Browsing by Subject "Effectiveness"

Now showing 1 - 5 of 5

Open Access
A case-based model for assessing the effectiveness of information systems outsourcing
(Routledge, 2013) Uçar E.; Bilgen, S.
The objective of the research reported in this paper is to construct a model for assessing the effectiveness of Information Systems (IS) outsourcing. “Lack of in-house expertise” and “cost effectiveness” are widely accepted as major factors of motivation for IS outsourcing. In contrast with the decision models which are executed before an outsourcing engagement (a-priori), this effectiveness assessment model will be an a-posteriori guide which will enable clients to assess their outsourcing performance and re-evaluate their business and management strategies. Although various decision models and analytical frameworks have been proposed before, the literature is not abundant on a complete qualitative model. This paper examines the factors for outsourcing effectiveness through qualitative research conducted with multiple case studies for information systems developed for public organizations in the specific context of Turkey. A conceptual model consisting of various hypotheses is constructed and qualitatively evaluated.
Open Access
The effectiveness of audiobooks on pronunciation skills of EFL learners at different proficiency levels
(2015) Saka, Zeynep
This study mainly explored the effectiveness of audiobooks on pronunciation skills of university level EFL students at different proficiency levels. This study also aimed to find out whether a difference in students’ pronunciation skills as a result of exposure to audiobooks occurs based on their proficiency levels. Lastly, students’ perceptions about audiobooks and their effectiveness on pronunciation learning and teaching were also investigated in the study. This study was conducted with the participation of 65 students from elementary, pre-intermediate, and intermediate levels at Uludağ University School of Foreign Languages. Among the most problematic phonemes for Turkish EFL learners to pronounce correctly, six phonemes were selected to be explored in the study. Three audiobooks from three different proficiency levels were chosen for the study and participants listened to each of the audiobooks. In order to investigate the effectiveness of audiobooks on pronunciation skills both on sound recognition and production levels of university EFL students, sound recognition and production tests, which were prepared by including the selected problematic phonemes, were administered to the students before and after audiobook listening period. Before and after the audiobook listening session, the students were administered a questionnaire with the intent to find out their perceptions about the effectiveness of audiobooks on their pronunciation. In order to address the second research question which is about the effects of audiobooks on pronunciation skills, the mean values and standard deviations were calculated and compared between the first and second test performances of the students. In order to answer the second research question which is about the effects of audiobooks on pronunciation skills of EFL learners at different level, the test results of the elementary, pre-intermediate and intermediate level students were compared to investigate any difference in the effectiveness of audiobooks on pronunciation skills according to proficiency levels. Analysis of the data revealed that audiobook listening is effective on both recognition and production aspects of pronunciation skills of university EFL students, and it appeared to have a greater effect on pre-intermediate level students than it did on elementary and intermediate level students. The results from the questionnaire showed that students had positive perspectives about audiobooks and their effects on pronunciation. Finally, the study emphasizes the importance of audiobooks, suggesting that teachers can incorporate them as an alternative approach to traditional pronunciation teaching practices.
Open Access
Effectiveness of information systems outsourcing: An exploratory case study
(IADIS, 2012) Uçar, Erkan; Bilgen, S.
The objective of this research is to construct an assessment model for measuring the effectiveness of Information Systems (IS) outsourcing. "Lack of expertise" and "cost effectiveness" constitute the major points of motivation for IS outsourcing. Although various decision models and analytical frameworks have been modeled before, the literature is not abundant on a complete qualitative model. In contrast with the decision models which are executed before an outsourcing engagement (a-priori), an effectiveness assessment model will be an a-posteriori guide which will enable the clients to measure their outsourcing performance and re-evaluate their business and management strategies. This paper examines the factors for outsourcing effectiveness through the framework of an exploratory case study for an IS developed by a major Turkish software house for a public organization. © 2012 IADIS.
Open Access
Preferences in the willingness to download an mHealth app: Discrete choice experimental study in Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands
(JMIR Publications, Inc., 2023-12-25) Folkvord, Frans; Bol, Nadine; Stazi, Giacomo; Peschke, Lutz; Lupiáñez-Villanueva, Francisco
Background: Despite the worldwide growth in mobile health (mHealth) tools and the possible benefits for both patients and health care providers, the adoption of mHealth is low, and only a limited number of studies have examined the intention to download mHealth apps. Objective: In this study, we investigated individuals’ preferences in the adoption of a health app. Methods: We conducted a discrete choice experimental study in 3 countries (Spain: n=800, Germany: n=800, and the Netherlands: n=416) with 4 different attributes and levels (ie, price: €1.99 vs €4.99 [a currency exchange rate of €1=US $1.09 is applicable] vs for free, data protection: data protection vs no information, recommendation: patients’ association vs doctors, and manufacturer: medical association vs pharmaceutical company). Participants were randomly assigned. For the analyses, we used the conditional logistic model separately for each country. Results: The results showed that price and data protection were considered important factors that significantly increased the probability to download an mHealth app. In general, the source of the recommendation and the manufacturer affected the probability to download the mHealth app less. However, in Germany and the Netherlands, we found that if the app was manufactured by a pharmaceutical company, the probability to download the mHealth app decreased. Conclusions: mHealth tools are highly promising to reduce health care costs and increase the effectiveness of traditional health interventions and therapies. Improving data protection, reducing costs, and creating sound business models are the major driving forces to increase the adoption of mHealth apps in the future. It is thereby essential to create trustworthy standards for mobile apps, whereby prices, legislation concerning data protection, and health professionals can have a leading role to inform the potential consumers.
Open Access
Print media planning in Saudi Arabia
(Emerald, 1994) Tuncalp, S.
Almost three‐quarters of advertising spending in Saudi Arabia goes to print media. This condition stems from the fact that some important media for developing countries including cinema, radio, and rental video are not available for placing advertisements. Despite being an important channel for advertising, the print medium has serious problems. These problems include limited circulation, inefficient distribution, lack of readership information, and unreasonable cost of advertising space. After discussing the characteristics of various newspapers and magazines published in Saudi Arabia, places these print advertising media alternatives in proper perspective with respect to their effectiveness.