bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPLEMENTASI MODEL PROBLEM BASED LEARNING TERINTEGRASI STEM UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN LITERASI MATEMATIS
Authors: Purnama Rike Novianti , Rianti Cahyani  , Nandang Arif Saefuloh
Published: April 2024

The results of the 2015 PISA survey show that students' mathematical literacy in Indonesia is still low, in the field of mathematics it shows that Indonesia is ranked 62nd out of 72 countries. The problem of low mathematical literacy is caused by low interest in learning about the learning model used. This research aims to determine the increase in mathematical literacy skills through an integrated problem-based learning (PBL) model of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The research method used was quasi experiment. The population in this research were two classes of students from class XI in one upper secondary school, in the even semester of the 2022/2023 academic year. The research results show that learning with the STEM integrated PBL model is able to improve students' mathematical literacy skills. This can be seen from the average N-Gain in the experimental class of 0.68 in the medium category, while the control class obtained an average N-Gain of 0.22 in the low category. The average N-Gain is supported by the results of the independent sample t-test hypothesis test, with a Sig (2-tailed) value of 0.00 < 0.05, meaning that the students' mathematical literacy abilities are significantly different from those in the control class.
 
Keywords: Problem Based Learning, Mathematical Literacy Ability , STEM
PENGEMBANGAN LEMBAR KERJA PESERTA DIDIK BERBASIS PROBLEM BASED LEARNING MATEMATIKA SMP PADA MATERI SUDUT
Authors: Sarassanti Yumi
Published: April 2024

This research aims to produce LKPD based on Problem-Based Learning (PBL) for junior high school mathematics. This development research adopts the ADDIE development model with stages including Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The quality of the LKPD is reviewed from the assessment of material experts, media experts, and student responses. The research instruments used were a material expert questionnaire, a media expert questionnaire, and a student response questionnaire. The LKPD was tested in class VII MTS Mujahidin with 32 students as subjects. The LKPD developed contains learning activities according to PBL steps, presents problems related to daily life at the beginning of learning, and can be used in learning. Judging from the material aspect, the LKPD is assessed as good with an average assessment score by material experts of 4.00. Judging from the media aspect, the LKPD is considered good with an assessment score by media experts of 3.60. Students' responses to the use of LKPD are included in the good category with an average assessment score of 4.05. It can be concluded that the PBL-based LKPD for class VII junior high school is suitable for use in implementing mathematics learning.
 
Keywords: Development, , Problem Based Learning, Student Worksheets
Multiply by 37 (or Divide by 0.027): A Surprisingly Accurate Rule of Thumb for Converting Effect Sizes From Standard Deviations to Percentile Points
Authors: von Hippel Paul T.
Published: April 2024

Educational researchers often report effect sizes in standard deviation units (SD), but SD effects are hard to interpret. Effects are easier to interpret in percentile points, but converting SDs to percentile points involves a calculation that is not transparent to educational stakeholders. We show that if the outcome variable is normally distributed, we can approximate the percentile-point effect simply by multiplying the SD effect by 37 (or, equivalently, dividing the SD effect by 0.027). For students in the middle three-fifths of a normal distribution, this rule of thumb is always accurate to within 1.6 percentile points for effect sizes of up to 0.8 SD. Two examples show that the rule can be just as accurate for empirical effects from real studies. Applying the rule to empirical benchmarks, we find that the least effective third of educational interventions raise scores by 0 to 2 percentile points; the middle third raise scores by 2 to 7 percentile points; and the most effective third raise scores by more than 7 percentile points.
Social Media in Crisis Communication: A Case Analysis of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes
Authors: Kuşku Özdemir Emel
Published: April 2024

This study examines the role of Twitter/X, a news platform, in crisis communication. The aim of the study is to contribute to the literature on crisis communication by understanding the importance, effectiveness, and applicability of social media. For this purpose, a qualitative research was conducted to determine how X was used as a communication tool during crises, specifically focusing on a case analysis of the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. Within the scope of the research, 182 tweets shared between February 6th and 13th, 2023, from the official X account of the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), were examined. Content analysis method was employed to analyze the tweets, focusing on content, frequency of sharing, and interaction rate. The research findings indicate that AFAD's tweets were categorized into four main themes: "information on processes, support services, announcements, and disinformation and communication." The findings suggest that the posts were predominantly made during the initial period of the crisis characterized by high uncertainty, with the most shared content focusing on search and rescue operations. Another research objective was to determine the interaction rate of AFAD's crisis communication messages. Accordingly, it is noteworthy that the theme with the least frequency of sharing, "disinformation and communication," received the highest interaction from users. The findings of this study, which focuses on the transformative power of social media in crisis communication, confirm that the need for reliable communication channels and verified information/sources increases during crises, and it confirms the significant role of institutional social media accounts in combating disinformation.
Private entrepreneurship in the USSR in the 1930s — 1950s
Authors: Afanasiev Andrey , Shatokhin Mikhail , Kuraev Aleksey , Belostotsky Aleksey , Khokonov Anzor
Published: April 2024

The article discusses the features of the development of private entrepreneurship in the USSR under the predominance of state ownership of the means of production and centralized directive planning of the country’s economy. The authors give an answer to the question of the existence of the mechanism of private entrepreneurship in the retrospective conjuncture of the socio-economic formation within the Soviet Union, as well as the features of the forms of doing business. The study of the specifics of entrepreneurial activity in the Soviet era is based on an analysis of the regulatory framework, which left opportunities for organizing and conducting personal commercial activities.
Navigating Data Transparency and Ethics
Authors: Salehzadeh Niksirat Kavous , Goswami Lahari , Rao Pooja Shikaripur Bheemasena , Arnera James , Silacci Alessandro , Aliyu Sadiq , Aebli Annika , Wacharamanotham Chat , Cherubini Mauro
Published: April 2024

We worked on a paper assessing research transparency in CHI publications but decided to anonymize the dataset before publication. Behind this counterintuitive choice are several lessons for researchers interested in making their work more transparent, and developers of data repositories.
Estimating the mass eruption rate of volcanic eruptions from the plume height using Bayesian regression with historical data: the MERPH model
Authors: Woodhouse Mark
Published: April 2024

The mass eruption rate (MER) of an explosive volcanic eruption is a commonly used quantifier of the magnitude of the eruption, and estimating it is importance in managing volcanic hazards. The physical connection between the MER and the rise height of the eruption column results in a scaling relationship between these quantities, allowing one to be inferred from the other. Eruption source parameter datasets have been used to calibrate the relationship, but the uncertainties in the measurements used in the calibration are typically not accounted for in applications. This can lead to substantial over- or under-estimation. Here we apply a simple Bayesian approach to incorporate uncertainty into the calibration of the scaling relationship using Bayesian linear regression to determine probability density functions for model parameters. This allows probabilistic prediction of mass eruption rate given a plume height observation in a way that is consistent with the data used for calibration. By using non-informative priors, the posterior predictive distribution can be determined analytically. The methods and dataset are collected in a python package, called merph, and we illustrate their use in sampling plausible MER--plume height pairs, and in identifying usual eruptions. We discuss applications to ensemble-based hazard assessments and potential developments of the approach.
A model of elastic softening and second order phase transitions in anisotropic phases, with application to stishovite and post-stishovite
Authors: Myhill Robert
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a Landau framework for describing instantaneous and time-dependent elastic softening in anisotropic solid solutions. As with previous Landau models, the framework minimizes a thermodynamic potential by varying isochemical parameters (q) that describe changes in structural, ordering or electronic spin state. Unlike previous models, no coupling terms are used; strain is not a parameter involved in the energy minimization, but is instead a property of the material. The framework satisfies all the connections between elastic and thermodynamic properties required by Maxwell's relations. The stishovite to post-stishovite transition is used to illustrate the validity of the formulation. It is shown that around the transition, the stishovite-post stishovite phase is auxetic in many directions and has negative linear compressibility along the long axis of the cell.
A Solver-TOPSIS technique for multi-objective optimisation of innovative multi-stage VCR systems by using Microsoft Excel
Authors: El-Awad Mohamed Musadag
Published: April 2024

This paper describes a method for multi-objective optimisation analyses of multistage vapour-compression refrigeration (VCR) systems by utilising the single-objective solver of Microsoft Excel and the TOPSIS decision-making method. The paper illustrates the Solver-TOPSIS method by analysing an innovative two-stage VCR system that adds a heat-recovery intercooler to the conventional system after the first-stage compressor. The Excel-aided model developed for the system calculates its coefficient of performance (COP), exergetic efficiency, total cost rate, and total equivalent warming impact (TEWI). Four design parameters are treated as variables which are the evaporator and condenser temperatures, the isentropic efficiency of the compressor, and the flow rate of the cooling water. Comparing the values of the four performance indicators as optimised by the proposed method with those optimised by the MIDACO solver shows that the method yields higher values of the system’s COP and exergetic efficiency and lower TEWI at the expense of slightly increasing the total cost rate. The total rate of exergy destruction in the system optimised by method is also lower than in the one optimised by MIDACO.
Within-Year Stability and Changes in Adolescents’ Cross-Domain Motivational Profiles: Predictions on Academic Achievement and Educational Choices
Authors: Polso Kukka-Maaria , Tuominen Heta , Ihantola Petri , Niemivirta Markku
Published: April 2024

Supporting propositions of the Situated Expectancy-Value Theory, abundant research has shown academic motivation to predict students’ school achievement and choices. Less explored, however, are individual differences in motivational dynamics, which may offer further perspectives on the formation of educational pathways. This study aimed at elucidating how stability and change in adolescents’ cross-domain motivational profiles within the last year of basic education are connected with their background, final grades, and the selection of general vs. vocational upper secondary school programmes.A nationally representative sample of Finnish students (N = 1,590, Mage = 14.8 years, 53% girls) reported motivation (self-concept; intrinsic, attainment, and utility value; cost) for math and language arts twice during the academic year. Grades and the chosen educational programme were derived from national registers. Data were analyzed using latent profile and transition analyses.We identified five motivational profiles in both semesters. Adjusted (overall moderate motivation; 33% at T1 / 33% at T2), Highly motivated (overall high motivation; 23% / 26%) and Unattached (overall low motivation; 20% / 14%) were characterized by similar motivation for the two subjects, Math-motivated (13% / 16%) and Language-motivated (11% / 12%) by differentiated patterns. Expectedly, Highly motivated received the highest grades and were most likely to opt for general programmes. Unattached, in turn, were prone to motivational changes. While gender and prior achievement predicted profile memberships and changes to a considerable extent, motivational shifts had unique value in predicting both grades and educational choices prior to a crucial educational transition.
Rebel Financing and the commitment problem in civil conflict: An Application to Northern Ireland
Authors: Jennings Colin , Sanchez-Pages Santiago
Published: April 2024

Why is a peace agreement acceptable at some point in time but not earlier?We argue that the commitment problem combined with the nature of rebelFinancing can help explain this. Crucial to our argument is that the composition of financing between donations and self-generated funds through organised crime and local governance determine the size of anticipated shifts in thefuture power of rebel groups. When donations are the main source of funds,shifts in rebel strength will more likely be large and be preempted throughconflict by the state. When rebels obtain mainly self-generated funds, shiftsin power will more likely be small and allow for peace. We apply this theoryto the Northern Ireland conflict and analyse why the 1998 Belfast Agreementwas credible, but the very similar failed Sunningdale Agreement in 1973 was not. Our paper contributes to the literature on the boundary between political violence and organised crime.
Global Care Policy Index 2022 Country Report: Iceland
Authors: Nalwa Anoushka , Paul Anju Mary
Published: April 2024

While Iceland’s maternity and paternity leave policies are some of the most generous in the world – a joint 12-month allocation to both parents, Iceland’s under-performance in Sub-Index A of the GCPI was ultimately due to its limited dependent care leave policies and lack of universal flexible work policies to support workers with family caregiving responsibilities. Iceland performed better in Sub-Index B for its protections for domestic workers, but the reality is that many domestic workers in the country work informally and are not protected by trade unions.
Global Care Policy Index 2022 Country Report: Jordan
Authors: Ayub Mishael H. , Paul Anju Mary
Published: April 2024

Jordan’s Labor Law provides for maternity leave and some related benefits, but the country scored poorly for Sub-Index A due to the absence of provisions for paternity leave, dependent care leave and flexible work arrangements. Jordan’s domestic workers are covered under the country’s labor laws, but there are gaps in legal protections for migrant workers, particularly surrounding their hiring and employment, which meant a reduction in Jordan’s score for Sub-Index B. Jordan is rated as “Emerging,” with a total score of 4.62.
Global Care Policy Index 2022 Country Report: Qatar
Authors: Ayub Mishael H. , Paul Anju Mary
Published: April 2024

Qatar's limited legislation providing maternity protections and no provisions for paternal leave or dependent care leave contributed to a low score in Sub-Index A. It performed comparatively better in Sub-Index B due to recent reforms of its kafala system and new legislation to protect domestic workers. In all, Qatar scored 4.53 (out of 10) in the GCPI, placing it in the Emerging band of the Index.
Tubercular granuloma arising from floor of orbit : A rare occurrence
Authors: Khan Lubna
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Tuberculosis of the orbit is a unilateral entity commonly involving the bony wall, periosteum or soft tissue in left orbit. It is a rarity.
Case: A fifty seven years old female presented with a localised mass near inferior orbital margin. Owing to its small size and superficial location in orbit, there was no soft tissue displacement or motility disturbance. 
Observations: Dissection revealed a localised firm mass attached to periorbita covering the orbital floor. The mass was excised and on histopathological analysis it was found to be composed of multiple granulomas containing abundant Giant cells. Considering such a picture at cellular level, ELISA for tuberculosis was done. Values were suggestive of recent  infection. The patient was put on antitubercular multidrug regimen for six months one week after excision of mass, with a follow up of four years, having no recurrence till date.
Conclusion: Though orbital tuberculosis is much more common in childhood, it should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of orbital mass in adults also. At times, even in an otherwise healthy individual, tuberculosis might be diagnosed because of an orbital mass.  
Ophthalmologists should have a high index of suspicion since orbital tuberculosis has been underdiagnosed in the past.
Acquired ankyloblepharon post purulent membranous conjunctivitis and its novel surgical management: A case report
Authors: Sharma Nidhi , Nagar Anjali
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Ankyloblepharon is a partial or complete fusion of eyelids by webs of skin. It may be congenital or acquired. Herein we report a rare case of acquired bilateral ankyloblepharon that developed after purulent membranous conjunctivitis. We will also discuss its unique surgical management which has not been reported previously in the literature.
Case: A 21 year old male presented with complaints of narrowing of eyes for the last six months following an attack of acute purulent membranous conjunctivitis. Surgical excision of the adhesions was done. We used conjunctival autograft to cover the raw area left after excision as a new modality of treatment. The graft was successfully taken up and no recurrence of adhesions was found at 1 year follow up.
Observations: Various modalities of treatment for ankyloblepharon have been reported which includes excision of tissue and suturing and amniotic graft. Here we have used conjunctival autograft on the raw area after excision of adhesions and the result obtained was good. 
Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge this is the first and a rare case of acquired ankyloblepharon in a young male following a single episode of purulent membranous conjunctivitis. Conjunctival autograft can be successfully used to cover the raw areas left after excision of adhesions.
Dry eye syndrome among patients with type II diabetes mellitus in a tertiary care centre in South India
Authors: Prasad Shimna Clara , Goudinho Sheldon James , Koshy Blessy Mary
Published: April 2024

Introduction: One of the leading causes of dry eye syndrome (DES) is found to be diabetes mellitus (DM). The current study was conducted to detect possible tear film anomalies among diabetic individuals attributable to dry eye. The study aimed to assess the proportion of dry eye syndrome among patients with Type 2  diabetes mellitus. 
Materials and methods: Two hundred patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus who came to the Ophthalmology OPD from October 2018 to November 2020 in the 29-60 years age group were included in the study. Patient data, diabetic history, dry eye symptoms, blood sugar values and tests to measure tear volume and tear film instability were carried out among patients and dry eyes were graded.
Results: The proportion of patients with dry eye symptoms among Type 2 diabetes mellitus were 61%. Mild dry eye syndrome was observed in 27%, moderate dry eye syndrome in 59% and severe dry eye syndrome in 14%. A statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was noted between the severity of dry eye syndrome and dry eye test parameters. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.923) was noted between severity of dry eye syndrome and Standardised Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) score which was statistically significant (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: In our study, there was higher prevalence of dry eyes in patients who had Type 2 diabetes Mellitus which might be attributed to reduced tear secretion in diabetes mellitus patients caused by autonomic dysfunction in these patients. We recommend that dry eye evaluation should be an integral part of ocular examination in diabetic patients for early detection and treatment so that further complications can be prevented, which may lead to severe visual impairment.
Study of natural course of serous macular detachment in pregnancy induced hypertensive patients at a tertiary care centre
Authors: Devegowda Shilpa Yellur , Nagaraj Kalpana Badami , Rajanna Hithashree Hampannavar , Chikhanumanthappa Hemalatha B , Bypareddy Ravi , N Manoj Kumar , Tumbadi Kavitha L , Basumatary Jessica
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The research aimed to study the natural course of serous macular detachment SRD) in patients with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), and document fundus changes, OCT findings and visual outcome.
Materials and methods: This is a prospective observational study. Admitted patients underwent ocular screening, and detailed dilated indirect ophthalmoscopy. Those with serous macular detachment were further evaluated with OCT; characteristics of OCT analysed and recorded. All eyes were followed up till macular resolution was noted.
Results: Out of 4950 cases, 22 patients (38 eyes) had serous macular detachment. Mean central macular thickness (CMT) was 512.29 (SD 242.074). RPE irregularity (31.6%),subretinal hyperreflective dots (26.3%) and subretinal membranes (23.7%) were more commonly seen OCT features in these eyes.
The difference between mean vision  and mean central macular thickness at different intervals was statistically significant : F(3, 111)=65.514, p - 0.001; F(3, 111)=47.331, p – 0.001 respectively. All  eyes had resolution of retinal detachment with full visual recovery  following delivery. However, 10 pregnancies had foetal mortality.
Conclusion:  The incidence of ocular affection in pregnancy induced hypertension is 1-2%. Retinal detachment in such cases have good visual potential following termination of pregnancy. However, the cases had a high incidence of foetal demise. Therefore, early emphasis on  early detection of ocular involvement in pregnancy induced hypertension and timely intervention is focused on to prevent foetal demise.
Evaluation of dry eye symptoms in lecturers working in medical colleges of Nepal: An online cross-sectional study following SARS-CoV-2 outbreak
Authors: Bista Bipin , Bista Padam Raj , Neupane Rasik , Gupta Sharad , Pandey Anwit Raj , Singh Aastha , Yadav Reena
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Dry eye is one of the frequently encountered ophthalmological disorders. Following the pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019, use of masks and electronic devices has taken an upraise globally. These factors are one of the causes for dry eye disease. This study emphasises dry eye symptoms among lecturers working in medical colleges of Nepal.
Materials and methods:  This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted among 217 lecturers working in various medical colleges in Nepal. Dry eye evaluation was done using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. Analysis of data was using Microsoft Excel 2016 and IBM  Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0.
Results: One fourth (25.80%) of 217 participants experienced symptoms of dry eye disease.
Conclusion: Increasing use of mask and laptop during this pandemic era has shown to cause mild dry eye symptoms in lecturers working in medical colleges of Nepal. Proper care and precaution needs to be practised in order to minimise dry eye symptoms and its consequences.
Re-Bond Place: Perancangan Pusat Penampungan Hewan dengan Pendekatan Rekreatif Edukatif di Jakarta Barat
Authors: Hindradjaja Tiffany , Sari Marchelia Gupita , Kusuma Adriyan
Published: April 2024

Seiring dengan bertambahnya jumlah penduduk, bertambah pula jumlah hewan peliharaan maupun hewan terlantar. Overpopulasi hewan domestik menjadi masalah tak terhindarkan yang dapat mengarah pada permasalahan di sekitar permukiman. Hewan-hewan terlantar seringkali ditampung dalam penampungan, namun jumlah hewan yang diadopsi tidak sebanding dengan hewan yang masuk. Di sisi lain, terdapat bisnis breeder yang menambah keturunan hewan domestik dengan cara yang tidak etis. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan bangunan untuk penampungan hewan yang mendorong minat masyarakat dalam mempelajari perilaku hewan dan menggalakkan adopsi. Lokasi perancangan yaitu Jakarta Barat yang merupakan daerah perkotaan padat namun belum memiliki penampungan hewan. Pendekatan yang diambil yaitu rekreatif edukatif, dengan harapan dapat mengundang pengunjung untuk datang serta mengedukasi masyarakat agar lebih memilih mengadopsi ketimbang membeli dari breeder. Untuk memenuhi pendekatan tersebut, bangunan perlu mendorong interaksi antara manusia dan hewan. Dengan demikian, persepsi masyarakat mengenai penampungan hewan yang suram/menyedihkan dapat berubah menjadi sebuah tempat rekreasi yang menarik dan mengedukasi.
Global Financial Crisis and Its Impact on Stock Markets: A Systematic Literature Review for Future Research Pathways
Authors: Mahanamahewa Ruwangi , Perera Wasantha
Published: April 2024

The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) which was initiated in the USA is considered the worst recession that collapsed the U.S. stock market. Moreover, the 2008 GFC acts as a textbook example where financial professionals may adopt the consequences and lessons learned during the crisis to effectively manage the future crisis incidences. Thus, this paper reviews the existing literature on the GFC and its impact on stock markets, to identify meaningful gaps in current knowledge, thereby uncovering future research pathways. This study employs a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology to review 100 articles selected from refereed journals from 2008 to 2020, followed by a content analysis. According to content analysis, the findings of this study are based on four themes; causes of the GFC, early warning indicators of the GFC, impact of the GFC on stock markets and the reforms after the GFC. The findings reveal that the main causes of the GFC was the US housing bubble burst and the credit crunch and highlights that the first signs of the GFC was indicated through changes to international reserves and exchange rates of the US during the period 2007 to 2008. Furthermore, literature provides mixed results on the impact of the GFC on emerging Asian stock markets, especially in China. Moreover, the most significant reform established after the crisis was regulating the financial system to improve the investor confidence. This paper will provide various emerging trends, consequences and lessons learned during the crisis.  However, this study does not offer an original empirical result. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that includes a SLR and a detailed content analysis of the GFC literature covering the period of 2008-2020. Therefore, the findings of this paper can be utilised by researchers, investors, policymakers, and finance professionals to identify the new direction and improve their investment decisions.

Keywords: Global Financial Crisis, Stock Market, Systematic Literature Review
Exploring Online Learning Experiences of Undergraduates in a Selected National University, Sri Lanka
Authors: Madhuwanthi L. A. Pavithra , Muthulingam Aruna , Madusha M. G. Hansani
Published: April 2024

The abrupt eruption of the COVID-19 pandemic forced drastic shifts in doing many things under new normal conditions. Consequently, the education sector too made a giant leap from traditional physical mode to an online learning method, giving a novel experience to students. Online learning is a form of education in which the main elements include the physical separation of teachers and students during instruction and the use of various technologies to facilitate student-teacher and student-student communication. Hence, the objective of this paper is to explore problems faced by undergraduates in online learning in a national university in Sri Lanka. This is a qualitative study that used a convenient sample of 30 undergraduates who have undergone both the traditional learning mode and online learning method. Data collection was carried out through a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire and a thematic analysis was employed for the study. The study found that undergraduates are experiencing a variety of problems in online learning as; technical issues, absence of conducive learning environment, financial burden, issues encountered from lecturers, pedagogical issues, and personal issues. This study provides useful implications for both the education policy formulators and educational institutions for the improvement of their online learning methods.

Keywords: Online Learning, Undergraduates, National University
COVID-19 Pandemic Disruption and Efficacy of Blended Learning on Learning Outcomes
Authors: Deepak Stephen
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic that broke out globally in March 2019 disrupted lives and livelihood around the world. Around 2.6 billion from Asia to Europe to Africa were quarantined. The pandemic wrung in fear, anxiety and loss of life impacting the psychological wellbeing of everyone (WHO, 2020). The virus affected approximately 118,000 people in 114 countries around the world forcing the World Health Organisation to declare it a pandemic on the 11 March 2020 (WHO, 2020). By 15 June 2020, 435,600 people had succumbed to the killer virus with 7.9 million people testing positive. Educational systems around the world too were troubled due to the unexpected spread of the infection. The pandemic shut academic institutions all around the world disrupting teaching-learning process as countries imposed strict lockdowns and quarantine rules. Nevertheless, academic institutions found new ways of continuing the teaching-learning process and quickly implemented the Blended Learning Educational Pedagogy. This study examines the efficacy of the Blended Learning Pedagogy on learning outcomes among learners during the pandemic. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire designed for the purpose of the study. Accordingly, 152 participants were included in the sample chosen using the convenient sampling method. Among them, 106 respondents were classified as active users of blended learning whose opinions were gathered for effective analysis. The study shows a strong positive correlation between Blended learning and learning outcomes. The result indicated a 53% correlation, whereas the extent of influence on learning outcomes was nearly half of it indicating that blended learning partially impacted learning outcomes.

Keywords: COVID-19, Blended Learning, Learning outcomes, Education Sector
Why Sri Lankan State-Owned Enterprises Continue to Make Losses: A Special Case Study on a State-Owned Enterprise in Sri Lanka
Authors: Perera K.M. Vidushini Wasana
Published: April 2024

This is a qualitative study that mainly focuses on the loss incurred by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) during the past few years. It mainly focused on identifying how the CEB has utilised their management functions and developing trends while identifying their impact on the performance of the CEB during the past few years. At the same time, it focused on identifying the factors that are contributing to the loss through the inefficiencies in the management functions and the developing trends relevant to their industry. Further, the data relevant to this study has mainly been gathered through various primary data generation methods like semi-structured interviews and non-participatory observations in relation to nine managerial employees representing the financial management, human resource and the corporate strategy division of the CEB. Also, the above sample was selected based on the purposive sampling technique as well. Also, this study has used some secondary sources like journal articles related to inefficiencies of the state-owned enterprises, newspaper articles and the CEB websites as well. The data generated through the primary and secondary data sources have been analysed using the thematic analysis which is considered to be popular among qualitative research. Having tariff stagnation since 2013 which caused to increase the generation cost compared to its revenue, unavailability of low-cost power plants, not implementing the low-cost power plants, improper planning of the internal processes, unavailability of proper political leadership for the CEB are some of the factors that have highly contributed to the loss of the CEB through their management functions during the past few years. Also, the continuous debts carried out by various state-owned enterprises like the army, navy, hospitals and various religious places have high had a high impact on this loss during the past few years.

Keywords: State-Owned Enterprises, Ceylon Electricity Board, Inefficiency, Management Functions, Developing Trends
Factors Affecting Entrepreneurial Performance by Differently Abled: The Case of Western Province, Sri Lanka
Authors: Balasuriya J.M.K. , Kumarasinghe P.J.
Published: April 2024

The main aim of this paper is to examine the factors associated with entrepreneurial performance by differently abled individuals, using the data collected from a survey.  The study employs a self-administered questionnaire with a sample of 100 physically differently abled entrepreneurs from the Western Province. This study has used descriptive and multivariate analysis techniques for examining the effect on entrepreneurial performance. Models provide evidence for key factors that affect entrepreneurial performance moderated by the variable of gender. The findings are statistically significant and highlight the necessity of intuiting active policies in entrepreneurial training, access to credit facilities and technological usage especially for the physically differently abled in the Western Province, Sri Lanka.

Keywords: Entrepreneurial Performance, Physically Differently Abled, Access to Credit Facilities, Technological Usage
Impact of Individual Factors on Business Performance of Women Entrepreneurs in the Construction Industry in the Western Province, Sri Lanka
Authors: Darshani R.V.S. , Perera G.D.N.
Published: April 2024

Entrepreneurship is seen as a crucial factor of the development of any economy because it contributes to the generating of revenue both locally and globally, facilitating economic and social progress. It focuses on not just the generation of income, but also the improvement of people's living standards and the acceleration of production, among other things. Scholars have identified women entrepreneurship as one of the most vital variables in a country's economic progress. Sri Lankan women have most newly begun to participate actively in the commercial sector. This study makes an effort to investigate the impact of individual factors on business performance of women entrepreneurs in the construction industry in Sri Lanka and six hypotheses were developed along with six main research objectives. The population includes all the women entrepreneurs in the construction industry who have established their businesses in the Western Province. The sample of 113 women entrepreneurs was selected with random sampling method. Multiple linear regression analysis and Pearson's correlation analysis were used to examine the hypotheses. Based on the tested hypotheses, individual factors which are   motivation and goals, social learning, network affiliation, human capital and environmental influences positively impact on the business performance of women entrepreneurs in construction industry in the Western Province, Sri Lanka. The study's findings will be useful in implementing practical ramifications in the construction industry, particularly for women entrepreneurs, by enabling women to participate in more entrepreneurial endeavours while effectively conquering their obstacles. With this understanding, Sri Lanka is forging a novel route to a novel period of growth by promoting women entrepreneurship.

Keywords: Business Performance, Construction Industry, Entrepreneurship, Individual Factors
“To Know the Score” - A Critical Analysis on the Shift of Workplace Culture Created by the Pandemic and Its Influence on Conflict Management and Employee Morale in Corporates in South India
Authors: Varsha A.C. Merlin , Ramya S.
Published: April 2024

The pandemic has made organisations abandon the fundamental working premises and has drastically altered the work culture affecting significant shifts in the workplace and subsequently influencing a redesigning of the organisational culture, conflict resolutions and management. The paper explores and critically examines the work conditions viewed from within the context of the global pandemic and discusses the relationship between the employees’ morale and the conflict crisis in manufacturing companies in South India with specific elaborations on the meaning of conflict management, workers’ morale, causes and effects of the shift in the workplace and conflict resolution. With specific reference to corporate organisations in Chennai and Bengaluru, the study analyses through a qualitative methodology how organisations get ravaged by one form of conflict or the other ranging from intrapersonal and group conflict, intra-organisational cultural conflict, constructive or functional conflict, dysfunctional or destructive conflicts. The survey indicated that conflicts occur in organisations as a result of incompatible goals, different values and beliefs, inconsistent evaluation, communication problems, negative power politics, authority, lack of leadership style, scarcity of common resources and organisational demands. It was also found that if conflicts are not appropriately and promptly managed, it can lead to truncated or reduced workers’ morale. The discussion leads to findings which indicate that the workplace as we know it is forever changed by the lockdowns owing to the pandemic. Management and leadership of organisations should begin to take steps to consider redesigning the workplace to readdress the working conditions with innovation and aim to develop better co-relationship between organisations and employees within the virtual platform.  What are the ways in which employees’ morale can be positively uplifted during an organisational conflict on a virtual working mode? How do innovative digital operations improve the standard of an organisation? What may be the conflict resolutions that can bring about a positive shift in the workplace for the future owing to the phenomenal disruption caused by the Pandemic?  These and other related questions will be raised and addressed in the course of the discussion. The study was initially intended for working employees as the target readership. The scope of this research may further be extended and can prove to be beneficial for further research on Human Resource and Management Studies.

Keywords: Workplace Culture, Conflict Management, Employee Morale, Pandemic
Factors that Help the Work-Life Balance of Female Graduate Employees Holding Administrative Positions at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
Authors: Sellahewa W.N. , Samarasinghe T.D
Published: April 2024

The objective of this study is to identify the factors that help the work-life balance of female graduate employees who are holding administrative positions at the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (SUSL). The focus group study method was used to select the sample for the study. The primary data has been collected using three focus groups which consist of four members working in SUSL. Therefore, 12 members contributed to this study. Each focus group discussion lasted 45 minutes to one hour. Gathered data is expected to be analysed descriptively following the thematic analysis method. The results of the study revealed that some factors help to have a balance between these two domains of life among female graduate employees who are holding administrative positions at the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. The identified factors which help the Work Life Balance (WLB) are working conditions, supportive organisational culture, manageable gross income of the family, behaviours of the colleagues, family support and individual skills on WLB.

Keywords: Concepts in WLB, WLB, Work-Life Balance, WLB Theories
Determinants of Turnover Intention of Rubber Harvesters in Medium Scale Rubber Holdings: A Case Study in Colombo District
Authors: Gunarathne P.K.K.S. , Jayasundara K.K.I.
Published: April 2024

It was witnessed that a high income among the Latex Harvesters (LHs) in medium-scale rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) smallholder sector in Sri Lanka during the past few years, where serious efforts had to be made to find out the factors triggering the situation. Such findings will be useful for policy makers to develop the approaches relating to human resource development programmes of LHs in order to achieve better performance in the rubber sector. The focus of this study was on three independent variables, namely Job Satisfaction (JS), Organisational Commitment (OC) and Job Demand (JD) that were thought to be linked with Turnover Intentions (TI) of the LHs, with an effort to fill the research gap. The data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire survey in 2020 from 297 LHs in rubber-growing areas in the Colombo District. The sample was selected using a stratified random sampling technique. The variables were measured with the use of validated items. The responses to the LHs for the items were captured on a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used. Female LHs were predominant in the sample, and the age of the LHs varied from 19 to 79 years. Only 8% of LHs had pursued/completed tertiary level education which, was the highest educational level. The majority of the sample (nearly 50%) had 11 to 15 years of work experience in rubber farming. The composite three-predictor conceptual model was validly and reliably capable of explaining 79% of the variances in the TI of the LHs. The findings revealed that JS and OC of LHs had a negative effect on TI. This can enhance JS and OC in order to lower their TI in the medium-scale rubber smallholder sector in Sri Lanka.

Keywords: Latex Harvesters, Rubber, Turnover Intention
Being Underemployed is the True Test of Who You Really are - The Nexus of Underemployment and Employee Engagement: Evidence from Sri Lanka
Authors: Jasintha N.
Published: April 2024

The current study intends to explore the nexus of underemployment and employee engagement among development officers in Sri Lanka. This study integrates the person-job fit theory with underemployment and employee engagement research. Employment possibilities exist for graduates in specific fields, but for a sizable number of graduates, finding a job has become the biggest challenge. As a result, improving graduate employability without having underemployment is a problem for the Sri Lankan university system. Expecting higher outcomes from underemployed employees has become pervasive by nature in Sri Lanka. Though previous studies paid attention to engagement level, little attention was paid to underemployment as an antecedent of employee engagement among the development officers, with the effect of age and gender as moderators. In addition to that, this study sheds new light on the underemployment level of development officers in Sri Lanka. A survey research strategy was used and data were collected from conveniently chosen 549 development officers working in the public sector. The Smart PLS 3.0 was utilised to analyse the data with a Multi group Analysis test to determine the age and gender effect on the nexus between underemployment and engagement. The results revealed that the individuals with the perception of underemployment are more likely to have lower employee engagement. No significant effects of age and gender were found in the nexus between underemployment and employee engagement. The study advances the boundaries of Human Resource Management literature while also providing helpful practical applications to the community. Policymakers can make more policies towards graduates to give them more proper job opportunities. This study can be done in a longitudinal way in order to identify the actual level of engagement throughout the period of time for a better understanding of development officers.

Keywords: Underemployment, Employee Engagement, Development Officers, Age and Gender
Competency Framework Developed for Site Administration Officers in a Sri Lankan Construction Company
Authors: Gunathilake G.G.T.Y. , Jayasooriya S.D.
Published: April 2024

This case study research was conducted to address the prevalence of ineffective performance management tools and practices that negatively impact the individual work performance (IWP) of site administrative officers in one of the highest-graded construction companies in Sri Lanka by developing a competency framework. Thirty competencies were empirically tested based on the opinion of both administration officers and their direct supervisors, namely project managers using two online questionnaires to ascertain desired, actual, and competency gaps. They were further analysed based on their degree of contribution to the successful performance and their difficulty in improving to create a simplified four -grid competency model, uncovering key, supportive, threshold-trainable and threshold-hardly-trainable competencies, providing important insights for effective recruitment and selection, performance management, training, and career development. Several established models were adopted in the competency framework development process, considering both empirical and thematic aspects. The ability to create trust-building relationships was found to be the key competency that differentiates best performers, along with initiative, stress-tolerance, responsibility, and achievement-orientation as the other key competencies useful as evaluative criteria for IWP. Emotional awareness, commitment, and optimism were found as threshold-hardly-trainable competencies that any administrative officer should embody, making them a predictive criterion in recruitment and selection. The study effectively addressed a theoretical gap of an evidence-based competency framework for the target job role with a Weighted Proficiency Rating (WPR) which could be used as a reference for other highest-graded Sri Lankan construction companies despite its inability to generalise the findings to a broader population due to the limited scope of the study which certainly makes an avenue for inclusive further research. The development of a competency profile, a competency framework, and a simplified competency model for construction administrative officers providing evaluative and predictive criteria for several HRM functions are the major contributions of the study.

Keywords: Competency Framework, Competency Model, Administration Officer, Construction, Weighted Proficiency Rating