Search results

1 – 10 of over 13000
Article
Publication date: 14 June 2018

Leiv Opstad

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the type of mathematics skills developed at secondary school an effect on students’ later success in business studies. At many…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the type of mathematics skills developed at secondary school an effect on students’ later success in business studies. At many business schools in Norway, more students are applying than there are places available. The ranking of applications depends on the grade point average (GPA) level, irrespective of the level or type of mathematics studied at secondary school, where the students are free to choose practically orientated or theoretical mathematics.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative analysis (regression model) was applied using data for undergraduate students enrolled in business studies over a three–year period (2012–2014).

Findings

Students with a non-theoretical background in mathematics obtain systematically lower grades on many courses, especially in core business school subjects. Ranking applicants to business studies courses based on their GPA scores irrespective of their level of mathematics may lead to the admission of less able students.

Research limitations/implications

There is little information available concerning why students choose different paths in mathematics at upper secondary school, but the decision students make has an influence on their grades in business courses.

Originality/value

By requiring more knowledge of theoretical mathematics, students’ performance at business school will improve. Changing the admission criteria could improve the quality of graduates and reduce the dropout rate.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 May 2018

Shafiu Ibrahim Abdullahi

The purpose of the study is to explore contributions made in Islamic economics methodology, particularly in the use of mathematical models used to build Islamic economic theories.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to explore contributions made in Islamic economics methodology, particularly in the use of mathematical models used to build Islamic economic theories.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted is a survey by means of literature review.

Findings

Overuse of mathematical models in economics has it apparent weakness in simplifying complex realities and use of impracticable assumptions. But, that notwithstanding, they have a role to play in the development of Islamic economics. Empirical analysis in Islamic economics has weaknesses, including the very fact that moral phenomenon in Islamic economics is difficult to quantify, but its contribution, just like mathematics, is needed to develop the field. Islamic economics adopt mathematical models that do not cause obstacles in achieving the aim of Islamic economics, which is Falah. Where it is harmful, it is discarded. Islamic economics has yet to have a universally accepted research methodology; instead, numerous methodologies are used today. The poor use of mathematics in Islamic economics by new researchers, among other factors, may be due to young researchers’ poor background in mathematics.

Originality/value

The paper is unique in looking at the topic of Islamic economic methodology from the angle of application of mathematical models.

Details

International Journal of Ethics and Systems, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0828-8666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 June 2023

Shilpa Bhaskar Mujumdar, Haridas Acharya, Shailaja Shirwaikar and Prafulla Bharat Bafna

This paper defines and assesses student learning patterns under the influence of problem-based learning (PBL) and their classification into a reasonable minimum number of classes…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper defines and assesses student learning patterns under the influence of problem-based learning (PBL) and their classification into a reasonable minimum number of classes. Study utilizes PBL implemented in an undergraduate Statistics and Operations Research course for techno-management students at a private university in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Study employs an in situ experiment using a conceptual model based on learning theory. The participant's end-of-semester GPA is Performance Indicator. Integrating PBL with classroom teaching is unique instructional approach to this study. An unsupervised and supervised data mining approach to analyse PBL impact establishes research conclusions.

Findings

The administration of PBL results in improved learning patterns (above-average) for students with medium attendance. PBL, Gender, Math background, Board and discipline are contributing factors to students' performance in the decision tree. PBL benefits a student of any gender with lower attendance.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to course students from one institute and does not consider external factors.

Practical implications

Researchers can apply learning patterns obtained in this paper highlighting PBL impact to study effect of every innovative pedagogical study. Classification of students based on learning behaviours can help facilitators plan remedial actions.

Originality/value

1. Clustering is used to extract student learning patterns considering dynamics of student performances over time. Then decision tree is utilized to elicit a simple process of classifying students. 2. Data mining approach overcomes limitations of statistical techniques to provide knowledge impact in presence of demographic characteristics and student attendance.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 1962

D.E. Conway

The engineer who fights shy of mathematics — and jettisons as much of it as he decently can when his course is over — is scarcely the thinking technologist one would like to see…

1323

Abstract

The engineer who fights shy of mathematics — and jettisons as much of it as he decently can when his course is over — is scarcely the thinking technologist one would like to see. But many are like that. The author suggests that the colleges should not wait for school mathematics reforms, but give students a mathematical background and understanding by a more concrete form of teaching straight away. The approach proposed also aims to ensure that future technologists acquire their maths in the form in which they will need it — as a tool, as an integrating factor between the sciences and technologies, as a means of communication, and as a medium for creative thinking.

Details

Education + Training, vol. 4 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0040-0912

Article
Publication date: 14 July 2023

Peng Liu, Xuyang Li and Ciren Zhuoma

The purpose of this study is to understand the research on numeracy coach in the Canadian context.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the research on numeracy coach in the Canadian context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was a systematic review of studies about numeracy coaching in Canada, which described the trend of knowledge production on this topic. The study made use of qualitative meta-analysis. According to Timulak (2009, p. 591), qualitative meta-analysis is “an attempt to conduct a rigorous secondary qualitative analysis of primary qualitative findings. Its purpose is to provide a more comprehensive description of a phenomenon and an assessment of the influence of the investigation on findings.” By using meta-analysis, this article analyzed the general pattern of knowledge production, the nature of the publications, the focal topics, the research methods and the citation impact of numeracy coaching studies in Canada. The literature analyzed in this review included all the available sources we were able to find with regard to Canadian numeracy coaches. The sources included peer-reviewed journal articles, online magazines, program reports and information from non-profit organizations, as well as doctoral theses.

Findings

Research about numeracy coaches in Canadian contexts remains in an initial stage, and there is, as yet, no accepted definition of a Canadian numeracy coach. Scholars in this area have been fond of empirical studies and qualitative research methods. This research has shown that numeracy coaches, who can be regarded as directors, evaluators and consultants in schools, also experience difficulties such as a lack of background knowledge in math. Scholars have advised several ways to improve the quality of coaching activities, including teacher collaboration and coaching models. The citation impact of the current Canadian literature about numeracy coaches has been quite uneven; only a few articles have been cited by other researchers. This article concludes by summarizing the results of this meta-analysis, its limitations and suggestions for future research.

Originality/value

This is one of important studies to explore numeracy coach research in Canadian context. Theoretical and practical significance is explored.

Details

International Journal of Comparative Education and Development, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2396-7404

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 January 2020

Ismail Ojetunde, Abass Iyanda Sule, Olurotimi Adebowale Kemiki and Isaac Ayodele Olatunji

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors affecting the academic outcome of real estate students in a specialized Federal University in Nigeria. Furthermore, this paper…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors affecting the academic outcome of real estate students in a specialized Federal University in Nigeria. Furthermore, this paper investigates the phenomenon of publication bias in the extant literature as such evidence poses severe threats to the validity of empirical findings on factors affecting the degree outcome of undergraduate students.

Design/methodology/approach

The standard statistical approach adopted was to examine whether the reported coefficient estimates from ten empirical studies (105 observations) are independent of their standard errors by employing both ordinary least squares (OLS) and weighted least squares (WLS). In this paper, this approach enabled evidence of publication bias in the cited literature to be refuted. In addition, data were also collected on the academic measure and demographic information of 449 students who graduated between 2005 and 2011. For the purpose of analysis, the study utilized a stepwise logistic regression technique to examine the factors impacting on the degree outcome of real estate students.

Findings

The results of the OLS and WLS regression indicate that there is no significant evidence of any empirical effect of publication bias in the extant literature. The results of the logistic regression also revealed that grade point average, gender differences, prior knowledge of real estate discipline and potential difference in year of enrollment impact on students’ academic performance in terms of their ability to graduate at first attempt. In addition, factors such as age, marital status, high school grade and geopolitical/ethnic background of undergraduate real estate students do not influence their opportunities to graduate at first attempt from the university.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses only on one specialized university of technology offering a bachelor’s program in real estate in Nigeria, so as to remove any extraneous factor(s) that could be present in the other institutional settings where students have completed such program. Extending similar study to tertiary institutions in Nigeria that share similar geographical characteristics and institutional settings can produce far-reaching generalization.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the scanty literature on factors affecting the academic performance of students in an undergraduate real estate program in Nigeria. A scientific element of novelty in this paper is the evidence of the absence of the underlying effect of publication bias in the extant literature on students’ academic outcome in tertiary institutions. Findings from this study serve as the basis for university officers to monitor significant transitions in real estate students’ academic progress, so as to identify those who are unlikely to graduate at first attempt early at the entrant level. Generally, the outcome of this research could provide faculty and admission officers in tertiary institutions with complementary information in arriving at an informed decision in a non-discriminatory admission process.

Details

Property Management, vol. 38 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1992

Yong Yeow Chin and Tang Teck Chye

Excellence in education through the provision of a high standard of education services is the philosophy of educational institutions in Singapore. Quality control in the education…

Abstract

Excellence in education through the provision of a high standard of education services is the philosophy of educational institutions in Singapore. Quality control in the education service forms an important evaluation process in tertiary institutions. The exercise of quality control in education service has even been extended to the incorporation of quality control concepts in the curriculum. Students in the institutions of higher learning are encouraged to form quality control circles to acquire the various techniques to practise problem solving and monitoring of quality of work. Highlights some quality control measures practised in the Ngee Ann Polytechnic of Singapore in ensuring that the highest standards are met in the provision of educational services which train high‐quality graduates for the supervisory and middle‐management workforce.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 June 2020

Shilpa Bhaskar Mujumdar, Haridas Acharya and Shailaja Shirwaikar

This paper utilizes data mining to study the effect of Problem Based Learning (PBL), an innovative pedagogical approach that has been implemented in undergraduate education at a…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper utilizes data mining to study the effect of Problem Based Learning (PBL), an innovative pedagogical approach that has been implemented in undergraduate education at a private university in India for teaching Statistics and Operations Research (OR) to techno-management students.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows the assumptions of an in-situ experiment. It employs BBA (IT) and BCA student(s) as a subject and their end of semester GPA as a performance indicator. The pedagogical approach to this study is integrating PBL with classroom teaching. The paper uses a combination of statistics and data mining to analyze the impact of PBL and establish research conclusions.

Findings

The study concludes that the introduction of PBL positively results in an improved GPA for students with a math background. PBL is more effective for BBA (IT) male students. Female students seem to be performing equally well irrespective of the inclusion of PBL. Pattern analysis of shape parameters evidences the impact of PBL, and the results are established through the decision tree and test of proportions.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to students from a single institute.

Practical implications

This Pattern analysis, as applied in this paper, can be scaled to evaluate the impact of any innovative pedagogical approach agnostic of the field of study. Facilitators can use the process defined in the paper to implement PBL for teaching Statistics and Operations research. Shape parameters of the batch in the previous semester can be utilized by facilitators to plan remedial action for the next semester by classifying students as desirable/non-desirable. Techno-management institutes can alleviate the dread and fear of mathematical subjects by integrating PBL with classroom teaching.

Originality/value

The study utilizes an innovative analytical approach of combining shape parameters with classification. It further provides uniqueness in arriving at a classification of batch performance as desirable/non-desirable and utilizes data mining to emphasize a delineating impact of PBL across both critical parameters of the batch and the student. The study also defines a framework for the implementation of PBL for a techno-management program in Statistics and Operations Research.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 11 May 2010

Soo-yong Byun and Kyung-keun Kim

Increasing income inequality particularly since the economic crisis of 1997 has called attention to the issue of growing educational inequality in South Korea. Although much…

Abstract

Increasing income inequality particularly since the economic crisis of 1997 has called attention to the issue of growing educational inequality in South Korea. Although much recent research has been directed at understanding the socioeconomic gap in academic achievement, few studies have empirically examined how this gap has changed over time during the past decade in South Korea. Using nationally representative data for the most recent three cohorts (1999, 2003, and 2007) of eighth-grade South Korean students from Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), this study examines trends in the relationship between socioeconomic background and student achievement. The eighth-grade TIMSS data demonstrate that the influence of socioeconomic background on student achievement has increased over time during the past decade, offering evidence of growing educational inequality in South Korea. Various factors may contribute to higher educational inequality, including the widening income gap and recent educational transformations geared toward school choice and tracking.

Details

Globalization, Changing Demographics, and Educational Challenges in East Asia
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-977-0

Book part
Publication date: 17 July 2006

Claudia Buchmann and Emilio A. Parrado

With some important exceptions, immigrants tend to lag behind native students in terms of educational attainment and academic achievement. Prior research has focused on two…

Abstract

With some important exceptions, immigrants tend to lag behind native students in terms of educational attainment and academic achievement. Prior research has focused on two individual-level explanations for the educationally disadvantaged position of immigrant students.

Details

The Impact of Comparative Education Research on Institutional Theory
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-76231-308-2

1 – 10 of over 13000