bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Urban Public Transportation System in Vijayawada - A Case Study
Authors: Prakash Koganti Shyam , Hemantha Raja Kommineni , Satish Sajja , Sai Narendra M
Published: May 2018

The recent scenario of Public transportation in most of the Indian cities shows only 20% to 30% of the total passengers utilizing any public transit as their mode of travel. Rapid growth in vehicles population has put enormous strains in all urban roads in Vijayawada, due to high vehicle ownership and poor supporting public transport facilities specially in the cities where the population is between 1 to 2 million. With more private vehicles on roads, pollution as well as congestion levels in the cities are also expected to increase. The major factor is very low ridership in public transport due to poor service quality and more travelling time. Hence there is a need to make the public transit a favorable mode of transport for the passengers. This study is concerned of assessment of public transport demand for Vijayawada and identifies the major factors for poor ridership with estimation of the probable shift of personal vehicle users to bus due to the increase in its level of service also identifies ways to account qualitative factors in the public transport project evaluation by adjusting travel time values to reflect comfort and convenience.
Road safety audit: a case study on NH-65
Authors: Bharat Kumar Tummala , Jeswanth Chowdary Chukkapalli
Published: May 2018

In India there is road network of 33 lakh kilometres of which nearly 65% of the cargo activity and 80% of traveller movement is on the road networks. National Highways constitute around 1.7% of the road network but carry about 40% of the aggregate road traffic. Number of vehicles has been increasing at a normal pace of 10.16% for every annum in the course of the most recent five years. Road safety audit is the formal methodology for getting accident potential and safety potential in the development of new road schemes and the schemes for the improvement and maintenance of the existing road facilities. Accident prevention and accident reduction are the two main strategies in the road safety. In this case study we analyse the NH-65 which is the major highway connecting VIJAYAWADA and HYDERABAD from the 270thKM to 247th KM. The highway carries considerable amount of traffic throughout the day and it has number of conflict points such as villages, industries. Detailed analysis of NH-65 will be carried out from the point of view of safety and geometric design aspects will be performed. This paper aims to identify deficiencies, improving design aspects, enhancing credibility of the roads.
“Traffic Congestion and Speed Delays at Benz Circle, Vijayawada Due to Construction Activities”, A Case Study
Authors: Akhila B , Sai Krishna K , Sri Nikhil M , Narra Malathi
Published: May 2018

In urban areas, traffic congestion is a major problem. Heavy traffic flow on National Highways with high speed, when mixed up with local traffic at crossings, traffic congestion is likely to occur. This causes many negative effects like pollution, delay, accidents and improper traffic management at crossings. At Benz circle one of the rotary intersections in Vijayawada, the above problem frequently occurs. To reduce the ill effects, some solution is needed to be provided. So, as a solution- Construction of flyover at this intersection is proposed and accepted as the best alternative or solution for the problem. For this classified volume count survey and analysis is carried out and the capacity of the existing lane is checked. But in the mean-time of construction there might be increase in the traffic congestion and speed delays due to the diversion of routes.
Development of quaternary blended high performance concrete made with high reactivity metakaolin
Authors: Srinivasa Reddy V , Nirmala R
Published: May 2018

In the last three decades, supplementary cementitious materials such as fly ash, silica fume and ground granulated blast furnace slag have been judiciously utilized as cement replacement materials as these can significantly enhance the strength and durability characteristics of concrete in comparison with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) alone. Hence, high-performance concretes can be produced at lower water/powder ratios by incorporating these supplementary materials. One of the main objectives of the present research work was to investigate synergistic action of binary, ternary and quaternary blended high strength grade (M80) concretes on its compressive strength. For blended high strength grade (M80) concrete mixes the optimum combinations are: Binary blend (95%OPC +5% FA, 95%OPC +5% MS and 95%OPC +5%MK), ternary blend (65%OPC+20%FA+15%MS) and quaternary blend (50%OPC+28%FA+11%MS+11%MK). Use of metakaolin in fly ash based blended concretes enhances compressive strength significantly and  found to be cost effective in terms of less cement usage, increased usage of fly ash and also plays a major role in early strength development  of fly ash based blended concrete.
Review on foundation practices for expansive soils, special emphasis on granular anchor pile foundation
Authors: RaviTeja Munnangi , R Krishna Murthy N
Published: May 2018

Mostly the lightly loaded structures founded in expansive soils develop cracks owing to alternate shrinkage and swelling as the weight of superstructure cannot counteract the swelling pressure. Hence the cost of foundation to be laid in these soils must be suitable proportions to low cost of structure. This paper presents a critical review on emphasis on granular anchor pile foundation and  other the foundation practices for expansive soil.
Price escalation of area surrounding properties along metro line using GIS, A comparative study of Mumbai metro and proposed Pune metro
Authors: Ushadevi Patil Dr , U. Mithe Omkar
Published: May 2018

Introduction of a transit megaproject like Metro railway in any city is seen as the effective booster for real estate sector for that city. Many cities worldwide and in India also has witnessed a considerable increase in rates of properties located along metro lines, also the areas situated around metro stations within a 500 m buffer zone has both positive and negative impacts on their property values. It is not necessary that the properties will show only positive effect, sometimes it may happen that due to noise and increased presence of commuters caused by the metro railway the area in the immediate vicinity of metro railway may show negative impact i.e. rates may decrease in that area. Present project firstly focuses on finding out the effect of Mumbai metro line on surrounding area using GIS and then comparing those results for obtaining corresponding values for proposed Pune metro. Initially focus will be on Mumbai metro and outcome of the same will be evaluated for proposed Pune metro. The data required for project has been collected from various government agencies like MMRDA, PCNTDA and DRS. The paper concludes with the brief explanation of alternate method of carrying out the same study.
Estimation of hazen williams’s constant for a residential water distribution network; GMDH and PSO approach
Authors: Kumar Tyagi Dharmendra , Majumder Mrinmoy , Kant Chander , Prabhat Singh Ashish
Published: May 2018

Hazen-William equation is used to estimate the Fluid flow in closed channel. There are various models for estimation of pipe flow, however the accuracy and reliability of models varies due to the empirical nature of the Hazen-William constant .the applicability of model also become constrained due to the dependency of constant on pipe material, dimension and flow potential. Different type of pipeline arranged in different Networks will require different value of the constant and is generally retrieved from the data collected for the pipe network. The case dependency of the model has makes the model erroneous and often subjective that is why the present study tries to propose a model which can be used for any network where the output will depend upon the inputs. In this aspect the soft computation techniques: - GMDH and PSO was utilized in an unconventional way to establish the value of CHW =f (H, L, V, D).  According to result the GMDH becomes the better model than the PSO where the accuracy is about 76.315%.
Building the image of city through organizational support and community commitment
Authors: Juanim Juanim , Ratnamiasih Ina
Published: May 2018

This research is in progress to meet the overall research grant on the city's image. Images are a very important thing for a city. With a good image of the city, will bring many tourists, businessmen, as well as investors. this will certainly encourage the increase in income expected by the community, along with the image of the city is increasing. Bandung is one of Indonesia's unique city. The city is constantly trying to improve its brand image. to improve the brand image of Bandung city influenced by several variables, the most influential is community commitment and government support. The results of the research with the spread of questionnaires on 100 respondents, proved that community commitment and organizational support greatly influenced the increase of brand image of the city of Bandung. Several recommendations have been given to support the improvement of the brand image of the city of Bandung, especially recommendations on how to improve organizational support and community commitment.
Effect of personality traits and learning styles towards students’ academic achievement in Johor Bahru
Authors: Khan Aqeel , Pyh Shin Leong , S Hishan Sanil , Sharif Mustaffa Mohamed , Madihie Amalia , Sabil Surena
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of personality traits and learning styles towards the students’ academic achievement in Johor Bahru. A total of 101 students from IPG Kampus Temenggong Ibrahim were chosen to be part of the respondents with the use of simple random sampling. The instrument Big Five Inventory (BFI), Kolb’s Learning Style Inventory and The students’ academic achievement is measured through the Cumulative Grade Point Average, also known as CGPA. Descriptive statistics, Chi-Square Test, Spearman’s Correlation and Multiple Regression was used to anser research questions. The findings revealed that the most common personality traits displayed by the students are Openness and Conscientiousness while the most common learning style displayed by the students is Converger. The research also revealed that there is no significant effect of the combination of both the personality traits and learning style towards the prediction of the academic achievement among school students. The same goes to the difference of personality traits and learning style between male and female students was not significant as well.
The development of the Lao animation industry from past to present
Authors: Pimpiset Pitipong
Published: May 2018

This paper explores the development of the Lao animation industry from past to present. It specifically focuses on the real development of Lao animation that has never been previously undiscovered. Interestingly, there have been attempts to collect data regarding Lao animation by researchers and journalists in the past. However, due to constraints of language, cultural understanding, and a lack of trust by the Laotian artists, it has been difficult to obtain permission to view their artworks, observe their work environment, and interview them for the more in-depth information that has been typically kept secret from foreigners. This article, as previously mentioned, aims to study the development of Lao animation as it has been gradually developed from simple cartoons to the advanced 3D animation which represents the embracing of digital culture in Lao PDR. Furthermore, in order to consider Lao animation as an industry, systems theory was used in this study, along with other theories, in order to explain context including; globalization, modernization and diffusion theories. These theories will help explain the collected data gathered by the research tools that included; observation, in-depth interview and focus groups. Therefore, according to the systems theory, any industry can be viewed as system when considering four elements; input, process, output and outcome. The results show that the Lao animation industry started to form in the late 1990s, after the Lao government officially announced its "New Economic Mechanism" (NEM) during the second five year period of the national socio-economic development plan (1986-1990). Since then, there have been some interesting factors and elements that continuously appeared to help facilitate the development of the Lao animation industry including; input, process, output and outcome. Nonetheless, a lack of associated documentation and research papers made it impossible to focus on what should be improved. Today, the Lao animation industry is currently struggling with different issues. Consequently, in order to understand the development of the Lao animation industry and its trend towards a creative industry approach, an understanding of the digital culture and an analysis of its related factors is useful and might help provide guidance or recommendations for future development.
Mathematics reasoning and proving of students in generalizing the pattern
Authors: Moh Zayyadi , Dian Kurniati
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study was to identify students' reasoning in generalizing the patterns that proved by generalizing the structural generalizations with involve the mathematical structures and empirical generalizations that emphasize perceptions or evidence derived from the found regularities. The subjects in this research were the 7th semester students of Mathematics Education of University of Madura, Indonesia. The research steps in this research were (1) giving the reasoning tests to the research subjects, (2) analyzing the results of reasoning tests to identify reasoning and mathematical proofs, (3) conducting in-depth interviews as the triangulation method, and (4) summarizing the tendencies of reasoning and proof of student in generalize pattern. Based on the results and discussion can be obtained that in the process of reasoning and verification, students in identifying the same pattern with trial and error, so by using trial and error students find many ways to generalize the existing pattern. However, sometimes through the use of ways of trial and error students find the right pattern. Therefore, the student only identifies a reasonable pattern and does not identify mathematical patterns, then makes reasonable assumptions about finding a relationship but only hypothetical and needs to prove the allegations and only do a few stages of reasoning and not doing the stages of proof, giving no argument and not doing a validation of the evidence.
The critical thinking dispositions of students around coffee plantation area in solving algebraic problems
Authors: Dian Kurniati , Moh Zayyadi
Published: May 2018

The present study aimed at describing the dispositions of students around a coffee plantation in solving algebraic problems, especially those pertaining to fraction and comparison. Critical thinking disposition denotes the initial milestone to developing students’ critical thinking skills. The study investigated four components of critical thinking dispositions, comprising of truth-seeking, open-mindedness, self-confidence, and inquisitiveness. The subjects under investigation were 45 students at the second grade of a junior high school situated around Garahan coffee plantation in Jember district, East Java, Indonesia. The study covered several phases, inter alia, (1) describing problems on Algebra to the students, (2) recording any activities of the research subjects when doing tasks given, (3) analyzing the students’ answer sheets based on four components of critical thinking dispositions, (4) conducting method triangulation projected to confirm the preliminary findings on the students critical thinking dispositions, and (5) determining the students’ critical thinking dispositions based on the results of direct observation, video recording, and interview. The study gained several findings related to the students’ dispositions. First, the students’ tendency in truth-seeking was characterized by their analysis on the problems given on themes regarding coffee. This prevented them from making mistakes as they checked some information, be it known or unknown, as the bases for problem solving. However, not every student was aware of what was unknown about the problem or what was required to solve the problem. Second, their tendency in open-mindedness was evinced by the fact that they were assured of their answer as they related it to their experience in planting coffee. Nevertheless, some students tended to ask their parent when they had to determine the amount of diameter comparison between two logs to be connected. Third, they tended to be confident in solving problems given as they had experienced the activities described in the problem when they assisted their parents in planting coffee, but still some students had yet to be sure of their answers as they lacked the experience in planting coffee. Lastly, they tended to possess sound inquisitiveness concerning various issues pertinent to solving algebraic problems, especially themed on coffee. They acquired the inquisitiveness by observing the actual activity in their environment. Nonetheless, their inquisitiveness could not be generalized to algebraic lessons at school.
A critical analysis of the legal framework on animal feed in Malaysia: with special reference to the Feed Act 2009
Authors: Saidin Nurulaina , Abd Rahman Fadilah , Abdullah Noriham
Published: May 2018

In the halal food supply chain, animal feed is an essential element which has direct implication for the safety, quality and halal integrity of animal-based food products. Comprehensive monitoring and control in the preparation, production, storage, and distribution of the animal feed are needed to ensure acceptable quality standard. Matters related to the importation, manufacture, sale and uses of feed and feed additive in Malaysia is regulated under the Feed Act 2009 and its regulations. This Act is introduced to ensure the quality and safety of feed by controlling the importation, manufacture, sale, and uses of feed and feed additive. In the context of animal feed in Malaysia, this paper seeks to highlight and examine its legal framework, focusing on the analysis of the Feed Act 2009. This study utilises qualitative approach using library research. The findings of the study demonstrate that, despite the existence of a specific law governing the animal feed activities, there is no provision addresses the issue of halal in the ingredients, preparation, production, storage, and distribution of animal feed. It is therefore suggested that a halal standard for animal feed preparation, production, storage, and distribution is further be developed to enhance the production of halal and safe animal feed in Malaysia.
Towards extra-jurisdictional environmental management in combating transnational environmental crimes in Malaysia from a legal aspect
Authors: Kamaruddin Hanim , Azham Marwan Muhamad
Published: May 2018

Environmental deterioration in Southeast Asia region can be attributed to illegal logging and timber smuggling which contributes to deforestation, wildlife smuggling, black-market transactions in ozone-depleting substances and dumping of other forms of hazardous wastes and chemical, illegal open burning incidents that can lead to air pollution contributing to transnational impacts. Controlling activities that are taking place within one State resulting to environmental impacts in another State is not uncommon in environmental issues and thus, such activities are construed as environmental crimes at times. Hence, any illegal activities within another jurisdiction must be addressed efficiently as the conduct of such activities are becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex partly due to the nature of transnational activities that operate beyond national boundaries. This article will discuss transnational environmental crime in Malaysia and Southeast Asia region and assess the application of adopting extra-jurisdictional approach to combat transnational environmental crime by drawing the example from Singapore’s experience of passing the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act 2014 to tackle challenges of haze pollution that are caused by activities in another State. The finding of this article suggests that extra-jurisdictional legislation is a common management tool in international law based on the international principle of territorial sovereign applies to conduct of a State within its territory. There seemed to be an exception that stems from a principle known as ‘objective territoriality principle’ under international law that allows another State to make claims against another State that commits environmental crime resulting to transnational impacts. The efficiency of extra-jurisdictional approach will be analysed based on Malaysia’s experiences in tackling transnational environmental crimes by reviewing domestic policies, local legislations and relevant international agreements to ensure that environmental protection is sustained.
Great expectations: Promoting factors in the use of eLearn@USM
Authors: M Mohamad , Rabu S. N Abdul , K. N. A Kamaruddin
Published: May 2018

21st century marked the advancement of teaching and learning environment. E-Learning has been regarded as part and parcel of educational platform that is recognized by many institutions. University Sains Malaysia, as one of the renowned higher educational institutions in Malaysia has introduced eLearn@USM an online learning platform. This paper explores the possible factors that promote the use of eLearn@USM among local and international postgraduate students.  Through qualitative methodology, two local students and two international students were interviewed. The findings showed that there are various factors that promote the use of eLearn@USM among local and international postgraduate students. From the analysis, international students have more intrinsic motivation factor such as the curiosity to learn, the challenges of the eLearn@USM activities, the cooperation from students and instructor for some subject. Meanwhile, local students are more influenced by the extrinsic motivation such as marks and also the obligation to instruction order. Initiated from the findings, the study concludes that there is a need for new directions and strategies on the use of eLearn@USM for both instructors and students. This will eventually raise more interest among the students to use eLearn@USM. Overall, apart from setting up an e-learning platform from sharing and collaborating and further solving issues and sharing resources, more importantly, there is a need to know the promoting factors of the platform towards the learners. Therefore, this study is significant to enlighten the motivational factors among students in using online platform.
The inter-organizational linkages in the implementation of self-helping housing stimulant program
Authors: Candradewini Candradewini , Rusli Budiman , Adhy Muhtar Entang
Published: May 2018

Cirebon Regency is the regency that has the fastest implementation progress among the regencies/cities receiving the Self-Helping Housing Stimulant in West Java Province. The initial observations and interviews from this research indicate that one of the supporters of the development of this program is the good relationship between the parties involved in the implementation of this program. This study aims to explain inter-organizational linkages between the parties associated with this program. The research method used qualitative approach. Data and information is obtained through in-depth interview, observation and documentation study. The informants in this research are institutions related to the poor community housing improvement program consisting of local government, district government, village government and community in Klangenan District, Cirebon Regency. The result of the research explains that inter-organizational linkages among the parties that run the program of house improvement in Cirebon Regency is going well. The facilitators of this program are proactive in communicating and establishing working relationships with beneficiary communities. This condition is reinforced by the cultural value of "ngersaya," which is a value of life of the local population in the form of repayment and nurturing kinship with those who have helped. Nevertheless, there are still some problems and obstacles faced such as the intensity of face-to-face is still rare and coordination meetings that have not scheduled regularly, especially with the technical team of the Government of Cirebon Regency. This research found that cultural value has a significant role in inter-organizational linkages between parties.
The competence of managers in growing the business of cooperatives in Pangandaran Regency, West Java Province Indonesia
Authors: Abdul Muhyi Herwan , Sukoco Iwan
Published: May 2018

The aim of this research was to find information relating to managers competencies of cooperatives in Pangandaran Regency and to compare the condition to the theory proposed by Spencer and Spencer (1993) to discover the extent of managers competencies of cooperatives in Pangandaran Regency. This research applied the qualitative method with the researcher as the instrument of research. Data were obtained from informants selected according to the need and purpose of the research or in another case it is called purposive sampling. Data collection was conducted through observation, literature review, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussion and subsequently data was analyzed by making reduction, presentation, conclusion, and verification. The research result indicated that regarding competencies the majority of managers of cooperatives in Pangandaran Regency have not yet been skillful in handling managerial aspects and techniques for managing cooperatives. It attracted the attention of the local government to participate in enhancing human resources of cooperatives; hence the government provided training assistance which has been conducted several times since the establishment of cooperatives in Pangandaran Regency. However, the enhancement of human resources competencies has not yet showed a significant result. The explanation above provides a conclusion that up to now managers competencies of cooperatives in Pangandaran Regency still need enhancement through training and provisioning of managerial and technical aspects.
Examining job satisfaction factors toward retaining Malaysian TVET instructors in the teaching profession
Authors: Khaizer Omar Muhd , Mat Rashid Abdullah , Hazwan Mohd Puad Mohd
Published: May 2018

The teaching profession in Malaysia has continued to be valued due to the continuous effort and commitment by teachers within the education profession and their desire to benefit better education for future generations. Indeed, the teaching profession has evolved to become a recognised benchmark towards the nation’s vision to develop human resource capital. However, despite the recognition, teachers are noticeably struggling in their attempt to provide high-quality teaching services. Many studies have reported many of the issues within the teaching profession and environment that exists. Many of the issues include severe depression, anxiety, demotivation, and behavioural issues. Consequently, many of these issues also become the reasons why teachers inevitably leave their chosen profession, either voluntarily or pressured by the educational environment and system. As a result, a study to understand the issues for their departure, and more importantly the factors contributing to job satisfaction and retention have investigated in this study. A target population targeting Malaysian training instructors at the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) educational institutions were selected to participate in a survey. Descriptive and correlational studies were employed to determine job satisfaction the factors among TVET instructors and to identify the factors contributing towards job satisfaction and retention. The findings indicate that most instructors are satisfied with their teaching job. However, many are struggling and not coping with voracious issues brought about through present workloads, student disciplinary problems, and vague expectations from key stakeholders in the TVET system. The findings from this study will further help in determining the perspectives of the instructors and the factors that have attracted them to remain in their chosen profession and to enable them to enjoy their teaching profession and career.
Generation of recombinant Bacillus subtilis expressing Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) S1 protein in vegetative cell
Authors: Jorasa Paradon , Mekvichitsaeng Phenjun , Maprang Roshorm Yaowaluck
Published: May 2018

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a mucosal (gut surface) pathogen that causes severe diarrhea in piglets; thus, a vaccine capable of inducing gut-mucosal immune response is crucial for controlling PEDV infection. Bacillus subtilis has been considered a choice for vaccine delivery to the gut mucosa. In this study, we aimed to generate recombinant B. subtilis that can produce PEDV S1 protein in vegetative cell. Two promoters, PrrnO and PgsiB-PsecA, were selected for an early and high yield expression of PEDV S1 gene in B. subtilis vegetative cell and germinating spore. Promoters, PrrnO and PgsiB-PsecA, were linked to the 5’ end of the fusion gene pgsA-PEDVS1 and the fusion genes were then inserted into plasmid pDG1662. Recombinant B. subtilis strains were generated by integrating the fusion genes into B. subtilis 168 chromosome via double crossover homologous recombination. PCR amplification and amylase activity assay confirmed integration of the fusion genes into B. subtilis chromosome at amyE locus. Expression of the pgsA-PEDVS1 in B. subtilis vegetative cells germinating from spores was then studied at 2, 4, 8 and 16 hours of culture. Tested by western blot analysis, although only cleaved products of PgsA-PEDVS1 protein were observed, expression levels of pgsA-PEDVS1 under the control of both promoters were comparable at all time points. Importantly, PgsA-PEDVS1 protein could be detected as early as 2 hours after spore inoculation in LB medium. This study suggests that both PgsiB-PsecA and PrrnO promoters can be used for efficient production of PEDV S1 in germinating spore and vegetative cell and may be applicable for expression of other heterologous genes in B. subtilis vegetative cell.
Improving mathematical ability and student learning outcomes through realistic mathematic education (RME) approach
Authors: Lady Agustina , Utomo Bendot Tri , Chikita Lovi
Published: May 2018

This study was conducted based on preliminary study conducted by researchers who found that students' mathematical ability is still low to solve contextual problems, this will certainly have an impact on student learning outcomes that are less than the maximum. The purpose of this research is (1) To know the application of learning using Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) learning approach, (2) To know the improvement of students' mathematical ability on the story after using Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) learning approach, (3) improving student learning outcomes after using Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) learning approach. RME is a learning approach that emphasizes experiences, events, or something close to the real situation imaginable by students as a means of providing insight into math problems. The ability of mathematization is the ability of students to identify real-world problems and then translate them into sentences (mathematical models) and solve the model to get the solution of the real problem. Classroom Action Research (CAR) is conducted in SMP Negeri 2 Lumajang class VIII A 2016/2017 subject matter opportunities. This study consists of 2 cycles. In this research, it is found that (1) Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) implementation consists of understanding contextual problem, solving problems, comparing and discussing answers, and concluding. Percentage of achievement in the first cycle 72% increased in cycle II to 92%, (2) students' mathematization ability increased from cycle I to 77% then in cycle II reached 79%, (3) Percentage of learning achievement classic in cycle I reach 62,5% increase in cycle II to 81,25%. The average learning outcome of cycle I was 78.71 increasing in cycle II to 83.21. The conclusion can be obtained is the application of learning Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) able to improve the ability of mathematization and student learning outcomes in class VIII A SMP Negeri 2 Lumajang. Therefore, teachers are expected to improve students' mathematical skills in order to maximize learning outcomes by applying Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) learning.
Mediating effect of competitive advantage on the relationship between corporate strategy and business performance
Authors: Samad Sarminah
Published: May 2018

This study examined the effect of competitive advantage on the relationship between corporate strategy and business performance. It also examined the effect of corporate strategy and competitive advantage on business performance. A total of 222 hotel managers participated in this study based on self-administered questionnaires. Smart Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis was employed to analyze the obtained data. The study revealed that corporate strategy has a positive and significant effect on business performance and competitive advantage.  Competitive advantage was also found to have a positive and significant effect on business performance. The study revealed that competitive advantage has significantly mediated the relationship between corporate strategy and business performance. The study provides support for both practical and theoretical reference values.
Organizational culture, strategic planning and performance: empirical evidence from organizations in Malaysia
Authors: Samad Sarminah
Published: May 2018

This study examined the influence of strategic planning on organizational performance of selected government organizations in Malaysia. Consequently, it determined the moderating effect of organizational culture on the relationship between strategic planning and organizational performance. A quantitative study was carried out on a sample of 291 officers in Malaysian government organizations. The obtained data based on self-administered questionnaires was analyzed using SmartPartial Least Squares (PLS). The study revealed that strategic planning dimensions have positive effects on performance of government organizations. The results found that organizational culture has significantly moderated the relationship between strategic planning and performance. The implications from the research findings, limitation of study and future research directions are discussed.
Counselling services for gifted students in Malaysia: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Yazid Abu Bakar Abu , Zakaria Zulkarnin
Published: May 2018

This research is conducted to study in detail issues regarding the perception and experience of local gifted and talented students towards guidance and counselling service in their school environment. Research sample includes 30 students from the first and second cohort in a ‘lab’ school that provides a special-need education programme for the gifted and talented students. This qualitative study combines focus group and in-depth interview as data collection method, and the data is analysed in detail using NVivo version 10.0.  Findings show that the issues affecting the local gifted and talented students are related to their career and academic pathway as well as psychosocial being. Their uncertainties have encouraged them to seek for guidance and counselling services. Findings also indicate that the students’ perception and experience on the guidance and counselling service in general are made of both positive and negative reactions.  The overall findings are discussed in the context of suggestions for best practices and differentiated school counselling services that cater towards local gifted and talented student’s population.
Career maturity among gifted and talented students in Malaysia
Authors: Hakimie Zainal Abidin Mohd , Amat Salleh , Subhan Mhd , Izwan Mahmud Mohd , Ali Sallehuddin , Yazid Abu Bakar Abu
Published: May 2018

Career maturity is one of the crucial element for students in the school setting. Career maturity is vital for students to discover their knowledge about their future professions. For gifted and talented students, they may advance from the regular students in discovering their future jobs. This study focusing on career maturity among gifted and talented students in Malaysia. The level of career maturity is measured by the researcher by using Career Maturity Inventory (CMI)-Revised 1995. This research involved 2500 respondents around Malaysia, focusing on boarding schools’ students. The descriptive statistical analysis is used to present the demographic data involving gender, the level of education, and family income of the respondents.  The main finding of this research indicates the difference in career maturity between respondents (gifted and talented students) and the regular students. The implications of this research are discussed especially in terms of guidance and counseling provision in boarding school.
Reliability of self-employment intentions instrument among international students in Indonesian university
Authors: Subhan Mhd , Zein Mas’ud , . Akhyar , Hakimie Zainal Abidin Mohd , Ali Sallehudin , Amat Salleh , Izwan Mahmud Mohd , Hanim A Hamid1 Aida , Yazid Abu Bakar Abu
Published: May 2018

This paper examines the validation instrument used to measure the psychometric status of the self-employment intentions. Self-employment intentions are crucial to identify the university students in order to confirm their decision making. They are a questionnaire to measure graduation in university to start choice on their careers. This instrument is composed of 11 items and was carried out to 115 international students studying in one Indonesian higher education. There were 49 male and 66 female respondents involved in this study. The Cronbach’s Alpha value was .94 which strongly suggest that the instrument has an excellent reliability. This study points out that self-employment intentions are suitable to be used by college personnel and counselors to examine and identify self-employment intentions among international students in Indonesian higher education. Implications for future study will also be discussed.
Human capital accumulation of rural female migrants and occupational mobility at destination area: A case study of Chonburi
Authors: Saithong Soiboon , Ayuwat Dusadee , Chinnasri Oranutda
Published: May 2018

Occupational mobility influences the social status of female migrants who have migrated from rural to urban areas. Occupational progression leads to social class mobility. The purpose of this research was to examine human capital accumulation and occupational mobility among female migrants in the destination area. Using qualitative methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted with 26 female migrants from the rural Northeast of Thailand to Chonburi Province and with 6 key informants between October 2015 to January 2016. The data were analyzed by analytic description. The findings indicated that the female migrants from the rural Northeast of Thailand relied on multiple ways of accumulating human capital for occupational mobility, namely: 1) learning on the job, resulting in an advancement from working as a cook’s assistant, waitress, or assembly line worker (Level 1 skills) to working as a tourist guide, noodle vendor, or beauty parlor/general store operator (Level 2 skills);2) attending adult education, which led to occupational advancement from being a domestic worker (Level 1 skills) to an accountant in a private company (Level 2 skills);3) studying at a formal educational institution, which helped a domestic worker to assume a position as a clerk at a state agency (Level 2 skills);4) vocational short course training, which led in occupational advancement from being an assembly line worker to opening a sewing shop (Level 2 skills). In conclusion, the findings indicated that these female migrant’s way of human capital accumulation influenced their occupational mobility, but it also depended on their personal characteristics.
Capital utilization for livelihoods among rural fishing migrant households in the origin area
Authors: Meekaew Nattapon , Ayuwat Dusadee
Published: May 2018

This research paper aims to analyze the capital utilized for livelihoods among the fishing migrant households in the origin area. A qualitative methodological approach, specifically a phenomenological approach was applied in the study, with in-depth interview and participatory observation employed as research tools. Twenty fishing migrant households, located in Bah sub-district, Surin province were selected as the target of the study; the data collection period was during January to June 2017. The research results explored the variety of capital that the fishing migrant households utilized for their livelihoods. The households created their livelihood strategies based on the capital they possessed. The five categories of capital that were identified as resources for creating livelihood strategies included 1) financial capital, which the households used to make life choices in the form of savings and land accumulation, 2) human capital, which was in the form of knowledge and experience applied in their careers in order to sustain the household life. 3) Social capital, which was used to solve household problems, for instance, tracking household members who were missing during fishing work, or participating in community activity, and 4) natural capital and physical capital, which were used as a mechanism in striving to make a living, for instance, collecting wild food items, or using natural materials to construct a house.
Happiness perspective of migrant labor households in the northeast, Thailand
Authors: Ayuwat Dusadee , Narongchai Wanichcha , Rengmanawong Adirek , Auraiampai Nattawat
Published: May 2018

This research focused on happiness perspectives of the migrant labour households in the Northeast, Thailand. The study relied on the qualitative methodology. The in-depth interview was conducted with key informants: village headman, senior persons, local officers and twelve heads of the international migrant households who had variation of migration patterns, selected by snowball techniques in one village within the O-lo District, Chaiyaphum Province. Data collection was done during April to May, 2017. The results were descriptive content analysis technique. The results indicated that most of the migrant labour households were farmers, grew rice and sugarcane and produced handicraft. Male labourers were the main group of the international migrants. The migrant labour households had only one labourer working abroad, with 2-month to10-year period of migration. The migration method that the labourers used in many destinations were through companies, brokers, the Department of Employment, or themselves. The migrant labour households defined happiness as good relationship within households, financial security, ability to manage debt and tension, household members being in good health, good relationship with others households, and safe and convenient life. The method of finding jobs abroad was related to working security of migrant labourers and happiness of the migrant labour households.
Social choices for the next generation of elderly: The combination of resources allocation and the utilization of social conditions
Authors: Prasertrungruang Montree , Ayuwat Dusadee
Published: May 2018

With the advent of the aged society amidst capitalism development, the Next Generation of Elderly (NGE) has the chance to seek social choices. This research relied on the Resource Profile Framework to study the social choices of NGEs under the Capability Approach and the Structuration Approach. The qualitative research method was used with the research target group, or NGEs, who were Thai citizens aged 50 to 59 years residing in an urban and a rural areas of Kud Piang Khom Sub-District, the district of a complete aged society. The data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews from May to September, 2016 with 36 NGEs. Descriptive analysis was conducted to synthesize their social choices. The result showed 5 social choices used by the NGEs: (1) The choice that arises from the use of resource in one dimension for a return of resource in that dimension; (2) The choice that arises from the use of resource in one dimension for a return of resource in another dimension; (3) The choice that arises from the use of resources from many dimensions; (4) The choice that arises from facilitating social conditions; and (5) The choice that arises from integrating personal resources with utilization of facilitating social conditions. NGEs’ social choices were found to vary according to the individuals and community context.
Analysing the effects of strategic assets on company success : an evidence in manufacturing company
Authors: Samad Sarminah , Abdullah Alsolami Hazaz
Published: May 2018

Manufacturing industry plays a significant role in the development of a nation. Thus, analyzing the factors influencing its success is profoundly needed. Scholars have identified strategic assets as a key factors that influence the success of manufacturing companies. This study examined the relationship between strategic assets on company success. 400 manufacturing companies in Malaysia have participated in the survey.  A total of 299 usable questionnaires were analyzed using Smart Partial Least Squares (PLS). The results revealed that manufacturing companies should consider increasing their strategic assets to achieve superior success. This suggests that strategic assets are crucial towards improving company success. The results found that intangible assets have emerged as the most significant predictor that affect company success. The implications of this study and recommendations for future research are also discussed.
The effective pattern design for children education to raise godly children based on Biblical standard
Authors: Pranata Santoso Magdale
Published: May 2018

In this digital era where individuals in the community turn out to be more secular and dependent on science and technology, some devoted Christian parents still want to teach their children to have godly characters. These parents assume that the Bible ought to be the basis of educating their children. They need an effective pattern design to teach their children in the light of the Bible since their early age. Various samples of parents were selected based on the children's age, gender, number of siblings, parents' occupations, and church ministries. The number of parents was about forty. They focused on teaching their children based on Biblical standard. The procedure began with the step of exploration, in which the indicators were determined. The characters of their children had been described before starting the observations. Parents employed the pattern design of character education that was adopted from the childhood of some Bible heroes and Christian leaders in the Church History. Those models are individuals who have a Christ-like character and credibility. On the second half of the preparation year, the second observation was conducted to find out the difference and the development of their children’s characters. The result is a significant change in the characters of their children. Children who encountered this pattern of character education showed better character traits. They developed the ability to communicate with a healthy emotion, to be obedient to the parents, and also to build better relationships with parents and siblings. Educating children based on Biblical standard can be an effective pattern design of children education. It is a recommended model to equip parents who want their children to have godly characters in the middle of the digital era and secular society.