Conceptual Research Model Research Articles

Semiconductor Upskilling Program Using Field‐Programmable Gate Arrays as a Training Vehicle

ABSTRACTThe global semiconductor shortage since 2020 has affected over 169 industries, resulting in price increases, long lines, and the resale of integrated circuits in numerous consumer goods. Upskilling programs and boot camps play an important part in education, providing an immersive and intensive learning environment. This study aims to assess the influence of using field‐programmable gate array (FPGAs) as a motivational training vehicle in the field of the semiconductor industry to build the required skill set, in particular, in the design and verification stages. The study employed a survey‐based research methodology with participants from a chip design training camp hosted in Jordan for senior and fresh graduate engineering students in summer 2023. We proposed a novel research conceptual model to measure the influence of such training program on student performance and motivation. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS AMOS 28, applying structural equation modeling. The findings demonstrated that FPGA‐based chip design training programs significantly motivated students and enhanced their skill set, particularly in FPGA design, hardware description languages, and problem‐solving abilities. Hands‐on projects, along with guidance from industry professionals and faculty members, played crucial roles in skill development. The study's promising results are limited by a single‐country sample, self‐reported survey data, and short‐term nature, potentially introducing bias. The short‐term nature of the study might limit insights into the long‐term career impacts of such training programs. This study highlights the positive influence of industry‐driven training programs on students' skills and future professional careers in the domain of hardware system design, particularly using FPGA implementation. The findings offer valuable insights for instructors, institutions, and curriculum developers aiming to integrate industry‐relevant skills into academic programs.

확장현실(eXtended Reality) 공연 요소가 인게이지먼트에 미치는 영향 연구 - 관람객의 공연경험 중심으로

This study explores the impact of eXtended Reality (XR) performance elements—identity, attractiveness, novelty, and interactivity—on audience engagement and performance experience by utilizing a conceptual research model and empirical validation. Through frequency and statistical analyses, including reliability and validity tests of the measurement tools and structural equation modeling (SEM), the findings highlight interactivity and attractiveness as the most influential factors enhancing performance experience and engagement. While identity and novelty showed a lower influence, they still made significant contributions to specific aspects of the performance experience. These results emphasize the importance of integrating interactivity with identity, attractiveness, and novelty in the design of XR performances to boost audience immersion and satisfaction. This approach not only provides strategic insights for performance planning but also showcases the potential of XR performances to offer new immersive experiences, transcending traditional performance limitations and contributing foundational insights for the development of XR-based content and service quality improvement in the performing arts sector.

Machine Learning and Industrial Strategy of Resilient and Predictive Maintenance: Proposal of A Conceptual Research Model in Morocco

The rise of machine learning in predictive maintenance is redefining industrial strategies, and improving operational performance and business resilience in the face of disruptions. However, although this technology has demonstrated its potential in various sectors, the literature remains lacking regarding its precise impact in emerging economies, particularly in Morocco. This study proposes an innovative conceptual model, structuring the analysis of the links between the integration of machine learning, organizational factors, and industrial resilience. By mobilizing theoretical frameworks such as the theory of dynamic capabilities and that of complex adaptive systems, we highlight the mediating role of digital maturity, data diversity, and organizational flexibility in the optimization of predictive maintenance strategies. The proposed methodological approach is based on a mixed approach, combining a quantitative analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM), to empirically test the structural relationships, and a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews, aimed at contextualizing the dynamics underlying the adoption of machine learning. This methodological triangulation ensures robust validation of hypotheses and identifies the organizational and technological factors that determine the effectiveness of these tools. The expected results will contribute to a better understanding of the strategic levers that allow companies to fully exploit machine learning in predictive maintenance while proposing avenues for improvement for research and industrial practice. This study is thus part of an evolutionary perspective, paving the way for future empirical investigations on the optimal adoption of artificial intelligence technologies in Industry 4.0.

How Do Virtual Influencers Affect Consumer Brand Evangelism in the Metaverse? The Effects of Virtual Influencers’ Marketing Efforts, Perceived Coolness, and Anthropomorphism

Modern commercial organizations have started to embrace the metaverse platform as a new channel for marketing their products and services. As prominent brand representatives, virtual influencers are responsible for strengthening consumer–brand connections in the metaverse. However, the ways in which virtual influencers contribute to consumers’ brand fidelity and evangelistic behaviors remain unknown. To address this gap, this work explores the essential factors that impact consumers’ intention to trust virtual influencers in the metaverse, purchase the products that they promote, and engage in brand evangelistic behaviors. Specifically, a new framework is developed that integrates metaverse virtual influencers’ marketing efforts, perceived coolness, anthropomorphism, brand evangelism, and brand fidelity into a comprehensive conceptual research model. Survey results obtained from 713 respondents in the US demonstrate that marketing efforts, perceived coolness, and anthropomorphism positively influence brand evangelism. The findings also indicate that consumers’ brand fidelity encourages brand evangelism and mediates the relationship between virtual influencers’ features, marketing efforts, and consumers’ brand evangelistic behavior. This study’s significance lies in its focus on the evolving marketing dynamics in the metaverse. It considers how virtual influencers’ features and marketing efforts impact consumers’ brand-related attitudes and behaviors in the metaverse, offering valuable insights for the advancement of metaverse marketing research and practice.

A Theoretical Analysis of Marketing Mix Strategies and Customer Satisfaction in Banking: Insights from the state Bank of India in Punjab

This paper attempts to theoretically classify the impact of marketing mix strategies on customer satisfaction with special reference to State Bank of India (SBI) in Punjab. Satisfaction is an essential key success parameter to the highly competitive Indian Banking Industry; and it determines by the four P's of marketing mix- Product, Promotion, Pricing, and Place which have crucial influences upon customer perception and retaining as a loyal consumer. This paper analyses the effects of the marketing mix activities on customer satisfaction by using a theoretical framework based on renowned theories as the SERVQUAL model. In this way, we will scrutinize literature to explore the relationship between all ingredients of marketing mix and customer satisfaction through a case on of Punjab state particularly at SBI. Building on these insights, the paper additionally weaves a theoretical analysis combining established models to explore how well SBI's present marketing practices meet customer satisfaction goals. The study reveals a gaping difference in theoretical expectations and the real application of strategies by SBI in Punjab that represents valuable insights for bank executives and policy makers. This discussion enhances the current knowledge related to the relationship with customer's satisfaction been offered new research conceptual model between marketing mix strategies and in view of the holistic perspective called for a comprehensive customer-based interpretation in the banking sector. The research makes some preliminary suggestions for potential future research paths and suggests that further work be done to enhance tactical marketing strategies in a way that would increase customer satisfaction.

Building corporate immunity: how do companies increase their resilience to negative information in the environment of fake news?

PurposeThis research explores the impact of trust in online information, parasocial interaction, online flow experience, sharing fake news and corporate credibility on companies’ resilience to negative information.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual research model was developed, employing the flow theory to fill gaps in the literature. A cross-sectional national online survey was conducted among 1,550 respondents aged 16–74 in an emerging market, utilizing a quantitative-based approach; the data were then analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsTrust in online information and parasocial interactions was found to impact the online flow experience, with parasocial interaction positively affecting it optimally. The sharing of fake news is affected by parasocial interaction and the online flow experience, which in turn affects corporate credibility.Originality/valueCorporate credibility is shown to be an antecedent of resilience to negative information and word-of-mouth communication in companies, the former having a direct influence on the latter. The study hence has significant theoretical and managerial implications for communication and marketing.

Measuring Implementation Outcomes Change Over Time Using an Adapted Checklist for Assessing Readiness to Implement (CARI).

In 2017, the Health Resources and Services Administration's HIV/AIDS Bureau funded an Evaluation Center (EC) to assess the rapid implementation of 11 evidence-informed interventions at 25 HIV care and treatment providers across the U.S. The EC conducted an implementation science-based evaluation, including longitudinal assessment of implementation outcomes as defined by Implementation Outcome Framework (IOF) of the Conceptual Model for Implementation Research. The EC adapted a measure originally designed for implementation readiness to capture seven implementation outcomes and administered the measure to site leadership every six months, from intervention launch through the end of the initiative. The adapted measure demonstrated adequate internal consistency within and across time periods. Individual outcomes changed over the course of implementation, with the greatest period of growth during the first six months. Longitudinal relationships between outcomes posited to be most relevant at early, mid- or late-implementation were not evident in these analyses; rather, relationships between the outcomes were significant within time periods. Finally, there were differences in the trajectory of outcomes based on characteristics of the site's larger context. The use of this adapted measure across multiple implementation settings, assessing multiple interventions, is an important step forward in the comparability of implementation outcomes more broadly.

The development process of a type 2 diabetes health-promoting CBPR intervention.

Participation is one of the core elements of health promotion, which means that approaches and methods should focus on involvement. The process of involving women with a migration background in health promotion needs to be further explored. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the development process of a type 2 diabetes health-promotive community-based participatory research intervention among Middle Eastern women with a migration background, living in Sweden. This study was performed within the context of a community-based participatory research program in Sweden. The design of this study followed the development process of a community-based participatory research conceptual model, including three of the original four dimensions, that is, the context, the partnership process, and the intervention and research dimension. Appropriate methods for data collection were used in the various dimensions. Participants from the community, active in the program, conducted dialogue cafés, together with the core partners of the program, to inventory existing needs as well as what actions were needed for promoting health and thereby prevent type 2 diabetes. The two dialogue cafes resulted in one long term and three short term goals. The third short-term goal-create health circles around food and nutrition was decided to be in focus for this study together with cooperation with the local health care center. The partnership process made it possible to involve relevant collaborators, which resulted in a jointly developed nurse-led educational intervention. Participants and stakeholders were also involved in the process of modifying and elaborating evaluation tools appropriate for the intervention. The community-based participatory research approach enables the acknowledgement and use of the various kinds of knowledge of all stakeholders, including the community members. In this study, the community members' knowledge was obtained through participation and dialogue, aimed at balancing power between stakeholders. This approach, that is, developing a community-based participatory research intervention, offers a possibility for the primary health care to engage with the community members and for other stakeholders to work in a health-promotive way.

Barriers, Facilitators, and a Proposed Model of Care for Implementation of Upper Limb Distributed Practice Approaches for Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy.

Background/Objectives: There is high-level research evidence supporting task-focused upper limb therapy models for children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP). However, a knowledge gap exists in understanding how to effectively implement distributed practice approaches in clinical practice and the effect on the development of bimanual performance. This study aims to evaluate clinical outcomes, examine key considerations for implementation outcomes, and propose a Model of Care for children with unilateral CP. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was applied, including a retrospective case series with an observational descriptive design. A convenience sample of nine children (<5 years of age) with unilateral CP who received multiple blocks of distributed, evidence-based upper limb therapy approaches between 2014 and 2020 were included. Outcomes were evaluated using the Assisting Hand Assessment family of assessments. A Model of Care framework was informed by the Updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and the Conceptual Model for Implementation Research. Results: A total of 59 blocks of upper limb therapy (10 mCIMT and 49 bimanual therapy) were delivered, ranging from two to nine blocks (mean = 6.6) for each child. All children demonstrated improved outcomes in bimanual performance with an average change of 14 AHA units (range 1-22). Barriers to implementation included complexity and cost. Facilitators included the evidence base and adaptability of the approaches that allowed clinicians to respond to an individual child and family's needs. Informed by evidence-based protocols and visual analysis of data, and in consideration of the barriers and/or facilitators to implementation from this study, a Model of Care for implementation of upper limb distributed practice approaches for children with unilateral CP in clinical practice is proposed. Conclusions: Implementing repeated, distributed blocks of evidence-based upper limb therapy in a clinical setting for children with unilateral CP led to incremental improvements in bimanual performance. There are a range of barriers and facilitators to the implementation of distributed practice approaches in clinical practice. The Model of Care outlines best practice care and service delivery for children with unilateral CP and their families and aims to support clinical practice and the future examination of implementation-effectiveness in practice.

Determinants of M-Commerce Platform Adoption Among Individuals in South African Township Communities

Since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in 2020, there has been an increase in the adoption of e-commerce (electronic commerce) from which m-commerce (mobile commerce) was born. M-commerce is the use of a mobile phone to purchase goods and services. Most of the South African population resides in townships and rural areas and contributes significantly to the economy. The study researched m-commerce adoption in South African townships by determining the factors that affect m-commerce adoption in South African townships. The study only focused on two townships in Johannesburg: Soweto and Tembisa. A conceptual research model based on the following factors from the UTAUT2 technology model: performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, and facilitating conditions, with social media and trust as two additional constructs. A digital online survey was used to collect respondents’ data, and it was analysed quantitatively using SPSS. The findings of the study are discussed in detail, including testing the hypotheses formulated. Social media and perceived security have a significant, positive effect on the trust of South African township residents to adopt m-commerce platforms. Performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, trust, and facilitating conditions positively affect the intention of South African township residents to adopt m-commerce; however, trust and facilitating conditions were insignificant.

Does technology readiness matter? Investigating employee psychological well-being through the lens of social robot anthropomorphism

PurposeSocial robot anthropomorphism is widely recognized for performing crucial tasks in supporting the service industry and enhancing the employee experience. This study elucidates how social anthropomorphic robots can influence the psychological well-being of employees in the hotel industry. The study further examines the impact of social robot warmth, psychological ownership and technology readiness in the above relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe research utilized an online survey questionnaire for data collection and analysis. Data were collected from Indian hotel employees (N = 275). Structural equation modeling was applied to validate the conceptual model. The study examines the results using AMOS v25 and the SPSS PROCESS Macro.FindingsThe study empirically finds that social robot anthropomorphism positively impacts the psychological well-being of hotel employees. Further, it substantiates that despite low technology readiness, social robot anthropomorphism enhances psychological well-being through psychological ownership. Additionally, anthropomorphizing social robots emits warmth, which enhances employees' psychological well-being in the hotel industry.Originality/valueThese empirical results and theory suggest a novel dimension of anthropomorphism in social robot interactions, significantly impacting the employees' psychological well-being. A moderated mediation relationship is established, which confirms social robot warmth and psychological ownership as mediators and technology readiness as a moderator of the social robot anthropomorphism and employee psychological well-being relationship. The results validate the conceptual model of research that is grounded in the theory of psychological ownership and the realism maximization theory.

Very rich usage of information systems: a longitudinal study of video conferencing applications

ABSTRACT In this study, we aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of factors that precede and follow very rich system usage within the specific use context of a contemporary IS. Based on in-depth review of literature and analysis of prior studies, we propose a conceptual research model that links comprehensiveness of usage, very rich system usage, use behaviour, and continuance usage moderated by habit. We empirically evaluate the research model using longitudinal data collected over two periods from users of video conferencing applications. The study findings suggest that very rich system usage is pivotal to explain IS continuance usage, but that the comprehensiveness of usage and very rich usage is context specific and tied to the technological functionalities of the information systems in use.

La Performance de l'industrie automobile au Maroc : Étude empirique des facteurs clés de succès

The automotive industry in Morocco has undergone a remarkable evolution, positioning the country as a competitive and attractive industrial hub in North Africa. This sector's performance is influenced by various factors, including technological adoption, natural resources, human capital, and public infrastructure. The aim of this paper is to identify the key factors on which decision-makers can rely to support and promote the development of the automotive industry. To achieve this objective, a quantitative study was conducted using a pre-established questionnaire. The hypotheses of our conceptual research model were tested through structural equation modeling using Smart-PLS 4 software. The results of the study reveal that investment in human capital and the development of public infrastructure have a significant impact on the performance of the automotive industry in Morocco. In contrast, the availability of natural resources and the ongoing adoption of new technologies did not demonstrate a decisive effect on the success of this sector.

Transforming life insurance buying: conceptual model for the adoption of Life InsurTech services in India

Purpose This study aims to construct a theoretical framework that combines the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and other variables related to life insurance adoption among customers. This will explain the factors that influence customers’ decisions to use Life InsurTech services in the future. Design/methodology/approach A hybrid method combining theory-driven analysis and thematic analysis was used for content analysis, allowing for a holistic perspective, and developing a conceptual research model. Findings The paper contributes significantly by creating a conceptual framework designed to understand and explain the factors that impact customers’ intentions to adopt Life InsurTech services. By emphasizing technology-related factors, behavior-related factors, knowledge-related factors and individual-related factors, one could potentially identify and explain the factors influencing the intention to use Life InsurTech services. Research limitations/implications The limitation of the current research is the lack of prior research on InsurTech services. This study contributes to reviewing and organizing earlier knowledge to help researchers address the key factors affecting Life InsurTech services adoption. Practical implications The study has suggested a conceptual framework that Life InsurTech managers can use to implement the effective adoption of Life InsurTech services. Social implications With the significant importance of life insurance for consumers as well as for the country’s economic development and the advent of InsurTech innovations, there is a need to understand the online life insurance purchase behavior of consumers. Originality/value The outcomes presented in this study will lay the groundwork for future investigations that aim to address the research question regarding the factors influencing customers’ intentions to utilize Life InsurTech services. With very few studies conducted on InsurTech services, this novel study proposes a new conceptual framework to better understand the adoption of Life InsurTech services.

Evaluation of a participatory action project to address opioid misuse: Breaking down barriers through partnership processes

Community based participatory research and participatory action research are increasingly being used to engage communities in addressing social and health disparities. There is a need to develop broadly applicable evaluation methods that can be used across participatory project environments to identify the processes critical for addressing complex public health issues, as well as the productiveness of community research partnerships. We present a case study of a community participatory project conducted over three years and our evaluation approach. We used the Community Based Participatory Research Conceptual Model as the framework for the evaluation surveys (n=9) and interviews (n=7) with project participants, querying perspectives on the four model domains: community context, partnership processes, intervention and research and outcomes. In addition, we conducted a Ripple Effects Mapping (REM) exercise with ten community members to determine the broader impacts of the project on the community. This mixed-methods approach permitted us to confirm findings from quantitative surveys with qualitative findings from interviews and the REM. Key processes identified as facilitators to a productive partnership and positive outcomes include a context of trust, effective implementation of processes that establish equitable partner relationships and partnership synergy, a clearly defined focus for the partnership and a structured participatory research method that helped break down silos and mobilise the community for action. Our project evaluation approach, combining the CBPR model and REM, guided measurement of common metrics that are key to effective community engagement as well as exploration of unanticipated outcomes.

Le Durabilité environnementale basée sur l’intelligence artificielle : Bénéfices marketing des produits de terroir

This scientific article proposes the development of a conceptual research model to analyze the marketing benefits of local products in the context of environmental sustainability, using artificial intelligence (AI). The model focuses on variations in marketing benefits according to three main variables: consumer, geographic location and product types. The aim is to develop a theoretical framework to guide future research, identifying key factors and their interrelationships. Using AI, this conceptual model aims to provide an in-depth understanding of sustainable consumption dynamics and effective marketing strategies for local products. Expected results include a better understanding of consumer behavior and sustainable consumption practices, as well as recommendations to optimize the marketing strategies of local producers.

Pre-implementation patient, provider, and administrator perspectives of remote measurement-based care in a safety net outpatient psychiatry department.

Psychiatric measurement-based care (MBC) can be more effective than usual care, but health systems face implementation challenges. Achieving attitudinal alignment before implementing MBC is critical, yet few studies incorporate perspectives from multiple stakeholders this early in planning. This analysis identifies alignment and themes in pre-implementation feedback from patients, providers, and administrators regarding a planned MBC implementation in a safety net psychiatry clinic. We used interview guides informed by Conceptual Model of Implementation Research to gather qualitative pre-implementation attitudes about perceived Appropriateness, Acceptability, and Feasibility of an MBC measure (Computerized Adaptive Test-Mental Health; CAT-MH) from five patients, two providers, and six administrators. We applied rapid qualitative analysis methods to generate actionable feedback for department leadership still planning implementation. [Correction added on 22 January 2025, after first online publication: In the previous sentence, the word 'general' was replaced with the word 'generate'.] We used a multistep process to generate thematic findings with potential relevance for other similar mental health settings. There was more attitudinal alignment across stakeholder groups regarding MBC's Acceptability and Feasibility than its Appropriateness. All three groups agreed that it was important to contextualize MBC for patients and providers, anticipate MBC's impact on patient-provider relationships, and consider the system's capacity to respond to patient needs unearthed by CAT-MH before implementation began. Our thematic analysis suggests: (1) Introducing MBC may complicate patient-provider relationships by adding a new and potentially conflicting input for decision making, that is, MBC data, to the more typical inputs of patient report and provider expertise; [Correction added on 22 January 2025, after first online publication: In the previous sentence, the word 'complicated' was replaced with the word 'complicate'.] (2) MBC poses theoretical risks to health equity for safety net patients because of limitations in access to MBC tools themselves and the resources needed to respond to MBC data; and (3) Tension exists between individual- and system-level applications of MBC. Our analysis highlights shifting treatment dynamics, equity considerations, and tension between individual- and population-level needs that our participants anticipated when planning for MBC implementation in a safety net psychiatry clinic.

Impact of a Service Learning Curriculum that Emphasizes Bidirectional Learning on Medical Students' Professional Identity Formation.

Despite the many known benefits of service learning, little is known about the impact of service learning on medical students' professional identity formation. The objective of our study was to assess the impact of a service learning curriculum that emphasized bidirectional learning on the professional identity of medical students. The community-based participatory research (CBPR) conceptual model, a model which emphasizes bidirectional learning between academic and community stakeholders, was utilized as a curricular framework for a required service-learning course at a single institution in North America. All 45 third year medical students enrolled in the course were included. Using a qualitative data analysis framework and the constant comparative method, the two researchers independently reviewed all 45 individual student reflections to identify themes that emerged and to iteratively create a codebook. A thematic analysis of the codes was then undertaken to answer the research question. Themes from student reflections revealed the following: (1) The process of perspective-taking during bidirectional learning promotes becoming an empathetic physician. Enabling factors are empathy with stakeholders and seeing oneself as a future change agent. (2) The process of perspective-taking and reconciliation of learner/stakeholder beliefs with a goal of unifying around a common mission was expressed in several different ways: Learner pivots from their original belief to stakeholder's beliefBoth learner and stakeholder beliefs are incorporated into the final goalLearner keeps original beliefsEnabling factors are empathy, humility, and discernment. Bidirectional or reciprocal learning in service learning can promote professional characteristics such as empathy, humility, and discernment.

What helps Agile remote teams to be successful in developing software? Empirical evidence

Software development firms have specific goals but today's dynamic business environment, especially regarding the use of remote teams, presents great challenges due to uncertainties and multiple risks. This study investigates the facilitators of the success of Agile software development projects delivered by remote teams. We employ a conceptual research model founded on the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework. The study contributes to the literature by exploring how remote teams affect the success of Agile software development projects. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis of the data collected from 198 IT professionals revealed that perceived pressure from government, job performance, and team satisfaction are significant in explaining these projects’ success.

Internal Marketing As A Key To Strategic Human Resources Management In The Education Industry In The Context Of The COVID-19 Pandemic

Several studies prove the relevance of internal marketing in promoting job satisfaction and life satisfaction among professionals. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, educational institutions were faced with a set of challenges that forced the redefinition of strategies appropriate to the context experienced, with internal marketing being a key factor in redefining these same strategies. This study aims to evaluate whether internal marketing is a catalyst for professional satisfaction and life satisfaction among professionals in the Education industry active in Portugal during the COVID-19 Pandemic. To this end, a conceptual research model was developed and 4 study hypotheses were postulated to investigate the purpose of this research based on a quantitative methodology applied to a convenience sample (n=167). The findings obtained proved to be statistically significant, showing internal marketing as a direct and positive predictor of commitment, professional satisfaction and also satisfaction with life. Besides, job satisfaction has been confirmed as a direct and positive determinant of employee performance, commitment, loyalty and satisfaction with life. Finally, commitment was too confirmed as a predictor of employee satisfaction and loyalty. Thus, this research presents itself as an added value for both science and the education industry, as it makes important contributions to the country's educational institutions and enables them to perceive various determinants of professional satisfaction, commitment, employee performance and loyalty, so as to improve strategies that support organizational sustainability and the well-being of educational agents and, in turn, of the students themselves.