Exploratory Design Research Articles

MEANINGFUL LEARNING IN SOCIAL STUDIES: AN EXPLORATORY FACTOR ANALYSIS

<p>The purpose of this study is to determine the underlying dimensions that characterize meaningful learning in social studies. It utilized an exploratory factor instrument analysis research design. Respondents were randomly selected for equal opportunity to be included in the survey. A researcher-made instrument was utilized which was developed for a focus group discussion (FGD). The validity of items was determined through the Content Validity Ratio (CVR). Item statements that passed the threshold of 0.80 were selected as part of the survey scale. A 60-item instrument was developed and utilized as a data collection tool administered to 380 junior high school students chosen through random sampling. Using Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with parallel analysis using GeominQ rotation, only 34 items met the criterion for a cut-off factor loading of .40 and above, forming the simple five-factor structure. Results of EFA yielded the five (5) dimensions of meaningful learning in social studies. Using thematic analysis, these five factors were labeled as: enriching and inclusive learning environment; enhancing civic awareness and critical thinking; promoting character development and social responsibility; utilizing technology and establishing clear guidelines; and interactive and fun learning. The findings of this study underscore the multifaceted nature of meaningful learning in social studies and the essential components required to cultivate it effectively.</p><p> </p><p><strong>SDG Indicator: </strong>Indicator: #4 (quality education)</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0762/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Study of Financial Management Behavior Based on Financial Self-Efficacy and Financial Literacy in Small-Scale Agribusiness Development

Farmers are important actors in agribusiness development. Farmers' businesses are generally classified as small businesses. Various theoretical evidence is sufficient to explain the important role of farmers in agribusiness development which is limited by financial literacy, and financial self-efficacy that influences financial management behavior. However, research on the role of financial literacy and financial self-efficacy on financial management behavior in terms of agribusiness development has not been conducted. This study aims to present new evidence on the role of financial literacy, and financial self-efficacy on financial management behavior in small-scale agribusiness. This study uses a positivist approach also known as quantitative research. Using an explanatory research design and involving around 68 small-scale agribusiness actors in Kendari City. Data were obtained through questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SEM-PLS. It was found that financial literacy by small-scale agribusiness actors can play a role in shaping financial management behavior and financial self-efficacy. Furthermore, the financial self-efficacy skills of small-scale agribusiness actors also play a role in shaping financial management behavior. The theoretical implication is that improving financial management behavior and financial self-efficacy of agribusiness actors can be done by improving financial literacy skills. Likewise, efforts to improve the financial management behavior of agribusiness actors must be supported by financial self-efficacy skills. With this approach, theoretically, agribusiness businesses can develop and be free from all financial risks that lead to business failure. Practical implications for agribusiness actors to improve financial literacy skills to be able to create and/or form financial management behavior and self-efficacy. The second concern is financial self-efficacy which needs to be pursued because it supports financial management behavior in developing agribusiness businesses. For the government, it is better to prepare regulations and instruments that support the creation of an agribusiness business climate. By considering the results of research, policies, and regulations leading to an ecosystem for the formation of financial literacy, financial self-efficacy, and financial management behavior. The research findings open up new avenues for future researchers, namely conducting further analysis using empirical data by measuring agribusiness performance based on the development of the financial curve (profit or gain). Then, it is recommended to use a qualitative paradigm, or a mixed research approach so that the research findings are more comprehensive. Keywords: Agribusiness, small business, financial literacy, financial self-efficacy, financial management behavior.

Impact of US Involvement & Withdrawal from Afghanistan on Afghan Refugees in Pakistan

This article analyses the socio-economic and security issues presented by Afghan refugees in Pakistan, especially in the aftermath of U.S. engagement and eventual withdrawal from Afghanistan. The research examines the historical context of Afghan migration to Pakistan, emphasising the effects of the Afghan Jihad and the War on Terror, which resulted in the arrival of millions of refugees. The article examines the pressure on Pakistan's resources, infrastructure, and security, emphasising the increase in militancy and social unrest in regions accommodating refugees. The research used an exploratory design to assess the broader implications of this issue for Pakistan and Afghanistan. The results indicate that return, conducted under secure and voluntary circumstances, is the most feasible approach to mitigate Pakistan's burden while facilitating the return of refugees to a stable Afghanistan. The article advocates for collaboration among the Afghan government, Pakistan, and the international community to establish favourable conditions for the restoration process, emphasising infrastructure, security, and economic prospects. The resolution of the refugee problem is deemed essential for promoting peace, stability, and development in the region.

A study of different approaches to material design exploration for physical and virtual prototypes

A study of different approaches to material design exploration for physical and virtual prototypes

Evaluation of Virtual Reality Cultural Heritage Experience at Guilin Museum, China: A Conceptual Paper

Integrating Virtual Reality (VR) technology into cultural heritage presents unprecedented opportunities for enhancing museum experiences, specifically through immersive and interactive digital presentations (Theodoropoulos & Antoniou, 2022). Although virtual reality technology has the potential to enhance the experience of cultural heritage, according to previous research, it is not difficult to find that existing museum VR applications often lack an immersive experience, and many experiencers' immersion is interrupted during the experience, highlighting the urgent need for a VR application evaluation framework. In addition, most of the research is from the technology perspective, ignoring the users' experience needs. Therefore, the purpose of this conceptual paper is to present a conceptual framework that theoretically justifies the creation of a virtual reality evaluation. This conceptual paper begins by reviewing relevant research on VR in the cultural heritage field and methods and scales for measuring immersion. It suggests the possibility of utilizing grounded theory to uncover potential factors. Subsequently, this conceptual paper summarizes previous research and theoretical gaps. A conceptual framework for establishing a robust evaluation of virtual reality applications is proposed as a two-stage mixed research method (Exploratory Sequential Mixed Method Design) (Berman, 2017). This concept paper illustrates the details and rationalization of the conceptual framework so that it can be further investigated theoretically or empirically in the future. This concept paper contributes to developing an evaluation of VR cultural heritage applications. At the same time, it theoretically enhances the understanding of digital presentation and preservation of cultural heritage.

Impact of 6Qs innovation on student achievement in Thai small and medium schools: evidence from the O-NET scores effect size and good practice schools

PurposeDrawing from the equitable education fund (EEF) launching 6Qs innovation in the teacher school quality program (TSQP) for small and medium schools, this research aims to analyze the effect size of the ordinary national educational test (O-NET) scores between TSQP schools that implement 6Qs innovation and non-TSQP schools and explain the impact of 6Qs innovation on O-NET scores’ effect size.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts an explanatory sequential mixed-method design. The quantitative study investigates the impact of the 6Qs innovation by analyzing the effect sizes of O-NET scores in four subjects of sixth-grade students. The effect size is analyzed by comparing the mean between 221 TSQP schools and non-TSQP schools: 16,197 small and medium schools throughout Thailand. The qualitative study uses a field study with administrators and teachers through in-depth interviews and focus groups in 13 good practice schools.FindingsThe quantitative result shows that 22 to 35% of TSQP schools demonstrated effect size within the standard level, meaning that their O-NET scores are higher than those of non-TSQP schools. Findings from 13 good practice schools indicate that both administrators and teachers have embraced and implemented the 6Qs innovation to establish an organizational culture that emphasizes 6Qs as a coordinating framework, which significantly influences students’ learning outcomes.Originality/valueAlthough this research is studied in the Thai context, the 6Qs innovation with implementations extracted from the good practice schools can be generalized to any school in a similar context. A section on such innovation is provided in practical implications.

Exploration of hospital room design on emotions, activity, and social connections after stroke: a qualitative study of patient experiences using virtual reality

Stroke patients are rarely asked about their responses to specific design attributes. Virtual reality (VR) offers a promising tool to explore how hospital environments are experienced after stroke. Purpose To gather perspectives and emotional responses regarding physical design attributes of hospital patient rooms after stroke. Material and Methods We developed a ‘VR experience’ for adult stroke patients in both single and multi-patient room designs, with four additional physical design attributes: spaciousness, greenery outlook, night-time noise, and design attributes for social connectivity e.g. furnishings. A qualitative study approach involved semi-structured interviewing, that followed immersion in the VR patient room designs. Qualitative descriptive and thematic analysis was done. (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, Trial Id: ACTRN12620000375954). Results Thirty-five stroke patients participated (April 2019–March 2020). Interviews yielded three themes and ten sub-themes. Themes were: (1) action and care supported by design and layout, such as ease of movement; (2) connection to people, nature, and place, emphasising social interaction and greenery; and (3) control of the environment, involving attributes like space. Conclusions Findings showed how physical design attributes enhance movement accessibility, promote social interaction, or provide sensory comfort. Using VR allowed rich, detailed feedback from patients, offering valuable insights for designing hospital environments.

Advancing Sustainability in Rural Water Management: Insight from Chaurjahari Municipality, Nepal

This study delves into the major problems affecting the sustainability of community water supply schemes in Chaurjahari Municipality, Rukum (West) District, Nepal. Employing a combination of explanatory, descriptive, and qualitative research designs, the study utilized primary data collected via structured questionnaires from field observations and secondary data sourced from local government offices and existing publications. The selected study area included five water supply schemes representative of the municipality's diverse demographic and environmental contexts. The research uncovered several critical sustainability challenges such as management inefficiencies, inadequate community engagement, and insufficient maintenance practices. It also examined the functionality of water supply systems through various indicators, evaluated sustainability issues at different project phases (pre-construction, construction, and post-construction), and analyzed the socio-demographic profiles of the respondents. Ethical considerations focused on respecting local customs and maximizing participant benefits were strictly followed. The findings emphasize the need for robust community involvement, enhanced capacity building, and improved management practices to ensure the sustainability of water supply projects. By addressing these key issues, the study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable development in rural water management and offers actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders in similar contexts.

Analysis of educational process of Syrian refugee students to the Turkish education system

ABSTRACT Migration and war are painful events that impact human existence. Due to the unfavourable circumstances in Syria, many Syrians have been forced to relocate to Türkiye. Türkiye has welcomed more than 3.5 million people from Syria, rising to the top spot among countries hosting Syrian refugees globally. One of the groups most impacted by migration is children. The present study aims to identify the issues Syrian refugee students face as they adjust to life in Türkiye’s educational system. In this mixed methods research, an explanatory sequential design was employed. The study group of the research consisted of Syrian refugee students.

A study of psychological violence in intimate partner relationships among university students: a mixed-methods research

The aim of this study is to examine university students’ attitudes and experiences regarding psychological violence in intimate partner relationships in the context of attachment styles, gender roles, and parasocial interactions. In this study, a mixed-methods research design, specifically the explanatory sequential design, was employed. In the quantitative phase, the attitudes of 508 university student participants towards dating violence were examined with structural equation modeling in terms of attachment styles, parasocial interaction levels and gender roles perceptions. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 university students who had experienced psychological violence in their romantic relationships, and the interviews were analyzed with the interpretive phenomenological analysis method. According to the conducted structural equation model, anxious attachment and avoidant attachment predict attitudes towards female psychological dating violence, while anxious attachment predicts attitudes towards male psychological dating violence. In the qualitative phase, the analysis revealed four main themes concerning perceptions of attachment styles: self, attitudes in relationships, evaluation tendencies in relationships, and relationship maintenance styles. Regarding perceptions of gender roles, two main themes emerged: gender equality and relationship roles. Media interactions yielded three main themes: interaction engagement, social learning effects, and the role of media within relationships. Lastly, perceptions of romantic relationship experiences were organized into four main themes: relationship encounters, relationship expectations, relationship issues, and dating violence. The findings suggest that people’s attachment styles, gender roles and interactions with different media channels are effective in their attitudes and experiences towards psychological violence in dating. The results emphasize that personal and social patterns are important in attitudes towards dating violence and that further studies on this subject should be increased.

The Influence of Higher Education Learning Experience During Covid 19 on the Academic Behavior of Today's Students

Purpose of the Study: This study aims to analyze the correlation between students’ experiences of learning during the COVID-19 health protocol period and their academic behavior at Islamic Religious Colleges. The research seeks to identify contributing and inhibiting factors shaping students' academic attitudes under pandemic-induced learning conditions. Methodology: The study employs a mixed-method sequential exploratory design. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed with Pearson’s product-moment correlation, while qualitative data were gathered through interviews, observations, and documentation, followed by thematic analysis to identify key influencing factors. The integration of both approaches provides a comprehensive understanding of the research problem. Main Findings: The study reveals a significant correlation between students’ learning experiences during COVID-19 and their academic behavior. Key contributing factors include personal motivation (intrinsic and extrinsic), social support (from peers, family, and educators), an optimized study environment (free from distractions), and tailored learning methods that align with individual preferences. Conversely, inhibiting factors such as environmental disturbances (noise or instability at home) and lack of motivation negatively impacted learning outcomes. A unique finding is that the stressful and uncertain conditions during the pandemic fostered a resilient mindset among students, positively influencing their academic attitudes. Novelty/Originality of the Study: This study uniquely highlights how the challenging learning environment created by the pandemic cultivated adaptive academic behaviors in students. By combining quantitative and qualitative insights, the study offers a detailed understanding of how crisis-driven experiences shape student behavior, providing valuable implications for post-pandemic educational strategies.

An Acceptability and Feasibility Study of a Nurse-Led Model of Contraception and Abortion Care in Rural General Practice.

To assess the acceptability and perceived feasibility of integrating a co-designed nurse-led model of contraception and medication abortion care within rural and regional general practices. Qualitative exploratory design utilising Sidani and Braden's indicators of acceptability and feasibility. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 practice nurses, 8 general practitioners and 3 practice managers who currently or previously worked in rural, regional or remote general practice. Participants were recruited purposively through social media, partner organisation newsletters and snowballing. During the interview, participants were presented with an overview of the co-designed model of care and asked specific questions to gain feedback on its acceptability and perceived feasibility. Data were analysed in NVivo using template analysis and iterative categorisation. Findings were mapped according to Sidani and Braden's indicators of acceptability and feasibility. Three overarching themes were identified: nurses are acceptable providers, factors influencing the feasibility of the model and factors supporting greater feasibility of the model. Participants found the nurse-led model acceptable, describing nurses as suitable and sometimes preferred providers of long-acting reversible contraception and abortion care in rural and regional settings. They also perceived the model as feasible, citing similarities to existing care processes such as infant immunisations and chronic disease management, contributing to its feasibility. However, contextual factors such as the need to adapt the model to each clinic and patient's unique needs, foster strong general practitioner-practice nurse professional relationships and ensure that staff have shared values and adequate training for contraception and abortion provision were described as critical for feasibility. Overall, participants found the nurse-led model of care to be acceptable and feasible for implementation in rural and regional general practices. This perception carries important implications for policy and practice, highlighting the need for supportive policies to enhance the effectiveness of such models across Australian general practice. Our findings emphasise the need for initiatives aimed at addressing inadequate funding for nurse-led care, improving documentation of this care, enhancing understanding among general practitioners and nurses regarding the scope of practice for practice nurses, and overcoming training barriers specific to rural areas. These measures are essential for enabling nurse-led models of contraception and medication abortion to function effectively in practice. This paper is reported according to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines. Two consumer representatives contributed to the development of the co-design methodology as members of the ORIENT Intervention Advisory Group Governance Committee.

Using inquiry-based learning approach in the teaching process of divisibility rules

Abstract The aim of this study is to reveal the impact of Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) on students’ ability to come up with the rules of divisibility themselves and on their academic achievement in the 8th grade Mathematics course as well as to obtain students’ views on the learning and teaching process, through the use of a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. The quantitative part of the study was composed of a one-group pre-test–post-test design, while the qualitative part involved a case study design. The sample group consisted of 20 students studying in the 8th grade of a secondary school in the 2020/21 academic year. At the end of the procedure, interviews were held with four students. The relevant data analysis indicated that the students’ level of readiness regarding the divisibility rules was not at a sufficient level, and that the difference between the pre-test and post-test scores was statistically significant with a high positive effect size on the students’ academic achievement. The results based on student views revealed that the rules forgotten due to memorization turned out to become permanent with the use of the IBL activities for learning the divisibility rules, that the students understood the subject matter better, that they came up with the divisibility rules themselves during the implementation of the activities, and that they enjoyed such a learning process.

Land governance arrangements in Tanzania: Actors, processes and instruments

Land governance in most developing countries remains a big challenge because of many factors particularly those related to tenure systems and institutional frameworks. This paper presents land governance arrangements in Tanzania whereby two dominant tenure systems, granted and customary, prevail. An exploratory research design was used in the study. As such, a critical review of documents embracing land governance arrangements and practices as well as training workshops on the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests (VGGTs) of 2012 conducted in four regions were useful in capturing primary data that exhibit real life cases that impact on land governance arrangements. The key respondents were professionals in the land, forestry and fisheries sectors who were the main targets in the VGGT programme. Findings revealed that Tanzania is rich in policies and laws which govern land; but still there are many challenges on land governance which have given rise to land use conflicts over time. We conclude that although a number of steps to improve land governance, poor land governance in the land sector is pivotal. Aspects of inclusive transactions, land use planning and implementation processes, local land administration capacity, transparency around valuable natural resources, women’s de facto land rights, and negotiate community driven solutions are crucial in the land governance spectrum.

Neighborhood Commercial Circle Environmental Factors for Generation Z Visitors: Scale Development and Validation

A new phenomenon has emerged among Generation Z (born after 1995) in China, who often spend their leisure time in the core streets or public spaces near their communities. These recreational areas are called neighborhood commercial circles (NCCs). However, few studies have investigated the environmental factors of NCCs that motivate Generation Z visitors to visit most frequently. This study applies an exploratory sequential mixed research design to create a measurement scale for understanding these environmental factors. Through semi-structured interviews with 32 Generation Z visitors and a survey with 334 participants in five cities in China, a measurement scale of 15 items related to five environmental factors (physical design, ambience, consumption, entertainment, and facility services) of NCCs is developed. The construct validation and scale refinement are performed via an exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. This study contributes to leisure research by providing a context-specific measurement scale for future research.

Knowledge Management Processes Influence on Employee Job Satisfaction in Food Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

This research aimed at assessing influences of knowledge management processes on employee job satisfaction in selected food manufacturing firms in Nairobi, Kenya; with processes decomposed for investigation into three constructs of knowledge creation, sharing and application. The study adopted post-positivism philosophy to accommodate triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data as well as explanatory research design with stratified proportionate sampling technique for conducting field survey. A sample of 384 respondents from a target population of about 12,643 employees from 56 food manufacturing firms was obtained using Fisher’s (1991) formula. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect quantitative and qualitative primary data, which underwent descriptive and inferential analyses. The study findings revealed that knowledge management processes had positive and significant relationship with job satisfaction as tcal=14.37>tcrit=1.96 at p=0.000. Therefore, null hypothesis that knowledge management processes have no significant influence on job satisfaction was rejected. The regression outcome of β=0.656, p=0.000 indicated that a unit enhancement in knowledge management processes results in job satisfaction enhancement by 0.656 units. The study concluded that knowledge management processes influence job satisfaction. Management of the firms should prioritize continued needs assessment for knowledge management processes, to support knowledge management system for optimization of job satisfaction. Keywords: Knowledge management; Knowledge management processes, Job satisfaction.

Effect of Unrelated Diversification Strategy on Organizational Performance among Star-Rated Hotels in the Kenyan Coast

Despite its growth, potential contribution to the economy and being an integral part of tourism destinations, the performance of the hotel sector has remained susceptible to both domestic and global uncertainties. Most of the studies conducted in developed countries concentrate majorly on manufacturing firms. This creates a gap in developing countries. This study was guided by the following objective: To examine the effect of unrelated diversification strategies on organizational performance among star-rated hotels on the Kenyan coast. An embedded mixed method comprising a descriptive survey and explanatory research design was used. The study was conducted on the Kenyan coast. Stratified random sampling techniques were used to select the hotels, Purposive sampling was used to select Strategic managers and random sampling technique was adopted to select both middle and lower-level managers. Data was collected through a questionnaire and interview schedule. 383 questionnaires were distributed and 29 managers were interviewed. Descriptive statistics and simple linear regression were used to analyze data. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. 354 questionnaires were dully filled representing a 92.7% return rate while 29 general managers interviewed represented 80.6%. The simple regression model result showed that R-squire = 0.558. This means that 55.8% of performance is explained by conglomerate and collaboration diversification strategies. The result indicated that conglomerate diversification strategies (p-value < 0.0001) and collaboration diversification strategies (p-value = 0.031) are significant predictors of the performance of star-rated hotels on the Kenyan Coast. The null hypothesis was tested and rejected. According to the findings, the study recommends that hotels wishing to increase or retain their financial position and market share and also achieve economy of scale even during business turbulence should employ an unrelated diversification strategy. This will ensure hotels' high performance and sustainability during business distress such as the COVID-19 pandemic or decline in product lifecycle

Understanding Fairness: How Pakistani Children Make Fairness Judgments

This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by adding a qualitative investigation into children’s reasonings for their fairness judgements. Fairness is an integral part of children’s moral development. This paper includes the qualitative part of the sequential explanatory design study aimed at children’s fairness understanding. We conducted open-ended interviews with 150 Pakistani children (3 to 6 years old) to explore their justifications for their fairness decisions. Our findings suggest that Pakistani children predominantly employed desired-based reasonings for their judgments. However, morality-based- and norm-based reasonings were also invoked by children to justify their acceptance or rejection of an attractive offer of toffees in a game-type scenario where they had to compare with three different relationships: sibling, friend, or stranger. We found that different relation dynamics did have an impact on the different justifications provided by children.

Loose cigarette purchase and adolescent smoking in Indonesia: a mixed-methods study

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between purchasing loose cigarettes and adolescent smoking habits in Indonesia.Design and settingThis study employed a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. We analysed the secondary data from a...

Tourism sector in Bukittinggi: Analysis of tourism competitiveness before and after COVID-19

The tourism industry, a crucial service sector, has been significantly impacted by the global pandemic, Covid-19. This impact has not only affected the development of tourism but also the regional economy. Bukittinggi, a key tourism city in West Sumatra, now more than ever, requires a competitive analysis to ensure its continuous growth. This research is aimed at analyzing and comparing Bukittinggi's tourism competitiveness before and after Covid-19. The research, a quantitative descriptive study with an exploratory research design, utilizes Competitiveness Monitor analysis. The data, sourced from BPS, BKD, and Bukittinggi Tourism Office, is secondary. The research results present the comparative results of the Tourism Competitiveness Analysis of Bukittinggi city as follows: a). PCI before Covid-19 was greater than after Covid-19; b). EI competitiveness before Covid-19 was higher than after Covid-19; c). HTI after Covid-19 was higher than before Covid-19; d). IDI after Covid-19 is higher than before Covid-19; e). OI after Covid-19 is higher than before Covid-19; 6). HRI after Covid-19 is higher than before Covid-19; f). TAI Value competitiveness index after Covid-19 is higher than before Covid-19; g). SDI before and after Covid-19 is equal. This research explains comparison of Bukittinggi's tourism competitiveness before and after Covid-19. The contribution of study are: a). consideration on improving tourism sites; b). Tourism management needs to be carried out in an integrated manner; and c). The government is expected to conduct more repairs and maintenance on tourism locations to increase visitor comfort when traveling.