Sequential Mixed Methods Approach Research Articles

Tourism competitiveness and social progress: A systematic literature review

This article aims to analyze the scientific production of tourism competitiveness and social progress. We used the sequential mixed methods approach for the systematic literature review in two steps. The first stage corresponds to a meta-analysis of 143 variables related to the social aspects of tourism competitiveness presented in 34 quantitative studies in the area published between 1999 and May 2022. The second stage is a content analysis of the following structures: the title, abstract, and definitions of social progress found in 44 articles in the field published between 1991 and May 2022. The results contribute to the literature on both topics by a) displaying that there is a positive and significant relationship between residents’ well-being indicators and tourism competitiveness, b) identifying its dimensions and concepts in the literature on social progress, and c) approximation of the literature on tourism competitiveness with the literature on social progress. The results provided a framework to meet the concept and ultimate objective of competitiveness: social progress.

Designing nickel smelter industry investment competitiveness policy in Indonesia through system dynamics model

Purpose This research is intended to assess the nickel smelter industry’s investment competitiveness in Indonesia and identify ways to improve its competitive advantage for the nation. Design/methodology/approach This research uses a sequential mixed-methods approach, expanding on a first qualitative phase with a second quantitative phase. Interviews are used in the qualitative phase to identify the underlying causes of issues and potential solutions to increase the competitiveness of the nickel smelter industry, while a system dynamics (SD) model is used to conduct the quantitative phase. This study uses the idea of a country’s competitive advantage from Porter’s diamond model (PDM). The model was tested and validated using SD simulation resulting in a new policy scenario, which was evaluated in metallurgy expert conferences and high policymaker discussion forums. Findings The results reveal the complexity of the nickel smelter industry in Indonesia and conclude that the integrated export duty beneficence policy is the most effective way to boost competitiveness. This policy gives a significant improvement both in the number of smelters and state revenue compared to the current policy. The industry’s investment competitiveness is enhanced by the six factors of the diamond model, with the first three factors being integrated strategy, limited export of excess production and export duty beneficence, while the remaining factors are metal price fluctuation, domestic demand and mineral supply which are related to mining conditions uncertainty. Research limitations/implications The research creates a SD model to support Indonesia’s competitive advantage in the smelter industry. Despite limitations like interpretations and distorted semantic analysis, it provides a useful framework for exploring complex industry themes, excluding social factors due to limited data and knowledge requirements. Practical implications The findings of this research offer a framework for policymaking by the government to enhance the competitiveness of investments in Indonesia’s nickel smelter industry. Originality/value This study delves into Indonesia’s nickel industry competitiveness using PDM. Using a more detailed SD model with quantitative analysis, it goes beyond strategy development to provide a comprehensive approach to the nickel smelter industry.

Unveiling the upsides of low-skilled physical gig work: insights from the gig workers’ perspective in Malaysia

ABSTRACT The gig economy has proliferated recently, fuelled by digital platforms and the global pandemic. This shift has transformed the standard employment relationship between employer and employee, making it crucial to understand the gig workers’ performance in this setting. A sequential mixed-methods approach was used to investigate the underlying phenomena. The study commenced with 1st phase of qualitative study through semi-structured interviews to uncover the major themes spurring gig workers’ psychometric dimensions. Six major themes were identified in 1st phase of the qualitative study, two of which were unique to gig work (joy of gig work, work–life balance) while the 2nd phase of the quantitative study revealed that job autonomy, joy of gig work, and work–life balance positively affect work performance. The findings suggest the requisite refinement of gig worker classification, and gig work measurement tools within the context of organisational strategies and policy development considerations.

Exposure to secondary traumatic stress and its related factors among emergency nurses in Saudi Arabia: a mixed method study

BackgroundEmergency department (ED) nurses are exposed to the risk of secondary traumatic stress (STS), which poses a threat not only to nurses’ health and psychological well-being but also adversely affects the execution of their professional duties. The quality and outcome of their nursing services are negatively affected by STS.PurposeThe purpose of this study is to comprehensively investigate the prevalence and intensity of Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) among Emergency Department (ED) nurses. It aims to identify and analyze the socio-demographic, occupational, and psychological factors that influence the severity and variation of STS experienced by these nurses.MethodsThe study utilized a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach, including two phases. Phase 1 employed a cross-sectional study design, utilizing a convenience sample of 181 nurses to explore the levels of STS and the factors associated with it. Following this, Phase 2 was structured as a qualitative descriptive study, which involved conducting semi-structured interviews with a purposefully selected group of ten ED nurses. Data collection took place at three major hospitals in Saudi Arabia during the period from January to June 2022.ResultsA total of 181 participants were included in the study. The mean STSS score reported by the nurses was 51 (SD = 13.23) out of the maximum possible score of 85, indicating severe STS among ED nurses. Factors associated with an increase in the levels of STS among ED nurses included being female, older in age, married, possessing higher education and experience, having a positive relationship with colleagues, receiving organisational support, and dealing with a higher number of trauma cases. Several themes emerged from the qualitative interviews including: ED Characteristics: Dual Impact on STS, Emotional Resonance and Vulnerability, Personal Life Stressors, The Ability to Cope, and Social Support.Conclusion and implications for practiceFuture strategies and interventions targeting STS should be prioritized to effectively manage its impact on ED nurses. It is crucial to develop targeted interventions that address the specific factors contributing to STS, as identified in this study. Additionally, these findings aim to enhance awareness among nursing administrators, managers, and supervisors about the critical factors associated with STS. This awareness is essential for accurately assessing and developing interventions that mitigate STS among nursing staff.

Linguistic challenges of pre-service teachers in English medium instruction and its relationship to their teaching self-efficacy beliefs

Using a latent profile analysis, we attempted to categorize Ghanaian pre-service teachers according to the levels of their English language linguistic challenges and to investigate how these challenges relate to their teaching self-efficacy beliefs. A sequential mixed method approach was adopted, surveying 300 participants and followed by eight interviews. We found that speaking skills were the most challenging for the participants. Qualitative results revealed that the participants have limited vocabulary, difficulty in developing coherent paragraphs, challenges with pronunciation, inadequate orthographic knowledge, and grammatical challenges. We observed that the higher the participants’ linguistic challenges, the lower their self-efficacy beliefs.

Refining Innovative Teaching Processes for Core Competencies Among Teachers in Vocational Universities: An Exploratory Mixed-Method Approach Informed by China's Reform Policy

Objective: This study aims to explore stakeholders' perspectives on the "1+X" certificate policy and its impact on innovative teaching methods to enhance instructors' core abilities at vocational colleges. It also aims to develop a management model for innovation processes based on this policy and instructors' essential skills. Theoretical Framework: The project involves key stakeholders, including executives, teachers, and students. Consequently, this study commences with an exploration of the policy implementation process, drawing upon the practical experiences of these key stakeholders. Subsequently, it seeks to evaluate the proficiency levels of university teachers. Lastly, it endeavors to examine the relationship between the key factors of the innovative management process and teachers' competencies. Method: Using a sequential exploratory mixed-method approach, qualitative data was collected from vocational college administrators, industrial managers, and certified instructors in Yunnan and Chongqing in 2023. A purposive sample of 30 individuals was analyzed using data from institutional reports, interviews, and focus groups, with thematic analysis for interpretation. Results and Discussion: Qualitative findings identified three key factors affecting the management of innovative teaching processes and teachers' core competencies: policy implementation, training, and knowledge transfer. Based on these insights, the PTKT model was proposed and empirically tested with PLS-SEM. Results showed that knowledge transfer plays a mediating role between policy implementation and teacher core competencies, as well as between training and teacher core competencies, with all hypotheses supported. Research Implications: The study provides dual recommendations. For innovation management, it suggests administrators and HR managers focus on continuous skill development before, during, and after training, emphasizing aspects such as recruitment, selection, fostering a supportive work environment, and enhancing knowledge transfer. For future research, it proposes adopting action research methodologies, customizing courses, and engaging in project-based training and R&D activities to facilitate mutual learning.

Information type and format, and copyright infringement in academic libraries

Concerns on copyright infringement in HEIs are not only due to its deprivation of the potential economic earnings to rightsholders, and its role in hindering academic innovativeness and creativity, but mainly it being viewed as a criminal act with perceived violators subjected to lawsuits. However, the copyright protection regimes put in place by HEIs have been excoriated as ‘a one size (extra-large) fits all mode of protection’. There is therefore the need to understand, so as to enable the design of appropriate strategies that will respond to different acts of copyright infringement. Data was generated from 530 postgraduate students and 38 library staff to investigate how information type and/or format influence copyright infringement in academic libraries using the sequential mixed methods approach. Textbooks were the topmost materials whose copyright were ‘infringed’ upon whilst theses and dissertations on the one hand, and lecture notes, and sermons and essays on the other hand, topped the list of materials with the ‘most infringed’ and ‘extremely infringed’ copyright respectively. Digitalized information formats were adjudged as ‘sometimes infringed’ upon. The copyright on print formatted materials (33.6%) was indicated as ‘often infringed’ followed by audio formatted information (28.7%). Video formatted information was ‘always infringed’ upon (29.8%). Among the reasons for infringing the copyright on textbooks were: (i) affordability and (ii) credibility of the information they contain. Reasons for infringing the copyright on print materials included the fact that they afford one the ability to underline portions as well as make notes in them for easy reference.

THE CO-INTEGRATION AND CAUSALITY EFFECT BETWEEN GLOBAL COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE STOCK MARKET RETURN IN MALAYSIA: AN EXPLORATORY SEQUENTIAL MIXED METHODS APPROACH

The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most unparalleled disasters the world has ever seen. Previously, the global community hasfaced the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), and Severe Acute Respiratory (SARS). However,the tremendous rate of infection created by the global COVID-19 pandemic is unmatchable with its rapid spread all over the world. Therefore, it is considered as a Black Swan event as created previously by the 2008 financial crisis, SARS, and 9/11 terrorist attack. All these events have triggered panic selling that affected the confidence of investors and businesses. Subsequently, stock market performance has affected the choice of investment decisions that translated into stock return. Therefore, this paper was undertaken to investigate the co-integration and causality relationship among global COVID-19 daily infected cases, COVID-19 recoveries rate, COVID-19 death rate, investor sentiment, government policy, foreign exchange rate, Malaysia gold price, and crude oil price towards the KLCI stock market return. This study employed an exploratory sequential mixed methods approach along with Johansen and Julius Co-Integration and Granger Causality in explaining the Malaysia stock market return. The empirical analysis concluded that COVID-19 daily cases, COVID-19 recoveries rate, government policy and foreign exchange have had a long-term effect in explaining the Malaysia stock return. On the other hand, all the study variables, except for government policy indicated a short-term effect on the Malaysia stock return. This study will contribute significantly to the body of finance literature on the impact of a disease outbreak, with highlights on the considerations of investors on the global COVID-19 pandemic in illuminating the variation of Malaysia stock market returns.

Behind the pattern: General surgery residsent autonomy in robotic surgery

ObjectiveRobotic surgery is increasingly utilized and common in general surgery training programs. This study sought to better understand the factors that influence resident operative autonomy in robotic surgery. We hypothesized that resident seniority, surgeon work experience, surgeon robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) case volume, and procedure type influence general surgery residents’ opportunities for autonomy in RAS as measured by percentage of resident individual console time (ICT). MethodsGeneral surgery resident ICT data for robotic cholecystectomy (RC), inguinal hernia (RIH), and ventral hernia (RVH) operations performed on the dual-console Da Vinci surgical robotic system between July 2019 and June 2021 were extracted. Cases with postgraduate year (PGY) 2–5 residents participating as a console surgeon were included. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach was undertaken to explore the ICT results and we conducted secondary qualitative interviews with surgeons. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were applied. ResultsResident ICT data from 420 robotic cases (IH 200, RC 121, and VH 99) performed by 20 junior residents (PGY2-3), 18 senior residents (PGY4-5), and 9 attending surgeons were extracted. The average ICT per case was 26.8 % for junior residents and 42.4 % for senior residents. Compared to early-career surgeons, surgeons with over 10 years' work experience gave less ICT to junior (18.2 % vs. 32.0 %) and senior residents (33.9 % vs. 56.6 %) respectively. Surgeons' RAS case volume had no correlation with resident ICT (r = 0.003, p = 0.0003). On average, residents had the most ICT in RC (45.8 %), followed by RIH (36.7 %) and RVH (28.6 %). Interviews with surgeons revealed two potential reasons for these resident ICT patterns: 1) Surgeon assessment of resident training year/experience influenced decisions to grant ICT; 2) Surgeons’ perceived operative time pressure inversely affected resident ICT. ConclusionsThis study suggests resident ICT/autonomy in RC, RIH, and RVH are influenced by resident seniority level, surgeon work experience, and procedure type, but not related to surgeon RAS case volume. Design and implementation of an effective robotic training program must consider the external pressures at conflict with increased resident operative autonomy and seek to mitigate them.

Understanding Switching Intentions towards Renewable Energy Technologies Using Push-Pull-Mooring Framework

Due to climate change threats, governments worldwide are taking measures to move towards cleaner technologies. One such alternative in the energy sector is Renewable Energy Technologies (RET). Due to its merit over conventional technology, RET is being promoted in the industry and households. However, residential consumers switching from incumbent technologies to RET is still low. To fill this gap, this study builds on the Push-Pull-Mooring (PPM) framework to uncover the key factors affecting the switching intention of residential consumers toward RET. We adopted a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach that involved a quantitative investigation followed by a qualitative study. In the quantitative phase, we used structural equation modeling techniques to analyze survey data from 291 participants to test our conceptual model. Subsequently, in the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews with 25 participants were conducted to gain deeper insights and validate the relationships identified in the quantitative analysis. The results indicate that environmental concern (push factor), economic benefit, and independence benefit (pull factor) have a positive association with switching intention. However, switching cost (mooring factor) was found to have a negative association with switching intention. Further, switching cost was also found to moderate the association between economic benefit and switching intention. The qualitative study provided further insights into the results of the quantitative investigation. It was clarified from the qualitative study that neighbor experiences and societal preferences of the causes may mitigate the influence of subjective norms on switching intention. Lastly, implications were drawn for academicians, marketers, and public policymakers. Marketers can utilize these findings to develop appropriate marketing strategies for this untapped market, which has huge potential.

A Mixed-Methods Evaluation to Inform the Hawai'i Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan.

The Prevent Suicide Hawai'i Taskforce is a state, public, and private partnership of individuals, organizations, and community groups that leads statewide suicide prevention efforts in Hawai'i. The purpose of this evaluation was to identify the progress and barriers of the Taskforce to inform the upcoming 2025 Hawai'i Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan in the following areas: Hope, Help, Heal, Research and Evaluation, and Policy and Advocacy. Utilizing a sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach, 18 key informants were interviewed, followed by a 13-question survey sent to the Taskforce member listserv. Results were analyzed using qualitative coding techniques and descriptive statistics. Interview findings contained six themes: importance of community relationships, interconnection of suicide prevention efforts, progress in diversifying training, organizational challenges, adaptations to the COVID-19 pandemic, and funding challenges. Of the 34 survey respondents, most were involved in the area of Hope (91%). The respondents reported the area with most progress was Hope (87%), and the most important area to address was Help (41%). The majority (82%) of the respondents characterized the level of Taskforce communication as Excellent or Good. Interview and survey data corroborated each other and revealed new insights about the successes and barriers of the Taskforce and their progress in implementing the Strategic Plan. Recommendations included advocating for long-term funding for suicide prevention and building community relationships.

Crafting Inclusive Marketing Campaigns: Insights and Influential Factors in the Indian Context

With increasing diversity of consumers in the marketplace, marketers have begun to embrace inclusive marketing practices. However, there is still a lack of research on the topic, making it difficult for managers to understand how to design and execute effective campaigns. This study aims to fill this gap by identifying the key factors that contribute toward an impactful inclusive marketing campaign. The study used a sequential mixed-methods approach and first conducted interviews with 29 LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQ consumers to gain insights into their perceptions of effective inclusive campaigns. In the study’s second phase, ten industry experts provided inputs for the Fuzzy DEMATEL method to identify critical factors for an effective campaign. The findings revealed seven essential factors: social acceptance of the community, use of community-specific symbols, authentic communication about community issues, top management’s approach, inclusive hiring practices, brand history, and legal market structure, which were then grouped into social, communication-related, brand-related, organization-specific, and other macro-level categories. The study fills an important gap in the inclusive marketing literature and can serve as a practical guide for marketers to design and implement inclusive campaigns.

Understanding factors influencing the adoption of open science practices among Malaysia's NIH researchers

Background Open science practices, including research data sharing and reuse, are crucial for advancing scientific knowledge. However, the extent to which Malaysia's National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers participate in open science remains a subject of inquiry. Methods This study employs an exploratory sequential mixed-method approach to investigate the factors influencing Malaysia NIH researchers’ participation in open science practices. The research combines in-depth interviews with key managers and administrators from NIH and a quantitative survey distributed to the researchers. Through in-depth interviews, administrators provide insights into the institute's perspective on open science. At the same time, the survey explores researchers’ views on factors influencing their participation in open science and how these factors influence the data-sharing practices at the institute. Results The findings reveal key factors that influence the participation of Malaysia NIH researchers in open science, shedding light on both motivating factors and barriers. The study identifies strategies to promote researchers’ involvement in open science practices through data sharing and highlights the practical implications for the Malaysia NIH and the broader scientific community. Conclusion Understanding these factors is essential for enhancing open science participation and fostering a culture of data sharing in Malaysia's scientific research landscape. The study suggests strategies for promoting open science practices and calls for collaborative efforts to maximise the benefits of data sharing and reuse.

A Large-Scale Study on the Preferred Learning Mode in Higher Education: Which One Suits Me Better in the New Normal?

With the end of school closures due to COVID-19, students had to return to school, where they were exposed to various learning pedagogies while adhering to health restrictions. In this era known as the “new normal,” several organizations, such as UNESCO, have urged the investigation of effective learning strategies and methods to ensure positive learning outcomes. This study aims to investigate students’ preferred learning mode in the new normal. A sequential mixed-methods approach was conducted with 3139 university students. The results revealed that students were divided about their preferred learning mode in the new normal. More than half of them believed that blended and online learning were the future of education, while the rest believed that face-to-face learning was more appropriate.

Assessing Factors Influencing the Failure of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Projects in Education and Health Sectors in Zambia: A Critical Analysis

This study critically evaluates factors leading to the failure of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects within Zambia's education and health sectors, aiming to recommend effective strategies for improving project success rates. Utilizing a sequential mixed-method approach, the research examines the effectiveness of existing management strategies, identifies key factors contributing to project failures, and explores challenges faced by project committees. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, a literature review, and five focus group discussions (FGDs) with 46 respondents from Chongwe Constituency. Purposive sampling was employed to gather both primary and secondary data. Quantitative data were analyzed using the mean t-test to determine factors significantly impacting community engagement and project outcomes. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis to explore themes from interviews, literature, and FGDs, enhancing the triangulation of findings. Findings reveal that despite the alignment of management practices with best practices, factors such as failure to use CDF, funding delays, lack of transparency and accountability, weak monitoring and evaluation, limited community involvement, and limited community knowledge of CDF, contractor incompetence, Key challenges faced by implementors included, volunteer status of WDCs which was unsustainable and challenging, lack of capacity building contribute to project failures. The study advocates for improved project management practices, enhanced stakeholder engagement and education about CDF to communities and robust monitoring to increase project success.

The impact and user experience of a student-led clinic providing preventative services.

Preventative services are required to address the risk factors for chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease. The National Health Service Health Checks in England were introduced to provide such services. One School of Pharmacy established a student-led clinic to provide this service to the local community. The clinic was provided by undergraduate pharmacy students and delivered free of charge within a central city locality. The aim was to explore the impact of the clinic on user thoughts and motivations around healthy living and investigate user experience. A sequential explanatory mixed methods approach was used consisting of a survey that measured users' thoughts about their health and well-being and experience of the clinic. Qualitative interviews explored the user experience and barriers and facilitators to making healthier lifestyle choices. One hundred and fifty-four members of the public accessed the clinic over the evaluative period. Ninety-six (60%) completed the pre-post survey and 12 participated in follow-up interviews. Users reported statistically significant improvements in how informed, competent and motivated they felt towards making healthier lifestyle choices after the clinic consultation. Interview findings highlighted the positive user experience, reported appreciation for clinic accessibility, availability of healthy lifestyle education, and a desire for more preventative services being as readily available. The student-led clinic has demonstrated positive impacts on user experience, knowledge, competence, and motivation to make healthier lifestyle choices. The clinic provides proof-of-concept for pharmacy students to deliver preventative community services that aim to improve population health at a time when primary care is experiencing unprecedented challenges.

Mass media campaigns and the 'file drawer problem': A mixed methods study of how to avoid campaign failure.

Mass media campaigns are frequently used to address public health issues. Considering the considerable cost, there has been little analysis of why campaigns sometimes fail. This study used a sequential mixed methods approach to explore the mechanisms that can lead to failure and to identify what can be done to avoid or overcome common mistakes in campaign planning, implementation, and evaluation. We conducted interviews and a survey with 28 public health social marketing and mass media campaign experts over three rounds of research and analysed the data thematically, generating themes inductively. We identified four systemic factors that drive success: long-term strategic thinking and commitment, understanding the campaign context, doing and learning from evaluation, and fostering strong relationships. The factors did not operate in isolation, rather good (or poor) execution in one area was likely to influence performance in another. The experts also emphasised that a change of political context could drastically affect one or more of the identified factors. Our analysis showed that campaign failures are not simply individuals making mistakes. Systemic issues throughout the planning, execution, and evaluation phases need to be addressed if campaign outcomes are to improve.

Communication Barriers in Instructional Delivery as Experienced by AIMS Students in an Online Pedagogical Environment: An Exploratory Sequential Approach

With the continuous evolution of the computer and internet in the late 20th century , eLearning tools and delivery methods have expanded making it easier for people to learn at home. Seeing its potential as an alternative learning modality, universities and colleges all over the world have taken opportunity of online learning as another mode of instruction. However, this did not come handy to its stakeholders as online learning is also replete with problems. Much to its inherent perplexities, the communication barrier between a teacher and its respective students is one of the prevailing gaps that seem to mostly affect the efficient learning of students. This directed the proponent to explore and focus on the aspects that hinder the effective communication of both the teacher and students in a virtual classroom.
 Contextualized under the instructional delivery continuum, the researcher analyzed the communication barriers inherent in a virtual classroom utilizing the exploratory sequential mixed-method (ESMM) approach. Underscoring experiences of learners from Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS), qualitative data was initially gathered from 6 conveniently sampled students through a focus group discussion (FGD). Constant comparative method (CCM) was used in analyzing the data. Four themes emerged on this phase: 1) Lecture/Lesson Proper Problems (LLPP); 2) Assessment Instructional/Material Problems (AIMP); 3) Technology/Software-Related Problems (TSRP); and, 4) Technology Incapacity Problems (TIP). Using the qualitative results as theme constructs in developing the 37-item survey questionnaire, the quantitative phase explored further the communication barriers experienced by a cross-sectional sample of 318 AIMS students. Employing a 4-point Likert scale (1=Strongly Disagree; and, 4=Strongly Agree), mean data revealed the following results: TSRP earned the highest communication barrier problem (M=2.93); followed by LLPP (M=2.89); then AIMP (M=2.73); and, TIP (M=2.41). Based on the results, the respondents expressed two major communication barriers in the instructional delivery of lessons and materials in an online modality. These are online teaching management and technological efficiency. A virtual classroom communication management plan especially anchoring on the two major communication barriers was proposed to be developed.

Developing a Community of Inquiry using an educational blog in higher education from the perspective of Bangladesh

Web 2.0 tools such as blogs, wikis, social networking, and podcasting have received attention in educational research over the last decade. Blogs enable students to reflect their learning experiences, disseminate ideas, and participate in analytical thinking. The Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework has been widely used in educational research to understand and enhance online and blended learning platforms. There is insufficient research evidence to demonstrate the impact of educational blogging using the CoI model as a framework. This article explores how blogs can be used to support collaborative learning and how such an interaction upholds CoI through enhancing critical thinking and meaningful learning in the context of higher education (HE). An exploratory sequential mixed-method approach has been followed in this study. A convenience sampling method was employed to choose 75 undergraduate students from Dhaka University for a 24-week blogging project. Every publication on the blog was segmented into meaningful units. Whole texts of posts and comments are extracted from the blog, and the transcripts are analyzed in a qualitative manner considering the CoI framework, more specifically, through the lens of cognitive, social, and teaching presence. In addition, the semi-structured questionnaire is used to collect data from students irrespective of whether blogging expedited students' learning or not. The research findings indicate that cognitive presence, namely, the exploration component, is dominant in blog-based learning activity. Moreover, this research has demonstrated that blogs build reliable virtual connections among students through exchanging ideas and information and by offering opportunities for reflective practice and asynchronous feedback. This study also revealed challenges related to blogging in the context of developing countries, including lack of familiarity with blogs, restricted internet connectivity, limited access to devices, and low levels of social interaction. It is recommended that different stakeholders including policymakers, curriculum developers, and teachers take the initiative to synchronize the utilization of educational blogs with the formal curriculum, guaranteeing that blog activities supplement and improve traditional teaching–learning activities.

A pragmatic approach to operationalize impartiality: A case study of transition shelter reconstruction in the context of Nepal earthquake 2015

The principle of impartiality gains the highest priority in humanitarian action. However, the skewed distribution of humanitarian aid, uncoordinated needs assessment, the plurality of interpretations of impartiality, the neglect of the ‘most in need’ and the trade-off between self-determination and furthering parochialism are the key challenges in realizing impartiality. Thus, the objective of the paper is to propose an operationally feasible approach to address the manifest injustice, with regard to the marginalization of the ‘most in need’ in the post disaster humanitarian context. The paper draws from theories of justice, to develop the approach that addresses the challenges in operationalizing impartiality, and illustrates the same in targeting transitional shelter reconstruction, using the case study of Nepal Earthquake 2015. The paper uses a pragmatic sequential mixed method approach comprising of five steps. Qualitative methods are used to explore contextual quantitative indicators and indices to target the ‘worst off’ and for the social evaluation of the approach. The quantitative multi-stage, multi-criterion-based decision-making process is adapted to integrate the priority of multiple stakeholders within the data aggregation process to arrive at the index, using which targeting is performed. The theory driven approach that uses AHP at higher levels of aggregation is evaluated against other approaches such as Pareto front and Equal Weight. Confusion Matrices, ROC curve and the decomposition of the probability of type 2 error, highlight the relative advantage of the approach over other approaches. The paper concludes with the discussion of the theoretical, methodological and practical contributions.