bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moderating role of Shariah committee quality on relationship between board of directors effectiveness and the performance of Malaysian Takaful
Authors: Eldaia Monther , Hanefah Mustafa , Marzuki Ainulashikin
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of Board of Directors Effectiveness (BODE) on the performance of Malaysian Takaful companies licensed by the Central Bank of Malaysia. In addition, the study investigates the moderating effect of Shariah Committee Quality (SCQ) on the relationship between BODE and companies’ performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of 11 Malaysian Takaful companies during the period of 2010-2017. While BDE and SCQ are measured using indices, performance is proxied using ROA and ROE. A panel fixed effect regression analysis is used to test the impact of the BDE on the financial performance of Malaysian Takaful companies and the moderator role of SCQ.

Findings

The main finding of this study shows a positive association between BDE and performance. More specifically, boards with a high presence of independent, Muslim and female directors positively contribute to the performance of Malaysian Takaful companies. Another interesting finding is related to the positive moderating effect of SCQ on the relationship between BDE and performance. This result indicates that a high level of SCQ combined with a high level of board effectiveness improve performance.

Practical implications

The finding is of great importance to stakeholders and policymakers to improve their board effectiveness and the quality of the Shariah committee to reduce agency costs and to improve the performance of Malaysian Takaful companies.

Originality/value

This study adds to the prior literature by investigating for the first time the relationship between BDE and performance and the interaction effect of SCQ on the performance of Malaysian Takaful companies.
Pulse density modulation control-based multi-load handling three leg inverter for cooking applications
Authors: Vishnuram Pradeep , Gunabalan Ramachandiran
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Induction heating applications aided by power electronic control have become very attractive in the recent past. For cooking applications, power electronics circuits are very suitable to feed power to multi loads with an appropriate control technique. The purpose of this paper is to develop a three leg inverter to feed power to three loads simultaneously and independently.

Design/methodology/approach

Pulse density modulation control technique is used to control the output power independently with constant switching frequency.

Findings

Multi-load handling converter with independent power control is achieved with reduced number of switching devices (two switches/per load) with simple control strategy.

Originality/value

The proposed system is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink, and the thermal analysis is carried out in COMSOL multi-physics software. The hardware realisation is performed for a 1 kW prototype with 20 kHz switching frequency and 10 kHz pulse density modulation frequency. PIC16F877A microcontroller is used to validate the experimental results for various values of control signals (DPDM). The simulation and experimental results are in good agreement and validates the developed system.
Faculty perceptions of information literacy skills: an investigation at the Florence University Campus of Social Sciences
Authors: Giangrande Rosaria , Cassigoli Alessandra , Giusti Eleonora
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The Florence University Social Science Library has for some time been engaged in courses for information literacy (IL), but so far, there has been a lack of collaboration with teachers. This study aims to investigate teachers’ perception of students’ IL skills.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative investigation was based on semi-structured interviews with 24 faculty members of the Florence University Social Sciences campus.

Findings

Knowledge of the IL frameworks is not widespread among the teachers of the campus, but following the discussion, most of the interviewees came to acknowledge its certain validity. The teachers tend to attribute an insufficient level of information skills to the bachelor’s degree students, a good level to master’s degree and a more positive level to the postgraduates. They express appreciation of the training activity of the library, but they, nevertheless, still tend to consider librarians, as their more traditional role would suggest, only as bibliographic research experts. No one seemed to believe librarians possess those training competencies they would need to get involved in teaching curricula. The recognition of the work that has been accomplished up to now represents foundations for an increasingly necessary partnership. There is an awareness, however, that a suitable strategy which requires determination and initiative will be difficult to implement.

Originality/value

This study represents one of the few contributions on the perception of IL skills by faculty members in Italian universities.
Heat transfer within linear Fresnel unit using parabolic reflector
Authors: Ebrahimpour Z. , Farshad Seyyed Ali , Sheikholeslami M.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper scrutinizes exergy loss and hydrothermal analysis of Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR) unit by means of FLUENT. Several mirrors were used to guide the solar radiation inside the receiver, which has parabolic shape. Radiation model was used to simulate radiation mode.

Design/methodology/approach

Heat losses from receiver should be minimized to reach the optimized design. Outputs were summarized as contours of incident radiation, isotherm and streamline. Outputs were classified in terms of contours and plots to depict the influence of temperature of hot wall, wind velocity and configurations on performance of Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR) based on thermal and exergy treatment. Four arrangements for LFR units are considered and all of them have same height.

Findings

Greatest Nu and Ex can be obtained for case D due to the highest heat loss from hot wall. Share of radiative heat flux relative to total heat flux is about 94% for case D. In case D when Tr = 0.388, As hext rises from 5 to 20, Nutotal enhances about 11.42% when Tr = 0.388. By selecting case D instead of case A, Ex rises about 16.14% for lowest Tr. Nutotal and Ex of case D augment by 3.65 and 6.23 times with rise of Tr when hext = 5. To evaluate the thermal performance (ηth) of system, absorber pipe was inserted below the parabolic reflector and 12 mirrors were used above the ground. The outputs revealed that ηth decreases about 14.31% and 2.54% with augment of Tin and Q if other factors are minimum.

Originality value

This paper scrutinizes exergy loss and hydrothermal analysis of LFR unit by means of finite volume method. Several mirror used to guide the solar radiation inside the receiver, which has parabolic shape. DO model was used to simulate radiation mode. Heat losses from receiver should be minimized to reach the optimized design. Outputs were summarized as contours of incident radiation, isotherm and streamline.
Predicting the airborne microbial transmission via human breath particles using a gated recurrent units neural network
Authors: Tamaddon Jahromi Hamid Reza , Sazonov Igor , Jones Jason , Coccarelli Alberto , Rolland Samuel , Chakshu Neeraj Kavan , Thomas Hywel , Nithiarasu Perumal
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to devise a tool based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and machine learning (ML), for the assessment of potential airborne microbial transmission in enclosed spaces. A gated recurrent units neural network (GRU-NN) is presented to learn and predict the behaviour of droplets expelled through breaths via particle tracking data sets.

Design/methodology/approach

A computational methodology is used for investigating how infectious particles that originated in one location are transported by air and spread throughout a room. High-fidelity prediction of indoor airflow is obtained by means of an in-house parallel CFD solver, which uses a one equation Spalart–Allmaras turbulence model. Several flow scenarios are considered by varying different ventilation conditions and source locations. The CFD model is used for computing the trajectories of the particles emitted by human breath. The numerical results are used for the ML training.

Findings

In this work, it is shown that the developed ML model, based on the GRU-NN, can accurately predict the airborne particle movement across an indoor environment for different vent operation conditions and source locations. The numerical results in this paper prove that the presented methodology is able to provide accurate predictions of the time evolution of particle distribution at different locations of the enclosed space.

Originality/value

This study paves the way for the development of efficient and reliable tools for predicting virus airborne movement under different ventilation conditions and different human positions within an indoor environment, potentially leading to the new design. A parametric study is carried out to evaluate the impact of system settings on time variation particles emitted by human breath within the space considered.
Ecuadorian and Uruguayan teachers' perceptions and experiences of teaching online during COVID
Authors: Burgin Ximena D. , Coli Coli Sheila , Daniel Mayra C.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic is a unique event that forced K-12 schools to rethink the delivery of instruction to protect the well-being of school system stakeholders. Teachers, school administrators and parents had to adapt to and embrace new ways of teaching and learning by utilizing available technology. The purpose of this study is to examine the challenges encountered by in-service teachers when moving from face-to-face to online teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a qualitative phenomenological research methodology to examine Ecuadorian and Uruguayan teachers' perceptions and experiences transitioning from face-to-face to online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. This comparative study used convenience sampling to include 12 K-12 teachers from Ecuador and Uruguay.

Findings

The results of this study produced two themes that evidenced the demands placed on educators. The first theme was job demands, relating to teachers' perceptions about workload, preparation time and curriculum issues. The second theme related to available support provided by the school administrators and technology issues faced by teachers and students. Even though the teachers demonstrated adaptability for educating students during the pandemic, the experiences from both countries should be considered by teacher training programs and in post-graduate professional development.

Originality/value

This article examined how COVID-19 affected teachers in Uruguay and Ecuador. Data analysis documented the challenges encountered by teachers transitioning to online learning during the pandemic. The findings inform a larger audience about the needs of teachers working online.
Comfortable pressure feeling and clothing pressure on abdomen
Authors: Mitsuno Tamaki , Yanagisawa Ayaka Kai
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The present study obtained the topography of perceptible (a perfect-fit feeling) clothing pressures from the chest to groin, when a stretching material provided hoop tension to the body surface of participants. Furthermore, the allowable pressure level was examined for the abdomen, which is pressed by underclothes on a daily basis.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were nine women aged 21.3 ± 1.2 years. Each participant's perception of pressure while wearing the experimental band was obtained in a questionnaire using a visual analog scale. Clothing pressure was measured employing a hydrostatic pressure-balancing method as participants adjusted the band length themselves to achieve two conditions: a perfect-fit and tight-fit on the abdomen.

Findings

The range of comfortable clothing pressure tightening provided by a 2.5 cm-wide elastic band on the abdomen was 0–5.6 hPa for under the bust, waist and groin, and 4.4–9.3 hPa for the chest, lower waist and hips. A nerve plexus of the autonomic nervous system and arteries are distributed over the body surface of the former body parts, which were thus sensitive to tightening around the abdomen.

Originality/value

The topography of perceptible clothing pressure was obtained when stretching material provided hoop tension to the body surface of the participant. The results of a participant questionnaire agreed with clothing pressure obtained using a hydrostatic pressure-balancing method that has a short-time constant and sensitive resolution. Furthermore, allowable pressure levels were proposed.
How to motivate students to do a course project in design of experiments course from a web-based virtual learning material?
Authors: Saikaew Charnnarong
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a practical method for training students how to conduct statistical analysis and do a course project in design of experiments (DOEs) course through the Web-based virtual catapult simulation.

Design/methodology/approach

A step-by-step sequential DOE process for investigating the effects of controllable factors on quality characteristic responses was presented as a guideline for conducting a DOE course project. Each team was assigned to create an innovative teaching material and work on the term report by following the recommended guidelines for designing experiments through the Web-based virtual catapult simulation. Hypothesis was defined to test whether doing a course project based on this approach would impact students’ learning outcome.

Findings

The Web-based virtual material was an alternative technique for interactive teaching that could improve students’ understanding and achievement in DOE course projects. There was a significant difference in student learning and understanding before and after doing on the course project through the Web-based virtual catapult simulation. The students had improved communication and teamwork skills after following the recommended procedure for practicing DOEs.

Practical implications

Most students could effectively conduct designing experiments, carry out designed experiments, analyze data and gain valuable teamwork experience. After learning the DOE approach based on the catapult simulation, they enjoyed working on their course projects deploying to the innovative toys and other real-life situations with real measurements.

Originality/value

The use of Web-based virtual material, including catapult simulation, was an alternative technique for interactive DOE teaching to improve the students’ understanding and achievement in DOE course projects.
Design of a robot for inspection and diagnostic operations of rail track facilities
Authors: Daniyan Ilesanmi , Mpofu Khumbulani , Nwankwo Samuel
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The need to examine the integrity of infrastructure in the rail industry in order to improve its reliability and reduce the chances of breakdown due to defects has brought about development of an inspection and diagnostic robot.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, an inspection robot was designed for detecting crack, corrosion, missing clips and wear on rail track facilities. The robot is designed to use infrared and ultrasonic sensors for obstacles avoidance and crack detection, two 3D-profilometer for wear detection as well as cameras with high resolution to capture real time images and colour sensors for corrosion detection. The robot is also designed with cameras placed in front of it with colour sensors at each side to assist in the detection of corrosion in the rail track. The image processing capability of the robot will permit the analysis of the type and depth of the crack and corrosion captured in the track. The computer aided design and modeling of the robot was carried out using the Solidworks software version 2018 while the simulation of the proposed system was carried out in the MATLAB 2020b environment.

Findings

The results obtained present three frameworks for wear, corrosion and missing clips as well as crack detection. In addition, the design data for the development of the integrated robotic system is also presented in the work. The confusion matrix resulting from the simulation of the proposed system indicates significant sensitivity and accuracy of the system to the presence and detection of fault respectively. Hence, the work provides a design framework for detecting and analysing the presence of defects on the rail track.

Practical implications

The development and the implementation of the designed robot will bring about a more proactive way to monitor rail track conditions and detect rail track defects so that effort can be geared towards its restoration before it becomes a major problem thus increasing the rail network capacity and availability.

Originality/value

The novelty of this work is based on the fact that the system is designed to work autonomously to avoid obstacles and check for cracks, missing clips, wear and corrosion in the rail tracks with a system of integrated and coordinated components.
A generalized model selection framework for multi-state failure data analysis
Authors: Patil Rajkumar Bhimgonda , Patil Suyog Subhash , Gupta Gajanand , Bewoor Anand K.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to carry out a reliability analysis of a mechanical system considering the degraded states to get a proper understanding of system behavior and its propagation towards complete failure.

Design/methodology/approach

The reliability analysis of computerized numerical control machine tools (CNCMTs) using a multi-state system (MSS) approach that considers various degraded states rather than a binary approach is carried out. The failures of the CNCMT are classified into five states: one fully operational state, three degraded states and one failed state.

Findings

The analysis of failure data collected from the field and tests conducted in the laboratory provided detailed understandings about the quality of the material and its failure behavior used in designing and the capability of the manufacturing system. The present work identified that Class II (major failure) is critical from a maintainability perspective whereas Class III (moderate failure) and Class IV (minor failure) are critical from a reliability perspective.

Research limitations/implications

This research applies to reliability data analysis of systems that consider various degraded states.

Practical implications

MSS reliability analysis approach will help to identify various degraded states of the system that affect the performance and productivity and also to improve system reliability, availability and performance.

Social implications

Industrial system designers recognized that reliability and maintainability is a critical design attribute. Reliability studies using the binary state approach are insufficient and incorrect for the systems with degraded failures states, and such analysis can give incorrect results, and increase the cost. The proposed MSS approach is more suitable for complex systems such as CNCMT rather than the binary-state system approach.

Originality/value

This paper presents a generalized framework MSS's failure and repair data analysis has been developed and applied to a CNCMT.
Numerical investigation of squeeze film lubrication on bioinspired hexagonal patterned surface
Authors: Su Binbin , Zou Xianghe , Huang Lirong
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the squeeze film lubrication properties of hexagonal patterned surface inspired by the epidermis structure of tree frog’s toe pad and numerically explore the working mechanism of hexagonal micropillar during the acquisition process of high adhesive and friction for wet contacts.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-dimensional elastohydrodynamic numerical model is employed for the squeezing contacts. The pressure distribution, load carrying capacity and liquid flow rate of the squeeze film are obtained through a simultaneous solution of the two-dimensional Reynolds equation and elasticity deformation equations.

Findings

Higher pressure is found to be longitudinally distributed across individual hexagonal pillar, with pressure peak emerging at the center of hexagonal pillar. Expanding the area density and shrinking the channel depth or initial film thickness will improve the magnitude of squeezing pressure. Relatively lower pressure is generated inside interconnected channels, which reduces the load carrying capacity of the squeeze film. Meanwhile, the introduction of microchannel is revealed to downscale the total mass flow rate of squeezing contacts.

Originality/value

This paper provides a good proof for the working mechanism of surface microstructures during the acquisition process of high adhesive and friction for wet contacts.
Offline vs online problem-based learning: a case study of student engagement and learning outcomes
Authors: Kristianto Hans , Gandajaya Linda
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Furthermore, the purpose of this study is to compare the student engagement and the learning outcomes in offline and online PBL in the aforementioned course. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruption in various sectors, including education. Since it was first announced in mid-March 2020 in Indonesia, teaching and learning activities have been carried out online. In this study, a comparison of the offline (Spring 2019, prior to the pandemic) and online (Spring 2021, during the pandemic) problem-based learning (PBL) method in the sustainable chemical industry course is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative analysis was conducted by measuring the students’ engagement, course-learning outcomes (CLOs) and student learning outcomes (SLOs). Difference tests of engagement score, CLOs and SLOs were investigated by using the t-test or Mann–Whitney U-test. Furthermore, the perceived students’ stressors were measured.

Findings

It is found that the students’ engagement in offline and online PBL gives similar scores with no significant difference. This is possible because of the PBL structure that demands students to be actively engaged in gaining knowledge, collaboratively working in teams and interacting with other students and lecturers. Although similarly engaged, the CLOs and SLOs of online PBL are significantly lower than offline PBL, except for SLO related to oral and written communication skills and affective aspect. The decrease in CLOs and SLOs could be influenced by students’ academic, psychological and health-related stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic time.

Originality/value

This study provides a recommendation to apply online PBL during the COVID-19 pandemic time and beyond, although some efforts to improve CLOs and SLOs are needed.
Impact of supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic to micro, small and medium enterprises in Davao Region, Philippines
Authors: Laorden Nikko Longjas , Sarmiento Jon Marx Paredes , Romo Glory Dee Antero , Acuña Thaddeus Retuerto , Acopiado Imee Marie Añabesa
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of supply chain disruptions on the operations and sales performance of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the adoption of “green” technology during the COVID-19 pandemic in Davao Region, Philippines.

Design/methodology/approach

A business impact survey was conducted among 113 MSMEs in Davao Region through the Regional Inclusive Innovation Center participated by the industry, government and the academe from October–December 2020. The impact of supply chain disruptions on the status of business operations was determined using ordered logit regression, while the impact on sales performance during the lockdown and new normal periods were modeled using logit regression. The technology upgrading plans of the MSMEs, including the adoption of “green” technology, were also determined.

Findings

This study found that the extent of disruption in processing the goods and services resulted in a negative impact on business operations, and the disruption of the availability of raw materials negatively affected the sales performance during the lockdown period. Moreover, around 20%–33% of MSMEs experiencing heavy supply chain disruptions had a plan to upgrade their business processes by adopting “green” technology.

Research limitations/implications

MSMEs need to establish strategic collaboration among the different stakeholders through public, private, non-government institutions and academe collaboration to enhance the capabilities of MSMEs in handling supply chain disruptions and pursuing technology upgrading.

Originality/value

This paper is among the early studies of the impact of COVID-19 to supply chains in the Philippines focusing on the MSMEs.
The impact of securities regulation in the European Union on M&A: does it compensate to go beyond borders?
Authors: Monteiro Rita , Silva Sónia
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the transposition of the EU directive that regulates M&As on cross-border deals. Acquirers of targets located in the European Union (EU) must comply not only with takeover rules set individually by member states but also with European Council Directives. The most significant of these Directives in the context of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) is the Takeover Bids Directive (TBD). The intent of the Directive is to ensure equal treatment for all companies launching takeover bids or that are subject to a change in control, providing minimum harmonization rules in view of creating a transparent environment for cross-border takeovers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the event-study and difference-in-differences approaches.

Findings

Using a sample of 2,129 M&As conducted between 2000 and 2015, this paper finds positive acquisition synergy for acquirers targeting firms from countries with stronger investor protection rules compared to the average of the EU, but no evidence regarding cross-border deals. The results support the prediction that regulation makes countries diverge more depending on their ex ante level of investor protection.

Originality/value

This study examines the impact of the enactment of the TBD on announcement returns of M&As in the EU.
An evaluation of critical knowledge areas for managing the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Abdalla Wala , Renukappa Suresh , Suresh Subashini
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The ability to manage the COVID-19 pandemic is contingent upon the ability to effectively manage its heterogeneous knowledge resources. Knowledge mapping represents a great opportunity to create value by bringing stakeholders together, facilitating comprehensive collaboration and facilitating broader in-depth knowledge sharing and transfer. However, identifying and analysing critical knowledge areas is one of the most important steps when creating a knowledge map. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to appraise the critical knowledge areas for managing COVID-19, and thereby enhance decision-making in tackling the consequences of the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach for this study is a critical literature review, covering publications on knowledge management, knowledge mapping and COVID-19. EBSCOhost, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, TRID, Web of Science and Wiley Online Library were searched for full text, peer-reviewed articles written in English that investigated on critical knowledge areas for managing the spread of COVID-19. After full screening, 21 articles met the criteria for inclusion and were analysed and reported.

Findings

The study revealed seven critical knowledge areas for managing the COVID-19 pandemic. These are cleaning and disinfection; training, education and communication; reporting guidance and updates; testing; infection control measures, personal protective equipment; and potential COVID-19 transmission in health and other care settings. The study developed a concept knowledge map illustrating areas of critical knowledge which decision-makers need to be aware of.

Practical implications

Providing decision-makers with access to key knowledge during the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be crucial for effective decision-making. This study has provided insights for the professionals and decision-makers identifying the critical knowledge areas for managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Social implications

The study advances the literature on knowledge management and builds a theoretical link with the management of public health emergencies. Additionally, the findings support the theoretical position that knowledge maps facilitate decision-making and help users to identify critical knowledge areas easily and effectively.

Originality/value

This study fills gaps in the existing literature by providing an explicit representation of know-how for managing the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper uses an objective and qualitative approach by reviewing related publications, reports and guidelines in the analysis. The concept map illustrates the critical knowledge areas for managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
The influence of the knowledge management processes on results in basic education schools
Authors: Cordeiro Marcelo de Moraes , Oliveira Mírian , Sanchez-Segura Maria-Isabel
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify the influence of knowledge management processes on the performance of basic education, including both private and confessional organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a positivist view of science and adopts a quantitative approach. A survey was conducted that received 242 answers, which were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

All the knowledge management processes were found to impact all the dimensions of organizational performance in the schools. The role knowledge creation exerts on people in the organization was made apparent, as was the way in which knowledge storage impacts three Balanced Scorecard dimensions, namely, people, internal processes and sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to private confessional basic education schools in Brazil that work at one or more levels of basic education.

Practical implications

This research is intended to help educational managers improve their knowledge management practices and achieve better performance within the educational environment.

Originality/value

The present study identifies two topics which are still under-investigated in the field of private confessional basic education, namely: the knowledge management processes and the Balanced Scorecard approach.
Compassion: the legacy of the pandemic in rural schools and communities
Authors: Lasater Kara , Scales Meghan , Sells Kelley , Hoskins Meleah , Dickey Jordan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how rural schools and communities responded to the COVID-19 pandemic through compassionate care.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides “compassion narratives” (Frost et al., 2006, p. 851) from five educators (i.e. the authors) working and/or living in rural communities. Each narrative describes how compassion was witnessed and experienced from various professional positions (which include classroom teacher; building-level leader; district-level leader; special services director and school psychologist; and assistant professor of educational leadership).

Findings

The compassion narratives described in this paper demonstrate how various organizations and communities responded to COVID-19 through compassionate care. They also provide a lens for considering how rural schools and communities might sustain compassion in a post-pandemic world.

Originality/value

This paper extends disciplinary knowledge by considering the healing, transformative power of compassion within rural schools and communities – not just in response to COVID-19 but in response to all future adversities.
Loneliness through the lens of Black feminist love-politics: pedagogical practices amid pandemic online learning
Authors: Rifino Mike , Sugarman Kushya
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including contact restrictions and the switch to virtual classes, loneliness has become a pressing concern for college students and their learning. This study aims to interrogate current discussions about college student loneliness through the lens of Black feminist love-politics to reimagine online pedagogical practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a broad literature base and anecdotes from personal teaching experiences, the authors contend that Black Feminist perspectives on love, care and solidarity can illuminate the sociopolitical dimensions of loneliness in pedagogically productive ways.

Findings

The authors explore various pedagogical practices that are inspired by Black feminist approaches that aim to promote solidarity, love and care in either virtual or in-person classrooms. These pedagogical suggestions result from the authors’ teaching experiences amid online learning and current literature in education.

Practical implications

The authors seek to support educators’ understanding of the most pervasive yet misunderstood emotional experiences of student learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper explores strategies for addressing feelings of loneliness within online learning-related contexts in higher education. This discussion will be particularly relevant for educators and students from historically marginalized populations.

Originality/value

This work focuses on the plight of community college students, a demographic that has not garnered enough attention in the educational research concerning this pandemic. In addition, this paper offers an account of loneliness that aligns with the political and ideological crisis of today and places it in conversation with Black feminist thought.
Towards advancing African management scholarship
Authors: Ibeh Kevin , Eyong Joseph Ebot , Amaeshi Kenneth
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to address the main arguments put forward in Grietjie Verhoef’s article and contribute to a wider debate among management scholars on the role of indigenous theories. It challenges the view of African management as illusory and points to the rising support for indigenous theories as indicative of the weakening of the unquestioned dominance of universal theories.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes a conceptual and critically reflective approach, underpinned by a 360-degree evaluation of pertinent literature and theoretical arguments.

Findings

This paper reveals an underlying symmetry and interconnectedness, anchored on a shared communal ethos, among Afrocentric management concepts, specifically Ubuntu, Ekpe and Igbo apprenticeship systems. This symmetry points to an underlying indigenous management theory that begs to be further conceptualised, evidenced and advanced.

Research limitations/implications

This paper affirms Verhoef’s demand for Ubuntu, Ekpe, Igbo apprenticeship system to be more rigorously developed and theoretically coherent and urges scholars to intensify effort towards advancing the conceptual and empirical foundations of African management. Echoing Mahatma Gandhi’s timeless counsel, this paper calls on critics of African management to join the effort to bring about the change they wish to see in African management theorising.

Social implications

This paper disavows the alleged effort to impose a single “African management” model or perpetuate the “colonial/indigenous” binary divide but equally cautions against an effort to veto scholarly striving for a common identity, to learn from history or not embrace collective amnesia. As examples from the USA and Europe show, diversity, even heterogeneity, needs not to preclude the forging of a commonly shared identity complemented with appropriate sub-identities.

Originality/value

This paper links the African management-centred themes addressed by Verhoef to the wider debate among management scholars about lessening the dominance of universal theories and allowing space for context-resonant indigenous theories. It calls on African management scholars to invest the premium and intensified effort towards building a more robust and coherent body of indigenous theory that will have the capacity and efficacy to inform, explain and advance organisational practice and outcomes across Africa.
Social network fatigue: revisiting the antecedents and consequences
Authors: Pradhan Sajeet
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The study explores the antecedents and consequences of social network fatigue (SNF) using the stress–strain–outcome (S-S-O) model. It builds on the work of previous scholars in the area of SNS by focussing on the intervening processes that explain the study's focal constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the proposed framework, the study draws cross-sectional data from Indian Facebook users. Data were collected using an online survey, and the final sample of 309 valid and complete responses was analysed using SmartPLS to test the study's hypotheses.

Findings

The findings of the study report fear of missing out (FoMO) to be positively related to compulsive use (CU) of Facebook. CU had positive and significant direct and indirect effects (via information and social overload) on SNF. SNF was significantly associated with both depression (DEP) and discontinuous use intention (DUI). However, Facebook use intensity (FBI)'s moderating role on the relationship between FoMO and CU was insignificant.

Originality/value

First, the current study proposes and empirically tests a comprehensive model on the lines of the S-S-O model to understand the antecedents and consequences of SNF. Second, the study uses an Indian sample that is not age-specific (adolescents or young adults), unlike most past studies. Third, it examines various intervening stages and processes (through mediation and moderation) suggested by previous scholars but not yet explored.
E-career canvas for individuals’ initiative and MBA graduate employability: an exploratory study
Authors: Pattnaik Pinaki Nandan , Shukla Mahendra Kumar
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a model developed through a thorough qualitative analysis of pertinent stakeholder perceptions that can be used to map Master of Business Administration (MBA) students’ aspirations, goals, strengths and weaknesses to create optimal interventions and enable better employability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used an exploratory research design. The authors conducted interviews with 60 stakeholders to identify themes that form constituents of the E-Career Canvas for Individuals (E-CCI) model. To assess the impact of the proposed initiative, 30 random participants were chosen for interviews from among alumni, present students, faculty, recruiters and the university administration across five years.

Findings

The proposed model captures the short-term and long-term goals of students concerning their career aspirations. This study has qualitatively explored the impacts of the E-CCI initiative on graduating students’ outcomes. The impacts are positive. The findings also suggest that recruiters do experience an incremental difference among graduates who have participated in the E-CCI program at an educational institute in India.

Practical implications

Business schools may adopt this model to create profiles of their MBA students. Students, as well as institutional administration, may work on mitigating the shortcomings and weaknesses identified through E-CCI initiatives and target the roles matching the profiles of students during placements.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel model of E-CCI to capture the aspirations of MBA graduates and direct them to fulfil their goals. This study takes into consideration the viewpoints of key stakeholders involved to map the effectiveness of the model.
Information literacy: assessment of undergraduate and graduate nursing students
Authors: Allari Rabia S. , Hamdan Khaldoun , Albqoor Maha Alkaid , Shaheen Abeer
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To describe the perceived level of information competency among nursing students in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross sectional-correlational design was utilized. Data were collected using an electronic self-administered questionnaire from graduate and undergraduate nursing students in Jordan.

Findings

Nursing students showed a moderate mean total score of information competency (184.11 out of 280, SD = 22.92). Among information competency subscales, using the information technologies subscale had the highest mean score, while information from the mass media subscale had the lowest mean score. Information competency of nursing students was positively correlated with students' age. Significant differences were found in information competency according to the academic level, addressing scientific research and research in databases in the course of the study, frequency of meeting the supervisor to discuss the research and university sector.

Originality/value

Although there are numerous studies worldwide that assessed nursing students' information literacy, this paper represents the first study of information literacy competencies among nursing students in Jordan. While the content supports conclusions that have been drawn from other studies, this study is novel in terms of the student population it addressed. Information competency among nursing students can be improved by integrating standard research and information competency courses at the undergraduate level and involving mass media platforms in the nursing education curricula.
The impact of environmental barriers on attendance of outdoor and indoor professional sports: the case of the South Korean soccer, baseball and basketball leagues
Authors: Lee Seomgyun , Oh Taeyeon , Lim Choong Hoon
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study sought to determine if environmental barriers (i.e. air pollution, temperature and precipitation) affect outdoor (i.e. soccer and baseball) and indoor (i.e. basketball) professional sport attendance in South Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

By including actual air quality, temperature and precipitation data collected from each place where the sporting events take place, this study conducted a regression analysis to examine factors that influenced outdoor and indoor sport attendance.

Findings

In outdoor sports, the estimated results suggested that soccer and baseball attendance were not affected by air pollution. Indoor sport consumers did not change their consumption behaviors in attending sports despite the presence of air pollution. In addition, there was mixed evidence on the effect of weather-related variables on attendance. Average temperature had a positive effect on baseball (outdoor) and basketball (indoor) sport attendance, indicating that the warmer the temperature, the more likely those fans were to attend the games. Average precipitation was negatively associated with outdoor (soccer) sport spectators.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to the sport environment literature by examining the impact of environmental barriers on spectators' behaviors in the context of outdoor and indoor professional sports.
What contributes to auditee satisfaction in external ISO 9001 audits?
Authors: Lenning Jan , Gremyr Ida , Raharjo Hendry
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore factors that contribute to auditee satisfaction in external audit fieldwork of ISO 9001, and relationships between these factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose is addressed through a single case study and based upon data collected by a questionnaire. Data were analysed using probabilistic graphical models.

Findings

An auditor's knowledge of operations is shown to be the single most important factor contributing to auditee satisfaction in the study. Furthermore, establishing a co-operative audit atmosphere and focussing on business improvements support the co-creation of value in the interaction between auditor and auditee, while a focus on ISO compliance appears to be more of a hygiene factor.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on a study of one company and its interactions with one of the certification bodies for external auditing. Hence, the generalisability of the findings is limited by the case study method.

Practical implications

This paper identifies that an auditor's knowledge of operations and a focus on improvements and co-creation of value can improve auditee satisfaction and appreciation of the audit process.

Originality/value

Previous research has concluded that audit fieldwork is a key attribute associated with auditee satisfaction. This paper adds to this body of knowledge by empirically examining the specific factors within audit fieldwork that contribute to auditee satisfaction and focuses on value-creation in the audit process. By understanding these factors and moving towards a service perspective on audits with value co-creation as focus, it is possible to enhance the value of external audits.
Developing a pedagogical instrument for MIS fundamental course – embracing self-regulated learning strategies
Authors: Abukhader Sajed M.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Teaching management information systems (MIS) fundamental course remains a challenging task to date, encountering several continuing complaints from students as well as instructors, as per several studies. Several reasons are reported, some of which are related to little embrace of more innovative non-traditional techniques, and limited literature guidance on selection and effective use of appropriate strategies to various settings. Toward instructional innovation, this paper proposes and tests a pedagogical instrument. By introducing this tool, the ultimate objective is to minimize the confusion that students usually encounter during this course and to empower the instructors in the delivery of its interdisciplinary knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

A triangulation of four methods is being employed: conceptual development, experimentation for 12 years, assessment in light of the self-regulated learning theory, and empirical analysis. For the latter method, an open-ended questionnaire as well as group interviewing were carried out.

Findings

The proposed instrument (need-function instrument [NFI]) was found to be in support of self-regulated learning to a promising extent in terms of its four core aspects. The participants were more inclined to accept as well as appreciate the instrument than report drawbacks. Yet, there are few complaints for the inability to distinguish between two introduced terms, ‘Information Problem’ and ‘Operations Problem’. Therefore, a future effort is deemed necessary to explore this aspect.

Research limitations/implications

The results are based on a single case of educational institution which is not enough to generalize for other educational environments. Future research is necessary for testing in a variety of settings in terms of type of classroom, number of students enrolled, type of institution (public or private), etc.

Practical implications

Whereas the instrument is anticipated to render improvements in the students’ understanding of MIS content and to alleviate the task of the course leader in delivering the course, there are possible practical implications that should be paid careful attention to. They were analyzed in terms of four dimensions: the Instructor, the Student, the Classroom and Time.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a new pedagogical instrument/tool for teaching the MIS fundamental course.