Usage of and learning from Wikipedia: a study of university students in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wazzuha Amina ◽  
Nosheen Fatima Warraich ◽  
Amara Malik
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
University Students ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University ◽  
Masters Students ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose This study aims to explore the university students’ usage pattern of Wikipedia information and its effect on their learning. Design/methodology/approach A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data from the students of master programmes at University of the Punjab, Lahore. Proportionate stratified sampling technique was used to select the sample from the population of “Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences”. In total, 225 masters’ students from eight departments participated voluntarily in the study. Findings Findings revealed that the majority of the respondents used Wikipedia information regularly for both academic and leisure purposes. They usually did not edit/add content in Wikipedia entries though they observed incomplete contents in it. Overall, the respondents perceived Wikipedia as an easy and understandable source of information that enhanced their understanding about a topic and enabled them to accomplish tasks more quickly. Research limitations/implications The sample of this study was social sciences students from one university. The findings may not be generalizable across other groups of students and universities. Practical implications These findings suggest that students have a positive behaviour towards Wikipedia and regarded it as a good source of information. They use Wikipedia information for academic and leisure purposes. So, the academics and librarians need to provide better guidelines for using Wikipedia, rather than prohibiting its use altogether. Originality/value This paper provides useful information on the use of Wikipedia among university students from a developing country’s perspective and thus contributes to the tendency of increasing acceptance of Wikipedia in academia. Furthermore, understanding how gender plays a role in differentiating the using behaviour of Wikipedia information could benefit both academics and library practitioners.

Institutional repository: access and use by academic staff at Egerton University, Kenya

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 276-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felicitas Ciabere Ratanya
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Institutional Repository ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Expected Benefits ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the access and use of the institutional repository (IR) among academic staff at Egerton University. Design/methodology/approach The paper provides a description of the building and development of the IR at the Egerton university and describes expected benefits of the repository to the University and relevant stakeholders. A survey was conducted among 84 academic staff with an aim of examining their levels of awareness on the existence of the IR at the Egerton University and assess their access and use. Through a structured questionnaire both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Findings The study revealed that majority of the academic staff at the Egerton University are still not aware of the existence of the IR. Staff also faced challenges in accessing and using the content available. The paper provided suggestions on how best to enhance the access and utilization of the IRs among the academic staff. Practical implications From a practical point of view, the paper provides implications on the access and use of IRs by the academic staff. The paper points out some challenges faced by this group of users which other academic institutions may try to solve in their respective contexts. Originality/value Findings and discussions provided in the paper will pave way to solving the challenges faced in access and use of IR by the academic staff at the Egerton University.

Nine emerging student needs

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Hines ◽  
Alexandra Whittington
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Education ◽  
Student Life ◽  
Student Needs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
World Cafe ◽  
The Future ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose A research project exploring emerging student needs explored six aspects of student life: living, learning, working, playing, connecting and participating. Design/methodology/approach A modified version of the University of Houston’s “Framework Foresight” method was used to explore the future of six aspects of future student life. The resulting scenarios were analyzed for their implications, including the use of the World Café technique, and ultimately led to the identification of nine emerging student needs. Findings Nine specific emerging needs of future students could be used strategically by institutions of higher education to guide and inform planning and to generate innovative ideas for university offerings. Specific examples of offerings that would meet the projected future needs are recommended. Research limitations/implications In terms of research limitations, the paper is focused on the needs of students and does not purport to be an exhaustive analysis of all of the issues influencing higher education. It views the future of higher education through the lens of students and their emerging needs. Practical implications The paper is intended for educators, researchers and administrators to provide insight on how the needs of students, their key customers, are evolving. Originality/value This piece explores student life in its totality as way to more accurately identify student needs in the future.

Facing the shortage in Benin: a strategy for information and documentation access at the Université d’Abomey-Calavi

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 97-103
Author(s):  
Eustache Mêgnigbêto ◽  
Khadidjath Kouboura Osseni Bachabi
Keyword(s):  
Developing Country ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Library ◽  
Republic Of Benin ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to describe the response of students to the shortage of materials at the Université d’Abomey-Calavi (Republic of Benin). Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted with over 2,000 students of the Université d’Abomey-Calavi in 2014, and the data were analysed. The paper deals with two questions related to the university library services they use. Findings To satisfy their information and documentation needs, students visit several university library services even on different campuses. Practical implications The study recommends the setting up and the implementation of a long-term development plan for the University of Abomey-Calavi libraries. Originality/value The study describes the behaviour of students of a developing country when faced with a lack of relevant information and documentation resources.

Use of e‐journals among research scholars at Central Science Library, University of Delhi

2011 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.M. Naushad Ali ◽  
Faizul Nisha
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Search Method ◽  
State Universities ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Electronic Journals ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Level Of Use ◽  
The University ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the extent to which research scholars at Central Science Library, University of Delhi are aware and make use of e‐journals.Design/methodology/approachA survey was designed to collect basic information about the level of use of electronic journals as well as other factors contributing to and associated with their use. A well‐structured questionnaire was administered among research scholars to collect the necessary primary data, keeping in view the objectives of the study.FindingsThe findings clearly reveal that more than 60 per cent of users in the Central Science Library are using e‐journals weekly for the purpose of research. Printed journals are consulted by the majority of users compared with e‐journals. Keyword is the most popular search method for searching e‐journals among research scholars, whereas the date of publication carries the least percentage among all the options. However, if is found that slow downloading of PDF files is the major problem that would discourage users while using e‐journals.Research limitations/implicationsThe present paper consists only of e‐journal users and the geographical area is restricted to the CSL at the University of Delhi. The scope of the paper could be extended to additional centrally funded universities. An intra‐comparative study could also be made between some select central and state universities for users of e‐journals.Originality/valueThere are a number of studies on the use of e‐journals, but this is the first of its kind within Delhi University. As such, it should pave the way for research in other Indian universities as well as elsewhere.

Asda, Morrisons and Tesco offer employees an alternative route to a degree

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 21-23
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Degree Programs ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Tuition Fees ◽  
Retail Operations ◽  
Quality Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Job Experience ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This study aims to reveal how UK supermarket giants Asda, Morrisons and Tesco have teamed up with universities to launch degree courses for their non-graduate employees. Design/methodology/approach – This study explains what gave rise to the degree programs, the form they take and the results they are expected to achieve. Findings – The origins and progress of Asda’s link with Middlesex University in honors degrees in either distribution or retail operations, the Morrisons degree in management and business with the University of Bradford and Tesco’s partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University on a retail-foundation degree are charted. Practical implications – The advantages to participants of getting a university qualification at the same time as on-the-job experience have been highlighted. Social implications – In this study, some of the growing number of alternatives to the traditional three-year full-time degree program, which is becoming more attractive as university tuition fees dissuade some young people from taking a degree straight after leaving school has been dealt with. Originality/value – Demonstrates the demand for and success of quality work-based learning leading to higher-education qualifications for retail employees.

Ecological footprint: a tool for environmental management in educational institutions

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 675-690
Author(s):  
Katherine Ortegon ◽  
Pilar Acosta
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Footprint ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Practical Calculation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Standard Tool ◽  
Sustainability Initiatives ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, as few universities have assessed their ecological footprint (EF), a benchmark for Colombian universities is presented. Second, a practical calculation tool for measuring the EF in educational institutions (EIs) is developed. The purpose of this tool is to facilitate the process of assessing the EF in EIs that are starting sustainability initiatives and to unify criteria with those already involved. Design/methodology/approach The development of the Ecological Footprint for Educational Institutions (EFEI) calculator is detailed showing the seven categories analyzed and the adaptation to the Colombian context. Findings Results are presented from a case study of EFEI implementation at Universidad Icesi. Furthermore, the relation between these results and the action taken to mitigate EF at the university is detailed. Practical implications Colombian EIs have recently joined the sustainable campus movement. The EF methodology and this tool serve to assess impacts and identify what EIs can do to ameliorate their environmental stewardship. Social implications EIs are called on to lead by example in terms of sustainability, not only in teaching and researching cutting-edge technologies but also in being sustainable and transferring this knowledge to future generations. Originality/value First, an EF benchmark for Colombian universities is presented. In addition, a unified methodology for EIs is developed. The availability of a standard tool will encourage other EIs to move forward in the effort to achieve a sustainable campus.

scholarly journals Measuring perceptions of Muslim consumers toward income tax rebate over zakat on income in Malaysia

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 368-383
Author(s):  
Abdullah- Al-Mamun ◽  
Ahasanul Haque ◽  
Muhammad Tahir Jan
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Legal Consciousness ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Leading Role ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
People’S Perceptions ◽  
Structured Questionnaire ◽  
Significant Factors

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the variables that affect Muslim consumers’ perception towards tax rebate over zakat on income in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach A close-ended structured questionnaire was developed and a total number of 236 valid responses were collected through online survey from the Muslims residing in Malaysia. Findings This study found that halal-haram aspect of Islamic Shariah, legal consciousness and religiosity of Muslim consumers are positive significant factors for growing perceptions towards tax rebate over zakat on income in Malaysia. Research limitations/implications This study will definitely play an important leading role for the policy-makers and academicians in understanding the perceptions of Muslim consumers. Practical implications This study can assist zakat and tax authorities in Malaysia for taking corrective actions to adapt or improve the current policy on the basis of its Muslim consumers’ perception. Social implications The findings of this study can reduce the gap of understanding among Muslims in the society by letting other people’s perceptions towards tax rebate through zakat system in Malaysia. Originality/value As there are not enough studies in this area, this study will definitely play an important leading role for the countries or policy-makers or concerned zakat or tax institutions all over the world in capitalizing the practices which is highly and positively perceived by the Muslim consumers in Malaysia.

Methodological lapses in plant and equipment valuation amongst Lagos valuers

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 529-546
Author(s):  
Austin Chike Otegbulu
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Potential Sources ◽  
Valuation Process ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of discrepancy in the valuation process adopted by valuers in the study area with a view to provide solution. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on both structured questionnaire and content analysis of valuation reports. In total, 185 (41 percent) structured questionnaires were randomly distributed to practicing estate surveying firms; out of 450 firms in Lagos, 173 were retrieved and used for analysis. However, the content analysis was based on 54 valuation reports on plants and equipment to investigate the extent of compliance to valuation process, standard and best practices among practitioners. Findings The findings from the study show that most of the practitioners lack the expertise to carry out plant and machinery (P&M) valuation, and there is evidence of poor application of methodology and lack of adherence to standards. Practical implications The findings from this study will reinforce the need for specialization and enforcement of standard in plant and equipment valuation practice, which will enthrone consistency, uniformity and reliability. Originality/value This study is the first to deal with methodology lapses in plant and equipment valuation in the study area. Ashaolu (2016) worked on the inter-disciplinary nature of plant and equipment valuation, whereas Otegbulu and Babawale (2011) worked on valuer’s perception or potential sources of inaccuracy in P&M valuation in Nigeria.

Online induction programme with webinar: a case study

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-132
Author(s):  
Sharon Warren ◽  
Patricia Black ◽  
Elizabeth Mills
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Student Feedback ◽  
The Other ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the introduction of an online induction programme including an interactive webinar on a distance learning course and to present student feedback on the programme. It focuses on lessons learnt and implications for others implementing similar induction programmes. Design/methodology/approach – A self-completion questionnaire was sent to all students enroled on the programme, including those who did not attend the webinar or participate in the online induction programme. This was followed up with a semi-structured interview. The analysis focused on the student experience of the induction programme. Findings – Overall, students reported to be satisfied with the online programme. The webinar encouraged engagement with some elements of the online workshop and was felt to complement the other learning opportunities available online. The webinar was particularly valued for providing a “face” to the course, facilitating interactivity among tutors and students and helping the students to feel part of the University. Students also reported that the webinar had the advantage of allowing a social interaction between them. Practical implications – A number of key changes related to multiple offerings of the webinar and the timing of activities in the online workshop were highlighted to encourage participation. Greater clarity on what is required in the induction and how long it would take would also encourage participation. Originality/value – This case study is one of the few to evaluate the inclusion of webinar technology within an online induction programme and, therefore, has value in this context.

Emerging student needs disrupting higher education

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 197-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Hines
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Balance Of Power ◽  
Student Perspective ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Education ◽  
Student Needs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Job Preparation ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose A research project exploring emerging student needs identified two potentially disruptive shifts for the future of higher education: a shift in balance of power from institutions toward the students and a shift in the purpose of higher education away from job preparation. The research suggests that current drivers are eventually moving toward these shifts but that several “accelerators” may hasten their arrival. The paper aims to describe the process for identifying the emerging needs, the potentially disruptive shifts and key implications for higher education. Design/methodology/approach A modified version of the University of Houston’s “Framework Foresight” method was used to identify the emerging needs, the disruptive shifts and their implications. Findings Emerging student needs suggest two potential disruptive shifts for higher education: shift in balance of power from institutions toward the students and shift in the purpose of higher education away from job preparation. Practical implications Current institutions of higher education may need to reconsider their purpose, mission and value proposition in light of these disruptive shifts. Social implications Beyond just higher education, there is a need for a larger society-wide dialogue about the emerging future and how to best prepare students for it. Originality/value This extensive research carried out from the student perspective suggests disruptive shifts ahead relating to the purpose and future of higher education.

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