• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.61-95
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• 2007

Small-and-medium sized enterprises(SMEs) represent quite a large proportion of the industry as a whole in terms of the number of enterprises or employees. However researches on information system so far have focused on large companies, probably because SMEs were not so active in introducing information systems as larger enterprises. SMEs are now increasingly bringing in information systems such as ERP(Enterprise Resource Planning Systems) and some of the companies already entered the stage of ongoing use. Accordingly, researches should deal with the use of information systems by SME s operating under different conditions from large companies. This study examined factors and mechanism inducing faithful appropriation of information systems, in particular integrative systems such as ERP, in view of individuals` active feedback-seeking behavior. There are three factors expected to affect end users` feedback-seeking behavior for faithful appropriation of information systems. They are management support, peer IT champ support, and IT staff support. The main focus of the study is on how these factors affect feedback-seeking behavior and whether the feedback-seeking behavior plays the role of mediator for realizing faithful appropriation of information systems by end users. To examine the research model and the hypotheses, this study employed an empirical method based on a field survey. The survey used measurements mostly employed and verified by previous researches, while some of the measurements had gone through minor modifications for the purpose of the study. The survey respondents are individual employees of SMEs that have been using ERP for one year or longer. To prevent common method bias, Task-Technology Fit items used as the control variable were made to be answered by different respondents. In total, 127 pairs of valid questionnaires were collected and used for the analysis. The PLS(Partial Least Squares) approach to structural equation modeling(PLS-Graph v.3.0) was used as our data analysis strategy because of its ability to model both formative and reflective latent constructs under small-and medium-size samples. The analysis shows Reliability, Construct Validity and Discriminant Validity are appropriate. The path analysis results are as follows; first, the more there is peer IT champ support, the more the end user is likely to show feedback-seeking behavior(path-coefficient=0.230, t=2.28, p<0.05). In other words, if colleagues proficient in information system use recognize the importance of their help, pass on what they have found to be an effective way of using the system or correct others' misuse, ordinary end users will be able to seek feedback on the faithfulness of their appropriation of information system without hesitation, because they know the convenience of getting help. Second, management support encourages ordinary end users to seek more feedback(path-coefficient=0.271, t=3.06, p<0.01) by affecting the end users' perceived value of feedback(path-coefficient=0.401, t=6.01, p<0.01). Management support is far more influential than other factors that when the management of an SME well understands the benefit of ERP, promotes its faithful appropriation and pays attention to employees' satisfaction with the system, employees will make deliberate efforts for faithful appropriation of the system. However, the third factor, IT staff support was found not to be conducive to feedback-seeking behavior from end users(path-coefficient=0.174, t=1.83). This is partly attributable to the fundamental reason that there is little support for end users from IT staff in SMEs. Even when IT staff provides support, end users may find it less important than that from coworkers more familiar with the end users' job. Meanwhile, the more end users seek feedback and attempt to find ways of faithful appropriation of information systems, the more likely the users will be able to deploy the system according to the purpose the system was originally meant for(path-coefficient=0.35, t=2.88, p<0.01). Finally, the mediation effect analysis confirmed the mediation effect of feedback-seeking behavior. By confirming the mediation effect of feedback-seeking behavior, this study draws attention to the importance of feedback-seeking behavior that has long been overlooked in research about information system use. This study also explores the factors that promote feedback-seeking behavior which in result could affect end user`s faithful appropriation of information systems. In addition, this study provides insight about which inducements or resources SMEs should offer to promote individual users' feedback-seeking behavior when formal and sufficient support from IT staff or an outside information system provider is hardly expected. As the study results show, under the business environment of SMEs, help from skilled colleagues and the management plays a critical role. Therefore, SMEs should seriously consider how to utilize skilled peer information system users, while the management should pay keen attention to end users and support them to make the most of information systems.

• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.133-163
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• 2007

Growth in the outsourcing market signals that firms of all sizes believe outsourcing will ultimately deliver many benefits and conveniences. But there are not many firms satisfied with the results of outsourcing. What is more, previous researches were fragmentary analyses focused on specific variables of outsourcing such as sourcing decisions, partnership rather than comprehensive analysis. Thus, they could not propose general systematic methodologies applicable to the real situation. To solve these problems, we developed an integrated theoretical framework that considered both contract with the hard side and trust with the soft side from a contingency viewpoint and tested this model using 143 data of Korean companies executing outsourcing. In addition, we examined how situational factors(outsourcing task complexity and outsourcing management competence) affects each path in the research model. The results of this study are as follows. First, it was proved the theory that trust is not a substitute for contract but its complement. Previous empirical studies on outsourcing success factors were focused on the establishment of successful partnership on the assumption that trust can replace contract in many situations. According to the results of our empirical analysis, however, contract and trust were in a mutually complementary relation with each other and their emphasis was different. Furthermore, different from previous researches, it was found effective to use trust as a supplementary tool and contract as a main means in outsourcing management strategy. Second, this study provided an integrated view that sees both contract and trust from a contingency viewpoint in theoretically reestablishing the relationship between contract and trust. Previous researches leaned to specific variables or theory-centered fragmentary analysis, but this study proposed a more practical and integrated research model and tested its effectiveness. Based on the results, with the model, decision makers are expected to scrutinize outsourcing situation more closely and to have a practical insight to the situation. Third, it was found that contract mechanism and trust building do not have a direct effect on outsourcing performance but relationship management intensity mediates the effect of contract mechanism and trust building. This is considered significantly meaningful to outsourcing partners who have believed that outsourcing would be successful if a contract is made properly or trust is built. Lastly, the path from trust building to relationship management intensity was moderated by informed buying, as the path coefficients from trust building to relationship management intensity varied by the degree of informed buying competence.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.45-53
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• 2013

Purpose - The environment-friendly agricultural product market in Korea sees continual high growth. Recently, the Korean government has been actively fostering environment-friendly agriculture as an engine of future growth. Korean people have increasingly become more health-conscious and interested in food safety issues. Many distribution and retailing companies have responded with various promotional activities. However, most of these are not strategic and appear to have unsatisfactory outcomes. The main purpose of this paper is to suggest effective marketing strategies for environment-friendly agricultural products. To achieve this aim, the study empirically investigates the effects of consumer characteristics and trust on the purchase intention of environment-friendly agricultural products. Research design, data, methodology - Based on the theory of planned behavior, and previous studies related to the purchase intention and consumption of environment-friendly agricultural products, we set up five study hypotheses. These related to the demographic characteristics of consumers, purchase intention, and behavior of the products. We then set up a study model and four study hypotheses relating to health consciousness, environmental consciousness, consumer trust level, purchase intention, and behavior of the products. The data were collected using a questionnaire given to consumers living in Seoul and southern Geonggi Province. The final sample size is 403 and mean age is 44.3. SPSS 15.0 for Windows and Amos 7.0 were used as statistical analysis tools. Meaningful results were derived using frequency analysis, correlation analysis, a t-test, and structural equation modeling. Results - Empirical results of this research are as follows. (1) First, it is shown that consumers consider such attributes as intimacy and health to be important when they buy environment-friendly agricultural products. (2) We also found that consumers recognize the value of environment-friendly agricultural products as high, but their trust level as low. (3) Consumer groups consisting of married couples, with higher education, higher income, and higher age are shown to have a higher intention of buying environment-friendly agricultural products than any other consumer group. (4) It is estimated that the level of consumer trust positively affects the purchase intention of environment-friendly agricultural products. The path coefficient (.138) between consumer trust and purchase intention is statistically significant at the α = .05 level. (5). It is also estimated that environmental consciousness positively affects purchase intention. The path coefficient (.245) between environmental consciousness and purchase intention is statistically significant at the α = 0.05 level. The standardized path coefficients of consumer trust and environmental consciousness with purchase intention are .556 and .288 respectively. Therefore, consumer trust affects purchase intention more than environmental consciousness. (6) Finally, purchase intention is estimated to positively affect purchase behavior. Conclusions - Based upon empirical results, this research suggests that marketers of environment-friendly agricultural products should focus more on increasing consumer trust levels, emphasizing the training and education of employees. The government also should pay attention to a standardized certification system for environment-friendly agricultural products. Marketers of environment-friendly agricultural products should consider the consumer groups of married couples, with higher education, higher income, and higher age as a major target segment.

• 한국노년학
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• 제38권2호
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• pp.291-308
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors influencing financial preparedness for retirement of the middle-aged North Korean defectors (resettling in South Korea) using concepts of 'financial literacy' and 'financial inclusion'. Those questioned were 100 North Korean defectors of 40-60 years-old residing in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do Province selected by convenience sampling, one of the non-probability sampling. Path analysis is used as a main analysis method. The results of the study show a direct effect in which increased financial literacy resulted in better financial preparedness for retirement among middle-aged North Korean defectors at a statistically significant level. In addition, by boost-trapping method, financial inclusion has its mediating effect on the relationship between financial literacy and financial preparedness for retirement. However, this study shows that influence of financial literacy on financial preparedness for retirement is different across economic statues. The mediating effect of financial inclusion on the relationship between financial literacy and financial preparedness is statistically significant only for the low-income group. Meanwhile, for the above average income group, financial literacy has a direct effect on the financial preparedness after retirement at a statistically significant level. Based on these results, this study suggests practical and policy implementation such as necessity of customized financial education suited to their economic status, development of financial instruments for retirement, introduction of financial social workers to prepare stable old age of North Korean defectors.

• International journal of steel structures
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• 제18권4호
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• pp.1139-1152
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• 2018

Many studies on the application of stainless steels as structural materials in buildings and infra-structures have been performed thanks to superior characteristics of corrosion resistance, fire resistance and aesthetic appeal. Experimental investigation to estimate the ultimate strength and fracture mode of the fillet-welded connections of cold-formed austenitic stainless steel (STS304L) with better intergranular corrosion resistance than that of austenitic stainless steel, STS304 commonly used has carried out by authors. Specimens were fabricated to fail by base metal fracture not weld metal fracture with main variables of weld lengths according to loading direction. All specimens showed a block shear fracture mode. In this paper, finite element analysis model was developed to predict the ultimate behaviors of welded connection and its validity was verified through the comparison with test results. Since the block shear behavior of welded connection due to stress triaxiality and shear-lag effects is different from that of bolted connection, stress and strain distributions in the critical path of tensile and shear fracture section were investigated. Test and analysis strengths were compared with those by current design specifications such as AISC, EC3 and existing researcher's proposed equations. In addition, through parametric analysis with extended variables, the conditions of end distance and longitudinal weld length for block shear fracture and tensile fracture were suggested.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare
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• 제65권3호
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• pp.265-289
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• 2013

The purpose of this study is to analyse the reality and dynamics of transition of work-family reconciliation policy and gender regime in Germany to focus on recent introduction of parents benefit by applying meta path analysis. There is made of 'layering' in work-family reconciliation policy area. Because political barrier has alleviated they can introduce parents benefit, but cannot help stick to child care benefit because of internal barrier. But because parents benefit has activated by 'differential growth', German gender regime has suffered core transition of complementation that dominant structure has changed from 'sequential reconciliation' to 'concomitant reconciliation'. On the other hand, by 'purposeful decoupling' of gender area, core activists have attempted to cut the possibility of weakening of coordination relationship on main institutional areas of German model.

• Journal of Internet Computing and Services
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• 제19권4호
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• pp.83-93
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• 2018

This study analyzed the effects of women's SNS use on their alternative behaviors of managing health. This study paid attention to how women's behaviors of seeking information about poisonous menstrual products and alternative menstrual products would impact their intention to use alternative menstrual products. Mainly based on health belief model, 11 hypotheses were created and tested through a path analysis of survey data. Results from the path analysis indicated that SNS information about menstrual products were significantly associated with perceived advantage of alternative menstrual products and perceived sensitivity of poisonous menstrual products. In addition, four main factors-self-efficacy, perceived sensitivity, perceived advantage, and perceived disadvantage-were significantly associated with women's intention to use alternative menstrual products.

• Korea Trade Review
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• 제45권2호
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• pp.51-65
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• 2020

According to an analysis of 560 foreign-invested companies investing in South Korea's manufacturing industry, the following three facts were found. First, the proportion of sales by manufacturing foreign-invested companies is divided into 68.5 percent of domestic sales and 31.5 percent of exports. From 68.5 percent of domestic sales, sales to Korean companies are 60.5 percent, including 37.1 percent for large companies and 23.4 percent for small and medium-sized companies, while only 8.0 percent for domestic consumers. Second, the investment sectors of manufacturing foreign-invested enterprises are 'machine and equipment manufacturing', 'chemical and chemical-chemical material manufacturing-excluding pharmaceuticals', 'electronic components, computers, video, sound and communication equipment manufacturing' and 'vehicle and trailer manufacturing'. It overlaps with electric·electronics, petro-chemicals and automobiles, which are Korea's main industries and areas of Korean global companies. Third, 31.5 percent of the sales of foreign-invested companies in the manufacturing sector are exported. Foreign-invested companies export their products to use them for their parents or affiliates or to the third countries. The analysis shows that foreign-invested companies invested in Korea for B2B transactions with Korean companies. The implications are that Korea can attract foreign investments by utilizing Korean companies' demand for intermediate goods. Foreign-invested companies can invest in Korea in order to use Korea, which has signed free trade agreements with the US, the EU and ASEAN, as an export platform.

• Proceedings of the Korean Geotechical Society Conference
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• 한국지반공학회 1991년도 추계학술발표회 논문집 지반공학에서의 컴퓨터 활용 COMPUTER UTILIZATION IN GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
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• pp.216-232
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• 1991

This Finite Element Program(TAFEM) has been developed to be able to carry out the structural analsis of tunnel section and simulate the surrounding ground behaviour due to New Austrian Tunnelling Method, of which main support is the surrounding ground, itself. The Elasto-plastic theory has been applied. The used finite elements are 8-noded isoparametric element(rock & shotcrete), 2 or 3-noded rod element(rock bolt) and infinite boundary element. The load incremental method and tangential stiffness method has been used. Associated flow rule was applied to plastic flow and yield criteria inclued not only Mohr-Coulomb but also Drucker-Prager. In this paper, Drucker-Prager yield criterion has been used. The relationship between plastic strain and stress is based on the incremental strain concept and stress-strain equation on the basis of the stress path of each gauss point has been adopted. It may be rational that rock is considered to be no-tension material, so that no-tension analysis has been adopted in accordance with the brittle fracture constitutive equation.

• JSTS:Journal of Semiconductor Technology and Science
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.204-209
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• 2016

The analyses on self-heating effect in 7 nm node non-rectangular Bulk FinFET device were performed using 3D device simulation with consideration to contact via and pad. From self-heating effect simulation, the position where the maximum lattice temperature occurs in Bulk FinFET device was investigated. Through the comparison of thermal resistance at each node, main heat transfer path in Bulk FinFET device can be determined. Self-heating effect with device parameter and operation temperature was also analyzed and compared. In addition, the impact of interconnects which are connected between the device on self-heating effect was investigated.