Digital University-SME Interaction for Business Development

This chapter describes and discusses the role of e-learning for small and medium-sized firms' (SME) business development and does so specifically in university-SME interaction related to sparsely populated regions. It is based on the idea that e-learning may provide a valuable means for developing knowledge creation and expansion beyond its educational connotation. A university-SME interaction focusing on business development of firms in remote geographical areas provides ideas on the benefits of e-learning not only for the interaction to be realized, but for the creation of flexibility, interactivity, and the bringing down of guards among the participants. The chapter contributes to previous research through tying together ideas on e-learning, university-SME interaction and business development, and by extending the e-learning concept. Practically, the case study may function as the inspiration for further initiatives.

Revealing the Disintermediation Concept of Blockchain Technology

Typically, people have a misconception about blockchain as they associate this technology with cryptocurrency. This chapter does not focus, however, on bitcoin or cryptocurrencies that pertain to its intrinsic value. Rather, the authors focus on the disintermediation feature of blockchain technology by providing insights into how this technology could substitute for the functions and roles of the intermediary. The findings show that blockchain technology is not equipped with financing and physical distribution functions. The current research further demonstrates that most of the blockchain service providers that are listed in the Liechtenstein Blockchain Act are required to perform the traditional roles of an intermediary. Thus, blockchain technology is not found to support a full concept of disintermediation. This chapter is vital in order for existing intermediaries to gain a deeper understanding of how to analyze and optimize their existing functions and roles while adjusting their business model in the token-based economy.

Impact of Information and Communication Readiness on the Tourism Industry

This study examines the impact of ICT readiness on the tourism industry and how it leads to growing competitiveness by deploying three-panel data analysis techniques (pooled OLS, fixed effects, dynamic GMM) with 177 nations for the period 2011 to 2019. ICT readiness is gauged using the World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, whereas tourism's contribution towards economic progress is gauged by overall international traveler arrival. The observations indicate that ICT readiness causes a statistically significant effect on tourism's role in economic progress. Tourism policy effects and guidelines for future works are discussed as well.

Online Consumer Behaviors Trigger Drastic Distribution Changes

In this chapter, the author investigated the characteristics of online consumer behavior regarding the grocery retail market and their impact on retailers' distribution channel strategies. It examined the impact of recent innovations and the globalization of online technology on retail strategy. To achieve these goals, this study analyzed case studies of online consumer behavior in the Japanese online grocery market. Not only has there been a dramatic increase in sales over the last decade, but there have also been significant changes in both online technology and distribution channel strategy in this market. Underlying this transformation is the influence of Japan's characteristic online consumer behavior. Based on an empirical analysis of Japanese consumers and several case studies, this chapter predicts the future features of the online grocery market.

Customer Satisfaction on Social Media Marketing in Malaysian Hospitality Industry

Customer satisfaction plays an important role in achieving the competitive advantage and ensures to bring success to the organizations. Nowadays, people tend to use technologies in boosting the revenue of their businesses as well as to promote the products and services. Therefore, this chapter is focusing on the factors that drive the satisfactions of the customers on the social media marketing in the hospitality industry in Malaysia. The research gaps have been identified on Malaysia's customer satisfaction on social media marketing in the hospitality industry. Hence, the objective of this research is to explore three factors that influence the satisfaction level of the customers on the technologie in the social media, namely social technology approach, social media tools, and socia media engagement. Last but not least, this study will also provide the researchers and managers with strategic plan in order to enhance the business efficiency.

E-Loyalty Towards Mobile Applications in Online Food Ordering Business Model

Within the mobile commerce space across the world, a major visible trend is the usage of mobile apps in food and beverage industry. Despite the rapid interest in mobile apps and their potential marketing effects, there is limited research on the usage of mobile apps as a convincing marketing channel for online food ordering. This study used the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) as a theoretical foundation to explore the main factors influencing the customers' e-loyalty towards mobile food ordering applications in Indonesia. Quantitative methodology was used, and data from a total of 358 questionnaires were used for analysis. The findings showed that habit along with social influence, performance expectancy, and facilitating conditions has positively influenced customers' e-loyalty towards mobile food ordering apps.

Investigating Consumer Finance in Lebanon

The chapter aims to determine three research objectives: (1) ATM service quality in Lebanon measurement based on five dimensions, using the SERVQUAL model; (2) analyze and investigate customer satisfaction and loyalty of the ATM usage, during two different periods, before and after the following situations that Lebanon encountered: foreign currency shortage, commercial banks' informal capital control, and bankruptcy; and 3) assess the intention of the Lebanese to adopt Libra virtual currency. To achieve the objectives of the study, a questionnaire was distributed among bank clients in Lebanese. The results and analysis of the study have been done by comparing the means of SERVQUAL dimensions. The findings indicate that the Lebanese perspective of the banking system changed during the two different periods; however, their intention level to adopt a virtual currency is low.

Internet of Things in Online Business

Online business, just like other industries, has adopted advanced technology for business performance. Hence, the technology of internet of things (IoT) has been implemented in recent years. IoT acts as a business ecosystem by interconnecting all physical objects and systems to execute tasks efficiently. However, the extent to which customers understand and appreciated this emerging technology is understudied. The purpose of this chapter is therefore to understand the customer acceptance as well as the gratification gained and sought by them via the use of IoT technology. Based on the uses and gratification theory, this study focused on the antecedents in shaping the attitude of online consumers towards IoT applications. Furthermore, it also addresses the willingness of consumers in becoming more knowledgeable of product with the support of IoT technology.

Factors Affecting Online Consumer Buying Behavior Towards Essential Oils in Penang

The purpose of this chapter is to determine the factors influencing the online consumer buying behavior towards essential oils in Penang as there is dissonance between what the consumers want and what has been made available in the purchase of essential oils. There are four factors influencing the online consumer buying behavior that are being evaluated in this research which are brand image, price, quality, and online advertisement. Past literatures have been reviewed on the factors to understand consumers' preferences that leads to consumer buying decision. This study adopted the theory of reasoned action (TRA) as the grounded theory. Questionnaires will be used to collect consumers' response for further testing and analysis to test the relationship and strength of factor variables by using the outlined research methodology.

Strategic Analysis of the Rise and Fall of UBER in the Private Urban Transport Business

The objective of this study is to analyze the strategies for entering the private urban transport services market managed by the multinational company Uber in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area. The analysis included the growth conditions in coverage, its influence on urban mobility movements, and the decline due to competition, and finally to the 2020 pandemic. The entry of Uber to the local metropolitan area of Guadalajara market has experimented an impressive rise despite the conflicts with the traditional taxi systems of private transportation of passengers. However, the pandemic has suddenly turned down the increasing growth into a falling and decreasing phase. As a result, the analysis of this work shows the determining factors that have placed Uber as one of the leading companies within its area of influence and ends with some recommendations on the conflicts that the firm presents when entering a new market location.