Gamification to perform tedious tasks in an enjoyable way is used in e-learning systems. This study examines in what manner gamification elements affect the e-learning experience in software studies. Two similar e-learning platforms were developed with the aim to teach basic Linux commands, one of them including gaming elements. One group (92 participants) studied using the gamified platform, and another group (47) using a non-gamified platform. The findings show that although the exam grades were not statistically different between the groups, the motivation to learn and continue learning after this experience was higher in the group using a gamified e-learning platform.

Purpose: The purpose of this empirical study is to investigate extrinsic motivations that may affect adding or acknowledging user-generated content (UGC) on business websites, which are based on voluntary crowdsourcing. Design/methodology/approach: A conceptual model of extrinsic motivations for knowledge sharing in UGC-based websites was developed, suggesting reciprocity, awareness of rewards and prestige as main extrinsic motivations for adding content. The model was examined via an online survey of users of three websites that varied in the attributes of knowledge shared and reward type: The Traveler (tangible rewards), Stack Overflow (virtual rewards) and Waze (virtual rewards). Findings: Importance of extrinsic motivations varied among websites, as it may be affected by attributes of the knowledge shared. Reciprocity positively affected recommending the website, and adding content affected acknowledging content. Research limitations/implications: Investigating extrinsic motivations is important because websites may take actions that affect them. Further research is required to reveal the potential of voluntary crowdsourcing in business contexts addressing both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, prosumption and open innovation. Practical implications: When reciprocity is a major aspect of a UGC website, badges and similar mechanisms may serve as a main extrinsic motivation to share knowledge. Originality/value: The novel empirically validated model provides theoretical and practical insights for designing mechanisms for increasing extrinsic motivation for knowledge sharing according to specific characteristics of UGC websites.

The social networking revolution allows people to share their opinions with their surrounding society, enabling the ability to influence others. Large amounts of consumer reviews are posted on social networks, expressing experiences, either positive or negative, regarding products/services. These reviews are instantly distributed within a huge network of consumers, challenging the firms' managers who need to cope with that. This research study examines the phenomenon of consumers' reviews posted on social networks to measure the influence of negative reviews on the reader's buying decisions and on the firms' attitudes. This research study examines if there are differences between active users, who post and share reviews, and passive users who only read what others posted. This research study was performed merging three sources of information: (1) monitoring consumer posts on three Facebook pages during six months; (2) performing a relevant questionnaire among 201 respondents, and (3) checking the related firms' reaction to those posts. The findings revealed that potential consumers base their decisions on posted reviews; they are exposed to negative reviews that affect their purchase decisions, incoherently to the manner they use the social network (active or passive users), while the firms mostly react, in order to diminish their influence.

Small and Medium Businesses (SMB) use Internet and computer-based tools in their daily processes, sometimes without being aware to the cyber threats, or without knowing how to be prepared in case of a cyber-attack, although they are a major target for cyber-attacks. Specific information about cybersecurity needed by SMBs, in order to cope with cyber threats, is not always available or easily accessible. In this study, a vast search of different types of information about SMBs’ cybersecurity was performed, in order to find whether a hole of accessible information exists in this area. This exploratory research covered general mass communication media channels, technological and professional cybersecurity websites, and academic journals, and found that indeed very few studies, articles and news items were published in this matter. Leveraging knowledge and awareness, diminishing the shame for reporting cyber-attacks, and increasing mass communication media interest and public attention, may be activities to cover this “invisible hole”.