scholarly journals Student persistence in open and distance learning: success factors and challenges

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Tat-Sheung Au ◽  
K. Li ◽  
T.M. Wong
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Student Persistence ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
High Level ◽  
Study Performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the success factors and challenges for students studying in an open and distance learning (ODL) mode and recommend strategies for student persistence based on the findings. Design/methodology/approach Three groups of ODL students with various levels of study performance – nine high-level, nine mid-level and eight low-level students – were invited to participate in three focus group interviews. They were asked about their motivation, success factors and challenges in their studies. Findings The different groups of participants showed observable variations in their response. The mid-level students believed that word-by-word rote memorisation was their best strategy in preparing for examinations. The low-level students believed that they needed to master multitasking to learn well in tight schedules. All these weak student participants considered quitting at some points, but no high-level student did so. To improve student persistence, the authors focus on meeting the needs of weak students and recommend the following actions for student persistence: add a time management and study skills component to existing courses for students to practise; appoint advisors to distance learning students to help them create an appropriate study plan and acquire a sense of belonging; make learning videos short and engaging; consider adopting student leaders or peer tutors that have been used successfully in full-time study; and conduct focus periodically with students to hear their views. Originality/value This study revealed the factors contributing to student persistence in ODL for the students of various levels of study performance. The results help in formulating measures to meet the diverse needs of ODL students for persistence in their studies.

A service-oriented context-awareness reasoning framework and its implementation

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1114-1134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiufeng Cheng ◽  
Jinqing Yang ◽  
Lixin Xia
Keyword(s):  
Context Awareness ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
User Behavior ◽  
Contextual Information ◽  
Sensor Data ◽  
Context Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Service Oriented ◽  
High Level

PurposeThis paper aims to propose an extensible, service-oriented framework for context-aware data acquisition, description, interpretation and reasoning, which facilitates the development of mobile applications that provide a context-awareness service.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the authors propose the context data reasoning framework (CDRFM) for generating service-oriented contextual information. Then they used this framework to composite mobile sensor data into low-level contextual information. Finally, the authors exploited some high-level contextual information that can be inferred from the formatted low-level contextual information using particular inference rules.FindingsThe authors take “user behavior patterns” as an exemplary context information generation schema in their experimental study. The results reveal that the optimization of service can be guided by the implicit, high-level context information inside user behavior logs. They also prove the validity of the authors’ framework.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research will add more variety of sensor data. Furthermore, to validate the effectiveness of our framework, more reasoning rules need to be performed. Therefore, the authors may implement more algorithms in the framework to acquire more comprehensive context information.Practical implicationsCDRFM expands the context-awareness framework of previous research and unifies the procedures of acquiring, describing, modeling, reasoning and discovering implicit context information for mobile service providers.Social implicationsSupport the service-oriented context-awareness function in application design and related development in commercial mobile software industry.Originality/valueExtant researches on context awareness rarely considered the generation contextual information for service providers. The CDRFM can be used to generate valuable contextual information by implementing more reasoning rules.

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.

Reliability assessment on automobile suspension system using wavelet analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 602-611
Author(s):  
Airee Afiq Abd Rahim ◽  
Shahrum Abdullah ◽  
Salvinder Singh Karam Singh ◽  
Mohd. Zaki Nuawi
Keyword(s):  
Fatigue Life ◽  
Wavelet Decomposition ◽  
Reliability Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Rural Road ◽  
Automobile Suspension ◽  
Life Analysis ◽  
Fatigue Life Analysis ◽  
High Level

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on the reliability assessment on the basis of automobile suspension fatigue life using wavelet decomposition method. Design/methodology/approach The discrete wavelet transform (DWT) of automobile coil spring signal is implemented as a response to different road surfaces. A reliability analysis is applied to determine the potential of the wavelet implementation in fatigue life analysis. The signals used in this study are highway and rural road. Findings On the basis of the implementation of wavelet decomposition method, low-level decomposition replicates the original signals in comparison with high-level decomposition. The fatigue life of low-level decomposition lies in the 2:1 and 1:2 correlation graph. The percentage difference for mean cycle to failure presents low values for low-level decomposition, with 44.31 per cent for highway and 44.20 per cent for rural road. The percentage of difference for high-level decomposition is high. Originality/value The determination of fatigue life analysis by using the DWT method is suitable for low-level decomposition. High-level decomposition is considered noise that cannot be eliminated and does not contribute to the failure of the structure.

Career commitment and subjective career success: the moderating role of career-enhancing strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 1287-1305
Author(s):  
Emre Burak Ekmekcioglu ◽  
Mahmure Yelda Erdogan ◽  
Alptekin Sokmen
Keyword(s):  
Career Success ◽  
Career Commitment ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Subjective Career Success ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Moderating Role

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to test the moderating role of career-enhancing strategies (CESs) in the relationship between career commitment (CC) and subjective career success (CS).Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 217 full-time employees working for three different sectors in Ankara, Turkey. The participants were asked to respond to a self-reported survey. The hypotheses were tested using a hierarchical regression analysis.FindingsThe results indicated that CC had a significant and positive effect on subjective CS. Furthermore, the positive relationship between CC and subjective CS was stronger for employees with a high level of self-nomination and for employees with a high level of networking. However, creating career opportunities did not moderate the effects of CC on subjective CS.Research limitations/implicationsBecause this study had a cross-sectional research design, causality cannot be established among the study variables.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest a better understanding of the way CC is able to affect subjective CS through the networking and self-nomination CESs.Originality/valueThis study is original, in that no previous studies have investigated the moderating role of CESs in the relationship between CC and subjective CS.

scholarly journals Mutations ingyrAandgyrBamong Fluoroquinolone- and Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 2090-2096 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung-Yien Chien ◽  
Wei-Yih Chiu ◽  
Shun-Tien Chien ◽  
Chia-Jung Chiang ◽  
Chong-Jen Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ◽  
East Asian ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Level ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Mdr Tb ◽  
High Level

ABSTRACTIn order to correlate the mutations inside the entiregyrAandgyrBgenes with the level of resistance to ofloxacin (OFX) and moxifloxacin (MFX) in isolates of multidrug-resistantMycobacterium tuberculosis(MDR-TB), a total of 111 isolates were categorized into OFX-susceptible (MIC, ≤2 μg/ml) and low-level (MIC, 4 to 8 μg/ml) and high-level (MIC, ≥16 μg/ml) OFX-resistant isolates and MFX-susceptible (MIC, ≤0.5 μg/ml) and low-level (MIC, 1 to 2 μg/ml) and high-level (MIC, ≥4 μg/ml) MFX-resistant isolates. Resistance-associated mutations inside thegyrAgene were found in 30.2% of OFX-susceptible and 72.5% and 72.2% of low-level and high-level OFX-resistant isolates and in 28.6% of MFX-susceptible and 58.1% and 83.9% of low-level and high-level MFX-resistant isolates. Compared with OFX-susceptible isolates, low-level and high-level OFX-resistant isolates had a significantly higher prevalence of mutations atgyrAcodons 88 to 94 (17.0%, 65.0%, and 72.2%, respectively;P< 0.001) and a higher prevalence of thegyrBG512R mutation (0.0%, 2.5%, and 16.7%, respectively;P= 0.006). Similarly, compared with MFX-susceptible isolates, low-level and high-level MFX-resistant isolates had a significantly higher prevalence of mutations atgyrAcodons 88 to 94 (14.3%, 51.6%, and 80.6%, respectively;P< 0.001) as well as a higher prevalence of thegyrBG512R mutation (0.0%, 0.0%, and 12.9%, respectively;P= 0.011). D94G and D94N mutations ingyrAand the G512R mutation ingyrBwere correlated with high-level MFX resistance, while the D94A mutation was associated with low-level MFX resistance. The prevalence of mutations atgyrAcodons 88 to 94 and thegyrBG512R mutation were higher among fluoroquinolone (FQ)-susceptible East Asian (Beijing) and Indo-Oceanic strains than they were among Euro-American strains, implying that molecular techniques to detect FQ resistance may be less specific in areas with a high prevalence of East Asian (Beijing) and Indo-Oceanic strains.

scholarly journals Resistance and Virulence Mechanisms of Escherichia coli Selected by Enrofloxacin in Chicken

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Li ◽  
Haihong Hao ◽  
Menghong Dai ◽  
Heying Zhang ◽  
Jianan Ning ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Efflux Pumps ◽  
Genetic Alterations ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Single Mutation ◽  
Genetic Characteristics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Low Level ◽  
High Level

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the genetic characteristics, antibiotic resistance patterns, and novel mechanisms involved in fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance in commensal Escherichia coli isolates. The E. coli isolates were recovered from a previous clinical study and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and molecular typing. Known mechanisms of FQ resistance (target site mutations, plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance [PMQR] genes, relative expression levels of efflux pumps and porins) were detected using DNA sequencing of PCR products and real-time quantitative PCR. Whole-genome shotgun sequencing was performed on 11 representative strains to screen for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The function of a key SNP (A1541G) was investigated by site-directed mutagenesis and allelic exchange. The results showed that long-term enrofloxacin treatment selected multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli isolates in the chicken gut and that these E. coli isolates had diverse genetic backgrounds. Multiple genetic alterations, including double mutations on GyrA (S83L and D87N), a single mutation on ParC (S80I) and ParE (S458E), activation of efflux pumps, and the presence of the QnrS1 protein, contributed to the high-level FQ resistance (enrofloxacin MIC [MICENR] ≥ 128 μg/ml), while the relatively low-level FQ resistance (MICENR = 8 or 16 μg/ml) was commonly mediated by decreased expression of the porin OmpF, besides enhancement of the efflux pumps. No significant relationship was observed between resistance mechanisms and virulence genes. Introduction of the A1541G mutation on aegA was able to increase FQ susceptibility by 2-fold. This study contributes to a better understanding of the development of MDR and the differences underlying the mechanisms of high-level and low-level FQ resistance in E. coli.

UAE study of student-mothers highlights importance of mentoring and time management for successful internships

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 33-35
Keyword(s):  
Time Management ◽  
Role Model ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Cultural Backgrounds ◽  
Content Type ◽  
College Life ◽  
Home Life ◽  
Student Mothers ◽  
Local Schools

Purpose The purpose was to find out the experiences of student mothers on internships and assess how best to make the process go as well as possible. Design/methodology/approach The author interviewed student mothers in the UAE enrolled on full-time four-year degree courses. The 12-week internships in local schools were part of their final year and had just been completed. The interviews lasted 30 minutes and were transcribed, then analysed for common themes. Findings The biggest factor in a successful experience was time management, which allowed mothers to balance work and home life demands. All 10 students found work placements to be more challenging than college life because of the less relaxed atmosphere, greater accountability and lack of familiarity. The study also highlighted the importance of both mentoring and peer support. Originality/value The research was important because successful internships improve retention rates. In the UAE, especially, national teachers are highly sought after for their similar cultural backgrounds, religious understanding and ability to role-model bilingualism.

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.

scholarly journals Student Satisfaction and Persistence: Imperative Features for Retention in Open and Distance Learning

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximus Gorky Sembiring
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Grade Point Average ◽  
Student Persistence ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Utilization Of Services ◽  
Satisfaction Index ◽  
Open And Distance Learning

This paper examines the elements of overall service quality as evidence for student satisfaction in an open and distance learning mode. It aims mainly at assessing the implementation and utilization of services as expected and experienced by students. The paper also explores the links between satisfaction and grade point average, student persistence and retention. The research was conducted at Universitas Terbuka utilizing a survey, with the data being collected randomly through a questionnaire. The population was 1,154 Universitas Terbuka graduates attending a commencement day in May 2014. Three hundred questionnaires were distributed and 218 of them were returned complete and processed. Student satisfaction was assessed by scrutinizing the dimensions of service quality: the attributes of reliability, assurance, tangibility, empathy and responsiveness. An Importance Performance Analysis and a Customer Satisfaction Index were first applied concurrently to measure student satisfaction and the level of its importance. Structural equation modelling was then used to verify the influencing features related to satisfaction with the grade point average, persistence and retention. Eight hypotheses were formed and examined, six of which were statistically validated by the analysis. It was found that empathy, responsiveness and reliability directly influenced student satisfaction; and persistence and retention were visibly affected by satisfaction.

How can Asian hotel companies remain internationally competitive?

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 827-852 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Lam ◽  
Grace K.S. Ho ◽  
Rob Law
Keyword(s):  
Success Factors ◽  
Strategic Decision ◽  
Hotel Management ◽  
Market Penetration ◽  
International Expansion ◽  
Strategic Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Success Factors ◽  
Traditional Markets ◽  
High Level

Purpose – This paper aims to examine a number of Asian hotel companies to identify the hurdles and provide recommendations for those companies expanding internationally. Many Asian-based hotel companies have made their strategic choice to expand beyond their home territories by opening and managing hotels in non-Asian destinations to achieve growth. This is a strategic decision that other Asian hotel companies will eventually have to face when they follow their customers’ footsteps and/or enhance their brand awareness in non-Asian destinations for greater market penetration and other network advantages. Design/methodology/approach – This is a review article that analyzes Asian hotel groups’ development practices based on content analysis of published references. The 2012 Hotels 325 list, the leading source of news and analysis for the global hotel industry, is used to identify the top Asian hotel management companies in the world. Their history is traced to examine key success factors for their growth and to identify issues and concerns for such companies’ development into non-Asian destinations. Findings – There are a number of approaches that Asian hotel companies have adopted for international expansion based on their match with these companies’ key success factors. Research limitations/implications – The review focuses on the top 53 Asian hotel companies on the Hotels 325 list and does not cover smaller Asian companies that may have had successful global expansion records. Practical implications – The paper provides high-level guidelines for what Asian hotel groups need to do to expand their business internationally outside of Asia or their traditional markets. Non-Asian hotel groups would also learn from this Asian wave of hotel development. Originality/value – There has been limited, if ever any, previous literature on the strategic development choices of Asian hotel management companies. As such, this paper contributes to such an important but largely overlooked area in hotel management.

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