Pure formic acid was produced via CO2 hydrogenation over a heterogeneous PdNi alloy catalyst on carbon nanotube-graphene support in water solvent without a base additive.

Purpose By using a technology acceptance model (TAM) on survey results collected from two member schools of a Vietnamese educational institution, this study aims to uncover the key factors that affect students’ acceptance of e-learning during the Covid-19 period. Design/methodology/approach A bilingual questionnaire in English and Vietnamese was delivered. It was pre-tested on 30 participants before it was finalized. The authors first reviewed the measurement model and made adjustments to the theoretical TAM model. Then the adjusted TAM was used to investigate the relationships of the constructs in the model. Findings The results of the structural model show that computer self-efficacy (CSE) has a positive impact on perceived ease of use (PEOU). There is also a positive relationship between system interactivity (SI) and PEOU. Surprisingly, the authors documented that PEOU has no significant impact on students’ attitudes (ATT). The results show that SI can moderately affect ATT. Finally, it is noted that the social factor (SF) directly affects the student’s attitudes (ATT). Research/limitations/implications This study contains three limitations. First, as this study only focuses on undergraduate programs, readers should be careful in applying the findings and/or implications of this study to other education levels such as K-12, vocational training and postgraduate programs. Second, the findings are generated within the context of one type of e-learning, conducted via Google Meet. Therefore, future research is needed to provide further validation and comparison across other forms of e-learning. Finally, to further prevent the common bias problem, future research should use both five-point and seven-point Likert scales for the response options in the survey, as well as use negatively worded items. This will help prevent respondents from providing similar answers to all questions. Originality/value This study has both theoretical and practical implications. From a theoretical perspective, the study can provide a solid framework for similar studies. From a practical perspective, this study offers implications for governments and universities in the process of adopting e-learning, given that the Covid-19 pandemic is currently in its second and more dangerous wave.

PurposeThe authors investigate whether firms can ensure their financial stability during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by having ex-ante risk management.Design/methodology/approachThe authors study 279 Vietnamese listed firms by investigating their disclosure of risk awareness and risk management tool(s) in the 2019 annual reports. The authors then examine whether prior risk awareness and adoption of risk management tool(s) can enhance the firms' financial ratios during the COVID-19 pandemic.FindingsThe authors find that firms that disclose their risk management tool(s) in the 2019 annual reports have better asset utilization and higher liquidity during the COVID-19 pandemic than the others. However, firms that simply express their risk awareness exert no stronger financial stability. In addition, the authors document that debt management is the most popular and most effective tool to ensure firms' financial stability during the crisis.Originality/valueThe study highlights the need for ex-ante risk management for future pandemics. The authors also suggest that stakeholders can rely on the degree of risk management tool utilization to evaluate the financial stability of firms.

This paper aims to explore potential issues in implementing peer-to-peer recognition to motivate employees. A qualitative inquiry is applied to enhance our understanding of peer-to-peer recognition schemes in practical situations. Sixteen participants, including HR researchers and managers from different organizations where this program has been implemented, attended semi-structured interviews. From which twelve cases are chosen for this study. Using thematic analysis on the collected responses, the researcher finds that challenges to peer-to-peer recognition are to be found in four categories: the impact of personal relationship, the unsuitability of working climate, the confusing nomination criteria, and the lack of an appropriate rewarding policy. Practical solutions to deal with those challenges are also proposed, which include building the culture and assigning monitor, to assist employers to effectively make use of a peer-to-peer program in motivating employees. This study therefore raises the awareness of optimizing motivation program for HR practitioners, as well as contributes a qualitative approach toward the non-cash recognition evaluation.