1993 research outputs found
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Gwyddoniaeth niwclear yw hi: proffesiynoli'r gweithlu plentyndod cynnar yn y DU - Crynodeb ac Argymhellion o'r prosiect Dadansoddiad cymharol o bolisi gweithlu'r blynyddoedd cynnar ym mhedair gwlad y DU (EYW4N)
An Evaluation of the Purchase Behaviour of Chinese Senior Consumers in the Tourism Sector and the Influence of Social Identity and Social Media
As consumer purchase behaviour [PB] gains increasing importance in marketing, the global ageing factor and advancements in information technology have further intensified the need for understanding the emerging force of senior Chinese consumers [SCCs]. Despite prior efforts to explore PB, there is a lack of research on SCCs. This study aims to enhance the understanding of SCCs’ PB in the tourism industry by investigating the influence of social identity [SI] and social media [SM].
Grounded in the interpretivism paradigm, this research employs a qualitative approach, involving 28 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with SCCs. The study explores the extent and manner in which SI and SM influence the tourism PB of this market segment. Thematic analysis was carried out, and five major themes were captured. Primarily, this study suggests that Identity-related factors, including social identity [SI], private identity [PI], FACE and GUANXI, significantly influence the tourism PB of SCCs. Additionally, SM factors (the influence of consumers' attitudes towards SM, SM as an information source, and consumer engagement in SM) significantly impact their PB. For SCCs, factors such as Tourism Selection Criteria [TSC], Cost of the Tourism Product [CTP] and Perceived Behavioural Control [PBC], were secondary and did not significantly influence their tourism PB. How and when these tripartite factors weighed on the tourism PB of SCCs depended on the context of consumers' perceptions of their salient identity and reliance on SM. Moreover, Identity-related factors have a complicated interplay relationship with SM factors.
This study offers novel insights into the PB of SCCs, enhances prior literature, and contributes to marketing management science by illuminating the role of Identity-related and SM factors in the tourism industry. The findings have valuable implications for both marketing scholars and practitioners. The study acknowledges its limitations and suggests avenues for future research
The Impact of Sustainability Claims on the Fashion Buying Behaviour of Gen Z Customers: A Systematic Review
Two Competing Histories from the Southern Dynasties Period: An Initial Comparison of "Historical Discourses" (shilun) in Shen Yue's Song shu and Pei Ziye's Song lüe
Twenty years after Shen Yue沈約 (441-513) had compiled his Song shu 宋書 (History of the Liu-Song; 488) the conservative antiquarian and historian Pei Ziye裴子野 (469-530) privately compiled his Song lüe 宋略 (Outline history of the Liu-Song; 508). In his work Pei set out to “erase matters of minor importance” in Shen Yue’s representation of Song history and to “show the essential events without self-seeking motives.” The latter remark was a clear blow against Shen Yue’s sugar-coating representation of the undecided attitude that his father had taken during a failed coup d’état by one of the imperial princes in AD 453. Unfortunately, Pei Ziye’s counter-history to the official Song shu has been lost. Fragments of the work, however, including its “summary discussion” (zonglun 總論) and a number of “discussions” (lun 論) by the historian on people or events, have survived in the Zizhi tongjian 資治通鋻, Jiankang shilu 建康實錄, Tongdian 通典, Wenyuan yinghua 文苑英華, or Taiping yulan 太平御覽. In two instances (Zizhi tongjian 128.4038-39; 133.4161-62), Sima Guang 司馬光, the compiler of the Zizhi tongjian, placed the discussions by Shen Yue and Pei Ziye side by side, possibly implying that the two histories are to some extent complementary and are best read together. Basing my paper on an analysis of these two parallel discussions, I seek to examine the differences in the two historians’ interpretation of the recent past. I will show in what ways the evaluation of historical issues was linked to the political issues of the day. My overall aim is, firstly, to shed light on the political and intellectual rivalries at the courts of the Qi and Liang dynasties and how they manifested themselves in historiography. Secondly, my paper is an initial attempt to explore the comparatively uncharted territory of Southern Dynasties historiography through a comparative study of the work of two of its major figures, one of them (Pei Ziye) largely unknown today
Do humans have special duties and moral obligations towards, rather than ‘rights’ over, nonhuman animals? And if such duties exist, what does our collective treatment of nonhumans say about human morality?
This thesis supports the case against all forms of animal exploitation and speciesist assumptions that prevail in most human societies. It falls broadly into (a) evidential and philosophical bases for recognising the basic interests and moral entitlements of nonhumans, and (b) criticism of anthropocentric beliefs, systems and strategies that deny such interests and entitlements and rationalise our collective misuse of nonhuman beings.
It begins by presenting evidence that it is not necessary to use animal products to meet human needs, since viable alternatives are available. And without necessity, claims of ‘rights’ to exploit animals are invalid. Accordingly, nonhumans have, by default, entitlements to life, liberty and non-interference, which underpin our moral obligations towards them.
It is increasingly evident that many, or most, animal species can experience pain and suffering, and many share important cognitive capacities with humans - including self-awareness and intentionality. This contradicts Neo-Cartesian claims that nonhumans are not phenomenally conscious or sentient and weighs against a categorical distinction between humans and other species.
As sentience underpins the baseline moral requirement of non-harm, it is consistent to apply this principle to all beings with this capacity. This entails an obligation not to abuse our power over others, but to use such powers to protect them. Here, the virtue of mercy is considered, with reference to Seneca’s exposition in De Clementia.
On the basis of their interests, capacities and telos, nonhumans can be recipients of justice. The thesis argues against versions of contractualism that make this conditional upon the ability to claim rights or fulfil obligations; it also challenges theories that link moral standing to a hierarchical model of cognitive capacities.
I contend that humans rely on an artificial normative-ethical framework, which contrasts with the apparent proto-moral homeostasis (‘respectivity’) that seems naturally to govern nonhumans. On this basis it is argued that moral sensibility is not derived from reason but from a shared evolutionary capacity.
This links into the proposition that humans inhabit an artificial cultural-technological ‘shell’, which conditions our experience and perception of the world. This is related to concepts of ideology and various social-psychological misconstructions which rationalise our exploitation of nonhuman beings.
The discussion then moves to the human egoic self – the ‘I’ as a constructed entity, rather than simple self-awareness – which conditions our relationships with other living beings. This is linked in to the ‘fascism hypothesis’, wherein the fetishised ego manifests collectively and inverts the primal relational dynamic of nature.
Others have suggested that humans have undergone some fundamental break with nature. This thesis argues (referencing mythopoeic narratives such as ‘the Fall’) that this estrangement may stem from humans’ acquisition of abstract-conceptual reasoning. It then considers the view (from Schopenhauer, among others), that moral intuition (rather than reason alone) is the key to reconnecting with the wider, nonhuman world.
Finally, these themes are linked to natural law theory (NLT), which posits moral truth as integral to the rational plan which orders the universe and governs all living things. For Aquinas, this can be grasped only by (human) reason, but against this anthropocentric interpretation, I argue that only nonhumans abide by the principles of natural law. And without Aquinas’ anthropocentrism, NLT could offer a comprehensive framework for modern animal ethics
A conceptual framework for a successful adoption of digital health systems in developing countries
Introduction: Digital Health Systems (DHS) have the potential to enhance healthcare in developing countries, but challenges such as political instability, cultural resistance, poor infrastructure, and workforce limitations hinder successful implementation. Methods: A mixed-methods approach, including a systematic literature review, in-depth interviews (n=25), and surveys (n=350), was employed to develop the Network of Influence Framework (NIF). Results: The refined NIF identifies critical success factors such as brain drain, capacity building, evidence-based practices, and organizational memory. It emphasizes the complex interplay of enablers and barriers, where leadership and regulatory frameworks are often hindered by systemic issues, including infrastructure gaps and resistance to change. Conclusions: To successfully implement DHS in developing countries, context-specific solutions addressing both enablers and barriers are necessary. Future research should explore the interdependencies between these factors to develop sustainable, inclusive strategies for to help improving healthcare delivery in developing countries
Investigating the Marketing Strategies Implemented by Aston Martin and BMW and its Impact on Consumer Behaviour in the UK
The evaluation of the brand marketing strategies of the luxury car companies such as Aston Martin and BMW in the UK is crucial to foster more sales and increase market share. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the various marketing strategies that could be followed by the marketing managers of both these companies to improve their market share in the UK. The UK automobile market is highly competitive, which also affects the manufacturing components for the luxury car brands. Intra-network promotion packages serve as a brand accomplishment strategy for the vehicle manufacturing companies to ensure better customer engagement. Furthermore, the use of digital technologies such as AI and ML to attract more customers is another important aspect that needs to be closely followed. Effective and visible CSR policies play a major role in boosting customer confidence as well. The methodology followed in this study is involved with both qualitative and quantitative strategies. This section involves a customer survey with preferences by conducting a live interaction with proper topic-related questions. Here, both the inductive and deductive approaches are conducted.
The study finds that investing in marketing strategies is one of the best approaches that luxury car companies can opt which eventually lead to the betterment of the company including customer engagement, enhancing brand perception and customer loyalty. The study finds that appropriate and strategic marketing like celebrity endorsement, and social media marketing are effective in changing consumer attitudes and building trust. The survey result showed that customer-centric marketing strategies have a major effect on the development of business growth in the UK for BMW and Aston Martin. Also, celebrity brand endorsement can help the companies to make an impact on the minds of the customers as well. The marketing strategies also need to be changed according to cultural diversity and feedback using social media and online and print advertisements. The conclusion part contains a brief discussion of the effects and the strategies provided on the topic of investigating the marketing strategies implemented and the impact on consumer behaviours in the UK, which helps in developing performance metrics and establishing the relation with the consumers. The limitations of the study and the future scopes related to this study are also discussed. Ultimately, the study provides various successful strategies to improve marketing strategies and impact consumer behaviour
Exploring Student's Perceptions of a Place-Responsive, Sustainability-Focused Expedition to Zanzibar and its Implications for Outdoor Education Practice.
This study explores how a place-responsive, sustainability-focused expedition influenced
participants’ sense of place, environmental knowledge, and concern. Amidst growing critiques
of traditional adventure-based outdoor education, which often prioritises physical challenge over ecological engagement, this research explores an alternative approach that fosters cultural, historical, and environmental connections. Guided by an interpretivist paradigm and a qualitative phenomenological methodology, data were collected from sixteen participants aged sixteen to nineteen through ethnographic reflective journals, group and semi-structured interviews, and autoethnographically through participant observation. A thematic analysis identified five key themes. An enhanced sense of place through cultural exchange, historical learning, and Indigenous perspectives; increased environmental knowledge and concern fostered through direct engagement; and improved physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
Findings suggest that immersion through cultural and ecological narratives cultivated environmental awareness and personal growth. Language learning emerged as a key factor in building relationships and deepening participants’ sense of place. Historical engagement, particularly with colonial legacies and local conservation efforts, prompted critical reflections on global inequalities and sustainability. Direct exposure to environmental degradation heightened participants' concern, with post-trip reflections indicating ongoing advocacy in the participants’ home communities. The study underscores the pedagogical value of place responsive outdoor education, advocating for longer duration, culturally immersive experiences that integrate Indigenous knowledge and structured reflection. Recommendations include integrating language acquisition, creating time for dwelling, and fostering reciprocal relationship with host communities. The research contributes to debates in outdoor education regarding the viability of transformative learning experiences beyond local contexts and emphasises the need for ethical, decolonised approaches in international expeditions. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of place-responsive outdoor learning and its role in fostering sustained environmental stewardship
Testimony Knowledge: Indigenous Research of Land, Story and Visual Narrative/Filmmaking in Northeast China
This dissertation introduces Indigenous theories to the study of ethnic minority cultures in Northeast China, aiming to develop a localized Indigenous research paradigm. It addresses two core questions: How have the identity and cultural expressions of ethnic minorities in Northeast China been shaped by historical changes in territorial belonging, and how do Indigenous visual narratives reconstruct ethnic identities within the context of modernization?
This study engages in a cross-disciplinary dialogue, integrating Indigenous studies, visual anthropology, and post-colonial theories. It draws on the works of Indigenous scholars such as Jo-ann Archibald, Shawn Wilson, and Dorothy Christian to construct an analytical framework that emphasises the interconnectedness of land, storytelling, and cultural protocols in shaping Indigenous identities.
Methodologically, it adopts qualitative approaches grounded in Indigenous research methodologies, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, oral history, and ethnographic filmmaking. These methods are employed to gather stories and experiences from local ethnic communities, visual artists, and filmmakers in Northeast China, with a focus on the Manchu, Sibe, Evenki, and Oroqen peoples.
The findings reveal the complex negotiations of ethnic identity and cultural expression among Northeast China’s Indigenous communities amid the challenges of modernization. Through analysing ethnographic documentaries such as Gu Tao’s The Last Moose of Aoluguya (犴达罕, 2013) and Liu Yujia’s The Pale View of Hills (远山淡景, 2018), this study highlights the resilience and creativity of Indigenous peoples in maintaining cultural continuity while adapting to social changes. The author’s own documentary filming experience in Shifosi Village further illustrates the application of Indigenous theories in visual storytelling practices.
The work contributes to expanding the horizons of Chinese ethnic minority studies by introducing Indigenous perspectives and decolonizing methodologies. It also enriches the global discourse on Indigenous visual sovereignty by grounding it in the Chinese context. Practically, it sheds light on the often-overlooked Indigenous cultures of Northeast China, providing a nuanced understanding of their historical struggles and contemporary aspirations.
This dissertation not only bridges Indigenous studies with Chinese national minority research but also explores innovative ways to represent and empower Indigenous voices through visual narratives. It offers new perspectives for re-envisioning ethnic relations and cultural diversity in China under the context of globalization