Research Korner

House-to-House HIV Testing

According to CDC reports, African American population in Florida has a relatively higher level of HIV cases and with new cases coming from the rural and semi-rural areas. For the purpose of identifying the prevalence of HIV among the African American adolescents accurately, house-to-house HIV testing is proposed. Testing is viewed to be fundamental to prevention since it makes the adolescents aware of their condition. Testing also entails an educative component wherein the adolescents can be educated on how they can protect themselves and others from HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (CDC, 2005; CDC, 2009).            House-to-house testing is also proposed to address the barriers encountered by the African American adolescents pertaining to HIV testing. In widening the access to basic health services, the initiative can overcome the challenges of lack of resources, transport costs and distances to the nearest testing facilities. Instead, HIV testers will be mobilized to their areas to conduct the test while also educating the adolescents. Through this, African American adolescents will be given an equal opportunity to be tested while also maximizing the services of the Department of Health and CDC (CDC, 2005, 2008a, 2008b).                    The purpose of this project is to: 1) bridge the gap between available HIV testing services and African Americans in rural and semi-rural areas in Miami-Dade, the percentage of HIV tested African American adolescents should be have increased by 25% by August 2011, 2) scale up HIV testing interventions on rural and semi-rural areas in Miami-Dade by addressing the barriers to HIV testing especially of African Americans, house to house HIV testing will be conducted for 80% of the rural and semi-rural communities in Miami-Dade and 3) cultivate positive attitude on HIV testing and voluntary HIV testing for African American adolescents living in Miami-Dade, dissemination of HIV information materials is a key driver in preventing HIV/AIDS among the adolescents living in rural and semi-rural areas.             Further, the project will definitely benefit out-of-school youths who are otherwise excluded in schools-based HIV testing initiatives. House-to-house testing will also benefit adolescents of minority races and ethnicities. Therefore, the project will benefit the most economically challenged adolescent population in Miami-Dade, including a significant portion of the adolescents who have no actual access to HIV testing also have no means of acquiring such access. Through this, the project could improve the adolescents HIV understanding and reduce the transmission of HIV.  ReferencesCDC. (2005). HIV prevalence, unrecognized infection, and HIV testing among men who have sex with men - five US cities, June 2004-April 2005. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 54: 597-601.CDC. (2008a). HIV prevalence estimates. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 57: 1073-1076.CDC. (2008b). Youth risk behavior surveillance - United States, 2007. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 57: SS-4. CDC. (2009). HIV testing among adolescents. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

House-to-House HIV Testing

According to CDC reports, African American population in Florida has a relatively higher level of HIV cases and with new cases ...

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Chapter 3 Research Methodology This chapter will discuss the methods to be used for this research.  This will detail the steps that the researcher will undertake in order to accomplish the study.  The said steps will then include the collection procedure of the data that will be required in the delivery and completion of the research.  It will also present the manner in which these data will be utilized and integrated in the study and at the same time, detail how the research will proceed to answer the aims and objectives in order to reach to the conclusion.  In this manner, the chapter justifies the means in which the study will be performed.  It will also emphasize its credibility by mentioning the widely accepted scientific methodologies.  Through the methods mentioned in this chapter, a plausible conclusion may be obtained.             Looking back to the aims and objectives of the study, the study intends to determine of whether or not non-monetary strategy is sufficient enough to retain top skilled IT talents. In order to identify the opinions of such top skilled IT talents in the sufficiency of non-monetary strategies, the study’s methodology will be focused on collecting both the primary and secondary data through related literature research and the survey instruments.               As the research intends to discover the general consensus of skilled IT talents with regards to non-monetary strategies in the current milieu, the immediate research methodology in mind is the descriptive research design.  The Qualitative research approach is concerned with the existing relationships, effects, practices, ongoing beliefs and developing trends.  The study calls for a Qualitative approach because it needs to gather existing information regarding the state of IT talents, professionals and workers today, as well as the strategies used in retaining them that can be provided by a Descriptive research methodology.  The research will be taken from various data sources that will be integral in surveying issues of Employee motivation and the Information Technology occupation or career.    (1994) explains that the Qualitative research approach makes use of currently existing facts regarding the status and origin of a situation at hand, as it exists during the time of the study.  In addition,  (1978) point out that the Descriptive method is appropriate in the exploration of a specific phenomenon’s causes.   The approach is flexible and appropriate for the research’s limited nature.  The research will be able to delve into a broad scope of issues, highlight portions that are worth taking and to elaborate further the already existing information to shed further light towards answering the problem statement and forming of conclusion.  The Descriptive method will allow the research to have explanations that are extensive and variable.  With Descriptive research, sudden hypotheses could possibly emerge.    The Qualitative method also invites a variety of methods, not just limited to what is possibly accepted but also those that some research methodologies may limit or restrict.  It allows a freedom of interpretations.  It is able to look at a business situation naturally which other stricter research methods may overlook due to its overly systematic laws and approaches.  Other research methods, due to its generalizing and objective manners, may not even have a proper clutch on the subject matter the way that a Descriptive methodology can because it will require the existence of accepted models.   For one, the study may be able to adapt the methods of Quantitative research as there will be some data, situations, or other facts that will be collected as first hand data which should then be explained or correlated with other data such as the Secondary data or the related studies of Employee motivation strategies and the IT Professional career.  By using a qualitative approach, this research may partially base its findings through quantitative research methods due to its flexible and iterative approach. This study will also employ the Descriptive research method because it will try to search and establish models as well as theories that will seek the connection and explain the relationship of one variable with another through the Qualitative elements in research which do not really have standards of measures such as behaviour, attitudes, opinions, and beliefs that this research will greatly rely and focus on.   With this research methodology, it is possible to consider alternative explanations. It is appropriate because it will, at the end of the research, recommend some measures and procedures that will inform the effects of non-monetary strategies in retaining top IT talents, the implications of such research and the next steps to be undertaken whether to recommend or to discourage such methods.    Data Collection: Questionnaire             The data to be utilized in the research will be both primary data (also known as the first-hand data) and secondary data.  While the primary data are collected straight from the sources and are gathered through the survey which will be the key research tool, the secondary data are collected from current related literatures as generated by large organizations.  The secondary data will also assist the researcher in the development of the questionnaire such that will be used to retrieve primary data.  The secondary data thus comes as a support for the acquisition of primary data.    The research will utilize a Qualitative approach in gathering information which will be sufficient enough to provide a medium for interaction and opinion tabulation that will be correspond to the opinions closely to the precise opinions of the users themselves.  The primary source of data will come from a researcher-made survey questionnaire, which will be given to the respondents.   The questionnaire method is administered by having the respondents answer a form of questions.  The items of the questionnaire will tackle on firm developments since the application of corporate governance. Specific details will focus on questions regarding operational performance and firm value. With the questionnaire method, time is provided to the respondents at their own leisure.  Granting the respondents the flexibility and freedom of time, it elicits more accurate answers than when they are hurried. Through the questionnaire, the researcher may ask sensitive questions that are better indirect than direct such as statistical or demographic profile.  The research will use this method in order to ascertain efficiency both in time and cost.   The method is not without disadvantages as answers may easily be tampered and this is why there is an interview method that would serve as a back-up.  It will also assure the research of its validity.  The researcher also opted to use the questionnaire as the main data collection tool due to its easy and flexible nature.  The questionnaire is easily customizable and the manner of its construction is easy to follow which is only very practical in the nature of the research. Moreover, questionnaire copies may easily reach almost any number of respondents either by mail or by personal distribution. Generally, responses to a questionnaire are objectified and standardized thus allowing responses to be entered and tabulated easily.  This will also provide instantly results ready for the analysis.  More importantly, the respondents’ replies are of their own free will because there is no interviewer to influence them. This is one way to avoid biases, particularly the interviewers’ bias. The Respondents             The samples of the research will be drawn from IT organizations using the sampling method purposive sampling which allows the judgment of the researcher to select the cases that will best enable the researcher to “answer research questions and meet objectives” (,  and , 2003, ). The focus of this self-selection sampling method is the information and content rather amassing the research population.  It will use limited or few cases to be studied and analyzed closely and critically.  The samples will not be considered as valid representatives of the entire population.  This self-selection sampling method is chosen in order to acquire the samples as soon as possible and attempt to meet the requirements of the research questions and objectives.     Secondary Data   The study too will utilize secondary data that will include the recent literature review regarding Employee motivation as published in related studies, books, articles, journals and websites. References:

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Chapter 3 Research Methodology This chapter will discuss the methods to be used for this research. This will detail the steps that t...

Essay instructions on Dissertation assignment on Reverse Logistics: Effect on competitiveness and cost in an organization.

Essay instructions on Dissertation assignment on Reverse Logistics: Effect on competitiveness and cost in an organization.

Hi can you write about 10k research on effect of reverse logistic to an org (consumer product) and do a case study of a company in Singa...

Compare and Contrast

The purpose of this paper is to compare a classic literary literature and a modern film that both discuss the same topic. It will specifically compare and contrast the book “Robinson Crusoe” and the film starring  entitled “Castaway”             The book “Robinson Crusoe” written by  and the film “Castaway starring  and directed by fully discusses the same subject which is a story of a man who is left alone in an island and had to find ways and other means to survive and to be rescued. The first comparison that can be made between the film and the book is the topic with regards to spirituality and the presence of God and a divine being. The book discusses the development of spirituality of the main character not by listening to sermons and going to church but by reading the Bible while Robinson is in the island (1988). Because of this routine he was able to find God and to spiritually search and scrutinize his soul. This concept of reading the Bible makes Robinson a new person applying what he reads from the bible with the present conditions that he is enduring and believing that God will eventually rescue him from the island. While this issue was fully developed in the   book, the film made no mention of this issue and in fact did not bother to touch it. If Robinson Crusoe was content on reading the Bible and perceiving that God is watching him, Chuck Noland, played by  is equally contented in talking to an volleyball he named Wilson. The film does not even touch the contemplation and reflection that pertains to God during extremes situations a human would naturally have when exposed to an extreme condition. Chuck Noland did not launched a verbal attack on God blaming him for the conditions that he is suffering and he equally did not turn to God for help. On this subject both the film and the both advocates two equally distinct but different positions. The books forwards the idea to its readers that man cannot survive without the grace of God and that God is the Supreme Being and the last entity that must be approached by man in times of sufferings, hardships and distress while the film promotes the opinion that against harsh environments and the harsh and cruel laws of nature, man will eventually triumph and succeed not thru the intervention of a divine being but thru the sole effort and sturdiness and strength of the human spirit and the human mind. Another area that can be compared between the film and the book is the nature of the plot. Both the film and the book have different plots and scenarios that are worth mentioning. The book discusses the life of the main character, his occupation, his desires and his nature. We can read from the book that Robinson is a runaway, slave and eventually a plantation owner in Brazil before signing up for an ill fated expedition to bring slaves from Africa (1988). After the episode on being marooned and rescued from the island we can further read Robinson’s adventures while returning to England like fending off an attack of vicious wolves (1988). On the film we are just treated to a certain snapshot on the mind and life of the main character. The film presents him as a globe trotting employee of the FedEx company having a girlfriend played by , his rescue and the eventual discovery that his girlfriend had married someone in the belief that he was dead. The film therefore lacks the deepness as promoted by the book. The treatment of the plot is lacking and is neglected since a small portion of the main character is exposed to the viewers. A specific aspect of the life of the Chuck Noland is permitted to be viewed and scrutinized by the public. In the book, the whole life of the main character is firmly discussed and the holistic treatment on the individuality and uniqueness of Robinson is clearly established. Another aspect that can be compared between the film and the book is the characteristics that are present in the island where the two main characters are marooned. The book states that Robinson is not alone in the island since there are cannibals and prisoners that are present. In the book, Robinson interacts with these characters by dealing with them, fighting against them and working for them (2002). The story then has a human nature to it where man is not a “lonely island” separated from other individuals by the environment. The book reiterates that man cannot survive alone and that man must seek the help of other person to accomplish something. We can see this hypothesis when Robinson captured one of the prisoners naming him Friday, teaching him English and converting him to Christianity (2002). Robinson and Friday also found a Spaniard and the father of Friday (2002). These situations clearly reinforce the idea that men must have constant interaction with his fellow men. The film does not state this particular aspect that is largely present in the book. The film was totally devoid of other characters except the woman in the main character’s heart. Unlike the book which had personalities that are living in the island interacting and socializing with Robinson, the “island” in the film is totally devoid of any characters and personalities (except Chuck Noland). The entire length of the film is focused and devoted to the actions, thoughts and feeling of the main character. Although he longs for human companionship like Robinson, Chuck finds solace in the person of a volleyball. This aspect of the film evidently advocates a position that is vastly different from the position forwarded by the novel. This position largely contradicts the view that is expressed by the book. The film plainly states that man in the face of adversity and hardship must solely rely on his individual strength and wits in order to survive.

Compare and Contrast

The purpose of this paper is to compare a classic literary literature and a modern film that both discuss the same topic. It ...

Chapter 4 and 5

Chapter Four        Presentation, Interpretation and Analysis     This chapter presents, interprets, and analyses the data gathered from the hosted survey questionnaires conducted by the researcher through a web site. The general population for this study is composed of 30 respondents who are randomly selected and willingly answered the online survey questionnaire. Basically, the findings of the study are presented in different sections. Part One presents the profile of the respondents of this study that make up the survey method. It is important to know the profile of respondents for it is among the most important variables in the study as well as for the purposes of accuracy and validity in relation to their responses to survey questions. Similarly, it is assumed that the attributes of the respondents influence their behaviour and answers on the survey questions.  On the other hand, Part Two discusses the results of the research questions asked in the survey questionnaire and also the research hypotheses in relation to the main subject of the study – what are the different factors that influence their behaviour and intentions in purchasing books through online means? The discussion is subdivided into sub-sections that provide information about the question being probed. The hypotheses of this study serve as the sections as there are also some related facts to be presented to support such. In aggregate, this chapter mainly integrates the outcome of the survey and the factual information established through the adapted literatures and the findings of previous studies directly related to the research topic. PART 1. PERSONAL PARTICULARS             Considering that the socio-demographic profiles of the respondents is among the affecting variables of the study, this section presents, interprets, and analyses the role of gender, age, educational background, occupation, and income level.       Table 1. Gender of Respondents Gender Frequency Percentage   Male 9 30 Female 20 67 Unidentified 1 3 TOTAL 30 100                   The table and figure above presents that twenty (20) out of 30 respondents belongs to the females while nine (9) are males. One (1) of the respondents is unable to identify his/her gender. However, it did not affect the results significantly. Table 2. Age Group of Respondents Age Group Frequency Percentage   18-22 0 0 23-27 1 3 28-32 8 27 33-37 9 30 28-42 6 20 43-above 6 20 TOTAL 30 100                   Nine (9) respondents who belong to 33-37 age group said that they have access to the internet. One (1) from 23-27, eight (8) from 28-32, six (6) for both 28-42 and 43-above age groups comprised the rest.   Table 3. Highest Educational Attainment of Respondents Highest Educational Level   Frequency Percentage   Completed Primary 0 0 Completed Secondary 4 13 Undergraduate 10 33 Postgraduate 16 54 Others 0 0 TOTAL 30 100                       In terms of highest educational attainment, the following results are obtained from the 30 total respondents: sixteen (16) are postgraduate, ten (10) are undergraduate, and four (4) completed secondary.   Table 4. Occupation of the Respondents Occupation Frequency Percentage   Salaried-employed 22 74 Self-employed 7 23 Households 0 0 Unemployed 1 3 TOTAL 30 100   According to the table above and the graph below, twenty-two (22) of the total respondents are salaried-employed while seven (7) are self-employed and one (1) is unemployed.                   Table 5. Average Monthly Income of the Respondents Average Monthly Income Frequency Percentage Under HKD8,000 1 3 HKD8,001-10,000 1 3 HKD10,001-20,000 16 54 HKD20,001-40,000 11 37 Over HKD40,000 1 3 TOTAL 30 100                   The table and graph reports that sixteen (16) respondents have HKD10,001-20,000 average monthly income. The others are as follows: eleven (11) earn HKD20,001-40,000, one (1) for each remaining brackets – under HKD8,000, HKD8,001-10,000 and over HKD40,000.   PART 2A. THE RESULTS OF THE RESEARCH QUESTIONS ASKED IN THE SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE             The following section discusses the results of the survey questionnaire. Also, analysis using applied concepts and theories found in literatures is utilised. <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Twenty-eight (28) respondents have access to the internet or the WWW in the past six (6) months while two (2) says otherwise. </li> Table 6. Do you access the internet or the WWW in the past six (6) months?     Frequency Percentage   Yes 28 93 No 2 7 TOTAL 30 100   Figure 6.                               Due to the popularity of the medium for the past decades, people are already accustomed with the usability of this technological innovation. Accordingly, the internet or the World Wide Web is synonymously referred as the cyberspace (1992). It now touches all lives ( 1999, 1). True enough, the cyberspace and its related mechanisms are rapidly transforming and enhancing many aspects of contemporary society and living. It is primarily and quickly becoming the mainstream media because of the many positive effects that it has on the way that users communicate, receive and disseminate information, or how people use it to gratify their needs. With the perceived efficiency of cyberspace, there are also existent drawbacks that deviates its potential goodness. Because of its powerful prospective, the cyberspace certainly changes how people live people and views the society ( 1995). Today, the cyberspace, particularly the Internet was used extensively for communications, information gathering, and dissemination. There are four important factors applicable to the Internet that do not overlap with traditional mass media such as television, radio and print, and which bear on the Internet’s potential for democracy. These include: the anarchic nature of the Internet, its interactive features which allow direct feedback to individual articles and opinions, the possibility for web sites to create content primarily through the contributions of its readers, and longevity of materials ( 2001). Early users have continuing excitement about the Internet and saw it as stimulating positive change in people’s lives by creating new forms of interaction and enhancing relationship. According to  (1997) and  (2001) the Internet would restore community by providing a meeting space for people with common interest, overcoming limitations of space and time. Also, the Internet has rapidly transformed the financial markets by revolutionizing the way financial services are created, managed and delivered. There have been many claims in recent years that the Internet offers new opportunities to engage in politics as it brings new opportunities for direct access to politically relevant information.    With the perceived benefits of the internet, it is not surprising to know that most Hong Kong individuals are already exposed with the processes brought about by internet technology. Besides, Hong Kong is recognized as one of the world’s technology hub. As started in the previous chapter, Hong Kong is now among the countries in Asia with the highest rates of internet penetration and information infrastructure. The country’s local administration has in fact shown active participation in encouraging Hong Kong citizen to be pro-active in becoming a more digitally inclusive society. In relation to this research, the internet served as the main channel in the procurement and acquisition of online merchandise. This is called electronic commerce (e-commerce) or online marketing. The term e-commerce is simply defined as transacting through electronic means. Gathering, relaying and exchanging information electronically are all covered by e-commerce. Electronic media used for e-commerce can be through the internet, telephone or fax machines (2002). Through e-commerce, the traditional shopping is replaced by click-of-the-button process and people are able to purchase their needs at the most convenient location and most immediate time possible. <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The 28 respondents who have access to the internet for the past six (6) months stated that they are using the internet or WWW for more than two (2) years.</li> Similarly, people are frequently visiting the cyberspace because of its variety of functions. The property of the web which makes users go back is the ability to adjust sites to the different needs, wants, desires and, even personalities of each individual customer (1999;  2001).  (1991) observed the importance of understanding internet’s social impact. One reason to expect significant social impact is the internet's role in communication. For instance in the business and economic sectors, the increasing competition worldwide, escalating demands made by customers and the rapid pace of change in technology are forcing companies to review the way they do business, what kinds of products and services they offer, and the speed with which they release products to market using the internet. The basis of e-business is on the processing and transmission of digitized information such as sound, text and images from one computer to another electronic instrument or device ( 2001). According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) ( 1999), businesses have various reasons for introducing e-commerce into their operations. With the commercialism of the internet and the already wide acceptance and use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) hardware and software, tasks that are difficult and stressful to perform before are now as easy as 1-2-3 or even A-B-C.  Proponents of the new technologies boast that these new systems will enable work to become faster and more accurate. Politically speaking, experts believe that the internet may have considerable potential to reach and engage opinion leaders who influence the thinking and behavior of others ( 1996;2002). There are other uses of the internet that attracts people and allows them to continue their frequent visit such as its potentiality in as a medium of education and learning, entertainment, and information dissemination. For many people who have access to web sites, it opened a whole world of discovery for them.   <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> With the 28 respondents who have access over the internet in the past six (6) months, nineteen (19) respondents reported that they do it everyday, three (3) for 1-3 times per week, and six (6) for 4-6 times per week.</li> As directly related with the above discussion, people visit the internet to do their individual thing such as searching information, e-commerce, and the likes. Considering the benefits that they derived from it, people are more likely to be dependent in the internet. The people of Hong Kong, in particular display a high degree of interest and comfort in using technology-based products and services. It has been observed that the high affiliation of the people on using the internet technology for different purposes (e.g. making purchases) is mainly due to convenience, availability, and other factors. In particular, the Internet’s speed, interactivity and connectivity greatly facilitate the acquisition and absorption of knowledge, offering developing countries and its people unprecedented opportunities to enhance and improve the ways of living ( 1997;  1990). Speed may be considered as one of internet’s feature in the e-commerce. Through the fast speed, it enables business to automate many operations and create worldwide products, 24-hours per day at low cost ( 2002). Among the consumers, they need not visit nearby local stores to buy their needs. Through the internet, needed goods can be viewed, order and paid by online means while sitting down in front of a computer. and  (2002) also noted that consumers are interested in making purchases online due to the high availability of the goods offered. Thus, with the beneficial outcomes of the internet to its regular users, it is apparent in that indeed the internet is already an essential element of contemporary life.   <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> From the 28 survey respondents, ten (10) of them said that they spend less than one (1) hour in browsing the internet. Other 11 respondents spend 1-2 hours, three (3) for 3-5 hours, and four (4) for over five (5) hours.  </li> As clearly stipulated in the previous discussions, people continue to patronage the cyberspace due to its countless beneficial effects. Moreover, this research documented that the amount people spent in front of their computer sets is dependent on what things they are doing. The amount of time is largely linked to the personal purposes of people on why they go online. In addition to the aforementioned benefits of the internet, it has change the way of life of many people worldwide. With the advent of such technology, it brings convenience and easy mode of information transfer among people of diverse locations. The internet, as one of the most popular form of new mass communication technology, has long been of full use and advantage to all sorts of applications like in businesses where those who are in need of efficient and wide market reach on which to channel their promotional messages.  Business, information and entertainment have been communicated with ease through such technological revolutions. These technological advancements have brought people especially those in the business world to utilise a strategy that would be helpful in enhancing the business value of any organisation ( 2003). The internet is also dynamic and decentralized. With the decentralization and dynamism that the medium offers, people are hooked on it. In relation to this study, this technology brought shopping to consumers with innovative types of market for information. In a single click of a button, consumers will have a wide choice of products to purchase. It provides very satisfactory global marketing application ( 2000).   <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> From the various reasons on why people browse the internet, ten (10) individuals selected three reasons, nine (9) for one reason, one (1) for five reasons, seven (7) for two reasons and three (3) for no reason at all.</li> Table 7. Reasons on why people browse the internet (e.g. Search information like job search, Entertainment like booking of cinema ticket, Online purchasing, Hotel reservation, and Others)   Number of selected reasons   Frequency Percentage 1. No reason selected 3 10 2. One reason selected 9 30 3. Two reasons selected 7 23 4. Three reasons selected 10 34 5. Four reasons selected 0 0 6. Five reasons selected 1 3 TOTAL 30 100   Figure 7. On the provided reasons, the search of information (e.g. job search) ranked first followed by entertainment (e.g. booking cinema ticket), online purchasing, hotel reservation, and others ranked second, third, fourth, and fifth respectively. The extensiveness of the internet could be deemed as the reason on why people use this in information search. The presence of numerous search engines like Yahoo and Google proves that the internet is loaded with details ranging from different fields. In the researcher’s own experience, a single word that is typed in the search button elicits abundant results. The Internet gives users access to vast amounts of information around the globe. It allows quick and effective communication, while exceeding the concern of spatial distances. In terms of entertainment, the internet through the use of e-commerce can facilitate movie ticket bookings. Also, the presence of streaming media as one of the latest technologies related to the internet attracts more users from various age groups. The process of streaming is a technical and web-related term that generally pertains to the operation involving a simultaneous transfer and viewing/listening to data or file through the Intranet or the Internet. Specifically, this term is used to illustrate the transfer of video or audio files – which are compressed, and deliver through the Internet as the medium and displayed by a viewer (e.g. RealPlayer) as they arrive ( 2004). According to (2003),  “Streaming is a technique that processes a file in a continuous flow. This allows the file to be displayed on a browser or player before it's entirely transmitted. Unlike a downloaded file, a streamed file is not stored on the user's hard drive. This makes a more attractive format for paid-content distribution”.   A variety of works further explicates that the concept of streaming media dates back to the earliest days of computer technology in the midyears of 20th century (2000; 1999;  1991). Online purchasing as the main concept of e-commerce is among the reasons why people access the web. As previously illustrated in the beginning of this research, the advantages of the internet in changing the traditional shopping experiences as well as the buying habits of people permit them to have continuous patronage of the medium. The internet empowers customers to shop online (e-Shop) from corner to corner of the globe and enhances their array of product choices and preferences and information about prices (2003;  2002; 1999). Hotel booking is also mentioned as among the reasons why people access the internet. Because the internet has the capacity to break the barrier of time and space, a consumer who wants to avail hotel services or accommodation can just log in to the hotel’s web page – since almost all popular hotels have their individual corporate sites – and make his/her transaction. Of particular example, Hilton Hotel implemented an electronic ticketing scheme through their website in order to make an easier booking of rooms and meeting facilities ( 2000). According to Bruce Rosenberg, Hilton Hotel’s senior VP for e-business and distribution, the internet facilitates the hotel’s interaction and helps in the transformation of customer-business relationship. In international hotel operations, the presence of websites allows the potentialities of marketing across geographical borders. Foreign clients who are first-time visitors depend on the information about a particular hotel and its service provided in the web. There are several international hotels who invested in multilingual website and seen to be effective means in expanding geographical market coverage. For instance, Adlon Hotel in Stockholm increased its clientele by maintaining a website that caters to specific international languages such as German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Scandinavian languages and English ( 1998). Other reasons why people access the internet are relative on their personal intentions and needs. It could be presupposed that an online user is also visiting the internet for education purposes like distant learning, chatting or communicating to other people, and the likes.   <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%"> Of the 30 respondents, seven (7) people affirmed that they made online book purchase while twenty-three (23) of them said no. </li>   Table 8. Have you ever made any purchase of book via the internet?     Frequency Percentage   Yes 23 76.67 No 7 23.33 TOTAL 30 100   Figure 8.                                 In Hong Kong where the study was conducted, seven (7) out of the total number of respondents made online purchase of the book. The result obtain in relation to the research topic is considered insignificant. This shows that Hong Kong individuals are not yet much engaged in online purchase of book not similar to the British and American people ( 2005; 2002). As clearly observed in the initial chapters of this study, Hong Kong consumers on the other hand, have only begun embracing this type of purchasing practice. Books are considered as a new-fangled line of marketing. Traditionally, people purchase goods that fall to the following categories: convenience goods, shopping goods, and specialty goods ( 1998). However, it is very apparent that online marketing is an old and existing practice among Hong Kong people as they are already using the internet for online purchases. They shop different things online using common websites like YesAsia.com, Amazon.com and eBay.com websites. Some factors that make Hong Kong consumers interested in making online purchases are the goods’ availability and accessibility. As similar to almost all people who shop online, the instantaneous and convenience of the internet persuade them to continue this contemporary practice.     <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> For respondents who answered NO, there are several reason presented on why they do not purchase book online. From the variety of reasons, nine (9) selected 1 reason, six (6) selected 2 reasons, five (5) selected 3 reasons, two (2) selected 4 reasons, one (1) selected 5 reasons, and seven (7) made no selection.</li>   Among the reasons identified are the following: ·         worry about the security of information (e.g. credit card) ·         worry about the misuse and exposure of personal particulars ·         worry about the problem of return policy and products ·         high expenses of shipment cost ·         time lag between ordering and receiving products ·         others The NO respondents agreed not to purchase books online due to these aforementioned reasons. Topping the list is the issue of security of information (e.g. credit cards) followed by problem of return policy and products itself, misuse and exposure of personal details, high expenses during the shipment of the product, long waiting of products to be delivered, and other identified reasons. The issue of security of information and privacy is the most common and one of the biggest problems encountered by online consumers ( 2002). Users’ privacy issues are not new. People have been worried for years about how personal data are used by the government and, more recently, by businesses (1995). The consumer privacy issue is taking on greater magnitude, as the number of people accessing the internet’s information resources grows exponentially and the public becomes more technologically savvy (1995). According to a 1999 report from the USA Federal Trade Commission (1999 in Udo, 2001), information is gathered on the internet in both direct and indirect ways. When a user enters a chat room discussion, leaves a message on a bulletin board, registers with a commercial site, enters a contest, or orders a product, he/she directly and knowingly sends information into cyberspace. The report further states that data can be gathered indirectly, without the user’s knowledge (2001). Actually, the main security issue relevant to Internet privacy is the people who sell private or personal information through the medium. In e-commerce, this security issue is brought about by purchases or transactions made online. Individuals who access and sell private information are particularly dangerous as they are not concerned about confidentiality and protecting others’ privacy. According to (2000), while data brokers and hackers are known threats to Internet security, people that develop profiles derived from illegally acquired personal data are big threats as well. Illegal profiling has been occurring even before the internet was introduced. However, at that time, personal records are difficult to obtain. With online access, profiles containing various information, from the user’s activities, interests, location and contacts, can easily be acquired and sold to anyone who needs it for whatever purpose. The computer’s ability to gather and sort vast amounts of data and the Internet’s ability to distribute it globally has magnified the concern of privacy and anonymity on the web ( 2000). Once an individual has ventured into cyberspace, it is hard to remain anonymous (Udo, 2001). Thus, people are afraid that their personal details are exposed all throughout the web. To a lesser degree, e-mail addresses and messages displayed on online groups are not private or secure and can be searched by anyone easily. The problem on Spam e-mailers is then the result. The main sources of information for spammers are postings on Usenet bulletin boards as well as mailing list servers. In some cases, spammers even extract e-mail addresses from user web browsers. Not only do spammers caused annoyance for users whose e-mail addresses had been extracted, but spam e-mails also cause significant costs to the users brought about by e-mail traffic ( 2000). On the issue of return policy and products itself, consumers are uncertain if they can return items that are defective upon purchase. Another problem is on how to address this found product defect. Unlike in traditional shopping, the consumer is able to evaluate or inspect the product before buying it. In online purchasing, there is no room for this process as products and services are just presented through photos or textual descriptions. Similarly, the high expenses paid by the consumer in the shipment of the purchased product affect his/her decision to shop online. Some online stores collect high delivery charges particularly on areas that are too far from the consumer’s location. Also, as the consumer complains about the delivery charge, time delay in waiting the product to arrive is also a problem. Online stores address these issues by establishing some consumer welfare programmes and mechanisms. Of particular example, in order to resolve these security issues, companies utilized various means of protections. One of which is through the installation of a firewall. A firewall is a means of securing internet users that is basically made up of a system of a group of systems, which serves as the enforcer of a control policy between two networks. In a way, a firewall works like a membrane of a computer system, wherein it could either block or permit traffic. Some firewalls however, emphasizes more on blocking traffic, while some are developed to stress more on permitting it. The main purpose of putting firewalls on computer systems is to hinder unauthorized internet users from accessing the user’s private networks, particularly the networks of major organizations or companies whose data are highly confidential. Apparently, (1998) has noted that aside from firewalls, encryption is another useful measure in preventing internet security issues. Encryption is actually a process which changes a message into a sequence of coded numbers, which makes the message incomprehensible to users other than the intended recipient. The process of encryption utilizes mathematical algorithms for concealing private or confidential information. This is mainly used for protecting system files as well as e-mail messages (1999). A number of other possible programs or software applications that could protect users for internet security problems are also used by organizations. In relation to other problems that affect online purchasing, companies and their management launch different strategies that will minimize the hesitation of consumers to eventually indulge in this modern way of marketing. Among the observable means is the building of partnerships and subsidiary companies that is able to address the consumers’ complaints. The present of hotline numbers or online customer service somehow reconcile these problems. All in all, the existing problems on online shopping are carefully studied and solved by online marketing experts. The emerging trends in the computing and internet technologies are also motivated to work on the eventual prevention of these identified problems.   <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> For YES respondents, three (3) respondents reported that they engaged in online purchase for their selves and family last month. Other three (3) said they purchase online for the last six (6) and one (1) for 12 months respectively.</li> Again, the frequency of online shoppers to shop in the internet is dependent on the personal motives, decisions and their needs. This is inherent to every customer who possesses different mode of living and level of needs. Book purchasing, according to the result of the research done, is for consumer’s personal use.     <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> For the seven (7) people who purchased books online, they like to browse the following websites:</li> ·         Amazon.com ·         Ebay.com ·         Google ·         YesAsia.com ·         Yahoo ·         Others   They are also asked to select more than one website. The following are the obtained result: four (4) selected one item and three (3) selected 2 items and among the preferred site, Amazon.com topped the list. The remaining or twenty-three (23) respondents made no selection because they do not engage in online book purchasing. Amazon.com is an on line retailer of books and was established as a micro enterprise in the United States during 1994. It is among the most south-after online product/service provider. The company has applied the disruptive technology because of the fact that it has rapid expansion in the aspects of its operations such as business turnover and a spectacular rise in share value since public floatation in 1997 (2003). Even though there are a couple of online bookstores that emerged before Amazon.com, it holds the distinction among the first major pioneers in American as well as worldwide online retailing. Today, the ambition of Amazon.com is to amicably become a premier online retailer through leveraging on its brand and model in business. The following features attract more consumers to shop in this website: low prices and with lots of discounts being offered to their consumers; innovative in nurturing alliances with other online booksellers; their stocks reach to approximately 10,000 items of various sizes; adept in their channel management; a “prompt delivery within the USA” ( 2001). In Hong Kong, Amazon.com is lined up with other online stores such as Ebay.com, Google, YesAsia.com, Yahoo, and Others. These sites battle for competitive advantage by possessing various mechanisms that attracts potential consumers as well as for the improvement of their overall service.   <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%">  The following are the reasons on why the YES respondents purchased   online: </li> ·         More of choice of book categories and language ·         Lower cost ·         Convenience and time saving ·         Getting a book fast than the local bookstores ·         Web site promotions and offers ·         Comments of other editors, friends or family relative ·         Others   They are asked to select more than one reason and the following results are obtained: three (3) selected one item, three (3) selected two items, and one (1) selected three items. The rest made no selection. The main reason found was because of convenience and time saving followed by more choice of book categories and language, lower cost, and website promotions and offers. The internet offers greater convenience by making shopping possible anywhere at any time and the door-to-door delivery home service system is also of great advantage ( 2005). Meanwhile, the changes in the consumers’ lifestyle had perhaps supported the growth of online purchasing in the country. With most citizens working, time to shop has been limited. However, the presence of online retail sites readily addressed this problem ( 1999). Rather than walk around from shop to shop, people prefer to rest on their free time; thus, shopping online becomes a very practical and appropriate alternative (). As with the case of large choice of book categories and language, the consumer is able to locate limited copies of the books that they prefer. Through the internet, the online buyer can compare the cost of each book. Also, website promotions and offers add excitement to the overall shopping experience because the consumer can save up money or get a certain rewards or rebates.   <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> In terms of number of books purchased online, three (3) respondents purchased one book only while four (4) bought two-four books.</li> Again, the number of books purchased by online shoppers is dependent on the personal choices, motives, decisions and their needs. Book purchasing, according to the result of the research done, is for consumer’s personal use – may it be in education and learning, entertainment and leisure, or mere hobby.     <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%">  In terms of amount spent, four (4) respondents said that they spent under HKD500 for online book purchasing. Two (2) spent HKD501-1,000 and one (1) spent HKD1,001-1,500.</li> The amounts of book purchased online vary. For example, limited edition books are expected to be more expensive due to the limited number of copies. But with the different online stores operating in the cyberspace, the amount spent by consumers is lessened as there are pricing and promotions strategies done to compete with one another like discounts and giveaways.   <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%">  The following methods were used as payment method:</li> ·         Credit card (i.e. Visa/Master) ·         PayPal ·         Bank transfer ·         Cash on delivery (COD) ·         Others   Among these payment method, the survey result revealed that most of the people who purchase online use credit card (like Visa/Master), through PayPal, and cash on delivery (COD). Again, this is attributed to the fact that almost all online stores require electronic money or transactions as it is more convenient, faster, and less hassle. But then again, the problem of security and privacy of information affects the whole process and paves way to other mode of payment like cash on delivery (COD), bank transfer, and other means.  LEVEL OF SATISFACTION   The following results were exclusively focused on the seven (7) respondents who made online book purchase. On the scale of 1 (very dissatisfied) up to 7 (very satisfied), the level of satisfaction is measured. The following results are obtained: <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%">  The overall online experience in the purchase of book – SATISFIED as two (2) individuals in each of the 4, 5, and 7 points proved and one (1) for the 6 point level of satisfaction. This is credited to the advantages of the internet in e-commerce such as convenience, ease of use, and many more.</li>   <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The delivery service – SATISFIED as three (3) people in rated it 4 and 5 while one (1) rated it 6 point in the level of satisfaction. This is due to the willingness and commitment of online stores to reach their consumers at the most promising and fastest time. </li>   <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The web site design of the online store – SATISFIED as six (6) respondents rated it 4 and 5 point respectively and one (1) for 6 point level of satisfaction. This is because online stores should have user-friendly sites that have simple instructions to follow, well-coordinated color scheme, completeness of needed information, and other web site content and features. </li>   <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The quality of books you purchased online – SATISFIED as two (2) rated it 4, three (3) rated it 5, and one (1) rated it both 6 and 7 point level of satisfaction. Most books purchased online are new but in some cases, there are used books that are sold in lower prices. But then again, online stores see to it that all books are in good condition as it is a very important detail to consider in preventing future consumer problems like complaints and product return or payment reimbursement.</li>   <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The security of information – SATISFIED as three (3) rated it 4, two (2) rate it 5, and one (1) rated it for both 6 and 7 point level of satisfaction. The presence of security measures implemented by online retailers decreased the cases of security and privacy issues. Now, online consumers are more protected and secured in any violations related to their personal particulars. </li>   <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The payment information of online purchasing experience – SATISFIED as two (2) rated it 4, four (4) rated it 5, and one (1) rated it 7 point level of satisfaction. Online retailers require electronic transactions in terms of paying the purchased item. This is because shoppers are from different locations and it is more convenient and faster if they will use the electronic means. </li>   <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The shipping cost of online purchasing experience – DISATISFIED as one (1) rated it 1, one rated it 3, two (2) rated it 4, and three (3) rated it 5 point level of satisfaction. This is due to the distance of the online store to the location of the consumer. It is natural that the farther the location of the consumer, the bigger the amount o shipping to be collected. </li>   The following important details are to be considered in the next part of analysis and discussion of hypotheses: <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> According to the result of the survey conducted, only seven (7) out of the 30 respondents have made an online book purchasing. </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Four (4) are males while three (3) are females.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Two (2) each for the following age groups: 28-32, 33-37, and 42 above. Only one (1) belongs to 38-42 while no one belongs to 18-22 age groups.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%">  Both undergraduate and postgraduate educational levels have three (3) respondents while only one (1) completed secondary.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Four (4) respondents are salaried-employed while three (3) are self-employed.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The average income of three (3) respondents is HKD10,001-20,00 while two (2) earns HKD20,001-40,000 and one (1) earns over HKD40,001.</li> </ul>   PART 2B. THE RESEARCH HYPOTHESES INTERPRETATION USING SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS   H1: Young online users have a greater positive attitude and experience towards the use of internet and are more experienced in browsing over various websites for information.             It is perceived that young people are more engage in internet technologies. This is attributed to the fact that the internet just emerged in the market about more than 20 years ago. According to  (1999) and (2001), the internet did not emerge until the year 1982. It began its rapid ascent only in the early 1990s, when graphical interfaces became widely available and commercial interests were allowed to participate. With the development of the web, communication became one of its most predominant functions. Then, here came further developments like its integration to the traditional ways of life turning it into more sophisticated and modern (e.g. e-commerce, distance education, etc.). It is expected that the newness of this technology is related to the age group in which it was developed and propagated. It is expected that people belonging to young adult category are well-versed of the processes of the internet. In highly industrialized societies, children and teenagers are already knowledgeable on how to manipulate the computer or surf the cyberspace. It is a part of academic curriculum or area of specialization and study. Also, adults learn the process because they took time to study it as a requirement in their professional careers.             In this research, the most common internet users belong to 33-37 age group. They are no longer considered young on their ages instead they can be called ADULTS. In relation to the online book purchasers, the age groups vary – Two (2) respondents from each for the following age groups: 28-32, 33-37, and 42 above, only one (1) belongs to 38-42 while nobody belongs to 18-22 age groups. The seven (7) online book shoppers are composed of four (4) men and three (3) women. Due to the insignificant quantity of respondents who purchased book in the internet, it is not safe to say that men are more engaged to the practice than women since majority of the respondents in the survey are women. The findings of this study are contrary to (2002) statement that young men are more frequent users of the internet. In relation to the experiences in browsing over various websites for information, it is indeed a fact. Thus, the hypothesis is valid and accepted. However, the result of the survey found out that men and women are now equally and more likely to access the internet for their personal use and needs.   H2:      Online users with greater positive attitude and experience towards the internet are more likely buy goods, like books, via online means.             It is evident that young and adult as well as frequent users of the internet encounter greater positive experience in the internet. This is attributed with the fact that they visit and avail the operations (products or services) offered by the medium. As the survey result reported, twenty-eight (28) respondents have access in the web in the past six (6) months. and  (2000) stated that a positive attitude toward e-commerce has a significant influence on online shopping. Because of the advantages of the medium, people are convinced and developed positive attitude towards regular internet use. This will make them avail the products and services. In particular example, when a consumer is satisfied with the first online shopping experience, it is highly probable that s/he will return and purchase again or extend the variety of his/her items to be shop online. This is also supported by the three related theories: the TRA, TBP, and TAM.             Furthermore,  (1998) proposed that the internet may influence information search behaviour because of the greater convenience and accessibility this innovation can provide. The positive attitude toward the internet can increase information gathering behaviour. and  (2001) provided a similar notion on the positive relationship between attitude and information search behaviour. When a consumer has a positive attitude toward the retailer, he or she is likely to exhibit greater willingness to search product information from the retailer. With these references and the findings of this research, the second hypothesis is valid and accepted.   H3: Positive online purchasing experience increases the willingness of the consumers to shop online as well as make additional purchased from similar online retailers.             As stated, when a consumer is satisfied with the first online shopping experience, it is highly probable that s/he will return and purchase again or extend the variety of his/her items to be shop online. Similar with the above discussion, the beneficial effects of the internet particularly in online marketing are used by consumers to broaden their areas of application or use. The convenience, accessibility, ease of use, interactivity and other features brought about by the medium are factors that result to positive online purchasing experience. Empirical evidences showed that there is a positive effect of attitude toward the internet purchase on internet search intention ( 2001;  2003). Thus, the third hypothesis is valid and accepted.   H4:      The lower price of goods offered online increases the willingness of the consumers to purchase items, such as books, through the internet.             The price factor also appears to be an essential determinant. For instance, it is deemed that items (books and CDs) offered in Amazon.com are 9-16 percent lower in price as compared to same goods sold in regular stores. Amazon.com heavily advertises lower prices for the same books one can find from local bookstores (2005). Also, the internet allows efficient price search and comparison by employing internet tools such as recommendation agents, allowing consumers to screen alternatives online, and comparison matrix, - an online matrix with in-depth comparisons among selected alternatives ( 2000). It is natural that people want to buy items that are cheaper yet good in quality. In the survey result focusing on the seven (7) respondents who purchased books online, only two (2) of them avowed that they shop online because of lower prices. It is not established in the research result that lower price increases the willingness of the consumer to purchase items through the internet. Thus, the hypothesis neither accepted nor nullified. There is a need for specific area of study and discourse focusing on the importance of price as motivating factor in the consumers’ decision making on what and where to purchase products or service.   H5:      The e-retailers’ promotional packages increase the willingness and intent of the consumers to purchase or repurchases books online.              and  (1998) explained that the use of promotional offers is effective in increasing the intent or interest of the consumers to make a purchase. It is natural that every consumer is persuaded to avail products or services because of a very reasonable promotional package. However, the result of the survey conducted did not show that promotional packages affect the intentions of the consumers to shop books online. The concept of promotions is mentioned on the part of the questionnaire indicating the reason why people purchase online. Only one (1) respondent among the seven (7) online shoppers said that he/she shop online because of web site promotions and offers. With this result, the hypothesis above remains unanswered due to unavailability of data that directly impacts – to approve or negate the claim. There is a need for a more focused and specific study tackling the concepts and theories of marketing mix particularly in promotions.   H6:      The effort of the online retailers to ensure the protection of the online consumers against violation of privacy of personal information theft increases the intent of the customer to purchase books via the internet.             In order to protect the buyers’ personal information, e-retailers uses online security and privacy protection means, which are displayed on the retailers’ site either in symbols or statements. In reference to the results of the survey questionnaire, security and privacy problems is among the primary reason on why the respondents do not shop online. From the twenty-three (23) respondents who said NO in online book purchasing, they worry about their security of information. Today, online companies are already addressing the need of consumers in relation to the management of their personal particulars. They do this by coordinating with credit card companies in developing consumer protection assurances. Again, the survey questionnaire is not able to collect information that can validate this hypothesis. Therefore, a suggested additional study focusing on the topic is necessary.             H7:      Customers are more likely to purchase books through online means as retail websites provide a wider product profile.             Indeed, customers are encouraged to buy books which have wider product profile or range. The seven (7) respondents who purchased book online said that the reason on why they buy books in the internet is the fact that it has more choices in book categories and language.             In reference to Amazon.com and other online bookstores, there have features in which consumers are able to locate the books they are trying to find. The information such as title, author, edition, place and date of publication, and even a brief summary or description of the book is presented for the sake of the consumer. Some online bookstores also have a price comparison scheme. This is a sort of marketing strategy. With the existing facts and literatures present as supported by the survey result, the hypothesis is valid and accepted.   H8:      Attitude towards online shopping is directly influence by family members and relatives who are regular online shoppers and have positive experience in buying books online.              The result of the survey questionnaire is not able to address the idea of the above hypothesis. Thus, the researcher recommends that it is necessary to conduct a more detailed study hat focuses on the effects of family and relatives’ experiences in relation to attitude towards online book shopping.    H9:      The efficacy of the e-retailers’ logistics system directly influence consumers intent to purchase books online.             As similar to the above hypothesis, the result of the survey questionnaire is not able to elicit related facts that will approve or negate the claim. Thus, the hypothesis cannot be accepted nor nullified. An enhancement study is strongly recommended.   Specifically, this research aims to analyze how do experience, age, product profile, social influence, promotional offers as well as level of convenience affect the intention of the buyers in purchasing books online. With the results obtained from the survey questionnaires, socio-demographic profiles like age, gender, educational attainment, occupation and income do not significantly affect the behaviour and intention of online consumers. In terms of past experiences particularly the positive ones, the online consumers consider this as important deciding factor on whether or not purchase products (like books) and other services online. Furthermore, a consumer young or adult in nature is capable of doing business online granted that they have adequate knowledge on internet technology. Also, the personal needs, purposes or motives as well as intentions of the consumer are among the strongest factor that convinces them to engage in online shopping experience.   Chapter Five            Summary of Results, Limitations, Conclusions and Recommendations             This chapter presents the summary of results, the limitations, the conclusions, and the recommendations of the researcher in relation to the study – what are the different factors that influence consumer behaviour and intentions in purchasing books through online means.             After conducting an extensive period of doing research and probing, the researcher accomplished the results of the study through the aid of the facts collected in the survey questionnaire, related literatures, and experiences and judgment of the researcher. The researcher came up with the following summary, limitations, conclusions, and recommendations.   SUMMARY The main purpose of this research is to examine online users from Hong Kong in order to determine the different factors that influence their behaviour and intentions in purchasing books through online means. Using a survey questionnaire composed of 30 respondents, the following results are obtained: <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Twenty (20) out of 30 respondents belongs to the females while nine (9) are males. One (1) of the respondents is unable to identify his/her gender.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Nine (9) respondents who belong to 33-37 age group said that they have access to the internet. One (1) from 23-27, eight (8) from 28-32, six (6) for both 28-42 and 43-above age groups comprised the rest.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Sixteen (16) respondents are postgraduate, ten (10) are undergraduate, and four (4) completed secondary.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Twenty-two (22) of the total respondents are salaried-employed while seven (7) are self-employed and one (1) is unemployed.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Sixteen (16) respondents have HKD10,001-20,000 average monthly income. The others are as follows: eleven (11) earn HKD20,001-40,000, one (1) for each remaining brackets – under HKD8,000, HKD8,001-10,000 and over HKD40,000.</li> </ul>   The following results are presents and centres on the seven (7) respondents who have purchased books through online means. <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> According to the result of the survey conducted, only seven (7) out of the 30 respondents have made an online book purchasing. </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Four (4) are males while three (3) are females.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Two (2) each for the following age groups: 28-32, 33-37, and 42 above. Only one (1) belongs to 38-42 while no one belongs to 18-22 age groups.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%">  Both undergraduate and postgraduate educational levels have three (3) respondents while only one (1) completed secondary.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Four (4) respondents are salaried-employed while three (3) are self-employed.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The average income of three (3) respondents is HKD10,001-20,00 while two (2) earns HKD20,001-40,000 and one (1) earns over HKD40,001.</li> </ul>   In relation to the individual questions present in the survey questionnaires, the following are the results: <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Twenty-eight (28) respondents have access to the internet or the WWW in the past six (6) months while two (2) says otherwise. </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The 28 respondents who have access to the internet for the past six (6) months stated that they are using the internet or WWW for more than two (2) years.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> With the 28 respondents who have access over the internet in the past six (6) months, nineteen (19) respondents reported that they do it everyday, three (3) for 1-3 times per week, and six (6) for 4-6 times per week.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> From the 28 survey respondents, ten (10) of them said that they spend less than one (1) hour in browsing the internet. Other 11 respondents spend 1-2 hours, three (3) for 3-5 hours, and four (4) for over five (5) hours.  </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> From the various reasons on why people browse the internet, ten (10) individuals selected three reasons, nine (9) for one reason, one (1) for five reasons, seven (7) for two reasons and three (3) for no reason at all. On the provided reasons, the search of information (e.g. job search) ranked first followed by entertainment (e.g. booking cinema ticket), online purchasing, hotel reservation, and others ranked second, third, fourth, and fifth respectively.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%"> Of the 30 respondents, seven (7) people affirmed that they made online book purchase while twenty-three (23) of them said no. </li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> For respondents who answered NO, there are several reason presented on why they do not purchase book online. From the variety of reasons, nine (9) selected 1 reason, six (6) selected 2 reasons, five (5) selected 3 reasons, two (2) selected 4 reasons, one (1) selected 5 reasons, and seven (7) made no selection. Among the reasons identified are the following: worry about the security of information (e.g. credit card); worry about the misuse and exposure of personal particulars; worry about the problem of return policy and products; high expenses of shipment cost; time lag between ordering and receiving products; and others.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> For YES respondents, three (3) respondents reported that they engaged in online purchase for their selves and family last month. Other three (3) said they purchase online for the last six (6) and one (1) for 12 months respectively.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> For the seven (7) people who purchased books online, they like to browse the following websites: Amazon.com; Ebay.com; Google; YesAsia.com; Yahoo; and Others. They are also asked to select more than one website. The following are the obtained result: four (4) selected one item and three (3) selected 2 items and among the preferred site, Amazon.com topped the list.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The following are the reasons on why the YES respondents purchased   online: More of choice of book categories and language; Lower cost; Convenience and time saving; Getting a book fast than the local bookstores; Web site promotions and offers; Comments of other editors, friends or family relative; and Others. The main reason found was because of convenience and time saving followed by more choice of book categories and language, lower cost, and website promotions and offers.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> In terms of number of books purchased online, three (3) respondents purchased one book only while four (4) bought two-four books.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> In terms of amount spent, four (4) respondents said that they spent under HKD500 for online book purchasing. Two (2) spent HKD501-1,000 and one (1) spent HKD1,001-1,500.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The following methods were used as payment method: Credit card (i.e. Visa/Master); Paypal; Bank transfer; Cash on delivery (COD); and Others. Among these payment method, the survey result revealed that most of the people who purchase online use credit card (like Visa/Master), through PayPal, and cash on delivery (COD).</li> </ul>   On the level of satisfaction, the following results were exclusively focused on the seven (7) respondents who made online book purchase. On the scale of 1 (very dissatisfied) up to 7 (very satisfied), the level of satisfaction is measured. The following results are obtained: <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The overall online experience in the purchase of book – SATISFIED as two (2) individuals in each of the 4, 5, and 7 points proved and one (1) for the 6 point level of satisfaction.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The delivery service – SATISFIED as three (3) people in rated it 4 and 5 while one (1) rated it 6 point in the level of satisfaction.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The web site design of the online store – SATISFIED as six (6) respondents rated it 4 and 5 point respectively and one (1) for 6 point level of satisfaction.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The quality of books you purchased online – SATISFIED as two (2) rated it 4, three (3) rated it 5, and one (1) rated it both 6 and 7 point level of satisfaction.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The security of information – SATISFIED as three (3) rated it 4, two (2) rate it 5, and one (1) rated it for both 6 and 7 point level of satisfaction.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The payment information of online purchasing experience – SATISFIED as two (2) rated it 4, four (4) rated it 5, and one (1) rated it 7 point level of satisfaction.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The shipping cost of online purchasing experience – DISATISFIED as one (1) rated it 1, one rated it 3, two (2) rated it 4, and three (3) rated it 5 point level of satisfaction.</li> </ul>   LIMITATIONS There are problems associated with the research. One is the fact that people often find it very difficult to explain their behaviour or their motivations. Another problem is that many people are reluctant to tell what makes them do what they do. Sometimes the respondents will try to guess their answers. On other occasions, respondents may give answers that they believe are true but are simple versions of the true reasons. The main limitation in this research is the inability of the questionnaire to address some important factors. The survey questionnaire failed to deal with particular factors, thus resulting to none. Questions are not focused on what the research is trying to find out. The hypotheses are not incorporated in the creation of the survey questionnaire. Meanwhile, the research topic is psychological in nature. Thus, it is imperative to use attitude questions that will measure the degree of agreement or disagreement to a statement. However, the researcher did not anticipate this consequence. Time is also a limitation. It is deemed that a reliable research study requires adequate amount of time ranging form six (6) months to one (1) year. Specifically, the subject of this research falls categorically on psychology and sociology of consumer – behaviours and intentions, thus, it really needs longer duration. The researcher is not directly associated with these fields instead more on the technical and operational application of computer and internet technologies. CONCLUSIONS After having done the required methods and procedures, the researcher has drawn the following conclusions. This study found out that Hong Kong people are already familiar with the application of internet and its related applications. The respondents are very much aware of the benefits brought about by this medium. With the results obtained from the survey questionnaires, socio-demographic profiles like age, gender, educational attainment, occupation and income do not significantly affect the behaviour and intention of online consumers. In terms of past experiences particularly the positive ones, online consumers consider this as important deciding factor on whether or not purchase products (like books) and other services online. Furthermore, a consumer young or adult in nature is capable of doing business online granted that they have adequate knowledge on internet technology. Also, the personal needs, purposes or motives as well as intentions of the consumer are among the strongest factor that convinces them to engage in online shopping experience. The research found out the online purchase of books is not yet a common practice among Hong Kong population. Out of 30 respondents, only seven (7) affirmed that they bought book or books online. However, the number of the respondents used in this research is not the total population of the region. Thus, it is very much necessary to consider another exploration using a larger sample population. RECOMMENDATIONS             Based on the results obtained in the course of the study, the researcher believes that it is imperative to recommend the following: <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Consumers must be well informed with the included operations and procedures when doing online purchase. In book purchasing, consumers must be knowledgeable on what they really needs and where to get this.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Online book purchasing must be endorse However, it is very much important to educated people on the facts about online book purchasing especially on the current issues affecting the process. </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Consumers must realize the possibilities and limitations that the internet and online marketing has. Personal responsibility is a must.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Consumer behaviour varies. Measuring it is a complicated process. Thus, it is recommended that a case study method must be conducted.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The researcher suggests keeping in touch with the trends of new media innovations and continually examines how these affect the flow of processes not only in online marketing but also to all areas where internet technologies are functional.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Policies and laws must be established by management of online stores especially in addressing the problems encountered in the process – from purchasing to delivery of products or services purchased. </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> The setbacks of online marketing will be minimized if not totally eradicated by conducting more research and development initiatives that are both beneficial to the consumers and the company. Continuous human research and development should be done in order to define what technology need and do not need. </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%; text-autospace: none"> Supplementary researches must be conducted in relation to consumer behaviour and attitude towards online marketing and theories and concepts to be used should focus on psychology and social theories. Future researchers should incorporate in their studies a more intensive discussion of further advantages, disadvantages, challenges, and opportunities that are bound to arise in online marketing.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%; text-autospace: none"> The transformation process from traditional to IT-based shopping experience is worth the scrutiny. Just how does really consumers go through the process is also an interesting matter to look at.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%; text-autospace: none"> It would be also advantageous for a study with the same vision be done; however, it would be beneficial to use a more detailed questionnaire or focused on attitude response. The use of statistical tools is also recommended.</li> </ul>

Chapter 4 and 5

Chapter Four Presentation, Interpretation and Analysis This chapter presents, interprets, and analyses the data g...