scholarly journals Joint Storage: A Mixed-Method Analysis of Consumer Perspectives on Community Energy Storage in Germany

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 3025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Hoffmann ◽  
Franziska Mohaupt
Keyword(s):  
Energy Storage ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Consumer Perspectives ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
Method Analysis ◽  
Monitoring Information

In this paper, we analyze consumer attitudes toward and interest in community energy storage (CES) in Germany, based on five focus group discussions and an online survey of private owners of photovoltaic (PV) systems, as well as written surveys and workshops with the residents of two residential developments where CES has been installed. We find that owners of PV systems are generally receptive to the idea of CES but are unfamiliar with it. They assume that CES is more resource- and cost-efficient than residential storage and appreciate the idea of professionally managed operation and maintenance, but are skeptical of whether fair and transparent distribution and billing can be realized. Consumers express a need for ancillary services, such as monitoring, information or energy management, but the interest in such services, however, is strongly dependent on their perception of the costs versus potential savings.

scholarly journals Peran Nilai Pribadi, Nilai Budaya dan Nilai Religius terhadap Sikap Remaja Perempuan tentang Seks Pranikah (Suatu Kajian pada Remaja Perempuan di Maumere dan Larantuka, NTT)

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 105
Author(s):  
Susana Sabarni ◽  
Lidia Laksana Hidajat
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Personal Values ◽  
Premarital Sex ◽  
Religious Values ◽  
Sex Behavior ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

Latar Belakang : Pesatnya perkembangan teknologi informasi, memudahkan remaja mengakses semua hal yang berhubungan dengan informasi seputar seks. Dengan kemudahan yang dimiliki untuk mengakses teknologi informasi ini, remaja seringkali terekspos oleh konten-konten pornografi. Secara langsung maupun tidak langsung akan memengaruhi sikap remaja terhadap perilaku seks pranikah.Tujuan : Mengetahui peran nilai pribadi, nilai budaya dan nilai religius dikaitkan dengan sikap remaja perempuan di Maumere dan Larantuka terhadap perilaku seks pranikah serta mengetahui sikap remaja perempuan terhadap perilaku seks pranikah.Metode : Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan mixed method, pengukuran sikap melalui pengisian kuesioner dan diskusi kelompok terarah (FGD) untuk mengetahui gambaran sikap remaja perempuan terhadap perilaku seks pranikah yang dikaitkan dengan nilai pribadi, nilai budaya dan nilai religius. Kegiatan penelitian dilakukan pada empat SMA di Maumere dan Larantuka. Jumlah partisipan 120 orang, diperoleh dengan teknik accidental sampling. Sebagai informasi tambahan dilakukan wawancara dengan tokoh budaya di Maumere dan tokoh agama di Larantuka. Hasil dan pembahasan : Berdasarkan pengolahan data terhadap pengukuran skala sikap diperoleh gambaran bahwa pada dasarnya remaja perempuan di Maumere dan Larantuka tidak menyetujui hubungan seks pranikah, meskipun telah terjadi pergeseran nilai. Sikap ini berdasarkan pada nilai-nilai pribadi yang diyakini remaja yaitu pertimbangan etika dan moral, dampak kehamilan, aborsi atau penyakit menular seksual. Dalam konteks budaya, pertimbangan remaja adalah sanksi sosial yang akan diperoleh dari kehamilan di luar nikah. Sedang dalam konteks religius, remaja mempertimbangkan tentang dosa. Berdasarkan diskusi kelompok terarah (FGD) disimpulkan bahwa nilai religius dirasakan sangat penting oleh partisipan karena dapat menumbuhkan iman dan memberi dorongan,arah dalam bertingkah laku. Nilai-nilai religius juga berperan dalam memberi motivasi dan membimbing seseorang untuk melakukan perbuatan yang baik. Dalam konteks budaya, para partisipan berpendapat bahwa budaya sangat penting karena dalam budaya diajarkan tentang perilaku yang pantas dan tidak pantas dilakukan. Oleh karena itu dibutuhkan pendampingan orangtua dalam mendidik dan menanamkan nilai-nilai moral dan etika.Kesimpulan : Pernyataan sikap tidak setuju terhadap perilaku seks pranikah merupakan internalisasi nilai-nilai budaya dan religius yang akhirnya membentuk sikap remaja di Maumere dan Larantuka Kata kunci : Peran nilai pribadi, nilai budaya dan nilai religius, sikap remaja perempuan, perilaku seks pranikah, Maumere dan Larantuka, Nusa Tenggara Timur Susana Sabarni, Lidia Laksana HidajatABSTRACT Background: The rapid development of information technology, making it easier for teenagers to access all things related to information about sex. With the ease they have to access this information technology, teenagers are often exposed to pornographic content. Directly or indirectly will influence teen attitudes towards premarital sex behavior.Objective: To acknowlegde the role of personal values, cultural values and religious values associated with the attitudes of adolescent girls in Maumere and Larantuka towards premarital sex behavior and also to acknowlegde  the attitudes of teenage girls to premarital sex behavior.Methods: The study used a mixed method approach, attitude measurement through filling out questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGD) to describe the attitudes of adolescent girls towards premarital sex behavior which is associated with personal values, cultural values and religious values. Research activities were carried out on four high schools in Maumere and Larantuka. The number of participants 120 people, obtained by accidental sampling technique. For additional information, interviews with cultural leaders in Maumere and religious leaders in Larantuka were conducted.Results and discussion: Based on data processing on attitude scale measurement obtained an illustration that basically girls in Maumere and Larantuka do not approve premarital sex, even though there has been a shift in values. This attitude is based on personal values believed by adolescents, namely ethical and moral considerations, the impact of pregnancy, abortion or sexually transmitted diseases. In the context of culture, adolescent considerations are social sanctions that will be obtained from pregnancy outside of marriage. While in a religious context, teenagers consider sin. Based on focus group discussions (FGD) it was concluded that religious values were felt to be very important by participants because they could foster faith and give encouragement, direction in behaving. Religious values also play a role in motivating and guiding someone to do good deeds. In the cultural context, the participants thought that culture was very important because in the culture it was taught about appropriate and inappropriate behavior. Therefore, parents are needed to assist in educating and instilling moral and ethical values.Conclusion: A statement of disagreement with premarital sex behavior is an internalization of cultural and religious values that ultimately shape their attitudes Keywords: The role of personal values, cultural values and religious values, attitudes of adolescent girls, premarital sexual behavior, Maumere and Larantuka, Nusa Tenggara Timur

Exploring the educational needs of adult learners: A study of three universities in Ghana

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaw Owusu-Agyeman ◽  
Magda Fourie-Malherbe ◽  
Liezel Frick
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Educational Needs ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Educational Challenges ◽  
Method Approach

Adult learners have unique educational needs that require attention from Higher Education Institutions, facilitators and industry. While several theories and policies have been developed to address the bourgeoning educational challenges confronting adult learners in Higher Education Institutions, not much has been achieved in the wake of growing knowledge and skills demands of employers. Using a mixed method approach, a survey (n = 200) and focus group discussions (n = 27) were conducted among adult learners who were also professionals studying engineering programmes in three diverse universities in Ghana. Additionally, interviews were conducted with representatives from industry and from the three engineering departments in the three universities. The study revealed that while the development of separate programmes for adult learners in Higher Education Institutions is not plausible in meeting the educational needs of adult learners, a different pedagogy could be used in addressing the unique knowledge and skills needs of adult learners. We present the implications of our study in relation to theory, practice and further research.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on microfinance institutions in Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-106
Author(s):  
Tuti Ermawati ◽  
Agus Eko Nugroho ◽  
M. Soekarni ◽  
Nur Firdaus ◽  
Jiwa Sarana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Small Enterprises ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Adaptation Measures ◽  
Mitigation And Adaptation ◽  
Micro And Small Enterprises ◽  
The Government

The paper aims to analyse the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on microfinance institutions (MFIs) and identify mitigation and adaptation measures to cope with the situation. An online survey and focus group discussions were employed to capture how far the COVID-19 pandemic affects MFIs’ business. The results show that MFIs’ performance is negatively affected due to the COVID-19 crisis as their major customers, micro and small enterprises (MSEs), have experienced a contraction. MFIs have implemented several mitigation and adaptation measures to cope with the situation and future shocks. These results provide an overview of how far the COVID-19 crisis affects MFIs which can help the government design policies that can support MFIs and MSEs to survive. However, some issues related to methodology, such as the inability to capture complex and profound information, survey monitoring, and response rate, influenced the analysis so that the research may lack generalizability. Thus, a more holistic methodology is needed to investigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic comprehensively.

scholarly journals A case study on botanical pesticides and vermicompost fertilizer for adopting new agricultural practice by farmers

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 56-64
Author(s):  
Manoj Kaphle ◽  
Nagendra Bastakoti
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Practice ◽  
Conventional Farming ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Botanical Pesticides ◽  
Botanical Pesticide ◽  
Measuring Frequency ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
Chemical Pesticides

For last 3 years, vegetable growers from Devdaha and Kerawani VDC of Rupandehi and Daunnedevi and Rupaulia VDC of Nawalparasi districts Nepal are concerned to minimize the practices of using chemical pesticides exploring several options. Action research was carried out to dessiminate the effect of botanical pesticide and vermi-compost fertilizer with major aspects: perception and adaptation. Household surveys and focus group discussions (FGDs) were carried out which was analyzed measuring frequency; percentage; indexing; mean and standard deviation. Results show that the adoption rate of botanical-pesticides and vermicompost was increased by 45% and 60% respectively. More than 80% farmers were motivated towards the use of vermi-compost and botanical pesticides. Vermi-compost was also found cost efficient comparing with Urea. More could have been done in transforming conventional farming into an organic one in studied area, where commercial olericulture has been seen as a booming business.

scholarly journals PIT Community Extension Programs: The Three -Year Engagement

2019 ◽  
pp. 81-87
Author(s):  
Ma. Marilyn L. Olavides ◽  
Antonia D. Mendoza ◽  
Jenney P. Bacalla
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Extension Programs ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Interview Schedule ◽  
Effect Change ◽  
Project Sustainability ◽  
Institute Of Technology ◽  
Socially Responsive

The academe is one of the main actors in the society that could possibly effect change by way of extending services that are socially responsive to the needs of the community and its people. However, certain concerns have to be addressed to ensure sustainability and relevance of the services extended. As such, a study was conducted to look into the community extension programs of the Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT), rendered to its adopted barangay. The study used the mixed-method descriptive-evaluative design utilizing structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and interview schedule in obtaining relevant data. Results showed that while barangay residents/beneficiaries have learned skills from the livelihood trainings/activities conducted however, these have not fully benefited them due to lack of capital and opportunities. Overall results showed that the PIT’s community extension programs and projects were successfully conducted. However the school needs to do something for the community to fully benefit the programs and projects. Linkages and partnerships with other agencies are suggested to attain project sustainability and more desirable outcomes.

scholarly journals Factors influencing the decision-making of carers of children with bilateral cataract in Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000422
Author(s):  
Suzannah J Bell ◽  
Tirtha Singh ◽  
Catey Bunce ◽  
Sanjay Kumar Singh ◽  
Cova Bascaran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Late Presentation ◽  
Health Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Bilateral Cataract ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Timely Access

ObjectivesTwo hundred thousand children worldwide are blind from cataract. Late presentation for surgery resulting in poor visual outcomes is a problem globally. We aimed to explore the reasons why children are not brought earlier for surgery in Nepal.Methods and analysisMixed-method study of carers of children with bilateral cataract attending a large non-government eye hospital were administered a proforma. A random sample took part in semistructured interviews and focus group discussions.ResultsCarers of 102 children completed proformas; 10 interviews and 2 focus group discussions were held. 80.4% were Indian, 35.3% of children were female, and their mean age was 58 months (range 4 months to 10 years). Median delay in time between the carer first noticing a problem to presentation was 182 days IQR (60.8–364.8). This was significantly longer for girls (median 304 IQR (91.2–1094.4)) than boys (median 121.6 IQR (30.4–364.8); p=0.02). Cost to access care was a problem for 42 (41.2%) carers. 13 (12.8%) participants were not aware of treatment and 12 (11.8%) were aware but did not seek treatment. The community influenced carer’s health-seeking behaviour. Cataract was sometimes described as ‘phula’, meaning something white seen on the eye.ConclusionFewer girls presented for surgery, and they also had a significantly longer delay to presentation than boys. Carers are influenced by factors at family, community and socio-organisational levels. Approaches to increase timely access, particularly by girls, are required, such as health education using the term phula, which is widely understood.

scholarly journals Talking the talk in junior interprofessional education: is healthcare terminology a barrier or facilitator?

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamara Nadarajah ◽  
Arden Azim ◽  
Derya Uzelli Yılmaz ◽  
Matthew Sibbald
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Interprofessional Education ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Word Count ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Physician Assistant Students ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
Survey Responses

Abstract Background Use of healthcare terminology is a potential barrier to interprofessional education (IPE). This study describes how junior learners perceive and classify healthcare terminology in IPE settings. Methods We conducted a mixed methods study involving 29 medical, 14 nursing, and 2 physician assistant students who had previously attended or were registered to participate in educational activities at McMaster University’s Centre for Simulation-Based Learning. 23 participants identified “inclusive” or “exclusive” terminology in a series of scenarios used for IPE workshops using an online survey. We collated lists of “inclusive” and “exclusive” terminology from survey responses, and characterized the frequencies of included words. 22 students participated in focus group discussions on attitudes and perceptions around healthcare terminology after attending IPE workshops. We identified themes through an iterative direct content analysis of verbatim transcripts. Results Students analyzed 14 cases, identifying on average 21 terms per case as healthcare terminology (28% of overall word count). Of the 290 terms identified, 113 terms were classified as healthcare terminology, 46 as inclusive and 17 as exclusive by > 50% of participants. Analysis of focus group transcripts revealed 4 themes: abbreviations were commonly perceived as complex terminology, lack of familiarity with terminology was often attributed to inexperience, simulation was considered a safe space for learning terminology, and learning terminology was a valued IPE objective. Conclusions While students perceive a lot of healthcare terminology in IPE learning materials, categorization of terminology as “inclusive” or “exclusive” is inconsistent. Moreover, healthcare terminology is perceived as a desirable difficulty among junior learners, and should not be avoided in IPE.

scholarly journals Taking hold of hand trauma in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1784-93
Author(s):  
Jenousha Naidoo ◽  
Pragashnie Govender ◽  
Deshini Naidoo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Tendon Injuries ◽  
Hand Injuries ◽  
Hand Trauma ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

Background: Trauma in KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa constitutes at least 17.8% of overall emergency cases, with hand trauma being common. Aim: Based on these statistics, the authors of this study aimed to identify and describe the most common traumatic hand injuries managed in the province including current trends and intervention practices of occupational therapists to inform future intervention. Methods: Using a mixed-method convergent parallel design, 41 therapists completed an online survey, and 12 therapists participated in two focus group discussions. Survey responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, and the audio-recorded and transcribed focus group discussions were analysed deductively using thematic analysis.Findings: Flexor tendon injuries (88%), extensor tendon injuries (73%), fractures (83%) and combined hand injuries (73%) were the most common injuries noted. Sufficient theoretical knowledge (95%), clinical judgement (93%), available resources (88%), relevant practical experience (83%) and surgeon hand therapy protocols (88%) were identified as essential in managing traumatic hand injuries. Challenges included having limited resources, late referrals and poor communication hindering multidisciplinary practice. Conclusion: Therapists face challenges in managing traumatic hand injuries, which inhibits optimal intervention planning. These factors may inevitably negatively influence outcomes achieved through occupational therapy for this group of patients. Keywords: Occupational therapy; traumatic hand injuries; hand rehabilitation.

scholarly journals A Multi-disciplinary Mixed-Methods Study of Group Dynamics in Active Learning Space

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoshan Zhu Gordy ◽  
Elizabeth O. Carr ◽  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Jessica H. Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Active Learning ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Student Learning ◽  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Peer Relations ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Learning Space

Active learning space emerged at the turn of the twenty-first century. The active learning space design represents not only an overhaul of traditional classrooms’ physical appearances but also reflects a paradigm shift from teacher-centered learning to student-centered learning. Current available research mainly focused on student academic performance as well as student and faculty perceptions.  No research has been conducted to investigate interactions at the student level to find out what interactions are taking place in the active learning space and how they affect student learning. This study employed a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design inquiring into student learning in an active learning space first through student focus group discussions and then with an online student survey. The major themes emerged from the focus group discussions were utilized to develop the online survey. The purpose of this survey was to cross-validate qualitative outcomes and further seek answers to unanswered questions triggered by qualitative findings. The qualitative data indicated that the spatial equity in the active learning space put students in positive mindsets and induced active classroom participation. The interconnected screens made it easy for students to view class content and collaborate with peers. The group work conducted in the space fostered mutual learning, promoted learning accountability and improved peer relations. The quantitative survey data on group dynamics validated and reinforced qualitative findings. This paper will help educators better understand student behaviors in the active learning space and better design space-appropriate pedagogical strategies.

scholarly journals ‘Last seen now’: Explaining teenage identities and social capital on social network sites in Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Serede Sikolia ◽  
Hellen K. Mberia
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Personal Identity ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Social Network Sites ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Depth Interviews

This article sought to address the gap in empirical research related to personal identity and social capital as gratification factors motivating teenage engagement on Social Network Sites (SNSs) in Kenya. We employed a mixed method research design in which Self-administered Questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions and In-depth Interviews were used in data collection. Participants were drawn from a sample of (n = 481) respondents from two sub-counties of Nairobi County. We focused on five popular SNSs namely, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and Pinterest. Findings revealed that personal identity and social capital significantly influenced teenagers’ engagement on SNSs. Specifically, high school teenagers’ engagement on SNSs was motivated by the need to bridge and maintain social capital more than bonding. We conclude that social network sites engagements among teenagers need to be harnessed for positive outcomes. Equally, we recommend positive use of SNSs in behavior change campaigns targeting teenagers.Keywords: Social Network Sites, Personal identity, Social capital, Uses and Gratifications, Teenagers

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