Qualitative Research Techniques Research Articles

Assessing Students` Experiences of Psychosocial Support for Sustainable Learning at a South African TVET College

A positive psychosocial environment is necessary to create a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning. Thus, this study assessed students` experiences of psychosocial support for sustainable learning at a South African TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) College. This study followed a qualitative phenomenological research technique, which provides participants with a voice to share their psychosocial experiences. Data was collected from twenty individuals through face-to-face interviews and a focus group discussion. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The results of the study revealed that majority of students at this college experience low self-esteem, stressful situations, lack of peer tutoring, peer counselling, counselling skills from a Student Development Practitioner (SDP), and inadequate provision of social and emotional needs. This was attributed to a lack of psychosocial support to students from lecturers and SDPs, who ought to work collaboratively to provide such support to students at South African TVET colleges. It became evident from this study that lecturers and college personnel need to assist students in improving their self-esteem by doing the following: reducing students` stressful situations, promoting peer tutoring, providing peer counselling, providing counselling skills and catering for students` social and emotional needs at a college in order to promote sustainable learning. This study will empower lecturers and SDPs with psychosocial support skills to be able to respond to the psychosocial challenges of student development. Keywords: Academic support, emotional support, psychosocial support, sustainable learning, TVET college.

Analysis and Suggestions on the Challenges Faced by Kindergarten Teachers in Cooperative Learning Models from a Sociocultural Theory Perspective

The purpose of this empirical study is to identify and address the challenges faced by kindergarten teachers in guiding and implementing collaborative inquiry learning in early childhood group settings from a socio-cultural theoretical perspective. The research was conducted in kindergartens located in Chengxiang, Putian. This study employed interviews to explore teachers' understanding and perception of collaborative learning in groups, as well as the specific issues encountered during its implementation. The research methodology utilized semi-structured interviews with a small sample size of 9 participants, following qualitative research techniques. The main findings of this study offer solutions to the practical problems encountered by kindergarten teachers in organizing and implementing collaborative learning in early childhood groups in third-tier cities, based on Vygotsky's socio-cultural theory. It is important to note that the findings are derived from a limited sample size. Finally, this study concludes by providing practical educational recommendations from the perspective of Vygotsky's socio-cultural theory.

CONSTRUCTION OF CONTEMPORARY MASCULINITY IN BOLLYWOOD: A STUDY OF SELECT FILMS STARRING AYUSHMANN KHURRANA

The study explores the representation of modern masculinity in three select Bollywood films starring Ayushmann Khurrana: Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, Vicky Donor, and Dream Girl. The study examines how masculinity is portrayed in these films with a primary focus on the idea of hegemonic masculinity. The study makes use of qualitative research techniques to pinpoint important issues surrounding masculinity in these films, demonstrating a substantial movement away from conventionally hyper-masculine images towards more varied and complex representations. The male protagonists in these films are portrayed as being sensitive, frightened, and emotionally aware, which challenges traditional preconceptions.

Exploring the Impact of Online Teaching Environment on EFL Teachers’ Professional Identity

The impact of COVID-19 on the higher education sector has extended beyond using alternative technological methods. It has also influenced the professional identities of instructors themselves. This study aims to investigate EFL instructors’ perceptions of the impact of online teaching on identity transformation during the COVID-19 lockdown. It also investigates how online teaching has affected teachers’ professional identity in relevant aspects. The study was conducted during the first academic semester of 2022/ 2023. The researchers adopted a mixed research methodology that involved both quantitative and qualitative research techniques. A questionnaire was distributed to (44) EFL instructors, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with (8) EFL instructors at the Department of Languages and Translation at a Palestinian University, Palestine. Appropriate quantitative and qualitative analyses were utilized to figure out participants’ responses to the questionnaire and the interviews. The results of the survey revealed that online teaching positively influenced instructors’ social relations with their colleagues and students, enhanced the teaching process, and promoted instructors’ self-esteem. As for the interviews, the findings showed the substantial impact of online teaching on EFL instructors’ identity in terms of their professional needs, self-awareness and self-esteem, relationships with learners, relationships with colleagues, and their perspectives towards their institution. Hence, some recommendations were suggested.

Challenges in the Prevention and Management of Adolescent Pregnancy and School Dropout by Adolescent Mothers in South Africa

Owing to the social, economic, health, educational and psychological implications of adolescent pregnancy, there had been many attempts to stop this phenomenon. These efforts, however, do not seem to be succeeding given its acceleration, generally in South Africa. The schooling of many adolescent girls gets disturbed by their pregnancy and others discontinue with schooling postpartum. This exacerbates South Africa’s challenges of unemployment, poverty, intergenerational illiteracy, and general societal vulnerability. The Pregnant Learner Management Policy contributed to the dropout rates as it prohibited adolescent mothers from returning to school before they had spent two years with their babies. It has since been replaced with the National Policy on the Prevention and Management of Learner Pregnancy in Schools, but reintegration remains a challenge. The pregnancy and reintegration challenges are aggravated by institutional, social, economic, cultural, and religious barriers. The pregnancies are due to several factors such as poor and inconsistent uptake of contraceptives, and inadequate parental involvement and guidance on the sexual and reproductive health education of the adolescents. The study used qualitative research techniques to delve deeper into the adolescent pregnancy and school dropout phenomenon; research participants were sampled from the three provinces with the highest number of births that were delivered by adolescents, namely KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Eastern Cape.

Inovasi Aplikasi Sikepo dalam Meningkatkan Kinerja Pegawai di Kabupaten Bojonegoro

In the application of the digital attendance system, problems still often occur, an online attendance system that can be misused by the absence of employees at the workplace. The purpose of this research is to find out the discipline of the State Civil Apparatus by innovating new developments about the location-based ASN attendance monitoring system called SiKepo, making it easier for employees to access this system from anywhere. Researchers used qualitative research techniques in this study, using a qualitative approach to the case study method. Based on the results of the study, the innovation of the SiKepo application can improve employee discipline, efficiency, and effectiveness. Because there is data monitoring where employees are required to leave in the morning, with attendance using electronics. And can also use a fingerprint machine that is connected to the application if there are system error problems. After the implementation of SiKepo, there was an increase in the percentage of attendance, which used to be employees who deliberately skipped school with an average of 5 to 6 times a month, now employees are more disciplined. However, frequent error constraints require the uprage system to be better.

Ethnographic Analysis to Identify Customer Experience and Customer Behavior in The Food and Beverage Industry

This research aims to understand and describe the behavior of a group of people who consume craft beverages. We will conduct this research using a type of ethnography known as particularistic ethnography. We will use qualitative research techniques like group meetings and in-depth interviews in this research. In the analysis of men's mind maps, the words friends and food appeared most frequently, indicating that men associate drinking craft beverages with strong relationships with friends and consume them in a relaxed and informal setting, often accompanied by food consumption. On the other hand, in the analysis of women's mind maps, although the compartments are similar to men's with the dominance of the word friend, the difference lies in the consistent use of pink in writing words, especially friendship. This suggests that women associate craft beverages with camaraderie with friends in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Both men and women equated craft beverages with femininity. They describe these characteristics as being informal, wearing jeans, having a friendly attitude, and having positive energy. This suggests that craft beverage typically evokes an informal and relaxed atmosphere, lacking the structure of other products or services. This shows that consumers see craft beverages as fun, warm, and suitable for enjoying in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Craft beverages and social interactions between friends have a strong connection, and drinking craft beverages occurs in a relaxed and laughter-filled atmosphere.

Understanding consumer behavior in phygital environments: an interpretivist methodological framework

Purpose Due to rapid digitalization, the emergence of the “phygital” environment, which blends physical and digital experiences, creates unique challenges for researchers. This paper aims to introduce an interpretivist methodological framework designed to understand consumer behavior in phygital environments. The framework enables an in-depth exploration of the contextual factors, subjective experiences, personal emotions and social networks that influence consumer behavior in this space. Design/methodology/approach The framework was developed after a thorough literature review of the phygital environment and interpretivist research landscape. Consistent with the phygital transformation theory, this approach allows researchers to go beyond the limitations of purely quantitative methods, gaining a deeper understanding of consumer behavior in phygital environments. The framework is organized into four meticulously designed pillars, each focusing on specific aspects of research and using distinct data collection and analysis approaches. Findings The systematic framework facilitates exploration of various dimensions of consumer experiences in phygital settings through qualitative research techniques. Uncovering the richness of contextual factors, subjective meanings, consumer experiences and social interactions within the phygital environment yields meaningful insights into consumer decision-making and preferences. These insights help marketers craft better phygital marketing strategies. Originality/value This interpretivist framework presents a unique approach for researchers hoping to investigate consumer behavior in phygital environments. It offers deep insights and understanding of this largely unexplored space, contributing to the evolving body of knowledge in phygital studies.

Isocolon in EDM Sibiya’s novels: A stylo-syntactic evaluation

There seems to be no study so far that has interpreted isocolon from a descriptive linguistic point of view. Studies conducted on isocolon have considered this aspect as merely a poetic tool and have focused solely on its artistic function. It is for this reason that this aspect has been examined mainly in the genre of poetry. The main aim of this paper was therefore to provide a different perspective on isocolon by considering its syntactic patterns with reference to the genre of novels. Such an approach was an attempt to uncover not only the artistic function, but also the form (linguistic description) of this aspect. The discourse is presented through the lens of linguistic stylistics, which advocates a linguistic approach to style in literature. This approach seeks to objectify a literary text in a scientific manner through descriptive linguistics. Discourse analysis theory was also employed, since an investigation was made into Sibiya’s literary works and the influence of context. As novels served as primary sources, the study adopted textual analysis as a qualitative research technique.

EXAMINING THE CRITICAL ROLE OF YOUTH'S PARTICIPATION AS CATALYSTS FOR SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DRIVERS OF DEVELOPMENT

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the critical role of youth participation as catalysts for sustainable social and economic drivers of development in Africa. Theoretical Reference: The study adopted the theory of Positive Youth Development to contexualise the aim of the study. The study argues that, youth workers and other service providers using a youth development approach would be able to analyze the theories in this study and determine what influences their practice, anticipate the results of their interventions, choose the best course of action at each stage of the process, and explain their actions when working with young people. Method: Through the application of qualitative research techniques, the study primarily used peer-reviewed secondary sources available within the public domain. Since they provided the researchers with a great opportunity to connect with the body of knowledge already in existence and allowed the researchers to gain insight into the thoughts and experiences of other scholars regarding the area of study. Hence advanced searches of baseline literature were used to collect qualitative data. Results and Conclusions: The literature review examined the vital role that young people play as engines for long-term social and economic development in several African. The study argued that youth involvement promotes project ownership and sustainability and increases young people's ability to meet their basic needs. Implications of Research: Unemployment has caused Africa a lot of woes as youths embrace violence rather than embarking on projects that would benefit the continent. The paper concluded that unless impediments to the actualisation are expunged, the African continent will still take its back seat in this era of unprecedented development. Originality/ Value: The study made the case that young people must be involved as advisors, collaborators, and stakeholders if development initiatives are to be effective and representative. To guarantee that young people are engaged, it is not enough to rely just on one-time conversations; there needs to be an ongoing process.

Unveiling Socioeconomic Disparities: Understanding Pregnancy Awareness and Family Well-being among Middle-Late Adolescent Mothers across Diverse Socioeconomic Strata in Urban Manila, Philippines

This research study examines the real-life experiences of adolescent mothers within the age group of 13-17 years old (middle adolescence) to 18-21 years old (late adolescence), coming from middle and low socioeconomic backgrounds. Using different qualitative research techniques, this study aims to uncover unique obstacles, coping strategies, and support networks encountered by teenage mothers from different economic strata. A total of 6 teenage mothers from middle-class (n=3) and low-income (n=3) settings is conducted to gather their stories and perspectives. Thematic analysis is employed to discern common threads and distinctions between the two groups, creating themes to categorize the similarities between their responses. The outcomes of this inquiry offer valuable insights into how socioeconomic status intersects with teenage parenthood, underscoring four significant factors that emerged through the data analysis: Support Systems, Educational and Career Trajectory, Family Dynamics and Expectations, and Awareness and Perception. Having identified these themes can design a path towards creating customized interventions and support mechanisms for both vulnerable demographics while advocating for more inclusive and educational programs in raising awareness and removing the stereotypes about teenage pregnancy. For future researchers interested in studying the real-life experiences of adolescent mothers from different economic backgrounds, it is essential to consider the myriad of factors that shape their lives. These factors include race, culture, and geographical location, all of which intersect with their socioeconomic status to influence their experiences.

Effect of E-Procurement on the Performance of a Wholesale Pharmacy: A Case of KIPHARMA- Rwanda (2018-2022)

The general objective of this study was to assess the effect of e-procurement on the performance of Kipharma- Rwanda. Especially the study examined the effect of the e-tendering on the performance of KIPHARMA-Rwanda, assessed the effect of e-auction on the performance of KIPHARMA-Rwanda, found out the effects of e-purchasing on the performance of KIPHARMA-Rwanda and found out the effects of e-invoicing on the performance of KIPHARMA-Rwanda. This study refers and uses the theories like Stakeholder Theory and Agency theory. For this study, correlation analysis was used. Both quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (interview) research techniques were used by researcher in order to collect data (information) related to the objectives of the study. The entire target population of the study who are supposed to provide the information data related to the objectives of the research study was based on employees of Kipharma-Rwanda who are totalized to 97 employees The researcher has decided to use a census inquiry method instead of sampling due to the relatively small number of individuals in the population. The research relied on questionnaire technique, interview and Documentation technique. Views that were given by the respondents were analyzed through SPSS 23rd version. The R value of 0.922 indicates a strong positive correlation between the predictors (e-invoicing, e-tendering, e-auction, e-purchasing) and the dependent variable. The R Square value of 0.851 signifies that approximately 85.1% of the variability in the performance of KIPHARMA-Rwanda can be explained by the independent variables in the model. For e-tendering (β= 0.297, t = 4.252, p=0.000 < 0.05). Similarly, e-auction shows a positive effect (β= 0.216, t = 3.054, p = 0.003< 0.05). E-purchasing and e-invoicing also have positive effects, contributing to the performance of KIPHARMA-Rwanda, (β= 0.244, t = 2.422, p = 0.018< 0.05) and (β= 0.247, t = 2.530, p = 0.013< 0.05) respectively. These results indicates that the adoption of e-procurement practices, including e-tendering, e-auction, e-purchasing, and e-invoicing, is associated with positive effects on the performance of KIPHARMA-Rwanda. All p-values are statistically significant at p < 0.05, reinforcing the strong relationships. KIPHARMA-Rwanda should focus on enhancing skills related to e-tendering processes, ensuring that all stakeholders are well-equipped to leverage the system effectively. Keywords: E-procurement, E-tendering, E- invoicing, E-purchasing, E-auction and Performance.

ANALYZING TRENDS AND FACTORS INFLUENCING THE INDIAN STOCK MARKET”

The Indian stock market is a dynamic and complex system influenced by various factors including economic indicators, geopolitical events, government policies, investor sentiment, and global market trends. This thesis aims to analyze the trends and factors that significantly impact the Indian stock market. Through a comprehensive review of literature, statistical analysis, and case studies, this research will provide valuable insights into understanding the dynamics of the Indian stock market and its drivers. The findings of this study will contribute to enhancing the understanding of investors, policymakers, and financial analysts in navigating the Indian stock market. This thesis delves into the dynamic landscape of the Indian stock market, aiming to provide a comprehensive analysis of its trends and the factors that influence its behavior. Through a blend of quantitative analysis and qualitative research, the study investigates various economic, political, and global factors impacting the Indian stock market's performance. Additionally, it examines the role of technological advancements and regulatory frameworks in shaping market dynamics. By analyzing historical data and employing statistical models, this research aims to offer insights into market volatility, investor sentiment, and long-term trends, contributing to a deeper understanding of the Indian stock market's intricacies. This thesis focuses on studying the ever-changing nature of the Indian stock market with the goal of offering a thorough examination of its patterns and the elements that drive its movements. It employs both quantitative methods, such as statistical analysis, and qualitative research techniques to explore a range of economic, political, and global factors that influence how the Indian stock market behaves. The research also investigates how technological advancements and regulatory policies play a part in shaping the dynamics of the market. By analyzing historical data and employing statistical models, the study seeks to provide insights into aspects like market volatility, investor sentiment, and long-term trends. Overall, the aim of this research is to enhance understanding of the Indian stock market by shedding light on its complexities, which can be valuable for investors, policymakers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of financial markets.

Positioning the Creative City Agenda Within Urban Policy Discourse: The Malaysian Scenario

As the hype of the creative city model transcends Western borders to Eastern settings, Malaysian cities are fast embracing it as sine qua non urban development strategy. The global creative city model, however, is fraught with conceptual and operational ambiguities when dissecting the notions of “cultural industries” and “creative industries”. The “knowledge economy-based concept of creative industries” is widely critiqued as being void of cultural content. Malaysia is also caught in this conundrum due to national aspirations to be a knowledge and creative economy. The aim of this article is to examine how the Malaysian creative city agenda is positioned within urban policy discourse as the nation’s structural base shifts from industrial to services and the creative economy. Based on qualitative research techniques (i.e. interviews, focus group discussions, fieldwork observations), primary data was collected in selected Malaysian cities from 2019 to 2021. The study indicated that the creative city strategy is still nascent in Malaysia and not systematically integrated and intersected across urban policy domains. This article recommends the need to integrate the elements of culture and creativity more distinctively across all urban policy domains in the quest to develop culturally sensitive and sustainable Malaysian creative cities.

Fungsi Instagram sebagai Sarana Komunikasi Politik Raden Muhammad Khalil Prasetyo

Among the politicians who utilize social media to communicate about politics is Raden Muhammad Khalil Prasetyo. This political message is intended at his supporters, the residents of Medan City. Political players can draw in voters, engage in direct communication with the public, and have private discussions with them using social media. This study attempts to identify the political communication patterns on Instagram of Raden Muhammad Khalil Prasetyo and the advantages that he derives from using the platform. Using descriptive qualitative research techniques, this study looks at how to use the data collected to address current issues. This essay presents, examines, interprets, and conducts direct interviews with informants as the key data source for the author. The study's findings demonstrate that a politician must talk gently and courteously while interacting with the general populace. The people will view the politician favorably as a result of this. You need Instagram management abilities to make a favorable impression, such publishing videos of engaging activities rather than dull ones. He needs to make the most of Instagram's features to grow his following and make it easier for others to communicate with him.

Soberania alimentar indígena em tempos de covid-19: estudo de caso em Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca, México

The information presented in this article derives from ethnographic research conducted with members of the Zapotec Indigenous community of Santa Catarina Minas (Oaxaca, Mexico) on their experiences, achievements, and challenges associated with food sovereignty practices in their community during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to identify and analyze the relationships present between cultural traditions, food, and disease and how these have influenced the social perceptions and practices experienced during the pandemic and up to the present. The methodology employed for the project included qualitative research techniques such as participant observation, interviews, audiovisual documentation, and surveys based on three fieldwork stays in the study community for a total of approximately forty days. The main research findings focus on the exploration of the dichotomy between gastronomic practices and what I classify here as symbolic food, both being essential for health, social well-being, and cultural identity in this community during and after the pandemic. The main conclusion consists of evidencing the preexistence of a relevant link between food sovereignty practices in the community that directly helped the residents of Santa Catarina Minas to cope with the challenges of COVID-19—a link that has also provided new socioeconomic opportunities after the pandemic. This article is relevant due to its novel contributions to the field of anthropological knowledge on indigenous experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico, as well as its original analysis of food sovereignty practices in these communities in the contemporary context.

A Qualitative Study: Issue(s) of Stray Animal(s) in Turkey from the Point of View of Volunteers

The aim of this study is to reveal the issue of stray animals from the volunteers’ viewpoint and determine the views and suggestions of volunteers who struggle for the rights of stray animals in Turkey. For this, a study based on qualitative research techniques was carried out with participants who voluntarily work for stray animals. Among the qualitative research patterns, case study pattern, semi-structured interview as data gathering tool, among nonprobable choice method, snowball method as data gathering tool were chosen. All the data which were acquired with semi-structured profoundly interviews were analyzed by descriptive analyzing method. This study does not reveal that fact issue of stray animals in cities of Turkey but reveals the issues of stray animals themselves and also the volunteers who have been striving for stray animals voluntarily. The issue of stray animals in Turkey is rooted mainly in local governments’ executions. It is emphasized one more time that the current executions of local governments are inadequate to be able to solve the issues of stray animals. The most important cause for this is that local governments’ not having applied the process of sterilization effectively and thus, the population of stray animals cannot be taken under control. The other significant causes are inefficiency of animal shelters run by local governments during the treatment, the unawareness of the people in the public and the nonlegal applications done by the local governments through stray animals. According to the volunteers, this issue can be handled by the state. The solution for this issue is effective sterilization and the rising awareness of the people. Eventually, it does not matter whether the solution for the issues about stray animals or the solution for issues which stray animals face, local and central governments have plenty of duties. But the main actor for this is the central government.

Challenges in Implementing Assistive Devices in Teaching Learners who are Visually Impaired in full Service Classrooms

The study aimed to explore the challenges experienced in the implementation of assistive devices in the teaching of learners who are visually impaired in inclusive classrooms. The study encapsulates qualitative research techniques were used for data collection and analysis. The study revealed that through the assistance of technology, learners were motivated and could easily communicate with one another even outside their school which also encouraged their critical thinking. Effective educational outcomes from assistive technology use are dependent upon a coordinated assessment and implementation process. There were different challenges found to be hindering the successful implementation of assistive devices. These challenges were a lack of professional support for teachers teaching learners who are visualy impaired in inclusive classrooms; educators’ negativity and poor attitude; teachers’ lack of knowledge in utilising assistive devices profitably; insufficient funding and procurement in purchasing assistive devices in schools.

Disability disclosure as an impression management technique used in the workplace: A grounded theory investigation.

In order to overcome obstacles to entry and inclusion in the workplace, individuals with disabilities engage in various impression management strategies to present themselves as the socially acceptable 'ideal employee.' This study expands on previous disclosure research by asking individuals with disabilities to share their experiences of identity management and workplace challenges. We leveraged qualitative research techniques to explore the reciprocal impact of workplace treatment and disclosure. Impression management emerged as an especially salient aspect of participants' disclosure decisions, and participants used an array of impression management tactics. Some employees with disabilities described positive experiences; however, we also learned that impression management can present unique challenges that may outweigh potential benefits. Our findings affirm that managing the image we project can be remarkably complicated and effortful when having a disability. This paper concludes with implementation recommendations for vocational rehabilitation counselors and human resource practitioners.

Digital Image and Video Processing: Algorithms and Applications

Many of the techniques that are used in digital image and video processing were developed in the 1960s at Bell Laboratories. These techniques have applications in a variety of fields, including medical imaging, videophone, character recognition, satellite imagery, and wire-photo standards conversion. Additional applications include enhancement of photographs or vidoes. The early stages of image and video processing were developed with the intention of enhancing the overall quality of the image or video. For the purpose of enhancing the visual effect of humans, it is intended for human beings. When it comes to image and video processing, the input is an image of poor quality, and the output is an image and video of higher quality. Research on algorithms and applications of digital image and video processing is the primary purpose of this study, which aims to investigate these topics extensively. The methodology employed in this study is qualitative research technique. In accordance with the findings of this research, "Image Processing" refers to the process of analyzing images with the objective of determining the significance of objects and identifying them. Image analysts analyze data that has been remotely sensed and attempt to detect, identify, classify, measure, and evaluate the significance of physical and cultural objects, as well as their patterns and spatial relationships. One subcategory of signal processing is known as video processing, and it is distinguished by the fact that the signals that are input and output are video files or video streams. Technology such as television sets, videocassette recorders (VCRs), DVD players, and other devices all make use of video processing algorithms. The processing of images and videos is extremely useful in a variety of contexts.