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The Use of Internet Services by Female Graduate Students in Girls Colleges Central Library (GCCL), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University Essa A. Alibraheim1, Hassan F. Hassan2 Najla N. Albuainain3, 1Assistant professor, College of Education, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, 2Professor, College of Education, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, 3Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia Email: 1ealibraheim@iau.edu.sa, 2hfhassan@iau.edu.sa In recent times, technology has rapidly infiltrated all aspects of life, including education. One of the indicators of a country’s progress and development is the use of technology into their educational institutions. This study aimed to evaluate the internet services provided in the Girls Colleges Central Library (GCCL) from the point of view of female graduate students in the College of Education at Imam Abdul Rahman bin Faisal University. The current study used the survey approach to describe the students' perceptions about the internet services used by the university. A questionnaire with 13 items was used to collect data from the sample, which included (50) students. The results showed that most of the female students had an acceptable level of skill using the internet, and those same students relied on internet services to a large extent in the academic field. The current study recommends the need to pay attention to the development and improvement of internet services in university libraries. Pages 1 to 18 |
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Factors Affecting First Year Accounting Students’ Performance at a South African University of Technology Matsolo Claurina Mokhampanyanea, Gawie Schlebuschb, a,bCentral University of Technology, South Africa, Email: ammokhamp@cut.ac.za, bgschlebu@cut.ac.za This study explored the factors that influence first-year accounting students' academic success at a South African university of technology. The high failure rate of first-year accounting students at universities is a worldwide challenge, and South African universities are no exception. According to literature, the failure rate in the first year of study at universities has a detrimental impact on accounting graduates' throughput. Data was gathered qualitatively through semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of Accounting lecturers. The collected data was reported using a thematic analysis. The key findings revealed that Accounting students' poor performance in their first year of study was due to a lack of English proficiency in the language of instruction, as well as a poor academic foundation in both Accounting and basic mathematical abilities and knowledge at school level. The study recommends intervention options to address this problem. Contribution/ Originality: This research is contributing to existing literature that the proficiency of the language of instruction and proper foundation and basics mathematical skills could attribute to the academic performance of Accounting students. Pages 19 to 29 |
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The Utility of Google Rating as a Tool for Evaluating Nursing Homes Performance Dr. Yaseen Hayajneha, Dr. Ibtihal Almakhzoomyb, Adeeb Hayajnehc, aAssociate Professor, Management Department, Ancell School of Business, Western Connecticut State University, bAssistant Professor, School of Nursing, Nathan Weiss Graduate College, Kean University, cMolecular Biology Student, New Jersey Center for Science, Technology and Mathematics, Kean University The study aims to validate the utility of Google rating in evaluating nursing homes’ performance. The researchers used a correlational design to determine if the average Google rating was associated with CMS's NHCompare 5-star ratings, the researchers compared Google consumer-reported ratings of nursing homes to the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Nursing Home Compare (NHCompare) 5-star ratings. Three hundred and forty-five out of 363 nursing homes in New Jersey were included in the study. The average Google rating was 3.74, and the average NHCompare overall star rating was 3.64. Analysis revealed a statistically significant and weak positive correlation between the average Google rating and the NHCompare overall star rating (r=0.12, p < 0.05), health inspection rating (r=0.11, p < 0.05), and quality of resident care rating (r=0.15, p < 0.01). Although Google rating was correlated with NHCompare 5-star ratings, the correlation coefficients were too weak to be meaningful and insufficient to validate the utility of using Google rating as a standalone measure of nursing home quality. Using Google rating as a standalone measure for evaluating nursing homes’ performance should be done with caution. Pages 30 to 40 |
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The Effect of Indonesian International Interest Rate, IDR Dollar Exchange Rate, and Indonesian National Income on Foreign Investment Receipts in Indonesia Eddy Winarsoa, Sugiartiningsihb, aFaculty of Economic and Business, Jenderal Achmad Yani University, Bandung – West Java –Indonesia, bFaculty of Economic and Business, Muhamadyah University Bandung, Bandung – West Java –Indonesia, Email: aeddy.winarso@lecture.unjani.ac.id, bummusugiartiningsih@umbandung.ac.id Indonesia's economic growth is in dire need of foreign investment in the form of capital goods, human resources and technology. This study aims to determine the effect of Indonesia's international interest rate, the IDR exchange rate and Indonesian national income on the receipt of Foreign Investment (PMA)* in Indonesia. The research method used is multiple regressions modelling the causal relationship between Indonesia's international interest rates, the IDR exchange rate and Indonesia's national income with FDI receipts in Indonesia from 2000 to 2018. Based on the results of data processing, Indonesia's international interest rates have a negative effect on FDI receipts in Indonesia. The main factor is the low interest rate and supported by the improvement of the PMA Law, which has stimulated the interest of foreign investors to invest in Indonesia. The IDR exchange rate has a positive effect on FDI receipts in Indonesia. The decline in the value of the IDR against the US$ will increase efficiency for foreign investors in financing labour costs and land rent for the automotive and dairy industries. Likewise, Indonesia's national income has a positive effect on FDI receipts in Indonesia. Where the increase in income will increase the purchasing power of oil and gas. Pages 41 to 57 |
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The Effect of the Disappearance of Kgoro Cultural Practice on Traditional Values in the Modern Era Dr MC Makgabo, University of Pretoria, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7147-302X, Email: connie.makgabo@up.ac.za The formalisation of education within a modernised context has led to the belief that morality and adulthood can be acquired through the reading of appropriate literature and institutionalised educational interventions. Modern society has different perceptions and beliefs regarding whether the lessons learned from the community have space in the lives of young boys, especially in the modern society. In African culture, identity and pride in the lives of young boys is important since they anchor the boys to their roots. This article aims to highlight the impact of the absence of traditional values and morality due to the disappearance of the kgoro meetings in the South African communities. In addition, it will highlight how the community contributes to the growth and development of boys and the preservation of culture. This is a qualitative study whereby community leaders, elderly men, and young men were interviewed to share their knowledge and experiences of the kgoro. The interpretivist approach was employed to explain and interpret concepts related to the kgoro meetings. The study used Indigenous African Systems in Education as a framework. It was found that the kgoro teaches boys traditional values and it is also a lifelong learning through orality. Pages 58 to 72 |
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The Role of Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in enhancing its Students’ Awareness of the Democratic Culture and Human Rights Concepts Alyaa Omer Kamel Faraj, Department of Educational Sciences, College of Education in Al-Delam, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia, Email: a.farag@psau.edu.sa The study aimed at exploring the role of Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU) in enhancing the students’ awareness about the concepts of democratic culture and human rights and the mechanisms for their application. The study used a descriptive method and a questionnaire, consisting of 36 items distributed on three dimensions, was designed and administered on a sample of 224 female students. The results of the study showed that the degree of PSAU’s practice for its role in enhancing its students’ awareness about the concepts of democratic culture and human rights is quite high degree. The results further showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the degree of the role of PSAU in enhancing the awareness among students about the concepts of democratic culture and human rights regarding the variable of specialization. However, differences in the variable of the academic level existed among the students of second, third and fourth years. The GPA variable showed differences in favor of an excellent, the study ended with the introduction of procedures whereby PSAU’s role in enhancing its students’ awareness about the concepts of democratic culture and human rights.Pages 73 to 89 |
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In the Time of Covid-19 - Exploring the Padagogia of Teaching and Learning Iwaloye Bunmi Omoniyia, Gamede Thulani Bonganib, Chinaza Uleanyac, a,b,cHuman & Social Science Department, University Of Zululand Traditional learning methods, such as face-to-face lectures in a classroom, are used by the world's educational institutions (schools, colleges, and universities). Even while many academic institutions have begun to employ blended learning, many are still stuck in the past. The sudden appearance of Covid-19, a deadly disease caused by a Coronavirus that frightened the entire globe. The World Health Organization designated it as a pandemic (WHO). The global educational system was faced with a dilemma as a result of this predicament, compelling educators to transition to an online teaching mode practically quickly. Many academic institutions that were previously hesitant to leave their old pedagogical method now have no choice but to embrace online teaching and learning totally. In this study, the benefits of online learning are examined, as well as a SWOT analysis of e-learning strategies in times of crisis. This article also covers the emergence of Educational Technology in the classroom amid pandemics and natural disasters, as well as recommendations for academic institutions on how to deal with online learning challenges. The data acquired from diverse sources for this study was analyzed using the content analysis research tool and the descriptive research method. This research taught us, among other things, to have a recovery plan, to be flexible as a learner, educator, or lecturer, and to prepare students for any eventuality. Pages 90 to 106 |
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The Value of Entrepreneurship Education in Promoting Entrepreneurship Development and Creating Employment Opportunities in the Economy Iwaloye Bunmi Omoniyia, Bongani Thulani Gamedeb, a,bUniversity of Zululand Entrepreneurial activities provide employment, wealth, and stimulate developing economies, according to entrepreneurship researchers (Ahmad & Xavier, 2012; Johansen, 2007). Entrepreneurship is regarded as critical to the political and socioeconomic evolution of nations (Matlay, 2005). Recognizing the significance of entrepreneurship education in fostering entrepreneurial development and the economy, the South African Department of Higher Education has taken the lead by mandating entrepreneurship subjects in all of our colleges and universities. Simultaneously, these students are encouraged to participate in the numerous entrepreneurship activities offered by their particular universities, such as training, seminars, short courses, conferences, and entrepreneurship events. These entrepreneurship exposures are hoped to help students acquire entrepreneurial attitudes and mindsets as part of the country's goal of developing 5% entrepreneurs among graduates (Harian, 2006). The study used a theoretical method to enhance secondary data from textbooks, journals, and online sites. The findings showed that enhanced and well-packaged entrepreneurship education can assist in skill acquisition, capacity building, entrepreneurial development, and economic growth and development in South Africa. The effort's outcomes include fewer unemployed graduates and more business opportunities, both of which contribute to South Africa's goal of becoming a developed nation. Pages 107 to 121 |
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An Exploratory Analysis of Key Antecedents of Academic Entrepreneurship in Nigeria Caleb M. Adelowo1, Jhalukpreya Surujlal2, 1Postdoctoral Fellow, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, 2Professor, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa. Email: 1calebakinrinademip@gmail.com 2babs.susrujlal@nwu.ac.za 1https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4578-5708 2https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0604-4971 More than ever, universities are under intense pressure to make concrete contributions to innovation and economic competitiveness through active knowledge transfer engagements. Knowledge transfer activities assist universities to achieve the ‘third mission’ objective as well as providing opportunity for them to access industry resources, commercialise research outputs and bolster positive entrepreneurship ecosystem. Consequently, university stakeholders have to work cohesively and provide adequate incentive system for faculty members and students to express their innovativeness and creativity. In this article, the antecedents of academic entrepreneurship in Nigeria are explored through entrepreneurial university approach, shifting the lens of analysis on scientists and researchers. Data were collected from 229 faculty members from thirteen universities in Southwest Nigeria. The academic entrepreneurship engagements of faculty members were categorised into four, using principal components analysis. The results suggest that engagement in basic and applied research, entrepreneurship training, IP disclosure and existence of technology transfer facilities are pivotal to academic entrepreneurship. The article concludes with practical policy implications for relevant stakeholders. Pages 122 to 142 |
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The Influence of Economic Literacy Levels on Economic Policies Affecting South Africa Mathew Kimweli, Kimanzi, Central University of Technology, South Africa. Email: mkimanzi@cut.ac.za The influence of economic policies made by governments has a direct and indirect impact on individuals as well as the society. While the society is expected to adhere to these policies, it is important to be aware of the impact of these policies on their everyday lives. The starting point is to establish economic literacy levels in society as this plays an important role in interpreting economic policies. This study was conducted to find out the economic literacy levels of students at a university in South Africa and the decisions made by the students on contemporary economic policies affecting South Africa. The quantitative method was adopted in this study. Data used in this research was collected through field study, where a survey was done with 134 students at a university in Free State, South Africa. The study found that the level of economic literacy among the students was medium. The students were more knowledgeable on macro-economic as opposed to micro-economic aspects. There was agreement that free university education should be made available to every student in South Africa, while the students were against privatisation of state-owned enterprises. It is recommended that more programs should be introduced to educate university students on general economic policies as these impact their ability to make informed decisions. Pages 143 to 158 |
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Making the Teaching Profession Marketable in Changing Times – Perspectives from South Africa Mathew Kimweli Kimanzi, Central University of Technology, South Africa. Email: mkimanzi@cut.ac.za The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that attract students to join the teaching profession, the negative aspects of the teaching profession that may discourage students from joining the profession, and their perspectives on how the teaching profession can be made more attractive. Data was collected using mixed methods, where questionnaires comprising of both open-and closed-ended questions were distributed to teacher education students (n= 127) at a University of Technology in South Africa. The results indicate that serving the community and the quest to transfer knowledge was the main reason why the students chose to join the teaching profession. The main factor discouraging students from joining the teaching profession was lack of respect shown by learners in schools. Lastly, the teaching profession can be made more attractive by equipping the schools with the necessary resources to aid in the teaching and learning process in schools. The study found that the teaching profession is still attractive, despite the challenges faced by teachers in handling ill-discipline among students. Provision of resources in schools can be a great catalyst in attracting prospective and potential teachers to the profession. Pages 159 to 176 |
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Exploring Grade Repetition in South African Schools and its Relation to Learning and Cognition Mariette Fouriea, Gawie Schlebuschb, aCentre for Teaching and Learning, North-West University, South Africa, bDepartment of Post Graduate Studies Education, Central University of Technology, South Africa, Email: bgschlebu@cut.ac.za Cognitive psychology is a science that is interested in the functioning of the brain during the learning process and refers to cognition. Cognition, amongst other learning traits, is a prerequisite for enhancing the learning ability of learners towards academic success. This paper pursues the cognitive challenges prevalent during the learning process in identifying the cognitive gap as evident from extreme levels of grade repetition amongst learners. The study followed a quantitative design where a multi-stage cluster sampling procedure was conducted. The sample consisted of 650 Grade 11 learners, representing 20 schools in the Fezile Dabi Education District, Free State province, South Africa. Major findings of the study, analysed through Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM), reveal the that learners’ conscious awareness, cognitive and metacognitive engagement, and information-processing ability in the classroom, are greatly affected in learners that repeated grades in the past. This study argues for a deliberate effort from teachers to regard the extreme levels of grade repetition and its relation to learning and cognition in South African schools. The authors sought to provide evidence-based practices as analysed through the theoretical lens of cognitive and positive psychology and made recommendations towards implications for education. Pages 177 to 194 |
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Generational Consciousness and Global Healing through Humanism, Love and Respect during COVID-19 Jabulani D. Thwala1, Thirusha Naidu2, Catherine Geils2, Stephen D. Edwards3 and David J. Edwards4, 1,3,4Psychology Department, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa; 2Department of Behavioural Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X7, Congella, 4013, South Africa; Email: 4edwards.davidjohn@gmail.com, 4edwardsd@unizulu.ac.za Generational consciousness is introduced with special reference to Zulu culture. Both broad and specific views of ancestors are included. A qualitative study using ethnographic observation, cultural immersion, etic and emic researcher perspectives, researcher reflexivity, and interviews with indigenous Zulu community members is presented with specific reference to ancestors’ roles in healing and consultations with traditional healers. Discussion centres on the role played by the enactment of traditional Zulu values of humanism (ubuntu), love (uthando) and respect (inhlonipho) in everyday life, and how, through facilitation by indigenous healers, such acts strengthen generational consciousness and interconnectedness of the living, the living dead ancestors and the planet. A global generational consciousness with special references to acts of humanism, love and respect for future generations emerges as recommendation during COVID-19. Pages 195 to 212 |
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The Analysis of Variables Influencing Bank Profitability in Africa: Evidence from Selected African Countries Dr Nkhangweleni Masindi1, Professor Paul Singh2, 1,2The Da Vinci Institute for Technology Management, Da Vinci House,16 Park Ave, Modderfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa, Email: 1nmasindi@yahoo.com 2Pauls@davinci.ac.za This paper investigates the factors that influence bank profitability in Africa by analysing the evidence from selected African countries. Various interrelations were performed using dynamic panel data modelling on 33 selected banks operating across 9 countries in Africa over the period 2009 to 2019. The study utilised an unbalanced panel of commercial banks in the selected countries with return on equity as a proxy for profitability. The outcome of the study shows evidence of significant impacts of both bank and macroeconomic-specific factors. Of the bank-specific variables, net interest margin, loan loss and cost to income ratios have a statistically significant negative relationship with profitability. There is however, a positive and statistically significant relationship between profitability and macroeconomic-specific variables. Overall, the results of the study show that various factors impact profitability at different levels as regulatory and supervisory regimes, including the pace of technological developments and implementation thereof that differs among various countries and banks. Pages 213 to 230 |
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Faculty Perceptions: The Role of the Internal Quality Assurance System in Improving First-Year Undergraduate Programs Nasser Saud Alrayes, Department of Self-Development, Deanship of Preparatory Year and Supporting Studies, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The current study aimed to identify the opinion of faculty members on the role of the internal quality system applied at the University of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in improving its first-year undergraduate programs. The study used the descriptive approach. The study sample included (114) faculty members requested to fill out an electronic questionnaire. The study concluded that there is a strong conviction and agreement among faculty members on the importance of internal quality systems and their procedures as basic career requirements for ensuring the quality of academic performance. Their significance appears when considering the way these systems analyze and highlight distinguished academic practices of faculty members and effective internal quality assurance systems that achieve their objectives. This effectiveness can be discerned in the clear vision and implementation mechanisms for developing academic curricula in a planned manner with clear roles and tasks at implementation levels. Internal quality assurance systems can affect the development of targeted learning outcomes and academic programs, especially those related to student assessment, as well as the extent to which a faculty member feels individual responsibility for meeting quality performance requirements. Such systems may also enhance the role of university administration in consolidating the values of institutional accountability. Two-thirds of the study sample indicated that these procedures and requirements represent an academic burden as they increase their teaching tasks. At this point, it is possible to notice the paradox that internal quality systems and procedures help develop the values of responsibility, but they help to a lesser extent with regard to the values of institutional accountability. Pages 231 to 246 |
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The Degree of Application of Management by Objectives Among the Leaders of Private Schools in Al-Khobar Governorate from The Teachers' Point of View Khalid Alshehria, Khaled Al Shammarib, a,bDepartment of Educational Management, College of Education, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The study aimed to identify the degree of the application of management by objectives among school leaders from the teachers' point of view through four principles: (the principle of goal setting, the principle of participation, the principle of determining the necessary means, and methods, and the principle of performance evaluation and feedback). As well as identifying the obstacles that prevent the implementation of the management by objectives among school leaders from the teachers' point of view, revealing the statistically significant differences between the average responses of private school teachers in light of the variables of academic qualification and number of years of experience. The researcher used the descriptive survey method and designed a questionnaire to measure the degree of the application of management by objectives. The study sample consisted of 232 teachers. The most important results of applying management by objectives among the leaders of private schools in Al-Khobar Governorate from the teachers’ point of view was high, the principle of setting goals came at the forefront of the principles achieved in the application of management by objectives among the leaders of private schools in Al-Khobar Governorate, then followed by the principle of evaluation and feedback, then the principle of means and methods, finally the principle of subordinate participation, the results of the study revealed statistically significant differences between the average responses of teachers about the degree of the application of management by objectives among the leaders of private schools in Al-Khobar Governorate, due to the difference in academic qualifications, and the number of years of experience, and the differences were in favor of teachers with a Bachelors’ degree and teachers with less than five years’ experience. Pages 247 to 263 |
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The extent of the application of Excellence Management in the schools of the Royal Commission in Jubail in light of the EQFM model Khalid Alshehria, Khalid bin Aboud bin Rafie Al-Shahranib, a,bDepartment of Educational Management, College of Education, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The study aimed to identify the extent of the application of Excellence Management in the schools of the Royal Commission in Jubail in the light of the EFQM model related to (purpose, vision, and strategy, organizational culture and leadership, engaging stakeholders, creating sustainable value, driving performance and transformation, stakeholders’ perceptions, strategic and operational performance) from the school administrations’ perspective, and the detection of statistical differences in the responses of the study sample members that are attributed to the educational stage. To achieve the objectives of the study, the descriptive survey method was used, the questionnaire was built as a tool for data collection) as a principal and vice-principal. The results of the study showed that the application of the standards of management excellence in the schools of the Royal Commission in Jubail in the light of the EQFM model from the perspective of school administrations was very high, where the general arithmetic mean of the dimensions was 4.25 with a standard deviation of 0.50, the dimensions of culture and leadership ranked first with a mean of 4.47 and a standard deviation of 0.45, followed by the purpose, vision and strategy dimension with a mean of 4.45 and a standard deviation of 0.55, and in the third place comes the dimension of engagement of stakeholders, with a mean of 4.31 and a standard deviation of 0.48, the dimension creating a sustainable value ranked fourth among the dimensions of the extent of the application of excellence management standards in the schools of the Royal Commission in Jubail in the light of the EQFM model from the perspective of school administrations with an arithmetic mean of 4.29 and a standard deviation 0.56, followed by the dimension of driving performance and transformation with an arithmetic mean of 4.25 and a deviation Standard of 0.60, and in the sixth place comes the dimension of perceptions of stakeholders with an arithmetic mean of 4.01 and a standard deviation of 0.72, and in the last comes the dimension of strategic and operational performance as the least dimension of the extent of the application of standards of management excellence in schools of the Royal Commission in Jubail in the light of the EQFM model from the perspective of school administrations, with a mean of 3.99 and a standard deviation of 0.74. Pages 264 to 282 |
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Analytical study of Implication of Art Nouveau in designer’s clothing Kirti Kushwaha1, Neelam Agrawal Srivastava2, 1Research Scholar, Department of Art & Design, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India, 2Professor, Department Art & Design, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India. The research describes the origin, time-span, key characteristic, artists, their works, and its implication. The key objective of the research is to analyze the depiction of Art Nouveau style in the garmenting by the designers. Despite the short life span, Art Nouveau’s modernized revolution has a prominent existence and also had its revival in the sixties. This is a visual assessment of a designer's perspective on their design. It is the reasonability of its organic and decorative imagery in every form of art. Taking inspiration from Art Nouveau, they created a collection that embodies their acceptance of the movement's form, color, and aesthetics. The research will portray the in-depth descriptive analysis of the Art Nouveau Style and the essence of the garments created by designers. This analysis employs secondary sources and is descriptive and qualitative. In the study, the content analysis was conducted to identify the elements of Art Nouveau that have been used and implemented by various designers over the years. This study will result in the extraction of motifs, styles, and colors used by designers in the Art Nouveau style that has gained popularity over the years. Pages 283 to 301 |