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Article
Publication date: 7 October 2019

Syed Ali Raza, Wasim Qazi and Bushra Umer

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of case study-based learning on student’s engagement, learning motivation and learning performance among university students of…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of case study-based learning on student’s engagement, learning motivation and learning performance among university students of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model is analyzed with structural equation modeling. The analysis is done with the application of the measurement model and the structural model.

Findings

The findings revealed that case study-based learning enhances student engagement, and a significant and positive relationship between case-based learning and all four aspects of engagement, i.e. behavioral, emotional, cognitive and agentic engagement, was observed statistically. According to the findings, case-based learning leads toward an understanding of concepts learned in class and the development of skills among students and results in the enhancement of learning motivation. Furthermore, it is suggested by the results that the impact of student engagement on learning performance varies with respect to its different aspects. As among all the four aspects, only agentic engagement was found to be statistically significant in establishing the link with the learning performance of the students.

Research limitations/implications

The mixed findings pertaining to the impact of student engagement’s aspects on learning performance of the students pave the way for future research. The future researchers should incorporate individual traits and the specific context to analyze the relationships between the proposed constructs because students vary in their responses to learning activities.

Practical implications

The present study holds significance for the field of educational research and emphasizes the importance of incorporating case-based teaching in the higher education curriculum in order to ensure the implementation of effective learning strategies. Also, this research will be beneficial for future researchers in understanding the phenomenon of student learning and engagement.

Originality/value

In view of the limited academic literature in the Asian context, the present study extends the findings and examined the impact of case-based learning on student’s engagement, student’s learning motivation and the role of such engagement in enhancing learning performance of university students.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2023

Wasim Qazi, Zubaida Qazi, Syed Ali Raza, Faiza Hakim Shah and Komal Akram Khan

The present research aims to investigate the impact of “COVID-19 phobia” factors (psychological, social, economic and psychosomatic) on career anxiety and perceived distress…

Abstract

Purpose

The present research aims to investigate the impact of “COVID-19 phobia” factors (psychological, social, economic and psychosomatic) on career anxiety and perceived distress. Further, this research assesses whether career anxiety and perceived distress foster or diminish students' employability confidence.

Design/methodology/approach

“Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM)” has been used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results depict that factors (psychological, economic and psychosomatic) are positively and significantly associated with career anxiety and perceived distress. However, social factors indicate an adverse impact on perceived distress. Further, career anxiety and perceived distress positively influence employability confidence, but the associations are not highly impactful.

Originality/value

This research elucidates an unexplored phenomenon in the context of a developing country that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) phobia scale (i.e. psychological, social, economic and psychosomatic) result in career anxiety and distress. Moreover, no studies highlighted the direct impact of career anxiety and perceived distress on employability confidence.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 October 2021

Zubaida Qazi, Wasim Qazi, Syed Ali Raza and Komal Akram Khan

The emergence of electronic learning during the COVID-19 outbreak has been the way by which higher education has attempted to save the situation. However, e-learning still causes…

Abstract

Purpose

The emergence of electronic learning during the COVID-19 outbreak has been the way by which higher education has attempted to save the situation. However, e-learning still causes psychological distress because of its crackups and fear. Hence, the authors aim to study the impact of e-learning crackup on fear of academic year loss and psychological distress by incorporating university support as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) has been used to analyze data.

Findings

The results depict that e-learning crackup fosters students' fear of academic year loss, but e-learning crackup has an insignificant impact on psychological distress. However, psychological distress is driven by fear of an academic year loss. Lastly, university support moderates the relationship between e-learning crackup and psychological distress, but no moderating role exists between fear of academic year loss and psychological distress.

Originality/value

The recent pandemic has severely affected the mental health of students. Therefore, it is crucial to study the reasons that foster distress among them. But, unfortunately, there is a prominent absence of research for inspecting students' psychological distress because of the e-learning crisis, especially in the wake of COVID-19.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 November 2021

Syed Ali Raza, Zubaida Qazi, Wasim Qazi and Maiyra Ahmed

The blackboard learning system is an online platform designed for e-learning employed by higher education institutes like universities that facilities students to continue…

Abstract

Purpose

The blackboard learning system is an online platform designed for e-learning employed by higher education institutes like universities that facilities students to continue learning and educational activities. This study explores the determinants that affect students' acceptance and use of Blackboard learning system (BLS) in Pakistan utilizing the modified UTAUT framework with social isolation as an additional variable.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted, and the study gathered 494 university students' responses in Pakistan as participants. The collected data were interpreted applying PLS-SEM version 3.2.3 software.

Findings

The study's findings exhibited that PE, EE, FC and SI are the prime determinants influencing the intention and use of BLS in Pakistani universities. Hedonic motivation and social isolation interact differently between UTAUT variables and use intention. The results verify the suitability of the applied theory in the background of the study.

Research limitations/implications

However, the findings highlight the present understanding of BLS use from the learners' aspect, but the study's limitation cannot be evaded. The study respondents belonged to a specific region of Pakistan (Karachi) that might influence the usefulness of the outcomes. Other factors categorized as the environmental, system and organizational elements were not part of the study that may also differentiate the BLS acceptance. The model was extended by including the social isolation, but the effect is insignificant yet positive; therefore, it is required to evaluate the model differently, such as the organizational aspect, for future research. Moreover, the ethnic factors that vary in emerging and developed economies may provide different explanations; therefore, they can be incorporated in future studies. Likewise, the variables such as hedonic motivation need to be emphasized more by examining and evaluating its effect on students' education performance in the future.

Practical implications

The outcome of the study suggests some implications. At first, being the modified framework UTAUT2 application makes the collaboration appropriate according to the current phenomena of the COVID-19 pandemic and its contribution to the higher education region to analyze the acceptance of e-learning systems. Educational institutions within Pakistan would emphasize enhancing students' accomplishment by improving the interface and the blackboard learning system workability. Hence, learners' effectiveness in learning would be escalated; they would be encouraged to accomplish study objectives using BLS, particularly when they consider it easy to use and a useful platform for e-learning during the pandemic. Furthermore, enhancing the e-learning system in the context of the effort demands to be required to utilize BLS should be the foremost objective as learners would be motivated to accept the technology if they consider it simple, convenient, and user-friendly to adopt. Thus, the benefits of using BLS during this situation when universities are not operational will make students adaptable to change in the prospect. Learners will accept the model of online education, even if the universities become operational. However, it can increase the rate of earnings and revenue for universities as they can enroll in online and regular classes. Therefore, it is suggested that higher education management should create a resilient online platform by which facilitators can communicate with learners without any obstacles.

Social implications

Hence, it is recommended to introduce the online short course, qualification, certified courses and integrated coursework with international ventures and ongoing classes. Numerous learners continue their studies along with the job. Therefore, it is suggested to introduce online programs for those learners. Another benefit would be that it offers an integrated platform for sharing knowledge. BLS offers to maintain the complete information in one place, and learners can see them as per their convenience based on their availability. This reduces the burden on administration related to keeping the educational material and resource in various files. Thus, it also reduces the expense of universities. It is suggested to emphasize encouraging the use of BLS through an effective plan that can assist in execution and help learners identify the technology features rather than to face difficultly to accept the change. Moreover, the acceptance of BLS for educational purposes verifies that other learning events can occur on the online platform. Thus, it is recommended to promote the origin of the online atmosphere and the initiation of other events. Globally, dynamics are changing frequently and continuously and are moving towards artificial intelligence systems; the circumstances are suitable for promoting online educational platforms' acceptance by incorporating it with the current educational arrangement.

Originality/value

The study provides recommendations for the research to be conducted to explore the modified framework in different regions and boundaries to evaluate the effect of other factors on adopting e-learning platforms.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2021

Syed Ali Raza, Wasim Qazi, Komal Akram Khan and Syed Mir Muhammad Shah

The promising factor for success in a prevailing knowledge-based economy is the excellence in customer service. Private universities are now becoming customer- and…

Abstract

Purpose

The promising factor for success in a prevailing knowledge-based economy is the excellence in customer service. Private universities are now becoming customer- and service-oriented organizations due to the competition. Therefore, many educational institutions treat their students as customers and restructure their educational practice based on the concept of market consumption. Therefore, many educational institutions treat their students as customers and restructure their educational practice. The purpose of this study is to determine the students' preferences as customers while studying at private universities and factors that affect their intentions to study at private universities when they adopt the student-as-customer concept.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model is analyzed with structural equation modeling. The analysis is done with the application of the measurement model and the structural model. The measurement model is first evaluated by examining scale reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity, whereas the assessment of the structural model is conducted for determining the predictive power and analyzing the hypothesized relationships between the proposed constructs through path analysis.

Findings

In the paper, seven path shows a significant and positive relationship. However, four relationships are positive but insignificant.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature theoretically as well as methodologically. Moreover, it is among the first research that is being conducted in Karachi. Secondly, this study developed a hybrid model by integrating one theory and a conceptual model to determine the factors affecting students' attitudes toward acceptance of the student-as-customer concept and their intentions. Therefore, this paper is useful in filling the gap in the higher education literature and also provides direction for universities to consider and prepare for the consequences of the concept's adoption associated with the number of students who intend to study at their universities.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 October 2020

Wasim Qazi, Jawaid Ahmed Qureshi, Syed Ali Raza, Komal Akram Khan and Muhammad Asif Qureshi

The earth needs to go green as it clarifies that humans should adopt a sustainable lifestyle that will be friendly to the environment and society. The emerging stream of academic…

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Abstract

Purpose

The earth needs to go green as it clarifies that humans should adopt a sustainable lifestyle that will be friendly to the environment and society. The emerging stream of academic literature on “go green” adds a new perspective to the deep-rooted conception of entrepreneurship. The objective of green entrepreneurship is to follow the traditional concepts of entrepreneurship but also brings the additional potential for society and the environment. The present paper is designed to study the impact of personality traits and university green entrepreneurial support on green entrepreneurial intentions along with the moderating role of environmental values.

Design/methodology/approach

The data are collected by using the survey method, and the five-point Likert scale is used for this purpose. The statistical techniques applied to the dataset were confirmatory factor analysis and partial least square structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results revealed that personality traits are positively and significantly associated with green entrepreneurial intention, but risk-averse students depict insignificant results towards green entrepreneurial intention. Also, university green entrepreneurial support results in positive green entrepreneurial intention. Environmental values also strengthen the association.

Originality/value

Previously, researchers emphasized the entrepreneurial intentions for the sake of improving the economy, decreasing unemployment and promoting small ventures, but none focused on the green aspects of entrepreneurship. To date, we still lack knowledge regarding students' green entrepreneurial intentions and how personality traits and green support affect the intention. The focus of the present study is to sustain nature and ecosystems through green entrepreneurship by providing directions and economic and noneconomic gains for investors, entrepreneurs, students, universities and societies.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 August 2020

Syed Ali Raza, Wasim Qazi and Sara Qamar Yousufi

Academic adjustment is an important indicator which represents the students' academic achievements. The purpose of this investigation is to examine the fundamental role of…

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Abstract

Purpose

Academic adjustment is an important indicator which represents the students' academic achievements. The purpose of this investigation is to examine the fundamental role of academic adjustment for the success of student's by considering the influence of several psychological, motivational and behavioral factors that affect the academic adjustment of students in the university which then influences the students' academic achievements.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered through self-administered questionnaires from 409 students enrolled in a Business degree program in an academic institution by using a convenience sampling technique. Structural equation modeling (SEM) technique has been applied for analyzing the data and the proposed hypothesis.

Findings

Results obtained from partial least square (PLS)-SEM analysis indicated that academic adjustment is affected by psychological, motivational and behavioral factors and in turn influences the outcomes of success. Moreover, the findings also showed that psychological and motivational factors, directly and indirectly via partial mediation of adjustment, and behavioral factors via full mediation of academic adjustment influences the outcomes of success.

Practical implications

The study implies that it is important for university policymakers that they should give great priority to fully exploiting its potential to facilitate student's effective adjustment to academic life. Universities should pay attention to enhancing the academic study skills of students which leads to gains in academic achievement. Furthermore, universities should integrate self-regulated skills and provides motivation to students which is the biggest contributor toward adjustment as well as this study broadens the understanding of psychological capital as a resource that enhances academic adjustment.

Originality/value

Very little attention has been given to examining the role of academic adjustment in the success of students. Therefore, the present study makes two contributions to this research. First, the study broadens the understanding of psychological capital with the potential to strengthen adjustment with academic life in domains, i.e. academic achievement and institutional adjustment. Second, the study identifies which motivational and behavioral factors affect academic adjustment and achievement.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2020

Syed Ali Raza, Wasim Qazi, Bushra Umer and Komal Akram Khan

Social media experience a rapid rise in recent years and steep into almost every aspect of people's lives by altering their lifestyles and creating an impact on their wellbeing…

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Abstract

Purpose

Social media experience a rapid rise in recent years and steep into almost every aspect of people's lives by altering their lifestyles and creating an impact on their wellbeing. The purpose of the present study is to examine the influence of SNSs on life satisfaction among university students by first exploring what are the key gratifications which motivates them to engage in SNSs and then focusing on the psychological outcomes including social overload and social benefit from using SNSs that affects life satisfaction among the university students.

Design/methodology/approach

Theory of social influence and uses and gratifications theory were used in this study to examine the motivations for using SNSs, and the impact of psychological outcomes associated with SNSs usage, i.e. social benefit and social overload on life satisfaction among university students of Pakistan. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling is used to analyze the data.

Findings

The outcomes indicate that the need for maintaining interpersonal interconnectivity, entertainment value and social enhancement value derives the students' participation in social networking sites through which they encounter social benefit and social overload. The presence of social benefit enhances life satisfaction while social overload results in decreasing life satisfaction of students. Using social networking sites influences life satisfaction in the presence of social overload and social benefit while there is no direct influence of social networking sites on life satisfaction was evidenced.

Research limitations/implications

The present study investigated the needs that drive the use of social media through the lens of UGT & Social influence approach. The other potential determinants of social media usage intention should be analyzed by employing variables of the other models.In this study social media was examined as a general platform used by the university students of Pakistan. In future researches the driving needs should be examined in the context of specific social networking sites.

Practical implications

The presented findings embraces the implications for the authorities of higher education institutions and policy makers as it provides the useful insights about student 2019s motivations and participation behavior in SNSs which would help in developing strategies for desirable results.

Social implications

Educational institutions can utilize the research findings by incorporating social media tools in the academic system, student's interaction with their mentors will lead towards enhanced involvement of students and intellectual skills along with upgraded academic performance which will positively influence life satisfaction of the students.

Originality/value

The scarcity of findings was observed in the local environment specifically in the context of SNSs usage and well-being of the higher education students. This study addresses the motivational factors of SNSs usage and their psychological outcomes simultaneously and focused on the investigation of social media usage drivers and its outcomes among the university students of Pakistan.

Details

Health Education, vol. 120 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 March 2018

Muhammad Ali, Syed Ali Raza, Wasim Qazi and Chin-Hong Puah

This study aims to examine university students’ acceptance of e-learning systems in Pakistan. A Web-based learning system is a new form of utilizing technological features…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine university students’ acceptance of e-learning systems in Pakistan. A Web-based learning system is a new form of utilizing technological features. Although, developed countries have initiated and established the concept for e-learning, developing countries require empirical support to implement e-learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper further explains a conceptual model that is based on the technology acceptance model (TAM). Earlier theories such as the theory of reasoned action (TRA), theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and decomposed theory of planned behaviour (DTPB) have been conducted on user behavioural intention (BI). TAM is considered as the most relevant framework in a Web-based context. To analyse the present study’s hypothesized model, structural equation modelling (SEM) has been used to statistically analyse self-reported sample data from 424 university students.

Findings

The results revealed that TAM, with the combination of new constructs, explains university students’ acceptance of the e-learning system reasonably well. Additionally, work life quality (WLQ) and facilitating conditions (FC) have a greater influence on the BI and the actual use (AU) of the e-learning system, respectively.

Originality/value

The study has also provided valuable implications for academics and practitioners for ways to enhance the acceptance of the e-learning system in the higher education of Pakistan.

Article
Publication date: 31 March 2022

Martin Thomas and Crystal Machado

There is limited research in Pakistan that describes how organizational learning, which is not contingent on funding, can be used to improve the quality of education in developing…

Abstract

Purpose

There is limited research in Pakistan that describes how organizational learning, which is not contingent on funding, can be used to improve the quality of education in developing countries. This study addresses this gap in the literature with a study that examines the perceptions of educators at medium-cost schools in Karachi, Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

As part of a larger mixed-method QUAN-qual study, this study used an instrument based on Watkins and Marsick’s Dimensions of the Learning Organization, to collect survey data from 21 head teachers/coordinators, 653 teachers at 32 urban schools. This paper presents an analysis of survey data and findings related to two research questions. This paper used exploratory factor analysis and simultaneous regression analysis to test four hypotheses.

Findings

The findings suggest that of the four levels of learning, global and school level learning predict knowledge performance at medium-cost urban schools in Karachi, Pakistan.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for both school leaders and the education leadership faculty who prepare them to play a vital role in schools.

Originality/value

The paper adds to a limited body of literature that describes how organizational learning can be used to improve the quality of education in developing countries such as Pakistan.

Details

Journal of Workplace Learning, vol. 34 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-5626

Keywords

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