Jelena Zascerinska

A framework for selecting sample size in educational research on E-Business application

Sample size has a two-fold role in research: sample size is inter-connected with statistical analysis of the data and generalization. Therefore, sample size has attracted a lot of research efforts in all the research fields including educational research on E-Business application. However, little attention has been given to a framework for selecting sample size in educational research on E-Business application. The research question is as follows: what shapes sample size in educational research on E-Business application? The aim of the research is to analyze theoretically sample size shaping underpinning elaboration of a framework for selecting sample size in educational research on E-Business application. The present research involves a process of analysing the meaning of the key concepts statistical analysis, generalisation, population, sample, measurement procedures, probability sample, information-oriented sample, case and factors. Moreover, the study demonstrates how the key concepts are related to the idea of “sample size”. Explorative research was employed. Interpretive research paradigm was used. The empirical study involved four experts from different countries in February - April 2013: The findings of the research allow drawing the conclusions on the framework for selecting sample size in educational research on E-Business application. Directions of further research are proposed.

Analysing Buyers Burstiness in E-Business: Parameter Estimation and Practical Applications.

Optimization of e-business process assists in earning profits in e-business. For the success of the optimization of e-business process, a simulation model based on gap processes for the analysis of buyers’ burstiness in e-business process has been recently developed. However, the model has to be validated in terms of input parameter values and distributions. The research question is as follows: What are practically relevant input parameter values and distributions of the model based on gap processes for the analysis of buyers’ burstiness in e-business process? The aim of the research is to validate the simulation model based on gap processes for the analysis of buyers’ burstiness in e-business process in terms of input parameter values and distributions underpinning elaboration of a new research question on the model validity. The meaning of the key concepts of validation, model validation and model validation approach is studied. The results of the present research show that the simulation model for analysis of buyers’ burstiness e-business process in terms of input parameter values and distributions is valid. The novel contribution of the paper is revealed in the newly created research question on the proposed model for evaluation of buyers’ burstiness in e-business process. Directions of further research are formulated.

e-Shop Visitors' Burstiness as a Predictor of Performance - The Case of eBay.

Burstiness serves as a predictor of performance in the management sciences. However, burstiness has not been examined as a predictor of performance in e-business process. The research question is as follows: Does burstiness serve as the predictor of performance in e-business process? The aim of the research is to analyse burstiness as a predictor of performance in e-business process underpinning elaboration of a new research question on burstiness functions. The meaning of the key concepts of burstiness and performance is studied. Moreover, the analysis demonstrates how the key concepts are related to the idea of e-business process and shows a potential model for development, indicating how the steps of the process are related following a logical chain: conceptual framework → empirical analysis →conclusions. The results of the research show that e-shop visitors’ burstiness does not always serve as the predictor of item on-line selling/buying. The novel contribution of the paper is revealed in the newly created research question: What are reasons that e-shop visitors’ burstiness does not serve as the predictor of performance in e-business process despite the common background such as social grounding in both sciences, namely management and e-business? Directions of further research are proposed.

Social Dimension of Web 2.0 in Teacher Education: Pedagogical Guidelines

The research deals with the analysis of efficiency of the process of teaching and learning with use of the social dimension of Web 2.0 within the English for Specific Purposes course in pre-school and primary teacher education that would help students to become more cognizant and more responsive to the emerging needs of the market for educational services and to promote their use of the social dimension of Web 2.0. The analysis involves a process of analyzing the meaning of the key concepts “social dimension of Web 2.0”, “teaching and learning” and “peer-learning”. Moreover, the study demonstrates how the key concepts are related to the idea of “efficiency”. The paper introduces the study conducted in Latvia in 2008-2009. The conducted explorative research has been used. The sample involved 47 pre-school and primary student teachers. Descriptive statistics was implemented for primary data analysis. The findings of the research allow drawing conclusions on efficiency of the process of teaching and learning with use of the social dimension of Web 2.0. Directions of further research on the development of student’s personal experience in use of the social dimension of Web 2.0 as a condition for creation of new knowledge are elaborated.