics of the groups were examined using descriptive statistics. Mann-Whitney test was used to study the differences between groups. The study of the most popular groups’ posts was also carried out using the content analysis method. Findings The groups had a combined membership of 2,729,061 users. A total of 147,885 posts were received. There were about approximately 60% public groups. A high percentage of the groups (86.5%) had descriptions. The results showed a significant relationship between the groups’ description status and the number of members (p-value = 0.016). The majority of COVID-19 Facebook groups (56%) were created to meet their members’ information needs. The highest number of studied posts were related to vaccination (35.2%), followed by curfew rules (19.6%) and symptoms (10.6%). Originality/value Translating these insights into policies and practices will put policymakers and health-care providers in a stronger position to make better use of Facebook groups to support and enhance public knowledge about COVID-19.

How useful are smartphones for learning? Perceptions and practices of Library and Information Science students from Hong Kong and Japan

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 545-561 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zvjezdana Dukic ◽  
Dickson K.W. Chiu ◽  
Patrick Lo
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Academic Learning ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Actual Use

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of higher education students’ experiences in using smartphones for learning purposes, and their perceptions of the suitability of smartphones for learning. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research method is applied to data collection and analysis by following the grounded theory approach. Data were gathered by an online focus group involving Library and Information Science (LIS) students from University of Hong Kong and University of Tsukuba (Japan). Findings – LIS students at both universities regularly use smartphones for communication, socializing, entertainment and other daily information needs. The findings show that LIS students commonly use smartphones for learning and consider smartphones to be very useful for their academic work. They use smartphones to access course materials, search library catalog, discuss course assignments with peers, take notes, etc. Although both academic libraries involved offer a variety of services for mobile devices, these services are still not used frequently. A major barrier to using smartphone for academic learning is the smartphone’s small screen. Research limitations/implications – The study relies on a convenience sample, restricted to students from two universities, one from Hong Kong and the other from Japan. Further research on a larger sample is recommended. Originality/value – The study adds to the knowledge of smartphone actual use for learning purposes and provides study participants’ insights on the usefulness of smartphones for learning.

Challenges, barriers, and keys to success for sustainable quality improvement in oncology: A focus group of oncology quality leaders.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (8_suppl) ◽  
pp. 78-78
Author(s):  
Anne C. Chiang ◽  
Katherine Elizabeth Reeder-Hayes ◽  
Kristen K. McNiff ◽  
Tracey L. Evans ◽  
Inga Tolin Lennes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Key Factors

78 Background: A sustainable, standardized approach for quality assessment and improvement is increasingly expected in oncology. This requires oncology leaders to identify processes and infrastructure to facilitate sustainable initiatives for practice refinement. To date, few summative reports of lessons learned, key success factors, and barriers to regular quality improvement have been reported. Methods: After IRB protocol approval, a focus group of 11 diverse physician oncology leaders was conducted, using a guide developed through multiple discussions by investigators. The physicians represented diverse organizations with community-based, private practice and academic settings. Data analysis of interview transcripts was performed iteratively, with a grounded theory approach with a method called “constant comparisons”, with related open and axial coding techniques. Transcripts were coded independently by two or three coders, and the resulting code lists integrated prior to final analysis. Differences in coding were resolved by consensus. Results: Overall, physician quality leaders discussed needs and barriers in 5 major domains: coordination of care, communication, finances, value, and quality improvement. Two major themes emerged: rapid change cycles in a dynamic landscape of practice--changing business models and care delivery, new expensive drugs, oral chemotherapy--and their respective unintended consequences on quality of care, e.g. financial toxicity for patients, misalignment of financial incentives and a quality agenda. Participants discussed responding to these changes and key factors in harnessing the practice model to deliver quality care. Conclusions: Cancer care delivery is rapidly evolving and undergoing intrinsic cycles of quality improvement. This project helps to inform systemic quality improvement efforts targeted towards oncology practices by identifying areas of concern and highlighting key factors to be addressed to achieve value, alignment and quality of care. Institutional culture and infrastructure including resources and incentives for quality improvement/measurement were identified as critical success factors.

The new role of the purchasing function in the management of the extended enterprise

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 12-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Cracco
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Field Experience ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Extended Enterprise ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Resources ◽  
Resources Development

Purpose This paper aims to explore the new role of the purchasing function in the management of the extended enterprise. Design/methodology/approach This study uses field experience and focus group with CPOs. Findings The purchasing function can play a key role in its own company business models disruption. Innovation detection and fostering could be managed by the purchasing function, acting as external resources development. Originality/value This paper is an original viewpoint article from an author experienced in the field.

scholarly journals Searching for better business models assessment methods

2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (10) ◽  
pp. 2433-2446 ◽  
Author(s):  
José M. Mateu ◽  
Isidre March-Chorda
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Alternative Assessment ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Assessment Methods ◽  
Experimental Methodology ◽  
Wealth Creation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ex Ante ◽  
New Business

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a more useful business models assessment method than the traditional intuitive one. The paper also compares both methods, in order to display what does the intuitive assessment method really assess. Design/methodology/approach An experimental approach allows the authors to generate a set of business models, in order to assess them and to compare alternative assessment methods in a quantitative manner. Findings The work proposes a scale for ex ante business models assessment consisting on eight indicators. This provides an ex ante assessment that takes into consideration a wider range of factors than the traditional intuitive assessment. The comparison between both methods shows which factors are intuitively taken into account and which are not. Research limitations/implications The research contributes to expand the business model creation framework. Practical implications A more accurate assessment will show the most promising business models that will result in higher chances of success of new business ventures. Social implications As companies and entrepreneurs hardly have the possibility to implement more than one business model, to choose the best option becomes essential. This selection could mark the threshold between success and failure, and between wealth creation and destruction. Originality/value Little research has been conducted in a field that might be really fruitful, the field of business model ex ante assessment. The work faces the challenge using an experimental methodology that allows to broaden the range of situations to study.

Graduate students' voice and conceptions on the challenges of undertaking qualitative research within higher education context: a grounded theory approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossein Bakhshi ◽  
Hiwa Weisi ◽  
Nouroddin Yousofi
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
English Language ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Mentoring ◽  
Grounded Theory Approach

PurposeThis paper explores the challenges of conducting qualitative research from ELT (English Language Teaching) Ph.D. candidates' perspectives.Design/methodology/approachThe participants of the study consisted of 30 Iranian Ph.D. students majoring in ELT. The semi-structured interview was employed to investigate the heart of experiences, issues and concerns of participants with regard to conducting qualitative research (QLR) challenges. To analyze the collected data, the recorded interviews were transcribed, and then the grounded theory approach was employed (Charmaz, 2006).FindingsThe results revealed that the major challenges of the participants consist of the credibility of QLR in ELT contexts, hermeneutic and fuzzy nature of QLR, qualitative data analysis and interpretation, publishing qualitative findings and the system of measuring professors' productivity.Originality/valueThe findings may help professors, mainly EFL ones, in research mentoring and developing research syllabi for graduate students. In addition, it may motivate Ph.D. candidates to employ QLR methods in their research studies. The pedagogical and theoretical implications of the study are discussed at the end of the paper.

scholarly journals How leaders manage their business models using information

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brett Parnell ◽  
Merlin Stone ◽  
Eleni Aravopoulou
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Business Model ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Large Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Sector Decision ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Current Business

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the information leaders keep their organisations competitive by determining if their business model is under threat and/or needs changing and whether business model innovation is needed. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a grounded theory approach to probe an area which has been so far researched very little. Findings The paper identifies that while quality of management information affects leaders’ decisions about whether their business model is under threat or needs changing, leaders may or may not choose to use it. Research limitations/implications The research was carried out with large firms in six sectors in the UK. Research in other sectors, in smaller firms and in other countries, should be carried out to test generalisability. Practical implications Although many large firms have made very large investments into areas such as customer insight in the past few years, there may be resistance to using this information even if it indicates that a firm’s current business model is under threat, because of straightforward denial or because of the inertia associated with factors such as difficulties in changing business models or the extent to which the firm’s financial situation is based upon exploiting its current business model, no matter how much that model is under threat from firms with other business models. Therefore, in strategic reviews, firms should factor in these risks and seek to mitigate them. Social implications In public sector organisations, these risks of denial or inertia may be stronger because of conservatism and lack of willingness to take the risks of change, so public sector decision makers need to be particularly aware of these risks and seek to mitigate them. Originality/value The theoretical contribution of this research is to add to business model and strategic management literature by explaining the role that information plays in business model choice and how its role depends on whether and how the information is used by senior management.

What do stakeholders in the construction industry look for in non-financial disclosure and what do they get?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominika Hadro ◽  
Justyna Fijałkowska ◽  
Karolina Daszyńska-Żygadło ◽  
Ilze Zumente ◽  
Svetlana Mjakuškina
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Text Analysis ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Latent Dirichlet Allocation ◽  
Financial Information ◽  
Financial Disclosure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Novel Approach

Purpose This study aims to verify whether non-financial disclosure in the construction industry (CI) responds to stakeholders’ information needs and explores the most frequent topics disclosed in terms of the environmental, social and governance (ESG) pillars. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a bag-of-words method and latent Dirichlet allocation to match stakeholders’ expectations with information disclosed by companies. This paper assesses the publicly available non-financial disclosure of the 46 European CI companies covered by the Refinitiv database with ESG scores. Findings This study provides two main findings. First, it shows the mismatch between stakeholders’ information needs and what they get in non-financial reporting. Despite non-financial information in CI disclosure, the information disclosed by many CI companies does not meet their users’ information needs. CI companies commonly focus on their sustainable products and health policy while omitting other topics of interest – the circular economy, unethical business behaviour, migrant policy and human trafficking. Second, this study indicates the defects of simple disclosure analysis based on keywords and highlights the importance of context in information analysis. Practical implications The proposed novel approach to text analysis offers several practical applications. It is a more effective tool for evaluating companies’ sustainability performance. It may be especially important to ESG rating providers. Additionally, the results may be of interest to companies wishing to improve their communication, and, in particular, to regulators and standard setters in two matters. The first is the need for more pressure to increase awareness among issuers to shift from disclosing large amounts of non-financial information to disclosing good quality non-financial information, which would be appropriate for meeting stakeholders’ expectations. The second is the necessity for deepening issuers’ understanding of the diverse stakeholders’ information needs, considering the substantial differences among industries and improving communication to meet them. Originality/value This study introduces text analysis that, apart from keywords, considers the context of these keywords’ appearances in a report’s narration. It allows a significantly improved understanding of the information disclosed and a more stable grounding for reasoning, leading to better and informed decisions. Moreover, this study verifies how the information disclosed matches stakeholders’ needs. Finally, it enriches the literature on sectoral analysis concerning non-financial disclosure.

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