Students’ preconception due to former students’ feedback about the difficulty of an undergraduate engineering course

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 360-371
Author(s):  
Yassine Salih Alj
Keyword(s):  
Content Knowledge ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Learning Performance ◽  
Positive Aspect ◽  
Barriers To Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pedagogical Content ◽  
Undergraduate Engineering ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Way

Purpose – Most university students, if not all, develop a preconception about any academic course before taking it. This preconception undeniably affects students’ performance by influencing their motivation. As a result, learning can be minimized. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the evolution of students’ preconception about the difficulty of an engineering course – taught by the same instructor – for a period of seven semesters by analyzing the results of survey questionnaire completed at the beginning of every semester. This approach allows the instructor to assess students’ preconception that is built by former students’ feedback and hence control the impact on students’ motivation which influences their learning performance. Design/methodology/approach – By analyzing the surveys’ results, the instructor gets a close idea about how the course is perceived. When students harbor misconceptions that constitute difficult barriers to learning, it becomes necessary to take action like adjusting the way of teaching the corresponding course’s content, or ultimately changing the course instructor for a couple of semesters. Findings – The adopted survey-based strategy implicitly helps the instructor to correct inaccurate preconceptions before they become crystallized misconceptions, while in case of a very positive preconception, one can continue to enhance the course level with even more challenging evaluations (e.g. exams). However, in case of a persistent misconception, a midterm survey would further help the instructor to better adjust the way the course is taught by objectively considering the obtained inputs from a considered C/D/S set (i.e. continue doing what was helpful/do start doing what would be beneficial/stop doing what is not working). Originality/value – To the best of the author’s knowledge, no study has investigated the evolution of – or at least – students’ preconception built by former students’ feedback about the difficulty of a course despite its direct influence on students’ motivation and hence on students’ performance, thus filling an important gap in the literature. Indeed, one general positive aspect of students’ preconception research is the attention it has brought regarding the absolute necessity for teachers and researchers to be well grounded in both content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge.

The impact of Covid-19 on customer journeys: implications for interactive marketing

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
P.K. Kannan ◽  
Gauri Kulkarni
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Interactive Marketing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Product Categories ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Rapid Shift ◽  
The Way

PurposeThe Covid-19 pandemic and the related closures and lockdowns have changed how consumers shop for products and how they consume them. In this paper, the authors focus on how customers' journeys from the awareness stage down to purchase and loyalty stages have been impacted by the pandemic across different product categories and markets and how they affect the same post-pandemic. The authors propose directions for future research based on our analysis.Design/methodology/approachAnalyzing the components of customer utility, the authors provide the basis for the rapid shift towards online and digital touchpoints and the nature of emerging interactions between firms and consumers. The authors highlight those areas where changes could be permanent.FindingsThe authors show why some of the changes due to the Covid-19 pandemic could be permanent and irrevocable and what this implies for firms' strategies to acquire, retain, and grow their business with their customers.Originality/valueThe authors highlight why omnichannel strategies are the way for firms to thrive in the post-pandemic marketplace, and outline areas for future research that will allow researchers to examine how customer journeys will evolve post-pandemic.

Young offenders’ experiences of an indeterminate sentence

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Merola
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Young Offenders ◽  
Positive Aspect ◽  
Expiry Date ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Offending Behaviour ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to understand the experience of those living with the Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence. Design/methodology/approach – Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyse seven interviews with Young Offenders aged 18-21 who were serving an IPP sentence. Two participants were past their tariff expiry date, two had less than a year until their tariff date and three had more than a year until their tariff date. Findings – Several themes were found, each with their own subthemes: Injustice of the Justice System, Not Knowing, Coping, Change and Walking on Eggshells. Participants still detailed negative aspects of the sentence but within this was one, important, positive aspect, namely the inspiration the sentence gave for them to change their offending behaviour. However, this has come at a cost with participants feeling as though they have been treated unfairly, finding it difficult to cope, feeling victimised and finding it difficult to see a future. Practical implications – Lapses in motivation do not necessarily reflect the risk of the person but the difficulty of the sentence. Motivation can be fostered and developed through motivational interviewing, praise and peer support IPPs should be given more credit for the way they manage themselves daily and more understanding when they struggle. IPPs could be victimised by determinate prisoners or by staff. Establishments should be aware of this and help IPPs resolve situations without feeling like they are a victim. Consideration should be given to converting IPP sentences to determinate sentences. Originality/value – Previous research focused on the negative aspects of the sentence, the purpose was therefore to approach the situation with an open mind and by using a method that allows those with an IPP sentence to share their experience of the sentence. IPA allowed for exploration of the effects of the sentence on those serving it and therefore gains a further understanding of the impact of the sentence.

Training the trainer – lessons from the new South Africa

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-30
Author(s):  
John Van der Merwe ◽  
Martyn Sloman
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
New South ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Module Design ◽  
Modern Economy ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Way ◽  
Corporate Trainers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider some challenges involved in delivering a programme for the education of corporate trainers in the new South African economy. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the way in which training in organisations has changed in the modern economy; it asks whether “training” has any academic base with knowledge components or whether it is simply a craft discipline carried out in context by experienced practitioners. It examines the particular circumstances that arise in post-Apartheid South Africa and the challenges faced where participants are widespread geographically. Findings – The paper looks at the issues involved in module design under these circumstances and describes a study to determine the impact and value of the programme. It draws some conclusions that may assist in the design of similar programmes elsewhere. Research limitations/implications – The study is based on one university – although it is the first and only course of its type in South Africa. Originality/value – This paper provides an original perspective involving information from several countries.

The significance of the interaction of stability and damage propagation in metallic and composite panels

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 737-758 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Horst
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Damage Tolerance ◽  
Mutual Influence ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Composite Panels ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Damage Propagation ◽  
Survey Paper ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Way

Purpose – In general two main types of criteria are essential for the sizing of aircraft structural panels, namely, stability and damage tolerance. The way these criteria act and interact is very different for metallic and composite building blocks. While interaction of both types of criteria is relatively clear for composite parts, this is normally not the case for metallic ones. What is common for both is the fact that, if an interaction occurs, the impact is essential. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This is a survey paper. Findings – There is a strong mutual influence of buckling and damage in many cases. Originality/value – It shows the significance of both, buckling and damage as a combined phenomenon.

scholarly journals Aspects of measuring the impact of new innovations in Finnish libraries

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 262-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markku Antero Laitinen
Keyword(s):  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Evaluation Methods ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Way Of Thinking ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Way

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine aspects of measuring the impact of new innovations in Finnish libraries. Design/methodology/approach Along with the change of paradigm of libraries’ ways of action toward more networked and with the developing of new innovative services, new evaluation methods and indicators will be needed to show the value and impact of the operation of these services. Findings To measure the impact of services produced by the networking of several organizations and the added value perceived by the patrons, new methods of impact assessment are needed, as well as change in the way of thinking. Originality/value In the libraries, there is only a little if at all discussion about the need and means of showing the results, impact and value of the library services to their clientele, their frame organizations or the society. This is the first article to examine aspects of measuring the impact of new innovations in Finnish libraries.

scholarly journals The future of hotel rating

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wouter Hensens
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Reviews ◽  
Future Trends ◽  
Media Technology ◽  
Rating Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Way

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight in the future of hotel rating. It reviews the impact of social media, technology that provides integration of data for the consumer and the hotels, and the way that rating bodies may respond to the changing environment on how hotels are selected and reviewed. Design/methodology/approach By reviewing current trends, practices and technological possibilities, the impact of online reviews on conventional hotel rating systems is projected into the future. Findings The paper predicts a full integration of conventional rating systems with online guest reviews from the different guest review platforms leading to greater transparency for the consumer and better positioning opportunities for innovative hotels. It is further predicted that those conventional rating systems that do not seek integration and alignment will see a continued drop in hotel participation and will cease to exist. Originality/value Little research has been done on the relation between online guest reviews and conventional hotel rating systems. The paper presents new insights into how current and future trends influence the way in which consumers select hotels and how this influences the way that hotels are rated.

Aotearoa New Zealand: keeping the virus at bay

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Spencer Lilley
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Changing Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Opportunities ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand ◽  
Future Outcomes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Way

PurposeThis paper responds to an invitation from the Editor to write about how the COVID-19 virus has impacted on New Zealand and possible future outcomes, which are presented as three scenarios.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a scenario-based methodology to outline the implications of COVID-19 in New Zealand. Three different scenarios are presented for consideration.FindingsThere is a need for adaptability and flexibility in the way that New Zealand approaches how it recovers from the impact that COVID-19 has had. Specific challenges for libraries are to ensure that they can continue to deliver resources and services to their communities in a fast-changing environment.Research limitations/implicationsThere will be a substantial number of research opportunities in the years ahead to identify how libraries were able to contribute to recovery efforts.Originality/valueThis is a thought piece, delivered as scenarios. It only presents the views of the author.

Experts in entrepreneurship: opportunities and context evaluation from the perspective of entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Poblete ◽  
Vesna Mandakovic
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Cognitive Resources ◽  
Specific Context ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Surrounding Environment ◽  
Current Events ◽  
National Expert ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Way

Purpose This paper aims to analyze how different experts in entrepreneurship perceive their surrounding environment and business opportunities. The authors suggest that people act the way they do not only because of different interpretations of the environment but also because of the relative importance they give to the context and themselves in their mental scripts. Design/methodology/approach A Mann–Whitney U non-parametric test and principal component analysis were conducted to examine the national expert survey from the global entrepreneurship monitor database of Chilean exports. Findings When experts in entrepreneurship are compared, entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs differ in their use of certain cognitive resources about past or current events, but they map out future situations similarly, suggesting that their mental simulations may converge into similar patterns. Originality/value This study provides useful insights regarding the impact that mental representation has on experts’ perception, by discussing how experts who are entrepreneurs perceive the entrepreneurial ecosystem and current opportunities differently than experts who are not entrepreneurs. The specific context plays a key role in the way entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs analyze their surrounding environment but not necessarily opportunities.

Co-workers’ perceptions of and reactions to employee’s involuntary demotion

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 740-757 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Hennekam ◽  
Subramaniam Ananthram ◽  
Steve McKenna
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Emotional Responses ◽  
Emotional Reaction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Informational Justice ◽  
Behavioural Responses ◽  
Behavioural Reaction ◽  
Three Stages ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
The Way

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how individuals perceive and react to the involuntary demotion of a co-worker in their organisation. Design/methodology/approach The authors draw on 46 semi-structured in-depth interviews (23 dyads) with co-workers of demoted individuals. Findings The findings suggest that an individual’s observation of the demotion of a co-worker has three stages: their perception of fairness, their emotional reaction and their behavioural reaction. The perception of fairness concerned issues of distributive, procedural, interpersonal and informational justice. The emotional responses identified were feelings of disappointment/disillusion, uncertainty, vulnerability and anger. Finally, the behavioural reactions triggered by their emotional responses included expressions of voice, loyalty, exit and adaptation. Originality/value Perceptions of (in)justice perpetrated on others stimulate emotional and behavioural responses, which impacts organisational functioning. Managers should therefore pay attention to the way a demotion is perceived, not only by those directly concerned, but also by co-workers as observers.

The effects of materialism on consumer evaluation of sustainable synthetic (lab-grown) products

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 579-590
Author(s):  
Jessica Keech ◽  
Maureen Morrin ◽  
Jeffrey Steven Podoshen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Socially Responsible ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Evaluation ◽  
Positioning Strategy ◽  
Consumer Markets ◽  
The Future ◽  
Promotion Strategies ◽  
Alternative Sources ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The increasing desire of consumers for socially responsible luxury products combined with fluctuating supplies in consumer markets are leading various industries to seek alternative sources to be able to meet the needs of its customers. One possible solution that may meet the demands of the future is lab-grown products. Because these products confer multiple benefits, this study aims to investigate the most effective ways to appeal to consumers by aligning the benefits of the products with their values as marketers seek to find effective promotion for these items. Design/methodology/approach We examine the effectiveness of an ethical positioning strategy for two types of luxury lab-grown (synthetic) products among high versus low materialism consumers in three experiments. Findings Findings suggest that a positioning strategy stressing product ethicality is more effective for low materialism consumers, whereas the strategy is less effective, and may even backfire, for high materialism consumers. The impact on social status consumers perceive from a lab-grown product explains why this effect occurs among low materialism consumers. Therefore, marketers should take caution and use specific appeals for different segments based on values such as consumers’ materialism levels. Originality/value If lab-grown products represent the wave of the future, it is important to understand how consumers will respond to this emerging technology and how promotion strategies may enhance their evaluation.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document