Problem-solving Efforts Research Articles

Customer-Driven Evaluation of Service Quality in Nepal's Banking Sector

Service quality is a critical determinant of customer satisfaction in the banking sector, where customers' perceptions of various service attributes directly influence their loyalty and engagement. In Nepal, understanding these perceptions is essential for banks to maintain competitiveness and improve service standards. This study utilized a quantitative approach to assess customer satisfaction across key service attributes in Nepal's banking sector. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 120 respondents, measuring their agreement with statements related to service quality using a Likert scale. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, and cumulative percent, were employed to analyze customer feedback. The results indicate that while customers largely appreciate the banks' modern facilities, neat-appearing employees, and secure services, there is a notable neutrality regarding the reliability of timely service delivery and problem-solving efforts. Furthermore, many respondents were neutral about the personal attention and enthusiasm provided by bank employees. However, a significant majority of customers expressed satisfaction with the banks’ ability to meet their needs, recommending the bank to others and intending to continue using its services. The analysis reveals that Nepalese banks perform well in terms of infrastructure and employee professionalism but have room for improvement in service reliability and responsiveness. Addressing these gaps can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, offering banks valuable direction for maintaining high service standards and improving customer engagement.

Why More Biologists Must Embrace Quantitative Modeling.

Biology as a field has transformed since the time of its foundation from an organized enterprise cataloging the diversity of the natural world to a quantitatively rigorous science seeking to answer complex questions about the functions of organisms and their interactions with each other and their environments. As the mathematical rigor of biological analyses has improved, quantitative models have been developed to describe multi-mechanistic systems and to test complex hypotheses. However, applications of quantitative models have been uneven across fields, and many biologists lack the foundational training necessary to apply them in their research or to interpret their results to inform biological problem-solving efforts. This gap in scientific training has created a false dichotomy of "biologists" and "modelers" that only exacerbates the barriers to working biologists seeking additional training in quantitative modeling. Here, we make the argument that all biologists are modelers and are capable of using sophisticated quantitative modeling in their work. We highlight four benefits of conducting biological research within the framework of quantitative models, identify the potential producers and consumers of information produced by such models, and make recommendations for strategies to overcome barriers to their widespread implementation. Improved understanding of quantitative modeling could guide the producers of biological information to better apply biological measurements through analyses that evaluate mechanisms, and allow consumers of biological information to better judge the quality and applications of the information they receive. As our explanations of biological phenomena increase in complexity, so too must we embrace modeling as a foundational skill.

What is the room for guessing in metacognition? Findings in mathematics problem solving based on gender differences

Introduction. Understanding the interaction of metacognitive strategies with guessing in problem-solving is a focus point in educational psychology, especially in mathematics education, especially with gender differences. These provide different nuances in understanding students' cognitive dynamics in guessing and metacognitive strategies. These interactions must be explained in depth to understand the unique phenomenon of second-guessing that sometimes arises in metacognitive activities based on students' gender. This research aims to reveal the process of metacognition and students' guessing thinking in solving mathematical problems. This research seeks to contribute to an empirical of metacognitive processes and their practical implications for educators and curriculum designers by uncovering these activities. Study participants and methods. The participants in this study were (30) 12th-grade high school students, consisting of (16) female students and (14) male students who had studied mathematics with statistical material. The primary method in this research is a case study with a qualitative descriptive approach. The indepth interview technique using the MAI protocol is based on the results of mathematical problem-solving to explore information about students' natural metacognitive processes according to what they think when working on problems. Semi-structured interviews used the Indonesian language to eliminate the influence of differences in regional language proficiency levels as much as possible. Results. The results of interviews on mathematical problem-solving tasks show a 'guessing' strategy in students' metacognitive activities. However, there is a striking difference between female and male students' use of the 'guessing' strategy when solving mathematical problems. Female students use the 'guessing' method more often than male students; even the 'guessing' method used by male students cannot solve the problem, thus changing the guessing strategy to estimation. This means that most of the students' answers used the guessing method. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of the cognitive processes used by students, revealing diverse interactions between metacognitive strategies and guessing during problem-solving efforts. Conclusion. This research shows that rather than standing in isolation, guessing has a place within metacognitive processes, with metacognitive regulation guiding and shaping the deliberate application of guessing in mathematical problem-solving contexts. This can be a factor for reconsidering the perceived dichotomy between precision-driven methodologies and intuitive guessing.

Reciprocal-reflective approach to learning: an approach to increase employee and manager learning

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present for practitioner (manager) consideration an approach to a collaborative learning and problem-solving effort by a manager in partnership with an employee. Fundamentally, in place of manager direction and expertise applied to employee learning, the approach is grounded on manager-employee collaboration that makes use of an approach to learning to: (1) address some work-based problem or issue, (2) share typical leadership roles of goal-setting and problem solving, and (3) jointly working to improve the knowledge, skills, and personal attributes of each partner.Design/methodology/approachThe concept of reciprocal reflective approach to learning (RRAL) is created by consideration of some factors that are consolidated, ultimately, to yield an approach to change. They include shared efforts in goal-setting and related tasks, identification of knowledge and skill areas linked to the performance and growth of each of the partners, and the use of a specific learning model.FindingsThe approach presented can be achieved yet requires much attention by each participant. Reciprocity means that each participant is involved in their own increases in knowledge and skills as well as aiding their partner in her/his improvements. Problem solving is also a large component of their efforts as is relationship building.Originality/valueThe approach embraces how reciprocal action can go well beyond problem solving and includes manager and employee interest and attention in helping each other to learn, change, and recognize growth in personal attributes.

Unlocking team performance: How shared mental models drive proactive problem-solving

Do shared mental models support proactive problem-solving? Research on shared cognition suggests that shared mental models aid team performance by improving coordination between team members’ actions. However, these models can also lead to groupthink, potentially diminishing team members’ proactive problem-solving behaviors. Based on social identity theory, this study examines how shared mental models influence proactive problem-solving at the individual and team levels. We propose that shared mental models about work tasks and team dynamics are crucial for promoting proactive problem-solving behaviors and coordinating team efforts. To test our theory, we conducted multilevel path analyses with survey data from 266 individuals across 48 teams in 13 Italian manufacturing companies. Our results indicate that the degree to which individuals align their task- and team-related mental models impacts both their tendency to proactively solve problems and their ability to coordinate team problem-solving. We also find that the adoption of proactive problem-solving behaviors and team effort coordination are linked to enhanced team performance.

Meeting the challenges and strategies regarding malaria elimination: qualitative evaluation of perceptions from a local population in Colombia

“One Health” and “Social Determinants of Health” approaches are crucial for implementation of sustainable strategies for the control and elimination of infectious diseases such as malaria. These approaches highlight the importance of the social component in the design of elimination strategies, as well as the communities’ involvement in the implementation of these measures at local levels. Qualitative analysis approaches for malaria research can be useful for assessing population acceptance of intervention measures and for addressing negative perceptions that can threaten the success of control goals by undermining the community’s trust in interventions. In this paper, we explore some observations and interpretations from the qualitative content analysis of two open-ended questions about malaria, from a survey conducted between September and November 2016 in Guapi, a high risk transmission area in the Colombian Pacific Region. Using the spatial transmission unit concept for the analysis of the conditions and factors involved in malaria transmission under the “One Health” and “Social Determinants of Health” approaches, we reveal that responders’ perceptions reflects both the need and requirement for continuous assistance to solve local problems and also a comprehensive problem-solving effort by the government that includes basic sanitation. From the analyses, we present a graphic model that illustrates how to address the problem of malaria control and elimination from the perspectives of the community’s perceptions in Guapi, highlighting the need for joint efforts of community, academy, and government to achieve the goal of controlling and eliminating malaria in the region.

The Potential of Participatory Social Economics: A Framework and Feminist Perspective

Recurrent economic, ecological and democratic crises provoke opportunities to critically examine previously unquestioned assumptions about economies, an effort which can include those people on which the theory and practice are usually designed and tested. This article claims that there is a role for participatory research (PR) approaches to play for social economists seeking to understand and support local problem-solving, especially in social economy activities and socioecological change processes. The objective of the article is twofold: first, a simple framework for understanding the different manifestations of PR will be presented based on the degree to which a project has (a) scientific or transformative goals, and (b) hierarchical or democratic decision-making. Second, this text will discuss the kind of PR that is ethically and epistemologically compatible with social economic scholarship. This theoretical argument is grounded in feminist, Black and Indigenous principles of (1) highlighting subjective and socially-embedded perspectives, (2) critically interrogating power dynamics within research contexts and processes, and (3) ethically engaging participants in collaborative research. Such an approach aims to dismantle the hierarchical binary between scientific and non-scientific knowledges, with social economists actively contributing to collective problem-solving efforts rather than acting as detached observers and planners.

Políticas públicas em cenas abertas de uso de crack: Os hotéis do programa De Braços Abertos como experiência de ambiente consensual e participativo

Abstract The Programa ‘De Braços Abertos’ (PBA) [Open Arms Programme] was planned and implemented by authorities of the city of São Paulo, between 2014 and 2016, and provided for the accommodation of its beneficiaries in hotels. We perceived a lack of specific research on the ways this programme was operated. Through an ethnography and the construction of close relationships with the teams of professionals working in these hotels, we were able to verify: (1) the constant attempts by the programme’s agents to develop bonds with the beneficiaries, (2) the skilful, attentive listening to the demands and daily stories lived by the beneficiaries, and (3) the problem-solving efforts in a consensual and participatory environment. In contrast to life on the streets, along with the professional intervention, the new context provided by PBA hotels has, in many cases, paved the way for changes in the drug users’ relationship with crack consumption to a more controlled pattern.

Fear of the unknown: Experience of frontline healthcare workers with coping strategies used to face the COVID 19 pandemic.

The COVID 19 pandemic presented various challenges among health care workers, one of them being the impact it has on mental health. The psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, insomnia and stress, all consequences of the pandemic cause psychopathological outcomes reverberating negatively on the emotional well-being of health care workers. This study aimed to explore the experience of frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in a middle-income country in Latin America and to identify the coping mechanisms they used to face stressful situations during this time. A qualitative study based on an interpretative paradigm was conducted allowing to examine complex, ambiguous and emotionally loaded topics to explore in detail the experience of frontline HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through convenience sampling eleven frontline HCWs were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews. An inductive analysis was done with four pre-established categories: the experience of HCWs during the attention of COVID-19 patients, the experience during their own infection, the experience during the work reintegration and the coping mechanisms used. Our results show that fear and uncertainty predominated throughout the attention of COVID-19 patients. Participants used both coping strategies based on problem-solving efforts, such as routine changes, and emotional management efforts, like social support or psychological counselling. The choice of coping strategies was influenced by their personal beliefs, past emotional experiences, and prior medical formation. These findings provide public and private institutions insight for creating effective policies, based on the HCWs' preferences, to promote their psychological well-being.

Community Service Teaching To Lecturers And Trainers At Pusdiklat Muhammadiyah University Of Malang

Community service teaches to lecturers and trainers at the Training and Education Center of Muhammadiyah University of Malang (Pusdiklat UMM) plays a crucial role in enhancing the qualifications of lecturers and administrative staff to meet the established standards of human resources both nationally and internationally, in line with the dynamics of global human resource competencies. In this context, Smart Indonesia Academy, a management company, provides competency assessor training at Pusdiklat UMM as a community empowerment effort. This research adopts an analytical descriptive method to collect, analyze, and interpret data. The research findings indicate the smooth implementation of community service activities by Smart Indonesia Academy at the Pusdiklat UMM office. In conclusion, this study highlights the complexity and challenges of implementing competency-based training and education approaches in the workplace and higher education, emphasizing the importance of in-depth understanding and problem-solving efforts to enhance implementation effectiveness.

Proposed Marketing Strategy Development for Local Cattle Frozen Semen Sales (Case Study: Balai Inseminasi Buatan Lembang)

BIB Lembang was constructed in 1975 and became the first Artificial Insemination Center to be developed in Indonesia. BIB Lembang is also a Technical Implementation Unit which is under the Director General of Livestock and Animal Health and is responsible to the Director General of Livestock and Animal Health and is technically fostered by the Director of Livestock Breeding and Production with production duties. Marketing, testing, and monitoring of superior livestock semen quality, as well as preparation of artificial insemination methods. Meanwhile, based on the author’s initial research and problem-solving efforts, The research’s findings indicate that although BIB Lembang continues to have strong customer loyalty, a large number of its patrons still choose imported cattle frozen semen to local cattle frozen semen. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that influence customer satisfaction in relation to service quality, as well as the impact of human resources capability and technological infrastructure support on the quality of local cattle frozen semen products. Additionally, a business strategy to enhance competitiveness in the local cattle semen market will be designed. Both quantitative and qualitative methods will be used in this study. STP methodology and customer analysis both employ quantitative methodologies. Internal study of “Current Marketing Capability” and the search for preferences in “secondary data” were used in the data collection process. Seven people were interviewed using the qualitative method, one of whom was the head of BIB Lembang. Based on the research findings, companies can implement business strategies such as service quality to boost sales of local frozen cow semen. These strategies should be complemented by superior human resource competence, adequate technological infrastructure, good online ordering facilities – Sijalu, and customer satisfaction. To develop a SWOT Analysis and TOWS matrix for BIB Lembang in order to obtain a competitive edge and boost sales of local cattle frozen semen, the internal and external aspects will be analyzed using PESTEL analysis, competitor analysis, current marketing capability, and competitor analysis.

Profiles of Youth Citizenship: A Cluster Analysis of Ethical Factors, Demographics, and Problem-Solving Disposition

Youth have the capacity to drive positive change in their communities through active and engaged citizenship (AEC). Teen leadership programs provide youth with opportunities to develop the skills necessary to participate as partners in community problem-solving efforts. Situated in relational developmental systems metatheory, this study examined how cluster membership based upon demographic characteristics, ethical factors, and problem-solving disposition impacted AEC. The findings indicated significant differences between clusters for AEC, civic duty, and civic skills. These differences were predominately observed through membership in long-term or short-term leadership programs, gender, enrollment in honors/AP courses, ethical views, and problem-solving disposition. Youth leadership practitioners should consider avenues for infusing problem-solving and character development in gender inclusive program curricula to increase the likelihood for contributing.

Revisiting Ishikawa's Original Seven Basic Tools of Quality Control: A Global Study and Some New Insights

The purpose of this global study is to investigate the validity of Dr. Ishikawa's statement that “95% of problems in processes can be solved using the 7 Quality Control (QC) tools” in organizations. An online survey instrument was developed, disseminated, and responded to by a total of 456 senior quality professionals from five different continents. The main finding of this article suggests that less than 25% of participants perceived that the seven tools of QC can solve above 95% of quality problems while 40% of quality professionals stated that they had incorrectly applied the tools “right first time” during the problem solving. Pareto analysis was the most widely used tool across all sectors while the least used tools are scatter diagrams and stratification. The seven QC tools were widely utilized in production or manufacturing areas but least applied in IT and finance functions. The common benefits from the use of seven basic tools of QC in all sectors include: providing structure to the problem-solving efforts; aids problem solving and helps in problem definition, measurement, and analysis. This article presents a list of critical success factors (CSFs) required for the proper application of the seven QC tools including having management support and a commitment to tool usage as well as having a continuous improvement initiative to encourage tool usage. This article is the first global research focused on investigating Dr. Ishikawa's statement: “95% of problems in processes can be solved using the 7 QC tools.” The findings further facilitate an important first step toward understanding the applicability, benefits, CSFs, and challenges to utilizing these tools in organizations across sectors and globally.

Comprehensive renovation and optimization design of balconies in old residential buildings in Beijing: A study

This study presents a comprehensive approach to renovating and optimizing balconies in old residential buildings in Beijing. Firstly, it explores residential balconies' evolution, characteristics, and development trends to identify various sample types and understand the associated problems and residents' needs related to balconies through investigation. Secondly, the Rhino/Grasshopper parametric platform is employed to simulate the performance and analyze data from standard balcony types, resulting in five qualitative and four quantitative renovation strategies and methods. Subsequently, these comprehensive renovation and optimization design strategies are implemented in the renovation process, and their performance is simulated. The daylight autonomy (DA), universal daylight indicator (UDI), and spatial daylight autonomy (sDA) metrics experienced significant increases of 16.56, 20.12, and 0.13, respectively, indicating improved light environment and functionality. Notably, the proposed strategies maintain consistent energy consumption and thermal comfort levels. Both PMV and PPD have improved, but the improvement is not significant, only by 0.01. The window-to-wall ratio has been increased by 0.1, and insulation has been added. The overall thermal comfort value is stable. These findings validate the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed approach and methods. This study provides valuable references for renovating and optimizing balconies in old residential buildings, contributing to problem-solving efforts and enhancing living quality.

Interpretation of Santri Salaf From Islamic Boarding School (Pesantren) National Narratives

Muslims are under pressure to elaborate rationales for their growing sense of nationalism within the context of the pesantren community. The three-volume National Jurisprudence Book was created by Pesantren Lirboyo in response to this occurrence. The researcher adopted a qualitative hermeneutic viewpoint to better understand the pesantren community's patriotic ideals. In-depth interviews with long-term validity checks, document analyses, and meeting observations are the data sources. While the developed analysis criticizes Antonio Gramsci's ideological hegemony's underpinnings. The results of the investigation indicated that problem-solving efforts employ the yellow book study method and contemporary legal studies (contactability). Thus, fiqh can acquire a broader (contextual) meaning without excluding fundamental values such as patriotism from the realm of faith. In conclusion, Pesantren Ma'had Aly Lirboyo contributes to the formulation of Fiqh Kabangsaan values recognizing the existence of the Indonesian nation. In this manner, the community of Pondok Lirboyo opposes all movements that reject Pancasila as the foundation of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

A Comprehensive Survey on Blockchain Technology Applications in Different Sectors of Pakistan to Develop Smart Cities

A smart city is an amalgamation of various task-oriented systems and technologies that strive to evolve and adapt according to the needs of the city and its infrastructure. These systems aim to provide citizens with efficient services, tackle urban challenges through data-driven analytical means, and minimize the need for human intervention. One technology that can assist in achieving these goals is Blockchain. Blockchain's decentralization of assets can simplify costly and time-consuming processes, minimize expenses, and enhance transparency, security, and data integration. However, being a relatively new technology, Blockchain faces regulatory hurdles which can be attributed to incomplete knowledge of infrastructure by governing organizations. This lack of understanding often leads to confusion while comprehending different infrastructure elements, hindering problem-solving efforts. In this paper, we analyze different sectors of smart cities and their challenges in Pakistan. We also examine the existing parameters to establish the smart city and their way of upgrading infrastructure technology.

Implementation of The Stunting Prevention Policy Program In Cikawao Sub-District, Lengkong District, Bandung City

The stunting problem in Indonesia has not been effectively addressed so far, due to policy implementers' inability to effectively actualize the policy. Addressing a significant national problem requires appropriate policies to accelerate problem-solving efforts. This study aims to determine the implementation of the stunting prevention program policy in Cikawao sub-district, Lengkong district, Bandung city. The research method used in this study is descriptive research with a qualitative approach. The data collection techniques used in this study are in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Meanwhile, the data analysis technique uses Milles et.al (2014) which consists of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing or verification. Based on the research results and discussion, it can be concluded that the implementation of the Stunting Prevention Program Policy in Cikawao sub-district, Lengkong district, Bandung city using the G. Edward III theory has been running quite well. However, some aspects need improvement, such as communication, which includes transmission factors, clarity, and consistency between implementers and the community, the resources, which include staff, information, facilities, and authority, also need to be improved. On the other hand, the disposition or behavior of policy implementers has been quite good.

The use and application of the 7 new quality control tools in the manufacturing sector: a global study

PurposeThe main objective of this study is to investigate the 7 new quality control or the 7 new management tools and their use in manufacturing organisations. This research investigates the understanding, knowledge of the tools and the level of application of the tools within the manufacturing sector. In addition, this paper aims to identify the benefits, challenges and critical success factors (CSFs) for the application of the 7 new quality control (QC) tools.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey instrument was developed, and data collection was performed utilising a stratified random sampling strategy. The primary strata/clusters were formed by quality professionals working in all aspects of manufacturing organisations and functions. A total of 86 participants from different countries responded to the survey.FindingsThe main finding of this study is that 10% of participants within the manufacturing sector perceived that the 7 new QC tools could solve above 80% of organisational problems. Another relevant finding presented in this paper is that tree diagrams were the most utilised of the 7 new QC tools within the manufacturing sector. The least utilised tools are arrow diagrams. The common benefits of using 7 new QC tools in the manufacturing sector are helping people define, measure and analyse the problem areas or even prioritises them and providing some form of structure to the problem-solving efforts. This paper also revealed that the 7 new QC tools were most used in the manufacturing area but least utilised in the new products and research and development (R&D) functions. This work also presents a list of CSFs and challenges required to properly apply the 7 new QC tools in the manufacturing sector.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was just carried out in manufacturing organisations. It would be interesting to try and expand to services sectors and compare use within the services sector.Originality/valueAuthors understand that this is the very first empirical study analysing the use and understanding of the 7 new QC or management tools within the manufacturing sector. The results of this study represent an important first step towards a complete understanding of the applicability of these tools in continuous improvement programs on a global scale and the context in which they can be utilized.

A new era in agriculture

A new era in agriculture

Implementasi layanan bimbingan dan konseling dalam mengatasi permasalahan bullying

The study aims to see the implementation of guidance and counseling asa problem-solving effort bullying students at the school-nizam medan. Through field research researchers have tried to describe the cases of bullying that occurred in the field by carrying out sociometry support activities to measure relationships between peers and by performing written interviews through the castee given to the student so that researchers have obtained information and information about the school's bullying. Studies show the importance of implementation of guidance and counseling as an effort to correct bullying. In this case, the role of the bk teacher is indispensable in rendering service and support activities to correct the bullying problem. The general purpose of the study is to address the problem of bullying so as to address school guidance and counseling so that the study can run in the lancer with no student and school barriers.