Exploratory Quantitative Study Research Articles

Personal and Workplace Characteristics as Predictors of Intent-To-Stay Among Registered Nurses: An Exploratory Quantitative Multicentre Study.

This study aims to describe and examine the factors associated with registered nurses' intent-to-stay and subsequently identify predictors of nurses' intent-to-stay. A quantitative, cross-sectional correlational design was used. A convenience sample of 270 registered nurses completed the questionnaire and was included in this study. Descriptive statistics were used to present the sociodemographic characteristics and scores of outcome measures. Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression with backward selection were conducted to examine how nurses' characteristics and workplace factors influence nurses' intent-to-stay. The mean age of the participants was 29.2 years. The mean scores for the outcomes were intent-to-stay (mean = 2.96), resilience (mean = 3.34), occupational self-efficacy (mean = 4.34), sleep quality (mean = 9.73) and workplace environment scores (mean = 3.15). The correlation analysis showed that resilience, occupational self-efficacy, self-realisation and workload were positively correlated to intent-to-stay while sleep quality was negatively correlated to intent-to-stay. Multiple linear regression analysis found occupational self-efficacy, sleep quality, workload, nervousness, nurses' designation and specialisation status to be significant factors associated with intent-to-stay. Intent-to-stay is a complex and multidimensional construct influenced by a variety of personal and workplace factors. Hospital administrators should endeavour to develop measures to improve occupational self-efficacy, workload, nervousness and push for specialisation training to bolster nurses' intent-to-stay. Against an everchanging healthcare landscape following the COVID-19 pandemic, the findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors of registered nurses' intent-to-stay. The findings of this study alluded to the importance of professional development and workload as factors that can influence registered nurses' intent-to-stay. Hospital administrators can prioritise workforce retention policies by introducing strategies such as opportunities for upskilling, flexible working hours and streamlining work processes to promote nurses' intent-to-stay. No patient or public contribution.

Are French fries a risk to celiac consumers? A study in burger restaurants from Goiânia/Brazil

This study assessed the occurrence of gluten cross-contamination in French fries produced in burger restaurants where fried breaded-products are also handled. This cross-sectional exploratory quantitative study was conducted in five steps: (i) identification of burger restaurants selling French fries and gluten-containing foods; (ii) acquisition of French fries' samples; (iii) questionnaire application regarding: the number of fried foods sold in addition to French fries, sharing the same oil for frying French fries and other breaded products, sharing the same fryer basket for frying French fries and other breaded products, and the frequency of oil change; (iv) sample processing and analysis of gluten in the samples; (v) data statistical analysis. 81 French fries’ samples were analyzed and 4.9% (n = 4) presented gluten contamination above 20 ppm. Regarding the variables of interest, such as the quantity of fried foods sold in addition to French fries, sharing the same oil for frying French fries and other breaded products, sharing the same fryer basket for frying French fries and other breaded products, and the frequency of oil change, there were no statistically significant associations. Further studies are necessary to assess other scenarios concerning contamination risks due to other commonly used cooking procedures.

The Clinical Significance of Lumbar Transverse Process Lengths Associated with Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae: A Landmark for Lumbar Spine Enumeration

This study aimed to identify which lumbar vertebral level above a lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) demonstrated the longest transverse process (TVP) lengths. In this exploratory quantitative osteological cohort study using a digital Vernier caliper, dried human cadaveric lumbar TVPs were measured for linear horizontal length at each lumbar vertebra, left and right sides. Data collection was conducted in South Africa at the Raymond A. Dart Collection of Modern Human Skeletons and the Pretoria Bone Collection. The LSTV cohort consisted of 110 spinal columns and an LSTV-free control cohort of a sex-balanced randomized selection of 30 male and 30 female spinal columns. Compared with the control cohort, the LSTV cohort demonstrated longer TVPs for every vertebral level, particularly L3, while the left side demonstrated longer TVPs overall. There were no statistical differences in TVP length within the LSTV cohort when comparing all levels (P > 0.05). The L3 TVPs demonstrated the longest mean lengths in both control (65%) and LSTV (58%) cohorts. The general trend was that the TVPs of L3 had the longest mean length for both the left and the right sides in both cohorts and both sexes. In the absence of whole-spine imaging, these findings indicate that L3 TVPs may offer an alternative bony landmark, which may aid in spinal enumeration estimation in the setting of LSTV. This is of value for radiograph appraisal and may aid with correct-level intervention.

ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION AS AN ANTECEDENT TO THE RAPID INTERNATIONALIZATION OF MOROCCAN SMES IN THE WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP FIELD

Purpose – This article aims to explore the importance of the international entrepreneurial orientation (IOE) of Moroccan women entrepreneurs (based on innovation, risk-taking and proactivity) in the speed of internationalization of Moroccan SMEs through the niche strategy as an intermediate variable. Research methodology – We adopted a quantitative study on a sample of 45 Moroccan SMEs to test the research hypotheses using the structural equation method, under Smart-PLS software. Findings – A significant relationship between the international entrepreneurial orientation of Moroccan women entrepreneurs and the speed of internationalization with the intermediation of the niche strategy. Despite well-calculated steps, innovative products and the courage to take risks on foreign markets, women entrepreneurs tend to adopt niche strategies to be more protected in the internationalization process: both to avoid direct competition from large companies and to speed up the internationalization process Research. Limitations – Theoretically, it was difficult to operationalize the phenomenon studied, for several reasons: the large number of movements in this approach, the number of variables mobilized. Methodologically, the criteria used to select the sample made it difficult to find more than 45 eligible companies (Exploratory quantitative study). Originality/Value – This article is one of the very few to combine international and women’s entrepreneurship. Furthermore, this is the first article in the field of women’s international entrepreneurship, as far as I know, that addresses the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and the speed of internationalization of exporting SMEs.

Student perspectives on preferences and reported instructor practices of written feedback in the Moroccan EFL university context

Written feedback (WF) in English as a foreign language (EFL) writing has been explored from two perspectives, including product-based WF, which is provided on completed drafts, and process-based WF, which can be used during pre-, while-, and post-writing. Students’ perceptions have been mainly investigated in relation to product-oriented WF preferences and practices, but not in comparison to the two WF approaches. This exploratory quantitative study examined students’ preferences and reported instructor practices of the product and the process approaches of WF in the higher education EFL writing context. Data were collected from 468 Moroccan students through a questionnaire covering the characteristics of the two WF types using nine different subscales, enabling several comparisons during data analysis. Four principal component analyses were employed to validate the questionnaire. The data and sampling in each case were appropriate for factor analysis (0.78 ≤ KMO ≤0.93). Reliability values (0.71 ≤ Cronbach’s alpha ≤0.95) were acceptable. 1) Students reported higher preferences for receiving written corrective feedback; effective WF modes containing specific, personalized, and detailed WF supporting the identification of the next steps in the writing process; and content-based WF related to macroaspects (e.g., the range of ideas and the development and relevance of a topic, purpose, genre, context, and audience). 2) Moreover, they reported that their instructors used these approaches more often than other WF techniques. 3) However, there were discrepancies between the two constructs in the case of all subscales. Students perceived that mostly all the techniques of the two approaches of WF are of great importance in EFL writing classes; however, they mostly all reported that, in comparison to their preferences, instructors applied them less frequently. The study suggests adapting instructor WF practices to students’ preferences to effectively develop their writing skills.

The Roles of Green Human Resources on Employees Eco-Friendly Behavior, Organizational Commitment, and Corporate’s Environmental Performance

Abstract This work analyzes the implementation of green human resources in a package printing company. It specifically examines the effect of green human resources on employees’ eco-friendly behavior, employees’ organizational commitment, and corporate environmental performance. The study object was a package printing company’s performance in promoting green business. This exploratory quantitative study involved 510 employees as the respondents. They have worked in the company for at least three years, graduated from senior high school, and were minimum at staff-level. Data were collected by distributing questionnaires through Google Form and analyzed using PLS-SEM. The study result showed that eco-friendly behavior positively affects employees’ organizational commitment and corporate environmental performance. Employees’ ecofriendly behavior positively affects the corporate environmental performance. Meanwhile, employees’ organizational commitment positively affects the employees’ eco-friendly behavior. Green human resources did not affect the employees’ eco-friendly behavior. This study concludes that green human resources could be achieved by enhancing employees’ organizational commitment. This commitment is proven to stimulate employees’ eco-friendly behavior, which supports the corporate’s environmental performance together with the green human resource. The company needs to set regulations or policies to improve the role of green HR in managing eco-friendly behaviors.

Social workers with lived experience of mental health concerns: perspectives of U.S. social work education leaders

ABSTRACT Professionals with lived experience (LE) of mental distress might better understand service users, educate colleagues, and serve as role models. This exploratory quantitative study asked U.S. social work education leaders if they perceive positives and negatives of professionals having LE; what advice they would offer students with LE; and analyzed whether certain experiences influenced responses. Having LE and/or close relationships with people with LE was associated with perceiving positives, which was associated with advising students about using LE to help others. Perceiving negatives was associated with advising about difficulties. Implications are offered for preparing professionals to use LE in practice.

Knowledge, practice and communication barriers for oncology doctors in Chile when addressing the sexuality of their patients.

Communication in a doctor-patient relationship constitutes a crucial aspect in medicine, and its multiple dimensions encompass a wide variety of ethical issues. Communication is particularly relevant in oncology, because it requires continually dealing with sensitive topics in one of the most highly vulnerable situations as a human: illness and proximity to death. Sexuality is one of these topics because it constitutes an area that is frequently affected by cancer and cancer treatment, which may include causing significant distress, the reinforcement of a negative self-image, relationship conflicts and a permanent memory of having cancer. The objective of this research is to describe the perception of knowledge and communications practices used by oncology doctors with respect to sexual health in the care of their patients, as well as the barriers found when it comes to confronting the topic. An exploratory quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out, in which a self-administered questionnaire was given to oncology doctors who practise in Chile. This questionnaire had 41 closed questions with answers on a Likert scale and was previously validated by being reviewed and applied to a pilot group of five professionals (one medical bioethics expert and four doctors in the field of oncology). The data were analysed with the SPSS statistical program v. 20, using descriptive statistics. The main results show that the surveyed doctors consider sexuality to be an important part of patients' quality of life. However, this finding does not align with the practices given for including it as part of clinical care. The professionals refer as the main barriers those that are attributed to the structural functioning of the institution, giving little value to those barriers related to personal aspects or those associated with patient characteristics and/or behaviors. The results of this study show that, despite oncology doctors seeing sexuality as an important aspect of the quality of life of their patients, they do not include the topic in clinical care. Given that one of the main barriers is obstacles relating to the institution, it is necessary to create political institutions that create the conditions for including this area as a relevant part of cancer patient care.

Addressing Language and Study Skills Challenges in Online Undergraduate EMI Courses

English-medium instruction (EMI) is taking hold within higher education in non-Anglophone settings, but there is insufficient research into the challenges students encounter when taking EMI courses online. This exploratory quantitative study conducted in Hong Kong examines the language and studying challenges faced by undergraduate students when in-person classes were suspended due to COVID-19. One hundred thirteen first- and second-year students completed a questionnaire, rating their perceived challenges in the areas of writing, speaking, reading, listening, and study skills. The results showed that they faced particular challenges with reading and study skills (especially self-motivation), as well as vocabulary range, which affected more than one skill. Corroborating existing research, students with less secondary school EMI experience reported greater challenges. As providing English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses is a primary way to support the language skills of students in EMI settings, we offer guidance to EAP practitioners who seek to help their students overcome the challenges identified in this article. As online technology continues to deliver content in tertiary education, EAP courses must be closely aligned with the language and study skills needs of students in digital EMI environments.

Differences in Students’ Perceptions of Financial and Academic Challenges Due to Online Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Generation Status and Gender: An Exploratory Quantitative Study

ABSTRACT The shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities and highlighted failures of U.S. higher education institutions to serve their students’ needs. The purpose of this exploratory quantitative survey study was to examine differences in students’ perceptions of academic and financial challenges encountered in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results highlighted differences by generation status, gender, and their intersections. Insight into the perceptions of these sub-populations can shed light on ways to reorganize higher educational structures to provide equitable student support in online environments and during times of crisis.

Using a digital participatory approach to facilitate inclusivity in Jordanian heritage sites: Stakeholders’ requirements and a proposed system

Abstract The combination of social engagement engines and immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and digital twins holds great potential for the development of tourism industry during the designing and planning stages. When introduced to experts, this innovative approach allows us to advance creative solutions while keeping the community engaged and enhancing the decision-making process. Virtual designing and planning processes can significantly transform the workflows of professionals and promote inclusive practices in all Jordanian archaeological and heritage sites, particularly those involved in the “Accessible Tourism” project. This article presents an exploratory quantitative study conducted through a comprehensive literature review and participatory interviews. The study involved 23 participants from the “Accessible Tourism” project. It focused on identifying professionals’ barriers affecting the application of inclusivity in historical sites. Additionally, the study defined challenges and requirements to determine digitally inclusive applications. The study results highlighted the challenges faced by stakeholders and experts in developing inclusivity in built heritage sites in Jordan, such as interdepartmental communication, historic preservation constraints, and comprehension of accessibility codes. It also addressed the difficulties in engaging users with disabilities or marginalized communities in developing inclusive facilities. Based on these findings, a unique framework for remotely analysing target users within an immersive environment is proposed. This framework has been developed in collaboration with key stakeholders and set the stage for further research and collaboration. Future research should emphasize the importance of inclusive practices and user involvement in designing accessible and enriching tourism experiences at Jordan’s heritage sites.

Parents' management of childhood fever: An exploratory quantitative study in Malta

Every child will, at some stage in their development, experience a febrile episode that their caregiver will have to manage. Literature has reported that parents tend to misdiagnose fever, administer antipyretics incorrectly and become overly anxious about their child when febrile. This study aimed to explore the fever management behaviours of parents in Malta. A quantitative, explorative cross-sectional study was conducted in Malta's acute hospital, Mater Dei, by distributing questionnaires to parents of children aged 6 months–5 years. The results showed that although most Maltese parents diagnose fever at the correct temperature, many are not aware of the correct evidence-based practices for safe pharmacological and non-pharmacological fever management. It is concluded that more dissemination of information is needed to educate and empower parents to manage fever effectively through health professionals other than paediatricians.

TikTok and active audiences in processes for political and structural change. An exploratory study based on the Scottish referendum

Plebiscites, secession consultations, and referendums are electoral processes that are different from conventional voting. Conversations before these types of elections tend to focus on very different aspects than those generated during the election of an authority or public office, with a focus on the future impacts that each decision may have on a country, generally taking one side or the other. In the current media ecosystem, this conversation takes place largely on social platforms and networks, where users consume content and interact with it, becoming active prosumer audiences. The aim of this research is to determine what elements determine this type of discourse on TikTok –as a social network that is trending among digital communities–, what type of profiles promote them, and what narrative code is used. To this end, based on the case of the referendum planned in Scotland for 2023, an exploratory quantitative and qualitative study is proposed based on the publications discriminated by hashtags related to the topic through an analysis carried out in an application called PyCharm (Python) TikTok Research. The results suggest that on TikTok this type of content has a large reach, but it is not possible to determine precisely whether it has a specific effect or impact. However, the rate of user engagement and interaction with this content opens the possibility of eventually greater influence than on other platforms.

Work environment challenge and the wellbeing of women in construction industry in New Zealand – The mediating role of work morale

PurposeThis study aims to determine the effects of sexism and unfavourable job conditions on women's mental and physical wellbeing in construction operations. In addition, this study will establish the mediating role of work morale in the association between workplace challenges and wellbeing.Design/methodology/approachData for this study were obtained from women working in office environments, onsite professionals and those in trades. A total of 65 participants responded to the survey. The partial least square structural equation modelling method was applied to validate the measurement model and test the hypotheses.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that benevolent and hostile sexism directly influences work morale and indirectly affects women's mental and physical wellbeing in the construction industry. Hostile sexism is the most significant challenge for female construction workers in New Zealand.Research limitations/implicationsThe finding is theory-building and challenges the assumptions that the nature of the construction industry has a bearing on the mental and physical health of women in construction. In addition, the finding is useful for creating positive work environments that are both inclusive and empathetic to the diverse needs of the modern-day construction workforce. Thus, reducing the challenges experienced by construction women's workforce.Originality/valueThe current study focuses on women and those who identified themselves as such. The conclusions show the relevance of work morale to their mental wellbeing. This exploratory quantitative study contributes to research by advancing understanding of the challenges women face in the industry and the consequences of those challenges on their physical and mental wellbeing.

Growing resilience capacity for learners presenting with specific learning disability in learners with special education needs schools.

Preventing adversity from accelerating among learners with specific learning disabilities (SLD) is imperative. Continuous adversities, such as social-emotional, psychological and academic difficulties, characterise learners with SLD. Prior studies have been conducted on learners with SLD developing a disorder because of the difficulties they face. However, very few studies offer evidence of how learners presenting with SLD cope despite their learning disability. The study sought to investigate what resilience resources are available among learners with SLD in learners with special education needs (LSEN) schools and to provide stakeholders with evidence of resilience enablers for learners with SLD. An exploratory quantitative research study was adopted, and 217 respondents with SLD were selected through purposive sampling in four LSEN schools. These learners completed the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-28). Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and the custom table was used as a statistical technique. Even though the presence of SLD negatively affects an individual's academic, psychological, social and emotional functioning, the results of this study show that individual qualities, relationships with caregivers and peers and contextual resources were resilience-enabling resources for learners with SLD. The study's results show that the combination of individual attributes, relational and environmental factors enables the resilience of learners with SLD. When given accessible and meaningful support, learners with SLD can develop resilience. The study contributes to the dearth of knowledge regarding the resilience of learners with SLD in LSEN schools.

Tests on a scale for measuring the core competencies of paediatric specialist nurses: An exploratory quantitative study.

This study aimed to develop a tool to measure paediatric specialist nurses' core competencies and examine the scale's validity and reliability. An exploratory quantitative study. This study was performed in April 2022 with 302 paediatric specialist nurses in mainland China. Items were created through a literature review, a qualitative interview, and the Delphi method. The data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, explanatory factor analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient, Cronbach's alpha coefficient and split-half reliability. The final scale consisted of five factors and 32 items. The factors were communication, coordination and judgement abilities; professional technology mastery ability; specialist knowledge mastery ability; medical-related processes; and evidence-based nursing competencies. The explained total variance of the five factors was 62.216%. The scale-level and item-level CVI of this scale was 1.00, and the mean CVR of the total scale was 0.788. The Pearson correlation coefficients of each dimension and the total dimension of the scale was 0.709-0.892, and within each dimension, it was 0.435-0.651. The Cronbach's α of this scale was 0.944, and its split-half reliability was 0.883.

Relationship between organisational culture and collective coping strategies in project teams: an exploratory quantitative study in the UAE construction industry

PurposeThis study explores the role of organisational culture in promoting collective coping strategies in construction project teams in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Three collective coping strategies were examined, including problem-focused, relationship-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies.Design/methodology/approachO'Reilly et al.’s (1991) organisational culture profile (OCP) assessed organisational culture values. Data were collected through an online questionnaire from practitioners in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) construction organisations.FindingsThe findings show a high correlation between competitiveness culture values and problem-focused team coping strategy. Relationship-focused team coping strategy was found to have a high correlation with emphasis on rewards and performance orientation values. Conversely, an emotion-focused team coping strategy correlates highly with competitiveness, supportiveness and emphasis on rewards cultural values.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross-sectional design of the survey and the UAE context may present limits to the generalisability of findings.Practical implicationsLimited attempts have been made to study collective coping in construction project teams. The study paves the path for exploring emergent socio-psychological concepts in construction organisations, including the impact of organisational culture on team collective coping with adverse events.Originality/valueUnderstanding the pivotal impact of culture on successful team coping provides managers with valuable insights into managing situational adversity in construction project teams.

An exploratory quantitative study to ascertain neonatal nurse confidence in kangaroo care provision in an Irish neonatal hospital setting

AimThe aim of this study is to explore and identify how confidence may or may not be affecting KC provision in Irish neonatal settings. MethodsThis study is an exploratory quantitative design. Quantitative data was collected using the “Kangaroo Care Skills Confidence Tool” with a targeted convenience sample of 70 nurses, using a homogenous, non-probability sampling method. Data was analysed using STATA software for descriptive statistics and linear regression. ResultsConfidence in kangaroo care provision was generally high, with 81.6% (n = 31) of nurses feeling confident in their skills to recognise and assess the infant's physiological and behavioural responses to it. Diversely though, 50% (n = 19) of nurses felt apprehensive when offering it to “some” of the infants in their care. In the linear regression the p-value of age is 0.035, which means there is a statistically significant effect of age on KC confidence. The coefficient of age is negative (−0.0966), which indicates a negative relationship. This means that with the increasing age of the participants, the mean of the answers decreased. Older participants did statistically significantly disagree more with their confidence in KC than younger participants. ConclusionInstitutional barriers and the level of academic qualification of the nurse affected confidence in KC provision. Education should improve apprehension scores.

Taking Stock of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Canada: Trends and Challenges

Purpose: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is vital for prolonged health and wellness. Yet, the consumption of fruits and vegetables remains low in some regions. Methodology: This exploratory quantitative study utilized a web-based survey instrument to probe the likelihood of consumption by Canadian consumers. Canadians who have lived in the country for 12 months or more and were 18 years of age or older were surveyed. Care was given to get a representative sample from all Canadian regions. Findings: Barriers to produce consumption include cost (39.5%), lack of knowledge and preparation skills (38.5%), and confusion surrounding health benefits (6.3%). There is further confusion surrounding the nutrition of frozen vs. fresh vegetables. Finally, respondents were concerned about pesticide residue on imported produce (63.4%). Originality: Although evidence that fruits and vegetables can mitigate disease and that promotion of fruit and vegetable consumption has been a key policy area for the Canadian government, consumers still fail to integrate sufficient fruits and vegetables into their diets. To our knowledge, this is the only study probing consumers on their fresh produce intake in the Canadian context. Public awareness and education about the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables and their nutritional value and health-promoting benefits can increase consumption in many Canadian regions and demographics.

Moroccan EFL Public University Instructors’ Perceptions and Self-Reported Practices of Written Feedback

Background. Since the 1990s, teachers’ written corrective feedback (WCF) has been recognized as vital in addressing linguistic issues or product aspects of writing. However, it is necessary to go beyond error correction and focus on written feedback (WF) that concerns other areas of process writing. Still, teachers’ thinking on these issues is often an under-explored area.
 Purpose. This study aimed to explore EFL instructors’ perceptions and their self-reported practices of product- and process-based WF in the writing context of tertiary education.
 Methods. The exploratory quantitative study collected data from 51 Moroccan EFL writing instructors through a self-developed questionnaire. The questionnaire items regarding perceptions and self-reported practices were valid and acceptable for factor analysis of nine subscales covering the features of product- and process-based WF, and all of them proved to be reliable. This structure allowed several comparisons during data analysis.
 Results. Concerning product-oriented WF, participants perceived applying WCF and WF modes on the written text as important techniques. As part of process-based WF, most of them highly valued effective WF modes in the writing process. Regarding their self-reported practices of product-based WF, instructors stated that they often employed WF modes on the written text. Within the process-based WF, they reported using judgemental feedback and effective WF modes as their most frequent practices. The comparisons between perceptions and self-reported practices showed mismatches in four subscales, including WCF, content-based WF related to macroaspects of writing, developing evaluative judgement, and effective WF modes in the writing process. Thus, instructors admitted the importance of WF in these areas although they acknowledged applying their practices less frequently.
 Conclusions. This study verified the psychometric properties of a self-constructed questionnaire, which was justified to be appropriate to explore teachers’ perceptions and self-reported practices regarding WF. The results obtained from the different subscales support the effectiveness of WCF and allow the exploration of a new conceptualisation of WF as a process.