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1 – 10 of 75Fouzia Sadaf, Shermeen Bano and Rahla Rahat
The central aim of this study is to advance understanding of the influence of university practices and structures on shaping female academics’ paths to reach the position of…
Abstract
Purpose
The central aim of this study is to advance understanding of the influence of university practices and structures on shaping female academics’ paths to reach the position of professor in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
About 30 qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with female professors to examine key enablers and barriers to their promotion trajectories towards reaching the position of professor in public universities in Punjab, Pakistan.
Findings
This study presents an analysis of promotion biographies and has identified a combination of personal, interpersonal and structural factors as enablers and barriers to the promotion trajectory from junior academic positions to the level of professorship among female professors in public universities in Pakistan. Three main kinds of promotion trajectories were identified, which represent three different configurations of elements relating to (1) personal credentials and strategies to manage delays, (2) workplace relations and (3) university promotion systems.
Originality/value
The findings of this research may be helpful in terms of (1) offering ideas regarding support for women who are making career decisions and achieving inspiring successful careers; (2) informing university governance to address the barriers that curtail women’s accomplishment of their career goals and (3) devising/improving strategic plans to address the entrenched gender disparity in academic leadership and broader society.
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Isabelle Cuykx, Caroline Lochs, Kathleen Van Royen, Heidi Vandebosch, Hilde Van den Bulck, Sara Pabian and Charlotte de Backer
This scoping review aims to explore how “food media”, “food messages” and “food content” are referred to in scholarly writing to enhance a shared understanding and comparability.
Abstract
Purpose
This scoping review aims to explore how “food media”, “food messages” and “food content” are referred to in scholarly writing to enhance a shared understanding and comparability.
Design/methodology/approach
Following the PRISMA, ScR-guidelines, four scientific databases were screened on published manuscripts in academic journals, books and doctoral theses mentioning food media, content and messages within the prevalent meaning as in human communication.
Findings
Of the 376 included manuscripts, only a small minority (n = 7) provided a conclusive definition of at least one of the three earlier-mentioned concepts; 40 others elucidated some aspects of food media, messages or content; however, they emphasized different and, sometimes even, contrasting aspects. In addition, the review explores in which disciplines the manuscripts mentioning food media, messages or content occur, which methodologies are used and what target groups and media are most common.
Originality/value
Based on this aggregated information, a definition of food media, messages and content is proposed, aiming to enhance the comparability of diverse academic sources. This contribution invites scholars to critically reflect on the included media and content types when comparing studies on food media, messages or content.
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Sujin Butdisuwan, Sanjay Kataria, Amreen Taj and A. Subaveerapandiyan
This study investigates the perceptions and challenges faced by academic library professionals in utilising infographics as a communication tool. It aims to understand how…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the perceptions and challenges faced by academic library professionals in utilising infographics as a communication tool. It aims to understand how infographics are perceived in libraries, their effectiveness in conveying information and the obstacles encountered during implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
The research employed a descriptive survey design, collecting data through a closed-ended questionnaire distributed electronically to 144 library and information science professionals. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure representation from various types of libraries. Pilot testing was conducted to validate the questionnaire, and data analysis was performed using statistical software.
Findings
Library professionals perceive infographics as valuable tools for conveying complex concepts quickly, promoting library events and appealingly presenting resources. They also believe that infographics simplify complex information and enhance the user experience. However, challenges include lacking design skills and resources, difficulty finding relevant data, integrating infographics into traditional library services and time constraints.
Originality/value
This study provides unique insights into the role of infographics in library communication, highlighting both their positive perceptions and critical challenges. It offers recommendations for enhancing the use of infographics, including training for library professionals, improved data management and integration into traditional library services. The study also suggests promoting best practices and exploring emerging technologies like 3D interactive infographics.
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Vanessa Amaro and Manuel João Pires
To explore the interplay between human translators and AI tools, focusing on tertiary students' perceptions in the context of Portuguese-Chinese translations in Macao.
Abstract
Purpose
To explore the interplay between human translators and AI tools, focusing on tertiary students' perceptions in the context of Portuguese-Chinese translations in Macao.
Design/methodology/approach
This research employed a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative surveys were complemented by qualitative responses. Qualitative class observations (participant and non-participant) and autoethnography further enriched the insights. Participants included undergraduate and postgraduate students in translation studies from the Macao Polytechnic University.
Findings
The data revealed a dual perspective: appreciation for AI’s efficiency contrasted with concerns about its potential to overshadow human touch in translations, especially in cultural nuances. Views on integrating AI into curricula were diverse, but a balanced, synergistic approach between human expertise and AI efficiency emerged as a common theme.
Originality/value
This study offers a fresh perspective by integrating various methodologies, capturing both statistical and experiential insights on the evolving relationship between AI and human translation efforts in academia.
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Michelle L. Damiani, Brad V. Unick and Karen-Joy Schultz
Professional development (PD) is an essential component of continuing learning for in-service teachers. This paper discusses a school-based example of using the best practice of…
Abstract
Purpose
Professional development (PD) is an essential component of continuing learning for in-service teachers. This paper discusses a school-based example of using the best practice of coaching in early childhood education supported by a professional development school partnership. We explain how a teacher identified need led to a collaborative, multistep approach to meeting that need in connection to State mandates.
Design/methodology/approach
In this research, we used a case study methodological approach with a team of preschool teachers at one school. The model combines use of PD sessions, classroom coaching, classroom observation and reflection.
Findings
Teachers’ feedback indicates that using the strategy positively impacted most of the participants’ ability to support communication, community-building and inclusive practices in their classrooms. The data that emerged in the following year evidenced increased use of visual supports in classrooms, use in connection with literacy goals and interest in creating new uses in the school.
Originality/value
This article contributes an action-oriented school-based example of bridging research to practice to support teachers’ needs through PD and coaching in a PDS. The design and practical implications may interest preschool educators, instructional coaches, administrators, professional development schools and others involved with monitoring teacher development initiatives.
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Jeena Joseph, Jobin Jose, Anat Suman Jose, Gliu G. Ettaniyil and Sreena V. Nair
Bibliotherapy, a therapeutic approach that uses books and reading materials to promote psychological well-being and personal growth, has become more prevalent in recent years…
Abstract
Purpose
Bibliotherapy, a therapeutic approach that uses books and reading materials to promote psychological well-being and personal growth, has become more prevalent in recent years. This scientometric study aims to provide a comprehensive view of the bibliotherapy research landscape by highlighting its evolution, trends, and noteworthy contributions using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer.
Design/methodology/approach
The academic literature on bibliotherapy is evaluated in-depth in this study utilizing scientometric techniques, including citation and co-citation analysis. A thorough search of the Scopus database revealed 1,703 papers between 1942 and 2023 that dealt with bibliotherapy. For data analysis, the renowned applications Biblioshiny and VOSViewer are employed.
Findings
The study reveals that the output of publications has fluctuated, reflecting scholarly interest in this discipline. The distribution of research across various countries, organizations and academic subjects is investigated further to highlight the diverse and global extent of bibliotherapy research. By analyzing co-citation networks and locating pertinent publications and authors, this scientometric method analyzes the intellectual structure of bibliotherapy research.
Research limitations/implications
Bibliometric analysis enriches the theoretical understanding of bibliotherapy by unveiling the networks, influential works and existing gaps in the literature, thus guiding a more informed and collaborative approach to future research and practice in the domain.
Practical implications
Employing bibliometric analysis in bibliotherapy can refine practices and training programs, ensuring they are evidence-based and practical, enhancing the quality of therapeutic services provided to individuals.
Originality/value
It is a valuable resource for academics, practitioners and policymakers interested in the field since it offers a thorough and current assessment of the bibliotherapy research landscape. The findings of this study have the potential to steer future research, guide the development of bibliotherapeutic interventions supported by evidence and enhance the use of bibliotherapy as a therapeutic modality.
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Afshin Omidi, Cinzia Dal Zotto and Robert G. Picard
Tracing audience preferences via audience analytics software has become a vital strategy for many news organizations to ensure their competitiveness in media markets. Extant…
Abstract
Purpose
Tracing audience preferences via audience analytics software has become a vital strategy for many news organizations to ensure their competitiveness in media markets. Extant research also confirms the growing presence of these tools in digital news work in recent years across many local and international news media. However, little is understood about the analytics-driven tensions emerging among journalists and media managers. This paper aims to address this gap by drawing on the labor process theory, which critically analyzes labor and workplace transformations under capitalism.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study employs an interview-based qualitative methodology to deeply understand the factors at the base of the emerging tensions between news workers and managers brought about by audience metrics tools.
Findings
Results show how some perceptions, activities and contextual triggers related to analytics could make relationships between workers and managers problematic. The pressures felt by some journalists stemmed from the way their media managers introduced, interpreted, communicated and applied analytics in the workplace, which were not tied to the quality and learning goals related to journalists’ aspirations. As our evidence suggests, the analytics-induced tensions among news workers were rather an outcome of managerial deficits than of systematic plans to exploit journalists.
Originality/value
By identifying the nature of fundamental analytics-driven tensions in newsrooms, this paper contributes to our understanding of how media managers can embrace more effective approaches toward audience analytics, workforce and organizational performance.
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Kwabena Agyarko Gyekye and Ophelia Amo
This paper aims to examine the skills expected by employers and the skills demonstrated by accounting graduates with data from 160 employers of accounting graduates in Ghana. From…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the skills expected by employers and the skills demonstrated by accounting graduates with data from 160 employers of accounting graduates in Ghana. From the perspective of employers, the authors compare the expected skills to the skills demonstrated by accounting graduates and identify any significant gaps.
Design/methodology/approach
One-way analysis of variance, T-tests and factor analysis are used to test significant gaps that exist between expected and demonstrated skills by employers and accounting graduates using survey questionnaires and purposive sampling.
Findings
The results reveal that there are significant gaps between the expected skills of employers and the demonstrated skills of accounting graduates. The authors find generic skills to be more expected by employers, while technical skills are demonstrated most by accounting graduates. The top five skills expected by employers are: business ethics and integrity; problem solving and decision analysis; written communication skills; learning skills; and application of accounting principles.
Research limitations/implications
The study focuses only on organizations that use fresh accounting graduates in Ghana. Further studies may consider other business-related fields like finance, human resource management and marketing.
Practical implications
The study provides insights on standards that serve as benchmarks for the conduct of accounting graduates as well as the development of accounting curriculum in Ghana. Accounting education should incorporate work-integrated learning as part of their curriculum to enable accounting graduates to solve problems and make decisions through a practical application of accounting principles, standards and concepts, especially in conducting audit and writing reports.
Originality/value
This study fills the gap in the literature on accounting education from employers’ perspectives in a developing country. It conducts a comparative analysis between the most important skills required by employers and the ones demonstrated by accounting graduates to provide insights on standards that should serve as benchmarks for the development of the accounting curriculum from an emerging economy perspective.
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Jafari Abdala and Sharifa Juma
The purpose of this study is to evaluate an in-service training (INSET) programme for improving the quality of English language teaching in Zanzibar’s secondary schools…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to evaluate an in-service training (INSET) programme for improving the quality of English language teaching in Zanzibar’s secondary schools. Specifically, there were two objectives: i) to explore the teachers’ views on the zanzibar improvement students prospect (ZISP) training programme in improving the English language teaching techniques in secondary schools in Zanzibar and ii) to find out the organisational support provided to teachers when they are using the skills and knowledge acquired from the ZISP teaching programme.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a qualitative research approach, particularly the case-study design. It used interviews to collect qualitative data that was analysed thematically. Twelve English language teachers from seven secondary schools who had benefited from the ZISP teaching programme and five headmasters from five schools participated in the study as respondents.
Findings
The study found that the ZISP training programme equipped teachers with pedagogical skills useful for preparing lessons and materials, using technology in teaching and providing timely feedback to students. In terms of support, teachers receive materials and motivation from various organisations.
Research limitations/implications
This study focused on ordinary teachers and headmasters. Nevertheless, other studies could use classroom observation, focus group discussion, document review or survey questionnaire to evaluate the impact of the programme and look at how the skills obtained are used in the teaching and learning of the English language. In addition, this study involved 12 participants who were teachers and headmasters, respectively. Other studies could include students, their families, employers and non-teaching staff. This would provide a holistic view of how the stakeholders perceive the INSET programme.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the body of knowledge regarding the benefits and organisational support teachers receive after participating in the INSET training programme in Zanzibar. Thus, teachers need regular exposure to INSET so that they improve the quality of their teaching.
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Muhammad Ashraf Fauzi, Syed Radzi Rahamaddulla, Chia Kuang Lee, Zuraina Ali and Umi Nabila Alias
The purpose of this study is to review the work–life balance (WLB) among academics. Academics are the pillars of higher education institutions’ (HEIs) mission to provide quality…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to review the work–life balance (WLB) among academics. Academics are the pillars of higher education institutions’ (HEIs) mission to provide quality education to students and the community, supporting socioeconomic development. Most academics today are overworked and overburdened with duties, forcing them to work longer hours on weekends and at odd hours. This eventually affects their work–life balance and causes boundary conflicts between work and personal life.
Design/methodology/approach
This study proposes a bibliometric analysis to investigate the underlying knowledge structure of this phenomenon by uncovering the past and present themes and predicting future trends of WLB in academia. This review adopts two analyses (bibliographic coupling and co-word analysis), presenting the knowledge structure network. A total of 307 journal publications were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database, revealing significant clusters and themes.
Findings
Findings identified central themes, including the issue of women in academia, predictors and the impact of WLB in academia.
Research limitations/implications
Implications towards research and practice relevant to scholars and practitioners are discussed, particularly in balancing academics, professional work and personal life.
Originality/value
This study presents a state-of-the-art bibliometric analysis by uncovering the knowledge structure of academics’ work–life balance in HEIs.
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