Improving awareness of energy conservation: Rocky Mountain City

Purpose The purpose of this research project was to improve public awareness to improve public awareness of the importance of energy conservation and to improve the use of simple conservation strategies. A thorough evaluation of the net gain from the numerous energy campaigns rolled out to the public every year is lacking. This study conducted pre- and post-campaign surveys and focus groups to evaluate one campaign’s impact on self-reported energy behaviors. Design/methodology/approach The campaign used television public service announcements and a website to improve awareness of the city’s efforts to conserve energy and to increase individual energy conservation practices. Focus groups (n = 40) were used to identify common barriers to conservation, and pre- and post-surveys (n = 533, 479) were conducted to evaluate the campaign’s effectiveness. Findings Results indicated that the campaign increased positive changes in changing light bulbs and confidence in taking action to turn down thermostats, unplug devices and turn off lights. While follow-up research is needed on the precise mechanism of the psychological process at work, the findings are consistent with the concepts of self and response efficacy as needed components of any behavior change. The authors advocate the adoption of research-informed message design to maximize communication campaign effects. Originality/value This paper demonstrates how the combination of three prominent persuasion theories can be used to develop behavior change campaigns. Also, it is one of the few studies to evaluate the effectiveness of the Energy Star campaign.

TrueFootprint, Ltd.: a case study in the use of SME innovation to combat the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose This case study aims to explore the efforts of a small start-up company, whose unique solutions are being deployed in the fight against COVID-19, with encouraging results. Using innovative technology and local volunteer networks, they have set out to identify the medical needs of local care providers, while reducing the effects of fraud, corruption and mis-management. Design/methodology/approach This case study involved the interrogation of data made available by the company and an interview with the chief executive officer. Findings The research suggests that small enterprises can have a positive impact, far beyond what either the state or the market might assume. By properly equipping and empowering people at the grassroots level, they can identify and solve local resourcing issues and root-out fraud, corruption and mismanagement before they happen. Originality/value This is a unique approach to the problem of resource management in the non-profit sector, with implications for grant projects beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

The relationship between academic integrity of online university students and its effects on academic performance and learning quality

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the relationship between academic integrity of online university students and its effects on academic performance and learning quality. The first hypothesis aimed to see if there is statistically significant relationship between academic honesty of students taking online classes and their apparent academic performance. The second hypothesis aimed to see if there is a statistically significant difference in academic integrity among male and female students. The third hypothesis aimed to see if there was a statistically significant relationship between academic honesty of students and their quality of learning. Design/methodology/approach This is a quantitative study; data was collected via student emails from 155 active online university students. Findings There was a positive linear relationship for the first hypothesis, the relationship is relatively weak as the value of Pearson correlation was (0.172). For the second hypothesis, the results showed that there was no significant difference between males and females. The results for the third hypothesis showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between academic integrity of students taking online classes and academic learning quality. This relationship is relatively strong. Research limitations/implications The sample size may have been a limitation for generalizing the results. Practical implications As a practical implication, authors recommend that education administrators focus on training their faculty members to stress and instill strong ethical values, such as academic integrity and honesty, in their students all throughout their academic journey. Social implications As for social implication, the embracing of ethical values in students, graduates may continue to embrace such values in the workplace which may lead to more reputable and profitable work environment where the society at large benefits. Originality/value This research is among the pioneers that attempted to study the connection of academic integrity and learning quality from the students’ perspective.

Antecedent of lack of proficiency and the need for an automated financial plan for the course entrepreneurship creativity and innovation

Purpose This study aims to analyze antecedents of students’ lack of proficiency (in preparing financial statements, cash flow statements, cost volume profit analysis and budgeting) and the need for an automated financial plan (AFP) for the course entrepreneurship creativity and innovation within Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in Oman. Design/methodology/approach The study used a set of four instrument items containing questionnaires to measure the variables in this study. A cross-sectional study was carried out at various universities and colleges in Oman during the year 2020, comprising 174 students from different majors. The results were analyzed using structural equation modelling-partial least squares. Findings The findings of the study suggest that the students in the universities and colleges should be educated and facilitated to enable them to gain more knowledge in finance/accounting through an AFP and, thus, warrants preparation of fair financial estimation for their innovative business project. A majority of students strongly support the need for implementing an AFP for their compulsory course, entrepreneurship creativity and innovation in HEIs in Oman. Research limitations/implications This research is restricted to AFPs for the students in Oman who study the course entrepreneurship creativity and innovation. It is recommended that future study may extend to automated business plans for the students to improve their practical knowledge pertinent to the readiness of Omani students, as well as to give material transformation of internal environments in HEIs. Practical implications Unique AFP for university and college students for their compulsory course, entrepreneurship creativity and innovation provide important resources for policymakers responsible for HEIs, allowing them to improve the quality of preparing a financial plan for their innovative business ideas and new business start-ups. Originality/value There has been little discussion about the need for an AFP for the students who study the course entrepreneurship creativity and innovation. This study analyzes accounting standards as antecedents about students’ lack of proficiency towards an AFP for the course entrepreneurship creativity and innovation of universities and colleges in Oman which tries to fill this gap in the existing research. Hence, this study is considered as a novel approach that has not been broadly discussed in the earlier research.

The ethical implications of 4IR

Purpose This paper aims to highlight the ethical implications of the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), for humanity. It proposes a virtues approach to resolving ethical dilemmas. Design/methodology/approach The research is based on a review of the relevant literature and empirical evidence for how AI is impacting individuals and society. It uses a taxonomy of human attributes against which potential harms are evaluated. Findings The technologies of the 4IR are being adopted at a fast pace, posing numerous ethical dilemmas. This study finds that the adoption of these technologies, driven by an Enlightenment view of progress, is diminishing key aspects of humanity – moral agency, human relationships, cognitive acuity, freedom and privacy and the dignity of work. The impact of AI algorithms is also shown, in particular, is shown to be distorting the view of reality and threatening democracy, in part due to the asymmetry of power between Big Tech and users. To enable humanity to be masters of technology, rather than controlled by it, a virtues-based approach should be used to resolve ethical dilemmas, rather than utilitarian ethics. Research limitations/implications Further investigation is required to provide more empirical evidence of the harms to humanity of some 4IR technologies cited, such as virtual and augmented reality, manipulative algorithms and toy robots on children and adults and the reality of re-skilling where jobs are lost through automation. Practical implications This paper provides a framework for evaluating the impact of some 4IR technologies of humanity and an approach to resolving ethical dilemmas. Social implications Most of the concerns surrounding 4IR technologies, and in particular AI, tend to focus on human rights issues. This paper shows that there are other significant harms to what it means to be a human being from 4IR technologies that will have a profound impact on society if not adequately addressed. Originality/value The author is not aware of any other work that uses taxonomy of AI applications and their different impacts on humanity. The proposal to use virtues as a means to resolve ethical dilemmas is also novel in regard to AI.