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1 – 10 of 174Dong Thanh Nguyen, David Ng and Pui San Yap
The purpose of this paper is to explore the instructional leadership practices and structure in Singapore primary schools.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the instructional leadership practices and structure in Singapore primary schools.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs a qualitative approach. Data were collected from interviews of 30 Singapore primary school principals and 25 working-day observations of five principals. A grounded theory method was utilized to analyze the qualitative data.
Findings
The instructional leadership roles of principals can be categorized into four key themes: vision development and implementation, physical and organizational structure, professional development, and leading and managing instruction. Importantly, the study illuminates a hybrid structure of instructional leadership in which both hierarchical and heterarchical elements exist.
Originality/value
The current study expands the global knowledge base on instructional leadership by providing indigenous knowledge of how instructional leadership is enacted in Singapore schools. Simultaneously, this study suggests an agenda for future research on instructional leadership.
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David Ng, Dong Thanh Nguyen, Benjamin Koon Siak Wong and William Kim Weng Choy
The purpose of this paper is to present a review of empirical studies on principal leadership in Singapore. It seeks to provide a general picture of Singapore principals’…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a review of empirical studies on principal leadership in Singapore. It seeks to provide a general picture of Singapore principals’ leadership qualities, styles, and roles.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a systematic review of empirical studies, using a “bounded” approach with a focus on the main findings of the reviewed studies. In all, 36 studies were selected for the interview. The findings of these studies were open coded, synthesized, and clustered into different themes.
Findings
The review revealed several qualities, characteristics, styles, and enacted roles of Singapore principals. While there are similarities between Singapore principals and principals elsewhere in the world, the review brought out some features unique to Singapore principals.
Originality/value
This review contributes to the growing literature in comparative research on principals’ leadership and their enacted roles, and concurrently functions as a guide for further research on school leadership in Singapore.
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Le Quang Hieu, Vu Hong Van and Nguyen Khanh Doanh
This study analyzes the factors that affect the decisions of micro-businesses to switch to enterprises in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam.
Abstract
Purpose
This study analyzes the factors that affect the decisions of micro-businesses to switch to enterprises in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to explain the behavior of micro-businesses in switching to enterprises, the authors designed a questionnaire and collected survey data from 404 micro-businesses. The generalized structural equation modeling was applied to analyze the structured model with the dichotomous dependent variable.
Findings
First, the behavior of micro-businesses to switch was indirectly affected by needs and directly affected by attitudes, perceived behavioral control, subjective norm and institutional quality. Second, the subjective norms exerted the most influence on the behavior of the micro-businesses in switching. This finding implies that (1) the behavior of the micro-businesses depended on the assessments, perceptions and views of their friends, relatives and colleagues, and (2) the behavior to switch stems mainly from the desire to improve the businesses' position in society. Finally, both formal and informal institutions play an essential role in the behavior of the micro-businesses to switch to enterprises.
Originality/value
There have been no previous studies that have applied structured models to test the behavior of micro-businesses to switch to enterprises. Furthermore, previous studies had mainly addressed the psychological factors or needs of micro-businesses. In this study, apart from the above factors, the authors discuss the impact of institutions on the behavior of micro-businesses to switch.
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Nguyen Thi Hanh Nguyen and Hung Thanh Dang
The purpose of this paper is to show the adaptation of participatory concept: “from passive to active community” which is the key point to achieve successes of the case study…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to show the adaptation of participatory concept: “from passive to active community” which is the key point to achieve successes of the case study project – a cultural village in Tam Thanh, Tam Ky, Quang Nam, Vietnam. Its achievements result from the employment of three principal steps including identifying core issues in the community, creating changes in human perceptions and living conditions, and demanding operation and maintenance of the community further. The project can seem to be an outstanding showcase for the applicability and possibility of other community projects around Vietnam.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses the previous community projects developed in Vietnam. However, they are less effective for the community in long-term due to ignoring/underestimating the role of local people. The case study is an impoverished residential neighbourhood in Tam Thanh, Quang Nam. The authors along with the colleagues observed and conducted the workshops on site to understand the problems, values and expectations of people and the land. The paper likes as a summary for achievements and lessons extracted from that field study. The comparison to the previous projects shows the efficiency of participatory design with the active involvement of the local community.
Findings
The practical experiences to find successes for the community projects in Vietnam: collaboration of experts, architects, volunteers and local people; classification of roles for groups of participants; the involvement of the local government. engagement of a collaborative relationship with the community under the patience, comprehension and sympathy of all members of the community; and role of the architects involving the projects should be supported for people’s participation to come up with the idea instead of proposing strict ideas.
Practical implications
The appropriate approaches on the right subjects and right time are the key of successes and sufficiency for the community projects, particularly to the impoverished neighbourhoods or places with sensitive issues. The Tam Thanh village is a typical example and its experiences can be disseminated for the other projects. It indicates the active and respectful involvement of like-minded people (experts, volunteers, sponsors, managers and in particular local people) is very important to achieve the final expected destination in the purpose for/by/with the community.
Social implications
The huge effect of community projects is directly on the local people. The approaching and understanding them is challenging. An achievable community project is that the real needs of the people are provided; they are aware of their roles and benefits; and finally, the values are retained and developed sustainably in long term. The community projects are characterised by the participation of many people in many different stages: analysis, design and implementation. Therefore, for the experts, volunteers and managers, they learn to listen to the voice of the local people and to avoid the forced thoughts and underestimation of local people’s involvement.
Originality/value
The value of the study is that the nature of participatory design method is shown through activities and results of the community project in Tam Thanh. The delivery from theoretical features to practical works is not easy and needs observation and understanding of local culture and life. Depending on each specific location, the application of this design theory is flexible and adaptive. An idea for every project is initiation; however, the participation of local people is key to the project’s achievement.
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Thu Trang Thi Ngo, Hong Quan Nguyen, Timothy Gorman, Quang Ngo Xuan, Phuong Lan Thi Ngo and Ann Vanreusel
Drought and salinity intrusion aggravated by climate change threaten agricultural livelihoods in Viet Nan's Mekong Delta. In response, authorities have built water management…
Abstract
Purpose
Drought and salinity intrusion aggravated by climate change threaten agricultural livelihoods in Viet Nan's Mekong Delta. In response, authorities have built water management infrastructure for irrigation and salinity protection. This study assessed the impact of one such project, the Ba Lai dam in Ben Tre province, on the livelihoods of aquaculture farmers.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework to assess the impact of the Ba Lai dam on the livelihood capitals of 18 farming households in four communes, located both upstream and downstream of the dam.
Findings
The authors find that, apart from some positive effects, the dam has also brought negative environmental consequences, such as increased water pollution. The authors also find that farmers have responded to the changes by adapting their livelihood practices.
Research limitations/implications
The samples were relatively small, encompassing four communes in Ben Tre province. On the other hand, this case study is instructive to the many ongoing infrastructure projects in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta.
Social implications
The project have caused an increase in water-related social conflict.
Originality/value
The case of the Ba Lai dam provides a cautionary example for infrastructure-based water management plans, both in Viet Nam and more broadly. The study suggests the need to strengthen community participation and prioritize impacts of farmers' capital assets when constructing water management infrastructure for climate change adaptation.
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Thanh Cong Nguyen, Hang Dieu Nguyen, Hoa Thu Le and Shinji Kaneko
This purpose of this paper is to understand residents’ choice of preferred measures and their willingness-to-pay (WTP) for the measures to improve the air quality of Hanoi city.
Abstract
Purpose
This purpose of this paper is to understand residents’ choice of preferred measures and their willingness-to-pay (WTP) for the measures to improve the air quality of Hanoi city.
Design/methodology/approach
Questionnaire surveys were conducted to collect the opinions of 212 household representatives living in Hanoi City. The survey tools were tested and adjusted through an online survey with 191 responses. Multivariate probit and linear regression models were used to identify determinants of respondents’ choices of measures and their WTP.
Findings
Respondents expressed their strong preferences for three measures for air quality improvements, including: (1) increase of green spaces; (2) use of less polluting fuels; (3) expansion of public transportation. The mean WTP for the implementation of those measures was estimated at about 148,000–282,000 Vietnamese dong, equivalent to 0.09–0.16% of household income. The respondents’ choices appear to be consistent with their characteristics and needs, such as financial affordability, time on roads and their perceived impacts of air pollution. The WTP estimates increase with perception of air pollution impacts, time on roads, education and income; but are lower for older people.
Practical implication
Increase of green spaces can be the measure to which policy makers should pay more attention. The match-up of residents needs and well-informed plans will be an important key to success.
Originality/value
This appears to be the first attempt to test the validity of public opinions on choices of measures for improving urban air quality in Vietnam. Our WTP estimates also contribute to the database on the values of improved air quality in the developing world.
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This chapter provides information on the development of Vietnamese education under the influence of global forces based on the analysis of relevant education research and policies…
Abstract
This chapter provides information on the development of Vietnamese education under the influence of global forces based on the analysis of relevant education research and policies using Wolhuter’s frameworks. In the process of coming up with ways to develop education in the face of different influences of globalization, besides having reactions with patterns commonly found in countries around the world, Vietnam also has responses that reflect its own political, sociocultural and economic characteristics. The state still plays a controlling role in education at all levels and many culture-related features that have existed throughout the country’s history have hardly changed, namely aspects related to teachers, learners and teaching and learning methods. To sustain its education in the globalized era, Vietnam must make more efforts in various aspects such as the link between education and employment, the logic of education objectives, the feasibility and appropriateness of curricula, quality of education, especially of higher education and equality in education for underprivileged groups.
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Ky Nam Nguyen, Quang Anh Phan and Ngoc Minh Nguyen
This paper aims to examine the management status quo of archaeological heritage in Vietnam seen in the case of Vuon Chuoi, a complex of Bronze Age sites located in Central Hanoi…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the management status quo of archaeological heritage in Vietnam seen in the case of Vuon Chuoi, a complex of Bronze Age sites located in Central Hanoi, which has been believed to be Hanoi’s first human settlement. Like other archaeological sites located in urban areas, this site has been under threat of destruction caused by land encroachment pressure. Although researchers have long waged a campaign for preservation, the dissensus among key stakeholders and the dispute over responsibility have left this site at the heart of an interminable polemic over legislation.
Design/methodology/approach
This research utilises a qualitative approach, and the primary data were collected throughout multiple field trips in 2019 and 2020. Several open-ended interviews were conducted with various state and nonstate actors involved in the Vuon Chuoi Complex’s management process. The discussion was also supported by analysing related legal documents retrieved from national archives and official online directories.
Findings
This paper dissects the current legislative and administrative framework applied in governing heritage in general and archaeological sites in Vietnam, in particular. The results indicate that existing flaws in Vietnam’s legal system are detectable, and the unsystematic organisation has led to deferment of the decision-making processes. Also, there is an apparent difference found in the attitude of the bodies in charge toward the treatment of listed and unlisted sites.
Originality/value
This research outlines that in the wake of urbanisation and industrialisation in Vietnam, a consensus among key stakeholders and an inclusive legal system are required to help preserve archaeological sites in urgent need of attention. Although several Vietnamese laws and regulations have been put into practice, they have shown critical barriers and gaps in conserving Vietnamese cultural heritage.
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Phuong Kim Thi Tran, Hue Kim Thi Nguyen, Loc Thi Nguyen, Hong Thi Nguyen, Thanh Ba Truong and Vinh Trung Tran
This study aims to identify how perceived destination social responsibility (DSR) drives destination brand loyalty through a jointly and independently mediated mechanism of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify how perceived destination social responsibility (DSR) drives destination brand loyalty through a jointly and independently mediated mechanism of cognitive and affective components (e.g. tourist-destination identification, cognitive image, affective image and tourist satisfaction) and to examine the moderating role of individual-level collectivist values in linking perceived DSR and tourist behaviors.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey is conducted to collect the data of 351 domestic tourists visiting an urban tourism destination (e.g. Danang City) in Vietnam. A serial multiple mediation model and moderation model were examined by applying covariance-based structural equation modeling.
Findings
This research’s results highlight the leading factors of perceived DSR in the process of forming destination brand loyalty and confirm the vital role of the intermediary mechanism of tourists' cognition and affect during this process. The chain of causal relationships DSR → TDI → CI → AI → TS → DBL confirms the role of perceived DSR as an essential prerequisite factor of DBL, creating a close connection to tourists' cognition and affect and contributing to improving destination brand loyalty. Individual-level collectivist values were found to positively moderate the links between perceived DSR and tourist-destination identification, affective image and destination brand loyalty.
Research limitations/implications
Future research would provide insights into the links between perceived DSR and tourist behaviors by considering moderating variables (e.g. cultural distance and tourist types) and uncovering specific insights into each destination stakeholder's DSR activities.
Originality/value
A new integrated model of destination brand loyalty development is proposed to explore a new path for destination brand loyalty formation through cognitive, affective and cognitive-affective pathways. This moderating stream of examining individual-level collectivist values can make a significant contribution to the extant tourism literature by promoting a more positive tourist perception of DSR, thereby increasing tourists' knowledge, beliefs and emotions and enhancing destination brand loyalty.
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Tan Hai Dang Nguyen, Nicholas Chileshe, Raufdeen Rameezdeen and Anthony Wood
The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to investigate strategies that external stakeholders can employ to affect construction project outcomes and, second, to identify…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to investigate strategies that external stakeholders can employ to affect construction project outcomes and, second, to identify essential requirements for utilising each strategy.
Design/methodology/approach
A new theoretical framework of stakeholder influence strategies was proposed and applied. The research design is a multi-case study, comprising four cases in the construction industry in Vietnam.
Findings
Seven specific strategies were found, including inputs withholding, inputs compromising, communication, direct action, coalition building, conflict escalation and credibility building. When possessing project inputs, stakeholders can affect a project directly via a withholding or compromising strategy. Communication is available to those who have basic communicating skills; however, direct action is only employed by groups that include a large number of members. Objectors must have common interests or goals with their potential allies for using coalition building. Conflict escalation is restricted to communities having distinctive characteristics which can be used to create new problems sensibly, while credibility building is used by parties possessing adequate resources and expertise.
Research limitations/implications
This study’s generalisability may be limited by the main source of data and the types of projects in the selected cases.
Practical implications
This study provides directions for project managers to predict stakeholder influence by taking project inputs and utilisation requirements of the strategies into consideration.
Originality/value
This study is one of the first investigations on stakeholder-attributes-related requirements for utilising influence strategies in projects.
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