University Participation Research Articles

Identifying Customer Satisfaction Characteristics with the Kano Model for the Agile Development of Video Games

Purpose: This study aims to use the Kano Model to identify critical attributes that can be used as features in video games developed using Agile software development. Methodology/Approach: Attributes were identified from the literature review and then selected for a survey given to university participants. Survey results were then analysed using the Kano Model table and a scatter plot. The survey identified respondents' preferences in video games. The survey responses were reanalysed using stratification by video game type. Findings: No one-dimensional attribute was found that would be critical to video game customers. Only a limited number of attractive attributes were identified from the aggregated data. Research Limitation/Implication: The analysis by type of video games had low sample sizes. Additionally, people from outside the target group responded to the survey. Originality/Value of paper: This paper identifies attributes to prioritise when developing a product and demonstrates the need to consider market segmentation when using the Kano Model.

The relationships between balanced-bilingual proficiency, executive function, and rational thinking: a dissociative finding

ABSTRACT The cognitive advantages of bilingualism have accumulated significant support in various domains, and executive function is suggested to be one of their operative mechanisms. However, empirical evidence of the relationships among bilingualism, executive function, and rational thinking is still lacking. The present study extends this understanding. With a refined operational definition of bilingualism and by controlling for possible confounding variables, we recruited 114 university participants to perform a balanced bilingual proficiency task; a modified Simon executive function (EF) task (to assess inhibition and updating components of EFs); a syllogism task; a critical thinking test; and measures of intelligence, socioeconomic status (SES), and the openness-to-experience personality trait. The results showed that balanced bilingual proficiency positively and robustly predicted participants’ performance in syllogism and critical thinking tasks after we controlled for other variables. The relationships between EF components and rational thinking showed a dissociative result: Inhibition and updating ability contributed to syllogistic and critical thinking differently. These results shed further light on the educational application needs of bilingual learning and concluded in a discussion of future investigations of the theoretical accounts and mechanisms of bilingual advantages.

Space 4.0 – a common, democratic European space, part 2

Today we are in a period of explosion of business taking advantage of the new opportunities offered by the new environment of economically open space. The period, sometimes called Space 4.0, is a paradigm shift, with changes in motivation and understanding, actors, and technology. For over a dozen years, under the name NewSpace, a revolution has been taking place in the space sector with the participation of new players, schools and universities, new commercial entrepreneurs and businesses. NewSpace entered the area traditionally occupied by OldSpace – government space agencies and large companies, testing new possibilities. These possibilities include new services, e.g. using data transmission from space, regarding communication, precise navigation, agriculture, surveillance, mapping, geology, climate, space weather, environmental monitoring, and security. The transformation of OldSpace into NewSpace was associated with the business risk of changing old, conservative business models into completely new ones, unknown in this area. The transformation is related to the need to maintain the changes in a reasonable legal system so as not to experience the „Wild West” again, this time in space. It is currently difficult to establish strict rules regarding the still distant colonization of Mars, but undoubtedly establishing rules for the use of the LEO area, i.e. the already crowded low Earth orbits, is becoming an increasingly urgent necessity. In the context of competition and technological cooperation between giga-regions, international cooperation, combating old prejudices and establishing equal opportunities, under the umbrella of social acceptance, we are building in Europe, not without difficulties, a common, democratic space.

Analysis of the Current Situation of Scientific and Technological Achievements Transformation and Suggestions for Countermeasures

Taking Huizhou City as an example, this study discusses in depth the status quo, existing problems and improvement countermeasures of scientific and technological achievements transformation. This study adopts the literature research method and comparative analysis method, combines the official data and literature released by Huizhou Municipal Government, based on the importance of transformation of scientific and technological achievements to the high-quality development of the economy, analyses the role of transformation of scientific and technological achievements in Huizhou City on the enhancement of the economic development and the regional innovation capacity, identifies and solves the key problems in the process of transformation of scientific and technological achievements, and puts forward optimization countermeasures. The results of the study show that although Huizhou City has made progress in the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, there are still problems such as insufficient long-term cooperation mechanisms and low levels of cooperation. The conclusion points out that Huizhou needs to establish a long-term cooperation mechanism, upgrade the level of cooperation, strengthen the participation of local universities and research institutes, and improve the service system for the transformation of scientific and technological achievements in order to promote the effective transformation and industrialisation of scientific and technological achievements.

Exploring religiosity, perceived mental health, and coping behaviors of undergraduate African American college students in the South

Objective: The current study explored the relationships of religiosity and coping behaviors on the perceived mental health of undergraduate African American (AA) college students enrolled at a large public university in the Southern United States. Methods: We used a cross-sectional survey design. AA and/or African descent adult college participants (n = 131) were recruited from an online chat group (ie, GroupMe) and completed the Brief-COPE, a demographic questionnaire, and a single-item mental health tool. Data analyses employing descriptive statistics and correlational analyses examined relationships between variables. Results: There was a positive correlation between increased religious activity and overall mental health. Those who specified their religion as “other” had a lower total mental health score than those with an identified religion. Conclusions: Findings underscore the importance of supportive interventions that account for religious beliefs and activities on overall mental health outcomes for undergraduate AA college students in the South.

Does CEOs’ Educational Background Influence Firms’ ESG Performance?

Purpose: This paper explores the relationship between CEO educational background and corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance in FTSE100 companies in the UK. Design/methodology/approach: The study uses ESG scores to measure CSR performance, and examines the impact of CEO's university ranking, educational attainment, professional background, MBA background, and participation in advanced management programmes on firms’ ESG performance. Findings: CEO educational background is considered to be an indicator of intelligence, as better-educated CEOs are thought to have greater management skills, experience, and innovation. However, we provide evidence that there is no significant association between CEO educational background and CSR performance in FTSE100 companies. Research limitations/implications: Overall, we add new evidence to a growing body of literature studying the association between personal characteristics of corporate executives and corporate social responsibility. Originality/value: This paper differs from previous articles that focus on the relationship between chief executive officer (CEO) characteristics and corporate social responsibility but instead attempts to answer the question of whether CEO educational background affects corporate social responsibility performance. Most of the literature examining CEO educational background links it to firm performance.

Relative victimization scale: initial development and retrospective reports of the impact on mental health

BackgroundBullying and victimization have been studied in many contexts and classified as peer victimization in school settings and parental or sibling victimization within family settings. Yet, current research is scarce on whether victimization occurring within family settings is specific to parental or sibling victimization. Thus, the current study aims to develop a scale assessing victimization conducted by relatives and provide support for its psychometric properties.MethodsCross-sectional and longitudinal data were collected from university students (1622 and 1045 students, respectively) and participants responded to questionnaires via an online survey.ResultsEFA and CFA results demonstrated the unidimensionality of the Relative Victimization Scale (RVS) consisting of eight items. In terms of convergent validity, RVS scores were correlated with the scores on parental, sibling, and peer victimization scales and several psychological health outcomes including depression, anxiety, social anxiety, perceived stress, loneliness, negative and positive affect, life satisfaction, and resilience. Moreover, RVS explained a significant amount of variance beyond the contribution of parental, sibling, and peer victimization in those psychological health outcomes for the support of incremental validity.ConclusionsThe findings of the study indicated the potential utility of the RVS in assessing the experience of relative victimization through offering support for internal consistency reliability and construct, longitudinal predictive, and incremental validity.

A Study on University Life adaptation, Participation, and Satisfaction of Non-major Foreign Undergraduate Students -Based on the comparison between intermediate and advanced Korean learners

A Study on University Life adaptation, Participation, and Satisfaction of Non-major Foreign Undergraduate Students -Based on the comparison between intermediate and advanced Korean learners

ANALYSIS OF SOURCES OF PRACTICAL SKILLS ACQUISITION BY SPORTS MANAGERS

The article is dedicated to the study of sources of professional knowledge in the field of sports management. The main approaches to training specialists, such as university educational programs, online courses, scientific literature, internships, and participation in professional associations, are considered. The key problems of modern training of specialists are outlined, including lack of practical experience, insufficient digitalization of educational programs and lack of access to quality education. Particular attention is paid to the role of digital technologies and globalization in shaping modern educational standards. The article also examines Ukrainian and international research, emphasizing the need to improve approaches to education to increase the competitiveness of specialists. The author emphasizes the need to improve the practical aspects of training and the use of the latest technologies for the training of sports managers. The topic is relevant not only for theoretical research, but also for the practical implementation of solutions in the field of education and training of sports managers.

Transferência de Tecnologia à Luz da Política de Defesa Brasileira

The article discusses the evolution of technology transfer in Brazil, highlighting the collaboration between the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Defense. Based on a strategy developed over five decades, Brazil has achieved a level of excellence in aerospace projects and production. The federal government has established a new approach that emphasizes the participation of industry and universities in research, development, and innovation programs focused on defense. The text also addresses the importance of understanding the specific attributes of military products and the need for effective integration between operational and research agencies. Additionally, priority areas for science and technology are presented, including weapon systems, space technology, energy, information, and defense against weapons of mass destruction.

PERCEPTION OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS ABOUT DIDECTIC TEACHING AMONG PUBLIC AND PRIVATE COLLEGES

Didactic teaching remains the dominant pedagogical approach in many educational institutions worldwide, including Pakistan. This study aimed to assess and compare the perceptions of students and teachers regarding didactic teaching in public and private colleges in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to July 2024, involving 152 participants (95 students and 57 teachers) from public and private colleges in Lahore. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a structured, pre-tested questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, perceptions of didactic teaching, and preferences for interactive teaching methods. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Chi-square and t-tests were employed to compare perceptions between groups, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The majority of teachers (68.4%) favored didactic teaching, particularly for syllabus coverage in limited timeframes. In contrast, only 42.1% of students found didactic teaching effective, with significant differences between public (54%) and private (36.4%) college students (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 70.5% of students preferred interactive teaching methods such as group discussions and problem-solving activities, compared to 36.8% of teachers (p < 0.05). Private college participants, both students and teachers, showed a higher preference for interactive methods compared to their public counterparts (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study highlights a significant divide between students' and teachers' perceptions of didactic teaching in public and private colleges. While teachers, particularly in public colleges, defend didactic teaching as efficient, students, especially in private colleges, express a clear preference for interactive methods. These findings suggest the need for reforms in Pakistan’s higher education system to integrate more interactive teaching approaches while maintaining the efficiency of didactic methods, especially in public institutions.

The Influence of Learning Styles and Attitudes on Academic Performance of College Students in a Flipped Learning Environment

This study looks into how flipped classrooms affect college students with different kinds of learning styles, attitudes, and academic performance. The purpose of the study is to provide empirical support for the effectiveness of the flipped classroom model in accommodating a variety of learning styles. Survey questionnaires and midterm grades of students were used as instruments for data analysis on 85 participants in a state university in the Philippines. Statistical tools such as frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Kendall's tau-b were employed for a comprehensive analysis. The data analysis revealed that a majority of respondents identified as auditory learners, expressing agreement with the flipped classroom model and demonstrating excellent performance within this learning environment. Significantly, the positive attitude and excellent performance exhibited no significant differences across various learning styles. Clear evidence emerged indicating that a positive attitude toward the flipped classroom correlated with exceptional academic achievements. Consequently, the study implies that the flipped classroom proves effective in catering to diverse learning styles while maintaining students' excellent academic performance. Furthermore, it could be concluded that their positive attitude in a flipped classroom model have boosted their academic performance in general. Understanding the connection between students' attitudes toward particular pedagogical approaches and their academic performance offers important insights that can greatly enhance the processes of teaching and learning, resulting in better educational outcomes fostering a positive learning environment.

Online Learning Platforms on Efl Students’ Learning Intensity and Frequency

This The present study analyzed the role of online learning schemes in influencing EFL students’ learning time and frequency, supporting the assertion that more work on the existing engagement of the learners as well as their outcomes is necessary. Given the level of technology in the current world and the trend of going online, this study adds value by exploring the use of technology as opposed to more conventional techniques. The study utilized a mixed-method research approach combining both quantitative and qualitative research with a quasi-experimental design involving 190 university participants which made up a control group receiving instructional delivery through conventional methods while the experimental group made use of online platforms. Research Instruments include the validated questionnaire and semi-structured interviews in which quantitative data was analyzed using independent sample t-test while qualitative data was analyzed in an iterative manner. The findings show that the experimental group experienced, relative to the control group, a higher level mean score in terms of the learning intensity and the learning frequency (mean = 81.51 vs mean= 64.58) with a Sig. (2-tailed) p equal to 0.000. Preferences showed Moodle as the most popular platform used (34.21 %), next YouTube (25.26%), and the main reason for the choice of the platform was ease of use (50.53%) and Completeness of learning materials (23.68%). YouTube was perceived as the best platform for learning (38.95%) followed by Quipper (21.05%) and Podcasts (18.42%) for effective learning. It has been asserted in this study that the introduction of these platforms into the EFL teaching process will result in an improvement of both learning achievements as well as the involvement of the students.

Adoption of Advanced Systems for Digital Resource Management in Academic Institutions

In educational organizations, digital resource management refers to the organization and enhancement of electronic resources, including databases, libraries, and digital instructional materials. Excellent administration ensures optimal utilization, improves accessibility, and advances learning objectives. To achieve better institutional results, this approach entails incorporating digital tools, handling issues like data security and user training, and adjusting to new technological developments. Using an emphasis on the integration of digital libraries, e-learning platforms, and research databases, this study investigates the technologies and approaches used in maintaining digital resources within higher education circumstances. Through the use of a survey research design, this study employed a quantitative research methodology. Data gathered from a sample of 250 undergraduate students was utilized in this investigation. This study looks at the connections between teaching profile (TP), technology competence (TC), digital technology awareness (DTA), utility perception (UP), and usage motivation (UM). SPSS was utilized statistically to obtain the outcomes. Descriptive, correlation, and regression analysis were used to obtain the results utilizing data gathered from a sample of university participants. Significant of both conceptual and actual consequences have resulted from the findings.According to the study's findings, efficient use of digital resources in academic institutions greatly improves accessibility and resource utilization, both of which contribute to better learning outcomes.

Innovative Integration of Poetry and Visual Arts in Metaverse for Sustainable Education

The rapid advancement of digital technology has necessitated a reevaluation of traditional educational methodologies, particularly in literature and visual arts. This study investigates the application of metaverse technology to integrate contemporary poetry and visual arts, aiming to enhance university-level education. The purpose is to develop a convergent teaching method that leverages the immersive and interactive capabilities of the metaverse. The research involves a joint exhibition project with students from Sangmyung University and international participants, incorporating a metaverse-based educational program. A sample of 85 students participated in the program, and their experiences were evaluated through surveys and focus group interviews (FGIs). The findings reveal significant correlations between content satisfaction and method satisfaction, underscoring the importance of engaging and interactive methods. The study also identifies technical challenges and provides insights for optimizing digital platforms for educational purposes. The implications suggest that integrating metaverse technology in arts education can significantly enhance creativity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary skills, offering a sustainable and innovative approach to modern education. Based on these implications, this paper proposes methods for incorporating the insights gained from case analyses and implications into the design of educational programs. It is anticipated that this approach will contribute to enhancing the quality of convergence education in higher education institutions. Furthermore, it is expected that this program will serve as a starting point for the systematic implementation of integrated education and the use of digital platforms, thereby helping to reduce disparities in integrated education between countries.

DEVELOPMENT OF DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX ENTERPRISES IN CONDITIONS OF DIVERSIFICATION

The article analyzes the relevance of diversification processes for the modern military-industrial complex of the Russian Federation and the difficulties that domestic enterprises face on the path to their deployment. The relevance of the study is due to the role that the military-industrial complex (MIC) plays for the future of the country in general and for its economic dynamics in particular. The study uses modeling methods when forming a model for constructing the interaction of a large regional defense industry enterprise and the external environment, analysis to substantiate the effectiveness of the development of diversification processes implemented in the defense industry enterprise, a scenario approach, when predicting the development of diversification processes based on the object of study and determining its inertial, optimistic and pessimistic development scenarios. It is noted that increasing the production of civilian and dual-use products can become a guarantor of long-term operation for defense enterprises, as well as a path to ensuring their own technological sovereignty and contribution to the technological sovereignty of the country. The question is raised about the optimal way to build integration interaction between defense industry enterprises and other economic entities along the path of diversification processes. The concept of entrepreneurial ecosystems is proposed as the basis for such interaction. A model is presented for the formation of an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the military-industrial complex with the participation of local development institutions, industrial partners, universities, and small and medium-sized businesses. Using a particular example, a conclusion is drawn about the economic feasibility of introducing this model. The obtained materials can be useful to defense industry enterprises in the process of developing programs for the diversification of military production and the development of dual-use technologies.

Stability indicators, child welfare provisioning and trajectory into university for care-experienced youth

PurposeChildren and youth who enter the care system have lower educational outcomes and university participation rates than their peers. This study aims to understand trend exceptions by examining the background of care-experienced undergraduates attending a research-intensive university in Canada.Design/methodology/approachInformed by social affordance theory, this study examined the presence of four indicators of stability (home, household occupants, school and legal status) during participants’ final three years of secondary education. Care-experienced undergraduates (N = 30) completed an online questionnaire. Associations between stability indicators, child welfare involvement in the final year of high school, educational outcomes and routes into higher education were analysed.FindingsStability across three to four indicators was experienced by 40% of participants, while 47% reported changes across three to four indicators. Only 20% had a change of school as compared to 47%–60% for other indicators. During their final year of high school, 73% of participants were supported by the child welfare system, with 50% being supported via a support program specifically for 16- to 18-year-olds. Stability scores were significantly lower for this latter subgroup compared to those who spent time in foster or group care and those who did not receive child welfare support during the final year of high school. Ninety percent of participants graduated from high school, 67% with the grades required to attend university. Three trajectories into undergraduate study were identified but could not be predicted using regression models.Originality/valueThis paper focuses on what has supported progression into a research-intensive university for care-experienced young adults and highlights the role of support programs for 16- to 18-year-olds.

Senior organizations at the time of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Part I.

Senior Clubs are the most commonly available and, in most cases, free form of activation of older people. The aim of their functioning is improvement in the quality of life of seniors through education and activation. By using research tools to assess the needs of seniors it is possible to determine the direction of intervention related with an effective therapeutic, educational and activation procedures. An individual approach to seniors seems to be the key to knowing their real needs, which significantly determine the quality of life, and may also help limit the escalation of gerontophobia occurring in the society. Research was conducted among participants in Senior Clubs and Universities of the Third Age. The aim of the study was verification of the needs, expectations, and potential barriers faced by seniors at the time of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The basic tool used in the study was an author-constructed, anonymous questionnaire including items from the standardized European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q47). Participation in the survey was voluntary, and the selection criterion was participation in meetings of senior organisations located in the Lublin Province of eastern Poland. The study showed that the distance between the place of residence of seniors and the location of senior institutions was the factor determining participation in the classes. In addition, during the period of sanitary regime the seniors had increased difficulties with access to medical care and medical specialists. Senior institutions and organizations should consider the needs of seniors and adjust their offer to the challenges resulting from the period of social isolation.

The Changing Care of Older Adults With Bipolar Disorder: A Narrative Analysis.

Older adults with bipolar disorder experience distinct challenges compared to younger age groups with bipolar disorder. They potentially require adaptations to the care they receive. This study aimed to explore experiences of care and changing care needs in older adults with bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder (aged ≥60) were recruited through three NHS Trusts in the North West of England, charity organisations, a confidential university participant database, and social media. Participants completed single time-point biographical narrative interviews, which were analysed using narrative analysis. Sixteen participants' accounts led to the creation of four themes: (1) 'Navigating the disruption caused by diagnosis'; (2) 'The removal of services that provided hope'; (3) 'Later life: We are on our own now'; and (4) 'Changing care needs in later life: We still need support'. The care needs of older adults with bipolar disorder appear to change over time, and services often fail to offer adequate, tailored care for this group at present. Current support requires adaptation to be effective and appropriate and to enable this group to age well in later life.

“Why Can’t I Use ChatGPT for My Academic Learning?” Voices from Ph.D. Students in a Thai University

Amidst the integration of AI tools in education, ChatGPT is considered prevalent for its potential capacities. Although research into this phenomenon has been conducted by worldwide scholars, little has been known about the perceptions of Ph.D. students of non-English speaking countries. Hence, this qualitative study shifted the focus to this marginalized group of participants in a specific university in Thailand. Based on the constructivist worldview, the study featured interviews with four Ph.D. students. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study uncovered a nuanced view of the use of ChatGPT in empowering academic advancement for Ph.D. students while the challenges are also significant, including the impacts on critical thinking, ethical issues, and specialized terms. The findings further advocated responsible ChatGPT use and called for institutional support in terms of academic integrity. This research design contributes a unique perspective to the discourse on using ChatGPT in education, emphasizing a contextualized experience and the needs of non-native English-speaking Ph.D. students in utilizing ChatGPT for academic purposes.