Focus Group Discussion Method Research Articles

Social Media Marketing Strategy to Promote Sustainable Tourism in Bantaeng Shallot Farms

This study aims to develop a comprehensive strategy for managing shallot farms in Desa Bonto Lojong as a sustainable tourism destination. The shallot farms have faced significant challenges due to the negative impact of viral content on social media, resulting in substantial losses for the farmers. To mitigate these effects, the farm owners have implemented measures such as installing fences to control visitor access. However, these temporary solutions do not address the underlying issues of sustainable tourism development. Using a qualitative research design with observation and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) methods, this study focuses on the social media marketing strategy, utilizing the 4Ps of marketing product, place, price, and promotion to promote the shallot farm as a sustainable tourism destination. The research aims to identify the potential of shallot farms as a tourist attraction while ensuring that the development is sustainable and beneficial for both the local community and the environment. The findings will provide insights into transforming shallot farms into sustainable tourism destinations, enhancing their economic viability while preserving ecological and social integrity. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on sustainable tourism development by highlighting community-based initiatives and the role of social media in promoting local agricultural products. The outcomes will be beneficial for policymakers, local stakeholders, and farmers, providing practical strategies to manage and promote their agricultural products sustainably.

From Perception to Practices: Adoption of Ecosystem-Based Adaptation in Vietnam Upland Areas—A Case Study in Thua Thien Hue Province

In the context of increasing interest in ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA), there remains a paucity of discussion regarding the transition from perception to practice in aiding farmer households to adapt to climate change (CC) while maintaining the provision of essential ecosystem services. Thus, this study aims to explore policymakers’ and local people’s perceptions, from thinking about the implementation of EbA strategies to responding to CC in current and future agricultural production and forestry in upland Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. This study has adopted the Model of Private Proactive Adaptation to CC to investigate the perceptions of EbA among various administrative and household levels through in-depth interviews and focus group discussion methods. Our findings indicate a significant relationship between the perceptions and understanding of EbA among policymakers and farmer households, and the adoption of EbA practices. Many EbA practices are already well-established and have demonstrated their ability to enhance ecosystem services provision, adaptation benefits, and livelihood and food security. These benefits are crucial for helping farmer households to adapt to CC. However, current financial, technical, and market constraints hinder the broader adoption of these practices. Therefore, to increase adaptive capacity to CC and upscale EbA practices, EbA interventions must consider technical, financial, and market aspects. Furthermore, it is essential to provide evidence from both scientific and practical perspectives and disseminate information on EbA practices to encourage broader adoption by local farmers. In addition, supportive policies from various departmental and agency levels are necessary for managers in the agricultural and forest sectors as well as households to recognize EbA as a vital strategy for developing agriculture and forestry in a manner that is sustainable and resilient to CC.

A qualitative exploration of nursing master's research supervision in a private higher education institution

BackgroundCompleting a Master's thesis is crucial for earning a master's degree and showcasing students' academic and professional skills. However, the process is often challenging owing to its solitary nature and the complexity of its supervisory relationships. PurposeThis study aimed to explore the experience of Nursing Master's Research Supervision and its impact on their thesis journey. DesignExploratory descriptive qualitative research design. Setting and participantsThe study was conducted at a private nursing institute in Islamabad, Pakistan, from January 2022 to May 2022. The study included 12 students enrolled in the Masters of Science in Nursing program. MethodsFocus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted online, using a semi-structured guide. Students were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were analysed using manual content analysis through a collaborative approach. Rigor was ensured using Lincoln and Guba's trustworthiness criteria. SRQR reporting guidelines were used. ResultsThe study explored graduate students' thesis supervision experiences and discovered six influential categories: “Expectations from Supervisor”, encompassing preceding knowledge and teaching perceptions; “Supervisor Accessibility”, involving physical access and cooperation; “Adverse Supervision Experience”, detailing challenging interactions; “Supervision Meeting Management”, addressing problem-solving and scheduling; “Assistance and Support”, covering collaboration, software, and resources; and “Suggestions”, offering guidance on thesis write-up and research committee roles. ConclusionThe study elucidated students' expectations about supervisor expertise, access difficulties, negative experiences, and the need for clear guidelines. Improved communication, defined roles, and increased support for thesis writing and assessment are crucial for satisfactory supervision. Further investigation of supervisors' viewpoints is advised.

EDUKASI MANAJEMEN USAHA PRODUK PANGAN LOKAL BERBASIS DAUN KELOR PADA MAJELIS TAKLIM KELURAHAN BUKIT WOLIO INDAH

Baubau, Southeast Sulawesi, moringa leaves are generally only processed into clear vegetable soup which is believed to have medicinal properties, but have not been developed into processed products that are attractive, competitive, and have high economic value. In fact, if this business is managed seriously, it can provide benefits to the community of Bukit Wolio Indah Village, Wolio District, Baubau City. This activity was carried out through the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) method, practice, and mentoring. The results of the activity showed that partners initially had very limited knowledge about the benefits, properties, and how to process moringa leaves. However, after participating in education and direct practice, partners gained knowledge about the benefits and properties of moringa leaves, as well as skills in processing various moringa products, business management, marketing, packaging, and determining selling prices. Based on the evaluation, this local food business management education based on moringa leaves has been utilized by the Majelis Taklim mothers to start a home business that has the potential to increase family income.

Public information dissemination and its impact on force account implementation in Kalambo district council, Tanzania

The study assessed dissemination of public information and its impact on implementation of force accounts in Kalambo District Council in Tanzania. A cross-sectional design was employed in collecting data at one point in time with a mixed methods research approach which was used in an attempt to gain detailed information. A total of 145 participants which includes ward development committees, construction committees and community members were involved whereby 46 key informants were selected purposely based on their positions while simple random sampling technique was used in selecting 99 respondents from the community. The survey, interview, focus group discussion and documentary review method were used to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis whereas qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The study findings revealed that information is not easily accessible to the public and a few shared information is not clear due to confidentiality and technical language. The findings also indicate that the public is unaware about the progress force account due to ineffective dissemination of information which leads to untimely completion of works and misuse of resources. The study concludes that there is inadequate information in the implementation of force account projects, thus resulting in poor support, acceleration of low value for money and lack of accountability due to poor public scrutiny. The study recommends that the government institutions should emphasise the use of authorised social and religious gathering in an attempt to raise awareness. Moreover, the selected committee must engage the public in decision making in order to improve transparency in implementation of projects.

Internal quality assurance strategies for enhancing students’ soft skills in Tanzania’s higher education institutions

This paper explored the strategies used by the Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) units of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to enhance soft skills among university students in Tanzania. The qualitative research approach was adopted using a multi-case study design involving a sample of thirty-nine (39) participants obtained through purposive and convenient sampling procedures. The study used interviews, focus group discussion and documentary review methods to collect data for the study. The paper deployed thematic and content analysis procedures in the analysis of data. The findings revealed four quality assurance strategies to enhance university students’ soft skills, including developing and reviewing curricula, prolonged field attachment, student assessment and developing academic personnel. The study concludes that there is more to be done to ensure that HEIs students are competent in soft skills for their future life realities. The study recommends assigning soft skills greater emphasis in HEIs curricula due to their importance in future life of the students. More studies on the studied topic using larger samples and different contexts are also recommended.

Household Economy and its Relation to Household Head and Women: A Study Among the Tangkhuls in Kangpokpi District, Manipur

The household economy is the collective sociocultural of managing resources and economic activities within households or families. A household economy is a fundamental unit of analysis in anthropological studies of economic systems, as it provides insights into how people manage their livelihoods within different cultural contexts. The present study attempted to investigate the relationship between household income and the role of household heads and women in income generation in the context of the Tangkhul of Kangpokpi District, Manipur. Using a mixed methods approach, including surveys, interviews and focus group discussions, the study examines the economic practices of households engaged in shifting cultivation and how household heads and women contribute to income generation. The finding reveals the significant contribution of women to household economic activities and the interplay between gender roles and household heads in the Tangkhul community. The Tangkhul is a patriarchal society, although women enjoy substantial freedom and play an important role in family and community life. The study highlights the need for a more detailed understanding of economic practices and the role of gender in shaping household income in rural communities. The insight gained from this research can inform policies and interventions aimed at livelihood and reducing poverty in rural areas.

Implementation of Electrical Engineering Curriculum in the Era of Industry 4.0 in Indonesia: Stakeholder Participants Qualitative Interviews

The rapid development of science and technology has led to fundamental changes in terms of qualifications, competencies, and requirements to enter the industrial world. This has led to the adjustment of the effectiveness of collaboration between industry and higher engineering education, thus necessitating further consideration of engineering higher education curricula that are oriented towards the industrial revolution. The aim of this study is to examine how the electrical engineering curriculum can be adjusted and improved to be more relevant to the technological advancements and industrial demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution era in Indonesia. This qualitative descriptive study utilizes the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) method and semi-structured online interviews. Stakeholder participants including the heads of Electrical Engineering programs in the top twenty universities in Indonesia have been involved in this study. We explore perspectives on the implementation of the electrical engineering curriculum, its rationale, objectives, methods, and challenges in its execution. Herewith, curriculum revisions are deemed necessary while still adhering to the fundamental principles based on accreditation institution guidelines. The findings highlight that incorporating the latest technologies with a focus on practical skills relevant to the development of Industry 4.0 is essential. The latest technology supporting practical skills for electrical engineering students needs to be improved. Active involvement from all parties in the curriculum implementation is the key to producing competent graduates prepared to face global challenges in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Pengaruh Metode Focus Group Discussion Terhadap Antusias Belajar Siswa pada Mata Pelajaran PAI di SMPN 1 Sungai Pua

This research aims to determine the effect of using the focus group discussion method on students' enthusiasm for learning in the Islamic religious education subject class VIII SMPN 1 Sungai Pua. This research uses a quasi-experimental research method by taking two classes which are used as a control class and an experimental class. This research is a quantitative experiment, by giving pre-tests and post-tests to students in both classes. Totaling 50 people. The sampling technique was carried out using Cluster random sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was a learning interest questionnaire. The data analysis technique uses normality, homogeneity tests, then continues with hypothesis testing. From the research results, it shows that the results of hypothesis testing that was carried out in the experimental class and control class obtained a Sig value. (Pvalue) = 0.001˂ α = 0.05. which means H0 is rejected and Ha is accepted. Based on the results of these calculations, it can be concluded that there is an influence of using the focus group discussion method on students' enthusiasm/interest in learning in class VIII Islamic Religious Education subjects at SMPN 1 Sungai Pua.

Qualitative Study of the Role of Fathers in Stunting Incidence in South Central Timor Regency

Stunting is a condition of chronic malnutrition accompanied by disease complications, which has negative impacts, both short and long term. In the short term, children will be at risk and susceptible to infectious diseases, while in the long term, in adulthood they will be at risk of suffering from chronic diseases. Low income affects household nutrition. The incidence of stunting cannot be separated from habits, cultural beliefs, knowledge and perceptions of local communities regarding fulfilling family nutrition. These beliefs have an influence on child care. The aim of this research is to identify the role of fathers in the incidence of stunting in South Central Timor Regency. This type of qualitative research uses focus group discussion (FGD) methods and in-depth interviews. The respondents involved for the qualitative approach were government figures (village heads and sub-district heads), religious leaders, traditional leaders, health services, community health centers and fathers with toddlers totaling 7 people from each village. The results obtained on average are that fathers know the direct causes of stunting, not because of their knowledge but because fathers are less aware of their child's parenting patterns. Parenting patterns regarding monitoring children's meal times, personal hygiene and providing diverse and nutritious food are lacking. On average, a father is busy earning a living, many even work outside the city so their children are entrusted to their grandparents, there is a lack of control in the family so there are many early marriages under the age of 20, the family economy is weak so people have less purchasing power to earn money. nutritious food ingredients. The conclusion from this research is that the role of fathers is one of the causes of stunting in South Central Timor Regency.

THE EFFECT OF PROVIDING HEALTH LITERACY ON FAMILY SUPPORT AND STROKE RISK IN THE PRE AND POST-TEST AMONG THE DAYAK TRIBE AT THE BARONG TONGKOK COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

Introduction: The Dayak tribe inhabits most of West Kutai Regency , East Kalimantan Province. Hypertension is a major health problem in the West Kutai area , one of the areas under which is the Barong Tongkok Community Health Center . The family has an important role as a facilitator and provider of support in reducing hypertension and preventing the risk of stroke in family members. Aim: The aim of this research is to analyze The influence and differences in providing health literacy on family support and the risk of stroke in pre and post tests in Dayak families in an effort to reduce the risk of stroke. Method: The method in this research is pre-post test control group with sampling techniques using questionnaires and interviews. Focus Group Discussion Method was carried out every 100 times _ Respondents included 50 people in the intervention group and 50 people in the control group, with the criteria being level 1 and level 2 hypertension patients. Questionnaire and blood pressure test results were taken before and after treatment in the form of a Focus Group Discussion session. Results: The results of this research It was found that providing health literacy on the level of family support was significant (p-value: 0.00), and could reduce the risk of stroke (p-value: 0.00). The results of the pre-post test on the intervention showed differences in health literacy (p-value: 0.00), family support (p-value: 0.02) and risk of stroke (p-value: 0.00), unlike groups control where there was no significant difference in the pre and post tests. Research implications: Suggestions for Community health workers can pay more attention to family support variables by providing counseling to family members of stroke patients or stroke symptoms, through a religious or sociological approach where family relationships are the key to an individual's recovery.

Meaningful climate change communication: an analysis of women dry season farmers in Kuliyaa community of Ghana

ABSTRACT Access to climate change information can play a critical role in helping rural women adapt to climate change. Our research investigates the communication channels used for climate education among female dry-season farmers in the Kuliyaa community of northern Ghana. Particularly, we address access to climate change information among smallholder female farmers. We adopted a community-based participatory approach to guide the study. To achieve our research objectives of investigating climate change communication channels among smallholder female farmers, specific methods of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to gather knowledge from smallholder female farmers. The research findings provide a well-rounded exploration of the unique climate change communication challenges female farmers face and the innovative approaches they have adopted to share climate change information. Specifically, the findings show that women have adopted innovative oral communication channels to disseminate and transfer climate knowledge among themselves. We also found that there is limited access to radio in the Kuliyaa community making them resort to group meetings to share knowledge and ideas empowering them economically in other livelihoods. The study discovered the community utilises gender inclusivity in decision-making. We recommend that the government and other relevant organisations to develop and implement a strategic policy on climate information dissemination with a focus on supporting farmers in rural communities of Ghana to mitigate climate change effects. Technologies can also be developed to aid in disseminating relevant information to farmers in rural areas as the available oral communication is less effective in disseminating useful information on climate change.

The effects of free prescriptions on community pharmacy selection: A discrete choice experiment

BackgroundLittle is known about preferences for community pharmacies, particularly the influence of prescription co-payments, and for New Zealand's priority populations, Māori and Pacific Peoples. Improving understanding of community pharmacy preferences will enable tailoring services to meet community needs. ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate New Zealanders’ preferences for community pharmacies when collecting prescriptions. Additionally, variations in preferences for community pharmacy attributes between different latent and demographic groups were examined. MethodsFocus group discussions with various community groups were thematically analyzed to develop six attributes: location, wait time, customer service, prescription co-payments, parking availability, and nearby businesses. Participants were asked to complete an online survey involving 12 choice tasks, where they had to choose their preferred option of 3 unlabeled pharmacies along with demographic questions. A mixed multinomial logit model and latent classes analysis were used to assess and compare the participant preferences. ResultsThe sample of 553 participants, representative of the New Zealand population, resulted in 19,908 observations for analysis. The most attractive pharmacy attribute was its proximity, being within a 10-min travel distance from home or work. The importance of prescription co-payments is evident, with free prescriptions being the second most attractive attribute level and $15 NZD prescription co-payments being the least appealing. Different classes placed importance on different attributes, the largest of which prioritized prescription co-payments. Including demographic characteristics did not improve model accuracy nor predict class membership. ConclusionsUnder current policy, the most effective way for pharmacies to attract business is by offering free prescriptions. However, the trend of adopting lower-cost models may reduce the quality of care they deliver. Policy decision-makers must decide if they are comfortable with this potential impact.

“We have that connection, we have love; we take wildlife as gifts from our ancestors”: relations between antelopes and Khwe in Namibia’s Bwabwata National Park

Wildlife plays significant roles in many societies that go beyond its ecological importance and economic rationale associated with conservation. This article examines the meanings of antelopes for the Khwe people in Bwabwata National Park in north-eastern Namibia. It underlines the importance that indigenous communities attach to wildlife and advocates for a more comprehensive understanding of human-wildlife relationships beyond ecological and economic values and the usual framing of conflicting relationships. The article explores how antelopes go beyond being merely “wild animals” to being intertwined in the lives and spaces of the Khwe. Drawing from secondary data, lived experiences and empirical data collected through qualitative methods of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, we engage Khwe residents in Bwabwata National Park, including elders, traditional leaders and the management committee of the Kyaramacan Association. Our fundamental question is: what lessons can we draw from the relations of the Khwe with certain antelope species to foster coexistence in Namibia’s community conservation landscapes? Conceptually, we adopt the concept of mechanical solidarity, which emphasises a collective conscience based on shared knowledge, norms and values. We propose that integrating this approach into community conservation practices could enhance conservation outcomes.

The path to cashless transaction: A study of user intention and attitudes towards quick response mobile payments

This study explores the factors influencing users' behavioral intentions, attitudes and actual adoption of quick response (QR) mobile payment in the least developed country (LDC) of Bangladesh, by extending the original unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model. The study conducts a mixed-methods investigation by combining the partial least squares (PLS) and focus group discussion (FGD) methods to empirically evaluate the research model and cross-validate the findings. Using purposive sampling, data were gathered from 412 respondents, followed by 10 respondents who took part in the FGD, who all met the sample criteria. The study findings indicate that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence significantly positively influence users' behavioral intention, while self-concept, perceived self-efficacy, and habit substantially influence their attitudes towards using QR mobile payments. The findings also confirm a positive effect of users’ attitudes toward using QR mobile payment on both behavioral intention and actual use, and a positive effect of behavioral intention on the actual use of QR mobile payments. These findings offer several important theoretical and managerial implications.

Community perception and experience of health services in the midst of an earthquake and COVID-19 pandemic: A phenomenological study

Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire with various disasters occurring frequently and causing tremendous impacts. Recently, Mamuju Regency in West Sulawesi was hit by an earthquake during the COVID-19 pandemic, making primary health care (PHC) a major community health care provider facing several issues. This study aims to explore the challenges and supporting factors of the recovery of PHC after the earthquake during the COVID-19 pandemic using a descriptive phenomenology grounded in Edmund Husserl's philosophy. The Bamboo PHC (Puskesmas Bambu) was selected as the only PHC in Mamuju which was most affected by the earthquake. A focus group discussion method was conducted by involving 15 participants selected using purposive sampling and divided into three groups (health workers, health cadres, and community members). As a result, the community members acknowledged that the Bamboo PHC services programs in general were favorable before the pandemic, there were several basic and superior health service programs that the community felt were valuable. Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation and the use of healthcare facilities decreased. Coupled with the occurrence of natural disasters in vulnerable areas, it is increasingly causing fatalities. Therefore, disaster preparedness and community empowerment are the key to successful disaster management.

The Social Media Marketing Mix Trends in Indonesia for 2024: Communication Perspective

Background: 86% of marketers believe social media marketing mix trends have influenced their profits. This condition significantly changes the business world and offers integrated marketing communications strategy options.This is a qualitative research in the interpretive paradigm. Using netnography or virtual ethnography or digital ethnography methods, this research attempts to explore and analyze the complex meaning of Indonesia's latest social media statistical data, compiled from We Are Social and The Global Statistics. We support data from Pew Research Center, Statista, Deloitte, Forbes, Insider Intelligence, Forrester, LinkedIn, GlobalWebIndex, CMO Survey, and the FGD (Focus Group Discussion) method. The analytical tools used are Computer-Mediated Communication Theory, Everett Rogers' Theory of Diffusion of Innovation, etc. In 2024, the social media marketing mix (SMMM) will be dominated by Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) including Generative A.I. and ChatGPT technology, as well as creative content that is entertaining and capable of attracting various kinds of people, and creates social polemics too. The principle, "Give what they want, take what you need," is used to get support from Gen Z and Millennials. This principle is needed to build trust and loyalty. Many companies will carry out promotions focusing only on social media platforms that provide benefits, and social media trends in Indonesia include Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter. The promotional message will consist of product quality, price, and comfort. These three aspects will also be communicated extensively using A.I. technology and ChatGPT.

Strategic and operational issues in sustaining community-based dementia support groups: the Get Real with Meeting Centres realist evaluation part 2

Objectives Support for people with dementia in their communities is neither robust nor consistent in the UK, often bolstered by third sector/grass-roots initiatives facing formidable challenges in sustaining long-term. The Get Real with Meeting Centres project explored factors involved in sustaining one such form of community-based support. This is the second of two linked articles outlining learning from this realist evaluation of Meeting Centres (MCs) for people with dementia and carers, which focusses on findings regarding their operational and strategic running. Method Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 77 participants across three MC sites in England and Wales, including people living with dementia, informal carers, staff, volunteers, trustees, and supporting professionals/practitioners. Data were themed, then analysed using soft systems methodology and realist logic of analysis. Results Forty-two ‘context-mechanism-outcome’ statements were generated, explaining how background circumstances might trigger responses/processes to produce wanted or unwanted outcomes regarding three key areas for MC sustainability: External relationships and collaboration; Internal relationships and practices; and Finances and funding. Conclusion Collaboration is essential to sustaining community-based initiatives such as MCs, particularly between local community and regional level. MCs need to be vigilant in mitigating pressures that create ‘mission drift’, as targeting a gap in the care pathway and maintaining a person-centred ethos are central to MCs’ appeal. Stable, ongoing funding is needed for stable, ongoing community dementia support. More formal recognition of the value of social model community-based initiatives, helped by improved data collection, would encourage more robust and consistent community dementia support.

PENDAMPINGAN MASYARAKAT DESA HUTAN (BINAAN PT. WWI) DALAM PENERAPAN METODE PENGUKURAN CADANGAN KARBON DI DESA WAPSALIT KABUPATEN BURU

Carbon reserves in forests play a crucial role in climate change mitigation and the preservation of global ecosystems. Forests act as primary absorbers of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, storing carbon in the biomass of trees, soil, and leaf litter. This community service aims to provide understanding and education to the public about carbon storage, factors influencing storage capacity, and the implications of sustainable forest management. The methodology used includes direct measurement of carbon reserves in various forest types and the analysis of secondary data from scientific literature. Survey results indicate that the village forest of Wapkalit still has significant potential, emphasizing the need for community awareness to continue managing and preserving the forest. Socialization conducted through the FGD (Focus Group Discussion) method can directly impart knowledge to the community.

Guidelines for Conducting Worship During Epidemic Transmission According to Islamic and Scientific Perspectives

The Coronavirus is a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The government has issued guidelines to control the spread of the virus, including matters involving activities in mosques such as the implementation of prayer rituals. Some laws and practices in the prayer rituals, issued by the mufti and religious departments, initially caused confusion among the Muslim community because such matters had never occurred in Malaysia and there was a lack of explanation by religious experts. Thus, this study is conducted to obtain views from a panel of experts on matters that can be improved and enhanced in these guidelines. This study employs the method of focus group discussions (FGD) involving 6 expert panelists from the fields of religion, science, and medicine. All expert panelists agree that the development of these guidelines is very beneficial for the community to refer to in the event of airborne virus transmission such as COVID-19 in the future. These guidelines provide justification from both Islamic and scientific perspectives to make the community more confident and comfortable in practicing them.