Multidimensional Measurement Instrument Research Articles

Sustainability-related product satisfaction – Development and application of a multi-dimensional measurement instrument

Given the increased pressure of customers on companies to engage in sustainability efforts, satisfying their sustainability expectations for their products is crucial. However, research on customer satisfaction so far has widely neglected sustainability concerns. Based on the sustainability literature we conceptualize a multi-dimensional measurement instrument for sustainability-related product satisfaction (SPS). Scale purification and validation using three independent samples support six subdimensions: sustainable product value, sustainable product manufacturing, sustainable product use, sustainable product life-cycle, product accessibility, and sustainable product end-of-life. The employed MIMIC approach lends support to the conceptualization of SPS as a Type II second-order factor model. Measurement invariance tests support the scale's cross-regional equivalence. When assessing criterion-related validity, we find that compared with other facets of product satisfaction, SPS is strongly related to increasing word-of-mouth but less so to customer loyalty. The availability of sustainability-related information is positively associated with SPS, which in turn contributes to overall product satisfaction.

Micro-foundations of digital innovation capability – A mixed method approach to develop and validate a multi-dimensional measurement instrument

Digital innovation refers to the creation or adoption value-adding novelty through the incorporation of digital technology. Digital innovation challenges established product-centric companies whose innovation management capabilities are insufficient to manage the reconfiguration and transformation necessary for digital innovation and technology. Recent research has introduced different concepts of for example, digital readiness, digitalization capabilities, and digital innovation readiness. However, these concepts have two shortcomings for use in practice and empirical research: most concepts are theoretical in nature, with limited empirically validated measures. As such, this study takes a dynamic capability view to synthesize prior literature on the organizational antecedents of digital innovation and develops a framework for the micro-foundations of digital innovation capability. By applying a mixed-method approach, existing concepts are extended through qualitative research and then translated into a multi-dimensional measurement instrument. This multi-item operationalization is then subjected to scale validation using quantitative research methods. The results show that a company's digital innovation capability is founded upon seven micro-foundations – digital focus, digital innovation process, digital mindset, digital innovation network, digital technology capability, data management, and overcoming digital innovation resistance – that facilitate established companies in sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring digital innovation.

The quality of informational social support in online health communities: A content analysis of cancer-related discussions.

Informational social support is one of the main reasons for patients to visit online health communities (OHCs). Calls have been made to investigate the objective quality of such support in the light of a worrying number of inaccurate online health-related information. The main aim of this study is to conceptualize the Quality of Informational Social Support (QISS) and develop and test a measure of QISS for content analysis. A further aim is to investigate the level of QISS in cancer-related messages in the largest OHC in Slovenia and examine the differences among various types of discussion forums, namely, online consultation forums, online support group forums, and socializing forums. A multidimensional measurement instrument was developed, which included 20 items in a coding scheme for a content analysis of cancer-related messages. On a set of almost three million posts published between 2015 and 2019, a machine-learning algorithm was used to detect cancer-related discussions in the OHC. We then identified the messages providing informational social support, and through quantitative content analysis, three experts coded a random sample of 403 cancer-related messages for the QISS. The results demonstrate a good level of interrater reliability and agreement for a QISS scale with six dimensions, each demonstrating good internal consistency. The results reveal large differences among the social support, socializing, and consultation forums, with the latter recording significantly higher quality in terms of accuracy (M = 4.48, P < .001), trustworthiness (M = 4.65, P < .001), relevance (M = 3.59, P < .001), and justification (M = 3.81, P = .05) in messages providing informational social support regarding cancer-related issues. This study provides the research field with a valid tool to further investigate the factors and consequences of varying quality of information exchanged in supportive communication. From a practical perspective, OHCs should dedicate more resources and develop mechanisms for the professional moderation of health-related topics in socializing forums and thereby suppress the publication and dissemination of low-quality information among OHC users and visitors.

Cross-cultural adaption and validation of the German version of the Mini-BESTest in individuals after stroke: an observational study

BackgroundPostural control is a very important function in everyday life. However, assessing postural control with commonly used measurement instruments (MIs) is limited due to deficits in their psychometric properties. The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) is a comprehensive and multidimensional MI for assessing postural control in persons with limited balance function, such as individuals after stroke. Despite the increasing use of the Mini-BESTest worldwide, no German version is available.Research questionIs the German version of the Mini-BESTest (GVMBT) comprehensible and valid for measuring postural control in individuals after stroke?MethodsThe Mini-BESTest was translated and cross-culturally adapted, following established guidelines. It was pilot-tested with ten participants. This observational measurement and validation study was conducted at one point and included 50 participants with subacute and chronic stroke (mean age: 64.58 ± 13.34 years/ 34 men/ 16 women). Convergent validity was investigated using 1) the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and 2) the Timed “Up & Go” (TUG). The MIs were evaluated for normal distribution with the calculation of skewness, kurtosis and Q-Q-Plots. Spearman correlation coefficients and Bland Altman analysis were used to examine the relationship between the MIs. The internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha.ResultsComprehension of the GVMBT was confirmed. The GVMBT correlated significantly with the BBS (rs = 0.93) and the TUG (rs = − 0.85). Bland Altman analysis revealed low absolute differences. The GVMBT demonstrated no significant floor or ceiling effects and showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.90).SignificanceThe GVMBT has excellent validity and internal consistency. Due to this and its specific subcategories, the GVMBT is recommended for the use in research and clinical practice. Further psychometric properties should be evaluated.

Measuring precarious employment in the European Working Conditions Survey: psychometric properties and construct validity in Spain

Monitoring precarious employment (PE) is crucial to design and evaluate policies tailored to enhance the quality of employment and to achieve more decent and sustainable labour markets. In that regard, the construction of theory-based multidimensional measurement instruments with data derived from well-established and periodically-conducted surveys stands out as an insightful opportunity to acquire so. Accordingly, this study aims to adapt the Employment Precariousness Scale (EPRES) to the available information in the European Working Conditions Survey VI (EWCS-2015), and to explore the psychometric properties and construct validity of the ensuing instrument, namely EPRES-E, in Spain. 13 items sorted in six dimensions (temporariness, disempowerment, vulnerability, exercise of rights, uncertain working times and wages) shaped the EPRES-E. In a sample of 2442 formal employees residing in Spain, item- and scale-level analyses were performed alongside omega reliability coefficients and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). The scale exhibited good psychometric properties and reliability (ω = 0.80 for the EPRES-E score and near or above 0.70 for all subscales excepting “exercise of rights”). The factor structure was confirmed by CFA [χ2 (df) = 530.432 (58), p < 0.0001; CFI = 0.964; TLI = 0.951; RMSEA (95% CI) = 0.067 (0.062–0.073); all paths statistically significant]. Acceptability, however, was hampered by the large amount of non-response in the “earnings” variables (20.97%). In sum, the EPRES-E constitutes a promising instrument for the measurement of PE over time in Spain. Further studies should explore its comparability in the rest of the countries included in the EWCS as a first step towards the achievement of a European-wide monitoring system of the phenomenon.

The dimensions of happiness within the Oxford happiness questionnaire: developing a valid multidimensional measurement instrument for a portuguese sample

The evidence that individuals’ happiness and general well-being are closely related has made happiness a frequently studied topic in the last decades. Studies showed that happiness has several dimensions and that these are dependent, amongst others, of cultural, economic, and social factors. The aim of this study was to validate a measure that identifies possible dimensions of happiness having as a starting point the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. An online questionnaire with socio-professional items and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire was used. A sample of 1032 individuals from several Portuguese higher education establishments was collected, of which 581 (56.3%) were students, 257 (24.9%) were faculty members, and 194 (18.8%) were non-teaching staff. The sample was divided into two subsamples: sample 1 (n=508) and sample 2 (n=524). A Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was performed on sample 1, followed by Covariance Based Structural Equation Modelling (CB-SEM) on sample 2. The PCA presented results, consistent with the existing theory, for a three-factor model. CB-SEM identified several items with significant correlations with more than one latent variable, which eliminated from the model. A valid model (CFI= .95; TLI= .94; AGFI= .95; RMSEA= .04) was obtained, with three dimensions: Joy (six items); Positivism (nine items); and Reliability (two items). We conclude that a threedimension model is valid for the population under study and should be applied to other populations to deepen the conclusions. These three dimensions may serve as a basis to better understand what influences our happiness and propose interventions to promote it.

The instrumentation of science parks: an integrative framework of enabling factors

PurposeResearch on Science parks (SPs) has attracted a growing interest in the last decades. This widespread innovation policy initiative pursues technology-based industrial and entrepreneurial growth through business development and technology transfer across new and mature firms. Despite the common agreement on SPs' potential benefits, literature have showed mixed results regarding the performance of SPs. To explain this findings, current research pointed out at the lack of a common guiding framework. To cover this knowledge gap, this manuscript proposes an integrative definition and research model together with a multidimensional measurement instrument suitable to encompass the diverse reality of this global phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachBased on a systematic literature review of 281 indexed journal articles published between 1990 and 2018, the paper provides an integrative framework of enabling factors of SPs' performance.FindingsThe results illustrate an integrative conceptual framework of SPs that allows further comparison and generalization of research. At the same time, this manuscript provides valuable insights for managers and entrepreneurs as it conveys a standardized view of SPs' internal context useful for benchmarking.Originality/valueGrounded in the resource-based view (RBV), the paper conducts a thorough literature review to develop an integrative research model featuring three value streams: physical infrastructures, formal links and support services. In addition, a multidimensional measurement tool to operationalize these three dimensions is proposed.

Components of Appreciative Functioning: A Thematic Analysis of Relevant Literature and Content Analysis of Existing Measurement Scales

Growing evidence is linking gratitude with well-being, yet insufficient scholarly attention has been given to how it is defined, understood and measured. To address this issue, gratitude and gratefulness can be usefully distinguished as two types of appreciative functioning. Applying complex dynamic systems theory, appreciative functioning is conceptualised as a pattern of cognition and behaviour that involves the interaction of awareness, comprehension, emotions, goals, and relationships. The aim of the current work was to explore this system of appreciative functioning in greater detail. A deductive thematic analysis of relevant literature was performed in Study 1 to identify psychological and social components of appreciative functioning within an empirically-based systems framework. Study 2 used a content analysis methodology to quantify the extent to which the components identified in Study 1 are covered by existing scales that assess gratitude and gratefulness. Study 1 identified 32 theoretical components within five overarching domains that comprise the system of appreciative functioning. Gratefulness and gratitude were found to involve many components, with some shared in common. Study 2 found that existing instruments do not cover the full set of components. Moreover, results indicated that existing scales confound gratitude and gratefulness, and thus they cannot determine the extent to which each construct uniquely relates to well-being outcomes. This work supports the view that gratefulness and gratitude are distinct, yet related, multi-component constructs within a complex system of appreciative functioning. Together, these studies provide theoretical groundwork for the construction of multidimensional measurement instruments to extend research into the underlying mechanisms through which appreciative functioning influences well-being.

Measuring the impacts of the integrating information systems on decision-making performance and organisational performance: an empirical study of the Taiwan semiconductor industry

There is currently a trend for companies to invest in Business Intelligence (BI) systems and integrate them with their original Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in order to enhance their management decision-making capability. Even though much attention has been paid to decision-making benefits of integrated systems in practice, limited academic research has investigated the issue of decision-making improvement. Therefore, the motivation for this paper is to examine the impact of integrated ERP and BI (abbreviated as ERPBI) systems on decision making and overall Organisational Performance (OP) and to explore the relationship between Decision-Making Performance (DMP) and OP. This study develops a multidimensional measurement instrument for assessing the impact of ERPBI systems on both decision-making and OP. A survey was conducted involving 108 companies in the semiconductor industry in Taiwan. The results of the survey indicate firstly, that ERPBI system usage in organisations is positively related to decision-making performance. Secondly, decision-making performance can mediate the effect of ERPBI system usage on OP. Thirdly, organisations using ERPBI systems achieve higher levels of decision-making and OP compared to organisations which only use ERP systems.

Subjective Entrepreneurial Success – Development of a Multi Dimensional Measurement Instrument

This article reports on the development of a comprehensive, multi-dimensional measurement instrument of entrepreneurial success. Two studies are presented. The first study is a qualitative investig...

Discriminant Analysis in Career Studying “Decision/Indecision”: The Career Factors Inventory (CFI) as a Diagnostic Measure

Literature has shown that, nowadays, a multidimensional approach to decision-making has become prioritized. The Careers Factor Inventory (CFI) is, in fact, a multidimensional measurement instrument for evaluating career indecision, which may be useful in the diagnosis of adaptation behaviors in terms of career decision versus indecision. This study emerges as a follow-up to a previous study which used the CFI on a sample of university students in which this measurement instrument was found to be capable of distinguishing Low decided vs. Highly decided groups and to evaluate the discriminatory capacity of the CFI scales. It is the aim, here, to further analyse the results obtained in such study with a view to grounding the importance of the use of this Inventory as an instrument for distinguishing people who present different decision levels in relation to their careers. In this study, 494 university students from a number of higher education establishments and courses are part of the afore mentioned Low decided and Highly decided groups. The collected data were analysed by means of Discrete Discriminant Analysis models and corroborate the discriminant power of the Inventory and its use as a diagnostic instrument in the psychological intervention of career counseling and development.

The development and psychometric evaluation of a multi-dimensional measurement instrument of employability—and the impact of aging

The employability of workers enables organizations to meet their fluctuating demands for numerical and functional flexibility, two very important factors for organizations to remain competitive in today's dynamic markets. Clear definitions and measurement instruments for the concept of employability are needed to facilitate this process, and are a prerequisite for different HRM policies and activities to stimulate the employability of employees. Aging workers are extra at risk to meet the modern and faster changing demands of today's (labor) market. In the present study, a valid and reliable instrument for measuring employability is presented and the employability of different age groups is studied. Supervisors do rate over-fifties less employable as these employees rate themselves.

Reasons why patients bypass their GP to visit a hospital emergency department

Knowledge about what motivates patients to visit the emergency department (ED) of a hospital for minor complaints, instead of visiting their general practitioner (GP), can help to reduce unnecessary utilization of expensive services. This paper reports on a study designed to investigate the reasons why patients visit the ED and to determine the influence of patient characteristics on specific motives. A multidimensional measurement instrument was designed to identify the motives of patients who bypass their GP and visit the ED. The instrument assessed 21 motives, all measured by means of three questions in Likert format. During a period of 1 week, all patients who visited the ED of two hospitals in Amsterdam were asked to complete a questionnaire when they were 'self-referred' with minor complaints. A total of 403 questionnaires were analysed, and the results show that motives relating to the GP play a minor role in the decision of patients to visit the ED. Profiles of two major patient groups could be identified. One group comprised patients with a high socio-economic status living in suburbs, whose motives for visiting the ED are mainly of a financial nature. Patients in the second group mainly lived in the inner-city, and preferred the expertise and facilities provided by the ED.

Measurement of intelligence and personality within the Cattellian psychometric model

Cattellian research has been prodigious in systematically investigating the structure of personality traits alongside important cognitive/ability dimensions. Source traits delineated factor analytically in both intrapersonal psychological domains have been incorporated into multidimensional measurement instruments such as the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF), Clinical Analysis Questionnaire (CAQ), Objective-Analytic (O-A) Battery, Culture Fair Intelligence Tests (CFIT), and Comprehensive Ability Battery (CAB). Several downward extensions of these instruments have been developed such as the High School Personality Questionnaire (HSPQ), Children's Personality Questionnaire (CPQ), and Early School Personality Questionnaire (ESPQ). Boyle (1983) has shown under non- emotive conditions that intellectual abilities tend to overshadow personality traits, in cognitive information processing. Nevertheless, under stressful emotional conditions, involvement of personality traits is enhanced such that cognitive factors may play only a minor role in influencing performance outcomes. The Cattellian psychometric model is one of the few approaches which attempts to index intelligence along with temperament. The present paper provides an overview of the Cattellian integration of intelligence and personality measurement, and discusses some of its benefits and problems.

Measuring Friendship Quality During Pre- and Early Adolescence: The Development and Psychometric Properties of the Friendship Qualities Scale

The Friendship Qualities Scale is a theoretically grounded, multidimensional measurement instrument to assess the quality of children's and early adolescents' relationships with their best friends according to five conceptually meaningful aspects of the friendship relation. These dimensions are companionship, conflict, help/aid, security and closeness. A confirmatory factor analysis, used to evaluate the factor structure of this instrument, demonstrated that these scales represented distinct, but related, domains of friendship. Assessments of reliability indicated the high level of internal consistency within each dimension. The validity of the scale was indicated by the observation of higher ratings for (a) mutual friends than for non-mutual friends, and (b) for stable friends than for non-stable friends. These findings are discussed according to the theoretical and practical issues related to the measurement of friendship quality.

The FK5005 specialized complex for multidimensional measurement instruments and size monitoring

The FK5005 specialized complex for multidimensional measurement instruments and size monitoring