Design Research Approach Research Articles

Codevelopment and Deployment of a System for the Telemonitoring of Activities of Daily Living Among Older Adults Receiving Home Care Services: Protocol for an Action Design Research Study.

Telemonitoring of activities of daily living (ADLs) offers significant potential for gaining a deeper insight into the home care needs of older adults experiencing cognitive decline, particularly those living alone. In 2016, our team and a health care institution in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, sought to test this technology to enhance the support provided by home care clinical teams for older adults residing alone and facing cognitive deficits. The Support for Seniors' Autonomy program (SAPA [Soutien à l'autonomie des personnes âgées]) project was initiated within this context, embracing an innovative research approach that combines action research and design science. This paper presents the research protocol for the SAPA project, with the aim of facilitating the replication of similar initiatives in the future. The primary objectives of the SAPA project were to (1) codevelop an ADL telemonitoring system aligned with the requirements of key stakeholders, (2) deploy the system in a real clinical environment to identify specific use cases, and (3) identify factors conducive to its sustained use in a real-world setting. Given the context of the SAPA project, the adoption of an action design research (ADR) approach was deemed crucial. ADR is a framework for crafting practical solutions to intricate problems encountered in a specific organizational context. This project consisted of 2 cycles of development (alpha and beta) that involved cyclical repetitions of stages 2 and 3 to develop a telemonitoring system for ADLs. Stakeholders, such as health care managers, clinicians, older adults, and their families, were included in each codevelopment cycle. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected throughout this project. The first iterative cycle, the alpha cycle, took place from early 2016 to mid 2018. The first prototype of an ADL telemonitoring system was deployed in the homes of 4 individuals receiving home care services through a public health institution. The prototype was used to collect data about care recipients' ADL routines. Clinicians used the data to support their home care intervention plan, and the results are presented here. The prototype was successfully deployed and perceived as useful, although obstacles were encountered. Similarly, a second codevelopment cycle (beta cycle) took place in 3 public health institutions from late 2018 to late 2022. The telemonitoring system was installed in 31 care recipients' homes, and detailed results will be presented in future papers. To our knowledge, this is the first reported ADR project in ADL telemonitoring research that includes 2 iterative cycles of codevelopment and deployment embedded in the real-world clinical settings of a public health system. We discuss the artifacts, generalization of learning, and dissemination generated by this protocol in the hope of providing a concrete and replicable example of research partnerships in the field of digital health in cognitive aging. RR1-10.2196/52284.

Pre-service Education Students’ Commitment Level to Their Career Choice

The study attempted to establish commitment level to career choice of pre-service education students in six public and private universities in Kenya. The third and fourth year pre-service education students were the respondents. Correlational research design and concurrent mixed method approach was employed in this study. Purposive, cluster and convenience sampling methods were used. Data were gathered by the use of questionnaires and interviews. In data analysis, frequencies, means, standard deviation, linear regression and Pearson product moment correlation coefficient were used. The pre-service education students were found to be moderately committed to their career choice. The study recommends Improvement of career guidance in schools so that students clearly understand and choose careers in relation to their interest and abilities because this will increase their commitment to their career choices and reduce the job hopping being experienced in the world of work.

Relationship between Grief and Loss Counselling and Adjustment of Social Behaviours among the Elderly in Sigowet-Soin Sub County of Kericho County

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between grief and loss counselling and the adjustment of social behaviours among the elderly in Sigowet-Soin Sub County of Kericho County, Kenya. The study utilized a person-centered theory and adopted a concurrent mixed methods research design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative study employed an experimental design, while the qualitative study utilized a case study design. The target population consisted of 60 elderly individuals, with 30 selected for the study group and another 30 for the control group using stratified random sampling. Data collection involved the use of questionnaires and in-depth interviews, with research instruments validated by experts and supervisors. The reliability of the instruments was determined through a pilot study in Sigowet-Soin constituency, employing test-retest method and Pearson correlation coefficient. Quantitative analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics, presenting findings through frequency distribution tables, diagrams, pie charts, and bar graphs. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. The study revealed no statistically significant differences between the intervention group and control group in terms of grief and loss counselling (p >0.05). Thus, the study concluded that grief and loss counselling interventions did not help improve the social behaviours of the elderly. Grief and loss counselling has no significant effect in enhancing social behaviour of the elderly. The assessment of the grief and loss social behaviour reveals the need for further analysis to understand the effective strategies to assist elderly people cope up with the profound losses. Since the program implemented was not statistically significant. Further studies can help the influential factors on depression, stress management, self-esteem and relationship problems among the elderly.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of using flipped classroom in puncture skills teaching

BackgroundThe effectiveness of flipped classroom (FC) on puncture skills in medical education is still uncertain. This study aimed to assess the role of the FC model in puncture skills and investigate the acceptance and approval of FC among medical students and instructors.MethodsA mixed research approach of quasi-experimental research design and descriptive qualitative research was conducted in September 2022 for one month, using an FC teaching method that combined instructional videos and group learning. The study participants were 71 fifth-year medical students from two classes at a Chinese medical school and four instructors. The medical students were randomly divided into two groups: the traditional classroom (TC) group (Group A) and the FC group (Group B). For teaching, Group B used FC, and Group A used PowerPoint-based TC. The effectiveness of the two teaching models was assessed with Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), and questionnaires were distributed to the medical students and instructors after the assessment. Two independent sample t-tests were used to analyse the differences in demographic data and the OSCE scores of the two groups of medical students.ResultsGroup B scored higher in puncture skills than Group A, especially regarding abdominal puncture (p = 0.03), thoracentesis (p < 0.001), bone marrow puncture (p < 0.001) and average performance of puncture skills (p < 0.001). For lumbar puncture, no difference in skill scores was observed between groups A and B (p > 0.409). The medical students thought that the FC improved their self-learning ability and helped them acquire knowledge. Regarding the OSCE of their skills, most medical students thought that it was more innovative and objective than traditional examinations and that it was better for assessing their overall abilities. Both the FC and OSCE were supported by the medical students. The instructors were also satisfied with the students’ performance in the FC and supported the teaching model, agreeing to continue using it.ConclusionsThis study shows that FC teaching that combines instructional videos and group learning is a reliable and well-received teaching method for puncture skills, which supplements and expands existing teaching methods in the medical field.

Self-Efficacy, Teacher’s Attitude, and English Language Learning Achievements

Student’s learning achievement is affected by internal and external factors. This study aimed to discover the relationship between self-efficacy and teachers' attitudes with SMP N (State Junior High School) 1 Bantul student learning achievement in English language subjects. The self-efficacy variable is considered the internal factor, while the teacher’s attitude is one of the external factors. This study is quantitative research using the non-experimental research design and correlational approach. The research population involved 320 students of Grade VIII of SMP N 1 Bantul, selected using the cluster random sampling technique. The research data were collected using the self-efficacy scale adapted from Gafoor &amp; Ashraf (2006), the teacher’s attitude scale compiled by Yuzarion (2014), and students’ final semester examination grades from the Even Semester Year 2022/2023. The data analysis technique applied to analyze these data was multiple linear regression using the assistance of the SPSS application. In the minor hypothesis testing, an R-value of .539 was obtained for the self-efficacy variable, and .690 for the teacher attitude variable with a probability value of .000. Based on the results of multiple regression analysis for the major hypothesis, an R-value of .701 was obtained with a probability value of .000. These results mean that there is a strong relationship between self-efficacy and teacher attitudes towards student’s learning achievement. The effective contribution separately for the self-efficacy variable is 8.8% and 40.3% for the teacher attitude variable. The total effective contribution is 49.1%, with the remaining 50.9% influenced by other variables not discussed in this research.

An Investigation into the Role of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Mineral Valuation: A Study of Anambra State

This study investigated the role of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in mineral valuation in Anambra State, Nigeria. The research aimed to determine the extent to which Estate Surveyors and Valuers are involved in mineral valuation and to identify the challenges they face in carrying out their duties. The study utilized a mixed-methods research design, combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A total of 65 Estate Surveyors and Valuers respondents were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The study found that Estate Surveyors and Valuers prioritize and concentrate more on property valuation than on mineral valuation in Anambra State. They should be involved in the valuation of mining properties, compensation negotiations, mineral lease rentals, and royalty assessments. However, their role in mineral valuation is not well understood by stakeholders in the mining sector. The study identified inadequate funding, inadequate infrastructure, and inadequate regulatory frameworks as the major challenges facing mineral valuation in Anambra State. The research also revealed that the use of internationally recognized standards for mineral valuation is not prevalent in Anambra State. This suggests the need for Estate Surveyors and Valuers to adopt global best practices in mineral valuation to enhance the credibility of the process and improve the investment attractiveness of the mining sector. The study recommends the need for capacity building and training of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in mineral valuation. This will enhance their knowledge and understanding of the mining sector and its valuation processes, leading to improved valuation outcomes.

Enhancing Marketing Transparency and Trust through Blockchain Technology

This research delved into the intersection of blockchain technology and marketing, aiming to investigate its transformative potential in enhancing transparency, trust, and reducing ad fraud. Employing a mixed-methods research design, both quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed to comprehensively address the research objectives. In the quantitative phase, a stratified random sampling technique was utilized to select participants from diverse demographic segments, including both consumers and marketing professionals. Surveys and digital analytics tools were employed to collect data on trust levels, perceptions, and customer engagement in traditional and blockchain-based marketing initiatives. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and ANOVA, were conducted to determine the significance of blockchain's impact. The qualitative phase involved purposive sampling of key informants for in-depth interviews, providing nuanced insights into experiences and perceptions regarding blockchain technology in marketing. Content analysis and thematic analysis were applied to marketing materials and qualitative data, respectively. The integration of findings from both phases allowed for a comprehensive understanding of blockchain's impact on marketing, emphasizing its transformative potential. Limitations, such as the challenge of capturing the rapidly evolving nature of blockchain technology, were acknowledged.

The Effect of Customer Satisfaction, E-Word of Mouth, and Initial Trust on Livin's Mobile Banking Adoption Interest

This research aims to investigate the impact of positive Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) on the adoption of Mobile Banking. In this study, it was found that Argument Quality, Valence, and Customer Satisfaction have a positive influence on Initial Trust, which in turn affects the intention to adopt Mobile Banking. This study uses a descriptive research design approach with empirical data collected through an online survey of PT Bank X's customer respondents in East Jakarta. The collected data was subsequently analyzed using the Partial Least Square (PLS) analysis method with the aid of smartPLS 4.0 software. The results of this study, there is no positive impact from Consistency and Volume Review on Initial Trust. The findings of this study provide recommendations to banks to leverage positive eWOM to encourage customers to adopt Mobile Banking. These findings emphasize the importance of Customer Satisfaction in enhancing Initial Trust, which contributes to the usage of Mobile Banking applications and Customer Satisfaction

Feasibility and uptake of a digital mental health intervention for depression among Lebanese and Syrian displaced people in Lebanon: a qualitative study.

Digital interventions are increasingly regarded as a potential solution for the inaccessibility of mental health treatment across low-and-middle-income settings, especially for common mental disorders. Step-by-Step (SbS) is a digital, guided self-help intervention for depression found effective in two Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) in Lebanon. For research implementation and further scale-up, this paper reports the results of a qualitative evaluation of SbS among the Lebanese and others and displaced Syrians in Lebanon. Thirty-four Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were executed with participants of the RCTs, SbS staff members, and external stakeholders. Questions garnered feedback about the feasibility, acceptability, enabling factors, and barriers to adhering to the research, implementation, and the SbS intervention. A thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo, and key themes, topics, and recommendations, on research methods and the intervention itself, were generated and reported. Results showed a high level of acceptability of SbS among Lebanese and Syrians and identified sub-groups for whom acceptance or use might be lower, such as older adults and people with limited access to the internet or smartphones. Furthermore, interviews identified the main enabling factors and barriers to adherence related to the research design, content, and delivery approach. Barriers related to feasibility included lengthy assessments as part of the RCTs, and mistrust related to delays in study compensations. Other common challenges were forgetting login credentials, poor internet connection, being busy and competing needs. Enabling factors and best practices included motivating participants to use the intervention through the weekly support provided by helpers, setting an oral contract for commitment, and dividing the compensations into several installments as part of the RCTs. Recommendations regarding sustainability were given. The findings show that overall, SbS is feasible, acceptable, and much needed in Lebanon among the Lebanese and Syrians. This assessment identifies reasons for low adherence to the research and the intervention and presents improvement solutions. Recommendations generated in this paper inform the upscale of SbS and the planning, design, and implementation of future digital interventions in research and service provision settings in the mental health field.

Handling Projects Under Unprecedented risks: Challenges and Threats

The unprecedented risks pandemic has been the biggest worldwide health crisis in decades. Apart from unprecedented number of hospitalizations and deaths, the pandemic has led to in the financial and economic downturns and business disruptions. The current will aim to establish the implications of the unprecedented risks pandemic on the projects in the UAE. The main objective of the research will be to identify the challenges facing the UAE projects and determine the success of risk management. In addition to that, the research will focus on identifying the most impacted project knowledge areas by the pandemic and the effectiveness of government support to help the business sustain the success of their projects. The research will also address the strategies followed by project managers to recover the delay of projects caused by the pandemic. The descriptive research design and deductive approach will be adopted for the study. Simple random sampling method and purposive sampling method will be applied in the selection of respondents for quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. A total of 50 project managers and 5 senior project managers working in the UAE will be sample for the survey and interview method, respectively. Survey and interview data will be collected will be using the close-ended online and open-ended questionnaire, respectively. It is expected that the research will find a significant impact of unprecedented risks pandemic on the number of days to complete the projects in the UAE. The finding will also reveal that the pandemic has resulted in inadequate access to labor and raw materials, thereby resulting in delay of the business projects. The implications of this research would inform the decision and policy-makers in the UAE to employ efficient ways of addressing the issues and challenges for the stability of the sector.

Unlocking e-commerce potential: micro and small enterprises strike back in the food and beverage industry

PurposeThe recent pandemic period (COVID-19), while negatively impacting many companies, has contributed to the growth and adoption of online platforms such as marketplaces and e-commerce. This environment has led many companies, which previously acted only through offline channels, to adopt new technologies and online channels and develop new e-commerce strategies. Small and micro enterprises are most vulnerable due to their limited resources and lack of capabilities. For this reason, the main objective of this paper is to unveil the e-commerce implementation capabilities that micro and small enterprises should build and the challenges they must face when managing an e-commerce strategy.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopted an inductive qualitative research design approach focused on multiple case studies. The firms operate in the food and beverage industry.FindingsThe findings identify several e-commerce implementation capabilities that micro and small enterprises operating in the food and beverage industry should build to manage e-commerce strategies. These are related to outsourcing management, multichannel management, time management, internal stock management and marketplace choice. Moreover, the paper identifies key e-commerce implementation challenges these firms must cope with. These regard distribution management, potential loss of control, fresh product management and lack of resources, time and capabilities.Originality/valueThis research shows that proper capacity management in the implementation of micro and small enterprises e-commerce strategies is critical to achieving efficient results and preventing challenges that threaten such strategies. The research offers guidelines and frameworks for micro and small enterprises to understand how to manage e-commerce and face its challenges.

Determinants of profitability of insurance companies in Ethiopia: evidence from insurance companies from 2011 to 2020 years

The profitability of insurance companies has been the focus of several studies within the rise of economies across the countries worldwide. This study aimed to identify determinants of profitability of insurance companies in Ethiopian. The study used nine insurance companies selected by purposive sampling technique among the total 17 insurance companies in Ethiopia from period of 2011 to 2020 based on their establishment. Descriptive, causal research design and quantitative research approach were adopted in carrying out this study. Classical linear regression model under estimation of ordinary least square was employed to identify the determinants of profitability of insurance companies in Ethiopia at 5% level of significance. The classical linear regression model revealed that variable age of the company, tangibility of an asset, size of the company, managerial efficiency, leverage ratio, premium growth and GDP have a positive coefficient relationship with return on asset while loss ratio and inflation have a negative coefficient relationship with return on asset. On the other hand, age of the company size, managerial efficiency, leverage ratio, liquidity ration inflation and premium growth have statistically significant at 5% confidence interval level, whereas the other variables such tangibility of asset and GDP have no statistical significance at 5% confidence interval level. The insurance companies’ previous profit, age of the company, company size, managerial efficiency, leverage ratio, liquidity ratio, loss ratio, premium growth and inflation rate variables are significant key drivers of profitability of Ethiopian insurance companies. Giving due attention to the sector in line with key factors affecting the profitability will improve the overall performance of the insurance companies in Ethiopia.

EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF TEACHER SUPPORT FOR STUDENT LEARNING IN DIVERSE EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS: A FOCUS ON STUDENTS' SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUSES

The educational landscape is an intricate ecosystem where students' growth is significantly influenced by their interactions with teachers and peers. In this context, teachers assume multifaceted roles as facilitators, mentors, and motivators, providing crucial support for students' learning. However, disparities in teacher support based on demographic factors, such as parental income and parental education, can contribute to educational inequalities. This research paper delves into the realm of teacher support for student learning, with a focus on its relationship with students' socio-economic backgrounds. The population of the study is senior secondary school children in Sri Lanka. A total of 1350 secondary school children from the North, South, East, West and Central parts of the country served as participants in this study. A stratified sampling technique was used to select the sample for this study. A survey research design and quantitative research approach were used to conduct the study. A self-administered questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale was used as the instrument for data collection from students. Data are analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23. One-way MANOVA and Two-way MANOVA are used for data analysis. The study found no statistically significant differences based on the educational levels of both fathers and mothers. This indicates that teacher support remains consistent irrespective of variations in parental education. Similarly, the study examined the impact of parental income on teacher support and found no statistically significant differences among different income groups. However, students from families with incomes between Rs. 46,001 and Rs. 150,000 received the highest level of teacher support. In conclusion, this research highlights the pivotal role of teacher support in students' academic and socio-emotional development. It demonstrates that teacher support is generally consistent, regardless of parental educational levels or income. While these findings are encouraging, they also emphasise the need for further research and policy interventions to ensure equitable distribution of teacher support and reduce educational disparities. Ultimately, this research contributes valuable insights to foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students, regardless of their socio-economic background, parental education, or income level.

Challenges in Conducting Co-Creation Workshops to Study Net Zero Understandings, Initiatives and Sustainable Design Futures with Grassroots Communities - A Case Study

The Co-creation workshop is widely used as a qualitative design (research) approach in understandings of service provision, and is here applied to sustainable design, but there is no one-size-fits-all plan for co-creation. Therefore, our research questions are (1) how to apply co-creation workshop methods for grassroots communities on the unfamiliar ‘Net-Zero’ concept, and what are practical challenges to be mitigated and how? We researched this through a case study, and here present three key challenges we experienced when conducting a qualitative study on grassroots community opinions/attitudes towards the UK government’s ‘Net-Zero’ strategy. Firstly, recruiting and engaging with participants are challenging because (A) the ‘Net-Zero’ concept is unfamiliar, and (B) grassroots are in general less well organized and lack clear communication channels. Secondly, finding alternative ways to recruit participants in a short time is challenging, and thirdly, conducting research in the ‘wild’ way is difficult. From our co-creation experience, advisable solutions to the challenges (as our research contributions) include (1) quickly developing or having a well-prepared alternative plan to actively talk to and invite potential participants to the research location, (2) using alternative qualitative research methods such as short semi-structured surveys or interviews to do on-site ‘pop-up’ research in the wild, and (3) to locate a workshop where is easier to find participants in the ‘pop-up’ way and so gather data that can be clearly communicated to the stakeholders able to design and implement future sustainable development for the local community and the future sustainable design of the local environment and energy provision.

Development and Validation of a Teaching Module based on the Traditional Approach of the Japanese Bansho Plan Towards the Mastery of Quadratic Equations

This study is an effort to develop and evaluate the validity of the Bansho Plan-Based Teaching Module to improve students’ Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) mastery of the topic of Quadratic Equations. The interactive module comprises six lesson units to provide students with the opportunity to explore the application of the Quadratic Equations concept in real-life situations. The design, development, and validity evaluation of the module was based on the design and development research approach. The discussion focused on two phases, namely the requirements analysis and the development design. The Morrison, Ross, and Kemp (2007) model consisting of nine components was used to support the module development in the first stage of the current study. Meanwhile, the second stage involved an evaluation of the module’s validity and the implementation of a pilot study. Responses from five Mathematics education experts were analyzed using the Percentage Calculation Method (PCM). The highest mean score for content validity coefficient was obtained by the knowledge level aspect with 0.96. This confirms that the module is in line with the national curriculum, as well as the complexity level of all problems presented in the module is not confusing and the module is capable of applying HOTS to the topic of Quadratic Equations. Furthermore, a reliability test was done on the learning objectives through a pilot study involving thirty students. The results showed that the module obtained a Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient value of 0.915, indicating its good consistency. One major contribution of this study is that it highlights the uniqueness of combining multimedia modules with the traditional approach of the Bansho Plan. It creates an awareness that traditional teaching approaches, such as the Bansho Plan, should not be labelled as outdated, but instead its wisdom needs to be explored and adapted to the demands and needs of 21st century teaching.

Stakeholder Engagement to Identify Implementation Strategies to Overcome Barriers to Delivering Chronic Pain Treatments: A NIDILRR and VA TBI Model Systems Collaborative Project.

The purpose of this article is to illustrate the process of stakeholder-engaged intervention mapping approach to identify implementation strategies to overcome data-driven prioritized barriers to receiving chronic pain services for persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Community. Healthcare providers (n = 63) with 2 or more years' experience treating persons with TBI, interviewed between October 2020 and November 2021 provided data for identification of barriers. TBI, chronic pain, and qualitative research subject matter experts (SMEs) participated in the mapping approach. Participatory-based research design, using descriptive and intervention mapping approaches. Four barriers to accessing chronic pain treatment by persons with TBI which emerged from provider interviews were prioritized for intervention mapping: cognitive deficits of patients (67%); patient comorbidities (63%); mental health and/or substance abuse issues (59%); and patient participation (62%). SMEs used prioritized barriers to develop 4 primary objectives and implementation strategies designed to: (1) engage consumers to validate and identify strategies; (2) tailor pain treatment and delivery to overcome barriers; (3) develop and disseminate guidelines and best practices when delivering care to persons with TBI to support spread; and (4) increase awareness, skills, and readiness of workforce to deliver pain treatment to persons with TBI. SMEs used an evidence-based approach to develop a mapping matrix of the prioritized barriers, implementation objectives, and aligned implementation strategies to impact change. Implementation science is needed to facilitate knowledge translation into practice for this complex population to overcome barriers to care. Implementation strategies to address barriers to accessing chronic pain care for individuals with TBI were chosen through a participatory approach to engaging SMEs to support these rehabilitation implementation efforts. Future work includes gathering input from individuals with TBI and chronic pain and to move the intervention (implementation) mapping matrix forward to inform future implementation research, policy, and practice.

Presenting and Validating an Educational Equity Model Based on Information and Communication Technology with a Blended Learning Approach in Education

This study aimed to design an educational equity model based on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with a blended learning approach. The study employed a sequential mixed-methods research design, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. In the qualitative phase, data were collected through in-depth interviews with educators, administrators, and policymakers, which were then analyzed using grounded theory to identify key components of the educational equity model. The quantitative phase involved surveys administered to a diverse sample of teachers and students to validate the findings from the qualitative phase. Statistical analysis, including structural equation modeling, was used to confirm the relationships between the identified components. The analysis revealed several critical components necessary for achieving educational equity through ICT and blended learning. These included comprehensive planning for educational opportunities, designing inclusive virtual curricula, establishing clear standards for virtual education, ensuring equitable distribution of resources, and fostering a flexible, participatory learning environment. The study also highlighted the importance of teacher proficiency in ICT, continuous professional development, and strong institutional support. Empirical evidence from the quantitative phase supported these findings, demonstrating significant improvements in student engagement, motivation, and academic performance. The integration of ICT and blended learning in education significantly enhances educational equity by providing flexible and inclusive learning opportunities. The proposed model addresses key challenges and leverages opportunities associated with blended learning, ensuring that all students have access to quality education.

Turnaround Time and Barriers in Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients: A Research Protocol

Introduction: The journey from cancer diagnosis to treatment initiation is a critical period in a patient’s life. Timely treatment is often associated with better outcomes, yet numerous challenges and barriers can impede the process. Need of the Study: This research will hold significant implications for healthcare providers, policymakers, and, most importantly, cancer patients. By uncovering the obstacles and delays in cancer treatment, this protocol will provide the information needed to streamline the process, potentially leading to earlier interventions, improved patient experiences, and enhanced treatment outcomes. Aim: To comprehensively understand and address the factors influencing the turnaround time and the barriers encountered by cancer patients in accessing treatment. Materials and Methods: This study will employ a mixed-methods research design, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It will encompass 89 patients at Siddharth Gupta Memorial Cancer Hospital (SGMCH), situated in Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha, Maharashtra, India. The estimated duration for this study is from December 2023 to October 2024. Factors influencing the turnaround time and the barriers encountered by cancer patients in accessing treatment will be evaluated. Primary data will be collected directly from newly diagnosed cancer patients using structured surveys/questionnaires. Secondary data sources include medical records, hospital, and healthcare system data. Statistical analysis will be done using Chi-square for qualitative measurement, Independent t-test, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for the quantitative measurement. A p-value of &lt;0.05 will be considered significant.

Design and Assessment of a Personalized Online Mathematics Learning System with Self-Regulated Learning Features: An Educational Design Research

A personalized online learning system incorporating a self-regulated learning approach was developed to deliver the factorization in quadratic polynomials topic on mathematics learning. This system created four learning materials for learning a certain topic in mathematics, corresponding to the students’ characteristics. This study followed the education design research approach to develop a self-regulated-based personalized online learning system and evaluate the system from a technology acceptance perspective. The Pearson correlation was computed and revealed the best fit of the collected data for further stepwise multiple regression analysis through students’ acceptance of learning mathematics before and after using the developed system. Furthermore, the Chi-square test was performed to determine the acceptance change and frequency rated by items to ensure an in-depth understanding of how acceptance changed before and after. Although the findings revealed that students’ perceived ease of use was primarily a predictor of their attitude about the system, they showed an increment in perceived usefulness after participating in the developed system. The students’ perceptions of ease and attitude toward the self-regulated-based personalized online learning system for mathematics learning should be mainly considered in further development, including the different learning approaches for supporting mathematics learning.

Health-Analytics Readiness Assessment: Elaborated Action Design Research and Nascent Theoretical Implications

Health analytics (HA) technology enables and enhances fact-based decision-making capabilities of hospitals in the clinical, operational, and administrative domains. It is, however, the case that HA success presupposes a hospital's readiness to adopt, absorb, and put the technology to effective use. Currently, there is a paucity of research that focuses on how hospital executives can assess their organization's readiness for HA. The principal objective of our study is to fill this gap. We design HA readiness-assessment artifacts guided by cross-sectional case studies to inform the design and the elaborated action design research approach that extends past artifacts through iterative collaboration with practitioners and industry experts. This article details the design process and artifacts and highlights implications for nascent theory and generalizable knowledge.