bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of UPSI Teacher Clinical Experience In Comparative Perspective and Suggestion for New Teacher Clinical Experience Structure
Authors: Min Wong Yeou , Abdullah Mohd Hassan , Mansor Rosnidar , Samsudin Syakirah
Published: February 2021

This study was conducted to compare and discuss the teacher clinical experience structure offered by the Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) and the chosen universities from Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, United States of America, United Kingdom, and Australia. This comparative analysis is carried out using a qualitative approach which will focus on the purposes, duration, timing and phases or components of the teacher clinical experience offered by the UPSI and the chosen universities. This analysis has identified that the time allocation for the teacher clinical experience of the UPSI was too short; the timing for pre-service teachers to undergo teacher clinical experience was inappropriate, and the phases or components of teacher clinical experience adopted was insufficient. This paper will suggest a new teacher clinical experience structure and provide implications that can be learnt by the UPSI from other universities abroad to enhance its existing teacher clinical experience.
Effectiveness Symbolic Technique In Speed Reading Arabic-Malay Writing
Authors: Hamdan Abdul Rahim , Kurmalasari Tety
Published: February 2021

This study aimed the process of learning to read quickly Student Class V Elementary School 001 Bulang, Batam, Indonesia. This research was pre experimental research using design pre-test and post-test group, samples involved in this study were 36 student. The technique used to collect data in this study is the test pre and post. The pretest was done after learning by symbolic technique. Learning was done for 4 weeks with 80 minutes for each learning session. Training activities was done about 40 minutes during each learning lesson. The result show the student that are able to quick-speed read are the enough which is 118.125 word per minute with reading comprehension content of 62.5% (0.65.5) in the pretest. In the post test, student’s reading speed increased to 179.20 words per minute with reading comprehension content of 73.3% (0.733). Effective speed reading (CAMP) on both tests are classified well at 111.633 words per minute on the pre-test and 179.05 words per minute on the post-test.
Knowledge of Cardiovascular Medications in a Culturally Diverse Elderly Community
Authors: Kim Kimberly H. , Sohn Min , Lee Andrew , Yi Joshua
Published: February 2021

Lack of knowledge in medication use appears a major hindrance in managing cardiovascular diseases. The cross-sectional study examined the determinants of knowledge of cardiovascular medications in elderly community, using the survey questionnaire and structured interviews to collect data from 99 culturally-diverse elderly people at independent-living facilities in California. Results indicate that the majority of participants was women (82.8%), living alone with an educational level of high-school or higher. Sixty-six participants took at least one cardiovascular medication, and the average number of cardiovascular medications taken was 2.02 (±1.10). The most frequently used cardiovascular medications were lipid-lowering agents and aspirin. Thirtyeight participants demonstrated a lack of knowledge of cardiovascular medication use. After adjusting for age, gender, education, and living status, it was found that having a BMI higher than 25 (OR: 5.46; 95% CI; 1.12, 26.52), drinking alcohol beverages (OR: 0.075; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.83), and having a history of ever-smoking (OR: 54.90; 95% CI: 4.39, 686.29) were statistically significant, independent predictors of a lack of knowledge about cardiovascular medications.
Effect Of Reward Systems On Employees’ Achievement Of Targets In The Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies
Authors: ELIJAH CHARLES MUNENE , Kibisu Peter Agoi , Muturi Willy
Published: February 2021

Employee reward systems refer to programs set up by an organization to reward performance and motivate employees on individual and/or group levels. This study was guided by basic salary, training opportunities, health benefits and house allowance as specific objectives in establishing the effects of employee reward system on the achievement of targets of semi-autonomous government agencies in Migori Sub-County. The study is expected to increase knowledge and understanding in this area by assisting the Kenya Government through Public Service Commission of Kenya in formulating and implementing policies that would lead to a fair reward system for public servants and therefore improving efficiency and effectiveness in staff performance. This research adopted survey design. The target population was 74 employees working in the three semi-autonomous agencies in Migori Sub-County. The sample size of 43 was drawn from the target population of employees in the authorities. This was 58% of the entire population of employees in the three authorities in Migori Sub-County. Data was collected by the use of document analysis and questionnaires. Data was analyzed by the use of computer aided data analysis software SPSS and Statpages. Presentation of data was done by the use of tables, bar graphs, line graphs and percentages. Descriptive statistics and correlation was used to compare the means of monthly earnings for different payrolls and also to establish the strength between dependent variables and independent variable. Findings in this study indicate that basic salary, house allowance and health benefits have very strong influence on employee performance as compared to the moderate influence that training had on their performance. The report recommends the harmonization of schemes of service within departments/ministries so that every individual is rewarded appropriately and fairly in order to improve employee performance.
Empirical Evidence on Failure Factors of Knowledge Management Systems in Malaysia
Authors: Ali Hafizi Muhamad
Published: February 2021

Despite various advantages of Knowledge Management Systems (KMS), a number of factors have been said to be responsible for its failure. The study aims to investigate the reasons of failure in implementation of KMS in Malaysia. Knowledge managers of listed companies in Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchanges (KLSE) constitute the sample society of the study. For analysis of data and testing hypotheses, T-Student Test and Friedman are employed. The results show that expert knowledge, economic factors, infrastructures, rules and regulations, political factors and organizational and managerial factors contribute to failure of attempts for implementation of KMS in Malaysia. Also, in prioritizing the factors, it was highlighted that professional knowledge is the factor with first priority, and, rules and regulations represent the last priority.
Exploring sense of ethnic identity among a small Midwest sample of social work and counseling practitioners
Authors: Campbell Erica L
Published: February 2021

The U.S. is transforming into a multi-racial and multi-ethnic society in which factors such as ethnicity and race are important variables to consider in social work practice and service provision to racial and ethnic minority populations. This multi-ethnic and multi-racial transformation presents many challenges for professional social work and counseling practitioners. It is important for practitioners to have a clear and concise definition of key concepts such as ethnicity and race in order to develop a sense of self-ethnic identity. This research study examines self-ethnic identity among a small sample of Midwest social work and counseling practitioners.
Using the Common Core
Authors: Bogan Barry , Simpson Joanna
Published: February 2021

The two authors of this manuscript are professors at a university in Georgia, and work closely with preservice  and in-service teachers. In addition to teaching courses on literacy, the authors also offer professional development opportunities to schools around the state on how to properly differentiate instruction. What we have noticed is that many teachers at the middle grade level (4th – 8th grades) struggle with differentiated instruction, even more so, than their elementary counterparts. Part of this struggle is because the teachers simply never learned how to do this properly. Part of this is because they have many more students than their elementary colleagues,and are overwhelmed by the thought of individualizing lessons for 150 students. This paper seeks to propose a model that is seeing success with middle grades teachers in Georgia. There is a chance that this model, which is actually a lesson plan format, will be helpful to other teachers who are looking to differentiate instruction in their classrooms.
ANALYSIS OF MODES OF ENTRY AND LEGAL STATUSES OF AFRICAN IMMIGRANTS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Nyamwange Monica
Published: February 2021

The paper discusses the diverse modes of entry and legal statuses of African immigrants in the United States. This is vital as it will have a bearing on the integration of the immigrants within the American society. Like all U.S. immigrant groups, most African immigrants are admitted through family reunification channels; however, African immigrants are much more likely than other groups to be admitted as refugees or through the diversity visa program which aims to increase flows from underrepresented countries by allowing immigration from those countries of individuals without a formal job offer or strong family ties in the U.S.A.
Cultivating a Community of Truth Through Critical Pedagogy When Faced with Resistance
Authors: Jones Kevin T. , Brazo Carol
Published: February 2021

This essay will identify how the authors confronted a community of resistance in a Gender and Communication classroom and turned it into a community of truth and tolerance. Working from a theoretical framework of Critical Pedagogy and the work of Parker Palmer, the authors will explore how the classroom is often seen as a culture of fear and disrespect. This culture of fear needs to be confronted by identifying a community of truth as found in two different models of truth. After exploring how to achieve a community of truth when faced with resistance, the authors will explain in great detail the application of a metaphor about “riding the bus” and how this metaphor has sustained them when faced with resistance.
Overview of Available Open-Source Photogrammetric Software, its Use and Analysis
Authors: Bartoš Karol , Pukanská Katarína , Sabová Janka
Published: February 2021

The current technological era provides a wide range of geodetic procedures and methods to document the actual state of objects on the Earth surface and at the same time course and shape of surface itself. Digital photogrammetry is one of these technologies, it allows the use of methods such as single-image photogrammetry, stereo photogrammetry (optical scanning), convergent imaging and SfM method (structure-from-motion) with final data in the form of point clouds, digital spatial models, orthophotos and other derived documents. Similar outputs can be obtained also by other technologies, mainly by terrestrial laser scanning, whilst each of the two technologies offers certain advantages and disadvantages. Especially purchasing and operating costs are one of the major drawbacks of laser scanning (while being an advantage of photogrammetry). In recent years, there has been a significant increase in development and creation of new, freely accessible (open-source) photogrammetric software, thus reducing these financial demands even more. The aim of this paper is to provide a basic overview of some of the most suitable open-source photogrammetric software and point out their strengths and weaknesses.
Evaluation in Order to Produce a Successful Advertisement in Educational Learning in Malaysia
Authors: Sharudin Sharul Azim
Published: February 2021

Times now, most educators only emphasized the theory in producing a display ad. Whereas for the successful display advertising, an individual needs to know in a variety of media to produce a layout, typography and use the ad in terms of formalistic concept used. Therefore this study is made to the layout of experts and the public in assessing a successful ad served on community.
DETERMINING CONTRIBUTORS OF PERFORMANCE IN MALAYSIAN HIGH PERFORMING SCHOOLS
Authors: Samad Rahmad Sukor Ab , Sukor Mohamed Iskandar Rahmad , Syah Darwyan
Published: February 2021

This research aimed to determine contributors of performance within the vicinity of knowledge management and organizational learning aspects in all 52 High Performing Schools in Malaysia. Purposive full sampling technique was employed and 127 out of 132 respondents consisted of national school headmasters or principals and senior assistant teachers have responded to the distributed questionnaires. The research instrument was developed from 3 theories, namely the theory by Sallis and Jones (2002), Bruce Britton (1998), and Satyendra Singh, Yolande Chan and James McKeen (2006). With the Cronbach’s Alpha value at .965, the obtained data was analyzed by using multiple regression analyses. From the results obtained, 8 predictors were found to be from knowledge management and another 15 from organizational learning. In terms of the assembling element within the capability factor; support culture, communication system and learning application were the contributors towards the performance of high performing schools. Knowledge creation, support culture and integration to strategy were the contributors for the integration element while organizational culture, knowledge sharing, knowledge creation, external learning and organizational memory were found to be the contributors. For the factor of innovation agility; intellectual asset, knowledge sharing, knowledge creation, external learning, mechanism, integration to strategy and learning application were the contributors. Lastly, for competitive actions; intellectual asset, support culture, external learning, integration to strategy and learning application were the contributors towards the performance of high performing schools.
INFLUENCE OF INNOVATION ON SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE (SME) GROWTH
Authors: Martin Mwangi S. , Namusonge Mary J.
Published: February 2021

Innovation is paramount to the survival and growth of any business. It has changed the way companies conduct business and the way both customers and clients acquire goods and services. The textile industry was one of the key sub-sectors targeted under the country’s strategy for economic recovery (Republic of Kenya, 2003). This study probed the influence of technological, product and process innovations on growth of garment manufacturing industries in Nakuru. Stratified random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were employed in deriving the study sample. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid of Statistical Packages for Social Scientist (SPSS 20). This study was able to establish a strong link between innovation and growth of businesses and recommends that the Kenyan government should establish close links with SMEs in the garment manufacturing industries to encourage innovative strategies that will enable the sector to expand.
Student’s Cognizance in Deploying Module Information Booklet (MIB)
Authors: MAKMUR MUHD IQBAL , THURAISINGAM AMBIKAI S
Published: February 2021

It is a norm in the learning process for the students to have a different understanding on how the learning outcomes will apply to them upon completion of the module. Therefore, it is crucial for lecturers and students to have a clear direction on the objectives and learning outcomes of a particular module (Norton, 2009). The fiasco to understand the relationship between the knowledge acquired by the students and to emulate with the programme of study may result in failure to inculcate the desired graduate attributes. Angelides (et al, 2005), Campbell & Norton, (2007) and Norton, (2009) have studied to measure the usefulness of MIB. The purpose of this study is to analyse and understand the students’ cognizance in deploying the MIB as a learning tool. The study was conducted in Taylor's University whereby the students are required to utilize the MIB to understand their latitude of learning. The study has exhibited positive impact towards the students’ learning process and time management. Although the students encountered some challenges in understanding the learning outcomes, however, the MIB, has expedited them in coping with the peregrination to complete the syllabus.
Game Design as a Tool to Promote Higher Order Thinking Skills
Authors: Shamsuar Natalya Rudina
Published: February 2021

This paper reports a study conducted on enabling teaching higher order thinking skills among kids aged 7 to 12 years old. The objective of the study is to propose a conceptual framework and demonstrate the tools and resources needed by educators to embed higher order thinking skills in classroom using game design. The conceptual framework is based on the standards advocated by International Society on Technology in Education (ISTE) and Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) that is mapped to the process of game design and development. Game design is an engaging process that encapsulates many tenets of thinking skills. The tangible outcomes and progress could be used to measure the thinking process and levels that had taken place. The paper then further demonstrates the use of this framework in a three day workshop. Two sessions of the workshop were conducted with a total of 44 participants. It is hoped that this study contributes in the areas of higher order thinking skills enablers.
CHALLENGES FACING PUBLIC PROCUREMENT INFORMATION IN SOME AFRICAN COUNTRIES NAMELY
Authors: UROMI SABBATH M.
Published: February 2021

This article seeks to find out challenges facing the procurement laws in Africa. The article examines the meaning and purpose of public procurement, drawing parallels between its essential elements, and stages with the need and requirement to enhance transparency and accountability to attain its objectives. It also seeks to provide analysis of traditional procurement reform objectives and identifies the importance of transparency and accountability as well as value for money in procurement to their achievement of joint goals. The article then examines broadly the access to information provisions of the procurement laws in a number of African countries namely -South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Tanzania and concludes that these laws contribute to improving access to information across Africa, particularly where an access to information law is absent, but are not robust enough to sufficiently provide comprehensive access to information. It examines the level of constraint posed by administrative charges for access to information. Also the article concludes based on the Tanzanian experience that limited access to information, laws already exist may be more as a result of; limited capacities in both the citizens sector and public sector to capture and maintain information in a retrievable format; deliberate delays by public officers to frustrate applications for access; poor information management practices and half hearted efforts within the citizens sector to apply existing law, than any application of administrative fee or other limiting provisions of the law, WITTING, W.A (2002).
INTEGRATED LEARNING MODEL CULTURAL-ART AND CHARACTER EDUCATION
Authors: Abbas Kasmawati , Hassan Zainudin Bin
Published: February 2021

This paper describes about the integrated learning model cultural-art and character education. Character education is internalization of cultural, philosophy and religious values. Course of cultural-art is one course which concerns in competence mastery of psychomotor and affective. Besides, it is relevant to purposes of character education in Indonesia. Character education is not a brand new course. It is done through daily habit. Therefore, the model of cultural-art’s course is aimed to integrate with character education. It is a model of cognitive thematic. In this model, it is taken a theme by basic purpose of competence. Then, it is synchronized to the character’s value that wants to be built.
Coping with a Limited Capacity to Punish
Authors: Miller Jennifer M , Golden James W
Published: February 2021

This project replicated a study by Farnworth, Golden and Tester in 1991 to determine if alternate sentencing practices, such as charge reductions and probation, were being used to decrease prison populations and lessen the burden on the criminal justice system as a whole. The previous article sought to support earlier findings that asserted that prison overcrowding caused an increase in the use of charge reductions and felony convictions, but found this to be untrue [1]. They actually found decreased use of charge reductions during the decade under study even as the prison population continued to rise. The current study analyzed data during the period of 1990 to 1999 from Pulaski County, Arkansas in the context of Pontell’s [2] concept of “a limited capacity to punish.” The Arkansas data analyzed also demonstrated a decrease in charge reductions as the prison population for the state grew thus supporting the previous research on the topic.
Role of Higher Institutions in Promoting Entrepreneurship and Small Business in Developing Nations
Authors: Efi Anietie E
Published: February 2021

In a quest to promoting the development of entrepreneurship and small businesses in Nigeria, government in 2006 approved the total commitment of higher institutions in providing entrepreneurship education to Nigerian students by making entrepreneurship a compulsory course for all students irrespective of their disciplines. This paper examined the role of higher institutions in promoting entrepreneurship and small business in Nigeria. A critical review of entrepreneurship education in Nigeria reveals that the programme has helped in instilling and reviving entrepreneurial spirits in the minds of Nigerians, thereby encouraging and providing individuals with career options, self-sustenance, and self-reliance. This paper has also highlighted the challenges and concerns that threaten the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education in Nigeria. The paper recommends that entrepreneurship education should be introduced at the primary and secondary levels of the Nigerian educational sector as this will further boost the urge and drive for entrepreneurial practice and career option.
Macroeconomic Variables And Savings Mobilization In Nigeria
Authors: Okere Peter A , Ndugbu Michaelo
Published: February 2021

This research work analyzed the impact of macroeconomic variables on domestic savings mobilization in Nigeria (1993-2012).Secondary data was adopted and sourced from CBN statistical bulletin.Ordinary Least Square and cointegration were used to determine the effects of the selected macroeconomic variables on savings mobilization in Nigeria. The result of the overall statistic showed that there is a positive and significant impact between the selected macroeconomic variables and domestic savings mobilization in Nigeria. But specifically, financial deepening seemed to have a greater impact on savings mobilization in Nigeria. Inflation and exchange rate revealed an inverse relationship with domestic saving mobilization in Nigeria. Augmented Dicker Fuller (ADF) unit root test and cointegration proved that the variables are stationary and there exist a long-run relationship among the variables. The study therefore recommended among others that efforts should be geared towards continuous and well-articulated fiscal and monetary policies that will sustain this growth in the financial sector. Also, Government should ensure that adequate macroeconomic policies that will be put in place to attract foreign investors, encourage export and make Nigeria an export platform where export goods could be produced, this will help to strengthen Nigeria’s exchange rate and induce domestic savings. Finally, proper measures should be put into encourages banks to open branches in the rural areas in order to mop up deposits. The rural banking policies should be revisited modified and implemented in Nigeria.
Truth without Action
Authors: Sawruk Theodore
Published: February 2021

This reflection utilizes Kevin Casey’s 2007 article, Truth without Action, as a springboard to address contemporary issues related to autonomy, accountability and accreditation in higher-education. With escalating costs, rising unemployment and deepening consumer debt, it is natural for government officials to seek out a cause, or more accurately, a scape-goat for the evolving crisis. Over the last few decades, starting with A Time for Results in 1980, following with The State Post-secondary Review Entities (SPREs) in 1992; and continuing with the Spellings Commission on the Future of Higher Education Report in 2006, federal agents have politicized American education and issued indictments against higher-education. Tuition costs are too high, graduation rates are too low and student learning-outcomes remain ineffable. With the recent re-election of President Obama, “the Education Department will continue to play an active role in regulating and attempting to influence colleges and universities.” (Nelson, 2012) Amy Laitinen, deputy director for higher-education at the New America Foundation and former Education Department policy advisor, recently stated, “The President himself, not just his advisors, is very interested in the college cost and the college outcome issue.” (Nelson, 2012)
Analysis of the Quintessence of Zhu Kezhen’s Higher Education Ideas
Authors: Zhangke Zhangke
Published: February 2021

Zhu Kezhen is China’s great modern scientist and educationist. His Ideas of higher education formed during his charge of Zhejiang University, has identified a paradigm for the creation and development of China’s modern higher education. The quintessences of his Ideas of higher education consist of the spirit of university, the soul of university, the mission of university, the development of university, functions of university and the management of university. Through the deep analysis of his ideas of higher education, it has important realistic enlightenment for the cultivation of the present university spirit, the reformation of talents training pattern and the building of faculties of university and so on.
Fiscal Deficit And Economic Growth, Nigeria Experience
Authors: Sanya Ogunsakin , Abiola Lawal N
Published: February 2021

This study examines impact of fiscal deficit on the growth of Nigerian economy using co-integration and error correction. Secondary data were gathered from various sources such as; the Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin, economic and financial review monthly and annual reports and statement of accounts for various years. The time series property of the data employed, are first to be investigated. This is then followed by testing for co-integrated variables. From the unit root test, the results clearly indicate that the variables are integrated of the same order at first difference. Also, from the multivariate co-integration test, within the Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) the results indicate that there are, at most, two co-integrating vectors. This implies that there exists a stable long-run relationship between economic growth and budgeting components. From the study, it was discovered that deficit budget is one of the indicators of macroeconomic instability and significantly discourage human capital accumulation. However, recommendations are made based on the findings among which are that government should set its priorities right, be more committed to budget implementation and to pay more attention to capital expenditure geared towards growth.
Reshoring: Reassessing the Offshoring Strategy
Authors: Whaley Gary L. , Belhadjali Monef , Abbasi Sami M.
Published: February 2021

This paper examines the motives behind the growth of the offshoring movement embraced by most American manufacturing firms beginning the late part of the 20th century. The motives behind the offshoring trend started as a basic move to reduce the labor costs of manufacturing. It later evolves into a new business model for organizational growth and expansion into the global markets.But, beginning about 2010, the offshoring movement began to be replaced with a trend to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U. S. A. This became known as the reshoring movement. This paper examines the forces behind the reshoring movement as well as some of the reactionary forces and obstacles which the reshoring movement will have to address if it is be become and remain as a sustainable business strategy for American manufacturing.
Study on the Countermeasures of the Moral Self-education of Students from Normal Colleges
Authors: Wei Han
Published: February 2021

This paper, based on the concept of moral self-education of students from normal colleges, analyses four main characteristics of the moral education of college students: introversion, autonomy, sociality and lifelong participation. And it also studies the countermeasures of the college students' moral education, aimed at elevating their morality on the basis of self-education.
On the Studies of Approaches of “Employment Multiplier Effect” of College Students
Authors: Kehai Xin , Xinyi Wen
Published: February 2021

With the continuous development of China’s socialist modernization construction, the problem of China’s unemployment becomes increasingly prominent and needs to be solved as soon as possible for further social development for colleges and universities, graduates’ employment is not only closely related to the survival and development of the whole college, but also reflects the effect of college education reform. The present employment situation of college students is not good. It has a close correlation with China’s higher education concepts, faculty and the support of government. In recent years, the appearance of “employment multiplier effect” has attracted widespread attention in the different sectors of society, which is of great importance for college students. The paper intensively analyzes the employment competence of college students and the problems exited in the current entrepreneurial education. In addition, it also studies the “employment multiplier effect” and explores its realization approach, trying to offer China’s college students some feasible suggestions about their employment problems.
A Case Study on Tertiary-level FLT nFrom the Perspective of Humanistic Teaching in China
Authors: Yong Zhang
Published: February 2021

Since the 1970s, the appearance of humanistic teaching has aroused widespread interest of foreign language teachers. People began to turn their attention to learners’ variations in order to find some new ideas which can be more effective in promoting FLT and personal growth, namely, there appears a humanistic trend which focuses on the students’ affect in learning process, student-centeredness and the individualistic teaching. In order to know whether humanistic teaching has been employed by teachers in tertiary-level FL classrooms in China, a case study has been conducted. Based on the findings of the case study, this paper also proposes a way to apply more humanistic teaching to tertiary-level FLT by exploring some important factors concerning foreign language classroom teaching.
Towards A Redefinition Of Quality Management In Accordance With Islam
Authors: Ahmad Fadzila Azni
Published: February 2021

This paper aims to discuss the need to redefine quality management in accordance with Islam by analysing the existing quality management definition from the Islamic philosophy perspective. The redefinition of quality management is an important contribution to the management of Islamic development institutions. Discussion towards the redefinition of quality management in this paper is based on theoretical analysis of the existing conventional quality management. This paper attempts to argue that the meaning of the existing conventional quality management is mainly limited to material and tangible aspects, such as commercialisation, increased revenues, competitiveness and meeting customer needs, whereas the philosophy and principles that underpin the development of Islamic institutions are unique and comprehensive compared to the limited material and tangible aspects. This paper proves there is a need to fill the gap in quality management of Islamic development institutions by coming up with a definition of quality management from the Islamic perspective.
An Analysis of the Classification System in Chinese Courtroom Discourse
Authors: Shi Guang
Published: February 2021

This paper analyzes the classification resources in the audio recording transcripts of three trials in China. The findings indicate that: 1) courtroom participants with opposite goals tend to use expressions with different and even opposite meanings to classify the same things, incidents and concepts which are related to the dispute focuses, 2) courtroom participants with the same goals tend to have similar or congruent classifications of the same things, incidents and concepts involved in the cases, and 3) a prominent feature of courtroom discourse is overlexicalization, the analysis of which is conducive to our understanding of the stances, views and claims of related courtroom participants.
Social Media, Democratic Movement and Challenges on the Content
Authors: Chinnasamy Saraswathy
Published: February 2021

The freedom of Internet has created emerging trends, particularly as it now plays greater role in enhancing new political culture, in changing mainstream media democracy practices, and in supporting more diverse participation among Malaysians. The most notable trends are the growing numbers of bloggers since the Malaysian 12th and 13th general election, the formation of bloggers’ group, and also the popularity of internet media which is run by independent groups; mostly linked to opposition parties and the increase of video sharing websites posted by citizen journalists in spreading political issues and their own opinions. However, this expansion has continuously created difficulties for the ruling government (BN), as public were exposed to other alternative online views rather than through mainstream media. Meanwhile, Internet community also faced obstacles such as defamation and sedition charges and being arrested under blurring legislation provisions. In the present time, concerns have arisen among Internet community whether mainstream media restrictions may spill over into cyberspace. This paper will investigate how and why the Internet has made a difference to Malaysian political culture, how news discourses have produced more diversity in participation, and how independent Internet media can be managed through a policy framework
Planning For Your Oral Defense
Authors: Möwes Andrew Dietrich
Published: February 2021

The oral defence is an opportunity for a doctoral candidate to defend his or her dissertation. This paper attempts to develop an insight into the preparations that a doctoral candidate needs to make before he or she is going to defend the dissertation. The advantage of oral preparation is that it promotes confidence among the students who are going to defend their work. The paper further looks at the defence procedure involved when an oral examination is conducted. A number of institutions have rules governing the conduct of the examination. This is followed by a discussion of the questioning criteria for oral examinations. A variety of questions both general and specific could be asked.
Financial Analysis Of Various Companies In The Pigs Group Of Countries
Authors: Jurkowski Joseph Henry , D. Daly Dion
Published: February 2021

This paper attempts to examine and offer insight in the investment opportunities in several industries of different sizes located in two of the PIGS countries (Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Spain) looking at their similarities/differences as well as anomalies in comparison to their US counterpart. These companies were chosen because of a number of factors including size, age, and relevance to the current world economy:• The Buckle Corporation (US) and Inditex (SPAIN)• Coach (US) and Prada (ITALY)• Ford (US) and Fiat (ITALY)• Verizon Wireless (US) and Telefonica S.A.(SPAIN)By examining pertinent financial ratios, namely Net profit margin, Current ratio, Quick ratio, return on Assets, return on Equity, return on Investment, P/E ratio, and Price to Book Value ratio, and using various statistical methods we have determined the optimum investment alternatives.
Fluency in Early Childhood
Authors: Bell Dr. Douglas , Bogan Barry
Published: February 2021

This article examines the research regarding fluency and its impact on struggling readers. Fluency is a key component of reading instructions for all learners. It encompasses the students’ ability to read with automaticity, accuracy, and prosody for understanding. Research suggests that struggling readers have difficulty when fluency is weak, which impacts comprehension and cognitive resources. The examination of the literature yielded targeted interventions focused on fluency improves reading for students with reading difficulties.
Expatriate Employees’ Perception Of Challenges In Their Work Environment In The Ngo Sector In Nairobi Kenya
Authors: Abur Hilder A , K’Obonyo Peter , Omamo Anne
Published: February 2021

This study examined how expatriate employees perceive the challenges in their work environment in the NGO sector in Nairobi, Kenya. The study question was “how do expatriate employees’ workings in the NGOs sector in Kenya perceive the challenges in their work environment?” The study was anchored on person-environment fit theory and the culture shock theory of adaptation to explain the strategies employed by expatriate employees to cope with challenges in their work environment. The research design used was a descriptive survey with a target population of 2394 NGOs based in Nairobi, Kenya. The study sample consisted of 120 expatriates, although only 84 participated in the final study drawn from 60 NGOs. Questionnaires were used to collect the data. Data was analyzed using SPSS. The result showed that expatriate employees working in the Kenyan NGOs respond to challenges in their work environment by finding a fit between the Kenyan culture and that of their countries. However, sometimes there is a big clash between the two cultures which makes it difficult for the expatriates to adjust well. Some have devised some strategies to interact with the locals that have improved their communication skills and ability to work on the assignments. In cases where conversing in the local languages has been a challenge, the expatriates have sought the help of locals as interpreters. Some expatriates accompanied by their families to provide psychological support. The study therefore recommends that since the expatriate employees seem to have integrated well into the Kenya society, they can be a great source of strength to those who are taking up new assignments in this country -Kenya. The future studies could focus on how the extent of expatriate employees ‘adjustment to the conditions in the host country affects their performance. In addition, they are a source of transmission of management ‘know-how’. This makes them a strong pillar as the local employees rely on their explicit knowledge and tacit knowledge to manage the NGOs even after their repatriation.
Dental Interns' Attitudes toward case-based learning (CBL)
Authors: AbuMostafa Ammar A
Published: February 2021

Introduction The regulatory bodies of dentistry have realized the importance to future dentists of acquiring the skills of teamwork, professionalism, critical thinking, lifelong learning, and problem solving. Those skills can be acquired in interactive student-centered learning approaches where students deal with real cases. Among those approaches is case-based learning (CBL), which was first introduced in colleges of business and law in the late decades of the 19th century?Methodology The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of dental interns about using a CBL approach. Focus groups in which different themes were discussed were used as a qualitative research tool. Four focus groups were conducted for a total of 31 interns.Results Our findings indicated general satisfaction among the dental interns with a student-centered small group teaching approach based on clinical scenarios. They indicated their preference for a CBL approach over the traditional lecture-based approach, mentioning greater independence, more joy, less stress, deeper thinking, better understanding, better teamwork, more student involvement, and an enhanced learning environment that was similar to the real context.Conclusion It can be concluded that adopting this teaching method positively influenced the learning process of the dental interns. In addition, using a qualitative research tool was appropriate in investigating learners' perceptions.
A Case Study of Teaching Integrated Marketing Communication Using an Innovative Group Internship Project
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Subir
Published: February 2021

In recent years, many college campuses have moved to implement experiential learning projects in many disciplines. It is generally accepted that experiential learning projects or client projects (we will be using these two terms interchangeably throughout the paper) help students to communicate effectively, perform well in teams, solve problems, and acquire functional knowledge. We describe our experience of implementing an innovative experiential learning project that required students to form a company, and plan and execute an integrated marketing communication (IMC) plan for a real-life company on a tight budget. Finally, we compare the student assessment for this group internship project with traditional client projects that typically do not involve a full-fledged execution of an IMC plan.
Development prospects for distance higher education in Brazil - new technologies for the construction and dissemination of education
Authors: Squaiella Roberta B. F , Righi Roberto
Published: February 2021

This article discusses the development prospects for distance higher education in Brazil. To this end, it recognizes the rapid growth during the last ten years. Consideration has been given to the legal aspects that require changes and improvements to guidelines to achieve high quality education for the masses. The databases that have been used are; The Higher Education Census 2013, Challenges and Prospects of the Brazilian Higher Education for the Next Decade - 2011/2020 (book), and The Technological Outlook for the Brazilian Universities (document). The analysis of information from these resources cover the different approaches, assessment of key trends and emerging technologies that should be adopted by the distance education university over the next five years. It concludes with the importance of the new information and communication technological tools that are available for the construction and dissemination of education.
Research on the Way to College Students’ Civic Education in the Process of Implementation of the “Rule of Law”
Authors: Long Zhifang
Published: February 2021

Cultivating modern citizen consciousness is the result of the development of the times in the process of construction of a modern country ruled by law. Besides, the construction of college students' citizen education not only needs to deal with a few relations from theory but also should create a good social environment of citizen in the practice of legal practice to strengthen college students’ civic awareness education.
Empirical Study of Self-attributions on College English Learning in China
Authors: Tan Zhuxiu , Chen Jiliang
Published: February 2021

In recent decades, attribution study, as one branch of motivation research, has found its way into the field of second and foreign language teaching and learning. In order to understand Chinese learners’ self-attributions in college English learning and then to provide reference for effective attribution retraining, the present study investigates empirically the self-attributions of Chinese non-English majors in college English learning. Based on the findings, the pedagogical implications are discussed consequently.
Automated Analysis of Spoken Language
Authors: Hallett Terry , Steiger James
Published: February 2021

We studied the number of words spoken by adult males versus females throughout a six-hour day and during three structured monologues. The six-hour samples were captured and analyzed using an automated speech monitoring and assessment system. The three monologues required different language tasks, and analyses of syntactic and semantic complexity were performed for each. There were no significant gender differences except during a reminiscent monologue when males spoke significantly more words and sentences than females. These results conflict with past research and popular (mis)conceptions.
Experiences of Special Education Teachers in Using Evidence-Based Practices
Authors: Alhowikan Omar
Published: February 2021

Evidence-based practices (EBPs) are popular in education, particularly special education, and consist of instructional techniques that help close the research-to-practice gap to improve student outcomes. Implementation of EBPs in special education is an ongoing problem. This study aims to evaluate the level of EBP experience among special education teachers. The proposed study will use a qualitative research design. Data will be collected using a semi-structured interview. It will be analyzed, during and after collection, using Ethnograph qualitative data analysis software. The data will be coded, sorted by theme, and interpreted. The study will clarify where and how to improve EBP acquisition in all teachers, but particularly special education teachers.
Cross-Coupling Biarylation of Nitroaryl Chlorides Through High Speed Ball Milling
Authors: Lam Solita , Dove Yvonne Puplampu , Morris Adrienne , Epps Ayunna , Mandouma Ghislain R
Published: February 2021

Solvent-free reaction using a high-speed ball milling technique has been applied to the classical Ullmann coupling reaction. Cross-coupling biarylation of several nitroaryl chlorides was achieved in good yields when performed in custom-made copper vials through continuous shaking without additional copper or solvent. Cross-coupling products were obtained almost pure and NMR-ready. These reactions were cleaner than solution phase coupling which require longer reaction time in high boiling solvents, and added catalysts as well as lengthy extraction and purification steps. Gram quantities of cross biaryl compounds have been synthesized with larger copper vials, a proof that this method can be used to reduce industrial waste and for sustainability.
Students’ Understanding of Liıght Concepts ın the Secondary School
Authors: Vitharana P.R.K.A
Published: February 2021

Learning science is a complex process and students develop limited understanding even after instruction. The aim of the research is to use students’ diagrams to assess conceptual understanding of science related to ‘light’ in grade eight students. Data were collected with the use of a written test, questionnaire and documents. Each question of the written test consisted of two parts; diagram and written explanation. Data obtained were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. It was noted that students provided more than twenty different diagrams for each question instead of correct diagram. A large number of incorrect diagrams with incorrect explanations showed that students did not possess a correct understanding of concepts related to light. Responses to teacher questionnaire revealed that 98% of teachers provide opportunities for their students to draw diagrams to assess understanding of science. Students’ diagrams can be effectively used to assess conceptual understanding of science knowledge of secondary students.