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Assessment is a key driver for engagement and a widely criticised aspect of the tertiary student experience. In regard to assessment, in particular, feedback, rubrics and peer review have been major focuses for researchers in recent years. This research utilised an innovative peer review process in a triad structure to evaluate and improve assessment rubrics in a business course at a regional university in Australia. Data from interviews with academics and students was analysed using a recognised 10 question framework to evaluate the quality of the rubrics used in the course. The results indicated the 10 question framework was a useful tool to evaluate the quality of the rubrics. In addition, the process of peer review of assessment artefacts, in a triad structure improved assessment literacies of the participating academics, improved accountability evidence, and led to greater staff and student satisfaction due to improved assessment experiences. This research contributes to new knowledge due to its focuses on assessment rubrics, the efficacy of the 10 question framework as a reviewing mechanism and the use of academic triads to review assessment and not teaching performance.

In spite of the clear value of postgraduate business students to many providers of distance education courses, the factors affecting the retention of these students have received limited attention in the literature. In addressing this gap, this paper presents the findings of a qualitative study into the factors affecting the retention of postgraduate business students at a major Australian distance education university. The findings of this study suggest that a range of situational, dispositional and attitudinal factors impact upon student retention on this context, both as enablers of and obstacles to ongoing participation. In many cases, these factors differ to those identified in the existing literature on student retention. Based on these findings, we present a range of strategies designed to improve the retention of postgraduate business students by maximising enabling factors and minimising the impact of any identified obstacles. Limitations of the study and suggestions for further research are also presented. (Contains 2 tables.)

This paper presents the findings of an exploratory case study that investigated factors affecting the retention and progression of postgraduate business students at a major Australian distance education university. The majority of prior research addressing student retention focuses on undergraduate on-campus students, while this research investigated the postgraduate distance education context. The findings of this research indicate that a range of factors, in many cases different to those identified in the student retention literature, impact upon retention and progression in this context. This paper concludes with implications for distance education providers and recommendations for further research. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)

Rapid advances in educational and information communications technology (ICT) have encouraged some educators to move beyond traditional face to face and distance education correspondence modes toward a rich, technology mediated e-learning environment. Ready access to multimedia at the desktop has provided the opportunity for educators to develop flexible, engaging and interactive learning resources incorporating multimedia and hypermedia. However, despite this opportunity, the adoption and integration of educational technologies by academics across the tertiary sector has typically been slow. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study that investigated factors influencing the manner in which academics adopt and integrate educational technology and ICT. The research was conducted at a regional Australian university, the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), and focused on the development of e-learning environments. These e-learning environments include a range of multimodal learning objects and multiple representations of content that seek to cater for different learning styles and modal preferences, increase interaction, improve learning outcomes, provide a more inclusive and equitable curriculum and more closely mirror the on campus learning experience. This focus of this paper is primarily on the barriers or inhibitors academics reported in the study, including institutional barriers, individual inhibitors and pedagogical concerns. Strategies for addressing these obstacles are presented and implications and recommendations for educational institutions are discussed. (Contains 1 figure.)

Online discussion boards are being used increasingly by tertiary educators as a tool for encouraging greater student interaction and developing learning communities. In particular, educators who have adopted a learner centered, socio-constructivist approach to teaching have sought to facilitate collaborative learning in which students reflect upon and share their experiences and perspectives, and construct knowledge together through developing shared meanings. This paper presents the findings of an electronic survey of the perceptions of 70 distance education EFL and ESL students concerning a compulsory assessment item involving contribution to an online course discussion board. The study revealed that the majority of the students enjoyed the assessment item and agreed that posting to the online course discussion board had allowed them to achieve a range of cognitive and social learning outcomes, as well as to develop some important graduate skills. In particular, ESL students reported the benefits of posting to the discussion board in terms of sharing their experiences with others and reducing the feeling of isolation. Further, when considering social outcomes, ESL students perceive the discussion board provided them with an opportunity to meet and develop a closer relationship with other students in the course and encouraged them to keep up with their studies. (Contains 6 tables.)

This paper studies how the ability of a consumer to recall various communication channel materials relates to differences in purchase frequency in the early lifecycle stages of a brand. It provides insight into the strategic decisions which marketers should make relating to marketing communication channels over time. Results indicate that in the introductory and early growth lifecycle stages, online communication channels are not sufficient alone in producing high brand purchase frequency and should be supplemented by integrated communication channels including traditional and instore communications. However, in the later growth stage, online communications can be employed alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweed has been traditionally consumed in Asian and Pacific cultures, yet aside from sushi, is still not commonly eaten in Western societies. Edible seaweeds offer distinct nutritional benefits to terrestrial crops, particularly with respect to mineral and fibre content. Understanding the motivations that drive young Australians to eat seaweed is necessary for food product development and consumer marketing strategies, as well as informing future sustainable production through seaweed aquaculture and wild-harvest practices. An observational cross-sectional online survey with n = 1403 young (19–30 years) Australian seaweed consumers was conducted. The 19-item survey included closed-ended, open-ended, and Likert scale responses. Most respondents were female (89.0%), with tertiary level education or above (57.7%). Seaweed was eaten mostly as a snack (87.7%) and in home-prepared meals (30.7%). The key advantages to consumption were flavour (89.1%), nutrient content (49.1%), and health benefits (44.6%), whilst the key barriers were poor accessibility (59.5%), unaffordable pricing (46.5%), and undesirable packaging (19.0%). The consumers reported wanting more promotion to improve their knowledge about seaweed, in addition to environmentally sustainable packaging and sourcing. Pathways to overcome barriers and encourage greater seaweed consumption are discussed. Most critically, improving the promotion and environmental sustainability of seaweed products will improve intake amongst current and future consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment is a key driver for engagement and a widely criticised aspect of the tertiary student experience. In regard to assessment, in particular, feedback, rubrics and peer review have been major focuses for researchers in recent years. This research utilised an innovative peer review process in a triad structure to evaluate and improve assessment rubrics in a business course at a regional university in Australia. Data from interviews with academics and students was analysed using a recognised 10 question framework to evaluate the quality of the rubrics used in the course. The results indicated the 10 question framework was a useful tool to evaluate the quality of the rubrics. In addition, the process of peer review of assessment artefacts, in a triad structure improved assessment literacies of the participating academics, improved accountability evidence, and led to greater staff and student satisfaction due to improved assessment experiences. This research contributes to new knowledge due to its focuses on assessment rubrics, the efficacy of the 10 question framework as a reviewing mechanism and the use of academic triads to review assessment and not teaching performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers are increasingly relying on quality assurance indicators when purchasing agriproducts like fish, where they lack the confidence and ability to judge quality. Any industry quality scheme should start with an understanding of the product attributes consumers value. This paper explores Australian consumers' perceptions of quality in relation to fish in general and barramundi specifically, using data from a national online survey of 2,061 consumers. Analysis of two open-ended questions and a perceptual mapping exercise indicate consumers value both intrinsic attributes such as freshness, color and smell, and extrinsic attributes such as origin and price. These results present the Australian barramundi industry with a starting point to develop a consumer-based quality framework and ensure consistent quality as valued by consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seafood in the adolescent diet has many benefits, yet a number of adolescents do not consume the recommended levels. Despite this the consumption of seafood by younger consumers has received scant attention in the extant literature. Previous studies on adolescents' food‐related behaviour tend to focus on general choice mechanisms or perceptions of food and mainly relate to fruit and vegetable intake. The present study seeks to address this gap through investigating the impact of family upon the consumption of seafood by younger consumers through exploring adolescents' attitudes and behaviour in regard to eating seafood. Utilizing an exploratory qualitative methodology, seven focus groups of adolescents aged 13–19 years were conducted at two schools in South West England. Discussions covered a range of issues related to adolescent seafood consumption. The use of thematic content analysis found that the family, and parents in particular, exert high levels of influence over adolescents' consumption of seafood both at home and when dining out. The parent who does the shopping and cooking has the greatest role. Sibling preferences and dietary choices also influence whether seafood is served in the home. Of value to researchers and management are the insights gleaned into the influences on adolescents' attitudes towards and behaviour in regard to eating seafood. In particular, encouraging seafood consumption will rely upon interventions aimed at both parents and children and need to take into account adolescents' diet and lifestyle preferences, while also acknowledging the influence of peers and the school food environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current seaweed consumption and attitudes and preferences toward seaweed food products in a Western society are investigated to inform the seaweed industry regarding product development and marketing strategies. A national survey of 521 Australian consumers was conducted. About 75% of respondents had eaten seaweed; however, only 37% had consumed seaweed regularly over the past 12 months. Key drivers include health and nutritional benefits, taste, being natural, safe, and fresh. Critical barriers are lack of knowledge and familiarity, and the perception that seaweed is expensive. Females and younger, health-conscious consumers with higher household incomes and levels of education, who are more adventurous with food (neophilic), and who tend to snack and assign symbolic value to food are more likely to consume seaweed. Recommendations for the emerging seaweed industry in terms of target markets and relevant marketing strategies are presented and areas of further research proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthy development and nutritional sufficiency have long been linked to consumption of a well-balanced diet, especially in primary school age children. Seafood products have been identified as a key component of a healthy diet. The consumption habits of a balanced and sustainable diet in children needs to be examined while taking into account family and environmental factors which influence eating habit formation in young children. The family setting is the first place where children acquire examples and principles of their own eating habits. Therefore, this study explores the effects of family eating habits on seafood consumption habit formation in children. Seafood intake diaries, pictures of consumed meals, as well as in-depth interviews formed a pilot study which included four families. The collected results were thematically analyzed and underpinned by principles of the Theory of Planned Behavior, Stages of Change Model, and Social Cognitive Theory. The pilot study results revealed an array of attitudes and preferences, norms (e.g., religion and parental duty), perceived drivers (e.g., health benefits), and perceived barriers (e.g., affordability and availability) which influence the formation of sustainable eating habits in children. A range of strategies (internal and external) for assisting appropriate eating habit formation including consumption of sustainable seafood by children are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Despite increasing levels of per capita seafood consumption globally, consumption levels across the population vary with many consumers eating less than recommended weekly intakes. This study investigates the influence of childhood patterns of seafood consumption, consumer confidence in selecting and preparing seafood, adult eating habits, and lifestyle on seafood consumption. Partial least squares structural equation modelling analysis was conducted using a sample of 1,318 Australian adults. The results show that consuming seafood regularly in childhood and developing the confidence to select and prepare seafood as an adult contribute to the development of seafood eating habits. Subsequently, a habit of consuming seafood leads to a lifestyle involving regular consumption of seafood. The results indicate the need to develop and implement intervention strategies for encouraging childhood seafood consumption (“train the child”) and increasing adults' confidence in selecting and preparing seafood (“teach the adult”). Intervention strategies proposed include educational programmes targeted at both children and adults, combined with the development of seafood products that appeal to children and suit the changing lifestyle needs of today's 21st century consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health benefits of seafood consumption are well known, however, consumption levels in the UK remain below recommended levels of two servings per week. Seafood consumption is beneficial for adolescents, as it is associated with physical and mental well-being, lower levels of obesity, and improved cognitive performance and academic achievement. This study investigated current consumption, preferences, and attitudes toward seafood among UK adolescents. Seven focus groups were conducted in two schools with diverse socio-economic student profiles. Findings revealed that seafood consumption levels vary considerably among individuals and typically takes a less healthy form (e.g., fish and chips). Key drivers of seafood consumption include health and taste, while barriers were typically associated with the sensory qualities of seafood including dislike of taste, bones, smell, and texture. A range of intervention strategies were identified and new product ideas ranged from fun, fast-food, snack-style products to healthy meal options. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study explores attitudes toward aquaculture development as a way of providing a sustainable source of seafood through a consultative stakeholder approach. Given that aquaculture is a less familiar concept within southwest England, gaining insight into the views and perspectives of such a development in the region is required to facilitate stakeholder engagement. In-depth qualitative interviews investigate attitudes across five stakeholder sectors: government, fishing/marine, business/catering, tourism/leisure, and environmental/charity. Findings show a mix of stakeholder attitudes, which differ by industry sector, from very negative to very positive. From this, two segments are proposed (commercially focused and environmentally focused) to enable targeted communication and information dissemination strategies based on key areas of concern. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The commodification of many food products, combined with increasing market share of supermarkets, has increased the importance of point of sale (POS) strategies in specialty food retailers such as fishmongers. This study seeks to develop strategies to improve the retailing of seafood in fishmongers, specifically oysters, an underutilized species; although they are eaten by many consumers, purchase frequency is low. A literature review identifies the key drivers and barriers to oyster consumption and the information consumers want at POS. Based on these findings, a retailing strategy is developed and tested in two consumer focus groups with results informing revisions to the recommended retail strategy, importantly including a change in collateral from a production focus to a consumption focus. This study contributes to theory and practice by bringing together the existing literature on drivers and barriers and consumer information requirements about oysters to develop and to test practical retail strategy concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ABSTRACT This paper presents an empirical framework for operationalizing passive versus active participation in the context of shopping mall entertainment events (e.g., school holiday events and fashion shows) and assesses the framework's utility for segmenting and profiling shopping mall entertainment audiences. Exploratory factor analysis of data collected at shopping mall events revealed two distinct dimensions, 'relax and be entertained' and 'socialize and explore,' reflecting passive and active participation, respectively. From nine activities operationalizing passive versus active participation, two distinct audience segments reporting different levels of immediate and future shopping behaviors were identified. The 'engage me' segment (active-dominant audience) was more likely to stay longer at the mall, purchase food and nonfood items, share the event experience with others, and attend similar entertainment events in the future than the 'entertain me' segment (passive-dominant audience). The activities operationalizing passive versus active participation were tested with 280 participants at two family-oriented shopping mall entertainment events. This paper extends the knowledge in the retail event marketing literature whereby it confirms passive versus active participation levels at retailing events, and verifies that passive and active participation levels can be measured and differentiated operationally. The findings provide insights on the utility of shopper participation level as a meaningful segmentation variable, pertinent to both the marketing and management of shopper experiences within a retailing entertainment event. Managerial implications and limitations of this paper are discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australian consumers hold very favorable attitudes toward seafood, with key drivers to consumption being taste, convenience, diet variety, and health benefits. Nevertheless, despite these positive attitudes, seafood consumption remains below many other countries. In this article, we investigate the influence of habit including regular childhood consumption, familiarity with seafood, and attitudes toward seafood on seafood consumption and consumption occasions. Habit and lack of familiarity with seafood were found to lead to lower levels of seafood consumption, whereas positive attitudes toward seafood were associated with more regular seafood consumption. People who consumed seafood on a regular basis as a child were more likely to be more familiar with seafood and be in the habit of consuming seafood in adulthood. Patterns of childhood consumption occasions were found to be associated with adult consumption occasions. Based on these findings, we discuss possible strategies and behavioral interventions for further investigation, which are grounded in habit theory and are aimed at changing seafood eating habits, increasing childhood consumption, and reducing the lack of familiarity with seafood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of the clear value of postgraduate business students to many providers of distance education courses, the factors affecting the retention of these students have received limited attention in the literature. In addressing this gap, this paper presents the findings of a qualitative study into the factors affecting the retention of postgraduate business students at a major Australian distance education university. The findings of this study suggest that a range of situational, dispositional and attitudinal factors impact upon student retention on this context, both as enablers of and obstacles to ongoing participation. In many cases, these factors differ to those identified in the existing literature on student retention. Based on these findings, we present a range of strategies designed to improve the retention of postgraduate business students by maximising enabling factors and minimising the impact of any identified obstacles. Limitations of the study and suggestions for further research are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the findings of an exploratory case study that investigated factors affecting the retention and progression of postgraduate business students at a major Australian distance education university. The majority of prior research addressing student retention focuses on undergraduate on-campus students, while this research investigated the postgraduate distance education context. The findings of this research indicate that a range of factors, in many cases different to those identified in the student retention literature, impact upon retention and progression in this context. This paper concludes with implications for distance education providers and recommendations for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of using technology as an aid to teaching is to provide an effective and efficient means for disseminating information in a way that supports learning. The widespread adoption of PowerPoint as an aid to the lecturing process has been a major step towards greater use of technology. Rapid advancements in technology have lead to software packages which can be integrated with PowerPoint that allow for innovative approaches to teaching. This paper provides an introduction to one such software package Breeze and its potential for enhancing the student learning experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid advances in educational and information communications technology (ICT) have encouraged some educators to move beyond traditional face to face and distance education correspondence modes toward a rich, technology mediated e-learning environment. Ready access to multimedia at the desktop has provided the opportunity for educators to develop flexible, engaging and interactive learning resources incorporating multimedia and hypermedia. However, despite this opportunity, the adoption and integration of educational technologies by academics across the tertiary sector has typically been slow. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study that investigated factors influencing the manner in which academics adopt and integrate educational technology and ICT. The research was conducted at a regional Australian university, the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), and focused on the development of e-learning environments. These e-learning environments include a range of multimodal learning objects and multiple representations of content that seek to cater for different learning styles and modal preferences, increase interaction, improve learning outcomes, provide a more inclusive and equitable curriculum and more closely mirror the on campus learning experience. This focus of this paper is primarily on the barriers or inhibitors academics reported in the study, including institutional barriers, individual inhibitors and pedagogical concerns. Strategies for addressing these obstacles are presented and implications and recommendations for educational institutions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]