Development of a change framework to study SME web site evolution

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.It has been suggested that the adoption of e-commerce by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) follows a sequence of stages with each representing increasing complexity and benefits. These models imply a development of their web sites in successive iterations or redesigns from basic use of the Internet (as a marketing tool) to the most advanced level of sophistication and integration. The EU and the UK government appear to believe such models and have used them in their e-commerce adoption encouragement policies for SMEs. However, recent research in Europe reveals that e-commerce initiatives in SMEs in most cases are still in their initial stages, which do not exceed the use of email and simple information-based web pages. This failure of SMEs to engage in the more advanced stages of adoption suggest that our understanding of the implementation and management of SME web sites over time is too limited. Thus, the main aim of this research is to establish an enhanced understanding of the dynamics of SME web site transformations over time to better support SME e-commerce progression. The specific objectives of this research are to (1) examine the literature that explain or guide the evolution of web sites and internet strategies, particularly in the context of SMEs, (2) develop a multidimensional framework that combines three dimensions of organisational change (extent, content and drivers) to characterise and model the evolution of the web presence of SMEs and (3) undertake a study of the types and characteristics of actual changes on a sample of SME web sites over time to demonstrate the relevance and applicability of the dimensions of the framework. This study employs both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The quantitative part of the study includes the collection and observation of the sample of SME web sites to study the extent of the changes and the content of the changes incorporated. The qualitative part of the study involves telephone interviews to seek additional information about the drivers for web site redesigns and complement the previous observations. It is argued that a research framework that combines three different dimensions of organisational change offers an alternative approach to e-commerce Stage Models in understanding the evolution of SME web sites over time. The developed framework is useful to academics by providing multiple perspectives that enable more insightful study of SME web site evolution, and avoid over-simple, a priori theory, e. g. staged approach. The framework is also argued to be useful for SME managers seeking to make the most of their limited resources in this context

An Organizational Change Perspective of SMEs Web Presence Involving Strategies

Firms are constantly evolving their Web presence. The premise of this study is that monitoring the behaviour of Web sites gives insights into the actual evolving strategies and motivations behind Internet investments in organizations. A variety of models have been utilized to study the progression of adoption of Internet technologies from different perspectives (e.g. Stages of Growth models). However, from the organizational change perspective there is little research to explain why and how organizations continually evolve their Web presence. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to present a framework to characterize and model the evolution of the Web presence of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK and undertake its preliminary validation by monitoring the evolution of a sample of Web sites. A total of 185 Web sites from SMEs were collected and monitored over an 18- month period in order to study the process and content of their change. In addition, 25 telephone interviews were undertaken to ascertain the drivers of the change and complement the previous quantitative observations

Theoretical Approaches to Study SMEs eBusiness Progression

It has been suggested that the adoption of Internet technologies by SMEs follows an ordered sequence of stages and staged models to describe it. These models postulate that businesses move in stages from basic use of the Internet to the full integration of business systems and redesign of business processes. The European Union and the UK government appear to believe in such models and have used them in their e-business adoption encouragement policies for SMEs. However, despite the efforts of governments and the various support programs, the attainment of the advanced stages of e-commerce by SMEs is very low. Indeed, several studies into the state of e-business in the UK report a decline in the number of SMEs implementing e-trading and even using website and e-mail. Hence, perhaps these adoption models need to be questioned and even revised. There are a number of authors that have already critized these models suggesting that they are too general and do not take into account the diversity of SMEs. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to conduct an analysis of the Stages of Growth model looking at its weaknesses and strengths in the context of the progression of Internet technologies adoption by SMEs in the UK. In addition, alternative explanations of e-business progression will be presented and an interpretative multi-theoretical framework to study this evolution will be suggested

Simulation of scheduling gains in LTE

This paper describes the implementation of an LTE downlink simulator that is able to precisely model the fast time and frequency variations existing in a multipath channel. This is decisive to properly simulate the gains achievable by the channeldependent scheduling LTE is capable of. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the throughput achieved by a base station and parameters of active users in the cell (such as SINR or speed). The ultimate goal is to obtain a model that can predict throughput as a function of a few selected parameters that characterize users’ conditions. A proportional fair scheduler is used because of its ability to maximize the BS throughput while preventing user starvation. Some conclusions are drawn on the main parameters affecting the BS throughput based on results obtained so far

Development of a change framework to study SME web site evolution

It has been suggested that the adoption of e-commerce by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) follows a sequence of stages with each representing increasing complexity and benefits. These models imply a development of their web sites in successive iterations or redesigns from basic use of the Internet (as a marketing tool) to the most advanced level of sophistication and integration. The EU and the UK government appear to believe such models and have used them in their e-commerce adoption encouragement policies for SMEs. However, recent research in Europe reveals that e-commerce initiatives in SMEs in most cases are still in their initial stages, which do not exceed the use of email and simple information-based web pages. This failure of SMEs to engage in the more advanced stages of adoption suggest that our understanding of the implementation and management of SME web sites over time is too limited. Thus, the main aim of this research is to establish an enhanced understanding of the dynamics of SME web site transformations over time to better support SME e-commerce progression. The specific objectives of this research are to (1) examine the literature that explain or guide the evolution of web sites and internet strategies, particularly in the context of SMEs, (2) develop a multidimensional framework that combines three dimensions of organisational change (extent, content and drivers) to characterise and model the evolution of the web presence of SMEs and (3) undertake a study of the types and characteristics of actual changes on a sample of SME web sites over time to demonstrate the relevance and applicability of the dimensions of the framework. This study employs both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The quantitative part of the study includes the collection and observation of the sample of SME web sites to study the extent of the changes and the content of the changes incorporated. The qualitative part of the study involves telephone interviews to seek additional information about the drivers for web site redesigns and complement the previous observations. It is argued that a research framework that combines three different dimensions of organisational change offers an alternative approach to e-commerce Stage Models in understanding the evolution of SME web sites over time. The developed framework is useful to academics by providing multiple perspectives that enable more insightful study of SME web site evolution, and avoid over-simple, a priori theory, e. g. staged approach. The framework is also argued to be useful for SME managers seeking to make the most of their limited resources in this context.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Estudio de prefactibilidad para la instalación de una planta procesadora de loche (Cucurbita Moschata Duchesne) rallado y deshidratado, en la región Lambayeque

La tesis tiene como finalidad realizar un estudio de prefactibilidad para la instalación de una planta procesadora de loche rallado y deshidratado en la región Lambayeque, dicha idea surgió a partir de la investigación que antecede la tesis, donde se identificó un público objetivo potencial, para realizar la comercialización del producto con una ventaja competitiva frente a sus competidores. Se consideró como variable de investigación independiente al loche rallado y deshidratado y como variable dependiente a la planta procesadora del mismo. Se realizó bajo un enfoque del tipo cuantitativo, recolectando datos numéricos objetivos y con diseño no experimental – transversal, buscando describir un determinado fenómeno en base a un conocimiento ya previo en un momento específico de tiempo. Los resultados muestran que el mercado objetivo corresponde a la población entre 18- 55 años del sector C, D y E; una ubicación de planta ideal en la ciudad de Chiclayo, cerca al parque Industrial. Asimismo, acorde al proceso productivo se obtuvo una capacidad de planta del 81.89%, una productividad del 83.50% y una eficiencia del 85.83% para el primer año. Por último, la viabilidad económica con un TMAR del 8.11%, se obtuvo un VAN de $. 535,462.87, un TIR del 35$. 2.07.Campus Chiclay

Una mirada a la brecha entre actitud y comportamiento del consumidor en la economía circular

Los impactos ambientales generados por el modelo de economía lineal ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de transcender hacia la circularidad. Sin embargo, más allá de la transformación del sector productivo que implica la economía circular, se hace necesario un cambio en la conducta del consumidor. Pues en última instancia, si el consumidor se reúsa a adoptar una conducta sostenible, cualquier iniciativa de economía circular puede concluir en un absoluto fracaso. Abordar este aspecto resulta crucial, si concebimos la brecha entre actitud y comportamiento del consumidor, como fenómeno que describe la incoherencia entre una actitud favorable ambientalmente y un comportamiento no sostenible. Por tanto, este trabajo busca identificar las principales variables que intervienen en dicha brecha, dentro del marco de la economía circular, empleando una metodología de revisión de literatura. Los resultados indican que alrededor de la brecha confluyen factores diversos. Desde la parte individual intervienen la actitud, las normas subjetivas, el control conductual percibido y la conciencia. Desde la óptica situacional, confluyen el precio, el costo, el conocimiento y la información. Y, desde lo contextual están los factores sociodemográficos, la cultura y los incentivos. La identificación de estos factores constituye un indicio para minimizar la brecha y facilitar la circularidad

Self-concept in childhood: the role of body image and sport practice

El propósito de este estudio fue explorar las diferencias en la satisfacción con la imagen corporal dependiendo de si las prácticas de los sujetos organizan el deporte o no, así como el género de los niños. Además, el estudio pretende examinar el papel de la imagen corporal y la práctica del deporte organizado en el proceso de construcción de las dimensiones académicas, sociales, emocionales, familiares y físicas del autoconcepto en la infancia. Para ello, se utilizó una muestra de 944 alumnos. Estos niños asistían a la escuela primaria en diferentes centros de la Comunidad Autónoma de Extremadura (España) y tenían entre 9 y 12 años de edad. Los principales resultados del estudio muestran que tres de cada cuatro niños que participaron en este estudio no estaban satisfechos con su figura y uno de cada cinco estaba muy insatisfecho. La satisfacción o insatisfacción con la figura fue similar en niños y niñas, aunque se pudo apreciar que la imagen corporal ideal está parcialmente condicionada por los estereotipos de género. Los niños más satisfechos con su imagen corporal tenían un mayor autoconcepto académico y físico. Los niños que practicaban deportes organizados tenían un mayor autoconcepto físico y emocional. Los niños más insatisfechos con su imagen corporal y practicaban deportes organizados tenían un autoconcepto familiar inferior. Todos estos hallazgos se discuten con referencia a la literatura de investigación previa.The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in satisfaction with body image depending on whether the subject practices organized sport or not, as well as the gender of the children. In addition, the study aims to examine the role of body image and the practice of organized sport on the process of building the academic, social, emotional, family and physical dimensions of self-concept in childhood. To do so, a sample of 944 pupils was used. These children were attending primary school in different centers of the Autonomous Community of Extremadura (Spain) and were between 9 and 12 years of age. The main results of the study show that three out of every four children participating in this study were not satisfied with their figure and one out of every five was very dissatisfied. The satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the figure was similar in boys and girls, although it could be appreciated that the ideal body image is partly conditioned by gender stereotypes. The children most satisfied with their body image had a greater academic and physical self-concept. The children that practiced organized sports had a greater physical and emotional self-concept. The children most dissatisfied with their body image and practiced organized sports had a lower family self-concept. All these findings are discussed with reference to previous research literature.peerReviewe

Diseño de herramientas y metodologías docentes innovadoras para la asignatura “Notación y Edición Musical” del Grado de Musicología

Memoria del Proyecto de Innovación 139/202

Healthcare workers hospitalized due to COVID-19 have no higher risk of death than general population. Data from the Spanish SEMI-COVID-19 Registry

Aim To determine whether healthcare workers (HCW) hospitalized in Spain due to COVID-19 have a worse prognosis than non-healthcare workers (NHCW). Methods Observational cohort study based on the SEMI-COVID-19 Registry, a nationwide registry that collects sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data on patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in Spain. Patients aged 20-65 years were selected. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to identify factors associated with mortality. Results As of 22 May 2020, 4393 patients were included, of whom 419 (9.5%) were HCW. Median (interquartile range) age of HCW was 52 (15) years and 62.4% were women. Prevalence of comorbidities and severe radiological findings upon admission were less frequent in HCW. There were no difference in need of respiratory support and admission to intensive care unit, but occurrence of sepsis and in-hospital mortality was lower in HCW (1.7% vs. 3.9%; p = 0.024 and 0.7% vs. 4.8%; p<0.001 respectively). Age, male sex and comorbidity, were independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality and healthcare working with lower mortality (OR 0.211, 95%CI 0.067-0.667, p = 0.008). 30-days survival was higher in HCW (0.968 vs. 0.851 p<0.001). Conclusions Hospitalized COVID-19 HCW had fewer comorbidities and a better prognosis than NHCW. Our results suggest that professional exposure to COVID-19 in HCW does not carry more clinical severity nor mortality