Davide Di Fatta

Small world theory and the World Wide Web: linking small world properties and website centrality

This qualitative paper aims to point out the incidence of small world characteristics in the World Wide Web. To this end, some theoretical implications of small world theory (SWT) are verified using information from focus groups and in-depth interviews administered to experts and users of the World Wide Web. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether it is possible to apply small world properties to online social networks while pointing out the key variables of website centrality in that context. Building on this, the paper traces possible contributions for better management of the World Wide Web in terms of the professional use of social media to facilitate information or product and service sharing. The results of the proposed investigation highlight some pivotal aspects of small world properties on the web, as well as on website centrality. The findings are relevant for the application of social media marketing (SMM) and search engine optimisation (SEO).

Antecedents of cultural agency theory: in the footsteps of Schwarz living systems

Purpose n n n n nCultural agency theory (CAT) generates higher simplex through principles of recursion, and, in this way, it is able to create a potential for the generation of families of new paradigms in different fields. Characterised by its interdisciplinary nature, CAT’s origins have a heterogeneous nature related to different disciplines and research fields. With this in mind, the present manuscript aims to shed light on the antecedents of CAT, especially emphasising the role of Schwarz’s studies as a feel rouge in the evolution of this theory. n n n n nDesign/methodology/approach n n n n nThrough a systematic review of the previous literature, this paper highlights the multidisciplinary nature of CAT, mapping the multifaceted framework of its antecedents. n n n n nFindings n n n n nThe results are summarised in a conceptual map that does not constitute a point of arrival, but rather a starting point: consolidating the current state, this paper also provides new insights for further studies. n n n n nResearch limitations/implications n n n n nThis manuscript still remains a theoretical point of view. Further studies are required to apply this study’s reasoning. n n n n nOriginality/value n n n n nFrom a theoretical point of view, this paper achieves a new and original cornerstone about the previous studies on CAT; from a practical viewpoint, this paper gets an input for further implications. While these theories were originally setup for cognitive processes, this paper suggests extensions to model a complex adaptive system framework for management and marketing studies.

Modelling identity types through agency: part 1 defragmenting identity theory

There is fragmentation in the academic study of identity theory, and it is dislocated from personality theory. The paper aims to develop a model that resolves both of these issues using autonomous agency theory. It is shown that identities can be evaluated using mindset agency theory. Application is then made to a case study of Donald Trump’s US election campaign.,In the first of this three-part paper, the fragmented identity theory is examined ontologically to generate a coherent model of multiple identities.,A new coherent model of multiple identities is created.,There is not currently any that has created coherent theory of multiple identities.

Consumer attitude toward using smart shopping carts: a comparative analysis of Italian and Croatian consumer attitudes

This paper aims to explore consumer attitudes toward using smart shopping cart, considering country of origin, gender, age, and intentions to use smart shopping carts while purchasing. Moreover, it investigates the influence of extracted factors on consumers attitudes toward using smart shopping carts and the users levels of digital competence. The data was collected through survey questionnaires using a purposive sample of 313 Croatian and Italian respondents. To this end, we applied statistical methodologies such as binary logistic regression, factor analysis, and analysis of variance. We found that, compared with Croatians, Italian respondents have a more positive attitude toward using smart shopping carts, regardless of age or gender. Moreover, we found that consumers are influenced by two major factors: functional and convenience. Consumers who purchase for functionality reasons will have preferences associated with faster product selection and speeding up the purchasing process without fearing that they lack the necessary expertise. If functionality has the tendency to increase, respondents will not lack ICT knowledge when purchasing with the smart cart.

Only Pricing Policy Matters

This paper aims to determine which factors affect e-commerce conversion rate, which is the relationship between website visitors and purchasers.

Government Performance, Ethics and Corruption in the Global Competitiveness Index

Public administration efficiency is an up to date topic. More in depth, the crucial point is how it is related, on the one hand, with a disruptive phenomenon like corruption and, on the other hand, with ethics. This study aims to show how public sector performance is affected by ethics and corruption. In order to explain such a relationship, this research run a cross-country analysis, where indices of public-sector performance are juxtaposed with corruption levels.

Agency, personality, and multiple identity types: understanding Theresa May

Purpose n n n n nThis paper aims to use the cultural agency theory (CAT) formulated to represent a personality in which multiple identities reside. Dynamic identity theory is used to explain the relationship between the multiple identities, which impact on personality creating imperatives for behaviour. The mindset agency theory (MAT), a development of CAT, is used to evaluate the personal and public identities of Theresa May, the UK Prime Minister in 2017, to determine whether there is a psychological reason for the political inconsistency she demonstrated prior to and during the UK general election campaign. n n n n nDesign/methodology/approach n n n n nCAT connects identity and personality theories and is elaborated on conceptually to include the dynamic identity theory, which explains how identities develop. Developing identities result in personality adjustments through trait movements. The theory is applied to Theresa May, the UK Prime Minister in 2017. A selection of her election narratives is taken, and summative content analysis is applied. Her public and personal identities are examined in this way. Data results are tested for reliability, and her public and personal identities are compared using MAT. n n n n nFindings n n n n nTheresa May’s personal and public identities, while related, have some differences, suggesting a clinical explanation for her political inconsistencies. n n n n nOriginality/value n n n n nThere is no other current theory that explains the relationship between personality and identity and can evaluate personality using a qualitative–quantitative approach, undertaking a comparative evaluation of multiple identities to explain clinical psychological conditions.

Knowledge management in cyberphysical systems: determining the quality requirements for health systems with the Kano model

This paper focuses on knowledge management in cyberphysical systems (CPS), dealing with the importance and influence of smart technologies for the creation of the smart health systems as a part of the smart home. This approach considers the reorganisation and adaptation of medicine and health systems, building the research framework upon knowledge management 4.0 for health systems. Customer satisfaction or dissatisfaction was researched using the qualitative methodology of the Kano model. The questionnaire deals with five factors that play a crucial role in the decision to purchase such a system: 1) software reliability; 2) medical device interoperability; 3) security and privacy; 4) system feedback; 5) architecture. The results show that attractive requirements, such as architecture and medical device interoperability, have high values for customer satisfaction and low scores for customer dissatisfaction.

A relational view of start-up firms inside an incubator: the case of the ARCA consortium

Analyzing the entrepreneurial ecosystem related to the ARCA consortium, the purpose of this paper is to study the relationships among the start-up firms inside an incubator.,Thanks to the adoption of the relationships concentric model and the density concentric model, the paper highlights the role of relational conditions for innovative projects in partnership among the incubated firms. Reflections herein are tested via a qualitative research approach based on a single case study: the ARCA consortium.,This research found that about 32 percent of relationships inside the incubator support the emergence of short-term relationships among the incubated firms. Furthermore, about 18 percent of the relationships support the emergence of strong collaborative strategies for the implementation of long-term relationships resulting in innovative pathways: innovative projects in partnership.,The most interconnected firms inside the incubator are those that play a central role also in the innovation pathway developing the higher number of innovative project in partnership. This finding emphasizes a correlation between collaborative relationships and innovation inside an incubator ecosystem.

Modelling identity types through agency: part 2, personal identity and mindsets

Purpose n n n n nThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the personal identity of Donald Trump in the US presidential election using the mindset agency theory framework and content analysis. n n n n nDesign/methodology/approach n n n n nThe qualitative evaluation of identity type is determined by the personality mindset agency theory (PMAT). This measures qualitatively by assigning a type to the personal identity. The methods being adopted are content analysis, and a coding frame is constructed that arises from the key words defined in PMAT. n n n n nFindings n n n n nUsing PMAT, the authors determine that Trump’s personal identity is of the type hierarchical popularism (HP), from which behavioural patterns are derived, supposing that this is consistent with his public identity type measured using agency MAT (AMAT), which will be assessed in part 3 of this paper. n n n n nOriginality/value n n n n nAppropriate image management can be used in an attempt to hide problematic purely self-interest aspects of a personality. This paper shows that it is possible to evaluate personality mindsets using content analysis. In a later paper, exploration of agency mindsets will occur that is indicative of the potential for behaviour.