scholarly journals A Governance Framework to Assist with the Adoption of Sensing Technologies in Construction

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 260
Author(s):  
Mona Arabshahi ◽  
Di Wang ◽  
Yufei Wang ◽  
Payam Rahnamayiezekavat ◽  
Weichen Tang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Influence Factors ◽  
Adoption Process ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Governance Framework ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Visual Sensing ◽  
Sensing Technology

Sensing technologies present great improvements in construction performance including the safety, productivity, and quality. However, the corresponding applications in real projects are far behind compared with the academically research. This research aims to discover dominate influence factors in the sensing technologies adoption and ultimately develop a governance framework facilitating adoption processes. The framework is dedicated on general sensing technologies rather than single sensor in previous framework studies. To begin with, the influence factors of sensing technologies and other similar emerging technologies are summarised through a review. Then, a mixed methods design was employed to collect quantitative data through an online survey, and qualitative data through semi-structured interviews. Findings of the quantitative method reveal that the most widely implemented sensing technologies are GPS and visual sensing technology, but they’re still not adopted by all construction companies. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling reveals that supplier characteristics have the highest effect in all influence factors. Qualitative method was adopted to investigate perceptions of construction stakeholders on the major decision-making considerations in the adoption process. Ultimately, a triangulation analysis of findings from the literature review, online survey and interviews resulted in the governance framework development. The overarching contribution of this research focus on the general adoption of sensing technologies rather than the adoption of a specific sensor. Therefore, the governance framework can assist with the decision-making process of any sensing technology adoption in construction.

Examining the factors influencing adoption of over the top (OTT) services among Indian consumers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Som Sekhar Bhattacharyya ◽  
Shaileshwar Goswami ◽  
Raunak Mehta ◽  
Bishwajit Nayak
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Adoption Process ◽  
Media Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Content Quality ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Over The Top

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and predict the key factors that influenced the usage intention of over the top (OTT) services by consumers. This was done by applying the modified unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2) model. Design/methodology/approach An online survey questionnaire assessed the proposed motivational factors for the adoption of OTT services. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were conducted on collected data (n = 598) to demonstrate the reliability and validity of the measurement and structural model. Findings The model consisted of nine factors, namely, value expectancy (VE), ease of effort (EE), social influence (SI), favourable infrastructure conditions (FIC), hedonistic motivation for usage (HMU), favourable economic position (FEP), content quality (CQ), habitual behaviour (HB) and security conditions (SC). SC, VE, SI, HB and EE were the antecedent variables. FEP, CQ and FIC were the mediating variables and HMU was the dependant variable. SI and CQ of OTT services were positively associated with HMU of OTT services, FEP had no significant effects on HMU. The results also supported the explanatory strength and predictability of UTAUT2 as a model. It further extended UTAUT2 boundaries and paved the way for an extended UTAUT2 model to be developed. Originality/value The promising role of OTT services in the entertainment and media industry had gained consumer attention, however, limited empirical investigations had been conducted on explicating how user attitude and usage intention were shaped regarding the use of OTT services in the Indian context. This study served as one of the first attempts to empirically examine the adoption process, with implications for the HMU regarding OTT services. This was one of the first studies to extend the UTAUT2 theoretical model.

An Exploratory Study of Business to Business (B2B) Brand Sensitivity - How do brands influence a German hospital’s buying decision-making process.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Kristin Kaminski
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Influence Factors ◽  
German Hospital ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Brand Values ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Industrial Markets ◽  
Brand Sensitivity ◽  
B2b Branding

Historically branding was seen as having limited significance for organisations in industrial markets (Saunders & Watt, 1979). Research in the 1990s began to challenge this earlier view and delivered evidence of B2B’s branding relevance (Leek & Christodoulides, 2012; Veloutsou & Taylor, 2012) but still there is a lack of understanding when brands are the most significant in the context of B2B (Zablah, Brown, & Donthu, 2010). The researcher set out to investigate the B2B brand sensitivity in buying units of German hospitals. This required two prime investigations and analysis, to gain knowledge of the factors influencing brand sensitivity when buying medical devices. The researcher approached the investigation from a constructivist paradigm perspective and decided that a sector level case study approach of German hospitals was the most suitable method in order to explore in depth different aspects of the process and to get a comprehensive view of the situation (Yin, 2013). To gain ‘outsider’ research, qualitative semi-structured interviews have been the research method adopted, in order to understand why and how the situation occurred (Guba & Lincoln, 2005). The thesis highlights the role of brands in the context of organisational buying and provides guidance when brand sensitivity is present. In addition, B2B branding theory is enhanced and the managerial implications for managers in the medical device industry have been developed. The key findings of the thesis include the different participants in the buying unit of a German hospital and the influence factors for buying centre composition. Furthermore, the key findings show the factors that influence the decision making of a German hospital, and the parameters that have an influence on brand sensitivity are displayed. It is recommended to invest in branding strategies if the respective purchase decision is characterized by such a situation or the outlined brand values are required.

scholarly journals Smallholder: an inconvenient label in the adoption of water pumping technologies?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Carlo Intriago Zambrano ◽  
Ruben van Dijk ◽  
Martin van Beusekom ◽  
Jan-Carel Diehl ◽  
Maurits W. Ertsen
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Q Methodology ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
External Support ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Adoption Process ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Water Pumping

<p>Use of water pumping technologies (WPTs) to drive pressurized systems in smallholder irrigation schemes is one of the key interventions to secure water, hence to increase yields and to potentially alleviate poverty, as well as to foster local and global good security. Whichever the chosen WPT, smallholders face many decision-making variables when considering them: finances, information, technical performance, ease of use, market characteristics, and even environmental concerns are amongst them. We will present evidence that suggests that the way smallholders deal with those factors cannot be predicted based on mere land size-based classifications that are used in many existing policy studies and actual policies. As there are not many specific studies that focus on understanding the influence that the aforementioned variables, directly and indirectly, have on smallholders’ adoption of WPTs, we conducted field work in three different contexts—Nepal, Indonesia and Malawi—to identify the multidimensional gaps and relations between farmer and technology.</p><p>Due to the nature of the study, which comprised several (subjective) variables across a number of contexts and individuals, a triangulation of data collection techniques (e.g. direct observations, semi-structured interviews, surveys) was preferred. The main research method was Q-methodology, an increasingly popular inverted technique of factor analysis that combines the strengths of qualitative and quantitative research. Furthermore, one of its main advantages is that representativeness of the subjectivity does not depend on large samples of respondents but rather on their diversity.</p><p>By this process, it became evident that clustering farmers under the “smallholders” label—in line with the traditional farm size-based approach—did not reflect their heterogeneity in the WPTs’ adoption process. As a matter of fact, some smallholders are willing (and able, at times) to make substantial investments in WPTs for agricultural irrigation, thus moving away from the “external support-reliant-farmer” image. In conclusion, smallholder’s behaviour, thus decision making, is highly contextualized and cannot be underpinned by solely and simplistically looking at the holding size.</p>

scholarly journals Knowledge Management Practice in Two Australian Architecture-Engineering-Construction (AEC) Companies

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Zou
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Construction Operations ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Decision Making Problem

Knowledge management (KM) could be described as a management system that supports the creation, sharing and retrieving of valued information, expertise and insight within and across communities of people and related organizations using information and communication technologies and hence it is a combination of the effective application of information technlogy and management of human resources. KM is becoming a core competitive factor in construction operations. This paper presents the results of two case studies of KM practices in large AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) companies through desk-top study and semi-structured interviews. The results indicate that implementing KM in AEC companies leads to competitive advantages and improved decision-making, problem solving and business performance. The results also indicateed that while technology plays an important role, top management commitment, total employee involvement, performance assessment and the culture of knowledge-learning and sharing must be considered when implementing KM. Therefore it is suggested that the implementation of KM should incorporate the company's vision, work processes, technology and culture, to improve the ability of knowledge creating, capturing, sharing, retrieving and ultimately, to improve the company's competitive advantage, decision making, problem solving and innovation.

The influence of fashion blogger credibility, engagement and homophily on intentions to buy and e-WOM. Results of a binational study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giada Mainolfi ◽  
Donata Tania Vergura
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Adoption Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fashion Products ◽  
Binational Study ◽  
Positive Word Of Mouth ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe study aims to contribute to the knowledge on the role of the fashion bloggers in the product adoption process in both advanced and emerging markets. Specifically, the study investigates the impact of credibility, engagement and homophily on intentions to buy fashion products recommended by the blogger.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical research builds on an online survey with a sample of 402 consumers (189 Italian and 213 Taiwanese). The proposed model was tested through structural equation modeling.FindingsResults showed that homophily and the fashion blogger credibility positively influenced the engagement within the blog. Moreover, perceived similarity with the other blog's followers (homophily) and a higher engagement with the blog both translated in a stronger intention to buy the sponsored products and to spread a positive word-of-mouth about the fashion blogger.Practical implicationsThe study has practical implications since it identifies strategic suggestions for both companies that create partnerships with famous fashion bloggers and bloggers who have turned their diary-style websites into a business.Originality/valueThe study contributes to a better understanding of the influence exerted by blog engagement on intentions to follow blogger's recommendations. The study also examines credibility and homophily as antecedents of engagement, which have not been extensively researched in the past with respect to blogs.

Understanding the emergence of wearable devices as next-generation tools for health communication

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 717-732 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eunil Park ◽  
Ki Joon Kim ◽  
Sang Jib Kwon
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Wearable Devices ◽  
Motivational Factors ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Adoption Process ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify motivational factors for using wearable healthcare devices and examine the process by which these factors are integrated with the technology acceptance model (TAM) and contribute to the adoption of the devices. Design/methodology/approach An online survey assessed the proposed motivational factors for the adoption of wearable healthcare devices. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were conducted on collected data (n=877) to demonstrate the reliability and validity of the measurement and structural model. Findings Perceived control and interactivity of wearable healthcare devices as well as users’ innovative tendencies are positively associated with usage intention, while perceived cost has no significant effects on user intention to use the devices. The results also supported the explanatory strength and predictability of TAM. Originality/value Although the promising role of wearable devices in healthcare industries has gained much consumer attention, limited empirical investigations have been conducted on explicating how user attitude and usage intention are shaped regarding the devices. This study serves as one of the first attempts to empirically examine the adoption process, with implications for the future usage of wearable technology in the healthcare context.

Agriculture value chain sustainability during COVID-19: an emerging economy perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sneha Kumari ◽  
V.G. Venkatesh ◽  
Eric Deakins ◽  
Venkatesh Mani ◽  
Sachin Kamble
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Relational Governance ◽  
Supply Chain Disruptions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Impact

PurposeAgriculture value chains (AVCs) have experienced unprecedented disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, with lockdowns and stringent social distancing restrictions making buying and selling behaviours complex and uncertain. This study aims provide a theoretical framework describing the stakeholder behaviours that arise in severely disrupted value chains, which give rise to inter-organisational initiatives that impact industry sustainability.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods approach is adopted, in which uncertainty theory and relational governance theory and structured interviews with 15 AVC stakeholders underpin the initial conceptual model. The framework is empirically validated via partial least squares structural equation modelling using data from an online survey of 185 AVC stakeholders based in India.FindingsThe findings reveal that buyer and supplier uncertainty created by the COVID-19 lockdowns gives rise to behaviours that encourage stakeholders to engage in relational governance initiatives. Progressive farmers and other AVC stakeholders welcome this improved information sharing, which encourages self-reliance that positively impacts agricultural productivity and sustainability.Practical implicationsThe new framework offers farmers and other stakeholders in developing nations possibilities to sustain their AVCs even in dire circumstances. In India, this also requires an enabling ecosystem to enhance smallholders' marketing power and help them take advantage of recent agricultural reforms.Originality/valueResearch is scarce into the impact of buyer and seller behaviour during extreme supply chain disruptions. This study applies relational governance and uncertainty theories, leading to a proposed risk aversion theory.

Examining the Trust-Based Consumer Decision-Making Model for Online Purchases in Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 41-62
Author(s):  
Syed Afzal Moshadi Shah ◽  
Muhammad Shujjah-Ul-Islam Jadoon ◽  
Muhammad Tahir ◽  
Jamil Anwar
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Consumer Decision Making ◽  
Consumer Decision ◽  
Negatively Associated ◽  
Decision Making Model

This paper empirically examines the trust-based consumer decision-making model in the context of a collectivist country (i.e., Pakistan). The target population of the study was the general retail consumers recruited through online survey. A total of 396 valid responses were analyzed using structural equation modeling in Smart PLS. The study reports average variance extracted, composite reliability, Cronbach alpha, and path coefficients. The results confirm that trust and benefits are positively associated with purchase intention while perceived risk is negatively associated with consumer trust. The study also reports some unique findings like information quality is found positively associated with both trust and perceived risk. Also perceived privacy protection is found negatively associated with trust and positively with risk. The study lays down a foundation for subsequent studies to further explore the phenomena. The study is the first of its kind that has examined this model in Pakistan and proposes some useful theoretical, practical, and policy-making implications.

Explaining Marriage Payments

Hawwa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1-3) ◽  
pp. 90-143
Author(s):  
Jihan Safar
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Statistical Data ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Economic Factors ◽  
Economic Aspects ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Highly Educated ◽  
Main Factors

AbstractThe high amount of mahr paid by the groom to the bride, among other marriage payments, constitutes a real burden for young Omanis today. This article sheds light on the main factors and motives that determine the amount of the mahr. Paradoxically, new consumerist desires, more highly educated women, and “love marriages” seem to coincide inversely with rising marriage payments. Modernization variables, such as women’s education and exogamous marriages, are not decreasing the mahr as predicted by theories of modernization, nor is institutional regulation effectively decreasing the amount. Beyond its economic aspects, mahr needs to be situated in its social, political, and cultural dimensions to better understand the complexity and variability of this institution. This article answers fundamental questions about how the mahr amount is fixed and negotiated between families in Oman.The study was carried out in Oman in 2016. Thirty-nine semi-structured interviews were conducted in different areas of the country in order to give firsthand information on the evolution, motives, perceptions, experiences, attitudes, and mechanisms related to matrimonial decision-making and familial strategies during the mahr bargaining. In addition to ethnographic research, a general online survey was conducted to provide statistical data on the main economic and non-economic factors that determine the mahr amount.

Attitudes towards risk and decision-making within local government

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mairead Grimley ◽  
Kevin John Burnard
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Involvement ◽  
Local Authority ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThis case study aims to explore the perceptions and attitudes towards risk within a UK local authority and the subsequent effects on decision-making. Through a qualitative analysis of both primary and secondary data, this study advances current understanding of the complex relationships between risk and decision-making. The study concludes by suggesting how local governments may better provide value to constituents.Design/methodology/approachThis research follows a single case study approach. Data were collected through both a focused online survey and semi-structured interviews. Respondents were selected through purposive sampling in order to capture direct insights and understanding of the concepts under consideration. The study focuses on a single local authority within the UK.FindingsBuilding on extant literature, this case study highlights both the individual and organisational considerations towards risk perception. Following the analysis of collected data, the study highlights the influence of risk aversion and public involvement within decision-making.Originality/valueBy aiming to improve and advance understanding of risk and decision-making in a local authority setting, the relevance of this research may be wider than internal organisational structures. The study provides recommendations for further research towards facilitating the inclusion of the citizen within decision-making processes.

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