scholarly journals Texture Preferences of Chinese, Korean and US Consumers: A Case Study with Apple and Pear Dried Fruits

Foods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 377
Author(s):  
Runrou Wong ◽  
Seulgi Kim ◽  
Seo-Jin Chung ◽  
Mi-Sook Cho
Keyword(s):  
Textural Properties ◽  
Soft Or ◽  
Multiple Factor Analysis ◽  
Projective Mapping ◽  
Cross Cultural Differences ◽  
Melting Characteristics ◽  
Fruit Samples ◽  
Texture Transfer ◽  
Dried Fruit

The present study aimed to understand the drivers of liking dried apple and pear chips with various textures among Chinese (n = 58), Korean (n = 58), and US (n = 56) consumers. The possibility of hedonic transfer from snack texture preferences to fruit-chip texture preferences was also investigated among Chinese and Koreans. Fourteen fruit-chip samples with four textural properties (crispy, puffy, soft, and jelly-like) were selected. Consumers rated their level of liking for each sample, and then they performed hedonic-based projective mapping with the same samples. In the hedonic texture transfer investigation, consumers rated their acceptance of nine snacks with various textures but possessing similar textures to those of dried fruit samples. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and multiple factor analysis. Most consumers disliked samples with a soft or jelly-like texture, while liked samples with a crispy texture. Cross-cultural differences were observed in the liking of puffy samples, with both Chinese and Koreans liking puffy samples as much as crispy ones for their melting characteristics in the mouth, while US consumers perceived the puffy samples as being Styrofoam-like and disliked them. Hedonic transfer was observed from snack texture preferences to fruit-chip. Individual texture preferences for snacks seem to significantly affect the texture preferences for fruit chips.

scholarly journals To what extent emotion, cognition and behaviour enhance a student’s engagement: A case study on the MAJA teaching approach

2021 ◽  
pp. 147821032110320
Author(s):  
Matt M. Husain
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Cognitive Engagement ◽  
Learning Outcome ◽  
Soft Or ◽  
Final Exam ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Higher Education System ◽  
Student Aspirations ◽  
Class Environment

This empirical article problematises student engagement in today’s higher education system. The objective of this research is to stimulate a student’s behavioural, emotional and cognitive engagement. I employed an inclusive, inductive and reflexive approach and used mixed methods for collecting data from 948 volunteer participants. The preliminary findings illustrate that playing soft or lively music for a few minutes before a class as well as contextualising and delivering course content combined with enrolled students’ background, hobbies and preferences can go a long way in stimulating emotional and cognitive engagements. The findings also reveal that offering chair yoga during mid-term and/or final exam periods as well as encouraging students to hydrate can lead to increasing behavioural adjustments and then in attention and engagement. The results are encapsulated in a novel teaching framework, MAJA (meaning fun in Sanskrit) that stands for: (a) music, (b) anonymous class survey, (c) jest, and (d) aliment. The framework illuminates that when students tangibly sense a connection between a safe and comfortable class environment and course content, their participation increases and absenteeism decreases. They also promote student aspirations and accountability that facilitate critical thinking, an imperative learning outcome in higher education.

scholarly journals Soft Factor In the Implementation of Quality Management Program in Majlis Agama Islam Selangor (MAIS)

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Musaiyadah Ahmadun ◽  
Siti Arni Basir ◽  
Osman Md Rasip
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Training And Development ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Depth Information ◽  
Soft Or ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Soft Factor ◽  
Soft Factors

Many studies on the implementation of quality management programs were carried out by previous researchers. However, the study on the soft or human factors in the implementation of quality management programs is still poorly explored. Therefore, this article aims to analyze soft factors in the implementation of quality management programs at Selangor Islamic Religious Council or Majlis Agama Islam Selangor (MAIS). This study uses a qualitative method involving MAIS as a case study. Semi-structured interviews were used as a data collection method and supported by relevant documents collected from MAIS. A total of fifteen informants comprising top management and MAIS officers were interviewed to obtain in-depth information on the subjects studied. The findings reveal that there are six soft factors emerged in the implementation of quality management programs at MAIS namely leadership, training and development, teamwork, customer focus, Syura and rewards. This study demonstrates that soft factors has helped facilitate the implementation of quality management programs in MAIS. The results of this study can be used as guidance by managers in public or corporate organizatons in their efforts to implement quality management programs effectively.

A Case Study on Cross-Cultural Differences

2016 ◽  
pp. 1103-1142
Author(s):  
Semra Boga ◽  
I. Efe Efeoğlu
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Future Orientation ◽  
Turkish Population ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Business Culture ◽  
Business Partners ◽  
Cross Cultural Differences ◽  
Language Communication ◽  
Critical Location

Following the globalization trend in the world, Turkey and Belgium have become good business partners in the international arena. Belgium, with its geographically and politically critical location and high Turkish population has been a very attractive European country for Turkish investors. However, there are still Turkish companies leaving Belgium possibly due to adaptation problems to business culture in Belgium. In this chapter, cultural differences between Belgium and Turkey are investigated using qualitative research method with a single company case study. The results of the study indicate that differences between Turkish and Belgian cultures are mainly due to language, communication and relationship building styles, different level of individualism, and future orientation.

scholarly journals The analysis of Basque conflict and ETA in the 1990s: The kidnapping of Miguel Angel Blanco

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 1058
Author(s):  
Sezai Özçelik
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Analysis ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Peace Studies ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Cross Cultural Differences ◽  
Conflict Analysis And Resolution ◽  
Special Case ◽  
Shed Light ◽  
Basque Conflict

Since the fall of the Franco’s regime in Spain, the Spanish governments have been dealing with the low-intensity conflict in their country, namely the Euskadi Ta Askatusuna (ETA) attacks. This article analyzes the Basque conflict within the framework of the conflict analysis and resolution perspective. First, it highlights the conflict issues among the Basque conflict parties. Second, it clarifies the conflict issues by focusing on kidnapping and assassination done by the ETA during 1990s. The special case of Miguel Angel Blanco who was a local Basque councilman is a case study. In order to shed light on the Blanco case, it is necessary to focus the conflict resolution dynamics of the Basque conflict. Third, the paper aims to examine the Blanco case in terms of conflict issue identification, conflict issue clarification, and conflict cultural analysis perspectives. The issue identification perspective focuses on identity, face, and instrumental issues of the Basque conflict. The issue clarification perspective concentrates on two conflicting parties’ perceptions and positions in the conflict. The cultural analysis perspective mainly attempts to analyze the cross-cultural differences between ETA and the Spanish government. Based on the analysis of Miguel Angel Blanco, this study concludes that it is necessary to reframe, re-identify and re-clarify the Basque conflict within the framework of conflict and peace studies. 

scholarly journals Comparison of Conflict Management Style Between Malaysian and Thai Employees: A Case Study in Top Glove Corporation

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-220
Author(s):  
Muhammad Amsal Sahban ◽  
Qaiser Abbas
Keyword(s):  
Conflict Management ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Management Style ◽  
Task Conflict ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Test Analysis ◽  
Conflict Styles ◽  
Cross Cultural Differences ◽  
Thai Experience

Objective: This study investigated the fundamental beliefs regarding cross-cultural differences in conflict styles. Methodology: The sample consisted of 46 employees from 2 different countries between Malaysia and Thailand.   T test analysis was used to investigate the effect of conflict styles on both Malaysia and Thai employees.  Results: Findings revealed that the avoiding and compromising styles are generally the most preferred by both Malaysian and Thai employees; accommodating and collaborating are the next preference, followed by competing. Competing is preferred by Malaysian workers rather than Thai workers.  While, Thai employees use more collaborating style rather than Malaysian Employee. We also found that Thai employees rely more on comprising style than Malaysian employees do.  Finally, the meaning of three of the five styles is different from Malaysian and Thai employees: only avoiding and accommodating conflict styles are interpreted similarly by both groups.  Therefore, we conclude that both Malaysian and Thai experience higher levels of task conflict as they use more avoiding style in their workplace.  Areas for future research are considered to get a further finding of this research.

Cross-Country Analysis of Tourist Activities Based on Venue-Referenced Social Media Data

2018 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huy Quan Vu ◽  
Gang Li ◽  
Rob Law
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Surveys And Questionnaires ◽  
Social Media Data ◽  
Cross Cultural Differences ◽  
Comprehensive Information ◽  
Country Analysis ◽  
New Type ◽  
Cross Country ◽  
Media Data

Insights into the activity preferences of specific tourist groups are crucial for tourism practitioners in developing appropriate travel packages that attract tourists and meet their expectations. Tourist activities across different countries often vary depending on what these destinations can offer. Existing attempts to obtain comprehensive information on tourist activities across multiple countries often fail because of the limitations of traditional data collection approaches, which are heavily reliant on surveys and questionnaires. This study proposes to address the challenge by introducing a new type of data called venue-referenced social media data (VR-SMD), which can effectively determine various tourist activities and the temporal preferences for each activity at different destinations. We demonstrate the effectiveness of VR-SMD using a case study that focuses on Malaysian outbound travelers. Their cross-cultural differences from another travel group, namely, Thai outbound travelers, are highlighted through a comparative analysis. Analysis results provide valuable insights for various tourism applications.

Cross-Cultural Differences and Similarities in Retailers' Branding and Digital Maturity

2020 ◽  
pp. 159-175
Author(s):  
Andreas Hesse ◽  
Pieter Steenkamp ◽  
Holger J. Schmidt ◽  
Virimai V. Mugobo
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Differences ◽  
South African ◽  
Product Information ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Cross Cultural Differences ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Central Business Districts ◽  
Digital Disruption ◽  
Compare And Contrast

Digital disruption is not something that may happen in the future; it is currently happening and impacting all types of businesses, including retail. This chapter reflects cross-cultural similarities and differences. German and South African consumers increasingly use the internet to look for product information and to purchase online products and services. Nevertheless, about 25% of German and South African companies in the study sample are more or less offline, not offering even basic digital services, while a significant number of companies ignore opportunities for branding. The digital maturity and branding practices of 933 businesses located within the central business districts of two international cities of similar regional importance, namely Koblenz in Germany and Stellenbosch in South Africa, were investigated. Retailers were analysed in order to compare and contrast their progression along a digital maturity scale as well as their branding practices. The case study presented in this chapter aimed to provide a starting point for the development of such a picture.

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