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The Power of Atmosphere, Gifts, and Interaction: Exploring Hedonic Value's Mediation in Repurchase Intention for Oppo Smartphones
Get PDFThe purpose of this study is to investigate repurchase intention among Oppo smartphone users. The aim of the findings is to reveal the extent to which store atmosphere, gift promotions, and proactive interaction marketing directly and indirectly, through the mediation of hedonic value, impact the repurchase intention of Oppo smartphone users. The study employed accidental sampling, with a sample size of 201 respondents who met the criteria of having purchased an Oppo smartphone from a brand-affiliated outlet, used the device for at least six months, and were at least 15 years old. The data was analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results indicated that gift promotion and store atmosphere significantly influenced both hedonic value and repurchase intention, while proactive interaction marketing did not significantly impact either variable. Additionally, hedonic value mediated the effects of store atmosphere and gift promotion on repurchase intention but not for proactive interaction marketing
FinTech Firms Dividend Payout Policy: Evidence from Covid-19
Get PDFThe breakthrough of the Covid-19 pandemic has not only caused significant disruption across numerous industries globally but also marked a surge in digital transformation within the financial sector through the adoption of FinTech. The pandemic was exceptional for the FinTech sector as it developed and accelerated the adoption of FinTech firms. This study examines the impact of Covid-19 on FinTech firms’ dividend policy by applying logistic regression models. The sample includes 171 FinTech firms listed in The STOXX Global FinTech Index from 2014 to 2021. The findings reveal that FinTech firms tend to increase or maintain their dividend payments rather than omit them during Covid-19 to convey positive signals to the market
Comparative Analysis of Sustainability Communication Strategies of Thai and Global Brand Restaurants on Social Media and Websites
Get PDFIn recent years, sustainability has become a crucial concern in the food industry, with restaurants playing a significant role in promoting sustainable practices. Consumers increasingly demand transparency and responsibility, pushing restaurants to adopt and effectively communicate their sustainability efforts. This research investigates the sustainability communication strategies of Thai and global brand restaurants on social media and official websites. The purpose of this study is to compare how Thai and global brand restaurants communicate their sustainability practices. The study used a content analysis approach to analyze posts from Facebook, Instagram, and the websites of the Thai restaurant brand “S&P Syndicate” and the global restaurant brand “Minor Food.” The measures used to evaluate sustainability communication are qualitative. The study identifies and analyzes recurring themes related to sustainability. Additionally, it assesses the tone of the messages to categorize the tone of communication, examining how these elements support and enhance the communication of sustainability initiatives. The coding sheet was designed based on four theories: the Triple Bottom Line (People, Planet, and Profit), Integrated Marketing Communication, the Elaboration Likelihood Model, and Narrative. The findings reveal that the content themes of S&P Syndicate emphasize environmental sustainability through eco-friendly product designs, recycling programs, conservation projects, and community inclusion. Minor Food, on the other hand, focuses more on people development by integrating comprehensive health programs, educational partnerships, training programs, and community empowerment initiatives. Minor Food adopts more innovative technologies and has a broader global communication and impact than S&P Syndicate’s local focus. The message tone of S&P Syndicate presents community engagement activities in a formal and traditional public relations style, while Minor Food encourages a wider range of stakeholders and aligns with the global agenda in a professional image, demonstrating a passion for sustainable achievement. This study provides insights into how Thai and global brand’s unique focus and methodologies contribute to their overall sustainability goals, offering valuable perspectives for businesses aiming to enhance their sustainability communication strategies
The inter-rater and intra-rater reliability in scoring writing tests in UTAS
Get PDFRater reliability, the consistency of marking across different raters and times, is one important component of reliability regarding the quality of test scores. It is essential regarding performance assessment, such as writing, when the fairness of assessment results can come into question due to the subjectivity when scoring. The present study, part of a larger-scale funded research project, aimed to study this overlooked area in the Omani context, i.e., the reliability in scoring the writing section of the final exams in the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS). More specifically, the study investigated the estimates of inter-rater and intra-rater reliability among 10 writing markers assessing 286 and 156 students' writing scripts belonging to four levels of proficiency at three different levels of analysis: the whole writing tests, tasks 1 and tasks 2, and the constituent criteria of both tasks. The results indicated a rather high value of inter-rater reliability and a moderate one for intra-rater reliability in general. However, when interpreted regarding raters' personal and background information, some low estimates shed light on the importance of factors influencing scoring consistency across different assessors and times
English Medium Instruction in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review
Get PDFThis systematic literature review investigates the adoption and impact of English Medium Instruction (EMI) in Saudi Arabian higher education. It synthesizes findings from 18 empirical studies, primarily in applied sciences such as engineering, medicine, and computer science, while noting a dearth of research in social sciences. The review reveals a uniformity in student perceptions of EMI across disciplines, highlighting its widespread acceptance and challenges in cultural and linguistic adaptation. It also emphasizes the diversity of research methodologies used, offering insights into both teacher and student perspectives. This comprehensive analysis not only maps the current landscape of EMI in Saudi Arabia but also identifies critical areas for future research, particularly in understanding its long-term educational and socio-cultural implications
Exploring Research by Diane Larsen-Freeman: A Scientometric Analysis
Get PDFThere is a strong need to understand Diane Larsen-Freeman’s main research interests and to investigate the theories and thesis she put forth. Moreover, it seems necessary to examine her contribution to applied linguistics and understand the claims and criticisms she has made throughout her career. This study aims to present an analysis of her studies within the scope of research trends, themes, topics, documents, and sources. Within the scope of the retrospective scientometric approach, 56 research papers from the Web of Science (WOS) database were analyzed. The results showed that Larsen-Freeman published her studies in the time span between 1987 and 2022. The most productive years can be considered in two periods, namely the years between 2006 - 2012 and 2015 - 2020. It was also concluded that the most relevant sources were published in reputational journals in the field of Applied Linguistics. The last conclusion was that Larsen-Freeman who has a high value of h index is an influential scholar in the field of Applied Linguistics, mainly focused on chaos/complexity science, complexity, second language acquisition, complex adaptive system, fluency, accuracy, and language emergence
Rethinking Grammar Teaching: Dynamic Approach in Portuguese as a Foreign Language
Get PDFThis text critically examines traditional methodologies for teaching grammar in the context of Portuguese as a Foreign Language (PFL). It proposes an alternative, eclectic approach, which can be used in any foreign language. Drawing on evidence from research and pedagogical practices, it highlights areas for improvement in current approaches, such as the decontextualization of linguistic structures and insufficient gradual progression in exercises. The paper suggests a teaching framework based on Motivating-Grammaring-Applying (MGA), aiming to embed grammar learning in meaningful, communicative contexts and develop grammatical proficiency beyond mere rule memorization. The MGA model foregrounds the importance of authentic texts, student-centric discovery learning, and the application of learned structures in diverse communicative tasks. The paper further emphasizes the potential of digital tools and the importance of integrating grammar learning with other linguistic and cultural skills. Ultimately, this study encourages PFL teachers to diversify their pedagogical strategies and reconsider the role of grammar teaching in language learning, aiming at empowering students for effective communication in real-world contexts
Larsen-Freeman’s Writings in Teacher-Preparation Grammar Courses: Indispensable Resources for all Levels
Get PDFDiane Larsen-Freeman’s work plays a crucial role in teacher preparation for second and foreign language instructors. Her work is useful with a variety of populations, including preservice teachers preparing to work with English language learners in elementary and secondary education; graduate students preparing to work in public or private language institutions; students with teaching experience who are preparing to direct teacher training, and others. In particular, her work on “grammaring” continues to be an essential basis for determining which activities are the most beneficial for learner language development. A major strength in Dr. Larsen-Freeman’s work is her ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice, to connect to language instructors in a clear, practical way that also gets at the heart of our best understanding of how language learning takes place. In this article, I outline the various ways my courses incorporate Dr. Larsen-Freeman’s work, with examples of particular activities that are inspired by her articles, The Grammar Book, and Grammar Dimensions, the textbook series she directs
EFL Grammar Teaching Applying the Just-in-Time Teaching Methodology: An Exploratory Study
Get PDFMost students and practitioners commonly see grammar teaching and learning as both tedious and unattractive experiences. In this sense, more innovative ways of presenting foreign language grammar are needed. One such novel approach is Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT), which has proven to be beneficial in a wide array of disciplines, including language learning. The present exploratory study aims to examine how JiTT contributes to success rates in English grammar learning at two proficiency levels, and to analyse how participants perceive this methodological approach. Sixty-four English as a foreign language students, divided into beginners and intermediate learners, were exposed to five JiTT grammar lessons throughout an academic semester. Participants’ answers on JiTT quizzes and satisfaction questionnaires were recorded and compared to their performance on a final exam based on the same five grammar points presented through JiTT. Statistical analyses revealed that JiTT had little impact on learners’ success rates in grammar learning, although a higher impact was observed in intermediate learners, in comparison to beginners. However, both groups of participants showed positive attitudes towards the intervention. Results are discussed in the light of how teaching English grammar through JiTT contributes to success rates. The potential of JiTT as a good methodology to be used in foreign language teaching is also addressed
Precarious Language Learning and Teaching: The Case of German, French and Mandarin in South African Schools
Get PDFThe purpose of this paper is to describe and reflect on the position of what are called second additional languages in the language teaching landscape of South African schools. This landscape is crowded, with different South African languages vying for attention. Amidst efforts to increase the number of learners who offer an African language as one of the subjects in the school exit examination, initiatives to introduce languages like Mandarin and Swahili put additional pressure on an already over-burdened system. The paper considers this crowded landscape and the implications for the teaching of German, French and Mandarin at secondary school level. These are only three of at least fifteen languages offered as second additional languages. This paper focuses on these three because they are most widely taught in mainstream schools. The policies and practices as well as the problems with teaching these languages are described, focusing on the types of learner who will choose these languages, the approach to teaching them and possible actions that could ensure the continued offering of second additional languages at primary and secondary schools