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1 – 10 of 79Many students are found facing difficulties in learning English due to plenty of reasons: known and unknown ones. In order to overcome such an issue, the instructors have to…
Abstract
Purpose
Many students are found facing difficulties in learning English due to plenty of reasons: known and unknown ones. In order to overcome such an issue, the instructors have to explore for effective techniques of teaching English to motivate learners by any means. Technology in general and informatics in particular can be thought of as innovative tool of pedagogy in the current teaching-learning environment. The present proposal of research aims at creating innovative approaches, which attract learners' interest and catch their attention for better outputs.
Design/methodology/approach
Following subsections have been discussed keeping the significance in view. Setting of the study: The present study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah-Saudi Arabia, which is one of the Saudi Arabian universities; however, it has opened up new avenues for the pedagogues, teachers of English and researchers to conduct studies in various allied fields. In order to have a representative sample of students' population, the participants were chosen from the “preparatory year”. Material and tools: This study used a questionnaire (Appendix) and a test to evaluate performances of the two groups: controlled and experimental. In order to further strengthen the findings, semi structured interview was conducted for a few select students from the student-sample. Since the questionnaire was adapted, the statistical validity and reliability was not considered to be essential; however, content/face validity was ensured by consulting 10 experts in the field of education/methods of teaching.
Findings
Based on the analysis of data gathered from the test performances of the two groups of students, it was found that there existed a significant difference in the test scores. The questionnaire responses also proved that infographics can be proved to be an interesting tool of education in general and English language teaching in particular. However, it has been noticed from the gathered data that not many teachers are comfortable using multimedia or infographics for different reasons. The results of the present study are in line with the study by Rezaei and Sayadian (2015) that support the idea of infographics that would help English teachers to develop understanding and insights to design among the learners. They further contend that the infographic instruction offers choices for the utilization of collaborative activities. In addition, the infographics enhance students' performance as a whole as also supported by Alrwele (2017).
Research limitations/implications
The study was conducted on a small sample which might affect the generalization of the outcomes. It was carried out with special reference to teaching of vocabulary and reading.
Practical implications
There can be many recommendations for different stakeholders. For teachers, it is recommended that they should know about the significance of infographs for catching the attention of students. They should know how to design interesting and colorful infographs. The administration/management should facilitate the teachers with the required software or platform to create infographics and integrate in an English language class. In addition, teachers should attend workshops and training courses organized for topics related to the infographs.
Originality/value
The author checked the study for plagiarism (excluding references) and found it to be 93% plagiarism free.
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This paper aims to study the efficacy of the business model (BM) diagram in the companies’ integrated reports. Diagrams and graphics are an effective way of communicating the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the efficacy of the business model (BM) diagram in the companies’ integrated reports. Diagrams and graphics are an effective way of communicating the complex processes of a business. However, these diagrams should have complete and appropriate content in a gist for easy understanding.
Design/methodology/approach
A study of BM diagrams published in the integrated reports of 65 Indian listed companies was carried out. The contents of these diagrams were compared to the requirement of BM as per the international <IR> framework.
Findings
While companies presented the BM diagram, there seemed to be a lack of clarity in the definitions of input, output and outcome capitals. Measurable metrics that give a clear understanding regarding the use and generation of resources were missing. The diagram was presented with some information because it had to be, but the purpose of the BM, which is the core of <IR>, was not conveyed. Also, the diagram did not display value creation or erosion effectively.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is one of the first studies on the BM diagram in the <IR> space. It emphasises that the diagram can capture the value-creation aspect of the <IR>. Thus, the BM diagram can be used as an effective and concise communication tool for the users of this report.
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Digital visualization tools are most often used to help people and teams understand high volumes of complex data via dashboards, infographics and other forms of visual maps. This…
Abstract
Purpose
Digital visualization tools are most often used to help people and teams understand high volumes of complex data via dashboards, infographics and other forms of visual maps. This article describes how some organizations are starting to use visualization platforms to allow team members to articulate and share their thoughts, feelings, beliefs, etc., and thereby make better, more insightful decisions.
Design/methodology/approach
Viewpoint based on the experience and expert opinion of the writers.
Findings
Three examples are shared of how visualization technologies are being used in leadership development, gender diversity and patient care.
Originality/value
The authors offer examples of pioneering organizations who are going beyond the “digital whiteboard” and finding ways of cocreating powerful imagery and visualizations, capturing the data which is hard to get at. Building narratives and sense-making from the deeper thoughts and difficult to express feelings of team members.
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By examining types of literacies taught by public libraries and the modes through which these programs were offered, this study aims to explore how public libraries might…
Abstract
Purpose
By examining types of literacies taught by public libraries and the modes through which these programs were offered, this study aims to explore how public libraries might integrate data literacy training for the general public into existing library educational programs.
Design/methodology/approach
This study examined programs offered in 30 US public libraries during 2019 and 2020 to better understand types of literacy education announced to the public through library website listings and Facebook Events pages.
Findings
While public libraries offered educational programs in literacy areas ranging from basic reading and writing to technology, vocational skills, health literacy and more, data literacy training was not widely offered. However, this study identified many already-existing programs highly compatible for integrating with data literacy training.
Originality/value
This study offered new insights into both the literacies taught in public library programs as well as ways for public libraries to integrate data literacy training into existing educational programming, in order to better provide data literacy education for the general public.
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Hye Yeon Park, Carlos V. Licon, Jennifer Givens and Ole Russell Sleipness
This study aims to investigate the integration of education for sustainable development (ESD) into landscape architecture (LA) programs in North American universities to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the integration of education for sustainable development (ESD) into landscape architecture (LA) programs in North American universities to understand its benefits and challenges and provide insights into the implementation of sustainability principles, pedagogies and teaching methods.
Design/methodology/approach
This study analyzed survey data from 128 LA faculty members from 85 Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture member schools. The survey assessed the implementation of sustainability principles, pedagogies, teaching benefits and challenges to integrating sustainability into their courses. To complement the survey data, 62 LA course syllabi were analyzed using a grounded theory approach to identify the topics covered, learning objectives and learning activities.
Findings
The study revealed that LA programs incorporate sustainability topics in various courses using project-based and interdisciplinary learning approaches. Integrating ESD into LA curricula promotes sustainability literacy, improved understanding of sustainability concepts and the development of sustainability skills. The study also found positive correlations between teaching methods, the enhancement of sustainability literacy and the development of design and planning skills.
Originality/value
This research examined the effects of teaching methods on student learning outcomes and the challenges instructors faced, providing practical insights into the integration of ESD in LA education. It offers recommendations to enhance the ESD knowledge of future LA practitioners, considering the inclusion of ESD as a core value of the standard by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board.
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Bülent Doğan, Yavuz Selim Balcioglu and Meral Elçi
This study aims to elucidate the dynamics of social media discourse during global health events, specifically investigating how users across different platforms perceive, react to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to elucidate the dynamics of social media discourse during global health events, specifically investigating how users across different platforms perceive, react to and engage with information concerning such crises.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-method approach was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection. Initially, thematic analysis was applied to a data set of social media posts across four major platforms over a 12-month period. This was followed by sentiment analysis to discern the predominant emotions embedded within these communications. Statistical tools were used to validate findings, ensuring robustness in the results.
Findings
The results showcased discernible thematic and emotional disparities across platforms. While some platforms leaned toward factual information dissemination, others were rife with user sentiments, anecdotes and personal experiences. Overall, a global sense of concern was evident, but the ways in which this concern manifested varied significantly between platforms.
Research limitations/implications
The primary limitation is the potential non-representativeness of the sample, as only four major social media platforms were considered. Future studies might expand the scope to include emerging platforms or non-English language platforms. Additionally, the rapidly evolving nature of social media discourse implies that findings might be time-bound, necessitating periodic follow-up studies.
Practical implications
Understanding the nature of discourse on various platforms can guide health organizations, policymakers and communicators in tailoring their messages. Recognizing where factual information is required, versus where sentiment and personal stories resonate, can enhance the efficacy of public health communication strategies.
Social implications
The study underscores the societal reliance on social media for information during crises. Recognizing the different ways in which communities engage with, and are influenced by, platform-specific discourse can help in fostering a more informed and empathetic society, better equipped to handle global challenges.
Originality/value
This research is among the first to offer a comprehensive, cross-platform analysis of social media discourse during a global health event. By comparing user engagement across platforms, it provides unique insights into the multifaceted nature of public sentiment and information dissemination during crises.
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Nove E. Variant Anna, Rayhan Musa Novian and Noraini Ismail
This paper aims to describe several artificial intelligence (AI)-based applications that librarians can use to serve and design virtual library instruction, so it will be more…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to describe several artificial intelligence (AI)-based applications that librarians can use to serve and design virtual library instruction, so it will be more effective and efficient.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach involves a comprehensive review of AI-based applications that bring benefits to librarian to enhance the virtual instructional services (AI). This study explores the existing papers to reveal the potential use of AI for research consultation, designing the instructional services and conducting evaluation of the program.
Findings
There are some AI-based applications that are available for free that will help instructional librarian jobs. Librarians use the AI to increase effectiveness of the services. The AI-based applications that can be used to support instructional services on research inquiries include virtual assistance, knowledge mapping and note making, and to support designing virtual instruction, librarians can use design apps, image generators, voice generator, grammar checker and paraphrasing.
Originality/value
There are many studies on AI at the library; however, it’s still rare a paper studied AI-based application that potentially will bring benefit for virtual instructional services. This paper will give overview of AI application that will help instructional librarian on transactions with users and help librarians to create innovative instructional media.
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Bolanle Maryam Akintola, Anil Kumar, Hemakshi Chokshi, Ashutosh Samadhiya and Rohit Agrawal
The rise of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has enabled researchers and industry professionals to reinvent their strategies for basic economic understanding. Two…
Abstract
Purpose
The rise of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has enabled researchers and industry professionals to reinvent their strategies for basic economic understanding. Two years after the outbreak of the pandemic, businesses are now trying to adapt to the impact it has brought, hoping to receive support as it did in the past. However, before this feat can be accomplished, it is imperative to understand the recovery hurdles created by the pandemic. This research aims to fill the literature gaps by examining the challenges during recovery within the creative small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) industry, as there are few relevant studies that focus on this field.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a methodical bibliometric literature review and network analysis, the paper intends to critically explore relevant recovery challenges within the field while providing answers to the appropriate research questions. A total of 43 articles were selected for an in-depth review. Using the analysis from the selected articles as a guide, a framework was developed to address the recovery challenges alongside the recommended propositions.
Findings
The findings from this paper suggest that a lack of synergy among four major categories (governmental, supply chain, organizational and stakeholders) contributes to recovery challenges within the field of research.
Originality/value
The review also offers clarification in understanding the current and upcoming trends within the creative industry, SMEs and COVID-19. This paper can thus help researchers, industry practitioners and managers discover and analyze the recovery challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The subject of this paper is the phenomenon of social media aesthetics, which can be perceived as a tool for promoting and building the image of libraries, especially in terms of…
Abstract
Purpose
The subject of this paper is the phenomenon of social media aesthetics, which can be perceived as a tool for promoting and building the image of libraries, especially in terms of merchandising. The aim of this paper is to analyse the potential of the dark academia social media trend in the promotion of academic libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
The article is based on a review of the social networking sites YouTube and Instagram and an analysis of network resources using the Brand24 tool.
Findings
Resources that are described by Internet users as “dark academia” are popular in social media. Dark academia as an aesthetic concept creates potential for the promotion of academic libraries, especially those that are more traditional in terms of their architecture, décor or how they offer their services.
Research limitations/implications
The paper concerns a phenomenon which, although popular socially, has not yet been scientifically analysed in the literature on the subject. Since the topic is new and there is no scientific literature on it, the author had to base the paper on less standard sources of information (e.g. analysis of the content of social media). The article is a review, an introduction, as well as an invitation to further discussion. The author's aim is not to comprehensively cover this topic but only to draw attention to an interesting and rarely discussed issue that has great potential for practical activities.
Practical implications
The topic has great potential for the practical improvement of the promotional activities of libraries, especially older, more traditional libraries, to create a strong and positive image on the basis of characteristics often perceived as weaknesses.
Social implications
Social media services are powerful social impact tools. Showing the potential role of social media aesthetics for cultural institutions could serve to make the public more aware of the role of the proper use of social media for promotion and image building.
Originality/value
The use of social media aesthetics is very rarely discussed in the subject literature.
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Truong Nguyen Xuan, Ngoc Bui Hoang and Phuong Pham Thi Lan
Many countries have a significant vaccination hesitancy rate regardless of vaccine prosperity. This study aims to identify factors restricting hesitancy and fostering vaccination…
Abstract
Purpose
Many countries have a significant vaccination hesitancy rate regardless of vaccine prosperity. This study aims to identify factors restricting hesitancy and fostering vaccination intention and uptake against coronavirus in Vietnam.
Design/methodology/approach
The study has proposed an extended COM-B model based on the Theoretical Domains Framework to explore critical factors influencing vaccination intention and uptake in Vietnam. A database was collected from 1,015 suitable respondents who had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and ten hypotheses were tested by the partial least squares structural equation model.
Findings
The findings showed that six factors, including knowledge, experience, resource, social influence, belief and reinforcement, have either direct or indirect positive effects on COVID-19 vaccine uptake behavior. The output also indicated that personal experience positively affects vaccination intention and uptake.
Originality/value
This study contributes to understanding COVID-19 vaccine uptake behavior by identifying several direct and indirect factors of the extended COM-B model that include “knowledge” and “reinforcement” in shaping behavior change. The study adds to the literature on COVID-19 vaccine uptake behavior and could help achieve higher vaccination rates, ultimately leading to better control of the pandemic.
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