Descriptive Qualitative Case Study Research Articles

Innovations and Strategies During Online Teaching in an EdTech Low-Resourced University.

The study focused on identifying innovations deployed by lecturers when teaching online during the COVID-19 pandemic at the University of Zambia. The interpretivist worldview anchors the study. Researchers adopted a descriptive qualitative case study design. Purposefully and conveniently sampled lecturers (n = 21) took part in key informant interviews from the university faculties: the school of education, the school of humanities and social sciences and the school of health sciences. Thematic analyses were applied to the data collected using face-to-face and telephone interview schedules. Results show that all lecturers fully know online instruction's possible challenges. Lecturers have devised innovations that are lecturer-oriented, lesson-oriented, resource-oriented and student-oriented in managing online teaching and learning. The success of online teaching in an EdTech low-resourced university depends on the lecturers' desire to learn, the availability of essential ICT devices, the use of open educational resources-OER, the potential of the use of devices and the availability of internet connectivity. However, intermittent internet connectivity, student absenteeism, a lack of primary ICT devices, and EdTech illiteracy persist. External support-such as continuous professional development programs (CPDs), import duty exemptions or corporate sponsorships and donations-should be sought to facilitate online lessons. Innovation in teaching and learning does not only entail high-tech educational technologies but the use of what works best for a community of learners in a particular context. Though focused on Zambia, the study results reflect the situation and experience of universities in other countries with similar characteristics.

446 A qualitative exploration using focus groups, of the perceived barriers and enablers of hospital pharmacists to participating in simulation based training

Abstract Introduction The role of hospital pharmacists has changed significantly over the past decade with a need for further educational interventions to support their professional development. Simulation based training (SBT) is widely used by other healthcare professionals to enhance skill acquisition and performance (1). However, the use of SBT does not appear to have evolved to the same level for hospital pharmacists (1), and there is no evidence exploring their experiences of participating in SBT and the barriers and enablers towards engaging with this training modality. Aim To explore the experiences and perceptions of hospital pharmacists of SBT, and to identify perceived barriers and enablers of participating in SBT. Methods This was a descriptive qualitative case study. A purposive sample of trainee and qualified pharmacists from a large acute teaching hospital were invited to participate in a focus group discussion. A topic guide was utilised to guide discussions, with topics such as previous SBT experience, barriers to participation within SBT and how they feel SBT would impact on their clinical practice. The focus groups were conducted within a private room, recorded, and transcribed verbatim, then analysed thematically using COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation, behaviour) (2) as an analytical framework. Relevant approvals were obtained prior to commencing the research. Results Seventeen participants were recruited into one of four focus groups, with allocation based on Agenda for Change banding (band 5 to 8A). Focus groups lasted 45-60 minutes. Ten themes were identified and mapped across the COM-B domains with contrasting differences reported depending on participant experience and seniority. Psychological capability (knowledge and understanding of SBT, clinical knowledge and skills), physical opportunity (workload and time pressures, infrastructure to support SBT), social opportunity (social expectations of pharmacists, culture of learning within pharmacy), automatic motivation (emotional factors, desires for professional development), and reflective motivation (perceptions of SBT, belief in own role and abilities) were all factors reported as influencing their participation with SBT in hospital settings. All groups expressed that SBT is mainly focused on clinicians with limited pharmacist involvement as an ‘add on’. Pharmacists reported a lack of confidence in SBT, with limited opportunities for involvement within the hospital setting, and concerns on their ability to communicate with other healthcare professionals during any SBT. Conclusion This is the first known study exploring the experiences of SBT amongst hospital pharmacists. There is a desire to participate in SBT, however it is clear, that significant interventions and further training on SBT modalities are required to enable this, including opportunities to participate in contextualised SBT, reflecting the role, expectations, and professional developmental needs of pharmacists. Clear leadership and signposting are needed to operationalise this and reap the benefits of SBT. These results can be utilised as a framework to support the design and implementation of a successful SBT programme for hospital pharmacists as part of intra-professional and multi-professional SBT programmes. This study is limited as a single-site case study and further investigation is required to explore further views of the hospital pharmacist workforce.

SUPERVISI KEPALA MADRASAH DALAM PROSES PEMBELAJARAN DARING DI MAN 1 MODEL LUBUKLINGGAU

This study aims to find out objectively about the supervision of the head of madrasah, especially academic supervision of the online learning process at MAN 1 Model Lubuklinggau regarding academic supervision planning, supervision implementation academic and follow-up academic supervision caused by changes in system processes face-to-face learning becomes online learning. As for the research approach used is a qualitative descriptive research case study type. Data sources are the head of the madrasa, became a source of informants who were supported by other sources, namely teachers, and education staff at MAN 1 Model Lubuklinggau. While the data collection techniques through in-depth interviews, observation & documentation. Data analysis techniques through examples interactive based on Miles & Huberman. The results showed that: 1) Supervision planning carried out by the head of the madrasah at MAN 1 Model Lubuklinggau has been carried out including the stages of compiling a supervision team, formulating supervision objectives, setting goals, making schedules and studying supervision instruments. 2) Implementation of supervision is carried out with an initial meeting of activities through virtual class visits and observations using a collaborative approach. 3) The results of supervision by use results of planning, implementation and assessment of learning 4) Follow-up, from the implementation of supervision by analyzing the results of supervision, evaluating and guiding teachers, holding meetings, group discussions and holding workshops

Effective Teams in Vocational Rehabilitation: An Exploration of Complexities and Practice in Aotearoa-New Zealand.

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) involves complex skills, and often inter-disciplinary teams need to work effectively to meet the needs of stakeholders. Research highlights important influences on effective teamwork, including funding systems, team structure, policies and procedures, and effects of professional hierarchies. This qualitative study aimed to explore these issues in-depth including how factors interact to produce problems and solutions. We focused on identifying challenges and opportunities for VR teams working in the Aotearoa-New Zealand context which may also be transferrable to other settings. Qualitative descriptive instrumental case study involving focus groups and interviews with two VR teams (n = 14). Teams worked in musculoskeletal injury and were geographically diverse. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Analysis constructed three overarching themes: Having the Power, Being Human, and VR is Not for Everyone. Achieving trusting relationships within the team was paramount. This was achieved through seeing everyone as equal, and as human. Equality within the team was particularly important for professionals that occupied different positions of power in a wider professional hierarchy. VR specialist skills (experience and postgraduate qualifications) were often under-recognised, leading them to have little power in VR decision making processes. VR professionals also experienced competing demands between client needs and business drivers. Findings offer detail of processes teams engage in to create effective team relationships and manage systemic factors to facilitate positive outcomes. Additionally, findings highlight opportunities in decision-making processes for VR medical certification that may increase job satisfaction and better utilize skills and expertise.

ANALISIS STANDARISASI MANAJEMEN PENERIMAAN PESERTA DIDIK DI SEKOLAH DASAR FUTUHIYAH SUKODONO SIDOARJO

Every school has a new student admission system. However, in fact not all schools are able to accept quite a lot of new students, especially schools that have just been established. This study aims to evaluate the management of new student admissions at the Futuhiyah Sukodono Elementary School, Sidoarjo, East Java. The research method is a qualitative descriptive case study approach. Collecting data using interview and observation techniques. The conclusions of this study are: the management of new student admissions at the Futuhiyah Sukodono Elementary School, Sidoarjo, East Java, is in accordance with the standards set in the aspects of planning new student admissions, organizing new student admissions, implementing new student admissions according to standards, and reporting new student admissions, while for monitoring and evaluation of new student admissions is not up to standard

Benefits of a Mentorship Program on Interprofessional Collaboration in Obstetric and Neonatal Care in Rwanda: A Qualitative Descriptive Case Study

BackgroundInterprofessional collaboration (IPC) contributes to optimum patient outcomes. The Training, Support, Access Model for Maternal, New Born, and Child Health (TSAM – MNCH), a project initiated as an innovative model for Rwanda, has provided a mentorship program to improve the quality of emergency obstetric and neonatal care (EmONC )including IPC. However, no research has been conducted to understand the impact of that mentorship on IPC practice.Study objectiveTo identify the impact of the TSAM mentorship on IPC practice in Rwanda from the perspective of hospital managers where TSAM mentorship was implemented and healthcare professionals (HCPs) participated in the mentoring program.MethodsA qualitative descriptive case study was conducted in five district hospitals in the Northern Province of Rwanda. Interviews were conducted with hospital directors and twenty-five HCPs mentees. Data were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed to identify emergent themesResults and discussionsFour themes emerged: a) experience with IPC and TSAM mentorship; b) benefits of TSAM mentorship on IPC, c) challenges with mentoring programs, and 4) suggestions to improve TSAM mentorshipConclusionThe findings indicated an increase in self-confidence and awareness of responsibilities, which contributed to the improved working relationship among the team involved in EmONC.Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2023;6(1):71-83

THE SUPERVISION ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS (JSA) AS THE EFFORT IN INCREASING BEHAVIOR BASED SAFETY (BBS) ON HIGH TENSE WORKING UNITS (HVWU) OF PT. PLN (PERSERO) MALANG AREA

JSA (Job Safety Analysis) is a method used to identify work that has potential hazards ao this method aims at making corrections before the accident happens. The purpose of Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is to explain the potential hazards that arise during the process of work on the working area and control the potential hazards. The supervision on the implementation of JSA is in accordance with the Company’s SOP (Standard opeating Procedure) which is expected to improve the Behavior Based Safety (BBS). Behavior Based Safety (BBS). is a corporate system to change unsafe behavior so that it can educate employees to look for causes of accident-prone behavior. This awakens employees behavior causing the risk of work accident. The observed behavior is documented and discussed in meetings, so that everyone can have a safer environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of Job Safety Analysis method. This research was located in PT. PLN Persero Malang Area. The subject of this research was focused on unit PDKB/High Tense Working Unit (HTWU) of PT. PLN (Persero) Malang Area. The sampling technique used in this research was purposive sampling and snowball sampling. The data collection techniques in this study used observation techniques, interviews, and documentation. The type of this research was descriptive qualitative case study. The results of this study indicate that High Tense Working Unit (HVWU) of PT. PLN (Persero) Malang Area has identified potential hazard periodically by using Job Safety Analysis method. Therefore, PT. PLN (Persero) Malang Area has a way of improving Behavior Based Safety (BBS) using JSA training, dismissal of workers, regulation socialization, implementation of safety awareness program and giving a sanction.

MODERATE ISLAM TO REDUCE CONFLICT AND MEDIATE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST: A CASE OF NAHDLATUL ULAMA AND MUHAMMADIYAH

Nahdhatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah are two moderate Islamic organizations in Indonesia which operate in the area of preaching amar ma’ruf nahi munkar, and enlightenment tajdid, sourced from the Al-Quran and Sunnah. Besides being known as a religious organization, NU and Muhammadiyah are also known as organizations that play an active role in the humanitarian field. The study is based on the premise that religious discourse as a resolution can come in various forms and strategies, even by involving actors from across disciplines and countries. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine the role of NU and Muhammadiyah organizations in reducing conflict and realizing peace in the Middle East. This research used a qualitative descriptive case study method with NU and Muhammadiyah as research subjects. Miles and Huberman model was used for data analysis which required data collection, data presentation, data condensation, and drawing conclusions. In this study, it was found that in helping to create world peace, NU and Muhammadiyah had done a number of things. In the international arena, NU played a major role in global peace efforts. This role can be seen when NU actively initiated, organized, and led various meetings and conferences and interfaith dialogues. NU also formed the International Conference of Islamic Scholars or the Ulama Conference. and World Muslim Scholars. The role of Muhammadiyah, too, included resolving conflicts in Central Africa, Palestine, and the Rohingya Muslim Conflict. In resolving the Middle East conflict, Muhammadiyah was actively involved in sending aid, for example in the Palestinian conflict, Muhammadiyah formed Muhammadiyah AID.

Student Teachers’ Experiences of Open Distance e-Learning Support in a Posthuman Era: A Learner Engagement Perspective

Online learning uses information and communication technologies which rely on reliable connectivity. While this is a giant step to widen access in South African education as shown by a number of studies conducted already regarding online learning, less focus has been paid on rural students which are under-resourced. They are presumed to have access and support to online learning and assistive ICTs that make online learning possible. Therefore, the focus for this study was on KwaZulu-Natal rural student teachers’ experiences of open distance e-learning in a posthuman era. The study focused on students’ experiences regarding online support tools like discussion forum and others as tools for student engagement and support on myUnisa platform. The problem was investigated using a descriptive qualitative case study, which used individual interviews. The study involved fifteen UNISA student teachers from KZN and the findings revealed that, notwithstanding the countless challenges, students were very passionate about the use of online learning in open distance e-learning and they showed a desire to engage more using different types of devices and platforms as they learn through social media and also showed that learning resides in technological appliances they use(posthumanism), hence the study’s conclusion and implications stress that the distance between the student and the institution, student and lecturer and student and other students can be mediated and reduced through proper student support services such as provision of gadgets for internet connection, proper telecommunications infrastructure, ICT workshops and training for all students and in posthumanism terms, formal integration of social networks in learning in light of the finding that learning is non-linear and resides in technological devices used to connect students.

Dual‐role nurse interpreter perceptions of language barriers and Spanish‐speaking patients: A qualitative study

As the United States population is ever changing and is growing in diverse population patterns, the health care system is called to initiate responsive health care practices that are based on the public's changing and diverse cultural patterns. This study sought to explore the perceptions of certified medical interpreter dual-role nurses and their experiences with Spanish-speaking patients from admission to discharge in hospital stays. A qualitative descriptive case study was applied in this study. Data was collected from nurses working at a United States Southwest Borderland hospital using purposive sampling and semi-structured in-depth interviews. A total of four dual-role nurses participated, and thematic narrative analysis was applied. Four major themes emerged. The main themes were "being a dual-role nurse interpreter," "patient experience," "culture and competence, "and "nursing and caring," With each major theme multiple sub themes emerged. Two sub themes emerged with "being a dual-role nurse interpreter," and two sub themes emerged with "patient experiences." The major themes that emerged from the interviews indicated that the language barrier greatly affects Spanish-speaking patients in their hospital stay. Participants reported having at least one encounter with a Spanish-speaking patient that was not afforded interpretation services or had interpretation from someone other than a qualified interpreter. Patients experienced confusion, apprehension and anger associated with not being able to communicate their needs to the healthcare system. According to the experiences of the certified dual-role nurse interpreters, having a language barrier makes a tremendous impact on the care of Spanish-speaking patients. Nurse participants describe how patients and their family members experience dissatisfaction, anger and confusion when there is a language barrier and most importantly how language barriers have detrimental effects on patients with wrong medication prescriptions and wrong diagnosis. When hospital administration recognize and support nurses as certified medical interpreters as a key component for patient care when assisting persons with limited English proficiency, patients are empowered to become active members of their healthcare regimen. The role of dual-role nurses enables brokering between the healthcare system and serves as a tool to bridge health disparities based on linguistic inequities existing in healthcare. Recruitment and retention of certified medical interpreter trained Spanish-speaking nurses deter errors in healthcare and makes a positive impact on the healthcare regimen of Spanish-speaking patients enabling patient empowerment through education and advocacy.

RETRACTED] Land Redistribution Policy in Amhara National Regional State: The Case of Basoliben Woreda, East Gojjam Zone, North-Western Ethiopia

Abstract Land redistribution is the deliberate act of governments to handle the problems of social inequality and poverty. The objective of this study was to assess the 1996 land redistribution policy of Amhara National Regional State (ANRS) in terms of its process of implementation, the criteria used and the socio-economic effects of the policy, specifically in Basoliben woreda farmers. Employing a qualitative descriptive case study design, primary sources of data were collected through key informant interviews and focus group discussion (FGD) whereas secondary data was gathered from different documents. Both cross-case analysis and document analysis were used to analyze the collected data. The findings of the study implied that the redistribution policy in ANRS has resulted in both positive and negative effects on the socio-economic life of farmers. Among the positive effects, landless, women and marginalized sections of the society like artisans got access to land. The negative effects include political allegiance used as the mere criteria to allocate land, the reprisal rationale of the regional government to undertake the policy, implementation problems like lack of transparency, land corruption and lack of monitoring and evaluation systems which further resulted in inequality which needs to be addressed.

COVID-19’s impact on care practice for alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency patients

BackgroundPatients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), commonly categorized as a rare disease, have been affected by the changes in healthcare management brought about by COVID-19. This study’s aim was to identify the changes that have taken place in AATD patient care as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain and to propose experts’ recommendations aimed at ensuring humanized and quality care for people with AATD in the post-pandemic situation.MethodsA qualitative descriptive case study with a holistic single-case design was conducted, using focus groups with experts in AATD clinical management, including 15 health professionals with ties to the Spanish health system (12 pneumologists and 2 hospital pharmacists from 11 different hospitals in Spain) and 1 patient representative.ResultsCOVID-19 has had a major impact on numerous aspects of AATD clinical patient management in Spain, including diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up phases. The experts concluded that there is a need to strengthen coordination between Primary Care and Hospital Care and improve the coordination processes across all the organizations and actors involved in the healthcare system. Regarding telemedicine and telecare, experts have concluded that it is necessary to promote this methodology and to develop protocols and training programs. Experts have recommended developing personalized and precision medicine, and patient participation in decision-making, promoting self-care and patient autonomy to optimize their healthcare and improve their quality of life. The possibility of monitoring and treating AATD patients from home has also been proposed by experts. Another result of the study was the recommendation of the need to ensure that plasma donations are made on a regular basis by a sufficient number of healthy individuals.ConclusionThe study advances knowledge by highlighting the challenges faced by health professionals and changes in AATD patient management in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also proposes experts’ recommendations aimed at ensuring humanized and quality care for people with AATD in the post-pandemic situation. This work could serve as a reference study for physicians on their daily clinical practice with AATD patients and may also provide guidance on the changes to be put in place for the post-pandemic situation.

IMPLEMENTATION OF CHARACTER EDUCATION AT CIVIC EDUCATION IN 5.0 ERA ON FIFTH GRADE STATE ELEMENTARY EDUCATION VIDYA QASANA

The purpose of this research is to apply the character education model in the 5.0 era, find out the obstacles faced, and solutions that can be implemented in character education for fifth grade students at SDN Vidya Qasana. This research is a descriptive qualitative research case study method. The research subjects were school principals, fifth grade teachers, fifth grade students and gardeners. Sources of research data, researchers obtained from observation, interviews, and documentation. Data collection techniques through interview techniques, observation, and documentation. The validity of the data in this study were technical triangulation and peer discussion. Data analysis was carried out through the process of data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The results showed that (1) The application of character education in Civics learning in class V era 5.0 in K13 learning was carried out by the teacher by giving concrete examples to students, respecting differences, instilling discipline, disposing of waste according to its type and instilling social attitudes. (2) The results of implementing character education in Civics learning in class can be seen from the teaching and learning activities in class showing several attitudes, among others, mutual respect, submitting assignments on time, leaving class asking permission, not being noisy in class, and independent learning not depending on people other. (3) Obstacles and solutions to implementing character education at SDN Vidya Qasana. The obstacle is the lack of cooperation between the school and parents of students, students often ignore politeness, teachers do not respond to programs made by the principal who are still concerned with their personal interests. The solution to facing these obstacles is to establish communication between schools and parents of students, remind each other between students, and increase cooperation between teacher boards.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, DIVERSITY, AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION: A Case Study of Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia Lab School in Building a Culture of Tolerance and Interreligious Dialogue

Building a culture of tolerance and interreligious dialogue is one of the important agendas for creating religious harmony in various contexts. This study analyzes the concept of religious education and conflict resolution initiated by Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia Lab School in building a culture of tolerance and interfaith dialogue among Muslim and non-Muslim students. UPI Lab School is an educational institution with diverse students from different religious backgrounds. This research used a qualitative approach and descriptive case study method by collecting data through interviews, observation, and documentation. The data analysis employed the Miles and Huberman procedure framework through three stages: data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification. The result showed several findings: 1) the internalization of religious moderation is manifested in the school’s curriculum and learning process, 2) the learning model is based on freedom and non-coercion and builds a moderate and dynamic discussion space, 3) the school carries out conflict resolution and inter-religious dialogue by communicating with non-Muslim parents and external parties to avoid misunderstanding, and 4) the strengthening of religious identity is built through open discussion based on freedom of opinion for every student, without any form of coercion and discrimination.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, DIVERSITY, AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION: A Case Study of Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia Lab School in Building a Culture of Tolerance and Interreligious Dialogue

Building a culture of tolerance and interreligious dialogue is one of the important agendas for creating religious harmony in various contexts. This study analyzes the concept of religious education and conflict resolution initiated by Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia Lab School in building a culture of tolerance and interfaith dialogue among Muslim and non-Muslim students. UPI Lab School is an educational institution with diverse students from different religious backgrounds. This research used a qualitative approach and descriptive case study method by collecting data through interviews, observation, and documentation. The data analysis employed the Miles and Huberman procedure framework through three stages: data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification. The result showed several findings: 1) the internalization of religious moderation is manifested in the school’s curriculum and learning process, 2) the learning model is based on freedom and non-coercion and builds a moderate and dynamic discussion space, 3) the school carries out conflict resolution and inter-religious dialogue by communicating with non-Muslim parents and external parties to avoid misunderstanding, and 4) the strengthening of religious identity is built through open discussion based on freedom of opinion for every student, without any form of coercion and discrimination.

Orton-Gillingham Approach as an Online Intervention for Learners Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) in Mathematics: A Descriptive Case Study

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive case study was to investigate whether the use of Orton-Gillingham Math as an intervention in teaching a child diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) with impairment in mathematics lead to an improvement in addition skills. This study had a single participant chosen purposively based on the criteria namely diagnosis, arithmetic calculation level, and unfamiliarity with OG-Math intervention. The learner-participant was taught using the OG-Math approach which two main features are multisensory approach and concrete-representational-abstract progression via an online platform for twice-a-week over a period of four weeks. The pre and post evaluation of the learner-participant’s Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician and the pre and post paper and pencil test which was composed of 75-item addition problems conducted by the teacher were used to determine the learner-participant’s basic operation addition fact knowledge prior and subsequent to the implementation of OG-Math online intervention. The data were analyzed using trustworthy thematic analysis and pattern matching. The analysis revealed that the learner-participant can already solve addition problems involving 3-digit addends with and without regrouping after the math intervention from only being able to solve single-digit addition problems. Hence, it is recommended to mathematics teachers to use OG-Math approach as an online intervention to children with ADHD and SLD with impairment in math to improve their addition skills.

University Students’ Experiences of the Teaching and Learning of an Acupuncture Programme: A South African Case Study

The quality of teaching and learning in educational programmes at higher education institutions (HEIs) cannot be overemphasised. This is of particular importance in skills programmes, such as acupuncture, because the teaching and learning of acupuncture at HEIs significantly influence students' competence in the world of work. Acupuncture is one of the most popular alternative treatments globally and contributes to improving public health. To provide quality acupuncture services to the public, HEIs must ensure that their students are competent in implementing the knowledge and skills gained in the programmes. The focus of this study is to explore students' experiences with the teaching and learning of the acupuncture programme at a South African HEI. A conceptual framework adapted from Shulman's (1986) Pedagogical Content Knowledge model and Mishra and Koehler's (2006) Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge model was utilised as a theoretical lens in this study. A descriptive qualitative single case study design was employed. The authors adopted a purposive sampling technique to recruit ten participants from the identified HEI. The findings of this study revealed that students' ambivalent experiences in the acupuncture programme. The findings will contribute to the improvement of quality teaching and learning of an acupuncture programme. This study concluded that diverse teaching and learning strategies should be implemented in the acupuncture programme, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bottlenecks of Gender Equality in West Oromia, Ethiopia

The study aimed at investigating bottlenecks of gender equality in West Oromia, Ethiopia. The study employed descriptive qualitative case study. Data collection methods were in-depth interview, key informant, observation and document review. The study vividly found out that traditionally, parents’ property is passed through men line, in which women have limited accessibility and controlling over the resources. The study also showed that women and men were paid differently for the same activities especially in informal sector. This devalued women’s work capability since their payment is varyingly treated for the same or similar tasks in daily laboring. Women are socially discriminated, excluded, negatively stereotyped and perceived as inferior and weak. It is also important to note that women are mythically discriminated, degraded and negatively labeled. The study recommends that in order to ensure and bring gender equality, these complicated bottlenecks should be addressed by engaging various stakeholders including public and private sectors, local and international non-governmental organizations and other concerned actors.

Assessment of Student leadership Training program based on Student Leaders Perceptions: Case of a Private Secondary School in Zimbabwe.

The purpose of this was to evaluated the effectiveness of Student Leadership training program carried out for the newly elected student leaders of a private secondary school in Zimbabwe. A qualitative descriptive case study was used in this study. Ten 10 student leaders were purposively selected from a total of 24 student leaders. In-depth interviews were used to solicit the student leaders’ perceptions on the effectiveness of the student leadership training offered to the newly elected student leaders. Data collected was analysed using thematic Analysis. Findings of the study indicate that the student leadership program was deemed effective as it became an eye opener for most of the student leaders as it helped some to change their attitudes for better. The major strengths of the training program that were highlighted include that firstly the timing was very appropriate, coming soon after the installation and inauguration of the new leaders, before they assumed duties so they could be adequately equipped so as to avoid making blunders. Secondly, the training included team building activities and thirdly, that it was grounded on Christian principles such as honesty, integrity and Commitment to serve and uphold the school rules in an exemplary way. This equipped the budding leaders with key leadership skills and competencies such as interpersonal skills, effective communication skills, decision making strategies, problem solving skills as well as collaborative skills. Most participants opined that they got to understand their duties and responsibilities better and could feel confident to function as liaison between student body and faculty. On the other hand, the student leadership training had a major limitation of time constraint. Hence some of the topics were scantly covered and others such as issues of punishment were not covered at all. In conclusion, student leadership training should be considered seriously as an essential training not only of student leaders but as an opportunity to nurture and groom budding leaders for tomorrow. The study recommends that in future, the training could be more effective if it is carried out for 2-3 consecutive days of if it is split into 2 distinct phases, thus allowing for more interactive team building activities.

The Pattern of Disseminating Information on The Garut Regency DISPARBUD in The Development of Ecovillage

Indonesia is known to the world for the tourism it offers. Various approaches to tourism are now emerging over time, and one of the focuses of government development is village-based tourism or ecovillage toursim. The development of this tourist village itself cannot run well if there is no cooperation between the local government and the local community. Therefore, there is a need for communication between the two parties who have a similar vision and mission and are able to work together to develop an ecovillage. This is also what the West Java government and the people of Garut city are doing to develop tourist villages in their area. This study aims to determine the pattern of information dissemination carried out by the Garut Regency Tourism and Culture Office (DISPARBUD) in the development of an ecovillage-based tourism. Using a qualitative descriptive case study method and involving three members of DISPARBUD as the participants, the results of this study indicate that DIPSPARBUD has a simple pattern of disseminating information to local communities regarding the development of ecovillage. This pattern goes through three stages namely; (1) Information distribution (determining communicators, compiling messages, scheduling socialization), (2) Performance reporting (analyzing and responding to the effects of communication, (3) Managing stakeholders (evaluation). With this communication pattern, DISPARBUD seeks to optimize the delivery of information regarding development a tourist village that continues to move forward and is expected to produce many other tourist villages in the future