Adoption of FinTech services amidst COVID-19 pandemic: empirical evidence from Assam

PurposeThe paper intends to comprehend the pattern of usage of FinTech services among bank customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper also examines the factors influencing the adoption of FinTech services by using the constructs from the technology acceptance model (TAM) together with highlighting the issues faced in using FinTech services in Assam.Design/methodology/approachThe research is empirical in nature. Data have been collected from 1,066 prime earners of the households having a bank account.FindingsThere has been an upsurge in the use of FinTech services in the area of study. Apart from government and private service employees, businessmen, self-employed professionals, many daily-wage earners and agriculturists have also experienced an increase in their frequency of usage of FinTech services thereby making technology-based financial services an indispensable tool in enhancing access, improving inclusivity in the times of crisis and aftermath. Government support, trust, perceived usefulness (PU), attitude and social influence have a positive influence on FinTech adoption;however, perceived risks impact respondents' trust towards FinTech services thereby requiring necessary measures to evaluate organizations' preparedness to deal with cyber threats.Originality/valueThe paper provides insight into the factors impacting the adoption of FinTech services to stimulate superior connectivity infrastructure, robust security measures and maintaining financial stability with adequate supervisory and monitoring regulations to enhance trust towards FinTech services during the crisis and aftermath.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sports Betting Tipsters as Professional Bettors: A Qualitative Interview Study

Although the COVID-19 pandemic impacted individuals who bet on sports, sports betting tipsters (SBTs;i.e., individuals who provide professional tips on the outcome of sporting events) were arguably among the most affected groups. Consequently, the aim of the present study was to explore how SBTs in Turkey were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including alternate forms of gambling engagement (e.g., e-sports betting). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 85 SBTs aged between 20 and 48 years. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common themes. Based on the qualitative analysis, four themes emerged: (i) the meaning and role of sports betting, (ii) the effects of the pandemic on life and sports betting, (iii) comparing e-sports betting vs. traditional sports betting, and (iv) possible sports betting behavior if the pandemic continues. SBTs reported experiencing psychological distress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic's cancellation of sporting events. More specifically, SBTs reported a sense of emptiness because of the lack of sports betting. Furthermore, SBT reported suffering a loss of income and turning to e-sports betting during the pandemic. However, the majority of SBTs did not find betting on e-sports as exciting as traditional betting but reported they would continue to engage in e-sports betting if traditional sports betting was not available. The findings of this study can contribute to a better understanding of the impact of SBTs on individuals and further provide practical implications for policymakers to promote a safe, sustainable, and long-term growth of the sports betting industry in Turkey.

Can We Agree on Standards? International Voices in Simulated Patient Education: Presenter(s): Emily Ruba, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, United States

Simulated (or standardized) patients (SPs) play a crucial role in the teaching and assessment of communication skills in healthcare. As this methodology has evolved, the SP educator has emerged as its own profession. In 2017, an international team from the Association of SP Educators (ASPE) published Standards of Best Practice (SOBPs) to guide practitioners. Investigators sought to assess the applicability of the SOBPs to the diverse contexts in which SP educators work around the world. In this study, investigators addressed two questions: 1. Are SOBPs relevant to SP educators around the world?;and 2. How can the SOBPs be enhanced or altered in future iterations? Investigators used 60-minute, semi-structured interviews with 12 respondents from 11 countries. Researchers used purposive sampling. Respondents were intentionally recruited from 6 continents. Respondents included individuals who are active SP educators, but who are not ASPE members. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. The data were analyzed using NVivo and investigators used thematic analysis. While respondents provided many insights into the SOBPs and SP methodology, preliminary analysis has revealed three main themes. First, respondents described the role of the SOBPs in affirming current practices and guiding the development of future practices, including domains of safety in simulation and quality control. Second, respondents described how the SOBPs enable professional development through empowering evidence-based practice and promoting scholarship. Third, respondents offered recommendations for adaptation of the SOBPs to online simulation in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Successful simulation requires the utilization of practices most likely to lead to optimal learner outcomes. This study indicates that SP educators around the world view ASPE's SOBPs as a powerful tool providing both guidance and flexibility. Results: suggest that the SOBPs serve as a valuable guide for working with SPs in diverse cultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Patient Education & Counseling is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Brushing up on time-honored sales skills to excel in tomorrow's environment

PurposeDetermining the skills required for salespersons to maximize their effectiveness was the main driver for conducting the present study. In order to identify those necessary skills, this study aims to review various research techniques drawn from multiple disciplines and applied that knowledge to salespersons.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a mixed-method methodology. This study began by conducting a literature review and then interviewed experienced salespersons with varied backgrounds to develop a comprehensive list of sales skills and themes and categorize them into competency categories. This study then conducted a quantitative analysis to determine the respective importance of the skills and themes by surveying a sample of internal stakeholders of a multinational company. Finally, this study calculated the reliability and validity of the themes.FindingsA total of 206 relevant skills (later reduced to 110) and 28 themes were identified and grouped into three competency categories: conceptual, human/interpersonal and technical. Survey respondents rated the skills and themes higher than the "somewhat important” score of 3 out of 5, with the overall mean importance for skills being in the "important” range (score of 4.27 out of 5). All identified skills were believed to be important to a salesperson's success.Originality/valueThis study's expanded list of sales skills will improve employability, reduce turnover among employees and build better groundwork for fostering learning through work, resulting in better performance. These skills represent a 2020 updated list that could be used for future academic research and training and research in the business world.

The root of the problems of developing rabbit farming business in Lembang Subdistrict, West Bandung Regency, Indonesia

Rabbit farming in Indonesia has the potential to be developed, especially in rural areas. However, the great potential above does not necessarily improve the welfare of rabbit breeders, especially after the current Covid-19 pandemic. In-depth research is needed on various problems in the development of rabbits, especially those related to socio-economic and policy aspects. This study aims to determine the root cause of the development of rabbit farming in the Lembang Subdistrict, West Bandung Regency, Indonesia. This study employs a descriptive approach, with a case study research. The analysis method utilizes a matrix of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) and the Drivers, Pressures, States, Impacts, and Responses (DPSIR) framework. The study results show the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, mainly in the development of breeding centers and efforts to encourage the movement of tourism activities.

LOCAL VISITORS' WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR CONSERVATION FEE AT KAMPUNG KUANTAN FIREFLY PARK, KUALA SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

Fireflies in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia are threatened by habitat destruction, soil degradation and light pollution. The main objective of this study was to estimate the local tourists' willingness to pay a conservation fee at Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park. The best data collection method chosen in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic was an online questionnaire survey. The study used a purposive sampling technique, as only those who visited Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park were eligible to complete the online survey. The willingness to pay questionnaire was developed using the Open-Ended Contingent Valuation Method. A total of 385 respondents were included for data analysis. The results of Tobit regression analysis indicated that age, education, gender and attitude had significant relationship with willingness to pay. Based on the willingness to pay estimate equation, the overall mean willingness to pay for the conservation fee was 9.44 RM per visit. The research findings will assist policymakers in taking the obligatory actions to protect and conserve precious natural resources and provide information to the natural park department in order to achieve a sustainable ecotourism plan for Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Tropical Forest Science is the property of Forest Research Institute of Malaysia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

An exploratory study to assess stakeholder's perception for new online teaching-learning environment during covid-19

Certain events bring unprecedented changes for the way things take place in our life. Spread of COVID-19 has brought a paradigm shift in a similar manner to the way we learn things and has dramatically altered the teaching learning process. Like any other tool, online learning was considered to be a supporting hand for augmenting the teaching learning experience by making the learning process more interactive and participative. COVID-19 has made online teaching as the sole mode for teaching learning for students and teachers. Without any doubt, when we run out of options only then we can ascertain the true facets of something. It can also be applied to evaluate the effectiveness of online teaching over traditional teaching. The present study is an endeavor to assess the stakeholder's perception for this new teaching learning environment which has emerged during this unprecedented situation. Respondents were selected using stratified judgment sampling method. 120 respondents from Delhi NCR were interviewed using structured questionnaire. Statistical tools like factor analysis, cross tabulation, t-test and discriminant analysis were used for data analysis. Factor analysis led to formation of dimensions namely awareness related to online teaching learning process, perception for decisions taken by higher education bodies, impact of pandemic on economic conditions and subsequent attendance and effectiveness of online classes. Further two-group discriminant analysis was applied to find out association among predictors and effectiveness of online learning. It was observed that awareness related to online teaching learning process, perception for decisions taken by administration, impact of pandemic on economic conditions, attendance, socio-economic background were prominent factors which significantly affect the respondent's perception for effectiveness of online classes._