scholarly journals Professional Variables and Staff Readiness to Utilise Internet-Based Channels for Research Communication in an Era of Covid-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentine Joseph Owan ◽  
Levi Udochukwu Akah ◽  
Mary Mark Ogbeche
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Doctoral Degree ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Parametric Test ◽  
Research Communication ◽  
Non Parametric

This study assessed the professional variables of academic staff in African varsities and their readiness to Utilise Internet-Based Channels for Research Communication in an era of Covid-19. Drawing from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, the study was guided by four null hypotheses. The quantitative research method based on the virtual cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A total of 8,591 academics in African universities were the targeted demographic of this study. However, data were collected from a virtual snowball sample of 1,977 respondents (males, N = 1347; females, N = 630) from 24 African countries. A validated electronic survey, with three major aspects, was employed for data collection. The e-survey was released on the Association of African Universities' Telegram forum, which includes 1,622 participants from diverse African nations and regions. Members of the forum, who are all academics, were invited to complete the survey and publish it on their universities' internet-based forums. Coded data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as the Kruskal Wallis Non-parametric test. The non-parametric test was used because the data failed to meet the normality assumptions required to perform a parametric test. Results indicated, amongst others, that there are considerable variances in staff preparedness to use internet-based channels for research communication based on their educational credentials, educational qualification, rank and areas of research interest. According to the survey, academics with a doctoral degree; grade II lecturers; staff with 3 to 6 years of service; and staff in the medical sciences demonstrated a higher propensity of readiness to use internet-based channels for research communication. Based on these findings key theoretical, practical and research implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Professional Variables and Staff Readiness to Utilise Internet-Based Channels for Research Communication in an Era of Covid-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentine Joseph Owan ◽  
Levi Udochukwu Akah ◽  
Mary Mark Ogbeche ◽  
Moses Eteng Obla
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Doctoral Degree ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Parametric Test ◽  
Research Communication ◽  
Non Parametric

Abstract This study assessed the professional variables of academic staff in African varsities and their readiness to Utilise Internet-Based Channels for Research Communication in an era of Covid-19. Drawing from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, the study was guided by four null hypotheses. The quantitative research method based on the virtual cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A total of 8,591 academics in African universities were the targeted demographic of this study. However, data were collected from a virtual snowball sample of 1,977 respondents (males, N = 1347; females, N = 630) from 24 African countries. A validated electronic survey, with three major aspects, was employed for data collection. The e-survey was released on the Association of African Universities' Telegram forum, which includes 1,622 participants from diverse African nations and regions. Members of the forum, who are all academics, were invited to complete the survey and publish it on their universities' internet-based forums. Coded data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as the Kruskal Wallis Non-parametric test. The non-parametric test was used because the data failed to meet the normality assumptions required to perform a parametric test. Results indicated, amongst others, that there are considerable variances in staff preparedness to use internet-based channels for research communication based on their educational credentials, educational qualification, rank and areas of research interest. According to the survey, academics with a doctoral degree; grade II lecturers; staff with 3 to 6 years of service; and staff in the medical sciences demonstrated a higher propensity of readiness to use internet-based channels for research communication. Based on these findings key theoretical, practical and research implications are discussed.

Are e-learning Webinars the future of medical education? An exploratory study of a disruptive innovation in the COVID-19 era

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Colin J. McMahon ◽  
Justin T. Tretter ◽  
Theresa Faulkner ◽  
R. Krishna Kumar ◽  
Andrew N. Redington ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Disruptive Innovation ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
E Learning ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective: This study investigated the impact of the Webinar on deep human learning of CHD. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional survey design study used an open and closed-ended questionnaire to assess the impact of the Webinar on deep learning of topical areas within the management of the post-operative tetralogy of Fallot patients. This was a quantitative research methodology using descriptive statistical analyses with a sequential explanatory design. Results: One thousand-three-hundred and seventy-four participants from 100 countries on 6 continents joined the Webinar, 557 (40%) of whom completed the questionnaire. Over 70% of participants reported that they “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that the Webinar format promoted deep learning for each of the topics compared to other standard learning methods (textbook and journal learning). Two-thirds expressed a preference for attending a Webinar rather than an international conference. Over 80% of participants highlighted significant barriers to attending conferences including cost (79%), distance to travel (49%), time commitment (51%), and family commitments (35%). Strengths of the Webinar included expertise, concise high-quality presentations often discussing contentious issues, and the platform quality. The main weakness was a limited time for questions. Just over 53% expressed a concern for the carbon footprint involved in attending conferences and preferred to attend a Webinar. Conclusion: E-learning Webinars represent a disruptive innovation, which promotes deep learning, greater multidisciplinary participation, and greater attendee satisfaction with fewer barriers to participation. Although Webinars will never fully replace conferences, a hybrid approach may reduce the need for conferencing, reduce carbon footprint. and promote a “sustainable academia”.

Organizational barriers to employee training and learning: evidence from the automotive sector

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 8-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Anlesinya
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Employee Training ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Barriers ◽  
Cultural Systems ◽  
Management Commitment ◽  
Common Barriers

Purpose This study examines the factors that hinder employee training and learning in the automotive industry in Ghana, Africa. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts quantitative research methodology and cross-sectional survey design. Eighty-nine usable questionnaires from employees of an automotive organization in Ghana are used. Descriptive statistics and one-sample t-test are used for the analyses. Findings The results indicate that organizational culture, poor management commitment to training, inadequate promotion prospects, and lack of transparency and fairness in trainees’ selection are the most common barriers to employee training and learning. Practical implications Top management should provide opportunities to employees to apply new skills and knowledge they acquired. Fair and transparent procedures should be used to select training beneficiaries. Finally, organizations should develop cultural systems that encourage continuous learning motivation among their employees. Originality/value In this era of knowledge-driven economy, this research highlights factors that inhibit employees’ motivation to learn.

scholarly journals The Moderating Effects of Organizational Culture on the Relationship between Work Motivation and Work Commitment of University Academic Staff

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 137
Author(s):  
Saira Irfan ◽  
Najib Ahmad Marzuki
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Work Motivation ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Work Commitment ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Settings ◽  
The Relationship

The link between the work motivation and work commitment is well established in a variety of work settings. However, the role of organizational culture is not explored in depth, especially as a moderator between work motivation and work commitment. The present study undertakes an examination of the above explained model. The sample consisted of 351 academics from nine public universities in the state of Punjab, Pakistan. Cross-sectional survey design was employed to collect the data. The statistical analyses were performed with Partial Least Squares technique using the Smart PLS 3.0. The findings revealed that adhocracy culture moderates the link between non-self-determined work motivation and work commitment among university academic staff. The study has implications for authorities to capitalize on organizational culture to boost work motivation that will ultimately improve work commitment among academics.

scholarly journals Knowledge and practices regarding pesticide application and handling among farmers in selected community areas of Uttarakhand

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 1187
Author(s):  
Atul Kumar ◽  
Sanchita Pugazhendi ◽  
Chandan Kumar ◽  
John Davidson ◽  
Jyoti Rawat
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Agricultural Area ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Pesticide Application ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adequate Knowledge

Background: In South Asia region, India is the biggest country manufacturing pesticides for agricultural production and ranks10th in world where farmers use pesticides in agricultural area. In India, farmers have less knowledge regarding pesticide application and very rarely they get opportunity to attend formal training program regarding handling of hazardous pesticides. In developing countries, farmers have unsafe pesticide application and handling practices due to which pesticide poisoning has a major health problems among famers. Indian farmers who practice unsafe use of pesticides also experience different health problems. Hence there is a necessity to find out knowledge and practices of farmers while handling dangerous pesticides in day to day life.Methods: A quantitative research approach and cross sectional survey design was used in present study. Total of 302 farmers residing in rural area of Doiwala block were selected by using purposive sampling technique. Ethical permission was obtained from institutional ethical committee and informed consent was taken from study participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results: A total of 125 (41.5%) farmers were using pesticide two times in a year and 180(59.8%) farmers used it for protection of crops. It was expressed by 223 (73.8%) farmers that they read the labels on the pesticide containers before using it but only 182(60.3%) farmers followed the instructions on the label.Conclusions: Farmers did not have adequate knowledge about frequency and reasons of using pesticide in farming. Majority of the farmers did not have adequate knowledge and practices regarding use of pesticide in agricultural area. 

Does Knowledge Management Lead to Innovation? an Empirical Study on SMEs in Rwanda

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (9) ◽  
pp. 7-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugenie Byukusenge ◽  
John C. Munene ◽  
Laura Orobia
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Innovation Capability ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether knowledge management under its three dimensions of knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing and responsiveness to knowledge lead to innovation in Rwandan SMEs. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design to collect data used to examine that relationship. The results revealed that only knowledge sharing was found positive and significant predictor of innovation. This implies that effective knowledge management through knowledge sharing may lead to innovation.This study used a cross-sectional research design combined with a quantitative research approach. Future researchers could employ a longitudinal method to investigate any possibility of variations in the results. Qualitative studies could equally be used to supplement the quantitative findings. Lastly, this study focused on manufacturing SMEs only. Future research might focus on other types of businesses. Owners-managers of SMEs may sustain their competitive position and survive longer when knowledge is effectively and efficiently shared in order to increase their innovation capability. The study generated empirical evidence on less studied phenomena in the SMEs sector. The evidence highlighted the powerful influence of knowledge sharing in predicting innovation in SMEs.

scholarly journals Interventions: Employees’ Perceptions of What Reduces Stress

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Pignata ◽  
Carolyn M. Boyd ◽  
Anthony H. Winefield ◽  
Chris Provis
Keyword(s):  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Organizational Stress ◽  
Organizational Strategies ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nonacademic Staff ◽  
Reducing Stress

Objective. To build upon research evaluating stress interventions, this qualitative study tests the framework of the extended Job Demands-Resources model to investigate employees’ perceptions of the stress-reduction measures implemented at 13 Australian universities. Methods. In a cross-sectional survey design, tenured and contract staff indicated whether their overall level of stress had changed during the previous three-four years, and, if so, they described the major causes. A total of 462 staff reported that their level of stress had decreased; the study examines commentary from 115 academic and 304 nonacademic staff who provided details of what they perceived to be effective in reducing stress. Results. Thematic analyses show that the key perceived causes were changes in job or work role, new heads of departments or supervisors, and the use of organizational strategies to reduce or manage stress. A higher percentage of academic staff reported reduced stress due to using protective coping strategies or their increased recognition and/or success, whereas a higher percentage of nonacademic staff reported reduced stress due to increases in staffing resources and/or systems. Conclusion. These results identify the importance of implementing multilevel strategies to enhance employees’ well-being. Nonacademic staff, in particular, specified a variety of organizational stress-reduction interventions.

scholarly journals Social Media, External Prestige and Students’ Attitude towards Postgraduate Enrollment

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Gabriel Simiyu ◽  
Joyce Komen ◽  
Ronald Bonuke
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Indirect Effect ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
University Reputation ◽  
Conditional Effect ◽  
Social Media Platforms

Purpose- This paper aimed to determine the conditional effect of University reputation on the indirect process of external prestige on the relationship between social media and students’ attitude towards postgraduate enrollment. Design/Methodology- The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design, multistage random sampling in collecting data using a self-administered questionnaire. The sample size was 504 students from four universities in Kenya. Findings- Outcome indicates a partial indirect effect of social media and students’ attitude via external prestige. It further reveals a conditional effect of university reputation on the link between; social media and external prestige, and, external prestige and students' attitude. Finally, a test of the conditional indirect process is also confirmed. Practical Implications- Results of the study might help university managers and policymakers in developing effective strategies, policies, and techniques to attract potential students through social media platforms and also develop and strengthen university prestige and reputation through proper management of resources, social responsibility, and employment of qualified academic staff. Originality/value- The study findings bring new understanding concerning the indirect effect, the conditional process and highlight new insights on identifying mechanisms that exert a conditional effect on the indirect paths of the study variables.

scholarly journals Challenges Associated with the Implementation of Knowledge Management in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 70
Author(s):  
Ruby N. Ike ◽  
Emmanuel K. Agbaeze ◽  
Ben E. Udoh ◽  
Bamidele S. Adeleke
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Staff Retention ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Tertiary Institution ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tertiary Institutions

This study examined the challenges associated with knowledge management implementation and academic staff retention in selected tertiary institutions in South East, Nigeria. The research design adopted was a cross-sectional survey design. The main instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. The population consisted of 7,423 academic staff of the 10 randomly selected institutions in the South East Nigeria. A total sample size of 555 was drawn from the population. The instrument was checked for reliability using Cronbach method and the reliability co-efficient result of 0.915 showed that the instrument had high degree of item reliability. The hypothesis formulated was tested using Friedman chi-square statistics. The findings indicate that there is positive significant challenge in knowledge management implementation and academic staff retention in selected tertiary institution. The study concluded that lack of Knowledge Management implementation has posed a great challenge in academic staff retention in tertiary institutions. It was advised that tertiary institutions in Nigeria should adequately manage the process of knowledge acquisition, sharing and development so as to enjoy a Stella performance

scholarly journals Awareness and Readiness of Librarians towards the Use of Social Media for Information Service Delivery in Higher Institutions of Learning in Bauchi State

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-157
Author(s):  
Asma’u Muhammad Yusuf
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Information Service ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Efficient Information ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Higher Institutions

This paper examines the librarians’ awareness of social media, types of social media used by librarians, perception and readiness of librarians towards the use of social media, the level of use of social media and factors facilitating the use of social media in higher institutions library in Bauchi state. The rationale behind the subject matter (social media) was to expose librarians to the potentials of the use of social media in the library, particularly with regards to effective and efficient information service delivery to meet the ever growing demands and needs of sophisticated users. In doing this, quantitative research methodology using cross-sectional survey design was used which helped the researcher gather large amount of data that can be easily organised and manipulated into reports for analysis. A well developed and structured questionnaire was used to generate data from the respondents.

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