The effects of eWOM characteristics on consumer ratings: evidence from TripAdvisor.com

Abstract

Given the rise of online review communities, the management of consumer ratings has gained much attention in the recent years. In this study, we use data from Tripadvisor.com and examine the number of stars that a review receives. Specifically, we address how a star rating is determined by the components in the focal review as well as the preceding reviews of other consumers. Our qualitative and quantitative analyses provide interesting findings as follows. A star rating has a positive relationship with the focal review’s valence. That is, the more positive a review is, the greater number of stars a review receives. The reviews of other consumers also play a role in determining a star rating of the focal review suggesting social influence among consumers. Interestingly, a review with lengthy content leads to a lower star rating only when using smartphones. We conclude with theoretical and managerial implications.     

An approach to discovering new technology opportunities: Keyword-based patent map approach

This paper proposes an approach for creating and utilizing keyword-based patent maps for use in new technology creation activity. The proposed approach comprises the following sub-modules. First, text mining is used to transform patent documents into structured data to identify keyword vectors. Second, principal component analysis is employed to reduce the numbers of keyword vectors to make suitable for use on a two-dimensional map. Third, patent ‘vacancies’, defined as blank areas in the map that are sparse in patent density but large in size, are identified. The validity of the vacancy is then tested against such criteria as technological criticality and technological trends. If a vacancy is judged as meaningful, its technological features are investigated in detail to identify the potential for new technology creation. The procedure of the proposed approach is described in detail by employing an illustrative patent database and is implemented into an expert system for new technology creation.     

The Effects of Rate Regulation on Mean Returns and Non-Diversifiable Risk: The Case of Cable Television

Anticipated effects of rate controls are best observed in abnormalreturns in sectors providing complements and substitutes to the sector targeted for regulation. Further, risk may rise in response to rate controls, increasing the cost of capital and lowering investment. We examine stock price movements during events tied to the 1992 Cable Act, which reinstituted price controls on U.S. cable TV operators. We find strong evidence that controls were not anticipated to lower quality-adjusted cable rates. In addition, the uncertaintyof the policy led to substantially increased stock betas in some sectors.     

A regression model of the heteroscedastic error variance

We introduce a regression model of the heteroscedastic error variance. A repetitive use of the least squares method is shown to provide the best linear unbiased estimator of the parameter vector of the model.     

Ubiquitous computing and its effects on small businesses

Much of the previous literature on ubiquitous computing (UbiComp) has been limited to case studies, reporting innovative practices of specific technologies (e.g., RFID) and social issues. There is a general paucity of research on strategic application of UbiComp, especially to small businesses. To address this issue, this study provides a broad overview of the current practices of UbiComp in leading countries and presents possible future directions. Then, the effects of UbiComp on small businesses are discussed. Through a cross-national comparative analysis, we present four strategies to provide some guidance to the countries that are currently considering entering into the UbiComp race.     

Do changes in credit ratings of REITs affect their capital structure decisions?

Existing research has highlighted the high leverage ratio of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). To the extent that credit rating is important to REITs when sourcing for capital from the public debt markets, our paper investigates the effect of changes in REIT credit ratings on capital structure decisions while controlling for endogeneity effects. Our results indicate that REITs that face the prospect of an imminent credit rating downgrade issue approximately 11% less debt net of equity as a percentage of total assets than other REITs. This effect is asymmetric in that positive rating outlooks do not have a significant impact on REIT capital structure activities.     

农业技术应用与农户收入增长:以江西农户为例

关于农业技术应用问题的研究,大都是围绕农户收入影响农业技术应用这一分析路径考查两者关系,而从农业技术应用影响农户收入增长这一分析路径探讨两者关系的研究相对缺乏。为此,探讨现阶段农业技术应用对农户收入增长的影响及其传导机制更具有重大的理论价值和现实意义。由于江西是我国中部地区典型的农业大省,通过对江西省农业技术应用影响农民收入增长的实证研究,可以更加精确地估计和验证农业技术应用对农民收入增长的影响程度,从而为政府相关部门进一步完善农业技术推广服务和促进农民增收提供有益的决策参考。     

INVESTIGATING DIFFERENCES IN ANTECEDENTS TO VALUE BETWEEN FIRST‐TIME AND REPEAT FESTIVAL‐GOERS

This study aimed to capture the underlying quality dimensions (value antecedents) that distinguish between first‐timers and repeaters and that cultivate festival loyalty. Structural relationships were analyzed across the quality dimensions, value, and loyalty for first‐time and repeat visitors. Structural equation modeling revealed that program and convenient facilities alone were antecedents to value for repeaters, whereas food and souvenir, as well as program and convenient facilities, were value antecedents for first‐timers. Specifically, repeat visitors showed stronger relationships on program value and convenient facility value than did first‐time visitors. On the other hand, first‐time visitors associated more strongly with relationships on food value and souvenir value than did repeat visitors. This distinction resulted in a stronger value‐loyalty relationship for repeat visitors than for first‐time visitors. These findings contribute to the understanding of festival‐attendee behavior and thus, provide researchers and practitioners with insights into how to design a festival in such a way that promotes repeat visitors.     

The Moderating Role of Gender Identity in Responses to Comedic Violence Advertising

Comedic violence advertising has been increasing in the United States, but many studies thus far have been content analytic in nature. To gain a better understanding of who will find comedic violence ads humorous and thus have favorable brand perceptions, two experimental studies were conducted with gender identity as an influential factor. In Study 1, masculine individuals responded more favorably to highly violent and humorous ads than feminine individuals did. Study 2 varied the violence level in the comedic violence ads and found that when violence was low both masculine and feminine individuals responded similarly to the comedic violence ad, but when violence was high masculine individuals responded more favorably than did feminine individuals. Perceived humor was found to be an important mediator of comedic violence ad processing. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are provided.     

加快农村实用人才开发思考

乡土人才的开发问题是人事行政管理的重要组成部分,是推进社会主义新农村建设的重要内容.结合人事行政的相关理论和社会调查的方法,对我国农村乡土人才队伍的现状和农村实用人才的开发、培养、使用进行了研究与分析,并针对农村实用人才的结构不合理、分布不平衡、资金投入不足、创业环境欠优等问题,进行了深入的思考与探讨,从强化宣传、建立机制、加强培训、加大投入四个方面提出了对策与建议.