Business Commons^™

Using A Virtual Computing Laboratory To Foster Collaborative Learning For Information Security And Information Technology Education, Abdullah Konak, Michael R. Bartolacci

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

Virtual computer laboratories have been an excellent technological solution to the problem of providing students with hands-on experimentation in information technology fields such as information security in a cost effective and secure manner. A virtual computer laboratory was utilized in this work as a collaborative environment for student learning with the goal of measuring its effect on student learning and attitudes toward laboratory assignments. Experiments were carried out utilizing specially-designed computer-based laboratory activities that included student assessments and surveys upon their completion. The experiments involved both small groups and individual students completing their respective laboratory activities and subsequent assessments/surveys. …

The Impact Of Mobile Technology On Micro And Small Enterprises In Zimbabwe In The Post-Hyperinflation Economic Era, Gamuchirai B. Perekwa, Tania Prinsloo, Jp Van Deventer

The African Journal of Information Systems

This paper investigates the impact of mobile technology on Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the developing world in the post-hyperinflation era. Data was collected from a multi-staged sample of 114 MSE owners within the capital province of Zimbabwe, namely Harare. The data was collected and analysed using descriptive quantitative survey methods, which comprised of hard-copy questionnaires, structured interviews and online questionnaires.

The findings suggest that mobile technology has incremental, transformational and production influence on MSEs in Zimbabwe. The findings show that mobile technology amplifies communication and relations with customers, MSE’s productivity and MSE’s revenues. Mobile technology is also spurring …

Social Media Marketing Communications Effect On Attitudes Among Millennials In South Africa, Rodney G. Duffett Mr, Myles Wakeham Dr

The African Journal of Information Systems

Online interpersonal interaction and communication has become an important aspect of social activities, especially among Millennials (young adults). However, the African continent has the lowest Internet access across the globe, but the development and rapid adoption of mobile technology has led to a major increase in the usage of Internet and new online Information and Communications Technology (ICT) channels, which are collectively referred to as social media. Social media platforms have become an integral part of everyday life and marketing communications via these digital channels has become one of the latest trends in South Africa (SA). The most commonly used …

Exploring The Impact Of Information And Communication Technology (Ict) On Intermediation Market Structure In The Microfinance Industry, Frederick Riggins, David Weber

The African Journal of Information Systems

The microfinance industry provides financial services to the world’s poor in hopes of moving individuals and families out of poverty. In 2013 there were 4.7 million active microfinance borrowers in Africa. This represents a smaller percentage of the population compared to other regions of the world, indicating the potential for rapid growth of microfinance in Africa. However, microfinance is maturing, in part due to the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs). This research examines how ICTs are changing the microfinance industry given recent advancements in mobile banking, Internet usage, and connectivity. By examining the microfinance market structure, we determine …

Impact Of Country Personality On Attitude Toward Foreign Products : Self-Congruity As A Mediator, Murat Aktan, Paul W. Chao

Atlantic Marketing Journal

This research examines the direct effect of country personality (CP) on consumer product attitude and indirect effect through consumer self-congruity between CP and his/her own self-concept on product attitude in an emerging country- Turkey. We propose an integrated structural equation model to examine the relationships. Measurement scales for CP, self-congruity and attitude are developed whose validities and reliabilities are confirmed by exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analyses with data collected from a sample of consumers in Turkey on two countries: USA and China.

The results reveal that four out of the original six dimensions of CP remain after a …

E-Wom Intentions Towards Social Media Messages, Soyoung Kim, Briana Martinez, Clair Sinclair Mcclure, Soo Hyun Kim

Atlantic Marketing Journal

This study investigated the influence of a consumer’s online shopping motivation, attitude, and electronic word of mouth (eWOM) intention towards two social media messages while accounting for social media involvement. Using a fictitious brand and social media messages, data were collected through a snowballing technique by distributing a structured questionnaire on social media sites. It was found that a positive attitude toward task messages was influenced by both utilitarian and hedonic shopping motivations while attitude toward socioemotional messages were influenced solely by hedonic. Also, eWOM intention for both messages was influenced by attitude. Social media involvement had no moderating effect …

Engagement And The Moderating Role Of Presence Within A Video Game Experience, Stef G. Nicovich, Silvia L. Martin

Atlantic Marketing Journal

Abstract

This study looks to explore the role presence plays in the link between narrative comprehension and engagement. To explore these relationships we will first present an overview of presence research to date, followed by an exploration of narrative engagement with an emphasis on narrative comprehension. We then test these relationships within the context of a video game experience and present results and implications for researchers.

In order to test these relationships we devised an experiment using a popular computer game. The above research questions were tested by running a moderated regression where the degree of narrative comprehension was regressed …

A Further Empirical Investigation Into “Up To” Advertising Claims: The “As Low As” Claim, Jeffrey S. Gutenberg, James M. Quinn

Atlantic Marketing Journal

For many years the Federal Trade Commission has sought to prevent deceptive advertising under Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. The FTC’s focus has encompassed not only false advertising claims, but also advertising claims that, while literally true, tend to deceive consumers. “Up to” claims fall under this scrutiny since they can be misunderstood as promising consumer benefits (e.g. “up to 50% savings”) that might not be realized by all consumers. This paper presents the results of research conducted with 600+ members of a commercial consumer panel to evaluate a variant of this type of claim, the “As …

Loyalty Program In The Alcohol Beverage Industry: A Preliminary Look, Lilian Garzon, D. Christopher Taylor

Atlantic Marketing Journal

In the United States the alcoholic beverage industry has created one of the largest markets in the world. Alcohol is a taxed and well-regulated product most profitable for large chain retailers who continuously dominate the industry. This research paper reports the story of loyalty programs throughout the beverage industries. Additionally, by analyzing a database of 107 top alcohol beverage retailers, this research paper provides a profile of the market trends for alcohol beverage retailers in the United States. Secondly, this research aims to shed light on how loyalty programs form a part of the current market trends in the alcohol …

Investigating The Ichthus (Fish) Christianity Symbol On Perceived Source Credibility Of Service Providers Under Different Service Evaluation Contexts, Jeri L. Jones, Mahmood Shandiz

Atlantic Marketing Journal

ABSTRACT

This study investigated potential consumer responses to the display of the Christian fish symbol (Ichthus) used in mock advertisements of services high in credence, experience and search attributes. Discussions from earlier research propose consumers may exhibit different reactions to Christian symbolism displayed in the marketplace and that purchase intentions and consumer perceptions of the seller may be influenced by the strength of the consumer’s religious beliefs. This study adds to previous research proposing consumers display different purchase intentions due to differing perceptions of the seller’s credibility, trustworthiness and expertise influenced by the consumers own religious beliefs which is influenced …

Trial-Attitude Formation In Green Product Evaluations, Christy Ashley, Jason D. Oliver, James E. Zemanek

Atlantic Marketing Journal

How do merchandising and trial affect consumer responses to green products? To respond to this question, the authors use expectancy-value theory as a conceptual framework and evaluate the product-trial attitude formation process for environmentally friendly products in two experimental studies. The results show that addressing quality concerns and segmenting customers based on their environmental values may help increase adoption and positive word-of-mouth surrounding environmentally friendly products. Further, hands-on trials and exclusive communications and displays may help overcome explicit beliefs about poor green product quality and increase green product adoption intentions.

Consumer Preferences Among Low-Price Guarantee Offers, Stephen Baglione, Louis A. Tucci, James A. Talaga

Atlantic Marketing Journal

The competitive realities of the marketplace forces retailers to consider implementing low-price guarantees. Given that retailers will use low-price guarantees, which of the multitude of guarantees should be used? This paper examines the nature of low-price guarantees from the perspective of how consumers make trade-offs in different low-price guarantee designs. Using conjoint analysis, buyers indicate their preference for different low-price guarantee designs. Not all consumers respond to low-price guarantees the same. There are several segments of consumers with regard to low-price guarantees. The study was done with young adults (MBA students) who may be more sophisticated than the population as …

The Role Of Consumer Susceptibility To Interpersonal Influence In Predicting Green Apparel Consumption Behavior Of American Youth, Amrut Sadachar, Arpita Khare, Srikant Manchiraju

Atlantic Marketing Journal

In recent years, considering that consumers are giving more importance to their role and consequence with regards to social and environmental implication of their consumption decisions, there has been increase in ethical consumption research. However, to date, the role of individual susceptibility to interpersonal influence and other relevant factors (e.g., environmental apparel knowledge) have not been studied. Therefore, the present study explored several critical constructs related to green apparel consumption including consumer susceptibility to interpersonal influence (CSII). The present study focused on American youth (n = 1,049). Based on extant literature review, a hypothesized model was proposed. To test …

2016 - The Twenty-First Annual Symposium Of Student Scholars

Symposium of Student Scholars Program Books

The full program book from the Twenty-first Annual Symposium of Student Scholars, held on April 21, 2016. Includes abstracts from the presentations and posters.

Setting The Stage For Individual Ambidexterity In Organizations: The Effects Of Context And Individual Regulatory Mode On Explorative And Exploitative Behavior, Fernando Garcia

Doctor of Business Administration Dissertations

In response to changing customer demands and increasing competition, companies must balance the need to exploit their current capabilities with the need to explore new capabilities to sustain long-term success. Balancing this duality is at the core of the ambidexterity concept. While ambidexterity research mostly has focused at the firm level of analysis, recent literature indicates the need to analyze the concept at the individual level to increase our understanding of where ambidexterity takes place and how it emerges from context. Understanding the dynamics of the ambidexterity phenomenon at its most basic level will provide organizations with knowledge on how …

Transforming Services: A Year Of Investigating User-Centered Marketing Strategies And Information Literacy Programming For Graduate Students, Lisa M. Martin, Porcia N. Vaughn

Transforming Libraries for Graduate Students

The University of Houston (UH) is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university that strives to serve more than 7,000 graduate and professional students. Graduate students have been historically underserved by the UH Libraries, however, in recent years the Libraries have made expanding services to graduate students a strategic initiative. UH Library administration has designated targeting specific user groups, including graduate students, with revitalized marketing and innovative programing a high priority.

Two project teams were established within the Liaison Services Department to investigate the role of liaison services in graduate education. Project Team 1 investigated best practices for marketing existing …

The Business Value Of Cloud Computing In South Africa, Kevin Allan Johnston Prof, Muzaffar Loot Mr, Maxine P. Esterhuyse Miss

The African Journal of Information Systems

Cloud computing is a prominent trend in the field of Information Technology (IT). Existing research presents the benefits and challenges of cloud computing, however few articles take a corporate approach. Moreover, considering that cloud computing provides numerous benefits, no research has aided the understanding of the business value associated with the technology and the context within which benefits and barriers are realised. The issues in South Africa make it difficult to prove the business value of cloud computing.

The aim of this paper is to provide insight into the business value of cloud computing using qualitative evidence extracted from an …

A Framework To Manage Sensitive Information During Its Migration Between Software Platforms, Olusegun Ademolu Ajigini, John Andrew Van Der Poll, Jan H. Kroeze Phd

The African Journal of Information Systems

Software migrations are mostly performed by organisations using migration teams. Such migration teams need to be aware of how sensitive information ought to be handled and protected during the implementation of the migration projects. There is a need to ensure that sensitive information is identified, classified and protected during the migration process.

This paper suggests how sensitive information in organisations can be handled and protected during migrations, by using the migration from proprietary software to open source software to develop a management framework that can be used to manage such a migration process. The research employed a sequential explanatory mixed …

Perceptions Of Information And Communications Technology (Ict) For Instructional Delivery At A University: From Technophobic To Technologically Savvy, Desmond Wesley Govender Dr, Lockias Chitanana Mr

The African Journal of Information Systems

Changing academics’ perceptions of information and communications technology (ICT) in developing countries has always been a challenge. A university in Zimbawe has witnessed an about-turn in lecturers’ perceptions and beliefs about technology, from being negative (technophobic) to positive (technologically savvy) users of technology. This paper reports on the interplay of factors that resulted in lecturers’ buy-in to the use of e-learning as a mode of instructional delivery. The study employed actor network theory (ANT) as both a methodological and analytical framework to trace the trajectory of the e-learning programme at this university. The conspicuous actors were followed using questionnaires, participant …

The Role Of Educational Technology In Design And Delivery Of Curricula Programmes: A Case Of Steps At A University Of Technology, Patient Rambe Dr

The African Journal of Information Systems

While Universities of Technologies (UoTs) regard the adoption of educational technology for the creation of effective learning environments as one of their defining features, there is limited research on these universities’ innovative use of technologies to transform their curricula design and delivery. This research explores the extent to which educational technology has been integrated into the implementation of new and recurriculated educational programmes under the Strategic Transformation of Educational Programmes and Structures (STEPS) at a UoT. The research employed document analysis and interview data from middle level managers (Deans), curriculum designers and educational technologists. The findings suggest that, except for …

Understanding The Impact Of Information Quality On Customer Relationship Management, Dana Eckerle Harrison

Doctor of Business Administration Dissertations

Information represents a valuable firm resource. The quality of this resource can benefit or adversely impact social and/or economic outcomes within the organization. Previous studies predominately establish that a global measure of information quality has a positive relationship with the success of technology adoption. But there is limited understanding of the impact of information quality on outcomes other than technology adoption.

This study investigates the multi-dimensional aspect of information quality and advances the proposition that it acts as a strategic success factor to customer relationship performance. Specifically, this study explores information as a resource for the firm and suggests that …

Public Finance And Tax Equity In The Arabian Gulf Monarchies, Timothy Mathews

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

This study examines notions of public finance equity in the six Arabian Gulf monarchies of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Because of unique characteristics of government expenditures and revenues in these monarchies, many of the standard concepts of public finance (such as the Benefits Principle, Ability-to-Pay Principle, Vertical Equity, and Horizontal Equity) do not provide relevant insights. Consequently, four innovative notions of equity are reviewed and discussed: Within Group Horizontal Equity; Within Group Vertical Equity; Favored Group Horizontal Equity; and Favored Group Vertical Equity. Finally, these four conceptions of equity are applied to a …

Reflective Ethical Decision: A Model For Ethics In Accounting Education, Sandria S. Stephenson

Faculty Articles

This conceptual paper describes a Reflective Ethical Decision Model (REDM), which uses the underpinnings of philosophical humanism in collaboration with self-directed learning to help students determine and design their own personal model construct of ethical values. This model analyzes the necessary ingredients for applying ethics in accounting and business education and offers a hands-on pedagogical approach to the ethics curriculum. It is an illustration students can use to reflect on personal orientations toward ethical behavior and lifelong values. The rationale for proffering such an approach is the notion that the operational orientations that guide human behavior are not fully developed …

We Want To Do It Our Way: The Neutralisation Approach To Managing Information Systems Security By Small Businesses, Kennedy Njenga, Pierre Jordaan

The African Journal of Information Systems

Small businesses thrive in the developing economy of South Africa and address the important issue of unemployment and poverty that exists in the country. A large number of these businesses can be found in the province of Gauteng due to the large and diverse economic contribution the province delivers to the economy of South Africa. With the increased use of Information Systems (IS) by small businesses across the Gauteng province and in South Africa generally, there is increasingly constant exposure to information security risks. Interestingly, standards such as NISTIR 7621 specifically tailored to small businesses and which could offer great …

Trade Agreements And Economic Growth, Xuepeng Liu

Faculty Articles

This paper studies the growth effects of regional trade agreements (RTAs), taking into account the WTO participation of RTA members. Assuming smaller preference margins of RTAs for WTO members than non-members, I show in a model a stronger growth effect of RTAs for non-WTO members than that for WTO members. Based on a comprehensive set of 270 RTAs and a large panel dataset covering 177 countries over the period of 1960-2007, the regression results show that RTAs promote growth for non-WTO members, while their growth effect is insignificantly different from zero for WTO members. This implies that the complementarity between …

His Standardization In Developing Countries: Use Of Boundary Objects To Enable Multiple Translations, Edwin E. Nyella Mr., Honest Kimaro Dr.

The African Journal of Information Systems

Standardization and integration of Health Information Systems (HIS) in most developing countries has been reported as a complex undertaking due to poverty, multiplicity of diseases and diverse actors working in various initiatives within the healthcare context. The need for collaborative investments in HIS strengthening is highlighted by major actors such as WHO, as significant to achieve an integrated HIS. However, despite the fact that involvement of multiple partners is desirable as a vehicle to attain an integrated HIS, entailed challenges should be understood and well managed. By drawing on the concept of translation from actor network theory supplemented by the …

A Use Intention Model For Location-Based Mobile Advertising, Moses M. Thiga, Joseph Siror, Jason Githeko, Kageni Njagi

The African Journal of Information Systems

The use of location-based mobile advertising to deliver context specific information from businesses to clients has the potential to help them increase revenues, personalize offerings and reduce marketing costs. However, there is a lack of adoption of this emergent mode of advertising among micro-enterprises. This study examined the underlying reasons for this lack of adoption using an exploratory factor analytic study based on an adaptation of the Technology Acceptance Model with the choice of technology as an additional factor. Data was collected in a survey involving 304 micro-enterprises by means of structured questionnaires and interview schedules. A majority of micro-enterprises …

Factors Influencing Perceptions And Attitudes Of Nurses Towards The Use Of Ict In Patient Care In Kwazulu Natal Province, South Africa, Stephen M. Mutula

The African Journal of Information Systems

This paper presents the results of a study to determine factors influencing perceptions and attitudes of nurses towards the use of ICT in 16 hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province, South Africa. Data were collected through a survey questionnaire and factor analysis performed to extract relevant variables. Overall, results revealed positive dispositions of nurses towards the use of ICT. Results further revealed self-efficacy, adoption of computers to improve nursing care, confidence in using computers; usefulness; interactability and knowledgeability were major factors influencing perceptions and attitudes of nurses towards use of ICT at the work place. Findings may inform institutional and provincial …

Workplace Deviance And Recession, Aniruddha Bagchi, Siddhartha Bandyopadhyay

Faculty Articles

We examine the relationship between the incidence of workplace deviance (on-the-job crime) and the state of the economy. A worker's probability of future employment depends on whether she has been deviant as well as on the availability of jobs. Using a two period model we show that the net impact on deviant behavior to changes in unemployment can go either way depending upon the nature of the equilibrium. Two kinds of equilibria are possible. In one, a non-deviant's probability of being employed increases as expected market conditions improve which lowers the incentive to be a deviant. In contrast, in the …

The Role Of Demographics: Who Engages In And Who Benefits From Family Supportive Supervisor Behavior?, John Neglia

Doctor of Business Administration Dissertations

Organizations have traditionally instituted formal workplace benefits to help employees alleviate the stress of work-family conflict. However, largely due to implementation difficulties, the effectiveness of formal work-family benefits is questionable. Informal workplace supports, such as family supportive supervisor behavior (FSSB) provide a better explanation for employee well-being. However, we know little about what predicts FSSB or about which employees benefit from it the most. Thus, the purpose of this study is to empirically examine demographic predictors of FSSB and of which employees benefit most from FSSB.

Drawing on social identity theory, a research model is proposed to examine whether an …