This study’s main focus is people’s experience of telepresence (or presence for short) —where the roles of technology are misperceived by media users in various ways, such as the illusion of “being there” in a mediated environment. Although over 2000 articles have examined telepresence and nearly all of research studies about telepresence have been conducted in labs by controlling and measuring the effects of different factors, with few examining it from the perspective of people’s experiences in their daily lives. Following Lombard and Sun’s (2014) (my previous study with Lombard) study of people’s presence experience outside the lab, this study used the combined results of a survey and an interview (n = 36) to explore participants’ lived experiences of presence. Participants offered basic information about them and their experience of presence in the survey; and talked about any experience of presence in their lives and specifically talk more details about their recent experience during the interviews. This study found when, where, with what kind of media, and in what situation people are more likely to have the experience of presence, and explored what elements could contribute to people’s experiences of different types of presence. The results of this study noted aftereffects of presence experiences, which means the effects presence has after people’s mediated experiences are over. These results were new findings to the study of presence outside the labs. Moreover, this study also demonstrated the value of Lombard and Sun’s (2014) survey and found two questions in the survey that could be improved. / Media Studies & Production

Building upon the Sport Experience Design (SX) framework of Funk (2017), this dissertation investigates consumer experience with activewear in different usage contexts. The intersection of user and context in the SX framework is examined by integrating the means-end chain theory of Gutman (1982) and the situation research of Belk (1975). This theoretical integration creates a conceptual approach to understand how consumers construct and evaluate the sport experience in different contexts. Three research questions were asked about what types of perceptions consumers develop with activewear, how the perceptions form the means-end chain structure, and how the structure varies across fitness and non-fitness contexts. Findings of Study 1 revealed five important attributes (i.e., fashion design, color and pattern, fit, functional design, and fabric), four consequences (i.e., physical appearance, physical comfort, social relationship, and task facilitation), and three end-state values (i.e., fun and enjoyment, self-respect, and sense of accomplishment) that connect and form the means-end chain structure. Informed by findings of Study 1, Study 2 found the direction of means-end chain structure and its specific paths vary across fitness and non-fitness contexts. Findings contribute to the SX framework by using the means-end chain theory as a theoretical approach to examine consumers’ experience with a sport product while considering the context in which the product is used. Practical implications are provided on how brands can link product attributes with consumers’ self-concepts to enhance the consumer experience. / Tourism and Sport

No description available.

This research study delves into the multifaceted realm of social presence in online education, encompassing the existence and manifestation of social presence indicators in students' engagement with discussion boards within asynchronous online courses. Social presence manifests when individuals perceive themselves to be simultaneously present with others through a communication medium, thereby cultivating a shared sense of togetherness. The dissertation addresses the impact of course disciplines, exploring the significant influence of both STEM and non-STEM courses on the manifestation of social presence indicators. Furthermore, the study delves into the influence of course duration on the social presence level, unveiling critical insights into the challenges posed by prolonged courses on sustaining student engagement and interaction.This study, randomly selecting sample from Coursera, employed a methodology, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative analysis, to assess social presence within online courses. The approach consisted of five key stages, involving Python-based web crawling, manual keyword identification, data processing, statistical analysis using R, and qualitative exploration. The insights obtained offer valuable suggestions for enhancing social presence in future online educational settings. While acknowledging certain limitations regarding sample size and keyword identification, the study provides valuable contributions to the evolving landscape of online education research, offering practical implications for course design and facilitation in promoting an enriched and engaging online learning environment. / Communication Sciences

With the spread of synchronous and asynchronous online teaching tools, it has become necessary to identify factors and challenges influencing faculty member adoption of online teaching into teaching practice at Saudi universities. The parallel convergent mixed method was used as the methodology for this study and was conducted in three Saudi universities; Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, King Faisal University, and University of Bisha. The total number of responses from the study instrument was about 124; Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University 49, King Faisal University 41, and the University of Bisha 34. The theoretical framework for this study was the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior (DTPB) modal. The collection of quantitative and qualitative data as convergent parallel mixed methods was in one phase and concurrently included close-ended and open-ended questions. The data were separately analyzed quantitative and qualitative. The questionnaire instrument was constructed in four parts: (1) faculty demographic information, (2) technologies faculty use most with online teaching, (3) the use of online teaching and learning tools, and (4) utilization of online tools. The first and second sections of the survey instrument were focused on faculty demographics such as gender, age, academic rank, teaching experiences, department or college, nationality, type of contract, and years of experience teaching online courses. Additional information about faculty's most used technologies (such as possession of personal home technology tools, provision of a university office computer, connection to the Internet at a university, and connection to the Internet at home) for online teaching were also collected. Items pertaining to faculty perceptions of challenges associated with using online teaching tools in their teaching practice were also included in the second section of the survey. A 5-point Likert-scale was used for participant responses with 5=Always, 4=Mostly, 3=Moderate, 2=Seldom, and 1=Never. The findings of faculty demographic information and the type of technologies faculty uses most with online teaching that the quantitative findings of the ANOVA for the first part of the analysis, there were no significant differences identified for gender, faculty members' academic rank and experience, nationality, and contract types in relation to the use of university-provided resources for online teaching tools. However, significant differences were found among faculty members based on age, university departments or colleges, and the experience levels of faculty members for using university-provided resources for online teaching tools. In the second part of the ANOVA analysis, which involved comparisons of the variables, there were no significant differences found based on faculty members' age, university, academic rank or experience level, or gender to use a personal digital resource at home. However, the findings from the ANOVA analysis indicated that there were significant differences found for faculty and using personal digital resources. Differences were found between the three different university contract types. Specifically, faculty with non-renewable contracts were found to use personal resources more than those with renewable contracts. Additionally, differences were also found based on nationality, in that Saudi faculty use significantly more personal resources. For the use of online teaching and learning tool's part based on Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior (DTPB) modal to the attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. The attitude findings of the qualitative faculty members indicated that their choices to engage with online teaching tools were greatly influenced by the perceived usefulness of online teaching during COVID-19. This was related to their flexible and interactive nature. Additionally, the quantitative findings showed that the perceived usefulness was significantly impacted by faculty attitudes toward using online tools in their teaching practices. The findings that qualitative findings from this study revealed the individual intentions of faculty in terms of selecting online and digital tools for online instruction that was based on their assessments of expected difficulty toward the outcomes of intended behavior. However, the quantitative findings indicated that peer influence, student influence, and superior influence were significant factors affecting faculty members' subjective norms. Finally, the quantitative findings of perceived behavioral control indicated the significance of facilitating conditions, technology, and resources as factors that affect faculty members' behavioral control over online teaching in this study. The qualitative result indicated that faculty members were engaged in online teaching positively despite the difficulties and challenges and perceived significant usefulness in utilizing various online and digital teaching tools. / Doctor of Philosophy / This descriptive study investigated the factors and challenges influencing faculty member adoption of online teaching into teaching practice at Saudi universities. This study aims to (1) identify whether the differences that exist in Saudi faculty members' use of online tools can be associated with factors such as gender, age, academic rank, teaching experience, department or college, nationality, type of contract, possession of personal online and digital tools at home, provision of a university office with online and digital tools, connection to the Internet at a university, and connection to the Internet at home, (2) determine the perceived advantages and disadvantages for faculty members using online teaching in the instructional process, (3) determine perceived challenges for faculty members using online teaching in the instructional process. The parallel convergent mixed method was used as the methodology for this study and was conducted in three Saudi universities; Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, King Faisal University, and University of Bisha. The total number of responses from the study instrument was about 124; Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University 49, King Faisal University 41, and the University of Bisha 34. The theoretical framework for this study was the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior (DTPB) modal. The collection of quantitative and qualitative data as convergent parallel mixed methods was in one phase and concurrently included close-ended and open-ended questions. However, both quantitative and qualitative findings indicated that their choices to engage with online teaching tools were greatly influenced by the perceived usefulness of online teaching during COVID-19 and the perceived usefulness was significantly impacted by faculty members' attitudes. The qualitative findings from this study revealed the individual intentions of faculty in terms of selecting online and digital tools for online instruction. This was based on their assessments of expected difficulty toward the outcomes of intended behavior (Yao et al., 2022). For example, faculty members indicated that they used online teaching tools because such tools were easy to operate and provided ample opportunity to interact with several students at the same time. However, faculty members also indicated perceived difficulty and complexity associated with online digital tools. On the other hand, quantitative findings indicated that peer influence, student influence, and superior influence were significant factors affecting faculty members' subjective norms. Finally, the findings from this study indicated that faculty members were engaged in online teaching positively despite the difficulties and challenges. However, they perceived significant usefulness in utilizing various online and digital teaching tools.

No / RATIONALE, AIMS & Tools for the assessment of the quality of research studies tend to be specific to a particular research design (e.g. randomized controlled trials, or qualitative interviews). This makes it difficult to assess the quality of a body of research that addresses the same or a similar research question but using different approaches. The aim of this paper is to describe the development and preliminary evaluation of a quality assessment tool that can be applied to a methodologically diverse set of research articles. METHODS: The 16-item quality assessment tool (QATSDD) was assessed to determine its reliability and validity when used by health services researchers in the disciplines of psychology, sociology and nursing. Qualitative feedback was also gathered from mixed-methods health researchers regarding the comprehension, content, perceived value and usability of the tool. RESULTS: Reference to existing widely used quality assessment tools and experts in systematic review confirmed that the components of the tool represented the construct of 'good research technique' being assessed. Face validity was subsequently established through feedback from a sample of nine health researchers. Inter-rater reliability was established through substantial agreement between three reviewers when applying the tool to a set of three research papers (kappa = 71.5%), and good to substantial agreement between their scores at time 1 and after a 6-week interval at time 2 confirmed test-retest reliability. CONCLUSIONS: The QATSDD shows good reliability and validity for use in the quality assessment of a diversity of studies, and may be an extremely useful tool for reviewers to standardize and increase the rigour of their assessments in reviews of the published papers which include qualitative and quantitative work.

Yes / Consumer brand preference is an essential step towards understanding consumer choice behaviour, and has therefore always received great attention from marketers. However, the study of brand preference has been limited to traditional marketing focusing on functional attributes to maximise utility. But now the shift to experiential marketing broadens the role of the brand from a bundle of attributes to experiences. Technological advancements have helped to increase the similarities between brand attributes and product commoditisation. Consequently, consumers cannot shape their preferences among brands using rational attributes only. They seek out brands that create experiences; that intrigue them in a sensorial, emotional and creative way. This study seeks to develop a model that provides an understanding of how brand knowledge and brand experience determine brand preference and to investigate its impact on brand repurchase intention. Accordingly, exploratory focus group discussions are employed followed by a survey of mobile phone users in Egypt. The findings provide insights into the relative importance of consumer perceptions on different brand knowledge factors in shaping brand preferences. It also demonstrates the significance of consumers’ experiential responses towards brands in developing their brand preferences that in turn influence brand repurchase intention. The model therefore offers managers a new perspective for building strong brands able to gain consumer preferences.

Yes / Purpose This study explored the effect of power-based behaviours on pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC) resilience. Design/methodology/approach This study used a mixed-method approach to explore the role of power-based behaviours in PSC resilience. Qualitative interviews from 23 key PSC stakeholders, followed by thematic analysis, revealed the underlying perceptions regarding PSC resilience. Quantitative propositions were then developed based on the themes adopted from PSC resilience literature and the qualitative findings. These were tested via a survey questionnaire administered to 106 key stakeholders across the various levels in the PSC. Structural equation modelling with partial least squares was used to analyse the data. Findings The data analysed identified proactive and reactive strategies as resilience strategies in the PSC. However, power-based behaviours represented by quota systems, information and price control influenced these resilience strategies. From a complex adaptive system (CAS) perspective, we found that when power-based behaviours were exhibited, the interactions between PSC actors were mixed. There was a negative influence on reactive strategies and a positive influence on proactive strategies. Our analysis also showed that PSC complexities measured by (stringent regulations, long lead times and complex production) moderated the effect of power-based behaviour on reactive strategies. Thus, the negative impact of power-based behaviours on reactive strategies stemmed from PSC complexities. Research implications Our research particularly reveals the role of power-based behaviours in building PSC resilience. By evaluating the nexus from a CAS perspective, the analysis considered powerbased behaviours and the moderating role of PSC complexities in developing resilience strategies. The study considers the interactions of PSC actors. It shows that power asymmetry is a relational concept that inhibits the efficacy of reactive strategies. This study thus advocates the importance of power in achieving a more resilient PSC from a holistic perspective by highlighting the importance of the decision-making process among supply chain partners. Our findings are particularly relevant if PSC resilience is viewed as a complex adaptive system (CAS). All the interactions and decision-making processes affect outcomes due to their inherent complexities. Although this study focused on the PSC, its implications could be extended to other SCs (supply chains). Practical implications We identified that power-based behaviours influenced resilience strategies. It was detrimental to reactive strategies due to the complexities of the PSC but beneficial to proactive strategies through resource-sharing. PSC actors are therefore encouraged to pursue proactive strategies as this may aid in mitigating the impact of disruptions. However, power-based behaviours bred partner dissatisfaction. This dissatisfaction may occur even within strategic alliances indicating that power could be detrimental to proactive strategies. Therefore, it is pertinent to identify conditions that lead to dissatisfaction when pursuing strategic partnerships. This study provides insight into actual behaviours influencing resilience and quantifies their effects on the PSC. These insights will be valuable for all supply chain partners wanting to improve their resilience strategies. Originality/value Previous PSC management and resilience studies have not examined the role of power in building resilience in the PSC. This paper thus provides a unique contribution by identifying the role of power in PSC resilience, offers empirical evidence and a novel theoretical perspective for future practice and research in building PSC resilience strategies.

Violence continues to shape Swedish society, leading to vulnerability and concern, especially affecting young people, with injuries, anxiety, and life-limiting aspects as consequences. Based on this issue, the study aims to interdisciplinarily examine exposure to violence, risk perception regarding violence, and trust, with a specific focus on what influences trust in the Police. This can hopefully contribute to a deeper understanding of the area and hopefully lead to more effective trust- and security building police work. The study applies a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative semi-structured interviews, with the data material analyzed through cross-tabulation analysis and qualitative content analysis. The total data set consists of 766 respondents (survey) and 7 informants (interviews). The results generally suggest that exposure is relatively frequent, both regarding physical- and sexual violence, with a noteworthy high exposure to physical violence against women. Regarding risk perception the concern is widespread, where primarily the concern for the vulnerability of other individuals is prominent. There is also a notable relationship between actual exposure to violence and higher anxiety. Regarding trust in the Police, it is generally high, where many feel a considerable degree of trust in the work of the Police. Overall, the study indicates several associations and factors that influence exposure, risk perception, and trust to varying degrees. The study's most prominent findings applies to trust, where both actual exposure to violence and high anxiety tend to negatively affect trust. Furthermore, the police's treatment, engagement, and effectiveness are considered additional factors that influence trust. With regard to this, the study's results suggest that minor negative events can affect young people's trust, making police treatment significant for trust- and security building work and for maintaining a high level of trust.

It is important to know patients’ expectations and experiences concerning their medical visits in order to facilitate health care improvements (Socialstyrelsen, 2006; Sveriges kommuner och landsting, n.d.). There are however no studies available dealing with Swedish caretakers’ expectations of their children’s first contact with a speech and language pathologist (SLP), nor studies dealing with whether or not their expectations were met and their experiences of the visit. Thus the aim of the present study was to acquire knowledge about this to determine whether or not the given health care is satisfying and if there are any areas in need of improvement. The material consisted of two questionnaires and a telephone interview. In total, 20 caretakers filled out the questionnaire prior to the visit. Of these, 15 also filled out the questionnaire after the visit and 8 participated in the interview. The results of the study show that the caretakers’ expectations were met to a high degree and that they were highly satisfied with the visit. Moreover, this contentment seemed to coincide with their experience of met expectations. The caretakers expected the SLP to share an evaluation of the child’s speech and language and to give much information (e.g. about the child’s speech and language and communicative adjustments), that the child’s pre-school would be contacted and that the caretakers would be provided with material for home exercises, advice and support. Of great importance for a positive experience was also the SLP’s personality and that there was enough time during the visit. The level of worry and the perceived need for SLP consultations decreased after the visit. The caretakers’ expectations were not met regarding information about the purpose of the testing, the level of difficulty of a specific test, pre-school contacts, material for home exercises, waiting times and support. The information about the presence and level of difficulties as well as a possible diagnosis were not clear to several of the participants. The results show that there are certain aspects that are important in order for first contacts with a SLP to reach a high quality. Among these are the SLP’s approach and that the SLP provides an assessment, good advice and material for home exercises. There are however some areas in need of improvement that should be considered by SLPs, for example regarding waiting times, support, preschool contacts and information about the children’s difficulties. The results and conclusions emanating from this study should however be treated with some caution due to a low number of participants. / Det är viktigt att undersöka patienters förväntningar inför och upplevelser av vårdbesök för att möjliggöra förbättringar inom hälso- och sjukvården (Socialstyrelsen, 2006; Sveriges kommuner och landsting, u.å.). Det saknas studier angående vad vårdnadshavare till svenska barn har för förväntningar inför sina barns nybesök hos logoped för utredning av tal och språk, huruvida förväntningarna infrias samt hur de upplever besöket efteråt. Syftet med föreliggande studie var således att få mer kunskap om detta för att utröna om den vård som ges är tillfredställande och om det finns möjliga förbättringsområden. Material för datainsamling utgjordes av en enkät som besvarades inför besöket, en enkät som besvarades efter besöket samt en intervju via telefon efter besöket. Totalt deltog 20 vårdnadshavare som svarade på enkäten inför besöket, av dessa 20 besvarade 15 deltagare enkäten efter besöket och åtta deltog i telefonintervjun.    Studiens resultat visade att vårdnadshavarnas förväntningar motsvarades i hög grad. De var även i hög grad nöjda med besöket och denna nöjdhet förefaller sammanhänga med deras upplevelse av motsvarade förväntningar. Vårdnadshavarna förväntade sig att logopeden skulle delge en bedömning av barnets tal och språk och ge mycket information (t.ex. om barnets tal och språk samt kommunikativa anpassningar), att kontakt skulle tas med barnets förskola samt att vårdnadshavarna skulle få material för hemträning, tips och råd och stöd med att komma igång med träningen. Av stor vikt för upplevelsen, utöver ovan nämnda aspekter, var även hur logopeden var som person, hur denne bemötte barnet och vårdnadshavaren samt att tid fanns under besöket. Deltagarnas oro och upplevda behov av logopedkontakt minskades efter besöket. Deltagarnas förväntningar motsvarades inte beträffande information om testernas syfte, ett tests svårighetsgrad, kontakt med förskolan, material för hemträning samt väntetider och stöd. Information om förekomst av svårigheter hos barnet samt eventuell diagnos och grad av svårigheter upplevdes inte som tydlig för ett flertal deltagare.  Resultaten pekar på att det finns vissa aspekter som troligtvis bidrar till att logopediska nybesök uppnår en god kvalitet, bland annat logopedens bemötande samt att logopeden ger en bedömning, tips och råd samt material för hemträning. Det finns dock även några förbättringsområden som logopeder bör beakta, exempelvis beträffande väntetider, stöd, kontakt med förskolan och information om barnets svårigheter. Resultat och slutsatser bör dock tolkas med försiktighet på grund av lågt deltagarantal.