173 research outputs found
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The Effect of Interactivity on Online Consumer Response: An Investigation into the UK Car Brand Websites
The research presented in this thesis is concerned with the effects of interactivity on consumer responses to brands and their web sites within the context of consumer-brand interactions online. More specifically, this research aimed to determine:
a) whether brands are perceived differently by consumers online versus offline,
b) whether the interactivity of a brand's web site influenced consumer perceptions and attitudes to that brand and its web site, and,
c) how brands add value to their web sites, and what effect the concept of value has in consumer-brand interactions online.
To answer these research questions, a two-phase study was conducted. In the first phase, exploratory interviews with Internet and brand experts were conducted, and interview transcripts were analysed under Grounded Theory methodology guidelines. This exploratory phase allowed this researcher to develop an original conceptual model, grounded in empirical data and supported by extant literature. In the second phase of the study, the propositions emerging from the conceptual model were tested using data obtained from controlled laboratory experiments conducted with seventy-eight participants from the Open University staff and research students. The data was statistically analysed and substantial support was found for the model and the central proposition that interactivity of a web site would have a significant effect on how consumers evaluate, perceive and develop attitudes to the web site in question.
This thesis helps fill a gap in academic literature in understanding the role of interactivity in consumer behaviour online. It also provides managerial contributions with the interactive features assessment tool, identification of the discrepancy between structural and perceived interactivity, and specific findings on consumer response variables, as these help managers better understand consumers' interactions with their web sites, and develop online branding strategies utilising the interactivity of the online medium and Internet technologies to better effect
Tackling in physical education rugby: an unnecessary risk?
Since 2016, we have been strong advocates for the removal of tackling from rugby (League and Union) played in school physical education in the United Kingdom [1]. This is because (a) tackling is the leading cause of injury in rugby, (b) rugby has a level of risk that is higher than non-contact sports, (c) there is no requirement or need for tackling as part of the school physical education curriculum, and (d) many children are compelled to participate in contact rugby [2]. In response to this call, the Chief Medical Officers and the Physical Activity Expert Group commented: ‘The Committee reject the call to ban tackling, as they do not feel rugby participation poses an unacceptable risk of harm’ [3]. Yet, the notion of risk (un) acceptability is a construct that needs further discussion, which we will start here [4]
Metamizole versus ibuprofen at home after day surgery: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Eosinophil levels in the acute phase of experimental chagas' disease
Eosinophil dynamics, in bone marrow, blood and peritoneal exudate, of resistant C57B1/6 (C57) and susceptible A/Snell (A/Sn) mice was comparatively studied during the acute phase of infection by Trypanosoma cruzi Y strain. A decline was observed in bone marrow eosinophil levels in A/Sn, but not in C57 mice, soon after infection, those of the former remaining significantly below those of the latter up to the 4th day of infection. Bone marrow eosinophil levels of C57 mice declined subsequently to levels comparable to those of A/Sn mice, the number of these cells in this compartment remaining 50% those of non infected controls, in both strains, up to the end of the experiment on the 14th day of infection. The fluctuations in eosinophil levels in blood and peritoneal space were similar in both mice strains studied. Concomitantly with depletion of eosinophils in the marrow, depletion in blood and a marked rise of these cells in the peritoneal space, initial site of infection, occurred in both strains. The difference in eosinophil bone marrow levels, between C57 and A/Sn mice, observed in the first four days of infection, suggests a higher eosinopoiesis capacity of the former in this period, which might contribute to their higher resistance to T. cruzi infection
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