Communication Support Research Articles

IT Strategic Alignment Maturity and Business Performance for the Banking Industry in Kenya

This study explored the connection between IT Strategic Alignment Maturity and the financial performance of Kenyan commercial banks. Using the SAMM framework, six alignment maturity criteria (governance, communications, value, partnership, technology scope, and skills) were evaluated. Quantitative correlation analysis was conducted with data from CIOs representing 70% of the Kenyan banking market (all Tier One banks). Findings revealed a significant positive link between IT-business alignment and profitability. The study suggests that banks seeking increased return on assets (ROA) should prioritize the development of robust strategic alignment maturity. Business-IT alignment (BITA) is a dynamic, ongoing process essential for organizational success (Luftman, 1996). Successful alignment requires strong management support, clear prioritization, and effective communication across all levels of the organization (Luftman, 1997). To navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing business environment, companies must consistently evaluate their IT investments and strategies (Luftman, Papp and Brier, 1999). A well-aligned IT function acts as a catalyst, driving innovation, competitiveness, and improved decision-making across the enterprise (Luftman, Papp, and Brier, 1995). However, alignment is challenging and requires collaboration between IT and other business units (Luftman, Lewis, and Oldach, 1993). When IT strategy and governance effectively support overarching business goals, organizations can transform their operations and unlock new levels of success (Haes and Grembergen, 2016).

Reproduction of higher education personnel: motives for entry and retention measures

Introduction. The trends in the reproduction of intellectual resources have a significant development potential worldwide towards the realisation of a proper strategy for increasing the countries’ competitiveness. The stimulating programmes for the development of national universities set a due benchmark for the elaboration and testing of new ways to attract young people to the scientific and educational environment, as well as the formation of professional commitment. The accumulated practice of implementing federal programmes to support science and education raises a question of the outcome and efficiency of measures funded by the state. The aim of the study is to identify the dominant motives of the teaching staff belonging to the “young personnel” category for long-term work in the profession and at the university, as a consequence of the managerial measures applied by the administration. Materials and methods. To diagnose the priorities in the structure of young people’s motives to work in the system of higher education, the data obtained from a survey of young university specialists were used. The survey involved 140 people with different lengths of work experience in higher education. To assess the effectiveness of managerial practices aimed at retaining young specialists, a semi-structured interview with managers who realise the tasks of searching for, attracting, and retaining young people at universities was held. A total of 25 professionals took part in the interviewing: heads of departments, deans and vice-rectors of three Siberian universities. The methods of statistical data processing and assessment of the experts’ opinions coherence (Kendall’s coefficient of concordance) were applied. Results. The dominant motivations for young people to stay in higher education are: the system’s resource and readiness to support initiatives of young teachers–researchers (3.9 p.); regular self-education and professional growth (3.9), lucrative compensation (3.6), and the opportunity to work in priority branches of science (3.4). The higher school associates the transformation of all basic activity processes with staff rejuvenation: change in the format of communicating with stakeholders; intensification of work performance methods, as well as strengthening of intellectual, emotional, and professional resilience of work teams. The output and impact of the measures to stimulate due professional commitment were assessed. A major instrument contributing to high efficiency is represented by communication support measures based on regular feedback and included in individual adaptation and professional development programmes. Conclusion. The management system has to solve the staff rejuvenation problem at two levels: operational and strategic. It is necessary today to seek due options for the implementation of policy decisions and target indicators, and simultaneously to lay the foundations for involving specialists in the future scientific and educational environment. The application of different meaningful content actions in solving a particular task entails the manager’s professional deformation and blurring of the rules of interaction with the subject of labour.

Charging Support Communication System Based on Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication for Electric Vehicles

Charging Support Communication System Based on Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication for Electric Vehicles

Quality Coordinators' Perspectives on Quality Improvement in Primary Healthcare in Kosovo: A Qualitative Study.

This qualitative descriptive study provides insights into the experiences of quality coordinators (QCs) in primary healthcare to inform policy and practice actions and empower QCs to enhance healthcare quality. We conducted focus group discussions with purposefully selected QCs to understand their motivations, job experiences, factors influencing healthcare quality, and suggestions for quality improvement. Content analysis and deductive coding were used to scrutinize the responses and answer the research questions. The QCs thought highly about their job performance and were motivated by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Clinical audits, collegial reviews, and managerial support positively affected QCs' performance. In contrast, a lack of managerial support, limited working hours, and changes in organizing work caused the opposite. Empowerment and external support positively influenced healthcare quality, whereas lack of resources, managerial support, or training had a negative influence. Suggestions to improve quality include the role of QCs, external supervision, and centralization of the QCs' network. Appointing QCs alone does not guarantee quality improvement. It is essential to ensure that QCs have the appropriate skills, tools, management support, and open communication channels. Further research is required to evaluate the effects of sex and age on QCs' performance.

Evaluasi Efektivitas Tenaga Kependidikan dalam Meningkatkan Kinerja Guru di SMPN 34 Surabaya

This research aims to increase the effectiveness of educational staff in improving teacher performance at SMPN 34 Surabaya. A qualitative approach using case study methodology is the research methodology used. In-depth interviews with teachers and educational professionals, direct observations in schools, and analysis of documents related to teacher professional development programs are the methods used to collect data.The findings of this study show the important role of education personnel in increasing teacher effectiveness at SMPN 34 Surabaya. Educational staff provides training sessions and seminars, assists instructors in their professional growth, and offers adequate administrative assistance. In addition, the availability of competent human resources and efficient staff-teacher communication both support improved teacher performance. However, this research also shows a number of difficulties faced by educational staff when implementing it. These difficulties include heavy workloads, little funding for professional development, and a lack of collaboration within school units.

Breathing Uneasily: Employees' Stories of Coping With Poor Indoor Air Quality in the Workplace.

This phenomenological study aimed to elucidate the lived experiences of employees suffering from poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in their university workplace. It addresses gaps in understanding IAQ's personal impacts from occupants' perspectives. Prior research on sick building syndrome and indoor air pollution utilized quantitative methods to assess physical health outcomes. However, few studies have adopted qualitative approaches to uncover the meanings ascribed to adverse IAQ experiences and their influences on psychosocial well-being. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with five university employees who attributed their chronic illnesses to poor IAQ in their 60-year-old office building with a history of IAQ concerns. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using qualitative techniques including thematic coding to extract key themes conveying shared experiences. Employees depicted the building itself as fundamentally "sick" and stigmatized, compelling complex coping behaviors hindering productivity. Communication breakdowns, mistrust in leadership, and strained workplace relationships were prevalent. A sense of betrayal, powerlessness, and a sense of detachment from the workplace emerged with home as a refuge. Although technically adequate, poor IAQ profoundly damaged perceived health, quality of life, relationships, and satisfaction. The accounts emphasize IAQ's psychosocial dimensions, advancing theoretical links between indoor environments and well-being. Supportive policies, transparency, communication, participatory processes, and human-centered strategies emerge as ways to nurture productivity, well-being, and organizational health.

Teaching Research under the “Internet plus” Initiative: Driving Teacher Professional Development in the Digital Era

Information technology permeates every facet of human society in the internet age. The internet has fundamentally transformed human interactions by providing unprecedented support for interpersonal and inter-organizational communication and information sharing. As the paramount technological tool in the contemporary world, it is instigating social reconstruction (Li, 2017). Currently, the comprehensive impact of the internet on education is intensifying, bringing about digital transformation of education across the globe (Zhong, 2019).

EFraS: Emulated framework to develop and analyze dynamic Virtual Network Embedding strategies over SDN infrastructure

The integration of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) into Network Virtualization (NV) significantly enhances network management, isolation, and troubleshooting capabilities. However, it brings forth the intricate challenge of allocating Substrate Network (SN) resources for various Virtual Network Requests (VNRs), a process known as Virtual Network Embedding (VNE). It encompasses solving two intractable sub-problems: embedding Virtual Machines (VMs) and embedding Virtual Links (VLs). While the research community has focused on formulating embedding strategies, there has been less emphasis on practical implementation at a laboratory scale, which is crucial for comprehensive design, development, testing, and validation policies for large-scale systems. However, conducting tests using commercial providers presents challenges due to the scale of the problem and associated costs. Moreover, current simulators lack accuracy in representing the complexities of communication patterns, resource allocation, and support for SDN-specific features. These limitations result in inefficient implementations and reduced adaptability, hindering seamless integration with commercial cloud providers. To address this gap, this work introduces EFraS (Emulated Framework for Dynamic VNE Strategies over SDN). The goal is to aid developers and researchers in iterating, testing, and evaluating VNE solutions seamlessly, leveraging a modular design and customized reconfigurability. EFraS offers various functionalities, including generating real-world SN topologies and VNRs. Additionally, it integrates with a diverse set of evaluation metrics to streamline the testing and validation process. EFraS leverages Mininet, Ryu controller, and OpenFlow switches to closely emulate real-time setups. Moreover, we integrate EFraS with various state-of-the-art VNE schemes, ensuring the effective validation of embedding algorithms.

Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable Communications and Mobility: Perspectives from the Kolyma Road, Northeast Russia

In northeast Russia, the famous historic Kolyma Road spans two thousand kilometers across two federal subjects of the Russian Federation: the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) and Magadan Oblast. Thousands of people live along and in close proximity to the road, depending on it for communication, mobility, goods, and life support. As the major transportation infrastructure in the entire region, it should be reliable and stable for local communities’ well-being. One strategic approach to ensure its reliability is to acknowledge the role of Indigenous knowledge, which has been neglected despite being established long before the emergence of existing formal systems of communication. Based on data collected through fieldwork, personal observations, and conversations, this paper aims to demonstrate that Indigenous knowledge regarding ways of living, moving, and communicating along and on the road is the key to sustainability in the region. As a result, we claim that this realization should be manifested in designing and implementing communication and mobility systems based on the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In the long term, it is necessary to develop a sustainable road management system for the Kolyma Road to ensure the security and well-being of local communities and for everyone visiting and working on the road.

Arabic Learning Media Design Based on the MIT App Inventor Application

One of the supports for effective communication is the use of learning media. However, currently we don't find many interactive Arabic language learning media that are developed from computer programs and especially those based on Android which we usually know as Android Based Learning (ABL).This article aims to develop mobile learning-based learning media, namely interactive application based learning media. This learning media facilitates students to improve Arabic learning outcomes, and can produce interesting learning and can increase students' learning motivation. The results of this study after going through the assessment of the material aspect validator and the media aspect validator concluded that learning media designed based on Android using the MIP App Inventor application are suitable for use as alternative media for learning Arabic.

Faktor-Faktor yang Memengaruhi Psikologis Pasien dan Keluarga saat Menerima Bad News tentang Kanker

This research aims to determine the factors that influence psychology when receiving bad news about cancer. The method uses a systematic review approach on ten journals analyzed using PRISMA. Database search via Springer, Scopus, PubMed, ClinicalKey, and ScienceDirect. The results of a systematic review show that the factors that influence psychological factors are supportive communication, information, nurse presence, environment or privacy, emotional and empathic support, language, stage of disease, family involvement, and demographic characteristics. In conclusion, delivering bad news about cancer must consider factors that can influence the psychology of patients and families. Training related to delivering bad news needs to be given to nurses who provide oncology services to reduce the psychological factors that occur when patients and families receive bad news about cancer. Keywords: Bad News, Cancer, Patients and Families, Psychology

Explore Parent’s Perception Regarding Role of Nurse as an Educator in an Intensive Care Unit Punjab Pakistan: A Qualitative Study

Background: The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment is highly stressful for both neonates and their family caregivers. The quality of interaction between caregivers and medical staff can significantly influence caregiver trust and satisfaction, which are crucial for the effective care and recovery of the neonate. Objective: This study aims to assess the perceptions of family caregivers regarding the role of nurses as educators in a NICU in Punjab, Pakistan, focusing on the communication strategies employed by nurses and the support infrastructure available to caregivers. Methods: This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 14 family caregivers of neonates hospitalized in the Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital's NICU. Participants were selected based on their intensive involvement in the care of their hospitalized newborns. Data were analyzed using content analysis to explore the themes related to nursing care quality as perceived by the caregivers. Results: Caregivers generally perceived the nursing care as excellent, noting particularly the professionalism and empathy of the nursing staff. However, issues such as inadequate hospital infrastructure, particularly sleeping facilities for caregivers, and occasional lapses in communication and caregiving flexibility were identified as areas needing improvement. The study also highlighted the critical role of timely and accurate information provided to caregivers in reducing anxiety and enhancing their involvement in the care process. Conclusion: Effective communication and adequate support infrastructure are essential in enhancing caregiver trust and satisfaction in the NICU setting. Improving these areas can significantly impact the recovery and well-being of both neonates and their families.

How teachers support secondary school students to become self-regulated learners in technology-enhanced language learning

Despite evidence indicating the importance of self-regulated learning (SRL) for academic achievement and lifelong learning, there remains a lack of understanding regarding how teachers can effectively support their students in enacting SRL with e-learning tools/resources (SRL e-learning). The purpose of this study is to investigate how teachers can support English as a second/foreign language (ESL/EFL) learners’ SRL e-learning. The participants were 1473 seventh (n = 714, 48.5%, 12–15 years old) and eighth (n = 759, 51.5%, 12–16 years old) grade students in China. The proposed framework of teacher support included five dimensions, namely, SRL strategy instruction, resource support (linking SRL and e-learning practices), capacity support (scaffolding students’ e-learning experience), emotional support (communication of expectations and encouragement), and creating a constructivist learning environment. According to the Multivariate Analyses of Variance (MANOVAs), high, average, and low achievers reported different levels of SRL e-learning, suggesting that SRL e-learning contributes to English learning achievement. The structural equation modeling (SEM) results revealed that teacher support for SRL e-learning plays a crucial role in students’ SRL e-learning in ESL/EFL.

Association between emotional competence and risk of unmet supportive care needs in caregivers of cancer patients at the beginning of care.

This cross-sectional study explored the associations between intrapersonal and interpersonal emotional competence (EC) and the unmet supportive care needs (SCN), anxiety, and depression of informal caregivers at the beginning of gastrointestinal or haematological cancer care, i.e. during chemotherapy and within 6months after diagnosis. The participants completed a self-reported questionnaire, comprising the Short Profile of Emotional Competence (S-PEC), the SCN survey for partners and caregivers (SCNS-P&C), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to explore the influence of EC on unmet SCN and the presence of moderate/severe anxiety or depression. Most of the 203 caregivers were women (n = 141, 69.80%) and the partners of patients (n = 148, 73.27%) suffering from gastrointestinal (n = 112, 55.17%) and haematological (n = 91, 44.83%) cancer. Only intrapersonal EC showed a significant influence out of all the dimensions of unmet SCN related to healthcare services and information (odds ratio (OR) = 0.35 [95%CI 0.19; 0.65]), emotional and psychological needs (OR = 0.43 [95%CI 0.25; 0.74]), work and social security (OR = 0.57 [95%CI 0.37; 0.88]), and communication and family support (OR = 0.61 [95%CI 0.39; 0.95]). A one-unit increase in the intrapersonal EC score significantly reduced the probability of anxiety (OR = 0.42, [95%CI 0.26; 0.68]) and depression (OR = 0.34, [95%CI 0.21; 0.55]). Intrapersonal EC of caregivers is crucial to reduce the risk of unmet SCN, anxiety, and depression from the beginning of care. Identifying caregivers with lower intrapersonal EC may be necessary to increase vigilance from healthcare professionals and psychologists.

Nurse managers coping strategies for crisis management: qualitative systematic review

Stressor-related disorders are a growing issue for both the individual and the organizations. The aim of the study was to analyze the strategies used by nurse managers to face crises. A systematic review of the literature, including qualitative studies was performed. Data were analyzed using framework-based synthesis and summarized into domains. Quality was evaluated using the JBI QARI Checklist. 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data collection was based on interviews, followed by questionnaires and focus groups. Good communication, organizational commitment and emotional support were the principal domains. Institutions should support nurse managers to cope with stress and make suggestions for adaptations.

Developing a Multiprofessional Mobile App to Enhance Health Habits in Older Adults: User-Centered Approach.

Although comprehensive lifestyle habits are crucial for healthy aging, their adherence tends to decline as individuals grow older. Sustaining a healthy life over time poses a motivational challenge. Some digital tools, such as smartphone apps aimed at promoting healthy habits, have been used to counteract this decline. However, a more profound investigation is necessary into the diverse experiences of users, particularly when it concerns older adults or those who are unfamiliar with information and communications technologies. We aimed to develop a mobile app focused on promoting the health of older adults based on the principles of software engineering and a user-centered design. The project respected all ethical guidelines and involved the participation of older adults at various stages of the development of the app. This study used a mixed methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methodologies for data collection. The study was conducted in Ribeirão Prêto, São Paulo, Brazil, and involved 20 older adults of both genders who were aged ≥60 years and enrolled in the Physical Education Program for the Elderly at the University of São Paulo. The research unfolded in multiple phases, encompassing the development and refinement of the app with active engagement from the participants. A total of 20 participants used a mobile health app with an average age of 64.8 (SD 2.7) years. Most participants had a high school education, middle-class status, and varying health literacy (mean score 73.55, SD 26.70). Overall, 90% (18/20) of the participants owned smartphones. However, 20% (4/20) of the participants faced installation challenges and 30% (6/20) struggled with web-based searches. The focus groups assessed app usability and satisfaction. Adjustments increased satisfaction scores significantly (Suitability Assessment of Materials: 34.89% to 70.65%; System Usability Scale: 71.23 to 87.14). Participant feedback emphasized font size, navigation, visual feedback, and personalization, and suggestions included health device integration, social interaction, and in-app communication support. This study contributes to the development of health care technologies tailored to the older adult population, considering their specific needs. It is anticipated that the resulting app will serve as a valuable tool for promoting healthy habits and enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

Issues and Challenges Encountered by Police Officers in Automated Fingerprint Identification System Operation

Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) play a vital role in modern law enforcement by aiding in the identification and apprehension of criminals through fingerprint analysis. However, despite their significance, challenges in operating AFIS remain the main hindrance to its effective utilization. Thus, this study aims to investigate the issues and challenges faced by police officers in the Philippines with AFIS. Employing a convergent parallel mixed methods research design, quantitative data were collected through a survey questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews. The study participants comprised six experienced Filipino police officers purposively chosen for their exposure to AFIS operations. The study uses the mixed method. Descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U Test were used during quantitative data analysis, while thematic analysis was used in analyzing qualitative data. The study findings revealed that the top challenge faced by police officers in the Philippines is comparing and storing fingerprints in the AFIS database, primarily due to insufficient training and technical support. Themes such as regular training, technical support, and continuous learning emerged to address the challenges related to fingerprint quality, technical issues, storage limitations, and hardware problems. The study also revealed that Filipino police officers encounter moderate challenges when operating AFIS, with variations depending on sex, age, and length of service. In conclusion, the study underscores the significance of continuous training, technical support, and effective communication for successful AFIS operations. Law enforcement agencies are urged to prioritize providing proper training and technical support to ensure accurate and reliable utilization of this technology in policing.

Interviewing young offenders about child-on-child sexual abuse.

This study compared two versions of the NICHD Protocol for interviewing young suspected sexual offenders: the Revised Suspect Protocol (RSP) and the Standard Suspect Protocol (SSP). The RSP incorporated relevant evidence-based practices informed by research on the value of (a) effectively explaining the suspects' rights, (b) rapport building and support, and (c) appropriate questioning strategies. Interviewers using the RSP communicated the children's rights more effectively (reading them more often, checking, verifying, and correcting understanding) and provided more support. In the substantive phase, they remained supportive while recall prompts dominated the questioning. Compared to children in the SSP group, children in the RSP condition understood their rights better, were more responsive during rapport-building, and reacted to interviewer support in the substantive phase with increased responsiveness, which in turn, predicted reduced reluctance, increased emotional expression, and greater informativeness. They were also more likely to make full rather than partial confessions than children in the SSP group. Full confessions were positively predicted by the appropriate communication of legal rights, interviewer support, and reliance on open-ended prompts, thereby confirming the superiority of the RSP relative to the SSP.

‘Everybody Else in That Room’: support dilemmas and benefits of supportive communication in batterer intervention

ABSTRACT The purpose of the current study was to explore the benefits and dilemmas of supportive communication within BIPs and how dilemmas influence participants’ ability to access support resources and benefit from educational content. Specifically, this study examines competing goals, strategies, and interpretations of supportive communication within a BIP group located in the midwestern United States, targeting heterosexually-identifying DV perpetrators. Results suggest men encounter several support dilemmas that must be overcome to gain access to BIP group benefits. Specifically, openness to seeking and receiving support in BIPs involves threats of negative evaluation, threats to identity, and loss of control. Additionally, the artificiality of the BIP group conditions creates challenges for men once they leave and support resources are reduced in their existing social networks. This study makes a theoretical contribution by extending the theory of support dilemmas [Albrecht, T. L., & Adelman, M. B. (1987). Communicating social support. Sage.] to illuminate the unique challenges that BIPs present, several of which are specific to norms of masculinity. Practical applications are recommended to BIP practitioners with the aim to increase the efficacy of BIP curricular delivery and program outcomes.

An Experimental Investigation of Supportive Tactile Communication During Esteem Support Conversations

The present study examines how supportive touch impacts evaluations of esteem support content containing high emotion-focused (HEF) or high problem-focused (HPF) messages during observed esteem support interactions. A 2 (verbal content; i.e., HEF or HPF) by 2 (nonverbal content; i.e., presence or absence of supportive tactile communication) experiment was conducted to test for main and interactional effects. Results revealed that HEF conditions were perceived to be more effective by observers at enhancing the recipient’s state self-esteem, state self-efficacy, and alleviating distress compared to HPF conditions. The supportive tactile communication conditions were perceived as better at enhancing state self-esteem and alleviating distress compared to the no supportive tactile communication conditions by observers. However, these main effects were qualified by significant two-way interactions between message content and nonverbal behavior on ratings of state self-esteem and distress alleviation, such that the addition of supportive tactile communication enhanced the effectiveness of HPF message content but not HEF content.