With the current issue of student retention and attrition as a major aspect of online education, this interpretivist qualitative case study sought to determine whether online facilitators and online student-to-student relationships affect online graduate students’ ability to complete their modules and achieve student learning objectives and outcomes (LOO). This study encompassed CoI (Community of Inquiry) and surveyed 54 participants who indicated that the three interdependent presences that form part of CoI (cognitive, social, and teaching) were instrumental in helping them to complete their modules and to achieve student learning objectives and outcomes (LOO). Students’ feedback on online facilitators exemplified their cognitive presence in the form of statements linked to triggering events and exploring of ideas. However, there were few statements connected to integration and none linked to resolution. Overall, most of the data collected connected to subsets of teaching and social presences rather than cognitive presence. Additionally, students’ feedback on their peers suggests that social presence that fosters group cohesion is the most critical factor to assist in completion of the modules and achieving student LOO. Open communication was also indicated and, to a lesser degree, personal/affective subsets of social presence were evident. The findings of this study suggest that more research is needed on the components of the three presences and their relationship to students’ ability to complete the module and achieve student LOO.

Unique in its diverse cross-section of sources, this review article is a philosophical study towards the future role of online university education. Set within the realistic context of the external forces affecting higher education, it bridges the gap between the perspective of industry and that of higher education. We posit that online education is an opportunity equalizer, positioned to help citizens of lesser developed economies form and upskill to compete in employability with those of developed countries. Both the individuals and the economies of these countries benefit. The purpose of this article is to overview the main factors influencing the ability for higher education to provide this opportunity. Possible challenges are illuminated in the context of the real lived experiences of students. A wide range of sources are canvassed, explaining the external environment within which educational systems and the university exist. Rather than providing answers, this article raises pertinent questions with an understanding of higher education's current state of flux.

Technical support through co-creation of value in automotive paint processes and activities is essential to the success of paint manufacturing companies. This study aimed to explore the impact of technical support on customer satisfaction through value-in-use in the automotive paint market. A quantitative questionnaire survey involving a convenience sample of 169 respondents was used for data collection. The questionnaire design bore on the SERVPERF instrument with embedded value-in-use attributes. The data were analyzed by using SPSS 21 statistical methods exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and multiple regression analysis (MRA). The findings of this study revealed that the key value-in-use attributes were relationship quality (trust), knowledge required for providing help in getting maximum product benefits, sharing of knowledge, and a range of product and service offerings that satisfy customer needs. Trust had the greatest impact on customer satisfaction. The results also revealed that service quality dimension assurance exerted the greatest positive impact on customer satisfaction.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the importance that successful entrepreneurs in Mauritius attach to marketing in operating their business and how marketing is actually practised or is prevalent in their enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThis paper forms part of a broader study undertaken by the authors. The survey instrument is a personally administered semi‐structured questionnaire. A sample of 30 successful entrepreneurs for this paper is drawn judgmentally from the broader study.FindingsThe results indicate that entrepreneurs surveyed use marketing to a large extent although some apply it unknowingly. Respondents tend to emphasize product development rather than improving product offering based on customer needs and wants. The results also reveal that some of the entrepreneurs practice marketing in mostly unconventional ways although there is evidence of convergence with traditional marketing in many respects. On the whole, the results of this survey indicate that entrepreneurs view marketing as an important function in achieving their business goals.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the scant literature on the importance and relationship of the marketing function with respect to entrepreneurial activities and small and medium enterprises in Mauritius. The findings of this paper confirm that entrepreneurs attach significant importance to marketing, although in certain areas such as the elaborate marketing mix they practice marketing in their own style. The paper helps entrepreneurs to realize how marketing can be an asset to achieving success in their business. Some success factors in marketing practice are highlighted to benefit future and potential entrepreneurs. The study also cautions entrepreneurs about some marketing practices to which they ought to pay more attention instead of taking them for granted.

This study investigates the national cultural factors that influence marketing strategies implemented by international firms in thirteen African countries. This is an exploratory study based on interviews and questionnaires involving fifty marketing managers for data collection. Data was analyzed using a combination of content analysis with coding techniques. The findings demonstrate that the national cultural factors studied influence the marketing strategies at different levels. Sales promotions are impacted by six factors while new product introduction is mainly influenced by power distance and uncertainty avoidance. Language is from far the most influencing cultural factor on communication and advertising strategies. The findings indicate that it is possible for managers to design and implement better business strategies when entering the African market. This research extends the knowledge of African culture and its impact on consumer behavior, which is an important variable in marketing.