Comparative learning challenges experienced by students in rural universities of developing nations in Sub-Sahara Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 90-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chinaza Uleanya ◽  
Bongani Thulani Gamede
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Cognitive Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Challenges ◽  
The Common ◽  
Rural Universities ◽  
Common Learning ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the common learning challenges experienced by undergraduates in selected rural universities in Nigeria and South Africa. Rural universities are strategically established and expected to enhance sustainable development by meeting the needs of host communities. Hence, an attempt is made to trace factors hindering the attainment of the goals. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research method was adopted for data collection. A self-designed questionnaire was administered to 2,335 randomly selected third-year students. Findings The outcome of the study shows that six common learning challenges: cognitive learning challenges, easy loss of concentration, previous learning experiences, distance, student–lecturer relationship as well as policy making and implementation are experienced by undergraduates in the two universities. Research limitations/implications This research shows the common challenges experienced by undergraduates in rural universities. However, the study is limited to two selected universities in Nigeria and South Africa. Practical implications These results are useful in guiding education stakeholders in policy making and how quality education can be provided for rural-based undergraduates. Originality/value The research suggests various ways by which common learning challenges experienced by students in rural universities can be overcome. It will be of immense value to curriculum designers and implementers toward sustainable nation building.

scholarly journals From “Technical Newbies” to “Optimistic Politicians”

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
James Prater ◽  
Konstantinos Kirytopoulos ◽  
Tony Ma
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Scheduling Problems ◽  
Information Technology Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
The Common ◽  
Project Estimation ◽  
Engineering Projects

Purpose Despite the advent of sophisticated control methods, there are still significant issues regarding late delivery of information technology projects. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the common causes of scheduling problems specifically in the information technology projects context. Design/methodology/approach Through a quantitative research, the importance of those causes, as well as the underpinning factors driving them, is explored. The causes are ranked according to their relative important index, and exploratory factor analysis is employed to reveal underlying dimensions (factors) of these causes. Findings From the analysis, four factors were extracted, namely, “Dataless Newbie,” “Technical Newbie,” “Pragmatic Futurist” and “Optimistic Politician.” These factors explain the different latent conditions that lead to scheduling problems in information technology projects. Practical implications The key contribution of this research is that it enlightens the latent conditions underpinning scheduling problems. Also, the evidence provides that schedule development for information technology projects is impacted by the same causes that impact engineering projects, and that applying a number of mitigation techniques widely used within the engineering area, such as reference class, would, no doubt, not only improve information technology schedules but also reduce the political pressures on the project manager. Originality/value This research provides a valuable insight into understanding the underlying factors for poor project estimation.

An overview of the current state of interlibrary loans in South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-83
Author(s):  
Jenny Raubenheimer ◽  
John Stephen van Niekerk
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Information Provision ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Current State ◽  
Computer Library ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Essential Service

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review interlending development in South Africa and current trends in interlending. Design/methodology/approach – Literature study and survey. Findings – Interlending is still an essential service in South Africa. Interlending systems must be used effectively to ensure rapid delivery of requested interlibrary loans. There is a significant use of WorldShare ILL, but there is a scope for substantial development. Research limitations/implications – This is not a comprehensive study but focusses on current interlending activities at some of the larger South African academic and special libraries and the use of Online Computer Library Centre systems. Practical implications – The paper provides some historical information and the extent of current interlending and systems used. Social implications – The paper gives an indication of the value of interlending in South Africa and its contribution to information provision. Originality/value – The paper provides a snapshot of interlending in South Africa and areas for development.

scholarly journals Accounting for the messiness of the research process: the fieldpath approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Perttu Salovaara
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmental Consequences ◽  
Human Ethics ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
The Common ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose It has recently become more acknowledged that there is a quality of “messiness” to the qualitative research process. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the fieldpath approach—a hermeneutically inspired framework—to account for the non-linearity, uncertainty and ambiguity of the research process. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper reviews how the scope of hermeneutics has been partly misunderstood. The paper discusses how the scope of hermeneutics has lately been expanded by works such as Günter Figal’s (2010) Objectivity: The Hermeneutical and Philosophy. Findings The fieldpath approach proposes that a heightened relation to materiality enables the messiness of the process to be preserved, while at the same time offering a way to find one’s footing in the midst of ontologically incomplete phenomena that are still—in a processual fashion—forming and becoming. Research limitations/implications This is a conceptual paper. In addition to the research mentioned here, more studies would be needed to legitimise, test and refine the approach. Practical implications Objectivity provides an additional criterion for researchers to lean on when facing the non-linearity and unexpected turns inherent in the qualitative research process. Social implications The stress on materiality involves an ethical dimension. Post-human ethics are concerned with the future environmental consequences and sustainability of the material world. The way that matter matters in our methodologies is of primary importance. Originality/value First, the paper emphasises that hermeneutics, contrary to the common perception, does offer criteria for evaluating between interpretations. Second, it introduces the notion of hermeneutic objectivity, which stresses the importance of materiality for interpretations. Third, it introduces the fieldpath approach, which, based on the previous criterion of hermeneutic objectivity, allows for the messiness of the research process, while also preserving a tight grip on the hermeneutic imperative of “understanding in a new way”.

Determinants of voluntary formation of risk management committees

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 649-671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nkoko Blessy Sekome ◽  
Tesfaye Taddesse Lemma
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Risk Management ◽  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Emerging Economy ◽  
Board Structure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Listed Firms ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to examine the nexus between firm-specific attributes and a company’s decision to setup a separate risk management committee (RMC) as a sub-committee of the board within the context of an emerging economy, South Africa. Design/methodology/approach – The authors analyse data extracted from audited annual financial reports of 181 non-financial firms listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE) by using logistic regression technique. Findings – The results show a strong positive relationship between the existence of a separate RMC and board independence, board size, firm size and industry type. However, the authors fail to find support for the hypotheses that independent board chairman, auditor reputation, reporting risk and financial leverage have an influence on a firm’s decision to establish RMC as a separately standing committee in the board structure. The findings signify the role of costs associated with information asymmetry, agency, upkeep of a standalone RMC, damage to the reputation of directors and industry-specific idiosyncrasies on a firm’s decision to form a separate RMC. Research limitations/implications – As in most empirical studies, this study focuses on listed firms. Nonetheless, future studies that focus on non-listed firms could add additional insights to the literature. Investigating the role of firm-specific governance attributes other than those considered in the present study (e.g. gender of directors, ownership structure, etc.) could further enhance the understanding of antecedents of risk-management practices. Practical implications – The findings have practical implications for the investment community in assessing the quality of risk management practices of companies listed on the JSE. Furthermore, the results provide insights that are potentially useful to the King Committee and other corporate governance regulators in South Africa in their effort to improve corporate governance practices. Originality/value – The present study focuses on firms drawn from an emerging economy which has profound economic, institutional, political and cultural differences compared to advanced economies, which have received a disproportionately higher share of attention in prior studies. Thus, the study contributes additional insights to the literature on corporate risk management from the perspective of an emerging economy.

Embracing qualitative research: an act of strategic essentialism

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 306-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raza Mir
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Postcolonial Theory ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Strategic Essentialism ◽  
The Common ◽  
Good Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to argue that rather than contest the artificial schism produced by social scientists between “qualitative” and “quantitative” research, we should to accept this binary, however, contingently, and use it productively. This would be an act of “strategic essentialism” that would allow us to be productive in the research and inquiry. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses postcolonial theory to make a case for contingent representation, i.e. using artificial categories to carve out a space for heterodox theoretical approaches. Findings Researchers devoted to qualitative research must resist thinking, speaking and evaluating that research using quantitative thinking. Also, while ethical considerations are paramount in qualitative research, we need to debunk the narrow understanding of ethics as “following rules.” Also, qualitative researchers need to be aware of the institutional pulls that the research will be subject to, and also be ready to resist them. Originality/value This paper discusses how good research resists the siren call of institutionalization. It challenges the “common sense” assumptions of the field and brings them into the realm of the questionable. It seeks to theorize the untheorizable, and anthropologize the dominant.

Campus sustainability tours: exploring an uncharted tool

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 908-922
Author(s):  
Ellen R. Trahan ◽  
Leslie A. North ◽  
Margaret M. Gripshover ◽  
Jeanine M. Huss
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Claim Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Campus Sustainability ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Western Kentucky ◽  
Western Kentucky University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to explore the development narrative and usage of environmental sustainability tours available at universities and takes an in-depth look into the Western Kentucky University (WKU) Green Tour. Design/methodology/approach Questionnaires and interviews were conducted with sustainability leaders involved in tours at their university to discover how they were developed and used. An assessment of the WKU Green Tour used surveys and pre- and post-tests to determine the reach of the tour to the campus population, student learning and faculty use. Findings There is a lack of data on sustainability tours, making it difficult to design new tours and validate their status as an essential tool. In the case of WKU, the need for data was confirmed, as current practices that were assumed to be effective proved ineffective. Multiple suggestions for improved tours are provided. Research limitations/implications The case study used in this paper is not representative of all university sustainability tours as they can vary widely. Given the lack of research on the subject, especially quantitative research, it is a valuable study. Practical implications Though sustainability tours are touted as a valuable tool for all campuses, more data are needed to validate this claim. Data suggest the tours are effective tools for increasing knowledge, but there is need for further assessment of tours and how they can be used to create a sustainably literate campus. Originality/value This study is the first to assess sustainability tours using mixed-methods.

The use of social media by South African organisations

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nomusa Nomhle Dlamini ◽  
Kevin Johnston
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Social Media ◽  
South African ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Brand Management ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Main Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present how organisations in South Africa are using social media. The paper further explores the value of social media to South African organisations and if it is important for an organisation to have a social media presence. Design/methodology/approach The study used quantitative research methods to answer the main research question and sub-questions. Findings The data collected revealed that most organisations in South Africa are using social media for free advertising, CRM and marketing. The popular social media sites used by these organisations are Facebook and Twitter, with LinkedIn increasing in popularity. The data further revealed that social media is important in organisations for relationship building, contact keeping advertising, marketing, attracting customers, brand management and information gathering. Research limitations/implications The role of social media is changing, it was initially a marketing tool, but the findings revealed that majority of organisations are using social media for free advertising, CRM and marketing. Social media is an easy CRM tool that offers effective and efficient capabilities. Practical implications It is important to use integrate social media with the organisations processes to market and advertise new products, it is an instant and cost-saving way of communicating with customers, and helps in reaching and attracting new customers. Social implications Social media is important for keeping contact and building relationships with customers, advertising and marketing, way to attract customers, brand management tool and gathering information. Originality/value The study provides guidance to how organisation can use social media, identifying the value of using social media and highlighting the importance of social media in an organisation in the South African context.

Managers’ psychological challenges in implementing corporate responsibility in supply chains

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 564-578
Author(s):  
David Eriksson ◽  
Göran Svensson
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Corporate Responsibility ◽  
Bystander Effect ◽  
Psychological Theory ◽  
Common Denominator ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effect Theory ◽  
The Common ◽  
Identification Theory ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to conceptualize managers’ psychological challenges with respect to implementing corporate responsibility throughout supply chains. Design/methodology/approach Four areas of psychological theory are introduced to expand the understanding of the challenges involved in implementing corporate responsibility in supply chains, namely, relationship and humanization theory; the number-of-people-suffering theory; superficial-identification theory; and the bystander effect theory. Findings The common denominator between the introduced areas of psychological theory is that all consider the expected degree of corporate responsibility in supply chains to extend beyond managers’ ability to cope so that failure is probable. Research limitations/implications Supply chain management research needs to consider various psychological challenges to effectively address corporate responsibility in supply chains. This research shows that it is important to include theory from psychology to truly understand the challenges faced by managers, although only a few theories are presented here. More comprehensive reviews are needed in the future. Practical implications Managers require guidelines based on psychological theory to assist them in overcoming their inabilities in this context. Originality/value SCM research advocates responsibility for all those affected by this phenomenon, but the lack of theoretical grounding to meet the prevailing psychological challenges hampers the efficacy of putting the current recommendations into business practice. The paper is one of only a few to address managers’ psychological challenges in dealing with corporate responsibility across organizational borders and judicial boundaries in supply chains.

International equity REITs: five major future directions

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-81
Author(s):  
David Parker
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Risk Return ◽  
Cognitive Risk ◽  
International Equity ◽  
Equity Reits ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze chapters from the recently published Routledge REITs Research Handbook to identify five major future directions for international equity REITs. Design/methodology/approach Literature review and critical analysis of chapters from the recently published Routledge REITs Research Handbook. Findings The five major future directions for international equity REITs are proposed to comprise an increasing focus on people and on cash flow rather than on property (with the cognitive risk attaching thereto), the changing nature of REITs as they respond to changes in society globally, the evolution of the global flagship REIT and the emergence of global regulation of REITs (particularly in the spheres of debt and leverage). Research limitations/implications While five major future directions for international equity REITs are identified which may have an impact on the risk/return profile, further research is required to determine which directions may be significant and which trivial and which may be independent and which interactive. Practical implications Identification of five major future directions for international equity REITs provides managers and promoters with guidance concerning potential areas of focus for future product development in the REIT sector. Originality/value While quantitative research concerning international equity REITS abounds, qualitative research is limited with little academic research undertaken into possible future directions for the sector.

When face meets globalization

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiyang Huang ◽  
Jiaxun He
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Consumer Culture ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Branding ◽  
The Common ◽  
Moderation Model ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Synthesizing the unique Confucian cultural values and the common characteristics of emerging markets, the purpose of this paper is to examine how face drives consumers’ attitudes toward global consumer culture positioning (GCCP) as well as the moderating roles of social aggrandizement and susceptibility to normative influence (SNI). Design/methodology/approach The authors adopt the total effect moderation model to test the hypotheses using data collected from China. Findings The results show that face positively affects consumers’ attitudes toward GCCP through enhancing their pursuit for global myth. In addition, social aggrandizement positively moderates the influence of face on pursuit for global myth. SNI positively moderates the influence of pursuit for global myth on attitudes toward GCCP. Practical implications The findings of this study highlight the need to utilize local powers to promote brands globally and provide guidelines for “Think Globally, Act Locally” in Confucian societies. Originality/value This study represents an important step in the global branding literature regarding the advancement of culturally driven attitudes toward GCCP by taking root in the Confucian culture.

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