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Article
Publication date: 15 February 2024

Ruby S. Chanda, Vanishree Pabalkar and Sarika Sharma

This study aims to understand and analyze the aspects influencing students’ attitudes and behavior toward the use of metaverse in education. The metaverse is currently viewed as…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to understand and analyze the aspects influencing students’ attitudes and behavior toward the use of metaverse in education. The metaverse is currently viewed as technology with immense prospects. However, the practice of the metaverse for educational motives is rarely deliberated.

Design/methodology/approach

To assess the effect of the metaverse on students' knowledge and use of resources, general interests and attitudes toward the metaverse in education, a survey was conducted. The collected data were analyzed using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in the first phase to address the various validity parameters. In the second phase, path analysis of the model was performed using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The study investigated how students intended to behave while using the metaverse for learning. The attitude toward adopting metaverse as technology is influenced by perceived utility and simplicity of use. This leads to behavioral intention as well. Studies reveal that the aspect of perceived usefulness is considered to be more significant in assessing the intention of use.

Research limitations/implications

This quantitative study contributes to the literature on metaverse, which is in the growing stage. In the educational sector, the existing studies are scarce; hence, the addition to the literature on metaverse is quite significant in the education domain.

Practical implications

The study benefits the students and the academicians because metaverse is largely considered an integral part of technology platforms, which has to be included in the learning systems eventually. There are few courses where the use of metaverse is already initiated at an introductory level, thus opening a broad spectrum of opportunities at all levels. It can provide scholars access to a massive array of resources, including multimedia presentations, interactive objects that support the delivery of lessons, videos, images and audio recordings.

Originality/value

This study adds to the existing literature by examining the impact of metaverse in education. The research focused on the students pursuing higher education who were mostly aware of metaverse and were open to the idea of learning and understanding through technology inclusion.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 February 2022

Sarika Sharma, Anagha Vaidya and Kumari Deepika

In today’s dynamic situation, innumerable challenges are posited in the education sector because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher educational institutes (HEIs) are compelled to…

Abstract

Purpose

In today’s dynamic situation, innumerable challenges are posited in the education sector because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher educational institutes (HEIs) are compelled to adopt digital technologies and technology-mediated learning in the teaching-learning processes. The purpose of this paper is to understand the factors affecting learning effectiveness, learning satisfaction and the mediating role of prerecorded videos from the learners’ perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-designed structured questionnaire based on previous similar studies is adopted as a survey instrument. It consists of 22 questions to address the five constructs of the proposed hypothesized conceptual model, developed for the study. Data of 311 students from HEIs of Maharashtra state in India were collected. Confirmatory factor analysis is carried out to test the model fitness, reliability and validity, and structural equation modeling is applied to conduct path analysis and hypotheses testing of the model.

Findings

Hypotheses testing reveals that perceived usefulness (PU) significantly affects the perceived learning effectiveness, which again affects the learning satisfaction of the students. In addition, perceived ease of use affects the PU as suggested in the technology acceptance model. The prerecorded videos have a moderating role to play in the computer self-efficacy and the perceived learning effectiveness of the students. This research will provide meaningful acumen to enhance the overall learning process among students in urban as well as rural India.

Originality/value

This study explores the technology-mediated learning during the unexpected and dynamic situations of the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of higher education in India. For sustainable use of technology-assisted learning, educators must understand the key factors that influence students’ learning effectiveness and satisfaction. The research outcomes will lead toward developing the human capacities, as the prerecorded videos at the HEIs of India will provide new approaches for effectively adopting digital technologies and technology-mediated learning.

Details

On the Horizon: The International Journal of Learning Futures, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1074-8121

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 September 2021

Sarika Sharma and Sonica Rautela

Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs have become increasingly important around the globe considering its positive impact on productivity and employment by economic theoreticians…

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Abstract

Purpose

Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs have become increasingly important around the globe considering its positive impact on productivity and employment by economic theoreticians, analysts and researchers. The purpose of this paper is to study the entrepreneurial resilience and self-efficacy of founders of small businesses in India during the global crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research method is adopted for analyzing the data collected through a structured questionnaire. In total, 72 small entrepreneurs participated in the study. For analysis of the responses, thematic content analysis is carried out using a four steps method. Codes are generated from the data, which are used to formulate sub-categories. The sub-categories are arranged into a thematic framework by the researchers.

Findings

The paper proposes a framework as an outcome of the study, which is discussed in detail in later sections. The framework comprises of four broad areas, namely, modifications (process/product/business model); impact on functional areas; technology adoption; and sources of business continuation. The linking of these is also presented in a pictorial representation.

Originality/value

This paper provides meaningful insights on entrepreneurial resilience and self-efficacy of small businesses in turbulent times. The theoretical contribution is in form of a proposed framework and an addition in the literature of entrepreneurial resilience for the developing economies. The findings can be used for the practical and policy implications, which may lead toward offering better understanding and clarity to the stakeholders. It may also show trajectory to authorities for formulating long-term strategies for the survival of small businesses in the region.

Details

Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, vol. 14 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4604

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 November 2021

Prashant Chaudhary, Archana Singh and Sarika Sharma

The purpose of this study is to understand the antecedents of omni-channel shopping with reference to the intention to purchase fashion products by millennials and their…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the antecedents of omni-channel shopping with reference to the intention to purchase fashion products by millennials and their perspective towards the omni-channel method of shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a quantitative research technique comprising of 302 respondents. A structured questionnaire has been adopted for the survey and to collect data from millennials from India. The questionnaire consisted of 27 constructs, which were measured using a five-point Likert’s scale. In the first step first-order confirmatory factor analysis is carried out, by using the software IBM AMOS-20. The initial model is generated for six constructs, and outcomes are used to analyse the model’s goodness of fit and construct validity. In the second step, the conceptual model is tested through path analysis using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings indicate that perceived usefulness (PU) significantly affects the continuance intention of usage towards omni-channels. Perceived ease of use does not significantly affect continuance intention of towards usage of omni-channels, and it does not seem to have a significant effect on PU. Cost effectiveness and customer engagement of omni-channel have a significant effect on the continuance intention of its use. Finally, continuance intention towards usage of omni-channel does significantly affects the actual use of omni-channel.

Originality/value

The research on omni-channel for purchasing fashion products is meagre and this particular study with the usage of Technology Acceptance Model including millennials is adding value towards the knowledge base of marketing. This research develops a theoretical framework building on the technology adoption model and empirically tested it.

Article
Publication date: 11 February 2022

Sonica Rautela and Sarika Sharma

With the rapid improvement in digital infrastructure, the popularity of digital devices and smartphones in every pocket, the yearning to stay connected with others has increased…

2276

Abstract

Purpose

With the rapid improvement in digital infrastructure, the popularity of digital devices and smartphones in every pocket, the yearning to stay connected with others has increased manifold, especially in youngsters. This has raised multiple concerns primarily related to the problematic usage of the internet (PUI). The current research study aims to scrutinize the association between PUI, psychological and mental health (PMH), social media fatigue (SMF), fear of missing out (FOMO), desire to disconnect (DD) and its relation with a novel phenomenon of joy of missing out (JOMO).

Design/methodology/approach

The present research study embraces the empirical research method through quantitative analysis. The proposed theoretical model was empirically tested using primary data, collected through a self-designed structured questionnaire. The study sample included individuals between 16 and 39 years of age as these are the most active demographics on social media. The model is empirically tested with the help of structural equation modeling applied using software IBM AMOS 20.0 and SPSS 22.0. Initially, first-order confirmatory factor analysis was conducted, to measure and test the fit indices of the proposed model. Secondly, path analysis using structural equation modeling was carried out for the model.

Findings

Empirical synthesis of this research shows that PUI significantly and positively impacts mental and psychological health, FOMO and SMF. Also, SMF significantly and positively affects the DD which significantly and positively affects the JOMO. However, as depicted by the results of this study, FOMO have no considerable impact on SMF.

Originality/value

A study that connects the PUI with PMH, SMF and FOMO is rare to find. Second, this study uses data collected from social media users of India in the age group of 16–39 years. This slice of the population is most active in internet, and internet-enabled platform and are scantly studied, especially in the Indian context. This makes the study more exciting and crucial.

Article
Publication date: 22 October 2020

Sonica Rautela, Sarika Sharma and Shreya Virani

The business environment is changing and so are the rules of doing business. Constant innovation is the key to win in this dynamic marketplace, so that the new ideas get converted…

1060

Abstract

Purpose

The business environment is changing and so are the rules of doing business. Constant innovation is the key to win in this dynamic marketplace, so that the new ideas get converted into new marketable products quickly with the least possible mistake. One way to inculcate innovation is by the participation of customers in the new product development (NPD) process. Platforms like social media has provided an opportunity for firms to communicate, co-create and collaborate with customers. The present study aims to understand the customers' participation in three phases, namely idea generation, development and commercialization of the NPD process for its effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

With the help of review of existing literature, a theoretical model is proposed. This model is then empirically evaluated with data of 213 respondents using structural equation modelling (SEM). The respondents are majorly young social media users in India.

Findings

The results highlight that customer involvement is important in idea generation and commercialization phase of NPD process for its effectiveness. Also, the effectiveness of NPD process affects the financial performance of the firm. The use of social media is considered for its mediating role in NPD process effectiveness during the three phases. The results show that it has an effective role to play during the idea generation phase.

Originality/value

Consumers’ perspective concerning usage of social media for their participation in NPD is an unexplored area in general and in the Indian context in particular. To fill this research gap the present study is carried out.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 70 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2019

Sarika Sharma and Smarajit Ghosh

This paper aims to develop a capacitor position in radial distribution networks with a specific end goal to enhance the voltage profile, diminish the genuine power misfortune and…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a capacitor position in radial distribution networks with a specific end goal to enhance the voltage profile, diminish the genuine power misfortune and accomplish temperate sparing. The issue of the capacitor situation in electric appropriation systems incorporates augmenting vitality and peak power loss by technique for capacitor establishments.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a novel strategy using rough thinking to pick reasonable applicant hubs in a dissemination structure for capacitor situation. Voltages and power loss reduction indices of distribution networks hubs are shown by fuzzy enrollment capacities.

Findings

A fuzzy expert system containing a course of action of heuristic rules is then used to ascertain the capacitor position appropriateness of each hub in the circulation structure. The sizing of capacitor is solved by using hybrid artificial bee colony–cuckoo search optimization.

Practical implications

Finally, a short-term load forecasting based on artificial neural network is evaluated for predicting the size of the capacitor for future loads. The proposed capacitor allocation is implemented on 69-node radial distribution network as well as 34-node radial distribution network and the results are evaluated.

Originality/value

Simulation results show that the proposed method has reduced the overall losses of the system compared with existing approaches.

Article
Publication date: 13 March 2023

Anagha Vaidya and Sarika Sharma

Course evaluations are formative and are used to evaluate learnings of the students for a course. Anomalies in the evaluation process can lead to a faulty educational outcome…

Abstract

Purpose

Course evaluations are formative and are used to evaluate learnings of the students for a course. Anomalies in the evaluation process can lead to a faulty educational outcome. Learning analytics and educational data mining provide a set of techniques that can be conveniently applied to extensive data collected as part of the evaluation process to ensure remedial actions. This study aims to conduct an experimental research to detect anomalies in the evaluation methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental research is conducted with scientific approach and design. The researchers categorized anomaly into three categories, namely, an anomaly in criteria assessment, subject anomaly and anomaly in subject marks allocation. The different anomaly detection algorithms are used to educate data through the software R, and the results are summarized in the tables.

Findings

The data points occurring in all algorithms are finally detected as an anomaly. The anomaly identifies the data points that deviate from the data set’s normal behavior. The subject which is consistently identified as anomalous by the different techniques is marked as an anomaly in evaluation. After identification, one can drill down to more details into the title of anomalies in the evaluation criteria.

Originality/value

This paper proposes an analytical model for the course evaluation process and demonstrates the use of actionable analytics to detect anomalies in the evaluation process.

Details

Interactive Technology and Smart Education, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-5659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 September 2020

Archana Singh, Sarika Sharma and Manisha Paliwal

Covid-19 outbreak has compelled the world-wide education system to use the digital collaboration platform (DCP) for online learning, for robust inclusive sustainable education…

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Abstract

Purpose

Covid-19 outbreak has compelled the world-wide education system to use the digital collaboration platform (DCP) for online learning, for robust inclusive sustainable education. The purpose of this paper is to understand the adoption intention and effectiveness of DCP using technology acceptance model (TAM) for online learning among students studying in higher education institutes (HEIs) in India.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire has been adopted to survey and collect data from 324 students studying in HEI of Maharashtra state in India. The questionnaire consisted of 28 constructs. The constructs in this section were measured using a five-point Likert scale ranging. In the first step, first-order confirmatory factor analysis is carried out by using the software IBM AMOS-20. The initial model is generated for six constructs, and outcomes are used to analyze the model’s goodness of fit and construct validity. In second step, structural equation modelling is carried out to do the path analysis of the proposed model.

Findings

The findings connote that the interactivity, cost-effectiveness and the core TAM constructs as perceived usefulness form positive attitude towards usage of DCP and intention to adopt it in near future by the students of HEI of India. The research is an attempt to provide possible explanations for the epochal relationships between the constructs and discusses the usage of information, which can be further used to enhance the acceptance of DCP among students in urban as well as rural India.

Research limitations/implications

The results and findings will provide a direction to the various stakeholders such as educators, management, learners and the parents on the adoption intention of digital collaborative platform from a learner’s point of view. This will lead to the knowledge which will help in practical implementations of these technologies.

Practical implications

The results and findings will provide a direction to the various stakeholders such as educators, management, learners and the parents on the adoption intention of DCP from learner’s point of view. This will lead to the knowledge which will help in practical implementations of these technologies. The findings imply that the interactivity, cost-effectiveness and the core constructs of TAM such as perceived usefulness form positive attitude towards usage of DCP and intention to adopt it in near future by the students of HEI of India. This research provides possible explanations for the significant relationships between the constructs and discusses how this information can be used to enhance the acceptance of DCP among students in urban as well as rural India.

Social implications

This research provides possible explanations for the significant relationships between the constructs and discusses how this information can be used to enhance the acceptance of DCP among students in urban as well as rural India, which is the need of hour for sustainable education.

Originality/value

There are tremendous studies on online learning and use of digital platforms including the constructs of TAM but in the times of Covid-19, where it has become mandatory for all educational institutes to use the digital collaborative platform for continuance of education. The study is original and is an attempt to understand students’ perspective towards usage of DCP and its effectiveness in learning in the rural parts of Maharashtra from where the students hail to study in HEI in Pune and Mumbai.

Article
Publication date: 3 December 2020

Sarika Sharma, D.P. Goyal and Archana Singh

Sustainable entrepreneurship education (SEE) is a field, which mingles two imperative fields of research, sustainable entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education. This…

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Abstract

Purpose

Sustainable entrepreneurship education (SEE) is a field, which mingles two imperative fields of research, sustainable entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education. This emerging area has gained momentum in recent years, and various quantitative and qualitative studies are carried upon to explore its diverse dimensions, literature remains scattered. This paper aims to explore the holistic picture of SEE by compiling the research articles, through a systematic literature review of prior research studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Two prominent databases are considered, and these databases then are searched with appropriately designed search strings. Based on an exclusion and inclusion criteria developed by the authors, 59 research papers are selected for further investigation. These research papers are then studied rigorously for review and qualitative content analysis.

Findings

A conceptual framework comprising of the areas of these research contributions is proposed as an outcome. This framework provides insights about the existing state and areas of SEE research namely: (1) Institutional framework, (2) Teaching/learning approaches and (3) External interactions and provides further direction for research.

Research limitations/implications

The present study makes a significant contribution both in theoretical and in practical sense. (1) Compiled the extant literature on sustainable entrepreneurship education; (2) Developed a protocol to conduct the systematic review of literature on sustainable entrepreneurship education; (3) Reported the status of research on sustainable entrepreneurship education, and proposed a framework on existing work; (4) Presented the emerging topics, issues and challenges that need to be addressed in future research.

Originality/value

This article seeks to present a systematic literature review of the research field on sustainable entrepreneurship education. A review of existing literature in this field would certainly help to advance future research efforts as it presents a comprehensive picture of the status quo of this research field.

Details

World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-5961

Keywords

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