bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PERSONALITY FACTORS AND SOCIAL RELATIONS AMONG WOMEN LIVING IN SHELTER HOMES
Authors: Nazia Shabnam , Habib Shazia
Published: February 2021

The current research focused on exploring the relationship between personality factors and social relations among women living in shelter homes. The present research aimed to explore the relationship between personality factors and social relations among women living in shelter homes.The sample of the study was comprised of N=120 (60 married; 60 unmarried) women living in shelter homes and Dar-ul-Amaan of different cities of Punjab (Pakistan). The age rang of the sample between 18-45 years. Urdu version of Adjective Check List (Fay, Sechrest, & Zaaidi, 1972) and Urdu version of Social Provision Scale by Rizwan and Syed (2010) were used to assess personality factors and social relations respectively.Statistical analysis was done through Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Independent Sample t-test. Findings of the current study suggested that there was a significant positive correlation (r = .674**,p˂ .001) between personality factors and social relations among women living in shelter homes. While no significant relationship was found on personality factors and social relations among married and unmarried women living in shelter homes.
Using the computer-based feedback (CBF) system to investigate the juniorphysicians’s and clinical-instructors perceptions for the benefits of general medicine clinical-instructors training program
Authors: Yang Ying Ying , Huang Chia Chang , Huang Chin Chou , Yang Ling Yu , Hsu Hui Chi , Cheng Hao Min , Chuang Chiao Lin , Lee Wei Shin , Chang Ching Chih , Chen Chen Huan , Ho Shung Tai , Lee Fa Yauh
Published: February 2021

Background: The purpose of this study is to examine the clinical-instructors and junior-physicians (residents and interns) perceptions for the general-medicine training program by using bi-directional interactive and self-assessments computer-based feedback (CBF) and paper-based multisource feedback assessment (PBMFA) systems for the efficiency and benefit evaluation.Methods: Between 2011 January to 2013 December, junior-physicians and their clinical-instructors in the same medical team were enrolled consecutively for monitoring the CBF scores gave by each other after each clinical course. A total of 321 residents, 298 interns and 110 clinical-instructors who participated in the core competency general-medicine training program in 6-months period were included in the study. The CBF and PBMFA evaluations are undergone paralleled to gather the suggested information in different levels of Kirkpatrick evolutional theory.Results: The results showed that lecturers, being 5-10 years as attending physicians, internal medicine sub-specialty clinical-instructors are most benefit from the general medicine training program. Accordingly, the CBF scores of junior-physicians was positively correlated with the times (> 3-times) of exposure to the medical teams that leaded by qualified clinical-instructors. Both clinical-instructors and junior-physicians have positive attitude to the value of the general-medicine training program. Interestingly, a good consistency was existed between residents CBF scores and PBMFA grades for their core-competency performance. Comparatively, the overall perception of clinical-instructors and junior-physicians for the general-medicine training was very positive.Conclusions: Clinical-instructors and junior-physicians had positive perception of CBF and PBMFA systems which could give us different information to improve and strength the further core-competency general-medicine training program by appropriate utilization.
EFFECTS OF COMPUTER-ASSISTED ORAL ENGLISH INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMME ON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN RURAL AREAS IN NIGERIA
Authors: Otegbayo Christy Olubunmi , Onasanya Samuel Adenubi
Published: February 2021

One of the key criteria to evaluate the development of any country is by her ability to explore computer knowledge. Based on this assertion, this paper examined the effects of Computer-Assisted Oral English Instructional Programme (CAOEIP) on the performance of high schools students in the rural areas of Nigeria. The study focused on two aspects of information and communication technology (ICT) namely animation and digital Video compared with conventional method of teaching. Two hundred and seventy (270) students were drawn from 6 high schools within the rural areas. The experimental groups were administered a Pretest and Posttest with the use of animation and digital video while control group was taught using conventional method. After six weeks of intensive teaching with animation and digital video instructional media, the students were assessed using Oral English Concept Achievement Test (OECAT), an instrument developed by the researcher. ANOVA and t-test were used for the data analysis. Results show that the experimental group taught with animation and digital video (CAOEIP) performed better than those with conventional method. Recommendations were made based on the findings of the study.
Can the Service Learning Model Help Business Ethics Courses From Being an Oxymoron?
Authors: Ritvo Roger A
Published: February 2021

Colleges of Business face new challenges in teaching students about Business Ethics. Some laugh off the notion as an oxymoron; they assert that you cannot teach morality, ethics or values. Others look to our nation's universities as the place where ethical behavior should be defined, nurtured and encouraged. Unlike courses offered in religion or philosophy, students and employers want to know how to apply these models and concepts. Exhortations do not suffice. This article defines a successful class project that applies business ethics to organizational realities. Student teams work with a client system to develop a Code of Ethics for the firm. These projects incorporate the established benefits of service learning – students learn while doing, strongly reinforcing classroom lessons. Does this approach make a difference? Results from the accreditation processdocument that it contributes to an increase in student learning.
Students’ Attitude Towards’ Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Teaching and Learning in Public Secondary Schools
Authors: Lydiah Ndirangu , Wilson Sossion , Pachomius Wambugu
Published: February 2021

The use of ICT creates a powerful learning environment and it transforms the learning and teaching process in which students deal with knowledge in an active, self-directed and constructive way (Volman & Van Eck, 2001). This study was conducted to investigate students’ attitude towards use of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) in teaching and learning in public secondary schools in Kieni East Subcounty,Nyeri County,Kenya. The objectives of the study are to (i) establish E-readiness in teaching and learning (ii) explore attainment of computer skills and (iii) assess the extent to which students access ICTs in teaching and learning.The sample comprised of 14 female students and 28 male students. Questionnaires were administered to students. Findings indicated that 67% and 81% of the female and male students respectively had no access to internet. The study revealed that 80% of the female students can open and create a document while 57.1% of the male students preferred computer studies to other subjects. The level of students’ attitude towards ICT in teaching and learning was positive despite the challenges in its integration in public secondary schools in Kieni- East Subcounty.The study recommends that schools buy enough computers and install network for use by the students.
Developing Reading Skills Using Sight Word Reading Strategy through Interactive Mobile Game-Based Learning for Dyslexic Children
Authors: Sharbini Hamizan , Borhan Noor Hazlini , Chan Chiu Po , Julaihi Azlina Ahmadi
Published: February 2021

Reading skill is crucial in our daily activities. On the other hand, there are some people who experience difficulties in reading. This is due to the way they see things are different than normal people. This learning disability is known as dyslexia. The symptoms started from young. Children with dyslexia use all of their senses to interact with their surroundings. They are easily attracted to pictures rather than words and are highly imaginative. In this project, a mobile application to help children with dyslexia to develop reading skills is proposed. This paper will discuss about the development of the mobile application. The methodology used in this project will be discussed along with the implementation and testing. The results have shown that respondents gave positive feedbacks prove that the application is effective in developing reading and spelling among dyslexic children. Lastly, limitations, future works and conclusion of the overall project will be discussed. The mobile application is named as “Mr Read”.
Discussing the Construction of Gratefulness Education in Modern Times
Authors: Luo Jianxin , Luo Hongchun
Published: February 2021

Gratefulness is Chinese traditional virtue, which gives Chinese the power to go upper ,encourages Chinese to understand others, having a important meaning to cultivate personal character, perfect the life meaning. In addition to this, it is necessary to build the harmonious camp and society. However, at present as a necessary part of the students’ education in university, it is also weak. There is no delay to strengthen the gratefulness education. This dissertation aims at probing into the reasons of loss of gratitude feeling, thereafter puts forward the countermeasures for this issue.
Relationship between Teachers’ Attitudes about Principals’ Communicational Jobs toward School Size, Level of Teachers’ Education, Workload and Gender
Authors: Burcar Željko
Published: February 2021

The aim of this research is to examine teachers’ attitudes about principals’ communicational job. Secondary aim is to examine whether number of shifts, number of students, teachers’ level of education and teachers daily and weekly workload predict teachers attitudes about principals’ communicational jobs principals perform. Sample consists of school teachers (N=80) that covered ISCED 1, 2 and 3, educational level from the Republic of Croatia. Sample is intentional and occasional, and present experienced teachers suitable for this type of research. The scale constructed for this research has been extracted from the scale for principals’ role estimation constructed by Burcar (2010). Findings show existence of principals’ communicational jobs in the schools as informing, reporting and verbal communication. Gender differences in the scale exist and in the subscale for verbal communication as well. In the prognosis toward principals’ communicational jobs the level of teachers’ education has statistically significant but negative predictive value.
An Optimal Eigenvalue Based Spectrum Sensing Algorithm for Cognitive Radio
Authors: Omondi Gevira , Oduol Vitalis K.
Published: February 2021

Spectrum is a scarce resource, and licensed spectrum is intended to be used only by the spectrum owners. Various measurements of spectrum utilization have shown unused resources in frequency, time and space. Cognitive radio is a new concept of reusing licensed spectrum in an unlicensed manner. The unused resources are often referred to as spectrum holes or white spaces. These spectrum holes could be reused by cognitive radios, sometimes called secondary users. All man-made signals have some structure that can be potentially exploited to improve their detection performance. This structure is intentionally introduced for example by the channel coding, the modulation and by the use of space-time codes. This structure, or correlation, is inherent in the sample covariance matrix of the received signal. In particular the eigenvalues of the sample covariance matrix have some spread, or in some cases some known features that can be exploited for detection. This work aims to implement, evaluate, and eventually improve on algorithms for efficient computation of eigenvalue-based spectrum sensing methods. The computations will be based on power methods for computation of the dominant eigenvalue of the covariance matrix of signals received at the secondary users. The proposed method endeavors to overcome the noise uncertainty problem, and perform better than the ideal energy detection method. The method should be used for various signal detection applications without requiring the knowledge of the signal, channel and noise power.
Ethical Hacking in the Saudi Government Institutions
Authors: Mousa Shaymaa , Barashi Wejdan
Published: February 2021

The Internet has become indispensable to governments by allowing them to conduct E-government, provide better citizen service, improve communications, and access needed information rapidly. While computer networks have revolutionized the way governmental institutions operate, the risks they introduce via interconnectivity can be devastating. Attacks on computer systems via the Internet can lead to lost money, time, reputation, and sensitive information. One reaction to this state of affairs is a behaviour termed “Ethical Hacking” which attempts to proactively increase security protection by indenturing and patching known security vulnerabilities on systems owned by other parties. The main purpose of this study is to address the problems related to the ethical hacking in governmental institutions in Saudi Arabia. The results show that there is a lack of awareness to issues of information security, and ethical hacking, Ethical hacking have a positive impact on the Saudi institutions, and most of ethical hacking problems in Saudi Arabia are related to senior management, staff, society and laws. More researches are needed to consider other measures and include other countries which may show different results.
Study of the Applications of Multiple Rhetorical Skills to Reports Regarding Exhibition Centers
Authors: Ko Hsin Chi
Published: February 2021

The culture of exhibition centers expands people’s view of life. Colorful reports can grab visitors’ attention and recognition and may influence their motivation to visit. For a report to achieve vividness, the application of rhetorical skills is the key. Thus, this study aimed to explore the applications of multiple rhetorical skills to print media reports. The research method adopted was the qualitative research method. Throughout the analyses, this study found a combination of rhetorical skills to be relevant. The expected effect of this study is to help students in communication related departments to apply rhetorical skills to the practical writing of reports.
Discourse Of Indigenous Education Policy: The Malaysian Case
Authors: Rosnon Mohd Roslan , Chinnasamy Sara
Published: February 2021

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was created to give Indigenous peoples the right to determine their own educational system. In article 14 it is stated that, Indigenous peoples have the right to establish and control their educational systems and institutions, providing education in their own languages, in a manner appropriate to their cultural methods of teaching and learning. Since the 56 years of independence, Orang Asli has never been neglected or excluded from the governments planning in ensuring their education development. Following Foucault analytical model, this paper discusses how knowledge that constitutes power highlights the way the governing systems work in Indigenous education policy. Furthermore, this paper also deliberates on participation by the Orang Asli and the power held by them to influence the creation of education policy through three main ideas; governmentality, power/knowledge and discourses which are analytical approaches by Foucault. Based on this discussion, we can get a clear picture and better understanding the possibility of improvements in Indigenous people educational opportunities and the possibility of a more all-inclusive education development policy.
Study of Organizational Image as Competitive Differential for the Institution of Higher Education
Authors: Santana Fernando de Sousa , Pinto Samuel Gonçalves , Pereira Juliana Rodrigues
Published: February 2021

This article presents the results of a satisfaction survey carried out with a College located in Ponte Nova/MG-Brazil. The research in question, aimed to verify what are the factors that affect the formation of the image of a school of higher education, the perception of your target audience. Among the multivariate techniques used in this paper we can highlight the principal component analysis (PCA) and factor analysis (FA) aimed mainly to reduce a large amount of data to a smaller set, to convey as much information possible. The results achieved through the analysis of the variables obtained by the survey, can serve as a basis for establishing improvement targets for forming the image of an institution of higher education, because they represent the views of the main public that establishment.
Active methodologies, Education and Knowledge Production
Authors: Pinto Samuel Gonçalves , Santana Fernando de Sousa , Venades Geovani Felipe , Nogueira Valdilene Aline
Published: February 2021

Man is a being eminently social and with the passage of time brings with it the marks of culture that are expressed in your body, on your way to live. The issue of education has been a generator of debates, surveys and various interventions, and articulates and builds on proposals and establish strategies that contribute to the change in values, understandings and attitudes. Objective of this study is to realize the existing level of knowledge on the Active methodologies in a superior. O educational institution teacher should be organized so that the Active methodologies are an efficient process in the formation of their students. Also, an interesting challenge is the records of the ways the experiences of students and teachers carried out with these methods and their effects to the students, in order to expand the reflections and the evidence of their pedagogical benefits.
The effectiveness of Learning Disabilities Programs and Services Among Children with (LD) in Light of Special Education Quality Standards
Authors: Ahmed Eldood Yousif Eldood
Published: February 2021

This study conducted during (2014-2015) in special educational center, Khartoum state- Sudan. It investigates to quality of (LDPS) among (CLD). The researcher used descriptive methods, applied quality of (LD) programs services questionnaire, designed by researcher used as study tool. The community of this study consisted from teachers in. Sample was chosen randomly included (43) teachers of (LD) and (20) (CLD). Researcher used statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) depends on T-test for one sample, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient and T-test for independent sample. The results are as following: The quality of learning disabilities programs and services among (CLD) is positive, the quality of the curriculum is significant, the quality of teaching strategies is significant, the level of the quality of classroom environment is significant, and the quality of the supportive services is significant.
Value Constellation Construction in Service Firms
Authors: Chen Chun Liang
Published: February 2021

The aims of this study were to identify how governmental technology development program (TDP) improves the service value in service firms and to investigate how service firms construct value constellations through relationships with other firms. A multiple cases study research is conducted, focusing on the Taiwan’s service firms. The research main findings are: (1) ICTs enhance service value through six key factors: data envelopment analysis for customers; creating switching costs for industry entry barriers; integrating resources among the value constellation members and elevating productivity; improving internal and external communication for the organization; organizing activities, quick responses to customer needs and strengthening customer relationships; and identifying new members for the value constellation. (2) We categorised the service value enhancement of TDP firms into three types: internal operation improvements, industrial network enhancements; and transactional relations. Internal operation improvements primarily involved creating value within a TDP firm.
On the Management of Scientific Research Work in Colleges and Universities of Western Areas
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyun , Li Dongmei
Published: February 2021

According to the existing condition analysis of academic research management in colleges and universities of the western areas, pointing out there being some existing problems at present, and putting forward to the countermeasures solving these problems. Thinking, as for the colleges and universities of the western areas, on the management of academic research work, are supposed to grasp the complication of it, highlight the local unique features, strengthen the ability of serving local economic, and take an important part in the local economic development.
Professionalism in the Secretarial Profession
Authors: Chimezie Dr. Okolocha , Margaret Osahon
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study is to investigate the perception and extent of professionalism practiced by secretaries of Principal Officers in Government Tertiary Institutions in Edo State, Nigeria. Four research questions were drawn. The instrument used for data collection was the questionnaire. The result obtained showed that all the secretarial professionals are trained professional secretaries based on their qualifications with the exception of only one secretary who is not trained as a secretary. All respondents agreed with what constitutes professionalism. Result also revealed to a large extent the secretary’s adherence to the ethics of the secretarial profession. The issue of viability of the professional body seems to be a major problem in the secretarial profession. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations were made. Thus, professionalism can only be achieved if the professional body is adequately empowered by law thereby making it obligatory for all those working as secretaries/Office Managers to be members of the professional body. Adequate enlightenment should be made of the positive impact of the secretarial professional body; getting the best from the professional secretaries through exposure to current skills required by secretaries in and outside Nigeria.
Key competencies of civil engineering faculty graduates in Slovak republic
Authors: Kozlovska Maria , Mackova Daniela , Spisakova Marcela
Published: February 2021

One of the main tasks of university is to provide an education which supported the expert, as well as the key competencies of graduates. The gained expert competencies are preconditions for the implementation of selected ocupations. On the other hand, there is not always a direct correlation between success of graduates in school and their professional life. Moreover, the employers in the construction sector claim that the key competencies – skills and attitudes of person and its readiness for the life quality are very important. The key competencies enable person to continuously update its knowledge and skills needed in practice. The definition and selection of key competencies of university graduates are always influenced by valuable and crucial needs of society. Therefore, we cannot define the key competencies in generally for the university graduates. This paper is focused on the definition of key competencies for graduates of study programme “Technology and Management in Construction” at Civil Engineering Faculties in Slovakia through the processing of various sources – the competence profile of graduates which was defined by teachers of this study programme and by the structured interviews with employers.
Integrating Economic and Managerial Skills with an Emphasis on Needs of Labor Markets
Authors: Kozlovska Maria , Tazikova Alena , Talian Juraj
Published: February 2021

The paper aims to provide insight into the current state of education in economic and managerial knowledge on Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Technical University in Košice. Students use the information to acquire the necessary habits in the branch of management and economics in building. The paper characterized the courses where students come into contact with the problems of management and economics in the building during university studies. The point of paper is to highlight the frequency of articles focused on economic and managerial knowledge. Based on the cooperation between the school and the practice was to measure, a new study Realisation Department of traffic engineering. Combination the three basic pillars of branches of study (department of engineering, construction and road building, construction and industry economics and management) brings an integrated interdisciplinary knowledge for graduates. This knowledge graduates can use for prepare and manage demanding projects of road construction. Such graduate will not only be a good expert in the design of civil structures, but they will also be able to prepare and manage this building. This knowledge is in construction practice required.
Student Performance Comparison between Face-to-Face and Online Instructional Delivery Modalities â€“ A Case Study Using an Introductory MIS Course
Authors: Zapatero Enrique G. , Chen Jim
Published: February 2021

An analysis of 177 students at an AACSB-accredited university explores the impact of the instructional delivery mode used on students’ course performance. A comparison of students’ performance as measured by final course grades earned is analyzed to determine the impact (or lack of it) of face-to-face versus online instructional delivery modes, holding all other variables constant.
On Context Theory and Interactive Language Teaching
Authors: Liu Jixin
Published: February 2021

In this paper, the author explores the importance of context in interactive language teaching and how to make the classroom activities interactive through the application of context theory from the perspective of comprehension (listening, reading) and production (speaking and writing) and how to build context in foreign language classroom in accordance with the linguistic rules of English to promote the students’ communicative competence in the context.
Relevance of Kenya secondary school chemistry instruction in preparation of students pursuing chemistry at university level
Authors: Njagi Dr. Mercy Wanja , Silas Edward Njagi
Published: February 2021

Chemistry is one of the most important branches of science and its knowledge is necessary in the understanding of composition, properties and behavior changes of matter that form the environment around us. Chemistry is highly important in modern societies because of its requirement as a prerequisite to the study of many other science oriented courses such as medicine, engineering and pharmacy. Due to the significance of chemistry, there is need for students to be academically prepared at secondary school level for higher level pursuits. Chemistry as a subject in Kenya is introduced to learners at secondary school level. The purpose of the study was to explore the relevance of secondary school chemistry instruction in preparation of students pursuing chemistry at university level. The study sought to determine whether secondary school background, learning environmental experiences and pedagogical experiences are in accordant to preparation of students pursuing chemistry at the higher level. The study employed descriptive research design and data was obtained using questionnaire. The subjects of study were second year students taking chemistry courses as a main subject. The research was carried out in selected universities in Kenya. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used for data analysis. Results indicated that students find secondary school chemistry relevant in the courses they are pursuing but proper coverage of syllabus, more practicals and more projects would make it more relevant and appropriate. The findings of the study may provide insight to chemistry educators to refocus student preparation in secondary schools and equip them with knowledge and skills necessary to help them solve problems in everyday life rather than passing exams and fitting in prestigious careers.
Perceived Effects Of Leadership Styles On Workers’ Performance In Package Water Producing Industry In Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Girei Adamu Ahmed
Published: February 2021

This empirical paper examines the impact of transformational leadership, transactional leadership, laissez faire leadership and servant leadership styles on performance among employees of Package Water producing Industry in Adamawa State, Nigeria. SPSS v.20 Correlation and regression techniques were used to test the study hypotheses. The result provided support for three hypothesized relationships for the study. Specifically, transformational leadership style, transactional leadership style and servant leadership style have positive, strong and significant relationship with performance among the study sample. However, laissez faire leadership style was not found to be significantly related to performance among the employees. Therefore, it is recommended that, package Water enterprises managers/ owners should practice transformational leadership, servant leadership styles and transactional leadership for improved performance in the industry in Adamawa State, Nigeria.
Email Use among International Students in a U.S. University
Authors: Gao Dr. Minghui , Zhao Ms. Hongli , McJunkin Dr. Mark
Published: February 2021

This study examined the characteristics of email use among international students studying in a U.S. institution of higher learning. 130 international students were interviewed, and interview data were analyzed by taking the thematic analytical approach. Email has become the most frequently used interpersonal communication medium among international students studying in U.S. colleges. Email is more likely to be used to communicate with professors, classmates, and general friends, while phone calls and particularly free Internet phone calls or instant messaging APPs are more likely to be used in communications with parents, close friends, and important others.
Cognitive Adjustment of International Students in a Malaysian Public University
Authors: Alghail Ali Abdullah Ali , Mahfoodh Dr. Omer Hassan Ali
Published: February 2021

This study contributes to the ongoing interest of research into the sociocultural adjustment of international students in host universities in Malaysia. This study examined the sociocultural adjustment of Yemeni postgraduate students in a Malaysian public university. This study adopts a quantitative design (a survey) in which a questionnaire was used to gather data. The data were analysed using SPSS. The results have revealed that the major aspects of cognitive adjustment problems faced by Yemeni postgraduate students in Malaysia include dealing with people of higher status, dealing with people in authority, and understanding the local accent/language. These cognitive adjustment problems can be attributed to postgraduate studentsâ€™ sociocultural and educational background.
Effects of Background Music Style on Mathematical Computation and Reading Comprehension
Authors: Chen An-Che , Wen Chen-Shun
Published: February 2021

Due to the increasing popularity of personal digital devices, many students listen to music while they study. It is however a controversial issue whether music listening is helpful to study performance. This study investigates the effects of different types of background music on study performance among college students through lab experiments. Two major categories of study activities - reading comprehension and mathematical computation - were examined for four different treatments of background music style (i.e., soft music, rock music, heavy metal music, and no music). For each student subject, objective measures, such as test scores and heart rates, were recorded for all conditions of the experiment design. Subjective measures concerning treatment evaluations along with personal preference and behaviours on music listening were instrumented in the individual interviews after the experiments. Data analysis on the objective measures indicates that neither test scores nor heart rates of reading comprehension and mathematic computation for different styles of background music are with statistical significance. However, significant gender differences were found and the influences were distinct for the two study activities tested. By further cross-referencing with the subjective measures, our results suggest that, for a better studying performance, college students may choose to listen to background music with preferred music for reading activities but non-preferred music for mathematic computation.
Vital Bridge Transforming Postgraduate Nurse Education And Employability To Employment
Authors: Dhillon Hardip Kaur , Kaur Gurmeet , Kaur Jasminder , Zain Anuar Zaini Md
Published: February 2021

Today’s universities are constantly looking for a competitive edge in delivering a postgraduate nurse curriculum with a positive outcome of future employability and employment. In this respect, Monash University Malaysia is no different since market differentiation is important for the survival of Private Institutions of Higher Learning in Malaysia. Currently, some Malaysian public and private universities do offer specific postgraduate courses in advanced clinical skills nurse practice which have been accredited by Malaysia Qualifications Agency and recognized by both Ministry of Higher Education as well as Ministry of Health. In addition to that, the Nurses Board Malaysia, also consider the postgraduate courses that are currently offered to be too generic with very little application of theory to practice in the clinical healthcare settings. In view of the gap that exists in the present postgraduate courses, this paper would critically examine the preliminary market information gathered on the requirements of higher educational needs of nurses in Malaysia. The future development of an appropriate higher education course, “the vital bridge”, is in the planning stage. It is expected to be both vigor and relevant to today’s Malaysian nurses’ employability and employment.
Relationship Between Perceived Quality Dimensions and Growth in Distance Education
Authors: Nzuki Peter K , Bowa Omondi , Gunga Samson O.
Published: February 2021

Shrinking resources from the exchequer, the demand for a more cost-effective education and competition among Kenyan Public Universities has motivated academic administrators in these universities to launch distance education programmes. However, one major concern has been quality. This study sought to determine the relationship between perceived tangibles dimension of a degree programme and its growth. Further, the study intended to establish the relationship between perceived responsiveness dimension and growth of the programmes. A questionnaire was employed to collect data from students, Distance Education administrators and lecturers. The findings showed that there was no significant relationship between the two quality dimensions and the growth of Distance Education Programme. It was observed that growth occurred in spite of perceived quality dimension deficiencies due to career driven demand for higher education. However, quality variables that were considered as key consisted of adequacy and responsibility of teaching and support staff, clarity of course objectives, and flexibility of programmes. The study recommends that Universities engage sufficient and responsible support staff and lecturers to provide learner support services. Similarly, course objectives should be clear, while programmes should be as flexible as possible for learners.
Education
Authors: Affeld J Anne , Affeld Martha
Published: February 2021

Children are born learning and press for chances to push abilities as long as they feel safe and have a hope of succeeding at the demands of the day. It is the whole child that comes to school and whose needs, desires and aptitudes, varied and exciting, need to be honored. Children crave attention, affection, safety, growth, companionship, knowledge, success. They thrive in social situations where they feel honored and sense they belong. They are energized with stimulation and the opportunity to press forward at the developmental tasks that call, individually, to them for completion. Curriculum that springs from this natural essence of children is motivating and supports academic gains. When the needs of the child are part of the focus, the youngster cares about learning and the self and excels at personal potentials. When it is the whole child who is nurtured, seen for strengths and gifts, it is exhilarating, challenging, potentiating and the child yearns, strives and presses with energy and hope.
Impact of Quality Management Practices on the Extended Curriculum Programme at a University of Technology
Authors: Harris Felicity , Moll CM
Published: February 2021

Academic Development Programmes such as Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECP’S) at higher education institutions in South Africa were implemented and funded in 2004 by the Department of Higher Education and Training as an initiative to address low throughput rate and low graduation output. The objective of this study was to look at whether ECP’s were effective in improving throughput rates and graduation output and whether there were quality management practices in place to gauge the effectiveness of ECP’s. The ECP in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at a university of technology was used as a sample. Academic histories of the ECP and Mainstream students of the 2007 cohort were analyzed to draw comparisons graduation output of the two programmes. A questionnaire to graduates of the 2007 ECP cohort who were now in the workplace was administered and interviews were conducted with lecturers teaching on the ECP. It was found that the ECP was successful in improving graduation output and that graduates were well placed in industry. It was also found that although quality management practices were in place in the programme, it was not formalized and the results were not properly recorded.
Education in the 21st Century
Authors: Bočáková Oľga , Kubíčková Darina
Published: February 2021

This paper deals with the issues of education in Slovakia in the 21st century. The focus has been oriented on the system of higher education and on its current problems. At the present time there prevails an opinion that the quality, standard and demands of the university education is decreasing. In our paper we have carried out an empiric research mapping the opinions of employers of university lecturers and individual students of universities with regard to various aspects connected with university education. We have taken into regard the development of system of education after 1989 and the changes connected with it. The aim of the paper is to identify the current problems of higher education in Slovakia. The research question reads: What problems does the university education have at the present time? From the point of view of used methods we have selected work with literature and its analysis and also the questionnaire method. Subsequently we have analysed and evaluated the results of our survey.
Turkish Primary School Students’ Attitudes toward ‘Disgusting Animals’: Insects
Authors: TEPEKUYU Hayriye ZENGİN , TOPSAKAL Ünsal UMDU
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this research is to investigate the students’ knowledge and attitudes toward spider and how influence gender and socioeconomic status to these attitudes. The data gathered from 139 5th grade students in Istanbul. There are 80 students from a public school and 59 students from a private school. In this study qualitative research method is used. A survey instrument that includes open ended questions was applied and semi-structured interviews are made. As a consequence of this research, it has been revealed that 5th grade students have fears toward insects because they have sense of disgust; they do not deeply know insects.
Risky Driving Behaviors among Medical Students in the Middle East
Authors: Alzayani Salman , Hamadeh Randah R
Published: February 2021

A cross sectional study was conducted on medical students enrolled in the Arabian Gulf University in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The objective was to describe medical students’ risk-taking behaviors while driving and to provide recommendations for promoting safe driving behaviors among them. A self administered anonymous questionnaire was used, which included questions on demography and driving behaviors. Medical students demonstrated risk taking behaviors while driving, as 40.1% of them did not use their seatbelts, 49.6% speeded (>100km/hr), 54.7% talked on their mobile phones and 45.9% wrote/read text messages while driving. Female students had lower driving risk taking behaviors compared to males. Driving risk taking behaviors declined as students progressed in their medical years. Saudi and Kuwaiti students had more risk taking behaviors than other nationalities. Driving risk taking behaviors cluster among students according to gender, medical year and nationality. Urgent interventions are needed to promote safe driving behaviors among students.
Model for Testing Compressive and Flexural Strength of Sisal Fibre Reinforced Compressed Earth Blocks in the Absence of Laboratory Facilities
Authors: Namango Saul Sitati , Madara Diana Starovoytova , Makokha Augustine B. , Ataro Edwin
Published: February 2021

This study proposes a method of indirectly evaluating strength and therefore durability characteristics of compressed earth blocks in the absence of the normally expensive laboratory facilities. The method, with respect to compressed earth blocks reinforced with sisal fibres, is recommended for application particularly in rural areas of Africa. The developed method entails loading a compressed earth block sample with increasing amounts of weight till the sample raptures (total dead weight) under the load. The weight is then taken and a comparison is made with the standard value of compressive and flexural strength of the said sample. A conversion factor between this developed method and the conventional way of determining compressive and flexural strength has been computed. It has been established that the total dead weight is 47.25 times the flexural strength while the same is 66.4 times the compressive strength. The primary advantage of the proposed method is that it can easily be adapted at village level by people who have little scientific knowledge.
Improving Class Performance in STEM Using Pareto Technique
Authors: Kalu Alex , Tessema George , Lin Siemann
Published: February 2021

This paper is a report on the application of a quality improvement technique commonly used in industries to the teaching and learning process in an engineering technology program. An instrument for assessing learning outcomes was designed to determine specific problems that inhibit learning in the program, and their frequencies of occurrence. Based on the data collected, Pareto method was used to determine the vital few, i.e., the few errors committed 80 percent of the time so that class overall performance can be greatly improved by giving deference to these few but most important problems, within limited time and resources. The study cited in this correspondence shows that when Pareto technique is well applied in a teaching/learning process, it results in an improvement of individual performances for an overwhelming majority of the class. This technique is suitable for all science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Multiple Case Study of the Effect of Social Capital on Transaction Costs of Small Enterprises in Sri Lanka
Authors: Priyanath H. M. S , Premaratne S.P
Published: February 2021

Market mechanism particularly in developing countries provides asymmetrical information which leads to create opportunism and bounded rationality that are the root causes to generate Transaction Cost (TC). Therefore, Small Enterprises (SEs) face serious difficulty in governing TC that discriminates particularly against SEs. Instead, SEs develop informal and personal relationships, inter-personal trust and norms (i.e. social capital) with external actors expecting information which facilitates SEs to minimize TC through the mitigation of opportunism and bounded rationality. Therefore, the paper attempts to study how does social capital facilitate to mitigate TC particularly in SEs in Sri Lanka? Case study method was mainly applied to collect data from six SEs purposively selected from Ratnapura District in Sri Lanka. Data was analysed employing directed approach to content analysis.Results of multiple case study show that SEs have ability to access low cost, reliable and quick information and information about exchange partners together with their reliabilities using their Social Capital (SC). Such information facilitates SEs to improve their rationality in decision making process. SEs usually get support from network members to assess information which leads to improve the rationality in decision making on transactions. Accordingly, SC on one hand facilitate SEs to access and assess information that affect the mitigation of bounded rationality and on the other hand provide information about exchange partners that helps SEs to mitigate opportunism. Thus, SC affects the decrease of TC of SEs through the improvement of access and assess information which lead to mitigate bounded rationality and opportunism.
Bank Reform And Economic Growth In Nigeria
Authors: C.C Mbaeri , N.F ADIOHA , J. UZOKWE NNAMDI
Published: February 2021

This paper examines bank sector reform and its effect on economic growth in Nigeria. The author ex-rays recent bank reform measures by the monetary authority, central Bank of Nigeria Annual report and National Bureau of statistics. The use of regression analysis was engaged on to determine the relationship between gross domestic product and Bank reform and the findings reveals that Bank reform improves economic growth in Nigeria. He further recommended that credit to private sector should be mentored for proper implementation.
A TEST OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BUYING IMPULSIVENESS AND IMPULSE PURCHASES
Authors: BESSOUH NADIRA , MIR AHMED , IZNASNI ALI
Published: February 2021

This research work aims to show the contribution of individual factors, specifically the buying impulsiveness, to making an impulse purchase. For this purpose, Rook and Fisher’s scale (1995) is proposed to measure the level of impulsive purchase in Algerian buyers. Following an empirical study done on 385 impulse purchasers, it was possible to see that consumers are more impulsive when they experience high levels of impulsivity. These results would help managers attract customers and lower their guards, as a result of several stimuli, to push them make emotional and functional impulse purchases.