Mixed Methods Research Design Research Articles

Labor welfare policy, practices, and deficiencies with the ILO: evidence from the garment industry of Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Labor welfare, aligned with the standards set by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and effectively practiced, plays a vital role in ensuring the optimal functioning and protection of the labor force within an industry. The garment supply chain is a significant contributor to the national economy in Bangladesh. However, labor welfare in this sector falls short of expectations due to inadequate access to facilities and benefits such as transportation, recreation, housing, and education. As such, it is of interest to see whether the labor welfare policies in Bangladesh’s garment factories align with ILO guidelines, how these policies impact workers’ overall well-being, and the extent to which the garment industry adheres to the prescribed labor welfare standards in the country. Using a mixed-method research design, the study reveals that nine welfare factors significantly correlate with worker well-being. Nevertheless, the study underscores the disparity between current labor welfare policies under labor law and those recommended by the ILO, revealing substandard labor welfare provisions and practices. The study’s outcomes can guide policymakers, business leaders, and stakeholders in enhancing labor welfare practices, ultimately aiming to improve worker well-being and work efficiency.

EXPLORING MULTIMODAL TEACHING STRATEGIES AND CULTURAL INTEGRATION LEADING THE WAY TO ENHANCE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

Multimodal teaching strategies use a variety of approaches and instruments to give education while accommodating diverse learning styles and preferences. This method combines visual, aural, kinesthetic, and textual elements to improve comprehension and retention. Examples include video, interactive exercises, hands-on experiments, and written resources. This research used the mixed method research design to explore holistically the effect of using multimodal teaching strategies and integration of culture in teaching English Language Arts. The results show a considerable improvement in pupils' academic performance from pretest to posttest. The mean score rose from 18.47 (SD = 1.98) in the pretest to 24.83 (SD = 2.93) in the posttest. The t-value of 16.79 and mean difference of 6.36 indicate a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001). This significant rise indicates that the interventions used between the pretest and posttest had a beneficial effect. These results highlight the efficacy of multimodal teaching methodologies and cultural integration in improving comprehension, engagement, and overall academic achievement. As a result, using a variety of teaching approaches and culturally relevant materials is critical for fulfilling students' unique needs and achieving higher educational outcomes (Philippe et al., 2020; Magwenya et al., 2022; Harris & Nguyen, 2022; Escalaw, 2022). KEYWORDS: Multimodal Teaching Strategies, Culture Integration, Mixed-Method, Pegagogical Innovation

Influence of Aeta Education in St. Francis Learning Center at Nibangon Subic, Zambales

The Aeta community is one of the indigenous peoples in the Philippines, and they face challenges in accessing quality education. These challenges include limited school infrastructure and resources, a lack of qualified teachers understanding their cultural context, and socio-economic barriers preventing Aeta children from attending school. Hence, this study explored the perception of Aeta students in their education at St. Francis Learning Center. Specifically, it determined the socio-demographic profile of the participants in terms of year level, gender, age, family members, and socio-economic status; their perception on course descriptions, laboratory experiences, and the quality of academic staff; the factors that influence their decision-making process; and their suggested intervention programs to motivate students to choose the specific Senior High School Strand and college. This study employed a mixed-method research design particularly the explanatory-sequential approach. The participants comprised 10 Aeta Students currently studying at St. Francis Learning Center for the academic year 2024-2025. Results showed that while some students find the course descriptions and teaching methods effective and engaging, others face significant challenges. Scenarios such as teachers being unprepared, insufficient class time, lack of learning materials, and ineffective repetition of lessons point to areas where the educational experience can be improved. Practical utility, economic potential, parental influence, peer relationships, personal interests, career aspirations, and familial roles all play critical roles influence the students’ decision-making processes when choosing their Senior High School tracks.

English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Teachers’ Voices: English as an International Language (EIL) in Cyprus Context

This research study reports on the in-service English as a Foreign Language teachers’ perceptions of and needs and expectations regarding EIL and EIL-informed pedagogy in Northern Cyprus, which is a multilingual and multicultural teaching-learning context. A mixed method research design was utilized by collecting data through a questionnaire and interviews. A total of 152 in-service EFL teachers responded to the questionnaire, and 23 of them participated in the interviews. The findings of the study indicated that although the teachers welcomed the inclusion of EIL-aware pedagogy, they were hesitant to implement it in their classrooms due to lack of EIL-bound materials and existence of native speaker bound tests. The analysis also showed that teachers are aware of the EIL and EIL-aware pedagogy to some extent, however they lack the practical experience and expertise in order to implement such an approach to their daily practices. The findings of the study are believed to help raise EFL teachers’ awareness on how to integrate an EIL-informed approach in not only the local context but also in other multilingual and multicultural teaching-learning contexts worldwide.

Design of Moodle-based collaborative learning activities to enhance student interactions

PurposeThis article explores the impact of systematically designed online collaborative activities in two engineering undergraduate modules and key considerations for student interaction in Moodle.Design/methodology/approachThe educational design research approach was chosen to improve educational practices through iterative needs analysis, design, development and implementation. The study followed design-based research (DBR) approach, with a mixed-method research design used to uncover the critical factors in designing, developing and implementing online collaborative learning activities for improving student interaction. Two iterative cycles of online collaborative learning activities were implemented using the Moodle learning management system for two modules of an engineering undergraduate degree programme at a state university in Sri Lanka.FindingsResults indicate that students had demonstrated increased motivation for collaborative activities, and they had not experienced any significant difficulties in accessing materials or instructions. This study emphasizes that the design of learning activities has a greater influence on determining the level of interaction between the learner interface and the learner content. Also, a higher number of interactions on the wiki page improved learner-learner interactions, likely due to clear instructions and reduced complexities compared to previous Moodle activities. Overall, appropriately designed online activities can enhance students' motivation and improve communication, collaboration, cooperation and a sense of community among peers.Research limitations/implicationsThe study's constraints included a small sample size of 93 students in two courses, which limits generalization of the results. The study's findings should be carefully considered before being applied to courses with nontechnical content. The second constraint was the number of courses on which the activities were carried out. The activities were designed specifically for two Earth Resources engineering courses, and the developed activities addressed technical course content. The effect of the activities on students' engagement and motivation in various courses with nontechnical content must be investigated, and a complete generalization of the study's results may be called into question. As a result, careful consideration must be given to generalizing the study's findings.Practical implicationsThe study found that authentic collaborative learning activities using online technologies increased student participation and helped them discover their engineering design skills. Future research can focus on developing activities for other technical courses and incorporating additional tools into the instructional process. The use of a design-based research approach was recommended for future studies to obtain more comprehensive results than traditional comparative study designs.Originality/valueThe findings of this study suggest mechanisms to improve student interaction through online collaborative activities, particularly for delivering technical content. Such an understanding of learner interactions with course content, peers, teachers and interfaces will assist in the effective transformation of traditional technical content to online delivery mode. This is a unique study of converting in-class delivered engineering module content to online delivery within an equal time frame under restricted facilities and conditions resulting from a pandemic environment.

Validating the O&M VISSIT: Determining Appropriate Service Intensity

Introduction A national validation study on the Orientation and Mobility Visual Impairment Scale of Service Intensity of Texas ( O&M VISSIT) was conducted. Methods Fifty-two of the original 115 interested participants completed the study that used a mixed-methods research design. After finishing the O&M VISSIT for a student, participants completed a survey to determine the scale's validity and reliability. Participants were from urban, suburban, and rural areas and represented a wide range of geographic areas in the United States. Results The results of the national study demonstrate support for significance in relation to content, consequential, social, content, and construct validity, as well as support for significance in relation to internal consistency reliability. Data supporting validity included 88% of study participants who reported that the tool matched their professional judgment for determining the needs of students and recommending the type and amount of service needed. Data supporting the reliability of the tool was calculated using Cronbach's alpha, which showed how well the tool measured the needs of students. The Cronbach's alpha of the O&M VISSIT was .901, which supports significant internal consistency reliability. Discussion The results support the reliability and validity of the O&M VISSIT, as well as positive feedback related to the ease of use and prospective repeated use of the tool in the future. The tool provides a reliable and valid means for O&M specialists to determine appropriate amounts of both direct and collaborative consultation services for their students receiving O&M training. Implications for Practitioners Study participants found the O&M VISSIT to be a practical and functional tool to reflect the needs of students based on an O&M evaluation and could turn the students’ needs into recommendations for type and amount of itinerant O&M services. Practitioners can rely on the statistical validity and reliability data to justify their recommendations for O&M services as research-based decisions.

Major Writing Difficulties Faced by Kurdish Learners of EFL in Academic Writing Classes

Writing in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) contexts has been claimed to be one of the most challenging tasks required from EFL learners. Many Kurdish learners of EFL face difficulties producing well-developed paragraphs and essays in their courses of study in higher education. This study aims at investigating such difficulties that could hinder students’ overall progress and success. A mixed-method research design was used to explore the issue under investigation fully. The data collection tools used is a (5-point Likert Scale) questionnaire and semi-structured in-depth interviews. Two hundred English major students from four public universities of Kurdistan Region of Iraq answered the questionnaire. Also, ten EFL university instructors were interviewed. Analysis of the findings revealed that Kurdish learners of EFL faced various difficulties such as writing anxiety, mechanics of writing (grammar, punctuation, spelling), word choice, and negative language transfer in their writing courses. Discussions and implications of these findings are presented.

Effect of a structured health promotional program using the self-support groups on lifestyle behavior: The Ath Waas Interventional Trial.

Ath Waas is a one-of-a-kind health promotion intervention that focuses on chronic disease prevention behaviors through peer support and social support network development. The goal of the study was to see how effective Ath Waas was in a city setting in India. From July 2018 to July 2019, we used a mixed-methods intervention research design including many sites. At 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12 months, data were collected using participant surveys and in-person interviews. Throughout the research period, participants met in groups at least once a month to self-monitor health indicators, prepare and share a healthy snack, engage in physical activity, create a healthy lifestyle goal, and socialize. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test, and inferences were drawn thereof. There were statistically significant improvements in the majority of the domains of health from pre- to post-program, and 59% of participants reported specific behavioral changes as a result of their participation in the Ath Waas. Peer support, obtaining particular health knowledge, inspiration, motivation, or accountability, the empowering effect of monitoring one's own health indicators, overcoming social isolation, and knowing how to better access resources were all positive health outcomes. The mean knowledge scores for diabetes, hypertension, and nutrition in the first survey were 20.3 ± 2.1 and 5.2 ± 1.9 and in the last survey were 22.6 ± 3.1 (P < 0.05), 5.8 ± 2.4 (<.05), and 44.3 ± 3.9 (<0.001) after the intervention, respectively. The necessity to find novel approaches to chronic illness prevention and management drove the implementation and evaluation of Ath Waas. While more research is needed to confirm the current findings, it looks like Ath Waas could be a useful tool for empowering community members to support one another while promoting healthy lifestyle choices and recognizing early changes.Clinical Trial Registry of India: CTRI/2019/01/017028 (registered on 10/01/2019).

Enhancing Business Email Writing Ability through the Integration of Genre-based Approach and Data-driven Learning

Email functions as a pivotal tool in facilitating today’s business correspondence. Similar to other written genres, email incorporates distinct conventions and linguistic patterns that are recognized within a particular community. Deviating from the established conventions and recurring patterns can pose challenges for individuals engaging in communication within this genre. This study, which utilized a mixed methods research design, formulated a teaching approach that synergized genre-based approach (GBA) with data-driven learning (DDL) to facilitate business email writing instruction, while its effectiveness in enhancing students’ aptitude for written communication was investigated. The participants comprised 24 EFL university students with elementary (n=12) and intermediate (n=12) English proficiency levels from diverse academic disciplines. They underwent a 10-hour instructional course designed to augment their business email writing competence. Data were collected through pre-test and post-test assessments, supplemented by semi-structured interviews. The findings indicated a statistically significant improvement in participants’ business email writing ability subsequent to the intervention. Qualitatively, students’ post-intervention emails exhibited well-organized structure, comprehensive content, and contextual appropriateness, underpinned by practical, professional, and linguistically accurate language use. Furthermore, students expressed satisfaction with the pedagogical approach as it effectively prepared them for real-world business email communication.

Critical Pedagogy in Curriculum Decision Making

Critical pedagogy has recently started to have an impact on the field of TESOL—teaching English to speakers of other languages—by introducing some new socio-political views of language teaching and linguistics. In this research, two main aims are set forward. The first aim is to explain the new concept of critical pedagogy and make suggestions for how it can be incorporated into the TESOL profession. The second is to investigate students’ and teachers’ perceptions of the concept and fundamental tenets of critical pedagogy, as well as the extent to which these tenets are utilised in formulating curricula in the context of Kurdistan. This study adopted a mixed-methods research design to employ instruments for gathering and analysing data from numerous sources. The sample for the study was 120 students who completed a questionnaire. Fourteen students from the same sample participated in focus groups and, seven teachers took part in semi-structured interviews. All participants voluntarily agreed to participate in the research and were affiliated with Soran University in Iraq's Kurdistan region. The findings of this empirical study demonstrate that the stakeholders make the curricular decisions using a monologic approach rather than a dialogic one and that students and lecturers are not engaged in the decision-making process. The results also show that both teachers and learners are not very satisfied with the banking model of education and would like to be allowed to actively participate in the design and development of teaching curricula from a critical perspective.

Evaluation of an acceptance and commitment therapy with religious content to control obsessive-compulsive disorder, dysfunctional beliefs, feeling guilty, scrupulosity, and thought control among Muslims in Iran.

The present study aimed to develop an integrated protocol by combining religious content and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and evaluate its effectiveness in controlling obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), dysfunctional beliefs, feeling guilt, scrupulosity, and thought control among Muslims in Tehran, Iran. An exploratory mixed-method research design was applied in this study. In the qualitative stage, the document analysis method was used to extract components related to ACT with religious content. Also, the content and face validity of the intervention were confirmed by experts. Subsequently, a semi-experimental, pretest-posttest, control-group design was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the adapted protocol with a 3-month follow-up. In the quantitative stage, the inclusion criteria were meeting the diagnostic criteria for OCD based on the diagnostic interview of a psychiatrist, having religious purity/impurity obsessions, not receiving minimum psychological treatment for at least one month before entering the study, religious commitment; minimum age of 18 years and maximum age of 50 years; and having at least a high school diploma. The exclusion criteria from the research were as follows: age over 50 years; educational level of less than a high school diploma; having a personality disorder; receiving other treatments, inability to participate in sessions; and being introduced by a family member. The experimental and control groups participated in 25 individual treatment sessions based on the adapted protocol and 8 conventional ACT sessions. According to the results, the effectiveness of the religion-adapted ACT intervention on the severity of obsession and dysfunctional religious beliefs was higher in patients with OCD compared to the control group in the posttest. The present study showed that adding religious components to the ACT protocol can increase its effectiveness in reducing the severity of purity/impurity obsessions compared to the conventional ACT in the Muslim Iranian population.

Gender Differences in Faculty Experience with Start-up Packages: A Case Study from a Public University in the Southeastern U.S.

Start-up packages are a tool for successful transition to an academic career. This institutional case study examined the faculty experience with start-up packages at one public university in the Southeastern United States including gender differences, content, negotiation, and perceived outcomes. A mixed method research design was utilized to answer the study research questions. Data were gathered through an online survey with quantitative and qualitative questions. Data from 121 participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi‐squared test, and thematic analysis. Most start-up package agreements included moving expenses, personal computer and software, and start-up funds. On the other hand, child daycare, guaranteed junior sabbatical, and salary advancement were the most missing benefits in the agreements. Male faculty were able to obtain, significantly more often than female faculty, a specific number of years for secure funding, laboratory space, and student or postdoc funding in their agreements. Faculty were not well prepared for the negotiation process, and they were not aware what exactly they needed to establish a successful research program. Universities should focus more on the influence of start-up packages on faculty careers because perceived unfair treatment during the negotiation process or during administration can influence faculty performance and their turnover intentions.

Influence of Self-Efficacy and Perceived Valuableness in Research on the Research Engagement Among Librarians with Master’s Degree

The study determined the influence of self-efficacy and perceived valuableness in research on the research engagement among librarians with Master’s Degree. A mixed-method research design was used. The instruments used in the study were adapted from Büyükoztürk, Brennan et al, and Serna. Participants consisted of 64 MLIS graduates from the Northern Mindanao and Caraga Region. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to organize the data. Findings revealed that their efficacy in research was high; their perception of the valuableness of research was also high. Moreover, they were highly engaged in research behaviorally. Self-efficacy and their perception of the valuableness of research significantly influenced their behavioral research engagement. They admitted that their difficulties in research were related to data analysis and interpretation, review of related literature, introduction, conceptualization, theoretical framework, and research methods. In conclusion, self-efficacy and perceived valuableness in research in relation to research engagement will remain vital in today's librarianship due to the increased demand for services, developments, innovations, and technological advances.

DEVELOPMENT OF THAILAND’S NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW

The aim of this research was to investigate the current implementation of Thailand’s National Single Window and identify opportunities for improvement. Objectives included 1) assessing Thailand’s existing National Single Window, including its structure and function and agency and customer participation; 2) identifying problems with function and process of the National Single Window; and 3) identifying potential solutions to improve customs efficiency, port efficiency, and overall trade efficiency through Thailand’s National Single Window. Implementation of the National Single Window, which began to be considered in policy around 2005, is now substantially complete, but development activities and improvement are still ongoing. This study used a nested sequential qualitative-led mixed methods research design to investigate implementation of the National Single Window from the perspectives of multiple stakeholder groups. Data collection was conducted using a policy review (Phase 1), a questionnaire (n = 400) (Phase 2), and an open-ended questionnaire (n= 38) (Phase 3). The Phase 1 and Phase 3 data was analysed using content analysis, while Phase 2 data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The analysis showed that the National Single Window is currently being used and some aspects, such as implementation of import and export processes, is largely complete. This has provided benefits to users and agencies, especially reduced cost and time and improved efficiency. However, there are still some areas where improvements are needed, particularly interagency coordination of processes and information sharing and improvement of system stability. The study provides recommendations for continued development of the National Single Window based on these findings.

Mortgage Financing and Affordable Housing Nexus: Evidence from Developing Countries

The study investigated the relationship between mortgage financing and affordable housing in Kumasi, Ghana. It explores how mortgage financing influences affordable housing supply. It identified 23 banking institutions of which 11 of them are into mortgage financing. Adopting the exploratory sequential mixed method research design, the study selected banks households and, realtors as respondents using both purposive and accidental sampling techniques. The study found that, in Kumasi and Ghana, housing is affordable on paper but very expensive on the ground as none of the houses supplied on affordable housing projects are affordable to middle- and low-income earners. The study acknowledged that the high level of LtVR has made mortgage financing very expensive to ordinary Ghanaians and such calls for government-insured mortgages to make housing supply less expensive. It found that the ANOVA results from a regression analysis with a multiple R of 0.240 and R square of 0.058 shows that only 5.8% of the total mortgage lending rates are influenced by the interest rate pegged by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and hence there is a very weak relationship between interest rate and mortgage lending rate in Ghana. The study concludes based on the findings that in Kumasi and Ghana, housing units that are supplied using mortgage financing by the government realtors are more expensive than those built by private estate developers with or without mortgages. Hence a complete reform of the mortgage policy to include government-insured mortgages to make the secondary mortgage market attractive was recommended.

INFLUENCE OF PEER LEARNING PRACTICES ON STUDENT ACADEMIC COMPETENCES IN MATHEMATICS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN RWANDAA CASE OF RUHANGO DISTRICT

Background:Peer learning recognized as a form of collaborative learning has garnered significant attention in educational settings due to its potential to enhance students understanding and retention of subject matter. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of peer learning practices on student academic competences in mathematics in public secondary schools in Rwanda. This study was guided by three specific objectives and three research hypotheses focusing on peer learning practices and their influences on student academic competences in mathematics in Public secondary schools. Methods and Materials:The study utilized a mixed-methods research design. The target population included 5 sector education officers, 20 secondary school head teachers, 40 mathematics teachers, and 1435 students from 20 secondary schools in Ruhanago District. Both probability and non-probability sampling procedures were employed to determine the sample size. Specifically, stratified random sampling was used for selecting education officers, head teachers, and mathematics teachers, while convenience sampling was employed for selecting students. Data collection involved the use of interview guides for head teachers and questionnaires for teachers and students. Qualitative data were analyzed using statistically techniques, while quantitative data were analyzed with IBM SPSS. Results:Results pertaining to the relationship between peer learning practices and academic competences in mathematics revealed significant findings. 93.1% of students acknowledged that peer-learning practices positively influenced their mathematics grades, while 91.5% agreed that these practices enhanced their problem-solving skills. Additionally, 94.5% of respondents affirmed that peer-learning practices improved their conceptual understanding of mathematics, while 92% agreed that such practices increased their peer interaction and collaboration skills. Furthermore, 94.5% of students acknowledged that peer-learning practices enhanced their metacognitive skills. A strong relationship was established between students academic competences and peer learning practices where Pearson coefficient of correlation states the correlation (r=0.860, p-value&lt;0.001), Peer learning practices and students problem solving skills (0. 608**.p-value&lt;0.001), Students academic abilities and peer learning practices (r=.876** , p-value &lt;0.001). changes or improvements in their academic competences due to peer learning practices (r=.705** , p-value &lt;0.001) The association is related because p-value was less than 0.05, explaining that peer learning practices influence students academic competences at high level. The researcher suggests further investigation to explore the influence of students academic competences on their overall academic performance in public secondary schools in Rwanda, allowing for comparative analysis. Overall, the results pertaining to the relationship between peer learning practices and students academic competences in mathematics establish a strong correlation. The data consistently demonstrate a high degree of positive correlation between peer learning practices and students math grades, problem-solving skills, conceptual understanding, peer interaction and collaboration skills, metacognitive abilities, and overall academic confidence. Conclusion: It is essential to acknowledge that the effectiveness of these practices may vary based on contextual factors and individual differences among students. Effective facilitation and a supportive learning culture are crucial for realizing the full benefits of peer learning practices, as well as for addressing potential challenges and variations in outcomes.

NAVIGATING THE SOCIAL MEDIA MAZE: ASSESSING THE EVOLVING RELEVANCE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS IN A DIGITAL LANDSCAPE

In today's digital age, social media has revolutionized communication, becoming an integral part of daily life. This transformation has profoundly impacted the field of public relations (PR), as organizations now have unprecedented opportunities to connect with audiences through various social media platforms. Understanding how PR professionals can effectively leverage social media is crucial for navigating the complexities of this digital landscape. The aim of this article is to explore and critically evaluate how the advent and proliferation of social media platforms have transformed public relations practices. This study seeks to understand the impact of social media on PR strategies, communication dynamics, and the professional skill set required in the digital age. This study employs a mixed-methods research design to assess the evolving relevance of public relations (PR) in the digital landscape shaped by social media. This article gives a brief understanding of current trends and best practices in integrating social media into PR strategies to provide insights into navigating the social media maze. The evolution of PR in the digital age and the shift towards social media as a primary means of communication, assisted in the understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by social media for PR professionals, including managing online conversations, engaging with influencers, and measuring the impact of PR efforts. Furthermore, the strategies for effective PR in a digital landscape, include the development of comprehensive social media strategies, engagement with influencers, and monitoring of online conversations. The emphasis is on the importance of staying informed about emerging trends and best practices to successfully navigate the ever-changing social media maze. This article contributes to the understanding of the evolving relevance of PR in a digital landscape dominated by social media. By adopting effective strategies and embracing innovation, PR professionals can navigate the social media maze and build stronger relationships with their audiences in today's dynamic digital environment.

THE IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN CONSTRUCTION: A CASE STUDY OF BELTEI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

Leaders in Cambodia's construction business face obstacles that demand them to employ their leadership style in guiding personnel to operate at high performance levels. This study aims to investigate the impact of different leadership styles on employees’ performances at one private construction company in Cambodia. Design/Methodology/approach: Using convenience sampling, 152 valid structured questionnaires for the quantitative study and 30 unstructured questionnaires for the qualitative study were acquired following distribution. This study used a mixed methods research design. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for the quantitative analysis of the data. The inferential statistics of the data were presented using regression analysis and Pearson's correlation to explain both relationships and effects in accordance with the study assumptions. Text analysis using theme analysis for qualitative data. The study found a significant positive correlation between employee performance and four leadership styles (transformational, transactional, autocratic, and democratic) at a private construction company in Cambodia. Autocratic leadership had the lowest standard error and highest adjusted R-square, explaining the most variance in employee performance. The study found that construction workers use a variety of leadership styles, including transformational, transactional, democratic, and autocratic, to manage and resolve issues. Autocratic leadership has the highest correlation with employee performance, followed by democratic, transactional, and transformational styles. This hybrid and mixed leadership styles are used to ensure worker efficiency and safety. The study's value lies in its demonstration of how to apply successful leadership styles to improve employee performance, hence raising productivity and maintaining an inventive work atmosphere.

Examining the Impact of Chatbot-based Language Learning Support, Adaptive Learning Algorithms, and Virtual Reality Language Immersion on EFL Learners' Language Learning Proficiency and Self-Regulated Learning Skills

The rapid advancement of technology has revolutionized language learning, introducing innovative methods that depart from traditional instructional approaches. This study employs a mixed-methods research design to examine the impact of chatbot-based language learning support, adaptive learning algorithms, and virtual reality language immersion on the language learning proficiency and self-regulated learning skills of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. The research design includes quantitative analysis of language proficiency scores and qualitative exploration of learner experiences with the technological interventions. The theoretical implications of this study are rooted in constructivist and socio-cultural learning theories, which underpin the design and implementation of technological interventions. The triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data revealed that the participants' positive perceptions of the effectiveness of chatbot-based language learning support were supported by the quantitative results, with the variable "chat-bot based support" demonstrating a substantial mean difference compared to other groups. This convergence of findings reinforces the positive influence of chatbot-based support on language learning outcomes and highlights the importance of integrating theoretical perspectives with empirical evidence to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of technological interventions on language learning outcomes for EFL learners. The study's findings provide insights into the potential of these technological interventions to optimize language learning outcomes for EFL learners and promote autonomous learning behaviors.

Linguistic Politeness: A Pragmatic Analysis of the Request Letters

The objectives of this study are: discover the linguistic features in the opening strategy, closing strategy, and directness of the head-acts in the request letters; identify and analyze positive and negative politeness strategies used in request letters sent by students, organizations, and companies to the office of the Dean of Student Affairs; investigate the use of politeness strategies that indicates about linguistic conventions. This study employed a mixed-methods research design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative analyses. The primary data for this study consists of request letters from students at St. Vincent's College Incorporated and various organizations within and outside the academic institution. The researcher selected 15 request letters submitted to the Dean of Student Affairs Office during the 2021-2022 academic year. This study employed three tiers of corpus analysis. The research reveals that request letters sent to the Dean of Student Affairs Office at the institution employ a diverse range of politeness strategies. The "other complimentary close and other pre-closing" is another element of the closure strategy that the researcher discovered. The head-acts shown that request letters are often direct on a degree of directness. The utilization of politeness strategies within a broader socio-cultural context illuminates established linguistic norms. The diverse inclinations towards employing politeness strategies and their multifaceted applications in request letter communication do not necessarily indicate a transition from impoliteness to politeness or vice versa. It demonstrates that people's communication styles and methods of politeness are evolving.