Understanding the consumption process through in-branch and e-mortgage service channels: A first-time buyer perspective

This article is (c) Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here (////BURA web address here). Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.Purpose – The twin aims of this paper are to explore the differences in the consumption process between the traditional in-branch and web-based (e-mortgage) service channels and how the differences relate to any problems identified in the electronic service environment, with respect to information search and product evaluation. Design/methodology/approach – A process-oriented approach comparing the two service channels (in-branch vs e-mortgage) was conducted in two study phases. Data from the e-mortgage process were collected using protocol analysis with 12 first-time buyers (FTBs) applying on a website belonging either to a hybrid or to an internet-only bank. Results of the e-mortgage process were mapped on to stages of the in-branch process, which was captured by observation of six FTB mortgage interviews to determine the level of correspondence and emergent issues. Findings – Support for the FTB in the e-mortgage process was problematic and service provision was found to be product- rather than consumer-oriented. Practical implications – The study highlights the importance of design issues in the electronic service environment for creating confidence in the online advice and information available on home mortgages for FTBs. Originality/value – The paper promotes increased understanding by financial service providers of the characteristics that support the consultative selling process for complex products such as mortgages and inform multichannel retailing

Implementing state policy in a children's home : a transformation process

Social WorkD.Phil. (Social Work

Enabling live dialogic and collaborative learning between field and indoor contexts

This paper explores how field and indoor based students can be connected so that their contrasting circumstances and capabilities are used as a basis for learning. We describe the design of the ‘Out There and In Here’ system and activity. Using naturalistic evaluations in the context of higher education earth science, we find evidence that this approach can be beneficial in developing essential skills, by supporting dialogue and collaboration across diverse contexts. This provokes novel forms of reflection and motivation, and could inspire a new generation of learning tools combining mobile and collaborative technologies. We discuss important issues in this design space, such as asymmetrical dependencies and structures for dialogic and collaborative learning

Accessible Inclusive Learning: Futures

The last chapter outlined some key approaches and challenges that we have seen when conducting research that seeks to make learning accessible to all. Here, we explore newer trends that are directing our current research and practice in this area. These promising directions include devising models for global networks, the potential to collect and use data to understand learning experiences in new ways, and new opportunities arising through artificial intelligence. By exploring current and recent projects around these areas, we also highlight some emerging tensions. Finally, we return to thinking about how we conduct research, considering how concepts of bricolage and guerrilla research can be an important part of our palette of approaches

Accessible Inclusive Learning: Foundations

One of the most persistent themes in discussions around technology in education is the idea that technology can affect access to learning. This can be seen as positive or negative, and it is often more complex than it seems. If computers can convert the text in a web page into spoken word, or the spoken words on a video into captions, have we made the learning accessible to deaf or blind students? Most likely we have made an important step in the right direction, but this might be only one challenge in the wider pedagogy and student experience. If MOOCs can teach thousands for free without any cost or entry requirements, does that mean they are increasing access? Perhaps, but are they also creating barriers for some through the pedagogical and technical design? In this chapter we will unpack how these issues have been tackled through research

Seeing the big PICTURE: A framework for improving the communication of requirements within the Business-IT relationship

The relationship between the business and IT departments in the context of the organisation has been characterised as highly divisive. Contributing problems appear to revolve around the failure to adequately communicate and understand the required information for the alignment of business and IT strategies and infrastructures. This study takes a communication-based view on the concept of alignment, in terms of the relationship between the retail business and IT within a major high street UK bank. A research framework (PICTURE) is used to provide insight into this relationship and guide the analysis of interviews with 29 individuals on mid-high management level for their thematic content. The paper highlights the lessons that can be derived from the study of the BIT relationship and how possible improvements could be made

#UKRAS22: The 5th UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems Conference

© 2022 EPSRC UK-Robotics and Autonomous Systems (UK-RAS) Network. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, to view a copy of the license, see: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/As chairs of the UKRAS 2022 conference, we are happy to welcome you in person after a break from in-person events. The theme of this year’s conference is “Robotics for Unconstrained Environments”, reflecting much of the robotics research that happens at Aberystwyth University. Unconstrained environments include any indoor and outdoor environment that has not been modified specifically for the robot to perform its task. The premise is that the environment must be representative of the task rather than being artificially simplified

Communication issues in requirements elicitation: A content analysis of stakeholder experiences

The gathering of stakeholder requirements comprises an early, but continuous and highly critical stage in system development. This phase in development is subject to a large degree of error, influenced by key factors rooted in communication problems. This pilot study builds upon an existing theory-based categorisation of these problems through presentation of a four-dimensional framework on communication. Its structure is validated through a content analysis of interview data, from which themes emerge, that can be assigned to the dimensional categories, highlighting any problematic areas. The paper concludes with a discussion on the utilisation of the framework for requirements elicitation exercises

Canada’s New Open Access Policy: Integrating Libraries into Open Scholarship

Canada’s new Open Access policy requires government-funded researchers — and encourages all Canadian researchers — to make their work publicly accessible by either publishing in Open Access journals or archiving it in repositories. This policy signals that Open Access is now a default setting for research in Canada and presents tremendous opportunities for libraries to support open scholarship through outreach, advocacy, support services and infrastructure. This presentation will explore policy, practice and implications for funders, institutions and researchers. We will focus on how libraries can facilitate the cultural shift to open research by raising awareness of the benefits of open scholarship, promoting institutional and subject repositories, and advising on copyright and intellectual property matters. We will share strategies for addressing concerns and/or barriers to Open Access with faculty and other key stakeholders, and discuss implications for libraries as partners in the scholarly communication process