Scholarly Perspectives Research Articles

Public Policy Reforms

Governments are duty-bound to carry out public policy reforms in a bid to address specific public concerns, needs, and social interests, and stir their economies on sustainable development trajectories. This is done following their constitutional mandates. Zimbabwe has implemented several policy reforms in education, health, housing, finance, agriculture, mining, energy, policing, correctional services, and transport, among others, with varied degrees of success and challenges. These reforms required varied formulation and implementation approaches depending on the objectives and prevailing circumstances. This study gives a scholarly perspective of the public policy reform, ‘Education 5.0', on primary and secondary education in Zimbabwe, given concerns about the policy from stakeholders. An interview was conducted with a convenient sample of stakeholders. An assortment of documentary evidence was also used to gather secondary data. The study concluded that most of the respondents were satisfied with the policy Education 5.0 in principle.

THE CONCEPT OF CYBERPUNK AS A VISION OF THE FUTURE WORLD IN SCIENCE FICTION GENRE

The fast-paced advancement of technology in recent times has made it an indispensable part of our everyday routine. Almost all spheres of our life are connected with technology, starting with our smartphones, which we use in our daily lives, until supercomputers, which aid people in researching the universe around our planet. This trend shows no signs of slowing down. Cyberpunk, a science fiction subgenre, delves into the potential consequences of technological progress on individuals in the future. This genre describes the future where technology will be intertwined with people's daily routines and even affect their external appearance. Cyberpunk delineates the future where the assimilation of humans and technology will be inevitable. Although technology has the potential to enhance society, it also threatens our liberty. Due to the rapid formation of technology, some people even argue that artificial intelligence will dominate the world soon. This article explores the origins and development of cyberpunk literature, which is a subset of science fiction. It delves into the distinctive features of cyberpunk as a literary subgenre and examines previous research on the topic. Additionally, the article analyzes the perspectives of scholars on the cyberpunk genre.

A corpus-based comparison of linguistic markers of stance and genre in the academic writing of novice and advanced engineering learners

AbstractStance-taking in academic writing plays a crucial role in enabling tertiary academic writers to express their positions about their topics and other voices. Based on a corpus linguistic analysis of academic reports by civil and environmental engineering (CEE) undergraduate students and student papers in the Michigan Corpus of Upper-Level Student Papers (MICUSP), this article investigates the use of stance markers in the genres of persuasive and argumentative writing as well as analytical explanatory writing. This study compares the stance markers used by L2 engineering students (Hong Kong University) and native engineering students (U.S. University) to investigate the genre-specific lexical stance patterns used by academic writers. This study found that stance within the CEE reports and MICUSP was expressed through approximative hedges and boosters, code glosses, and adversative and contrast connections, pointing to a specific developmental trajectory as academic writers. Non-native engineering students were found to use a significantly smaller number of approximative, self-mention, and evidential verb hedges. In addition, they tend to use a more significant number of modal hedges compared to native English speakers. The CEE students’ reports also tended to be characterized by the underuse of boosters, contrastive connectors, emphasis, and counter-expectancy markers. However, the study found no significant difference in the use of exemplification markers between the CEE and MICUSP. The findings of this study support the construction of the academic stance as a process of delimiting one’s perspective. This is achieved by deploying selected stance features to account for other scholarly perspectives.

George Orwell and Totalitarianism: A Master of Political and Social Commentary

This analysis delves into George Orwell's legacy as a British writer and journalist, focusing on his incisive scrutiny and critique of political and social structures, with a specific emphasis on totalitarianism. Through a comprehensive examination of Orwell's seminal works, "Animal Farm" and "1984," the study aims to reveal the enduring relevance of his critiques by contextualizing them within the socio-political landscape of his era and drawing connections to contemporary issues of government power, surveillance, and individual liberties. Employing a multifaceted methodology encompassing literary analysis, biographical exploration, historical contextualization, comparative analysis, and the incorporation of scholarly perspectives, the research provides a nuanced understanding of Orwell's contributions, emphasizing his impact on literature, political thought, and the ongoing discourse surrounding the perils of unchecked authority. In conclusion, Orwell's enduring legacy emerges as a critical observer and commentator, whose works remain powerful reflections on totalitarianism, surveillance, and the fragility of individual freedoms, resonating globally as relevant and cautionary narratives.

Assessing Xi Jinping's Vision of Modernization and its Implications for Global Trade Dynamics: A Case Study of the Belt and Road Initiative

Globalization has emerged as a driving force reshaping China's economic, social, and political landscape. This paper aims to dissect the multifaceted impacts of globalization on Chinese society and political culture, specifically focusing on how Xi Jinping's vision of modernization intersects with these transformative dynamics. The synthesis of global influences and local ideologies has triggered profound shifts across various dimensions, including ideological synthesis, socioeconomic restructuring, technological evolution, governance paradigms, diplomatic engagements, and cultural identity. Drawing from a blend of scholarly perspectives, the research delves into the intricate relationship between globalization and China's political culture. It highlights the convergence of global ideas and traditional philosophies, which have catalyzed an evolving political ideology in China. Economically, globalization has facilitated market liberalization, foreign investments, and socioeconomic transformations, necessitating a recalibration of societal structures and aspirations. Moreover, the digital age has democratized communication channels, challenging established political hierarchies and fostering an evolving public discourse. Furthermore, the paper examines China's participation in global networks, emphasizing the consequential adaptations in governance, diplomacy, and the evolving narrative of Chinese identity on the global stage. Additionally, the study explores the intersection of globalization, economic interdependence, and information technology, highlighting their role as catalysts for China's evolving socio-political landscape. Ultimately, this research underscores the significance of understanding the intricate interplay between globalization, Xi Jinping's modernization vision, and the ensuing transformations within Chinese political culture. It serves as a critical lens through which policymakers, scholars, and global stakeholders can comprehend China's evolving trajectory. It offers insights into future scenarios, including the prospect of a more democratic political system within China's global interactions.

Digital transformation: A multidisciplinary perspective and future research agenda

AbstractDigital transformation has had an unprecedented influence on all sectors of business over the last decade. We are now entering an era characterized by the extensive digital transformation of businesses, society, and consumers. Therefore, digital transformation has become a pivotal focus for organizations across various sectors in recent years. Despite differing scholarly perspectives on the concept and elements of digital transformation, a consensus exists that it significantly impacts consumer decisions and necessitates organizational adaptation. Recent challenges such as the COVID‐19 pandemic have further accelerated the need for digital transformation and its effects on consumers. This necessitates an editorial perspective on this most important topic to establish future research agenda encompassing the various dimensions of digital transformation. The purpose of this editorial perspective is to review research on digital transformation from a multidisciplinary viewpoint and provide insights into several key domains—Internet‐of‐Things, social media, mobile apps, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, the metaverse, and corporate digital responsibility—that are poised to fuel the pace of digital transformation. Each domain is analyzed through a lens of introduction, role, importance, multifaceted impact, and conclusions. Future research directions are suggested.

Optimizing the Strategic Application of Management Science: An Urban Case Study for the Sustainability of MSMEs in Bintaro, South Tangerang City

The objective of this study is to explore the most effective ways to apply Management Science strategically within Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs/UMKM) located in the Bintaro area of South Tangerang City, West Java, Indonesia. Through a combination of mathematical analysis and technology utilization in a case study framework, the research evaluates the management science strategies employed by MSMEs in Bintaro and their effects on business performance and sustainability. The outcomes of this investigation are anticipated to offer valuable perspectives for stakeholders, business professionals, and scholars aiming to enhance MSME management techniques for better outcomes.

Navigating the Pedagogical Landscape: An In-Depth Review of the Educational Atmosphere in College Settings

This comprehensive review paper delves into the multifaceted dimensions of the educational atmosphere in college environments. Drawing on a wide range of scholarly perspectives, we explore the various factors that contribute to shaping the learning environment within higher education institutions. From pedagogical approaches to institutional policies, campus culture, and student experiences, this paper aims to provide a holistic understanding of the complex dynamics that define the educational atmosphere in colleges. By synthesizing current research findings, identifying key trends, and highlighting challenges and opportunities, our review seeks to inform educators, administrators, and policymakers in fostering a positive and enriching learning environment for students in higher education.

Using ChatGPT to promote research competency: English as a Foreign Language undergraduates' perceptions and practices across varied metacognitive awareness levels

AbstractBackgroundIntroducing new technologies in education sparks debates, disrupting traditional practices, and requiring teacher adaptation. ChatGPT is an example. Research explores its benefits and concerns in education, with recommendations for classroom use. Nevertheless, limited evidence supports ChatGPT as a tool for supporting English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students' research competency. Moreover, while the literature primarily focuses on the perspectives of scholars and teachers, it is essential to incorporate students' viewpoints in order to maximize the potential of this technology.ObjectivesThe present study investigated EFL undergraduates' perceptions and practices of ChatGPT as a tool for promoting their research competency. Additionally, the study examined the potential influence of metacognitive awareness (MA) levels in this context.MethodsThe study utilized a mixed‐method research design, collecting quantitative and qualitative data from 27 EFL undergraduates (12 with low MA and 15 with high MA) over one semester. Data sources included a self‐report questionnaire, self‐study log, and semi‐structured interviews.Results and conclusionsQuantitative analysis showed significant differences between low and high MA groups in their perceptions of ChatGPT (U = 37.500, Z = 2.570). Regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between MA scores and students' perceptions and practices of ChatGPT. Qualitative analysis revealed diverse perceptions and practices of ChatGPT between the high MA and low MA groups, showcasing behaviours ranging from replication to using ChatGPT as a thought‐stimulating and supportive tool, accessing supplementary information, and seeking guidance. Key factors for effective ChatGPT use included prompt formulation, systematic thinking, self‐regulation strategies, and trust in AI.

The Legitimacy of Marrying a Pregnant Woman from the Perspectives of Islamic Scholars and Legislation in Indonesia

Shotgun marriage is a serious issue that has recently become increasingly common in society. Some men who impregnate women take responsibility and are willing to marry them, while others run away and shirk their responsibility. While some men are willing to marry women who are already pregnant, the perception still exists in some parts of society that those couples must remarry after the children are born and that the children cannot be traced back to the fathers who acknowledge it. This present study aims to answer the following question: what is the legitimacy of marrying a pregnant woman according to Islamic scholars and Indonesian law in the maslahah method? The results of the study reveal that according to Abu Hanifah and his student Muhammad, it is permissible to marry a pregnant woman if the one who marries her is the man who impregnated her. However, the marriage of a pregnant woman to a man who did not impregnate her is still a matter of debate. According to Abu Hanifah and Muhammad, it is permissible, but the man should not have intercourse with her until the child is born. According to Abu Yusuf and Zafar, it is not permissible to marry a woman who is pregnant as a result of zina (fornication) with another man because it is likened to pregnancy without zina. Imam Malik does not allow the marriage of a pregnant woman because of zina and considers such a marriage to be invalid, and the woman must undergo the iddah (waiting) period. Imam Shafi'i, on the other hand, considers shotgun marriage to be valid, regardless of whether the man who marries her is the one who impregnated her or not, and it is permissible for him to have intercourse with her even though she is pregnant because the presence of the fetus does not invalidate the marriage contract. According to the Hanbali scholars, marrying a pregnant woman is not valid unless two things have been done: she has repented and she has waited out the iddah period. Article 53 of the KHI (Kompilasi Hukum Islam/The Compilation of Islamic Law) states that a woman who is pregnant outside of marriage can be married to the man who impregnated her, and the marriage can be solemnized without waiting for the child to be born. However, the KHI should also add a phrase about a man who marries a pregnant woman who is not the one who impregnated her. This permissibility does not mean condoning zina but rather accommodating the interests of Indonesian society, which is in line with the opinion of Imam Shafi’i.

Institutional theory and multinational corporation internationalization strategy: a systematic review and future research agenda

PurposeThis study reviews the literature on institutional theory in international business and examines the institutional factors behind the success or failure of multinational corporations (MNCs) in emerging markets.Design/methodology/approachThis systematic literature review analysed 116 peer-reviewed articles published in leading journals between 2005 and 2022. The R package Bibliometrix and VOSviewer visualization software were used for analysis. A hybrid methodology combining bibliometric and content analyses was utilized to obtain a descriptive evaluation of the publication impact along with a keyword co-occurrence map, context-specific institutional effects and subsidiary strategies.FindingsThe Journal of International Business Studies, along with influential authors such as Mike W. Peng, Klaus Meyer, and Mehmet Demirbag, have taken the lead in advancing institutional theories for MNC internationalization in emerging markets. The clusters from the co-word analysis revealed dominant MNC entry modes, institutional distances and MNC localization strategies. The content analysis highlights how the institutional environment is operationalized across the macro-, micro- and meso-institutional contexts and how the MNC subsidiary responds in emerging markets. Meso-level interactions emphasize the relational aspects of business strategies in emerging markets.Practical implicationsContextualizing subsidiary strategies and institutional forms can help managers align their strategic responses to the dynamic relationship between subsidiaries and the institutional environment. The review findings will enable policymakers to simplify regulatory policies and encourage MNC subsidiary networks with local stakeholders in emerging markets.Social implicationsLegitimacy strategies such as corporate community involvement in emerging markets are crucial for enhancing societal support and removing stakeholders' scepticism for MNC business operations in emerging markets. Moral legitimacy should be implemented by managers, such as lending support to disaster management efforts and humanitarian crises, as they expand to new business environments of emerging markets.Originality/valueThis study is the first to explore institutional diversity and subsidiary strategic responses in a three-layered institutional context. The findings highlight the relevance of contextualizing institutional perspectives for international business scholars and practitioners as they help build context-specific theoretical frameworks and business strategies. Future research recommendations are suggested in the macro-, micro- and meso-institutional contexts.

Causes and Impact of Sino-US Trade Confliction and US Inflation

One of the primary areas of ongoing research concerns the trade tensions between the United States and China, and the trend towards trade decoupling between these two nations. Scholars are increasingly examining the evolution of this trade dispute, its impact on the Chinese market, and the policy responses that the Chinese government should adopt. However, there remains a research gap with regards to the impact of trade tensions between the US and China on domestic inflation in the US, as well as the ability of the US government to take appropriate countermeasures. To examine the influence of US-China trade tensions on US inflation, this paper examines macroeconomic and microeconomic data from the last five years. It summarizes the local irrationalities stemming from the current inflation issue, looking at the government’s, society’s, and people’s livelihoods’ perspectives, and investigates viable measures from government, enterprise, and personal financial perspectives. It is hoped that this study will aid the expansion of Sino-US trade and the successful alleviation of the inflation crisis in the United States, while also broadening the perspectives of future scholars.

“But Now I Consydre Thy Necesse”: Augustine’s Doctrine of Jewish Witness and the Restoration of Racial Hierarchies in the Croxton Play of the Sacrament

This paper examines the depiction of Jewish and Christian merchants in the medieval English Host miracle play, the Croxton Play of the Sacrament. This play is a critical illustration of religious racialization, effectively demonstrating the perpetuation of anti-Jewish stereotypes and legitimizing violence. Positioned within a broader scholarly debate, particularly in relation to Augustine’s doctrine of Jewish witness, the play portrays Jews as allegorical figures that validate Christian theological constructs. This paper delves into the representation and linguistic depiction of Jewish characters in the play, emphasizing their systematic dehumanization and instrumentalization in Christian narratives. A significant focus is placed on the coerced conversion of Jewish characters, which forces them into the archetype of the “Wandering Jew”, thereby highlighting motifs of symbolic aggression and unending diaspora. This paper also confronts contemporary scholarly perspectives that view the play as challenging religious boundaries, positing that such interpretations overlook the ingrained racialization and marginalization of Jewish identity during the European Middle Ages. It argues that the play’s transient disruption of power dynamics ultimately reinforces prevailing social hierarchies, thereby solidifying deep-seated anti-Jewish sentiments.

Experiencing the Hutton Program Effect through the Perspective of Past Hutton Scholars

Experiencing the Hutton Program Effect through the Perspective of Past Hutton Scholars

Experiences of inequality in international collaborative research – Perspectives from environmental and sustainability scholars from Ghana, West Africa

Global north and south research partnerships are essential for building research capacity in the global south and for generating new knowledge to address complex socio-environmental problems. However, insights from various disciplines, particularly global health research, suggest that north-south research collaborations often reproduce unequal power relations and outcomes. To mitigate these, some international funding organizations have produced guidelines that promote ethical practice in collaborative research. Despite these measures, significant gaps exist in understanding how the experiences and perspectives of Global South scholars, particularly those in the field of environmental sciences, shapes discourses on unequal north-south research partnerships and the ethical guidelines developed to address disparities. To bridge this gap, we conducted explorative qualitative research focused on understanding the experiences of environmental science and sustainability researchers from Ghana in international collaborative research. Our findings revealed a general optimism among scientists regarding the benefits of international collaborative for making impactful contributions in the global south, expanding professional networks, opening opportunities to publish in high impact journals and developing new research skills. At the same time, our findings also indicate that pervasive forms of inequality centered around lack of recognition, poor clarity of roles, disrespect, unequal resource sharing, poor communication, and non-adherence to contractual agreements persist. We contribute to the ongoing scholarly debate on research inequality by proposing a framework to guide the management, design, and implementation of north-south research partnerships. Our proposed framework serves as a starting point toward identifying potential unequal and unethical issues that often arise in north-south research partnerships.

Nineteenth-Century Richard Wagner: Unconventional Female Roles and Emerging Feminist Discourse

Operas of the 19th century adhered to realism, often drawing inspiration from real-life situations. In the social context of the era, women were often relegated to positions of weakness and lacked societal status, rendering them subject to the scrutiny of male perspectives. However, Richard Wagner's operas distinguished themselves by endowing female characters with prominence and authority. This article seeks to investigate Wagner's effective empowerment of women, focusing on the plot and role analysis of Brnnhilde, the female character from "Die Walkre." Subsequently, a combination of document analysis and literature review are synthesized, showing the diverse perspectives of scholars who have examined Wagner's individualism and his portrayal of female characters in his operas. Ultimately, it is apparent that the formidable female figures in Wagner's operas boldly challenge prevailing social norms, embodying the essence of love and redemption. While scholars hold varying interpretations regarding Wagner's approach to feminism, it is irrefutable that these non-traditional female characters occupy central positions in his works, infused with profound emotions and at the core of dramatic storytelling.

Analysis of the Concept and Theoretical Perspectives of Insecurity and Sustainable Development

This paper analyzed the concept and theoretical perspectives of insecurity and sustainable development. Conceptual analysis does not result with the new definition. It is also not a comparative analysis of definitions with the purpose of formulating an all-embracing definitions. Instead, it formulates a common denominator which expresses “common conceptual distinctions underlying various conceptions and perspectives of insecurity. Thus, the objective of the paper is to examine the views, opinion and perspectives of scholars, analysts and institutions on the concept of insecurity and sustainable development. The paper to established nexus between the two concepts. The paper examined various empirical literatures and contemporary sociological theories for the explanation and understanding the link between insecurity and sustainable development. The paper discovered that there is a link between insecurity and sustainable development. Insecurity negatively affect sustainable developmental stride. Thus, it concluded that the link between insecurity and sustainable development is strong and thus should not be undermined.

Types and Definitions of Plagiarism: An Overview

Plagiarism, the act of using someone else's work without proper attribution, is a pervasive issue in academia, professional fields, and creative endeavors. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the various types and definitions of plagiarism, shedding light on its nuanced manifestations and implications. By categorizing plagiarism into distinct forms such as verbatim plagiarism, paraphrasing plagiarism, mosaic plagiarism, self-plagiarism, and idea plagiarism, this study aims to offer clarity and insight into the complexity of this ethical transgression. Additionally, it explores the evolving nature of plagiarism in the digital age, considering factors such as the ease of access to information, the proliferation of online content, and the challenges posed by emerging technologies. Through an examination of case studies and scholarly perspectives, this paper highlights the importance of promoting academic integrity and fostering a culture of originality and ethical scholarship. Moreover, it discusses strategies for plagiarism prevention and detection, emphasizing the role of education, awareness, and robust citation practices in addressing this critical issue

An Analysis of Fair Use Doctrine in the Context of Palworld's Character Design: A Scholarly Perspective on Intellectual Property Rights and Creative Liberties

An Analysis of Fair Use Doctrine in the Context of Palworld's Character Design: A Scholarly Perspective on Intellectual Property Rights and Creative Liberties

Citizen TV’s Viusasa: A Tool for Encouraging Local Content Creators

Video-on-Demand (VoD) platforms have revolutionized media consumption globally, offering personalized content experiences and challenging traditional broadcasting norms. This paper investigates the role of Citizen TV’s Viusasa in promoting local content within Kenya’s dynamic media landscape and evaluates the effectiveness of its personalized content delivery. Through a comprehensive analysis of user feedback, scholarly perspectives, and industry insights, the study examines how Viusasa leverages VoD technology and personalized recommendation algorithms to enhance user engagement and satisfaction. The Mediamorphosis Theory provides a conceptual framework, illustrating Viusasa’s adaptation to technological advancements while supporting local content creators amidst competition from global streaming giants. This research highlights Viusasa’s strategic initiatives in content diversification, user interface enhancements, and market positioning, underscoring its impact on Kenya’s media industry. By fostering a platform that accommodates indigenous storytelling and cultural expression, Viusasa bridges the gap between traditional broadcast media and modern digital platforms. The findings suggest that Viusasa’s success hinges on its ability to sustainably meet the evolving preferences of Kenyan audiences while navigating challenges such as financial sustainability and content diversity. Looking forward, Viusasa’s strategic growth initiatives and partnerships with local stakeholders are crucial for its continued relevance and influence in Kenya’s media ecosystem.