Delivery of library and information science curriculum

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 482-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priti Jain
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussion ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Of Botswana ◽  
Collaborative Activities ◽  
The University

Purpose Advancement in Information and communication technologies (ICTs) has revolutionised Library and Information Science (LIS) education and libraries. Both theory and practice have been transformed completely. LIS education programmes have become highly competitive and must be market-driven and technology-oriented. At the same time, academic libraries have been transformed and have become dynamic. Fostering a close collaboration between LIS educators and practitioners can multiply their strength and abilities by sharing educational resources and theoretical and practical knowledge. This paper aims to present the findings of a study carried out to investigate the current status of collaboration among LIS educators and library practitioners at the University of Botswana. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected using self-administered structured questionnaires from both LIS educators at the Department of Library and Information Studies (DLIS) and practicing librarians working at the University of Botswana Library (UBL). To follow-up some of the issues, an interview was carried out with a subject librarian and a focus group discussion method was used to discuss some of the challenges from the findings. Findings The major collaborative activities from the DLIS staff were identified as the following: creating awareness of library resources and promoting library usage among students, facilitating library material selection and inviting librarians as guest lecturers to teach in the classroom. The main collaborative activities from practicing librarians were found to be the following: delivering information literacy instruction, providing professional/practical experience to students and information sharing with the DLIS teaching staff. The major challenges were identified as the following: different cultures of educators and librarians, lack of need to collaborate and lack of formal policy at the department and the university level. Research limitations/implications The UBL has 51 library staff members. All the librarians were not included in this research study, only senior librarians and library management were involved in the study. No theoretical framework was used to carry out the study. The questionnaire was designed based on the general literature in the field of professional collaboration among faculty and educators in the information profession. The follow-up interview and focus group discussion were conducted to address the collaborative activities and challenges that were acknowledged by at least 50 per cent of the participants. Issues with less than 50 per cent responses were considered insignificant to follow-up. Follow-up interview was conducted only with one subject librarian. As all subject librarians have the same job profile and undertake the similar activities, it was assumed that one subject librarian can represent others. Originality/value This research paper contributes to the body of literature. It may be useful for other LIS schools and libraries that work in similar environments, and it also opens up avenues for further research on this topical issue.

Students’ attitudes to solid waste management in a Nigerian university

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 1244-1262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayodeji Peter Ifegbesan ◽  
Biodun Ogunyemi ◽  
Isaac T. Rampedi
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Waste Management ◽  
Solid Waste ◽  
Focus Group Discussion ◽  
Solid Waste Management ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Nigerian University ◽  
The University

Purpose Waste management is a critical element of the campus sustainability movement in which Nigerian universities are yet to actively participate. The purpose of this study was to investigate prevalent waste management practices and the disposition of undergraduate students in a Nigerian University. Design/methodology/approach Data collection involved the use of a questionnaire, focus group discussion and participative observation. Respondents consisted of 840 students drawn from four academic faculties of the university. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to address the research questions raised to guide the investigation. Findings Indiscriminate littering, open dumping of waste, weedy and overgrown lawns, proliferation of power generating sets, uncollected refuse sites and defaced walls with postings were the major observed environmental challenges. Open burning of refuse was found to be the single most prevalent way of managing large volumes of waste generated on the university campus. Although the problems were widespread, only 40.5 per cent of the students expressed serious concern for the solid waste practices. Also, while the students were positively disposed to innovative ways of addressing the challenge of waste management in the university, there were significant differences in students’ awareness and disposition according to sex, age, academic level and faculties. Research limitations/implications The implications of the findings for campus-based sustainability education are discussed. Originality/value This study is an original research article which interrogated the students’ attitudes to solid waste management in a Nigerian University. It used a combination of both qualitative and quantitative techniques, such as questionnaire, focus group discussion and participative observation.

How e-wallets encourage excessive spending behavior among young adult consumers?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hendy Mustiko Aji ◽  
Wiwiek Rabiatul Adawiyah
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussion ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spending Behavior ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose As it gains more popularity, e-wallets drive its users to spend more. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore how and why e-wallets may encourage excessive spending behavior among young adult consumers. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory sequential or QUAL-QUANT design, combining qualitative and quantitative, is used in this study. It is a type of mixed-method design consisting of both the core and supplementary methods. The qualitative method is conducted in Study 1 using online focus group discussion to answer “why” and “how” questions, whereas the quantitative method is used in Study 2 to test or examine the hypothetical model. The questionnaires are extracted from focus group discussion in Study 1, which is further tested for validity and reliability and model estimation in Study 2. The model is evaluated using structural equation modeling. Findings Study 1 extracted four keywords to affect young adults spending behavior, easiness, promotions, self-control and perception of having more money (the illusion of liquidity). In Study 2, it is found that those four variables significantly affect spending behavior. Interestingly, it is also found in Study 2 that the illusion of liquidity mediates the relationship between self-control and spending behavior. Research limitations/implications During the COVID-19 pandemic, where a physical meeting is not encouraged, focus group discussion is conducted online via Zoom. Perhaps, this condition can be one limitation this study faced. Originality/value This study offers a theoretical contribution to the literature by exploring how and why e-wallet payment is connected to excessive spending behavior among young adult consumers. This study also provides a model that further explains the relationship between young adults’ spending behavior by adding the illusion of liquidity as the mediating variable.

scholarly journals Listening and learning: myths and misperceptions about postgraduate students and library support

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 594-608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiobhan Alice Smith ◽  
Antje Lubcke ◽  
Dean Alexander ◽  
Kate Thompson ◽  
Christy Ballard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Master's Students ◽  
Student Preferences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Seeking Help ◽  
Library Support ◽  
The University

Purpose The University of Otago Library conducted a review of its postgraduate support program in 2018. The purpose of this paper is to report on the findings of a questionnaire and follow up focus group undertaken as part of the review. It highlights postgraduate student preferences for learning about support services, their ideas on marketing these services effectively and the kind of engagement that works best for them. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was developed and deployed in July 2018. It contained 20 questions and was emailed to 2,430 enrolled Otago doctorate and master’s students by the University of Otago (GRS). A total of 564 responded, 391 completing all questions. A follow-up focus group was held in August 2018. Quantitative data were collected and analyzed using Qualtrics software and qualitative data were coded and analyzed using NVivo software. Findings Respondents highlighted the difficulty they have learning what support services are available to them. In some cases, they also feel a stigma when seeking help because of their status as postgraduate students. They suggest practical ways libraries can better reach out to them. The findings confirm previous literature about the need for libraries to improve marketing of their services to postgraduate students, communicate via supervisors and departments where possible and provide a variety of engagement options. Originality/value Before (re)developing postgraduate programs, libraries can gain valuable insights and test assumptions by surveying students.

scholarly journals Pendekatan Theraplay Untuk Meningkatkan Pengetahuan dan Keterampilan Bermain dengan Anak Penyandang Kanker pada Guru Sekolah-Ku

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 118-123
Author(s):  
Dewi Kumalasari
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussion ◽  
Group Discussion

Pendahuluan. Sekolah-ku’ merupakan suatu program yang bertujuan memberikan kesempatan anak-anak penyandang kanker untuk belajar bagi yang ingin mengikuti pelajaran sekolahnya sehingga bila mereka telah menyelesaikan pengobatan/ perawatan penyakit kanker dapat segera mengikuti pelajaran kembali. Tujuan dari intervensi ini adalah meningkatkan pengetahuan dan keterampilan para guru ‘Sekolah-ku’ dalam menerapkan prinsip-prinsip theraplay dalam kegiatan pembelajaran dan interaksi dengan anak didik penderita kanker.  Metode. Modul  kegiatan akan disusun berdasarkan  sudut  pandang  teori Theraplay dan data kualitatif yang didapatkan dari focus group discussion (FGD) kepada guru-guru. Melalui FGD, dipetakan pengetahuan dasar para guru mengenai kegiatan bermain. Berdasarkan hasil pemetaan tersebut, akan disusun modul pelatihan dengan pendekatan Theraplay yang terdiri dari 2 sesi. Untuk mengetahui efek dari pelatihan, akan dilakukan pengetahuan prinsip dan aplikasi Theraplay sebelum dan sesudah pelatihan. Evaluasi dari efek pelatihan dilakukan dengan membandingkan pengetahuan prinsip dan aplikasi Theraplay sebelum dan sesudah pelatihan. Hasil. Terdapat perbedaan pengetahuan perbedaan yang signifikan dalam pengetahuan mengenai theraplay (Z=-3.236, p<0.05) pada peserta pelatihan sebelum dan sesudah kegiatan pelatihan. Dari hasil follow up tampak bahwa perilaku yang mengindikasikan dimensi-dimensi dalam theraplay telah muncul sebesar 52,78% hingga 86,11%.

Mobile logistics hubs prepositioning for emergency preparedness and response in Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 555-572
Author(s):  
Rajali Maharjan ◽  
Yashaswi Shrestha ◽  
Biplob Rakhal ◽  
Saurav Suman ◽  
Jurgen Hulst ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussion ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Government ◽  
Multiple Experts

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop a methodology which amalgamates quantitative and qualitative approaches to determine the best placement of mobile logistics hubs (MLH) to be established in different parts of Nepal as a part of real-life project, “Augmentation of National and Local-Level Emergency Logistics Preparedness in Nepal” (2017–2020), implemented by the World Food Programme in cooperation with the Government of Nepal.Design/methodology/approachThe study develops a methodology using a combination of a modified version of the maximal covering location problem (MCLP) and focus group discussion. The MCLP model is used to determine the optimal number and spatial location of MLHs, and focus group discussion is used to identify the five first-priority strategic MLH locations using expert knowledge.FindingsThe authors identify the five first-priority locations for establishing MLHs using an amalgamation of quantitative approach (mathematical model) and qualitative approach (focus group discussion). By amalgamating mathematical model with expert knowledge, findings acceptable to a wide range of stakeholders are obtained. The focus group discussion helps to pinpoint the location of MLHs to city-level granularity which is otherwise impossible with data available on hand.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough multiple experts’ judgements were obtained via focus group discussion, subjectivity and possible bias is inevitable. Overall, the quantitative results of the study are purely based on the data available during the study period; therefore, having updated data could possibly improve the quality of the results.Originality/valueThis study is the first of its kind that uses an amalgamation of mathematical model and expert knowledge to determine the strategic locations of MLHs and has been successful to an extent that the selected locations have been vetted by the government of Nepal for establishing MLHs and are undergoing implementation in real life. This study also considers multiple disaster scenarios and employs the concepts of human development, disaster risk and transportation accessibility to reflect Nepal's socioeconomic, geo-climatic and topographical features.

ICT-based collaborative framework for improving the performance of zakat management organisations in Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mutamimah Mutamimah ◽  
Suryani Alifah ◽  
Gunawan Gunawan ◽  
Made Dwi Adnjani
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussion ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Constructive Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
Cooperation Model ◽  
Ict Infrastructure

Purpose This paper aims to propose a framework for information and communication technology (ICT)-based collaborative zakat management to improve zakat management in Indonesia, especially in collection, distribution and empowerment. Design/methodology/approach This paper used a constructive method that used the 3 C (communication, coordination and cooperation) model to develop a framework. This included initial assessment of the current usage of ICT in zakat management and the expectation of collaborative zakat management through in-depth interviews and questionnaires. A focus group discussion was conducted to validate the model. Findings ICT is currently used for the administration of zakat management, providing zakat online services and reporting zakat to the public; ICT is not used for collaboration. The proposed collaboration using the 3 C model consists of communication, coordination and cooperation. The focus group discussion validates the proposed ICT-based collaboration framework as an effective strategy for increasing zakat management. Practical implications The results highlight strengthening institutional capacity and decreasing overlaps in zakat collection, distribution and empowerment. Zakat institutions need to restructure and reconstruct business processes based on ICT collaboration, and government must provide regulations and ICT infrastructure. Social implications The results increase equity and capacity in zakat distribution and empowerment, therefore it can improve poverty alleviation. Originality/value The potential and usage of ICT for collaboration among zakat management organisations have not been thoroughly explored. This paper proposes a conceptual framework for collaboration among zakat institutions using ICT to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of zakat management.

Users' attitude and intention to use mobile financial services in Bangladesh: an empirical study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Tanvir Alam Himel ◽  
Shahrin Ashraf ◽  
Tauhid Ahmed Bappy ◽  
Md Tanaz Abir ◽  
Md Khaled Morshed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Focus Group Discussion ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Mobile Financial Services

PurposeWhile the usage of mobile financial services (MFSs) is increasing rapidly in developing countries, research on users' attitudes and behavioral intention to adopt MFS is limited. Thus, this study aims to investigate customers' attitudes and intentions to adopt MFS from a Bangladeshi perspective.Design/methodology/approachA mixed research design was employed to conduct this study. Data of 196 respondents were analyzed using partial least squares (PLS) path modeling. For the quantitative part, data collection was conducted using non-probability sampling through a structured survey questionnaire. A focus group discussion with ten MFS users from divergent backgrounds was conducted to validate the quantitative findings.FindingsThis paper integrated both the technology acceptance model (TAM) and innovation resistance theory (IRT) to validate the results. The authors found that perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived trust (PT) positively contribute to customers' attitudes toward MFS adoption. Besides, barriers to acceptance had unfavorable effects on users' attitudes and usage intentions. Furthermore, a focus group discussion revealed valuable insights on the constructs used in this study.Practical implicationsThe study results have implications for both MFS providers and researchers. The outputs and recommendations presented in this paper will encourage the MFS practitioners to stimulate users' attitudes and behavioral intentions by ensuring useful, easy to use, credible and risk-free mobile payment platforms.Originality/valueThis is one of the very few studies in Bangladesh that have taken a contemporary and emerging research topic, providing theoretical, methodological and practical contributions regarding the determinants and consequences of attitude toward using MFSs.

Unfolding the post‐transition era: the landscape and mindscape of China's retail industry after 2004

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 398-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Liu
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussion ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Retail Sector ◽  
Retail Market ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Patterns ◽  
Regional Markets

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to critically investigate the competitive situation in China's retail sector after its three‐year transition period upon accession to the WTO. Based on this suggestions for domestic retailers’ development strategies are made.Design/methodology/approachThe landscape of China's retail sector is given first in the paper. A critical review of variations of regional markets following the models adopted by Swanson and Cui and Liu is carried out. A focus group discussion is conducted. Analysis of the focus group discussion highlights the strategic issues of retail development and expansion.FindingsSynthesis of recent studies on China's retail market and results generated from the focus group indicate that the development patterns in the regional markets could vary. Domestic and international retailers enjoy different advantages and face different challenges in their expansion. Issues concerning learning, infrastructure development, government policy and business culture are addressed.Research limitations/implicationsThis research provides a holistic view of China's retail market and its evolution after it became totally open to foreign investment at the end of 2004.Practical implicationsThe synthesis of current studies and discussion of focus group data provide domestic retailers with a “mindscape” of the evolving market they are operating in. This mindscape enables Chinese retailers to articulate mid‐to‐long term strategies in their expansion and respond to the dynamic market situation effectively.Originality/valueThis study provides a snapshot of China's retail sector at a critical transitional stage. The discussion serves as a starting point to conceptualise the development patterns of an important emerging market.

Performance measures and metrics for e‐supply chains

2009 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 346-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murali Sambasivan ◽  
Zainal Abidin Mohamed ◽  
Tamizarasu Nandan
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Focus Group Discussion ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Document Management ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Component Manufacturing

Purposee‐Supply chains are fast becoming a reality. In order to manage such supply chains efficiently and effectively, traditional measures of supply chain performance are not adequate. The literature search revealed lack of measures and metrics for e‐supply chains. The purpose of this paper is to develop new measures and metrics for monitoring the performance of e‐supply chains.Design/methodology/approachA framework based on the benefits of e‐supply chains has been used to develop the metrics and measures. The study makes use of focus group discussion by assembling eight experts and practitioners in the field of e‐supply chain to come up with the measures and metrics. A questionnaire is designed with these measures and metrics and is sent to about 300 electronic component manufacturing companies in Malaysia to obtain feedback from the industry practitioners. Appropriate reliability and validity tests are conducted to measure the reliability of the instrument and validity of the constructs.FindingsThrough the focus group discussion, this study identifies six metrics and 21 measures. Further validation through the industry practitioners, reveals that these measures are important and some are in use by the industries. The six metrics are: web‐enabled service, data reliability, time and cost, e‐response, invoice presentation and payment and e‐document management metrics.Originality/valueThe study uses a simple framework and a sound methodology to develop new measures and metrics that are relevant for e‐supply chains.

scholarly journals Development of a nutrient-dense food supplement for HIV-infected women in rural Kenya using qualitative and quantitative research methods

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 721-729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Y Hong ◽  
Kristy M Hendricks ◽  
Christine Wanke ◽  
Gloria Omosa ◽  
Shem Patta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussion ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Food Supplement ◽  
Nutrition Intervention ◽  
Intervention Trial ◽  
Whole Milk ◽  
Rural Kenya ◽  
Dried Fish

AbstractObjectiveFormative research to facilitate the development, packaging and delivery of a culturally acceptable nutrition intervention for HIV-infected women in rural Kenya for an intervention trial.DesignFocus group discussion on three areas: (i) ingredients and form of the nutrition intervention, (ii) packaging and delivery and (iii) monitoring of adherence. Two single-blind taste tests with eleven different porridge formulations of various combinations of maize flour, soyabeans, peanuts, sorghum, mung beans, dried fish, raisins and dried whole milk. Follow-up acceptability focus group discussion was also conducted.SettingVoi, Kenya, community based.SubjectsFocus group discussion and two taste tests (twenty-one women aged 16–55 years). Follow-up acceptability focus group discussion (four women enrolled in intervention trial).ResultsThe preferred porridge for taste consisted of maize, soyabeans and peanuts. For animal protein, dried whole milk and dried fish were used. Although the women disliked the taste of dried fish, it was acceptable if added in small undetectable quantities. Sugar over lime was favoured for taste. Women believed they could consume at least two cups of porridge per day without displacing their usual meals. The optimal delivery interval was believed to be every two weeks in individual serving packages. Women who had been consuming porridge for several weeks felt the taste was acceptable for long-term consumption.ConclusionsThis formative research resulted in the development, packaging and delivery of a nutrient-dense food supplement using local ingredients to meet the dietary needs of the population and acceptable for daily consumption by women in Kenya for evaluation in an intervention trial.

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