Showing papers in "Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences in 2014"

Abstract: Employee Engagement is a concept gaining significant importance in the past 10 years. Organization today use engaged employees as a tool for strategic partner in the business. The concept of employee engagement has now gained even more importance, since many drivers have been identified, which impact employee performance and well-being at workplace. As companies across industries strive to survive and rise above the stiff competition, physical and mental well-being of employees will be one of the important aspects that HR managers need to tend focus on. Hence, employee engagement is today seen as a powerful source of competitive advantage in the turbulent times. The study explores the concept of employee engagement and also throws light on key drivers of employee engagement by analyzing specifically three divers, namely communication, work life balance and leadership. This study will also analyze how these drivers impact the level of employee performance and well-being at workplace of the employees. The available literature on drivers of employee engagement indicates that there is paucity of literature on these three drivers and their impact on employee engagement. Thus, we focused on these three specific and less researched drivers

Abstract: Social media marketing usage and adoption as a new communication tools by organization and SMEs is increasingly globally and offers unique opportunities for small and medium enterprises and marketing researchers to undertake research that will have an impact. The purpose of the paper is to review the academic literature on factors that drive social media marketing adoption in SMEs and organization. The topic enable others to establish a balanced picture of the current state of global social media marketing adoption research. It also offers a useful means to analyze the kinds of research that needs to be pursued to make additional research progress in the related area of social media marketing.

Abstract: This review paper discusses the latest developments in internet shopping, home delivery and the potential impacts on city logistics and alternative vehicle use. The review has illustrated the rapid changes during the past few years and the potentially important impacts on patterns of transport within urban areas. Some of the changes result in increased pressure for road traffic networks in sensitive areas (for example residential areas). At the same time the changes also provide opportunities for the use of vehicles powered by alternative fuels thereby supporting certain sustainability strategies. However, the changes are complex and patterns are not the same from one country to another thus the impacts on city logistics are also varied.

Abstract: There is a growing interest in entrepreneurship education expressed by politicians, higher education institutions and students. Entrepreneurship education has been shown to contribute to the development of students’ entrepreneurial intentions, although the findings are not entirely conclusive. The theoretical foundation of the current paper was the theory of planned behavior, TPB (Ajzen, 1991, 2005). The aim of the study was to identify the content of university entrepreneurship education and its impact for students’ entrepreneurial intentions. The study design used was cross-sectional study and the sample consisted of the students from 17 European countries that have been grouped for the purpose of analysis by the level of economic development into two country groups: efficiency-driven and innovation-driven economies (Porter et al., 2002). Frequencies and binary logistic regression was used to analyze the impact of different factors, including participation in entrepreneurship education, for entrepreneurial intentions. Results indicate that what is offered is not necessarily the most demanded in entrepreneurship education as lectures and seminars are provided more, but networking and coaching activities are expected more by the students. Participation in entrepreneurship education was found to exert positive impact on entrepreneurial intentions.

Abstract: Blended learning emerged as one of the most popular pedagogical concepts at the beginning of f2000. With an increasing tendency, many researches have reported on blended learning since it flourished. The lack of technological availability prevented blending of traditional face-to-face learning with distributed learning environments. However, within the recent 10 years the introduction of the new technological innovations filled the gap between traditional face-to-face learning and distributed learning environments. The main purpose of this study is to review and analyze the studies carried out on blended learning through reflecting on the past, the present and the future. Graham (2006) stated that blended learning would have a great role in the future and it would be dominated by the distributed learning environments. To sum up, recent developments in technology encourage teacher educators to apply blended learning in their classrooms but how it should be implemented will be one of the key questions to be discussed in this research.

Abstract: Information and communication technologies (further – ICT) and its impact in the economic, social and personal development had become an important object of scientific researches during recent decades. Theoretical and empirical studies have demonstrated the necessity to gain and exploit the positive outcomes (productivity growth, organization expansion, efficiency, effectiveness, competitiveness etc.) of ICT adoption and implementation in various organizations. Therefore the aim of this paper is to analyze the literature on potential direct and indirect effects of ICT on SMEs performance and to identify those that could determine a business success. The article is based on systematic, logic and comparative analysis of scientific literature. Results of this scientific work confirm that ICT has impact on the improvement of external and internal communication and that for best performances it is important to align ICT investments with internal capabilities and organizational processes. Technology itself is not as important as the induced social and economic achievements.

Abstract: The aims of this study are investigating the effect of service quality (SQ) dimensions on satisfaction, identifying the effect of satisfaction on word of mouth (WOM) communication and repurchase intention (RI) and searching a significant relationship between WOM and RI. Improving CS and delivering SQ help service providers to differentiate the offering. Thus our motive is to find out that the statement is true for healthcare industry. This study has adopted the work of Parasuraman et al.’s SERVQUAL variables. A structural equation model (SEM) that utilizes data from 369 patients facing a range of services is used and finds that empathy and assurance dimensions are positively related to customer satisfaction. However, customer satisfaction has a significant effect on WOM and RI which are found highly related.

Abstract: Edmodo is a free and secure educational learning network used to provide a simple way for teachers to create and manage an online classroom community as well as enables students to connect and work with their classmates teachers anywhere and anytime. The purpose of this study was to determine the student preference towards the use of information and communication technology in the form of the academic networking site-Edmodo on student engagement and responsible learning. This paper seeks to evaluate whether Edmodo is an authentic teaching strategy that should be employed by more teachers hoping to encourage a student-centered technology driven learning environment where students are actively engaged and practicing views of responsible learning. The study was conducted at a private university in Selangor district at Malaysia. The participants were 285 degree students, out of which 249 students was taken for the analysis as they fall under the Edmodo users. This research study used quantative method and a research designed survey was administered to gather questions with answers associated with a 5-point Likert scale ranging from strongly agree to disagree strongly. The survey question was designed using the RASE (Resources, Activity, Support and Evaluation) model to support the student preference on using the Edmodo in the teaching and learning arena. The survey was developed using Google drive and was shared among the students through email and other sources. The result of the study shows that incorporating Edmodo encourages both student engagement and responsible learning when particular Edmodo features are employed. The result through the analysis supports that the students’ preference of using Edmodo is mainly towards for the resources, support and communication such as forum, discussions and also for online activities. Students find Edmodo a wonderful and user-friendly social learning platform that enables them to enjoy working on an online class. The results of this study may inspire teachers to reappraisal the way they conduct their classes.

Abstract: Devolving an efficient routing protocol in Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs) is a challenge due to volatile characteristics of the underwater environment. In this paper, we proposed an end-to-end delay efficient routing protocol called DVRP (Diagonal and Vertical Routing Protocol for Underwater Wireless Sensor Network). In DVRP, the forwarding of data packets is based on the flooding zone angle by the sender nodes toward the surface sink. To extend the network lifetime, DVRP is deliberating the saving-energy of sensor nodes. The sensor nodes in the network make a local decision of data packets forwarding under the constraint of the flooding angle between them and energy status. Our results show that DVRP has better performance than other existing delay efficient routing protocols, in term of end-to-end delays, energy consumption, and data delivery ratios.

Abstract: The Social Media have changed the power structures in the marketplace; evidence points to a major power migration taking place and to emergence of a new breed of powerful and sophisticated customer, difficult to influence, persuade and retain The paper outlines the nature, effects and present status of the Social Media, underlying their role as customer empowerment agents. It explains their aptitude and possible roles as part of the corporate Marketing strategy and identifies different ways of engaging them as marketing tools. The paper proposes two possible Social Media marketing strategies: a. The passive approach focusing on utilizing the Social Media domain as source of customer voice and market intelligence. b. The active approach i.e. engaging the Social Media as direct marketing and PR channels, as channels of customer influence, as tools of personalizing products and last but not least develop them as platforms of co-operation and customer-generated innovation. Finally the paper identifies future research directions around this new element of the marketing landscape © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of The 2nd International Conference on Strategic Innovative Marketing.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to investigate service quality in higher education in Thailand. Specifically, this study investigates the five dimensions of SERVQUAL instrumentation (reliability, assurance, tangibles, empathy, and responsiveness). The study also examines the validity and reliability of SERVQUAL in assessing higher education in Thailand. A total number of 350 undergraduate students from a private university participated in this paper. The study found that the higher education in Thailand did not meet the expectations of undergraduate students. In all five dimensions of service quality, a gap was observed between undergraduate students’ perceptions and expectations as follows: Reliability: -2.25, Responsiveness: -2.72, Assurance: -2.48, Empathy: -2.48, Tangible: -2.88. The gap analysis between service perceptions and expectations showed that all scores for perceptions were lower than their expectations scores, indicating that there are a lot of service improvements efforts need to be fulfilled to enhance the service quality. Consequently, for the institution to improve the service delivery it needs to upgrade facilities and equipment in order to decrease the gap between undergraduate students’ perceptions and expectations may be helpful in higher education in Thailand.

Abstract: The concept of halal products or foods is now gaining a worldwide discussion due to its recognition as an alternative benchmark for safety, hygiene and quality assurance of what we consume or drink daily. Thus products or foods that are produced in line with halal prescriptions are readily acceptable by Muslim consumers as well as consumers from other religions. For a Muslim consumer, halal foods and drinks means that the products has met the requirements laid down by the Shariah law whereas for a non-Muslim consumer, it represents the symbol of hygiene, quality and safety product when produced strictly under the Holistic Halal Assurance Management System. Therefore, consumers nowadays are so much concerned and always be aware of what they eat, drink and use. The awareness of the Muslim and non-Muslim consumers describes their perception and cognitive reaction to products or foods in the market. As such, their awareness is an internal state or a visceral feeling by way of sensory perception towards the products/foods they used or consumed. Given the significance role of awareness about halal in the life of Muslims and their obligations to be Shariah compliant; this paper will address the determinants and identify the sources of awareness of Muslim consumers on halal products or foods. It is argued that many things can lead to awareness of halal products or food unfortunately, most of the previous studies only focused on halal certification logo. Many problems are associated with halal logo (labeling) as the only source of awareness for Muslim consumers on halal . This logo is also yet to be empirically proven as well. This paper delves into other sources that can bring about awareness of Muslims on halal products in order to fill the void. Methodologically, the paper utilizes both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Qualitatively, the paper delves into literatures to identify those alternative ways and quantitatively tests them through self-administered survey using Partial Least Square (PLS). The findings show that the religious belief, exposure, certification logo, and health reason are potential sources of Muslim awareness about halal consumption. However, health reason is the most contributing predictor of level of halal awareness. It is hoped that the results from the paper would provide another avenues for government and policy makers to improve their policy decisions and mechanisms of making Muslims in Malaysia to be more aware of halal foods and products.

Abstract: Critical success factors (CSFs) are inputs to project management practice which can lead directly or indirectly to project success. It encompasses many elements, which have to be synchronized to ensure the project delivery on time. The purpose of this study is to identify the extent of the relationship between CSFs and project performance. The research findings will be expected to assist the organization in evaluating the performance of project management. Finally, the conceptual framework was developed by identifying five (5) variables for project success namely Project Management Action, Project Procedures, Human Factors, External Issues and Project Related Factors.

Abstract: This study examines taxpayers’ views on their level of tax knowledge and perceived complexity of the income tax system. Further, the study attempts to delve in the underlying reasons for non-compliance. Data was gathered through telephone interviews with thirty participants, and analysed using thematic analysis. Results suggest that taxpayers have inadequate technical knowledge and perceive tax system as complex. Tax knowledge and tax complexity are viewed as contributing factors towards non-compliance behaviour among taxpayers.

Abstract: Project management methodology is usually defined as a set of methods, techniques, procedures, rules, templates, and best practices used on a project. It is commonly based on a specific project management approach, that defines a set of principles and guidelines which define the way a project is managed. With the growing trend of usage of agile project management on different projects, it is clear that two opposite sides exist – traditional and agile project management approach, and that there exists a need to combine both approaches. So, the question is if it is and how it is possible to combine both approaches in a single project management methodology? The paper covers thorough literature review and starts with the definition of the project management approach and of the project management methodology. It provides overview of different project management approaches and defines project management methodologies. The literature review shows what is considered as part of project management methodology in a wider or narrower sense, and what the main characteristics of a methodology are. The need for combining project management approaches is shown on the case of software development project. The paper provides basis for further research on application of different project management approaches and methodologies. Further research could build on an idea of creating unique methodology for project, based on different project management approaches. In that way it is possible to create project management methodologies that have high possibility of customization to projects and to project environments.

Abstract: Social media has become the modus operandi of the 21st century. Building on the foundation of Web 2.0, social media applications have facilitated unprecedented growth in human interaction in modern times. This study attempts to study the impact of social media marketing medium toward brand loyalty and purchase intention in Generation Y. Surveys are conducted randomly and questionnaire distributed to undergraduate students of Malaysian universities. Two Hundred questionnaires were distributed with 75 percent response rate. Two propositions and three hypotheses were developed and tested using mean and regression analysis. The result indicated that the online marketing communications, specifically, E- WOM, online communities and online advertisement are effective in promoting brand loyalty and product purchase intention through company website and social media platforms. These finding indicate to marketing managers that social media marketing medium has become an important marketing tool to reach emerging younger generation consumers. It also indicates that cyber world play an important role in modern marketing, enabling marketers to reach customers faster and more efficiently. This research provides a guideline for global brand players in considering applying social media marketing activities to promote their product, and brand.

Abstract: This paper presents concepts of city logistics for sustainable and liveable cities. City logistics can contribute to create more efficient and environmentally friendly urban freight transport systems. The application of innovative technologies of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems), the change in mind-sets of logistics managers, and public-private partnerships can promote city logistics policy measures. The procedure of urban freight transport management is described, which is an adaptive management system that uses the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, and Act) cycle. Joint delivery systems with urban consolidation centres are also highlighted in particular focusing on the benefits and problems, the success factors, the role of municipalities and the transferability to other areas.

Abstract: Foreign direct investment (FDI) has been viewed as a power affecting economic growth (EG) directly and indirectly during the past few decades. This paper reviewed an amount of researches examining the relationships between FDI and EG, especially the effects of FDI on EG, from 1994 up to 2012. The results show that the main finding of the FDI-EG relation is significantly positive, but in some cases it is negative or even null. And within the relation, there exist several influencing factors such as the adequate levels of human capital, the well-developed financial markets, the complementarity between domestic and foreign investment and the open trade regimes, etc.

Abstract: The last mile in a B2C environment is currently regarded as one of the more expensive, least efficient and most polluting sections of the entire logistics chain. Taking these “last mile problems” into account, the authors developed a last-mile typology and an instrument to simulate the total last-mile costs whereby specific last-mile characteristics are used as independent variables.

Abstract: In this paper 69 randomly selected research papers published in the refereed journals in the area of supply chain collaboration has been reviewed. The papers are classified based on the year in which they published, based on specific countries, the journal in which they published, specific industry type, and finally based on research methodology. Based on the analysis of reviewed papers a total number of 28 factors affecting supply chain collaboration have been identified. Supply chain information sharing found to be highly talked factors for effective supply chain collaboration, therefore the papers further analyzed in the context of the role of information sharing in supply chain collaboration. The discussion, conclusions and future research directions have also been provided in this paper.

Abstract: The dominance of road transport, both on passenger and freight movements, has reached alarming levels for society due to their negative environmental impacts as well as societal and economic costs. To reverse this trend, many approaches have been applied, but without significant effects on mobility patterns and on the sustainability of the transport system. Fairly promising results have recently been reported in Europe with car-sharing. This research confirms, as hypothesized by prior research, that car sharing contributes to a more efficient and rational mobility (with lower number of vehicles per capita among members, lower demand for parking space, lower fixed costs and a complement to public transport). Additionally to the lower consumption of physical and economic resources, car sharing can also contribute to the reduction of energy and environmental impacts (added to the direct ones from the changes on vehicle ownership and usage patterns). A case study was carried out in Lisbon, Portugal, to estimate car sharing impacts and the effects of a possible technology change. The results demonstrate that those benefits can represent reductions of 35 or 47% in terms of energy consumption and 35 and 65% for CO 2 emissions, if a shift to Hybrid vehicles (Sc.1) or to Electric vehicles (Sc.2) is promoted, respectively. The impacts of reducing vehicle ownership, in a 1 to 6 ratio, due to the implementation of car-sharing were also estimated. Additionally, a simplified fleet based NPV analysis was performed and the break-even point for which the system would become economically feasible was estimated. The most relevant variables influencing the economic feasibility of the car sharing the cost related variables, reducing the break-even timeframe from 36 to 57%.

Abstract: This paper examines the global issues related to the role of project cost management professionals in the implementation and evolution of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the construction industry. The paper is based on a review of current industry trends and issues with BIM implementation and detailed interviews with quantity surveying firms in Australia. BIM involves more than just 3D modelling and is also commonly defined in further dimensions such as 4D (time), 5D (cost) and even 6D (as-built operation). 4D links information and data in the 3D object model with project programming and scheduling data and facilitates the simulation analysis of construction activities. 5D integrates all of this information with cost data such as quantities, schedules and prices. 6D represents the as-built model that can then be used during the operational stages of the facility. This paper explores the importance for project cost management professionals to be integrally involved across all project phases and to embrace the 5th dimension to become key players in the BIM environment - the '5D Project Cost Manager'. The literature review and industry interviews will examine the issues associated with this and will identify leading edge best practices in the field by professional project cost management firms. The paper concludes with the findings that the greatest value with the modern day project cost manager lies in their ability to be 5D literate and to be able to utilise electronic models to provide detailed 5D estimates and living cost plans in real time.

Abstract: Self-directed (SDL) and self-regulated learning (SRL) skills are important, increasingly in e-learning, but the terms are not clearly distinguished in literature having led to tangled understandings and complications measuring SDL and SRL. The aim of the study is to further explore the similarities and differences between the terms and their usage. Consequently, two research questions were posed: whether and how are SDL and SRL distinguished in empirical studies? What kind of research methods and instruments are used for studying SDL and SRL in e-learning context? To answer the questions the literature review of 30 empirical studies was conducted to compare them on SDL and SRL in the context of e-learning to find overlappings and differences between the concepts and research methods. The studies were compared on the basis of the use of terms, approaches, methods, instruments and analysis.

Abstract: The increasing rate of unemployed graduates is one of the issues that triggers world's concerns lately. Consequently, this research aims to investigate factors that lead to the unemployment problem among Malaysian graduates from three aspects, which are graduates’ attributes, lecturers’ competency and quality of education. This qualitative research adopted an interview method, which was conducted to seven respondents who have the experience in teaching and working in the industry. The majority of the respondents agreed that the graduates’ attributes, lecturers’ competency and the quality of education, which is referred to the curriculum of a study field, are among the factors that contribute to the unemployment problem among the Malaysian graduates nowadays. Therefore, it is reasonable for the parties who are involved in the construction and the enhancement of the curriculum of the related to the field of study to conduct an in-depth study. This should be done in order to identify the problems that occur throughout the implementation of the study area. It is important to evaluate the suitability of the implementation of a curriculum of the study area in order to ensure the implemented curriculum can produce human resources, which are qualified, skilful and can fulfil the need of the industries and the current market.

Abstract: Halal food consumers are now more aware and concern about the integrity of Halal status and also curious about all the activities involved along the supply chain whether the products that they purchased were truly Halal all the way. Even though the issue of Halal integrity have been widely highlighted in the existing Halal industry publications, the factors affecting the integrity of Halal food supply chain is yet to be discussed well in the current publications. This concept paper will discuss factors such as Halal certification, Halal standard, Halal traceability, Halal dedicated assets, trust among supply chain members, commitment of supply chain members; and role of government, in enhancing the integrity of Halal food supply chain in the current complex food trade scenario. It is hoped that this paper will create the proper awareness and better understanding of the importance of protecting the Halal integrity of the food products. Further empirical studies can be carried out to test the relationship between the factors and also uncover other factors that can help in enhancing the Halal integrity.

Abstract: Halal concept commonly concerns the Muslim consumers. However, with the raising concern on health, a halal food business today has huge potential in capturing non-Muslim as target market. The halal concept on food today is beyond the understanding of religious values alone. It represents hygiene, cleanliness and the quality of the food consumed. The result of the study may provide an insight to halal food producers to look into the non-Muslim consumers as one of their target market in halal food industry. The findings may also provide better understanding on factors influencing the market acceptance on the concept.

Abstract: Education has been considered as the centre of excellence in preparing human's excellent characters. This belief drives every single person to be ready to face the global challenges. This beliefs also becomes the basic foundation for the world to say that Indonesia will be a very strong nation in all sectors in 2045 or 100 years after its independence day. This is supported by Indonesia's economy growth. Already the 16th-largest economy in the world, Indonesia has the potential to be 7th-biggest by 2030 (Oberman et al., 2012). Within this context, the government of Indonesia believe that preparing young generation is the only way to go to be a very strong nation in 2045. Education is considered to be the best place to prepare the agent of change of the nation that will bring prosperous to others. Education institution is no longer a place to transfer knowledge only, but it is also a place to form youth's attitude, behaviour, character, and leadership. Thus, it is justifiable to reflect some basic value and character of Indonesia and cultivate them to all young generation in the form of national character building through education.

Abstract: Social-media is not only a communication tool for amusement, but it is also an important part of marketing strategies in business life. This paper aims at analyzing the role of social media for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs); as a new marketing strategy tool for the firm performance perspective. This manuscript is focused on a case study including the comparison and analysis of totally four American and Turkish companies’ Facebook and Twitter accounts in terms of the number of likes and followers, richness of content, interaction with customers and the use of language. Within this research, the qualitative method is used in order to see how these companies engage with their customers online and use social media as a strategic tool of social network marketing (SNM). Briefly findings of this study suggests that: the common problems of the Turkish SMEs are related with using formal language during the customers communication process and creating unattractive content lacking richness to attract their customers’ attention in their social media activities. Another noteworthy point is that from the American SMEs perspective, they are less effective in using Twitter when compared to their Facebook accounts.

Abstract: One of the major roles undertaken by a project manager is the management of the risk of a project. However, this duty is particularly complex and inefficient if good risk management has not been done from the beginning of the project. An effective and efficient risk management approach requires a proper and systematic methodology and, more importantly, knowledge and experience. Previous research results in Chile have shown that both, owners and contractors do not systematically apply risk management practices, resulting in negative consequences for projects’ performance. This paper addresses the problems of risk management in construction projects using a knowledge-based approach, and proposes a methodology based on a three-fold arrangement that includes the modeling of the risk management function, its evaluation, and the availability of a best practices model. This approach is part of a * research effort that is underway. A major preliminary conclusion of this research is the fact that risk management in construction projects is still very ineffective and that the main cause of this situation is the lack of knowledge. It is expected that the application of the proposed approach will allow clients and contractors to develop a project's risk management function based on best practices, and also to improve the performance of this function.

Abstract: In an era of globalizing economies many markets become increasingly international and competitive. Technological progress in logistics and distribution enables nearly every business to buy, sell and cooperate on a global scale and even smaller and locally oriented businesses are forced to see themselves in a global context to survive in this new challenging business environment. Although common sense is that the globalization expose SMEs to many challenges the recent literature argues that SMEs can benefit the new environment via e-commerce. In this framework this study presents the issues the SMEs can face in changing business environment and the potential of e-commerce in this new environment. The findings of the study shows that although their size is a disadvantage for SMEs to compete in global platform e-commerce can help them make up however there are several barriers that limit or prevent them from getting into e-commerce which can be handled with public and private support.