Determinants of Saudi Consumers' Willingness to Participate in Cause-Related Marketing (CRM) Campaigns

The current chapter explores how Saudi consumers perceive CRM campaigns, their awareness toward this kind of campaign, and then the effect of their perception on their willingness to participate in CRM campaigns in Saudi Arabia. In addition, it examines the effect of cause's attributes on the willingness to participate in CRM campaigns. The chapter discusses the results of 25 in-depth interviews with Saudi consumers that were conducted in one of the main shopping centres in Saudi Arabia. The following main themes emerged from the interviews: consumers' perception of CRM campaigns, matching between the charity and the company/brand, the importance of the cause to the consumer, and the proximity of the cause. In addition, results show the high impact of consumers' religious, moral, and cultural background on the decision to participate in a CRM campaign

Using a Business Intelligence Approach to Increase Online MBA Students' Motivation and Satisfaction

This article demonstrates the effectiveness of a business intelligence approach adapted for higher education - learning analytics - to inform real-time interventions administered by the educator targeting students deemed to be at risk of not succeeding in a MBA subject. It also discusses the results of a survey that was administered to students at the end of the teaching period to assess their perceptions of the value of the interventions. The results confirmed that these management students believed the interventions had motivated them to increase their engagement with the learning materials and enhanced their learning experience and satisfaction

Consumers' Perception and Causes' Attributes Influencing Consumers' Participation Willingness in Cause-Related Marketing Campaigns: Empirical Evidence from Saudi Arabia

Current research on consumers' perceptions of cause-related marketing campaigns and attributes of causes for socially responsible practices are both contradictory and culturally specific. Businesses in Saudi Arabia find it difficult to use such research to develop strategies that effectively encourage Saudi consumers to engage in cause-related marketing campaigns. The aim of this thesis is to explore how Saudi consumers perceive cause related marketing and their willingness to participate in such marketing campaigns so that firms can improve their cause-related marketing practices within the Saudi cultural context. As a secondary aim, the thesis aims to determine the influence of causes' attributes on consumers' participation willingness in cause-related marketing campaigns, which will allow businesses to improve managerial decisions about the attributes of causes they should focus on to better encourage consumers to participate in cause-related marketing campaigns. To attain these aims, this research used a mixed methods approach: focused interviews and surveys. The focused interviews set out to identify the most relevant variables that make up consumers' perceptions toward cause-related marketing campaigns. The survey instruments were developed based on the result of a content analysis of the interviews and a literature review. The survey instrument was tested to purify the scales that measured consumers' perceptions of cause-related marketing campaigns and attributes of causes before being widely administered. Findings from the interviews and survey confirm the existence of a five-factor structure that explained consumers' perceptions of cause-related marketing campaigns: firm's previous experience with the charity; consumers' scepticism about the firm's motivation for engaging in cause-related marketing campaigns; the firm’s credibility from the consumers' points of view; impact of religion on consumers' decisions to participate in cause-related marketing campaigns; and impact of consumers' morals and culture on the decision to participate in cause-related marketing campaigns. The findings also confirm the existence of a three-factor structure that explained causes’ attributes: product-cause match, urgency of the cause and geographical proximity of the cause. Concerning the relationship between consumers' perceptions of cause-related marketing campaigns and attributes of causes on consumers' participation willingness in cause-related marketing campaigns, the research shows that the dimensions of firm's previous experience with the charity; firm's credibility from the consumers' points of view; impact of religion on consumers' decisions to participate in cause-related marketing campaigns; and impact of consumers' morals and culture on the decision to participate in cause-related marketing campaigns are positively related to consumers' willingness to participate in cause-related marketing campaigns. The dimension related to consumers' scepticism about the firm's motivation for engaging in cause-related marketing campaigns is negatively related to consumers' willingness to participate in cause-related marketing campaigns. The findings of the research also show that product-cause match, urgency of the cause and geographical proximity of the cause have a significant relationship to consumers' willingness to participate in cause-related marketing campaigns. These research findings mean that consumers will evaluate cause-related marketing campaigns more highly and firms would increase the probability of consumer participation in situations where: a) there is a likely match between the cause and the product; b) when cause-related marketing campaigns are related to disasters with short-term impact; and c) when the cause is a national charity. Overall, the research findings make an important contributing to the area of consumers' perceptions of cause-related marketing campaigns, and extend existing theory on attributes of causes that encourage consumers to participate in cause-related marketing campaigns by showing the complexity and interrelated nature of the dimensions of importance to consumers behaviours in making decisions to participate in cause-related marketing campaigns in Saudi Arabia. The research also indicates there are other dimensions of interest, and indicates how these dimensions may influence the five consumers' perception dimensions. This research provides managers with new insight into cause-related marketing practices. The findings can, for example, assist marketing managers to segment their markets more appropriately, and assist those in charge of public relations to determine appropriate product-cause matches. In relation to cause-related marketing campaign partners, the results highlight the importance of choosing compatible partners that link best to the firms' product or target group. Further, managers need to consider where to direct donations for cause-related marketing campaigns. Donations are most forthcoming in marketing campaigns that deal with disasters and national causes. Future research could examine the effect of other variables on the success of cause-related marketing campaigns (e.g. donation amounts, timing of donations etc.). Future research should also explore the generalisability of the findings to other contexts (e.g. other countries, other firms, other causes etc.)

A proposed service plan for Eagle Point Resort

Eagle Point Resort is a seaside resort located in Anilao, Batangas. Formally opened on December of 1995, this resort boasts of having first class accommodations and facilities in a place where nature\u27s abundance may strongly be seen and felt. Over the years, the resort has been experiencing moderate growth in terms of sales performance. Eagle Point management however, strongly believes that the resort can attain fuller growth and development with continuous maximization of its facilities. To achieve this purpose, the construction of eight additional cottages and other service facilities such as the health spa has been implemented and will be finished by February of next year. In addition, a total of sixty new cottages will have been constructed in the next five years. The goal of this maximization plan is to increase capacity and offer added services to attain higher levels of profitability. In line with this, the proponents have come up with innovative and promising strategies and programs aimed at promoting and implementing the new and improved Eagle Point Resort. A new tagline was conceptualized for the resort in line with this new image: Eagle Point Resort...Your Paradise Close to Home. In addition, great attention was given for the improvement and enhancement of customer service, an aspect which had failed to contribute to visitor satisfaction in the past. Special promotions were also created for the year with the purpose of encouraging repeat visits and further promoting awareness of the resort to its market. It is believed that with the implementation of the proposed programs, visitor turn-over will increase due greatly to achieved customer satisfaction, and sales and profitability levels will go up, thereby enabling Eagle Point Resort to achieve the goals that it has set for itself

Recruitment and Selection Practices for Female Administrative Officers in Saudi Public Sector Universities

This study was undertaken to explore the recruitment and selection (R&S) activities experienced by Saudi female administrative officers in Saudi higher education institutions (HEIs). The major aim of the study was to investigate how administrative staff in the public sector of HEIs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are recruited, and what the selection practices and principles of recruitment processes are, as well as the associated social, economic and global influences on these R&S functions. The literature indicated that the employment of competent and effective administrative staff (the invisible workers) leads to superior performance, achievement and harmony in an education institution. Administrative staff work in universities has increased in complexity and importance; therefore, those appointed to carry out this work should be highly qualified. They interact with academics and students on an intimate, day-to-day and a long-term basis. To unravel the status of R&S Saudi female administrative officers in Saudi public universities, this research critically examined the relevant literature, and used the findings from the literature to construct an initial conceptual framework. The research then undertook a two-stage mixed method sequential research strategy. The first stage was the interpretive stage and involved interviewing 10 male and female participants in one Saudi university. Results from the interviews were used to create a revised conceptual framework based in the Saudi higher education context. The first stage assisted in mapping out the intended and actual R&S processes. The findings from this first stage highlighted the need to consider issues of female subservience and religion, and it was further found that important influencing principles were the role of government, and a lack of clarity and bureaucratic norms within the Ministry of Civil Service (MCS) and the Ministry of Education. A revised conceptual framework was used to construct a survey instrument, which was used in the second stage of data collection and sought to explore the implications of the revised framework. The survey comprised 10 demographic questions, 17 pairs of scenarios and two open-ended questions. The questionnaire was circulated to approximately 1,000 individuals in five regional universities in Saudi Arabia, which provided 467 usable responses for analysis. About 49.5% of the respondents were administrative officers, while the remaining responses were a mix of deans, managers and academic staff. A non-parametric approach using chi-square analyses of the data collected was used to generate and display findings of the research. Five key conclusions arose from the study. First, the role of Saudi women is continuously undermined and perceived as insignificant because of two Saudi prominent cultural antecedents that adversely influence the R&S of female administrative officers. These cultural issues include the prominent sociocultural influence of male domination and female subservience. Second, the dominant principle in the R&S of female administrative officers is non-meritocratic favouritism towards relatives and friends, known as wasta, which tends to ignore the educational backgrounds and skills of applicants. Third, three structural factors adversely influence the R&S of female administrative officers in Saudi public universities and allow the sociocultural influences of male domination, female subservience and wasta to continue: centralisation of the R&S policy and job creation in the MCS, lack of adequate MCS R&S policies and processes (which include the absence of relative hiring policies among the MCS policies) and absence of recruitment departments in public Saudi universities. Fourth, globally accepted principles of R&S and Islamic work principles have insignificant influences on the R&S of female administrative officers. Fifth (an unexpected finding), the Western Region of Saudi Arabia, known as Hijaz, stands out as having adopted more GAPs of R&S owing to its unique circumstances. This study has important implications for theory in terms of cross-cultural studies. From an outward-looking perspective, cultural traditions cannot be ignored when theorising in the Saudi public sector R&S context. From an inward-looking perspective, it is important to look at regional differences and how strongly cultural traditions are held within a nation and in sub-areas where cultural traditions might be different. Methodical implications include cross-cultural issues, such as how difficult this research was to conduct in a unique culture such as Saudi Arabia because of caveats on approvals, touching upon sensitive culturally bounded issues such as wasta and gender-segregated workplaces. The practical implications drawn from this study include that R&S practices in Saudi Arabia are predominantly driven by top-level male managers in the organisation rather than by a plan or a process

A D+ blood donor with a novel RHD*D-CE(5-6)-D gene variant exhibits the low-frequency antigen RH23 (DW) characteristic of the partial DVa phenotype

BACKGROUND: Blood donors whose red blood cells (RBCs) exhibit a partial RhD phenotype, lacking some D epitopes, present as D+ in routine screening. Such phenotypes can exhibit low-frequency antigens (LFAs) of clinical significance. The aim of this study was to describe the serologic and genetic profile for a blood donor with an apparent D+ phenotype carrying a variant RHD gene where D Exons 5 and 6 are replaced by RHCE Exon (5-6). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Anti-D monoclonal antibodies were used to characterize the presentation of RhD epitopes on the RBCs. RHD exon scanning and DNA sequencing of short- and long-range polymerase chain reaction amplicons were used to determine the RHD structure and sequence. Extended phenotyping for LFAs RH23 (D) and Rh32 was performed. RESULTS: The donor serology profile was consistent with partial RhD epitope presentation. The donor was hemizygous for an RHD variant allele described as RHD*D-CE(5-6)-D hybrid. The RHCE gene insert is at least 3.868 kb with 5′ and 3′ breakpoints between IVS4 + 132–c.667 and IVS6 + 1960–IVS6 + 2099, respectively. The sequence for this hybrid was assigned GenBank Accession Number KT099190.2. The RBCs were RH23 (D)+ and Rh32–. CONCLUSION: A novel RHD*D-CE(5-6)-D hybrid allele encodes a partial RhD epitope and carries the LFA RH23 (D). This and the epitope profile resemble the partial DVa phenotype. Given that RBCs from this individual lack some RhD epitopes, there is an alloimmunization risk if the donor is exposed to D+ RBCs. Conversely, transfusions of RH23 (D)+ cells to RH23 (D)– recipients also pose an alloimmunization risk

Tracer Study of Teacher Education Graduates of Western Philippines University - Puerto Princesa Campus: Basis for Curriculum Review and Revision

Graduates' employability indicates the excellent education and relevant preparation they obtained from their respective degrees. Tracer studies have enabled higher education institutions to profile their graduates while also reflecting on the quality of education they provide. With the foregoing, a tracer study determined the demographic and academic profile of teacher education graduates from 2017 to 2020 in a state university in the West Philippines. It also ascertained the advanced studies they attended after college, their employment data, the relevance of college preparation with their current employment, difficulties they encountered while securing employment and in their present job, and recommendations to strengthen the teacher education program. The study utilized a descriptive survey research design with 80 non-random samples chosen based on availability. The survey was based on the Philippine Commission on Higher Education with modifications elucidated from previous studies. Results showed that graduates took the teacher education program with a strong passion for the teaching profession. More graduates received honors and awards, passed the licensure examinations for teachers, attended advanced studies for professional development, and are employable. Besides, the graduates’ college preparation is relevant to their current employment. Further, difficulties and problems encountered and recommendations to strengthen the teacher education program were noted. These findings may serve as a baseline for curriculum review and give suggestions for future tracer studies

Tracer Study of Teacher Education Graduates of Western Philippines University - Puerto Princesa Campus: Basis for Curriculum Review and Revision

Graduates' employability indicates the excellent education and relevant preparation they obtained from their respective degrees. Tracer studies have enabled higher education institutions to profile their graduates while also reflecting on the quality of education they provide. With the foregoing, a tracer study determined the demographic and academic profile of teacher education graduates from 2017 to 2020 in a state university in the West Philippines. It also ascertained the advanced studies they attended after college, their employment data, the relevance of college preparation with their current employment, difficulties they encountered while securing employment and in their present job, and recommendations to strengthen the teacher education program. The study utilized a descriptive survey research design with 80 non-random samples chosen based on availability. The survey was based on the Philippine Commission on Higher Education with modifications elucidated from previous studies. Results showed that graduates took the teacher education program with a strong passion for the teaching profession. More graduates received honors and awards, passed the licensure examinations for teachers, attended advanced studies for professional development, and are employable. Besides, the graduates’ college preparation is relevant to their current employment. Further, difficulties and problems encountered and recommendations to strengthen the teacher education program were noted. These findings may serve as a baseline for curriculum review and give suggestions for future tracer studies

Escala 1-1. Trayectos experimentales en el proceso de determinación del Proyecto Arquitectónico.

El proyecto de investigación llevado adelante por la Cátedra del Ciclo Básico del taller Valderrama, explora las posibilidades pedagógicas de una didáctica interdisciplinaria que introduce ejercitaciones a escala real como dispositivos de interfaz entre sucesivas instancias de transformación en el proceso de determinación de la arquitectura, como una sucesión de transformaciones encadenadas. A partir del monitoreo sistemático, se produjeron ajustes que mejoraron significativamente la performance de los estudiantes y la validez de la didáctica en su capacidad de generalización y aplicación en contextos diferenciados, introduciendo trayectos experimentales a escala 1:1 en una apuesta hacia el aprendizaje situado, incorporando una participación corporal legítima y un vínculo con la práctica artesanal. El contexto de pandemia nos exigió la readaptación de las exploraciones pedagógicas y devino en artefactos adaptados a los procedimientos y procesos de producción emanados de las condiciones del aislamiento social preventivo y obligatorio (ASPO), trabajando con técnicas mixtas, analógicas y digitales, donde se hibridaron los procesos experimentales a escala 1:1 con la inteligencia artificial y se propició un tipo de producción basada en “la expresión de lo disponible”. Se realizaron escaneos del territorio con fotogrametría, con maquetas digitales del lugar y experimentos a escala 1:1 utilizando materiales de descarte, encontrados en un radio de 100m de casa. También se propició y se trabajó en el reconocimiento de las cualidades de los distintos ambientes domésticos como lugares de laboratorio (luz, agua, temperatura, gravedad, fuego, hielo). La Pandemia Global generó un resquebrajamiento de los lazos sociales y dificultó la construcción colectiva del conocimiento; corrió el cuerpo de la escena del aula, impidiendo la producción de conocimientos desde la experimentación y la comprobación empírica a escala 1:1 y distorsionando la percepción del espacio con el propio cuerpo y la interrelación con el paisaje físico y simbólico. Las consecuencias de la pandemia nos ha forzado a re-pensar la disciplina. Entendemos que es urgente un giro onto-epistemológico que nos permita re-conectar los cuerpos, las materias, los artefactos y los territorios y profundizar la dimensión situada in-situ-in vivo y colectiva del proyecto arquitectónico