scholarly journals Reaching the unreached through open and distance learning in India

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepak Paliwal
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Formal System ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Girl Child ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Open And Distance Learning

Purpose Education is the most important tool for the development of different types of faculties in human beings. It plays an important role in the overall development of the human beings, and it is generally considered as a catalyst of social change. Education always remains a territory of significance and worry for the policymakers, social researchers and the academicians. In the complex society like India, which is multi-racial, multi-lingual, multi-religious and pervaded with incalculable issues, the issues of ignorance are a major test in transit of its advancement. In this direction, open and distance learning (ODL) plays an important role in providing quality education to the learners who are unable to be a part of the formal system of education. Open and distance learning serves as a source of education for the marginalized and disadvantaged sections of the society. Open and distance learning goes for the spread of learning and securing information through distance mode including the utilization of any correspondence innovation to give chances to advanced education. Regardless of caste, creed and religion, it provides uniform education to different sections of the society. The purpose of this paper is to assess the attitude and satisfaction level of the learners towards open and distance learning. Design/methodology/approach For this study, explorative research methodology has been used, and analysis has been done on the basis of data extracted from the primary and secondary sources of information. The respondents were personally interviewed through structured interviewed schedule for the collection of primary data. In fact, the interview is an act of verbal communication for the purpose of eliciting information. In addition to intensive field work, secondary sources like records, manuscripts, survey reports and many other related studies and their findings have been used as the source of secondary information collected through respective sources. Findings ODL has been successful in realizing its objective, reaching to the unreached by spreading education in the remote and far-flung areas through its study centers located in various locations. However, there is more need of creating awareness among the people in the far-flung areas by opening more study centers as per the need and geographical location of the area. In the present era of science, technology and innovation, no major shift has been seen among the parents towards the girl child: and providing education to the girl child is not the top priority in the villages, marriage gets the first preference instead of education. However, girls are coming forward to continue their education but the problem is that of money as in the case of boy respondents. So there is a need to review the fee structure of the ODL program as per the economic conditions of the student’s family, and some provisions should be made, especially for the girl students, to motivate them to come forward to continue their education, as it will spread message among other girls who did not complete their schooling. Social implications Through this paper, it could be realized that ODL provides opportunities to those who have no access to normal schooling but want to continue their education to compete in the changing world. ODL plays an important role in the hilly regions where most of the children left or dropped out their studies, especially the girls students, due to various reasons: it may be the long distance of the school from home or poor economic condition of the family. ODL emerged as a tool in solving all the problems and reaching the unreached through its learner-friendly approach. Originality/value Open and distance learning gives uniform stage to the individuals who need to upgrade their education and also skill development. This paper finds out that majority of the learners were satisfied with the performance of the open schooling. A positive attitude towards open schooling was found among the learners. They were of the view that because of open schooling, they gained self-confidence and better status in the society. They were of the opinion that they were no longer considered as a loser and they were in a position to get something new, which may be helpful for them and their family.

The role of different stakeholders in destination development

2016 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raija Komppula
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Historical Review ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Review Reports

Purpose This paper aims to highlight the crucial role of individual people, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in the development of a tourist destination during its life cycle. The purpose is to increase our understanding of individual actors as contributors to leadership and development of tourism destinations. Design/methodology/approach An intrinsic case study of a Finnish ski resort, Ruka, is presented. The primary data consist of 16 narrative interviews. Secondary sources of information such as a history book and a historical review, reports and Web pages have been used as well. Findings The study suggests that the leadership in a destination is attributed to individuals. It is the charismatic entrepreneurs, business managers, municipality and influential politicians that may take control of the leadership at the destination. Being local enhances the sense of identity with the place and facilitates a cooperative atmosphere between actors. Finally, the roles of stakeholders and aspects of the leadership of a destination may vary along the destination life cycle. Research limitations/implications As this paper presents a single case study in a Finnish context, the findings cannot be, and are not meant to be, generalized. Rather, the findings present an example of an exception to the mainstream destination management and governance literature. Originality/value The paper fills the research gap noted by Kennedy (2014) and presents an in-depth study analysing the role of different stakeholders in destination leadership.

Competitive marketing through Confucian values in Malaysia: a case study

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-175
Author(s):  
Tossapon Luechapattanaporn ◽  
Winai Wongsurawat
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Style ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Paternalistic Leadership ◽  
Manufacturing Firm ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Confucian Values

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to stimulate debate about the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating Confucian values in personnel and marketing practices of a manufacturing firm in an ethnically diverse, emerging economy of Southeast Asia. Design/methodology/approach Primary data from the direct experience of the company’s manager were combined with secondary sources of information on the business landscape of Malaysia. Key lessons were developed from discussion and reflection on experiences of people involved with the company. Findings Cultivating warm, long-term relationships with customers through product dependability and gifts contributed to the firm’s marketing success. Family-like bonds between employees, “not strictly professional by Western standards” succeeded in keeping the turnover low. The paternalistic leadership style, however, came at the expense of a possible loss of constructive conflict through participatory decision-making. Research limitations/implications Analysis is restricted to the experience of a single company. Research findings are thus highly context-specific. Originality/value The case shows an example of successful implementation of key Confucian values in multiple business areas. The interplay between the East Asian values and the diverse ethnic context of Malaysia is also examined.

E-government and transformation of service delivery in developing countries

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 368-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noore Alam Siddiquee
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Political Support ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Intimate Knowledge ◽  
Secondary Information ◽  
High Level

Purpose Since 2009, e-government has been high on governmental agenda in Bangladesh. Seen as a vehicle for improving governance and service delivery, it is also presented as a key to fighting poverty and achieving the millennium development goals. Thus, the goals of e-government remain broad and ambitious. Can a developing country such as Bangladesh realize its e-government vision? The purpose of this paper is to explore this and other related questions seeking to draw lessons that the Bangladesh experience may offer. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws primarily on secondary information, complemented by primary data gathered from various sources. In addition to an extensive review of secondary sources, necessary information was derived from websites of relevant government departments/agencies and through interviews and conversations with selected government officials having intimate knowledge on e-government projects at the field and local levels. Findings The paper demonstrates the ways in which various e-initiatives have transformed traditional administrative systems and practices, notwithstanding the nation’s limited overall e-development. It also shows how e-innovations have helped tackle some complex challenges, thereby adding to convenience and benefits to service users. A major conclusion of the paper is that although e-government is yet to make a breakthrough in governance and service delivery, it has set the wheels of change in motion. Practical implications E-government must be seen as a long term project, it must attract high-level political support and it requires fruitful collaboration between the public, private and non-governmental actors. Originality/value This paper adds to the limited knowledge in the field. Lessons learned from the Bangladesh experience have much relevance to other developing countries with similar socioeconomic circumstances. The policymakers and practitioners are expected to benefit from the insights of the paper.

scholarly journals Perception towards quality and effectiveness of social work education through open and distance learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bishnu Mohan Dash
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Social Work Education ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interview Guide ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
School Of Social Work ◽  
Work Education

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the perception of the students towards the quality and effectiveness of social work education offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) through open and distance learning (ODL). Design/methodology/approach The sample size consisted of 150 students, 15 academic counsellors engaged in either teaching or development sectors, or faculty members of School of Social Work of IGNOU. The methods of data collection included interviews and content analysis. Interview schedule for students, interview guide for academic counsellors and interview guide for faculty members were used. Findings The study centres were allotted as per student’s choice. Students were satisfied with the counsellors because of their support, availability, contact, accessibility and assisting the students to clearing their doubts. The study found that the student’s attendance in counselling sessions was found to be negligible, even a large number of respondents were not aware of the ODL system. The study also shows that students face lots of problem with regard to their field work supervision and other components of field work as were also neglected. Practical implications The findings of the study are extremely relevant for formulating necessary guidelines for improving the social work education through ODL mode. The study recommends revision of course materials translated in Hindi language, holding of individual and group conferences regularly as well as proper evaluation of field work reports. Originality/value This is first such study conducted in India to examine the effectiveness of social work education through ODL.

Reassessing the contents and context of governance in Asia: recognizing achievements

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 353-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Shafiqul Huque
Keyword(s):  
Good Governance ◽  
Primary Sources ◽  
Political Systems ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Ranking Countries

Purpose Good governance has been declared as the key target of most Asian governments, but it appears to be an unattainable objective. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potentials for establishing governance across Asian countries. Drawing upon the literature and experience of Asian countries, the study argues that governance represents an unclear state that is rooted more in perception than reality. An extensive review of the indicators of governance reveals the anomaly and unorganized efforts to measure it, and points to the need for recognizing accomplishments in areas that are not directly or indirectly covered in the existing schemes of assessment. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a broad review of the literature on governance and political systems in Asian countries. Existing arrangements for assessing governance are critically reviewed to point out the risks in a perception-dependent approach. Secondary sources and insight obtained from relevant research constitute the data analyzed in the paper. Findings The paper finds that the target of good governance cannot be fully achieved due to the significant diversity across Asian countries as well as varied perceptions held by assessors. Stakeholders have different perceptions about the requirements and ideal of governance and existing tools for measuring governance are inadequate. Most importantly, assessment frameworks do not recognize contextual dimensions that are relevant to Asian countries. Furthermore, it is important to recognize efforts that are aimed at improving conditions instead of working toward an absolute outcome of governance. Recognition of small successes will contribute to the improvement of circumstances rather than ranking countries on the basis of a limited number of perception-based indicators and listing them on international indices. Research limitations/implications The paper does not draw upon primary sources of information and is limited to an assessment of existing arrangements. Practical implications The paper will help draw attention to the limitations of existing arrangements of assessing countries and ranking them for the quality of governance. It will also encourage researchers to think about alternative tools for assessing governance and recognizing progress in Asian countries. Social implications The paper will encourage governments to identify obstacles to good governance and adopt policies to overcome them. Originality/value The paper contributes to the literature presenting a critical view for encouraging alternative approach to governance, incorporating perceptions of diverse stakeholders and highlights the need to recognize progress, however limited, in all areas.

scholarly journals Creative Education System at Secondary Level in Bangladesh: Teachers’ and Students’ Perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 350
Author(s):  
Sabina Yasmin ◽  
Tahmina Ferdous Tanny ◽  
Md. Rahmat Ullah
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Education System ◽  
Secondary Level ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Creative Education ◽  
Teachers And Students

The creative education system is introduced in different stream of Bangladesh education towards developing the ingenious capability of students. The study is an endeavour that tries to know the possibilities and difficulties in the creative education system at the secondary level in Bangladesh from the teachers’ and students’ perceptions. It is an exploratory type of research that used primary and secondary sources of information to look for the problems, underlying the system. To collect primary data, Ambarkhana Girls’ High School & College; and Osmani Medical High School of Sylhet Sadar have been chosen as the study area. From the second tier of the chosen institutions; 60 students and 20 teachers are selected using a systematic random sampling method. The social survey method has been implied in this research and data collected through face to face interview method; along with a few well responded and informed respondents’ in-depth interview. Collected data from the respondents are then analyzed through a mixed research approach. The study findings reveal that most of the students signify the system enjoyable to study, memorizing reduced for textbooks learning, and appearance in examination turned easier. While others find the system confusing, difficult to understand questions and answer in examination hall within limited time. Besides, the system reciprocally encourages students to enrol in coaching centres for a vague idea about question pattern; lack of linkage between book and exam questions; and also, to get good marks. Findings from teachers' evaluation depict that though they welcome the system they are not well prepared to assimilate the system because of inadequate training facilities, absence of inquisitive seeking awareness program, dependence on the readymade question paper, challenges exerted on them to give students attention and proper guidance. The study recommends introducing well-researched textbooks avoiding mistakes, improving integrative classroom learning, controlling coaching business, increasing training facilities for teachers, providing awareness programs to make effective the creative education system in a competitive world of education.

Zakah as tool for social cause marketing and corporate charity: a conceptual study

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 191-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shafiu Ibrahim Abdullahi
Keyword(s):  
Social Marketing ◽  
Corporate Image ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Mathematical Economics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cause Marketing ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Social Cause ◽  
Marketing Tool

Purpose This paper explores the role of Zakah in social cause marketing. Academic literature on Islamic economics, finance and management mostly deals with the links that exists between Zakah and consumption, neglecting important and strategic links with social cause marketing. This paper emanated from need to outline social cause and the charitable role of Zakah in promoting Halal businesses, poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Most works in the field of Zakah did not foresee the role of marketing. This is a misjudgement, as this work showed that Zakah yields large and measurable social gains to help the society and a firm. Design/methodology/approach Secondary sources were used in writing this paper. Available literature in the form of journals, books, manuals and reports was referred to. As a conceptual work, the paper does not test hypothesis or pretends to provide empirical evidences. It uses mathematical economics in arriving at some of the conclusions. Findings were derived through deductions and critical discourses, not through crunching of primary data. Findings The paper shows how Zakah, Halal consumption and corporate social responsibility are connected and highlights the role of Zakah as a social marketing tool. It shows how Zakah affects consumption through marginal propensity of Zakah recipients who spend Zakah money on basic needs. Research limitations/implications The paper looks at the broad aspects of Zakah and social marketing. How to make Zakah a pillar of Islamic firms’ social cause programs shall be the focus of future academic works in this area. Originality/value The paper is unique in drawing attention of Islamic firms to the effectiveness of Zakah in building a corporate image. It draws the attention of firms, activists, academics and governments to functions of Zakah that have not been studied in depth.

Technology usage for teaching and learning law in open and distance learning: a Sri Lankan perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-81
Author(s):  
Janaka Selvaras
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Technology Usage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Online Social Media ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
Learning Law

PurposeThe Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) is the only institution to deliver legal education through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Sri Lanka. This study aims to analyze technology usage in learning and teaching law in the ODL under OUSL to evaluate the accessibility and also challenges.Design/methodology/approachA combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies has been used for the study. This includes both interviews with teachers and surveying among students on the usage of technology in learning and teaching law at OUSL. Since the LL.B Degree Programme of OUSL delivered at six regional centres in Sri Lanka, this study also includes the comparative analysis of technology usage in teaching and learning at selected regional centres.FindingsThe findings indicate that the majority of students have access to technology through mobile phones and are aware of blended learning. Even though they prefer to integrate blended learning with learning law, they do not prefer learning entirely online. Social media and mobile applications are the most preferred modes of blended learning by students. It is also acknowledged that the internal staff has knowledge and access to the use of technology in teaching law while the external staff faces challenges and is in need of adequate training.Originality/valueThe original contribution of this article provides insightful guidelines not only to the OUSL of Sri Lanka but also to the institutions offering similar disciplines through ODL to understand lecturers, learners in the future integration of technology.

Tetra Pak Italy’s ingredient branding: an exploratory case of strategic communication

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfonso Siano ◽  
Maria Palazzo
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Key Management ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Strategic Communication ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Ingredient Branding ◽  
External Relations ◽  
Tetra Pak

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on the role ingredient branding (IB) plays in shaping the strategic communications created by public relations/corporate communication departments of large organizations when managing crises. Design/methodology/approach – Starting from a literature review on strategic communication and IB the role of this activity is studied within the Italian context. In order to reach the aim of the paper, primary and secondary sources were exploited generating qualitative and quantitative data. The primary data were gathered though in-depth interviews with key management personnel while the secondary data were sourced from reports made available by Tetra Pak Italy. Findings – The study confirmed the contribution of the strategic proactive role played by Tetra Pak Italy managers of External Relations and Marketing Departments and the communication agency manager during a challenging period of crisis for the company. The main implication of the paper lies in the analysis of the important strategic work implemented by the external consultant of communication together with the External Relations and Marketing managers as members of the dominant coalition. Originality/value – The paper analyses a Tetra Pak Italy case study, as an exploratory case that could demonstrate how strategic communication – based on an IB campaign – is of fundamental importance during a period of crisis. Moreover, the research studied how proactive and effective the role played by the communication consultant and managers of External Relations and Marketing Departments was as a determinant of resulting outcomes.

scholarly journals The usability of augmented reality in open and distance learning systems: A qualitative Delphi study

Open Praxis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 283
Author(s):  
Hakan Altınpulluk ◽  
Mehmet Kesim ◽  
Gulsun Kurubacak
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Augmented Reality ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Delphi Technique ◽  
Universal Design ◽  
Design Principles ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Data Collection Tool ◽  
Open And Distance Learning

The main purpose of this research is to determine the usability of augmented reality in open and distance learning environments in accordance with universal design principles, and to make predictions for the future by gathering expert opinions on this subject using the Delphi technique. The Delphi technique was applied to 14 expert participants for 3 rounds as the primary data collection tool with open ended questions based on the theoretical framework. Structured interview questions were used as a secondary data collection tool and were applied during an academic exchange in China. In the Delphi technique used as the primary data collection tool, 92 themes were evaluated by experts and accepted as usability principles by end of this research. Therefore, 92 themes under 21 titles were presented for the use of augmented reality within the framework of universal design principles in open and distance learning. This research may be the first unique study on the usability of augmented reality not just as the convergence of this technology with open and distance learning environments but also incorporating the learning and communication dimensions of this convergence, thereby contributing to the literature of the field. It is imperative to determine the usability of augmented reality in open and distance learning, along with the “how” of this use in application. In this regard, the findings of this study are significant in shedding light to the enrichment, diversification and increased interaction of open and distance learning environments in accordance with universal design principles, bringing a new perspective to how a different technology convergence may be conducted, providing further accessibility.

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