The effect of national culture on information flow

The primary purpose of this paper is to test the effect of national culture on service provision within Islamic Insurance(Takaful). This paper seeks to incorporate the following constructs: Power distance, information gap and information flow as an observed variable represented by hierarchical driven information gathering and sharing or functional driven information gathering and sharing. The secondary purpose, is to investigate Hofstede’s claim regarding the homogeneity of Arab culture in which he believes dominated by the religion of Islam. The sample (n=462) were employees of Takaful operators in Kuwait and Egypt, and they completed the questionnaires in a self administrated method. To test the hypotheses, structural equation modelling using Analysis of Moments structure (AMOS) was employed. It was found that there is differences in information flow between Kuwait and Egypt. Kuwait was found low power distance and functional driven information gathering and sharing mediated by low information gap, whereas Egypt was found high power distance provide information in hierarchical driven information gathering and sharing mediated by high information gap. Another finding, was the significant evidence that is not supporting Hofested’s claim of homogeneity of all Arab culture. Result show clearly how two different Arab countries varies in the services they provide within a sector that unique to the Arab cluster. This paper confirms an existing theory that to the best of the researcher knowledge has never been tested which adds to the body of knowledge in general and Takaful industry in particular how national culture may affect service provision. Secondly, it disconfirm Hofstede’s claim of homogeneity of the Arab culture as it evidently proves the cultural differences between Kuwait and Egypt

Bolivia Or Bust: Cila Memories

The first tentative talks about the possibility of a teaching mission to Bolivia began in June of 1998 at the annual conference of the Association of Christian Librarians. We had a semi-formal meeting to discuss the possibility at the 1999 annual conference-nearly a year before it would actually happen-at a meeting of the Commission for International Library Assistance (CILA), a ministry of the Association. The mission of CILA is to provide support for libraries in developing countries where there is a lack of formal training or financial resources. It does so by serving as an umbrella organization to coordinate requests and match them up with volunteers willing to spend some time abroad

Using authentic 3D product visualisation for an electrical online retailer

This study investigates the effects of authentic three dimensional (3D) product visualisation versus 3D telepresence on consumers’ virtual experience. A hypothetical electrical retailer Web site presents a variety of laptops using 3D product visualisations for the within-subjects laboratory experiments. The first experiment uses two-way repeated measures ANOVA to determine the effects of the antecedents on 3D authenticity. In a second experiment, a one-way ANOVA compares telepresence and authenticity scores. This research uses a U.K. sample to investigate the effects of control and animated colours on 3D authenticity and the effects of 3D authenticity on experiential and instrumental values. The results reveal significant differences between telepresence and authenticity constructs. Authenticity is more significant in simulating an online retailer’s products, and control and animated colours represent the main antecedents of authenticity. Moreover, experiential and instrumental values represent the main consequences of 3D authenticity

Quantum Groups and Their Applications in Nuclear Physics

Quantum algebras are a mathematical tool which provides us with a class of symmetries wider than that of Lie algebras, which are contained in the former as a special case. After a self-contained introduction to the necessary mathematical tools (q-numbers, q-analysis, q-oscillators, q-algebras), the SUq(2) rotator model and its extensions, the construction of deformed exactly soluble models (u(3)>so(3) model, Interacting Boson Model, Moszkowski model), the 3-dimensional q-deformed harmonic oscillator and its relation to the nuclear shell model, the use of deformed bosons in the description of pairing correlations, and the symmetries of the anisotropic quantum harmonic oscillator with rational ratios of frequencies, which underly the structure of superdeformed and hyperdeformed nuclei, are discussed in some detail. A brief description of similar applications to the structure of molecules and of atomic clusters, as well as an outlook are also given.Comment: 82 pages, LaTeX, review articl

Project report – transferable skills in higher education

This study was initiated by the need, frequently expressed by employers, for the education system to produce potential employees with better transferable skills. The paper reports a field trial at a UK university (following a four-year pilot of NVQ Level 4 Key Skills with another course). The project operated within a new foundation (Level 0) programme, aiming to simplify the paperwork employed in the pilot and incorporate skills assessment within modules, thereby obviating the need for a portfolio of evidence. The project was successful in only one or two modules, those where staff were committed to the aims

The savannah hypothesis of shopping

The official published of the article can be found at the link below

Interviews of deshopping behaviour: An analysis of theory of planned behaviour

Research reveals alarming results on the prevalence of the dishonest consumer behaviour known as deshopping. Deshopping is the “deliberate return of goods for reasons other than actual faults in the product, in its pure form premeditated prior to and during the consumption experience.” (Schmidt et al., 1999 p.2) In effect this means buying something with no intention of keeping it (Schmidt et al., 1999). The authors consider the implications of deshopping and retailers’ prevention of deshopping, exploring the research undertaken to date and the methodology for further research

What should we do about China?

Former US Director of National Intelligence, Admiral Dennis C. Blair examines the changing role of China in the international system and the challenge it poses for policy makers. He highlights in this Centre of Gravity paper how China\u27s concerns about Taiwan are reducing, while its regional assertiveness and economic slowdown provide some caution. This paper presents policy recommendations for Australia and the US to better evaluate and engage China to help secure the Asia-Pacific Region.Executive summary5 years after a major report on US-China relations it’s worth revisiting our assessments. Most judgements remain valid, but some have changed significantly. Taiwan has moved from a primary issue to second order, though not forgotten. China’s regional assertiveness is concerning and should be examined closely. China’s economic development model has run its course; Beijing needs to provide leadership to usher in reform.Policy recommendationsAustralia and the USA should focus on a blended policy of cooperation with China, along with an insistence on international norms, and maintenance of alliance and military strength. Regular evaluations of China’s shifting capacity and interests, to identify what issues are of rising or declining significance for Beijing will be needed to be effective in engaging China and building a better future for the region