Research Design Research Articles

Entrepreneurial management, competitive advantage and SME performance: evidence from an emerging economy

Purpose There is a paucity of empirical studies on the impact of entrepreneurial management on small and medium enterprises (SME) performance. Against this backdrop and drawing upon the resource-based view, this study aims to explore the relationship between entrepreneurial management and SME performance and the mediating role of competitive advantage in an emerging economy. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a survey research design and a quantitative approach. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data from a conveniently selected sample of 174 manufacturing SMEs in Nigeria. This study performed mediation analysis to test the proposed hypotheses using Hayes’ PROCESS macro v4. Findings The findings indicate that entrepreneurial management positively impacts competitive advantage and SME performance. Furthermore, competitive advantage has a positive impact on SME performance and plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between entrepreneurial management and SME performance. Research limitations/implications This study only examines manufacturing SMEs in a single country, Nigeria; thus, the generalisability of its findings is limited. Practical implications The findings of this study offer practical implications for SMEs and SME owners or managers. The findings suggest that to gain a sustainable competitive advantage and achieve superior performance, SMEs should pursue opportunities regardless of the available resources, promote flat and flexible organisation structures, adopt fast growth orientation and strategies, reward employees based on the value they add to the organisation and foster an entrepreneurial culture. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to provide empirical evidence of the mediating effect of competitive advantage on the relationship between entrepreneurial management and SME performance in an emerging economy. This study demonstrates that implementing entrepreneurial management practices by SMEs can result in sustainable competitive advantage and superior performance.

Penerapan Kuis Wordwall dalam Keaktifan Belajar Peserta Didik Kelas IV C SD Supriyadi Semarang

This research regarding student innovation and activeness in learning can be an important basis for designing effective learning strategies. With the aim of research to find out the results of applying the WordWall quiz in active learning. This type of research uses a qualitative descriptive research method, with a case study research design. Data analysis techniques for data collection, data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. with research subjects totaling 29 students from class IV C SD Supriyadi Semarang. Before implementing WordWall there were still many students who were not enthusiastic about learning. The use of WordWall media in learning has a positive influence on students' activeness in learning. WordWall can help teachers be more creative and make the learning environment interesting and fun because it focuses on students, is technology-based, and makes students feel comfortable and at ease while learning. Apart from that, WordWall media helps learning because it is fun and is useful for increasing student activity.

What makes consumers buy from the informal rather than formal retail market? A consumption value perspective

Purpose This paper aims to understand consumption values buying from informal retail markets (i.e., street vendor retailing). It also explores why consumers prefer daily necessary goods from the informal compared to the formal retail market (such as supermarkets, retail chain outlets and e-commerce). Design/methodology/approach Employing the qualitative research approach, this study collected data from nine respondents in two areas in Malaysia. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using the thematic analysis technique. Only representative verbatim codes were presented under five themes of consumption value theory. Findings Consumers are triggered by the convenience, ease, and exclusive products (conditional value), friendly and known relationship with informal sellers, as well as the availability of some particular food items (emotional value) and lower price and freshness of groceries (functional value) while buying from informal compared to formal retail vendor. Research limitations/implications This study provides knowledge implications to the consumption value theory. Functional, emotional, and conditional values are the dominant components of purchase behaviour in informal compared to formal retail channels. Social values are common, whereas epistemic value is more substantial in formal retailing. Practical implications Findings are helpful for informal retail businesses to understand consumers' buying behaviour. Informal retail owners should ensure that commodities are fresh, highly affordable and available in the local communities. Building a friendly relationship with consumers would be a key to the success of this retail sector. Social implications Authorities should support informal sellers to set up mobile retail stores in residential areas. This effort would offer greater convenience to both parties in informal businesses and ensure informal sellers' financial and social well-being. Originality/value Despite the widespread acceptance of buying goods from informal retail vendors, research on consumption value in informal retailing is largely overlooked. Previous research primarily deals with formal market phenomena due to their size and economic contribution. Consequently, current literature lacks an understanding of why consumers prefer to buy from informal retail vendors for their daily groceries when the formal retail channel could fulfil similar needs. Using a qualitative research design, this research uncovers consumers' buying motives from informal compared to formal vendors.

Pengaruh Penggunan Kata Gaul dalam Bahasa Inodesia terhadap Kemampuan Berbahasa Siswa SMA

The use of slang words in Indonesian has become a common phenomenon among teenagers. In the context of using the Indonesian language, the use of slang words can affect the language proficiency of high school students. This study aims to explore how the use of slang words in Indonesian affects the language proficiency of high school students. This research employs a qualitative research design with a Case Study approach. The study uses Huberman's Analysis, which involves three main stages: data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification. The results of the study indicate that the use of slang words in Indonesian can interfere with high school students' ability to use Indonesian properly and correctly. This is due to the shortening of words, the addition of letters to standard words, the use of letters, and the use of numbers in writing, which can hinder the growth and development of the Indonesian language. Therefore, it is important to increase high school students' awareness of the importance of using proper and correct Indonesian and to instill a love for the Indonesian language among teenagers

Investigating the Application of Regression Discontinuity in the Field of International Health Economics

As one of the most significant quasi-experimental research methods, with over eight decades of development, Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD) has garnered extensive attention within the field of international health economics. It has provided robust methodological support for causal inference in research conducted within this domain. This paper provides a comprehensive review and synthesis of the foundational concepts, origins, and evolutionary trajectory of the RDD. It systematically examines the relevant studies in the domain of international health economics, discusses the strengths and limitations of the RDD, and anticipates its future applications in the same field. The aim is to support the utilization of RDD in international health economic research. On a theoretical level, it has effectively enhanced the flexibility and applicability of research designs within the domain of international health economics, augmenting the economic efficiency and external validity of studies, and offering a versatile tool for related research on a global scale. On a practical level, RD accommodates the diverse policy needs of programs across various countries and regions. It provides a more robust and reliable empirical foundation for the formulation of pertinent health policies, aiming to improve the efficiency of health resource allocation and promote equity in health outcomes.

Improved Fitness and VO2Max: Implementation of Traditional “Massallo” Games

Students' health needs are one of the priorities in learning. Therefore, physical education, sports and health have a very significant role. Physical education, sports and health are not only a means of improving physical fitness, but also play a role in maintaining body health and understanding the local wisdom contained in traditional sports such as Massallo. Therefore, the aim of this research is how Massallo games can shape students' fitness and Vo2max. This research is a quantitative pre-experimental design research using a Pretest-Posttest one group design. With a total of 42 students participating, they used exercises with the Massallo game. All data obtained were searched for mean, min, max, and standard deviation values as well as differences in applying exercises and Massallo games using independent sample t-test and simple regression. There are differences in results in implementing training with Massallo games in increasing students' fitness and VO2Max. It was found that using the Massallo game training method had a difference of 11,421 in increasing students' fitness and VO2Max and had a significant influence of 0.610, which indicated that the Massallo game had a good role in students' fitness and VO2Max. Key Words: Fitness, Massallo Games, Physical Education, VO2Max

THE RELATIONSHIP OF NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES VIA SOCIAL MEDIA TOWARDS EATING PATTERNS IkesT MUHAMMADIYAH PALEMBANG STUDENTS

Background: Social Media is online media that supports social interaction. Social media uses web-based technology that turns communication into interactive dialogue. Research objective: To determine the relationship between balanced nutritional knowledge and balanced nutritional attitudes through social media on the eating patterns of Muhammadiyah Palembang Health Sciences and Technology Students. Research Method: This research design uses a Chi-Square approach with quantitative methods. Research Results: The results of statistical tests using the chi square test obtained a value of p=0.006, which means there is a significant relationship between knowledge of balanced nutrition and eating patterns. The results of statistical tests using chi square obtained p=0.005, which means there is a significant relationship between balanced nutritional attitudes and eating patterns. Conclusion: there is a relationship between knowledge of balanced nutrition and attitudes towards students' eating patterns, because the higher a person's knowledge and attitude towards eating, the better their diet.

Effect of Indian Classical Music on Flow State and Emotional Competence of Young Adults

The aim of this research study was to see the effect of Indian Classical Music on Flow State and Emotional Competence of young adults. The objectives included studying the difference in flow state and emotional competence of the participants before and after exposure to the Indian classical music intervention track. This was done through comparing the pre test mid test and post test results. The population for this study included a total of 29 young adults between the age group of 22 to 30, a mixture of learners and non-learners of music. It was a - Single Group Pre & Post Experimental Research Design. Convenient sampling method was used. The instrumental music intervention track was set to Raag Miyan ki Malhar, the Emotional Competence Scale, the Flow Short Scale and the feelings wheel were some of the tools used for this research. Results revealed that there was a significant increase in the Flow State dimensions including Fluency, Absorption and a decrease in Worry from pre test to both mid test and post test. This indicates that the Indian classical music intervention was able to promote a state of flow. With regard to emotional competence, the dimensions Ability to Function with Emotions (AFE) and Ability to Cope with Problem Emotions (ACPE) showed a significant increase from pre test to post test indicating that the intervention track was able to have a positive impact on the emotional competence dimensions.

The contributions of grandparents to preadolescent grandchildren's social skills in rural Malaysia.

This study aimed to generate localized knowledge by investigating the perceptions and experiences of preadolescent grandchildren and grandparents regarding grandparenting and intergenerational interactions and how these processes were related to the social skills of preadolescents from three ethnic groups in Malaysia. Using a concurrent quantitative-qualitative mixed method research design, Chinese, Malay, and Indian preadolescents (N = 465; ages 9-12 years old; M = 10.27 years; SD = 1.03) from rural areas in Malaysia completed a self-administered quantitative survey; furthermore, 25 grandparents participated in one-on-one interviews. Survey findings showed that preadolescent grandchildren who reported higher grandparental warmth and support had greater social skills, mediated by positive grandparent-grandchildren (GP-GC) relationships. The GP-GC relationship and preadolescent social skills association was stronger for skipped generation compared to three-generation households. Interview findings revealed that grandparents expressed unconditional love and autonomy support in their grandparenting roles by guiding and encouraging their preadolescent grandchildren to make decisions. The GP-GC interactions served as a dynamic force in promoting preadolescents' social skills. By employing a decolonized approach and drawing on the lived experiences of grandparents from three ethnic backgrounds in rural Malaysia, the study provided an understanding of grandparenting practices and their general implications across the three ethnic groups. The interview responses highlighted both commonalities and specificities in grandparenting practices and relationship dynamics shaped by religious, class, and sociocultural dimensions in rural Malaysia.

Relationship between Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intentions among Nurses in South America

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between job satisfaction and turnover intentions among nurses in South America Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Studies in South America indicate that job satisfaction among nurses is inversely related to their turnover intentions. Nurses who report higher job satisfaction tend to have lower turnover intentions. Factors such as supportive work environments, professional growth opportunities, and recognition contribute to job satisfaction, while heavy workloads and inadequate staffing elevate turnover intentions. Addressing these concerns is vital for healthcare organizations in South America to retain nursing staff and ensure quality patient care. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Job characteristics theory, social exchange theory & expectancy theory may be used to anchor future studies on the relationship between job satisfaction and turnover intentions among nurses in South America. Encouraging participatory decision-making, providing avenues for feedback, and offering resources for stress management can contribute to a positive work environment conducive to job satisfaction and retention among nurses. Advocate for policy changes at institutional and governmental levels to address systemic issues impacting nurse job satisfaction and turnover intentions

Prospective Teachers' Views on Teaching Science Concepts

This study aims to investigate the views of pre-service teachers who have taken the "Science Teaching" course in the undergraduate program of classroom teaching about the teaching of science concepts. In this study, the phenomenology study approach, one of the qualitative research designs, was used. The study group of this research consisted 75 pre-service teachers, 56 female and 19 male, studying in the third year of the undergraduate primary teaching program of a state university. In this study, the views of the pre-service teachers who took the science teaching course about the teaching of science concepts were determined through four open-ended questions followed by face-to-face semi-structured interviews with eight participants. It can be said that the idea that prototype examples should be given about a concept in concept teaching is known by pre-service teachers (82.3%). It was observed that the pre-service teachers were aware of a misconception about force as a science concept (90.7%), but they had difficulty writing the main views of learning theories (48.0%). It is an important detail that the participants did not see the exams as tools to eliminate misconceptions at a high rate (82.7%). Interviews were conducted with eight participants who volunteered and had available time about the answers they wrote for four open-ended questions. It was seen that the participants’ opinions supported the findings of this study. Some suggestions were made based on the findings of the study.

Factor Influencing Employee Retention in Cooperatives in the City of Mati, Davao Oriental

The general objective of this study was to identify the factors that influence employee retention in the cooperatives in the City of Mati. Specifically, to addressed the following specific objectives; (a) to determine the socio-demographic profile of cooperative employees in the City of Mati, (b) to determine the potent and least factor in employee retention, (c) to examine the significant difference in potent and least factor when group according to their socio-demographic profile. Descriptive research design was utilized in the study. It selected 317 respondents using complete enumeration sampling technique. Questionnaires were uploaded to KoBoToolbox and used in data collection. Then analyzed using descriptive and inferential. Frequency count and percentage, EFA, and ANOVA were utilized and presented in a table. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the cooperative employees were males ages 41 years old and above with less than five years in service. Also, most of their services offered were agricultural products. However, four factors were identified. Base pay was the potent factor and shows significant difference when group by age and length of service. However, organizational values and policy was the least factor and shows significant difference when group by age.

A Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Assessment in Learning Resources Management and Development System

The platform for Learning Resource Management and Development System (LRMDS) has the potential to be helpful for learning. Teachers find support and resources from the learning portal of the Department of Education. This study focused on determining the acceptance of the Learning Resources Management Development System (LRMDS) as a learning resource portal using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model among EPP/TLE/TVL teachers in the Division of Iligan City. For the sample selection based on structures and items, Soper's (2024) a-priori sample size calculator for structural modeling was utilized. This calculator calculates the minimum need to identify desired effects for a structural equation model inquiry by considering variables, effect size, and power levels. The study was based on quantitative and qualitative research designs via demographic questionnaire based on the UTAUT theory model and the perception questions. Findings indicate that the effort expectancy and social influence have positive effects on behavior intentions and facilitating conditions; behavioral intentions also have positive effects on use behavior. However, Performance expectancy is not significant. Additionally, qualitative findings suggest that teachers believe the LRMDS can greatly improve teaching effectiveness when viewed as valuable and dependable, resulting in its effective use. Teachers generally consider the content provided by LRMDS to be relevant and sufficient. However, a significant issue is that some resources, particularly in TLE (Technology and Livelihood Education), are outdated, likely due to limited access to ready-made resources and sufficient learning materials. The findings of this study also suggest that enhancing LRMDS integration, communication and outreach efforts are recommended, including a training guide matrix to raise awareness of LRMDS benefits and address misconceptions through targeted campaigns, workshops, and peer sharing. Recommendations include improving knowledge management, simplifying user interfaces, informing teachers about support conditions, and implementing the training guide matrix in public schools to highlight the advantages of the LRMDS portal.

A picture of hope: From the perspective of adolescents with cancer-A phenomenological-visual qualitative study.

This study aims to investigate the phenomenon of hope in adolescents diagnosed with cancer and examine adolescents' lived experiences of hope. The study was conducted between November 2022 and March 2023. The study used a phenomenological-visual qualitative research design with 20 adolescents in the pediatric oncology ward. The purposive sampling method was used in the study. Data were collected using "Descriptive Characteristic Form," "Semi-structured Interview Form," "Drawing Technique," and "Mutual Storytelling Technique". The adolescents were instructed, "Let us draw our hopes," and asked to draw pictures. Each adolescent was interviewed about the drawings and asked four semi-structured questions. Audio recordings of the interviews were made and transcribed. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used in the analysis of the data. Two main themes and four subthemes were identified in the study. Metaphorical and conceptual context was included in the theme of symbolizing and linking hope. Two subthemes, facilitators and barriers, were identified in the main theme of rooting hope. The study sheds light on hope experiences in adolescents receiving cancer treatment and guides healthcare professionals.

The Importance of Ontological Commitment and Linguistics in Relation to the Elucidation of Design Requirements

One of the design process’s earliest and most critical stages is establishing and determining requirements. Design requirements are often expressed through language, whether in written documents, diagrams, or verbal discussions in terms of the client’s “wants” and “needs” or balancing what they can “afford.” Designers use of quotes around “wants,” “needs,” and “afford” signals ambiguity or doubt in the meaning of the terms. The language used during early discourse is crucial for expressing and translating theseambiguous terms into specific unambiguous design requirements, which significantly shape and constrain possible solutions. In philosophy, this concept is known as ontological commitment. Embedded language in requirements documents, expressed through constraints, objectives, and functions, establish the ontological commitment to a specific solution space. Prior marine design research has focused on the wicked problem of requirements elucidation, with the goal visualizing potential solutions derived from language, and a more direct link to ontological commitment was developed by Andrews in the concept of style Duchateau (2016) van Ores (2011) Andrews (2012). However, the role and impact of linguistics in translating and interpreting uncertain or ambiguous terms into specific design requirements has been largely overlooked. This paper presents modern direct examples of ontological commitment from requirements development for the Littoral Combat Ship.

People with disabilities are ready to compete in the Business and Work World Industry (IDUKA) through Vocational Education

This study aims to describe the process of developing vocational education for children with hearing barriers. The approach is carried out using a descriptive qualitative approach through research design that is carried out in 3 stages, namely the description stage, the reduction stage and the selection stage. The results of the study describe in full the process of vocational education for children with hearing barriers carried out at SLB bandung city. Data analysis is performed using data triangulation through various instruments. Vocational education at SLB became a provision to face the Business Industry and the World of Work (IDUKA), so SLB developed various programs to equip vocational skills in the form of soft skills and hard skills. Vocational education is an independence program that is being developed in the world of special education. Efforts carried out in vocational education can develop the ability of students to become capable human beings in the world of work through strengthening hard skills and soft skills in certain fields. Upaya link and match conducted in vocational education has an impact on preparing students to face the post-school world by aligning the school curriculum based on the competence and needs of the business industry and the world of work.

Leveraging Technology and Innovation for Effective E-Business Management

The purpose of this study is to examine the multifaceted nature of e-commerce excellence and effective e-business management, with a focus on technological infrastructure, innovation, consumer behavior, and management challenges. Employing a systematic literature review approach, the research design and methodology involve the analysis of recent studies and theoretical frameworks in the field of e-commerce. The findings underscore the critical importance of robust technological infrastructure in driving e-commerce excellence, highlighting the transformative impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things. Moreover, the study elucidates the pivotal role of innovation in shaping organizational success, emphasizing the significance of product innovation, process innovation, business model innovation, and organizational innovation. The implications of this study extend to both theory and practice, providing valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and business leaders in understanding and navigating the complexities of the digital marketplace. By prioritizing investments in digital infrastructure, fostering a culture of innovation, and adopting customer-centric strategies, organizations can position themselves for sustained growth and success in the dynamic e-commerce ecosystem.

ENHANCING RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PROCESSES: INSIGHTS FROM PNB METLIFE’S TALENT ACQUISITION

This paper is on recruitment and selection process at PNB MetLife Insurance Company Limited. The process of identifying, screening, shortlisting, and choosing the best applicants to occupy the necessary vacant jobs is known as recruitment and selection. The primary objectives of this research are to determine how candidates are recruited, on what criteria the selection process is based, and what skill set is necessary for a certain position. The aim of this research is to investigate the PNB MetLife's recruitment and selection procedure and to investigate whether the procedure is simple to comprehend and use different methods that are used by the organisation. The study's research design is descriptive. Primary data have been collected for this project. 50 candidates make up the sample size for the questionnaire method used to acquire the data. The data indicates that employee referrals (72%) are the dominant source for internal recruitment, and employment agencies (42%) lead in external recruitment. High satisfaction (88%) with the resume screening process and clear job descriptions (94%) reflect positively on organizational practices, while a strong awareness (94%) of referral schemes supports internal hiring strategies. Such insights offer valuable guidance for refining recruitment approaches and enhancing employee satisfaction, thereby fortifying organizational success. This project makes an effort to offer suggestions for improving recruitment efficiency and lowering hiring costs. Keywords: Recruitment Process, Selection process, Interview, Job vacancy, Qualification and Skills

In search of career-life meaning: Enhancing the existential experience of a gifted learner

This article reports on how intervention research based on integrative career counselling enhanced the existential experience of a gifted learner. The participant of this study was a purposively selected gifted 17-year-old girl learner in search of a career that would help her experience meaning, purpose, and hope in and through her career-life. An explanatory (QUALITATIVE-quantitative) research design was used together with qualitative career construction counselling-based methods. A new standardised test was used to generate quantitative data. Savickas’ guidelines for analysing career construction-elicited data were implemented to identify themes and subthemes in the outcomes. The intervention helped the participant decide on a career through which she could experience meaning, purpose, and hope in her career-life. Longitudinal research is needed to determine the medium- and long-term influence of the type of intervention discussed here with gifted learners in individual as well as group contexts across the diversity spectrum.

Analysis of Media Needs for Dance Learning for Deaf Students Based on Interactive Multimedia

This study aims to analyze the essential needs in the development of digital media for learning the art of dance for deaf students in special schools. This research design uses a descriptive study approach. The population of this research is all dance teachers who teach deaf students at Special Schools (SLB) Central Java. The sampling technique used was the incidental sampling technique. The data collection technique used a questionnaire sent in google form format through WhatsApp media. Data analysis used a descriptive technique by measuring each item with percentage criteria. The results of the study show that the expected digital media is interactive multimedia, with a duration of 15 to 20 minutes. The media can be stored and operated on all digital media. The content of the dance that is expected is a traditional dance. The media is equipped with a complete user manual.