Context Of Nepal Research Articles

The Evolving Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Customer Engagement Dynamics

This study examines the evolving influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on customer engagement dynamics, aiming to provide insights into how AI technologies can enhance engagement, loyalty, and trust among consumers. A quantitative research approach was employed with a causal research design. Data was collected from 140 individuals in the Kathmandu Valley, primarily undergraduate students aged 20-29 years, through a questionnaire utilizing a 7-point Likert scale. Correlation analyses were conducted using SPSS software version 23 to analyze the data. The study's findings highlight the transformative potential of AI in shaping customer engagement dynamics. By leveraging AI technologies, businesses can significantly enhance customer engagement and foster stronger relationships, ultimately driving competitive advantage and sustainable growth in an increasingly digital marketplace. The implications of this research suggest that understanding AI's capabilities can empower businesses to develop more effective customer engagement strategies. This presents opportunities for further investigation into the factors influencing the adoption and effectiveness of AI in customer engagement. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of AI's role in customer engagement within the context of Nepal. Future research can provide valuable insights for businesses operating in emerging markets, informing the development of AI solutions tailored to the specific needs and preferences of local customers. By exploring these dynamics, organizations can better navigate the challenges of customer engagement in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

GENDER EMPOWERMENT AND EQUALITY IN NEPAL: CURRENT ANALYSIS

This research has explored the roles, opportunities, decision-making processes, responsibilities, and various issues related to gender and the status of women in society. It compares women with their male counterparts across several areas, including household duties, economic conditions, education, health, political engagement, and community decision-making. The main aim has been to perform a contemporary situational analysis of women’s empowerment and rural development, utilizing both primary and secondary data. The focus is on gender inequality, socio-economic factors, political involvement, and demographic trends. The main findings have highlighted that those women, in their journey towards empowerment, require substantial support from their families, communities, and the nation. They have faced significant barriers to accessing opportunities for income generation, employment, decision-making roles, property ownership, and participation in political processes. The majority of women have been primarily engaged in household duties, contributing to their lower socio-economic status. This research seeks to improve the status of women in the study area by highlighting the importance of government policies and programs that include women in development efforts. Addressing these challenges through empowerment has become crucial not only for improving women's lives but also for fostering economic development within the community and the country at large. Apart from the aforementioned suggestions, Constitutional and Legal Framework, National Plan and Policies, Quotas and Representation, Education and Health, Economic Empowerment, Combatting Gender-Based Violence, and Cultural and Social Change, Education and Awareness have been found the policies to be adopted for the gender empowerment and equality in the present condition of Nepal. Despite these policies, challenges such as patriarchal norms, economic disparities, and implementation gaps persist. Continued efforts are needed to ensure effective enforcement of laws, address cultural barriers, and achieve substantive gender equality in Nepal. Likewise, Legal and Policy Framework, Economic Empowerment, Political Participation, Healthcare and Reproductive Rights, Combat Gender-Based Violence, Media and Communication, Community Engagement and Partnerships, Data Collection and Research, and Monitoring and Evaluation have been identified as the ways of gender empowerment and equality in the present context of Nepal. Implementing these strategies requires commitment and collaboration across government, civil society, the private sector, and international partners. Achieving gender equality is a long-term endeavor that necessitates ongoing effort and investment across various sectors simultaneously.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0702/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Public Policy and Governance: Catalyzing Local Development and Economic Growth

The relationship between local development and public policy is inherently interconnected and critically important. From this ontological standpoint, this paper seeks to explore the intricate linkages between these two domains. Public policies establish the foundational frameworks and guidelines that directly influence local development processes. This study employs an explanatory and qualitative methodology, relying on a review of secondary data sources. The findings suggest that well-conceived and effectively implemented public policies can significantly enhance local development outcomes, driving economic growth, improving quality of life, and fostering community well-being. However, the study also reveals that in practice, the processes of policy formulation and implementation are often disorganized and lack a scientific basis, limiting their potential contribution to national development. Many local governments remain unclear about their development priorities and fail to emphasize sustainable practices that leverage local resources and generate employment for local residents. In the federal context of Nepal, where local development is a cornerstone of democracy, there has been a noticeable deviation in public policy approaches from what is needed. Given Nepal’s federal system, the government should prioritize sustainable development to ensure performance legitimacy. The study concludes that grassroots democracy in Nepal currently faces numerous challenges and obstacles. Transforming these challenges into opportunities requires a more people-centric public policy approach aligned with local development goals.

Embracing Opportunities and Navigating Challenges: Teaching Pronunciation in the EFL Context of Nepal

English is a vital medium for international communication and academic progress in Nepal, making the mastery of pronunciation crucial for students aiming to thrive in a globalized world. This study explores the intricate landscape of pronunciation instruction in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) settings, examining various perspectives, challenges and effective teaching methods. Factors influencing pronunciation acquisition include learners’ native language, exposure to the target language, motivation and instructional strategies. Pronunciation instruction covers phonemes, intonation, stress, rhythm and connected speech, all essential for effective spoken communication. Challenges in teaching pronunciation involve neglect, first language interference and reception issues, highlighting the need for innovative teaching strategies. Effective methods include minimal pairs, modeling and imitation, audio recordings, phonetic symbols, pronunciation drills, visual aids, error correction, contextualization and integration with other language skills. This study emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to pronunciation instruction, raising awareness of its role in language education, and promoting continuous professional development for educators. Future research should explore innovative pronunciation teaching methods, considering new trends in language education and pedagogical advancements. By prioritizing pronunciation instruction and using evidence-based practices, educators can help learners achieve greater fluency, accuracy and confidence in spoken communication within diverse linguistic and cultural contexts.

Madheshi Dalit Women’s Access to Citizenship and Livelihood Alternatives in Nepal

This article delves into the ramifications of Madheshi Dalit Women’s (MDWs) access to citizenship on their strategies for livelihood. Within the context of Nepal, the discourse surrounding citizenship often portrays the MDWs as immigrants or insufficiently authentic citizens. This perception is rooted in historical social hierarchies that have systematically marginalized individuals possessing multiple subordinate identities, such as Madheshis, Dalits, women and the landless. Remarkably, the MDWs embody all of these identities. The prevailing narrative of a hill-based national identity endorsed by the state has prompted inquiries into the loyalty of the MDWs to the nation, consequently undermining their rightful citizenship claims. Drawing upon qualitative field research conducted in Nepal’s central and eastern Tarai districts, where a significant population of Madheshi Dalits resides, this study investigates the intricate interplay between access to citizenship and its implications for livelihood strategies and survival challenges: land ownership and labour participation. The findings underscore the considerable challenges faced by the MDWs, including limited livelihood options, acute landlessness and unorganized wage labour.

Empowerment Among Adolescent Girls in Nepal: A Concept Mapping Exploratory Study.

The concept of empowerment is challenging to operationalize and measure; it is multidimensional, the outcomes are not always directly observable, and meanings of empowerment are highly contextual and socially and culturally situated. This study aimed to explore perspectives of empowerment among adolescent girls in Nepal to identify statements for inclusion in a context-specific empowerment measure. We used a participatory and mixed method research method called concept mapping in 3 districts in Nepal. Three sequential concept mapping sessions were used to solicit, organize, and process how participants responded to the prompt: "The life of an adolescent girl improves when she has/can…" The Concept Systems Global software was used to manage and analyze the concept mapping brainstorming, sorting, and rating data using established tools, such as multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. Concept mapping was conducted with 113 participants, including national experts, program staff, adolescents, and their mothers. They identified 105 items that fall into a 4-cluster solution: education and knowledge, decision-making, supports and skills, and physical infrastructure. Rating data uncovered there was some overlap between the top 10 most important items between the national-level experts and other stakeholder groups; however, several components associated with empowerment differed by stakeholder group in terms of importance. This research represents a critical step in exploring definitions of empowerment among adolescent girls in the Nepal context and with expert input. These results led to the development of a contextually specific definition of empowerment. Researchers and practitioners interested in developing context-specific understandings of complex topics that incorporate community voices and perspectives could use a similar concept mapping approach in other countries to explore various topics with diverse populations.

English Language Textbooks at Government Schools in Nepal: Possibility of Cultivation and Promotion Creative Language Learning

The study is based on the analysis of English language textbooks at Government schools in Nepal. It is based on perceptions of English teachers teaching at Government schools in Morang district. Textbooks are materials prepared by Curriculum Development Centre (CDC) with the involvement of educators or subject experts to facilitate teaching-learning activities for achieving the goals of the curriculum. English language is being practiced as a Foreign Language through textbooks at Government school in Nepal. Moreover, English language textbooks have played a dual role in the context of Nepal. On the one hand, English textbooks have been teaching as a subject to overcome the examination, on the other hand, they have been using to create a real or real-like environment providing an ample opportunity of cultivation and promotion language learning to the learners of English. Textbooks are teaching-learning materials available in both forms hard copy and soft copy. The content coverage of English language textbooks seems to be effective to create better opportunities and promote a creative learning environment in the present context of Nepal.

Perceived Employability Variations Across Specializations Subjects in the Faculty of Education at Tribhuvan University

This study explores the level of perceived employability among education students, examining the multifaceted dimensions of skills and competencies crucial for success in the professional realm. Employability extends beyond technical proficiency, encompassing a range of attributes contributing to adaptability and effectiveness. Perceived employability, a subjective assessment of one's ability to secure and maintain employment, plays a pivotal role in shaping individuals' career approaches. A quantitative and exploratory approach was employed, utilising a cross-sectional survey and questionnaire within the context of Nepal's Faculty of Education at Tribhuvan University. The study involved 271 final-year students, employing proportional random sampling and statistical analyses. While education students express high confidence in various employability dimensions, a nuanced categorisation reveals a dual nature of 'presence' and 'consolidation' levels across competencies. Furthermore, specialisation subjects significantly influence perceived employability, with science majors showing higher levels. The study underscores the imperative for a comprehensive understanding of employability factors, emphasising the substantial impact of major subject choice on education students' confidence and readiness for future careers. The findings provide insights for academic institutions, policymakers, and students to enhance strategies for bridging the gap between education and employability in the Nepalese context.

Contextualizing Socio-Cultural Theory on Language Teaching and Learning in Nepal

Grounded in the socio-cultural theory (SCT) of learning, this study postulates that cognitive development is intricately tied to social interactions, highlighting the significance of cultural and social contexts in shaping an individual’s learning experiences and intellectual growth. Utilizing the content analysis methodology, the study systematically analyzes three key constructs—social interaction, the more knowledgeable other (MKO), and the zone of proximal development (ZPD)—drawing from Vygotsky’s seminal works to contextualize these constructs to enhance the language teaching and learning process within the specific cultural framework of Nepal. The findings reveal insights into the application of SCT in Nepalese language education. Social interactions, crucial in Vygotsky’s theory, find significance in Nepal’s communal spirit, influencing language learning positively. MKOs, both human and symbolic, play an essential role in shaping language learning, aligning with Nepalese values and linguistic diversity. The ZPD framework is applicable in Nepal’s diverse educational landscape, addressing individual differences and accommodating cultural nuances in which the scaffolding technique has a fundamental role in bridging linguistic gaps and fostering a collective journey toward linguistic proficiency. Overall, Vygotsky’s SCT demonstrates relevance and adaptability in the unique cultural and linguistic context of Nepal, offering insights into educational policies and practices.

Association between media exposure and maternal health service use in Nepal: A further analysis of Nepal Demographic and Health Survey-2022.

Nepal has made incremental progress in improving coverage of maternal health services leading to improved health outcomes. Government and other health sector stakeholders have consistently considered dissemination of educational messages on maternal health through mass media. However, in Nepal's context, the media's influence on the uptake of maternal health services is less known. This study examines the links between media exposure and maternal health service use in Nepal. Our analysis is based on the nationally representative Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2022 data. We analyzed data from 1933 women aged 15-49 who had given birth in the two years preceding the survey. Weight analysis was performed to account for complex survey design. We presented categorical variables as frequency, percentage, and corresponding 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression assessed the association between media exposure and maternal health service use, and the results are presented as crude (COR) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) along with 95% CI. Women exposed to internet use had 1.59 times [AOR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.16, 2.19], and those exposed to radio and television health programs had 1.73 times [AOR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.17, 2.56] higher odds of having four or more Antenatal Care (ANC) visits. Similarly, women exposed to mass media had 1.32 times [AOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.00, 1.74] and those exposed to health programs had 1.50 times [AOR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.02, 2.21] higher odds of having an institutional delivery. However, mass media exposure, internet use, and health program exposure were not significantly associated with increased postnatal care of mother and newborn. Exposure to health programs and internet use are positively associated with four or more ANC visits. Exposure to mass media and health programs are positively associated with increased institutional delivery. Our findings imply that well-designed campaigns and awareness programs delivered through mass media platforms play a vital role in enhancing the uptake of maternal health services.

Addressing the impacts of climate change on agricultural adaptation strategies: a case study in Nepal

PurposeAs climate change increasingly affects rural food production, there is an urgent need to adopt agricultural adaptation strategies. Because the agricultural sector in Nepal is one of the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, the adaptation strategies of household farmers in rural areas are crucial. This study aims to address the impacts of agricultural climate change adaptation strategies in Nepal. The research empirically analyzed climate hazards, adaptation strategies and local adaptation plans in Mangalsen Municipality, Achham District, Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a purposive sampling of household lists, categorized as resource-rich, resource-poor and intermediate households. The analysis used primary data from 110 household surveys conducted among six focus groups and 30 informants were selected for interviews through purposive random sampling.FindingsClimate change significantly impacts rainfall patterns and temperature, decreasing agriculture productivity and increasing household vulnerability. To overcome these negative impacts, it is crucial to implement measures such as efficient management of farms and livestock. A comprehensive analysis of Nepalese farmers' adaptation strategies to climate change has been conducted, revealing important insights into their coping mechanisms. By examining the correlation between farmers' strategies and the role of the local government, practical policies can be developed for farmers at the local level.Originality/valueThis study represents a significant breakthrough in the authors' understanding of this issue within the context of Nepal. It has been conclusively demonstrated that securing land tenure or land security and adopting appropriate agricultural methods, such as agroforestry, can be instrumental in enabling Nepalese households to cope with the effects of climate change effectively.

Analytical Study of Cooperative Learning in Mathematics

This exhaustive study delves into the application and impact of cooperative learning in mathematics education, specifically focusing on the context of Nepal. The primary aim is to assess the effectiveness and prevalence of cooperative learning strategies employed by mathematics teachers at both school and college levels. The investigation centers on small-group cooperative learning as an alternative pedagogical approach, contrasting it with traditional whole-class expository instruction and individual instruction systems. The study outlines practical and realistic strategies for utilizing small groups in mathematics teaching, emphasizing their applicability across different age groups and curricula. Furthermore, the study encompasses three computer-based cooperative learning strategies designed for classroom implementation, various learning activities aimed at establishing a cooperative classroom setting, and procedures for group problem-solving and inquiry specifically in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. The implications of this finding underscore the need for further efforts to enhance the adoption of cooperative learning among mathematics teachers in Nepal.

Critical Perspectives in Language Education Research: Exploring English-generated Inequalities from Marxist-influenced Theory

This paper critically examines the major threads of critical perspectives that are pervasively employed in Social Sciences in general and language education research in particular. First, it examines briefly about three critical theories (viz. Marxist-influenced, poststructuralist and postcolonial) with reference to language education related notions. Then, building on the theoretical underpinnings of Marxist-influenced theory, it delineates and discusses the English language-generated issues and inequalities prevalent in the multilingual context of Nepal. The authors argue that English as a medium of instruction (EMI) has created social and epistemic inequalities between the students from dominant languages and indigenous communalities in Nepalese society. EMI has been implemented in the schools at the cost of other indigenous languages and posed injustice to the students from diverse linguistic groups. It is claimed that critical pedagogy as being one of the threads of Marxist-influenced perspectives can be employed to mitigate such inequalities.

Impact of Socioeconomic Globalization and Institutional Quality on Human Capital Development in Nepal: A Markov Regime Switching Analysis

Human capital development is a catalyst for the economic growth of a nation. This study employed the Markov regime-switching model to examine the impact of socioeconomic globalization and institutional quality on human capital development in Nepal, using data from 1980 to 2018. The findings revealed that social globalization promotes human capital development in Nepal, whereas institutional quality impedes it. Additionally, economic globalization either negatively impacted or did not significantly contribute to human capital development in both regimes. Financial development was found to severely hamper human capital development, while inflation had a positive effect in both regimes. The results offer insights that the quality of institutions within the globalized context of Nepal is crucial for enhancing human capital development. This improvement could stimulate private-sector financing and alleviate the crowding-out effects of government spending and policy shifts. Consequently, the policy implication of this research is that Nepal should prioritize enhancing institutional quality and fostering social globalization while addressing the adverse effects of economic globalization and financial development to bolster human capital development.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF FOREIGN LABOUR MIGRATION IN AGRARIAN SOCIETIES OF NEPAL

Socio-cultural, economic, political, and environmental factors play a crucial role in migration. The phenomenon of foreign labor migration has been shaped by a variety of factors including different dimensions of sustainable livelihood that push people to seek better opportunities. The main objective of this research was to assess the socioeconomic determinants of foreign labor migration in the agrarian community of the Sindhuli district of Nepal using a simple random sample technique. Accordingly, a quantitative interview protocol was employed along with the use of key informants’ interviews to collect pertinent information in the year 2021. Findings revealed that determining factors responsible for foreign labor migration were primarily low individual income (with a score of 0.72), followed by a lack of employment opportunities (0.66); poor economic conditions (0.57); limited access to social protection (0.42), and child education (0.36). Additionally, other factors that contributed to the migration included social prestige, desire for property accumulation, peer pressure, the decline in agricultural production, lack of education, inability to pay loans, and food insecurity. The finding of this research thus suggests the need to consider these core facts while developing strategies to manage migration so as to impact positive implications in the agrarian context of Nepal.

Assessment of Nutritional Status of Under Five Years Children in Kolati Bhumlu of Kavrepalanchok District

Background: The nutritional status of children is one of the major indicators of child survival and a proxy indicator for the general health of the population. Malnutrition is a significant public health issue in the majority of developing nations and is particularly prevalent among children under five years of age. Mortality and morbidity among children under-five years of age are influence by nutritional status. The context of Nepal, more than one-third (36%) of children under-five years of age stunted or too short for their age. 10% of children wasted (too thin for height), a sign of acute malnutrition. 27% of children underweight or too thin for their age. These children had greater risk of severe acute malnutrition and death. Objective: Study’s objective was to assess the nutritional status of under-five year’s children and factors associated with malnutrition. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Kolati Bhumlu of Kavrepalanchok district of Nepal. A total of 115 under-five year’schildren and their mothers were included in study. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version16 was used to analyze the data. Result: The prevalence of underweight was found to be 28.7% according to the classification of malnutrition based on Z- score .Similarly, the prevalence of wasting was found to be 18.3% and the prevalence of stunting was found to be 29.6%. According to Gomez’s malnutrition classification (NCHS/WHO as standard) for Weight for age (underweight) 3.5% children were severely malnourished. According to Water-low’s classification, regarding the height for age (stunting) 9.6% children were severely malnourished. Regarding MUAC measurement 7.8% children had severe malnutrition. The Gender of the child was associated with stunting. Conclusion: In the study population, the high prevalence of malnutrition especially stunting among under-five years children. Taking weight, height, age, and mid- upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurements of malnourished children more than three-fifths of them were below -2SD and nearly one-fourths were below -3SD which needs intervention.

Does circular economy entrepreneurship drive technical capabilities for circular economy performance? The moderating role of environmental dynamism

Purpose Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV) and the dynamic capabilities view (DCV), this study investigates how circular economy entrepreneurship (CEE) drives technical capabilities (TC) in achieving greater circular economy (CE) performance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under the moderating influence of environmental dynamism. SMEs, facing resource constraints, need to promote CE due to growing stakeholder pressures. Thus, the authors recommend that SMEs via CEE can identify CE opportunities and then develop specific TC to exploit opportunities in the business environment to achieve CE performance. However, in doing so SMEs should pay attention to the varying degrees of environmental dynamism.Design/methodology/approach The RBV and DCV are used as a theoretical lens to investigate the direct and moderation effects between CEE, TC, CE performance and environmental dynamism tested via partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using survey data from 152 managers of SMEs in Nepal.Findings The study results show that CEE directly has a positive and significant effect on the development of TC and CE performance. Similarly, the development of TC drives SMEs to achieve improved CE performance, as evidenced by the positive and significant effect. Interestingly, the results suggest that environmental dynamism significantly improves the relationship between TC and CE performance, but this effect is strongest at high levels of environmental dynamism rather than at low and moderate levels. Additionally, the findings reveal that while environmental dynamism has a positive effect on the relationship between CEE and TC, this effect is insignificant.Originality/value Based on the arguments of the RBV and the DCV, this study explores how environmental dynamism can reduce and amplify SMEs' ability to use CEE to develop TC and improve CEP. First, this study integrates the circular economy and entrepreneurship domains to suggest essential CEP and TC benefits for SMEs via CEE. Second, this study suggests that at low levels of environmental dynamism, CEE has less effect on the SMEs’ development of TC, compared to high levels. Third, this study is conducted in the novel institutional context of Nepal, providing insights regarding how SMEs' CE entrepreneurship impacts TC and CEP.

Development of Education and Health Sector for Socio-Economic Transformation in Nepal

The objective of this research is to examine the socioeconomic transformation of Nepal by analyzing the progress made in its education and health sectors. Education is the means to alter society, economic progress, and human wellbeing. The enhancement of a nation's socioeconomic position may be achieved through improving its education system and using technology. The experiences seen in both industrialized and developing countries provide evidence that educational development initiatives have a transformative impact on the socioeconomic position of these nations. The experiences of Nepal indicate that the development of education has played a crucial role in facilitating both social change and economic prosperity. This study employs a descriptive approach by using secondary data and adopting a secondary research strategy. The study's findings suggest that education development plays a crucial role in driving socioeconomic change within the specific context of Nepal. However, Nepal has not yet attained a desirable result in terms of education development and social change. In order to achieve significant socioeconomic progress, Nepal should prioritize the improvement of its education system.

Managerial understanding of corporate social responsibility in Nepal

PurposeConsidering the ongoing debate regarding the roles of business in society, this paper aims to examine the managerial understanding of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Nepal.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses explanatory sequential design under mixed methods of research. First, the questionnaire survey method was used to collect data from 168 managers of listed companies in Nepal. Second, semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 senior-level managers of listed companies to verify the results obtained from the survey and to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomena.FindingsThe survey results show that managerial understanding of CSR is mainly guided by the notions of corporate philanthropy, stakeholder approach and political CSR, respectively. However, the managerial understanding vis-à-vis political CSR and corporate philanthropy were found to be remarkably positively influenced by the firm’s size, whereas the stakeholder perspective was widely held by the managers regardless of their firm’s size. The interview results largely substantiated questionnaire survey findings and further revealed vivid dimensions within the philanthropic approach, stakeholder approach and political CSR.Practical implicationsGiven the recent legal provisions vis-à-vis mandatory CSR spending in Nepal, the policymakers may devise and update common core and firm-size-specific informational, fiscal-economic, legal and partnering instruments based on the findings of this study. Besides, companies may go for appropriate institutional arrangements for CSR as needed.Originality/valueThe reaffirmation of conventionally accepted roles and the approval of relatively nascent political roles of business in a distinct socio–political–legal–economic context of Nepal can be an important contribution to the literature.

Legitimation Strategies of Social Enterprises in the Institutional Context of Nepal

Legitimation Strategies of Social Enterprises in the Institutional Context of Nepal