Case Study Of University Research Articles

Investigation and Analysis of Online Piano Improvisational Accompaniment Education: A Case Study of Universities in Guangzhou, Foshan, and Zhaoqing

The ability to provide impromptu piano accompaniment is a crucial skill that music teachers in primary and secondary schools must possess. Enhancing the accompaniment skills of music majors in colleges and universities is a focal point of the “new normal” compulsory courses. Drawing on data analysis and research from a questionnaire survey on impromptu accompaniment in some universities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, this paper demonstrates that multidimensional, multi-channel, and diversified curriculum reform is essential for improving teaching effectiveness and achieving educational objectives. The paper also proposes suggestions and ideas for curriculum reform and the construction of an online impromptu accompaniment course learning platform for reference.

Improvement and application of the ecological footprint calculation Method—A case study of a Chinese university

The Ecological Footprint (EF) model is an effective tool for determining the resource consumption demand of human activities and whether natural assets are overutilized. The EF calculation method has certain theoretical and methodological importance for low-carbon campus construction. With the development of science and technology, some parameters in traditional EF calculation methods need to be modified. Based on the definition of fossil energy land and the latest average grain yield, this paper revised the calculation parameters of the EF method in six aspects: absorbed gas, electricity, agricultural products, aquatic products, livestock products, and paper. This paper applied the calculation method before and after improvement to Henan Polytechnic University. The EF of the campus according to calculations was 28,358.41 gha, and the per capita EF was 0.657 gha/person using the improved calculation method. Compared with the unimproved method, the improved method resulted in a substantial decrease in EFs, which can be explained by three reasons. First, the fossil energy land was divided into forestland and pasture land. Second, the average yield was recalculated using the latest statistical database of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Finally, the utilization of waste pulp in the paper industry was considered. The calculated results were also analyzed and compared with those of other universities, Worldwide Fund for Nature and Enhancing Universities’Sustainability Teaching and Practices through Ecological Footprint. The improved calculation results can better reflect the actual situation of the campus, improve the rationality of EF calculation, and provide a reference for EF at the campus level. Accordingly, the current situation of campus resource consumption can be explained, further providing a basis for proposing an EF reduction scheme for green campus construction.

The Positive Effect of the English Reading Circle Method on Students’ Reading Performance: Tishk University Case Study

This study aims to investigate how the reading circle, also known as the literature circle method, affects students’ reading performances and lessons. his study will be an example study in helping students who do not like reading gain a reading habit. In this study, a mixed research method was applied by collecting both qualitative and quantitative data. At the beginning of the study, control and experimental groups were created using the stratified sampling method, and a pre-test was applied by an expert staff to see the students’ reading performances at the beginning of the study. The reading circle method was followed in the experimental group, and the traditional text reading and answering method was followed in the control group. During this five-week study, weekly tests were applied to both groups, and their reading performances were monitored. At the end of the study, post-tests and semi-structured interviews were applied to the students. According to SPSS t-statistics analysis, a significant difference of .001 was observed between the reading performances of the experimental group and the control group. In addition, students’ positive feedback about the reading circle method was recorded from the interview analysis. As a result, this study revealed that the reading circle method made a positive contribution to students’ reading performance. This study will shed light on other studies on reading in Iraq.

Building a brand name for universities: A case study of Ho Chi Minh City Open University

In the era of globalization and internationalization, students have many choices when pursuing their educational paths. Students today are more mobile and willing to leave their homes to study at their desired university. Building a brand name in this increasingly competitive landscape can be the primary tool for higher education institutions, particularly universities, to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage. However, research on university branding is scarce, and the concept of university branding remains largely unexplored in the Vietnamese context. This study explores how a university can use banding strategies to build its brand name. The analysis utilizes an organizational perspective to gather valuable information and insights into a university’s activities to build and enhance its brand name. Ho Chi Minh City Open University (OU), a top-tiered public university with its main campuses and learning precincts in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is selected to conduct this study. The nature of the study is qualitative, and data is collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with current leaders and staff at the University. The sample utilized in this study includes staff from various departments within the university and current and former executives to gain a comprehensive understanding and capture diverse perspectives. The key findings can be summarized as follows. First, primary stakeholders such as students, parents, staff, and others targeted by the University require different branding strategies. Second, OU can build its brand name through its students and alumni who have studied at the university. Third, OU needs a comprehensive strategy concerning brand name-building and enhancing activities with a focus on students’ affairs and communication. Recommendations have emerged based on these findings for building and enhancing the brand name of Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Vietnam.

The Appropriation of Digital Technologies by University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Towards A Pedagogical Approach to Digital Transformation in Response to Future Pandemics

Concerns about the effectiveness of E-learning in education during the COVID-19 pandemic attracted substantial scholarly attention worldwide. Most of the studies identified the pandemic as a double-edged sword necessitating further scholarly debates. Even though these studies are instrumental in contextualising this topical issue, there is a disconcerting absence of such empirical studies in countries associated with vertical inequality, mostly those in the Global South. Cognisant of the contextual nature of technology and how actors and their interests intersect to shape how such technologies in their contexts maybe appropriated, this study assessed the effectiveness of E-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the case study of a public university. It deployed the model of technology appropriation framework, the social justice theory, and qualitative interviews with 35 undergraduate students across faculties at the university. The findings indicated that just like in other higher education institutions (HEIs) in developing countries, the adoption of E-learning amid the COVID-19 lockdown acted as a double-edged sword. On one hand, online learning provided opportunities for some students, such as the convenience of learning at one's own pace and enhanced performance. On the other hand, empirical evidence demonstrates prevailing several challenges such as the digital gap among students, lack of ICT resources and lack of motivation and skills, inter alia. Thus, technical issues such as network, data and computer malfunctions, hindered the effective use of E-learning during the COVID-19 lockdown. While there are similarities on the challenges of E-learning between those documented in various parts of the world, it is important to acknowledge the differences based on local peculiarities. Going forward, we noted the need to adopt the 21st century pedagogical skills that promote collaboration, critical thinking and inclusivity, in teaching and learning in higher education.

The role of university–industry partnership in innovative curriculum development: A case study of South African universities in the fourth industrial revolution

This study was motivated by the need to strategically implement changes propelled by the advent of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) to meet the increasing demand for theoretical skills required by industries for regional and global competitiveness through a university–industry partnership among South African universities. A total of 22 out of 26 South African Universities were purposefully selected for the study. A survey design was adopted in which a structured online interview was conducted with 70 out of 188 Deans/Executive Deans of faculties through the Microsoft Teams and Zoom platforms. The results show that most of the academic faculties had implemented the specific guidance provided by industry partners and relevant associations into the curriculum for teaching and learning at the faculty level. However, only 18% of the Deans/Executive Deans had the 4IR as a separate strategy formulated in their institutions, while about 30% of faculty Deans/Executive Deans had 4IR strategies integrated into the existing institutional strategy. Further findings revealed the unwillingness of the faculties of Engineering and the Built Environment and the faculty of science to embrace any form of institutional guidelines for responding to evolutionary change and for implementing the 4IR in their activities. They preferred to remain open to innovation and respond in the best way possible rather than being stiffened by organizational policy.

The Role of Technologies on Women Entrepreneurship: A Case Study of Online University

This study delves into the dynamic nexus between technology and women entrepreneurship within the context of online universities. It embarks on a comprehensive exploration through a literature review, scrutinizing the transformative impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on women's entrepreneurial endeavors while elucidating associated challenges. With three distinct research objectives, the study aims to dissect the influence of ICT on women's entrepreneurship, assess the efficacy of technological tools, and unearth strategies for bolstering the role of women entrepreneurs in online university landscapes. Methodologically, the research leverages a survey-based approach, engaging a sample population of 50 women enrolled in online university entrepreneurship programs across diverse disciplines such as medicine, journalism, and economics. The analysis of the survey data unveils a spectrum of perceptions regarding ICT infrastructure, the instrumental role of ICT tools, and perceived obstacles and opportunities encountered by women entrepreneurs. Drawing insights from the findings, the study puts forth actionable recommendations to harness technology effectively in fostering the growth and empowerment of women entrepreneurs within online educational milieus. Ultimately, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the intricate interplay between technology and entrepreneurship, particularly in the context of online universities, while advocating for strategies to enhance women's participation and success in entrepreneurial ventures.

A Study of Developing Blended Gold Course of English Linguistics Based on the Chaoxing Learning Platform—A Case Study of Local Normal Universities

A Study of Developing Blended Gold Course of English Linguistics Based on the Chaoxing Learning Platform—A Case Study of Local Normal Universities

Application of logistic regression model on the spread of malaria infection in Calabar municipality (A case study of university of Calabar teaching hospital)

Background: The malaria disease is the outcome of the interaction among three elements which includes; man, mosquito and the parasite. The intensity of the disease is being regulated by the physical and socio-economic determinant in the area which interact with these elements. The physical conditions of the region determine the growth and proliferation of mosquito and parasite, while the socio-economic conditions of the people determine the distribution of mosquito and parasites. This piece of research work has been devoted to the study of vector species (Plasmodium), spatial-temporal incidence pattern of malaria i.e parasite load, physical and socio-economic determinants responsible for the spread of mosquito and parasites, control measures and risk factor assessment. The favourable explanatory variables considered in the prediction of malaria prevalence such as age group, gender, blood group and genotype presents suitable conditions to determine the validity of malaria prevalence across the metropolis which as well substantially contributed and facilitate the growth and diffusion of malarial incidence in Calabar Municipality. The data obtained was initially entered in Microsoft Excel (2016) and checked for errors after which it was exported to IBM SPSS Statistics 23 software for logistic regression analysis. The metropolis records high incidence of malaria. The predominant parasite plasmodium falciparum is considered vital for causing considerable morbidity and mortality in the area. From our analysis, it is observed that fifty nine of our patients were malaria negative and one hundred and one patients were malaria positive. The model predicted in respect to gender that seventy four percent of female population were malaria positive likewise the male gender predicted at eighty percent to be malaria positive.

Toward an ethnographic materialist semiotics: spatial scope, indexicality, and chronotope in a Chinese academic institution

Abstract Jan Blommaert had a profound impact on studies of language in society, pushing many concepts, theories, and research approaches to the center of sociolinguistics. Materialist semiotics is one of the theories and research approaches that he argued for forcefully. Blommaert’s approach to semiotics aligns with Kress’s social semiotics and Scollon and Scollon’s geosemiotics, with an emphasis on the social and materialist nature of signs. By theorizing materialist semiotics, Blommaert argued against the traditional abstract view, which saw meaning systems as timeless and context-less. This paper discusses three core elements of materialist semiotics – spatial scope, orders of indexicalities, and chronotopicity – and presents an ethnographic landscaping case study of a Chinese university’s on-campus bilingual signage, in order to illustrate materialist semiotics and to attract more scholarly attention to Blommaert’s oeuvre, which offers a wealth of theoretical and empirical potential, and continues to inspire us to do more, to go further.

Challenges to Inclusive Education for Students With Disabilities in Japanese Higher Education Institutions

Objective: The purpose of the study was to elucidate the current challenges to inclusive education (IE) at the university level in Japan, thereby addressing the gap between policy and the provision of inclusion. Method: This qualitative case study of a private university supporting inclusive policies in Japan included content analysis of data collected through semi-structured interviews to ascertain themes. Results: The four identified themes were: inclusion practices as a conceptual challenge, conflicting practice of reasonable accommodations, inclusion management gaps, and barriers to and opportunities for inclusive education. Conclusions: There is a significant disconnect between legal obligation and actual implementation of accommodations. Results demonstrate the difficulties in accommodating students due to rigid procedural requirements for accommodation, such as self-reporting documentation by students. Implications: Contradiction between inclusion policy and practice related to students with disabilities hinders the provision of accommodation services to university students in Japan.

The role of social networks in the formation of transnational higher education partnership: a case study of a British university and a Qatari education institute

ABSTRACT Transnational higher education (TNE) became the dominant higher education arrangement in the Middle East. This article reports on the role of individuals in setting up TNE partnerships between a Qatari educational institute (A) and a British university (B). It aims to understand ‘How do the individual relationship dynamics shape the establishment of a TNE partnership between (A and B)?’ we interviewed Six individuals who participated in the establishment of the partnership, and analysed the data thematically. The theories of ‘Social Capital’ and ‘the Strength of Weak Ties’ enabled us to understand the findings that revealed three main themes: Social Networks, Trusted Friendship, and Shared Benefits. The study could offer higher education administrators, policymakers, and practitioners valuable insights into the importance of social networks.

Investigating the Adverse Effects of Social Media and Cybercrime in Higher Education: A Case Study of an Online University

The utilization of social media alongside the escalating occurrence of cybercrime presents significant hurdles for higher education institutions in today's digital era, prompting a comprehensive exploration of their ramifications. This study investigates the intersection of social media and cybercrime within higher education, focusing particularly on an online university environment. Its aim is to analyze patterns of social media usage, the prevalence of cybercrime, and effective strategies for addressing these challenges among online university students. Through a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from a cohort of 100 students via surveys to evaluate their social media interactions and perceptions of cybercrime. Findings reveal a diverse distribution of students across faculties, with WhatsApp and Instagram emerging as the dominant platforms. Noteworthy is the active engagement of students on social media for academic purposes, though perspectives on cyberbullying and hacking risks vary. The study emphasizes the complex dynamics of social media and cybercrime in online higher education, highlighting the importance of comprehensive risk management and student well-being. As such, it advocates for the implementation of cybersecurity training and the enhancement of social media guidelines to cultivate digital literacy and foster a secure online learning environment. This research offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of digital technologies within educational institutions, laying the groundwork for future investigations into effective interventions and policy frameworks.Top of Form

Exploring gender disparities in online platform utilization and attitudes: A case study of Jerash university's zoom platform

This study investigates the impact of gender differences on the utilization of online platforms and attitudes toward them. A quantitative approach was adopted, employing a questionnaire comprising two domains: utilization and attitudes. The questionnaire consisted of 34 items, and its validity and reliability were assessed. The study's sample comprised 153 randomly selected graduate students from Jerash University. The findings indicate that students' utilization of online learning platforms, particularly the Zoom platform, is high, as is their positive attitude toward it. Furthermore, statistically significant gender-based differences were observed, favoring male students in both platform utilization and attitudes. The study recommends the implementation of a quasi-experimental approach to explore the gender variable's impact on students' platform utilization. Additionally, encouraging the use of Zoom platform among both students and instructors through incentivization is suggested.

Inclusive Merchandising. A Storyteller for an Accessible University

Following recent social and global transformations, cultural organizations have undergone a major redefinition in their role as keepers and promoters of knowledge and heritage, developing virtuous examples and reference models for the free, open, and autonomous enjoyment of all audiences. This contribution - contextualized in a current doctoral research on the enhancement of cultural heritage, promotion of institutional and territorial identities - is presented as a reflection on the recent awareness and attention to the issues of inclusiveness and accessibility in places of culture, especially higher education institutions. Through an analytical work on numerous university case studies, focused on institutional merchandising products, it was possible to outline common attitudes and effective communication strategies that promote core values related to multiculturalism, body positivity, gender equality, women’s empowerment, and integration of ethnic minorities.

Embedding Sustainability into Mechanical Engineering Master Programs—A Case Study of the Top Technical Universities in Europe

Considering the vital role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in accomplishing sustainable development goals, this study examines the ways in which sustainability is integrated into mechanical engineering master’s programs in the selected top technical universities in the EU. The content analysis was employed to evaluate the universities’ commitment to sustainability and approach to integrating sustainability into mechanical engineering programs. The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating SystemTM (STARS) credit AC1 was used as a reference to categorise the courses into sustainability-focused courses (SF) and courses that include sustainability content (SI). We used the Sustainability Tool for Auditing University Curricula in Higher Education (STAUNCH) to identify the sustainability-related topics integrated into the mechanical engineering programs. The empirical findings indicate that while all three top technical universities in Europe demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to sustainability, their approaches for integrating sustainability into their mechanical engineering master’s programs vary, leaving room for further improvements. The paper thoroughly analyses the top technical universities’ sustainability efforts, offering valuable insights for educators and institutions seeking to enhance sustainability integration in higher education curricula.

Social Networking as a Tool for Libraries- A Case Study of University of Kashmir

The use of social networks by libraries and information organizations is increasing prevalently and is a growing tool that is used to communicate with more potential library users, as well as extending the services provided to individual libraries. The current usage of social media by the libraries remains ad hoc and somewhat experimental but is accelerating at a faster rate. The shift of provision of library resources online has also brought about a huge shift in the role of the librarian-which becomes more integrated into the user communities within the institution. The paper will look into the role played by social networking sites on the academic librarians. The paper will also be focusing on the use of social networking by libraries in different ways. The social network proposed would be the focal point for the development of library network across different parts of the world.

Assessing the provisions for sustainability in economics degree programmes

PurposeHigher education institutions (HEIs) offer courses and programmes focusing on sustainability in economics, as courses on sustainable development (SD), which examine the economic, social and environmental dimensions of SD. This paper aims to examine sustainability integration in economics degree programmes.Design/methodology/approachThrough an extensive literature review in Web of Science (WoS) and information search in Google, conducting to 28 relevant case studies, this paper elucidates the emphasis given to sustainability as part of economics degree programmes in HEIs.FindingsThe results suggest that, whereas the inclusion of sustainability components in this field is a growing trend, much still needs to be done to ensure that matters related to SD are part of the routine of university students studying economics.Research limitations/implicationsIt is worth noting that the literature review conducted in WoS was primarily aimed at assisting in the selection of university case studies. The 28 university case studies scrutinised in this study may lack sufficient representation from numerous developing countries.Practical implicationsThis study highlights challenges in integrating the SD into economics degree programmes, suggesting the need for curriculum adjustments as underscoring operational issues, acting as barriers. The inclusion of sustainability in economics programmes must navigate operational issues stemming from packed timetables and busy schedules, requiring innovative solutions.Social implicationsAs far as the authors are aware, this study holds substantial importance in its emphasis on implementing sustainability within HEIs’ economics programmes, assisting in pursuing SD.Originality/valueThe novelty of this study lies in addressing sustainability with the specific economics focus programmes within the HEIs context.

Integration of Technology in the EFL Classes to Teach Past Simple Tense: A Case Study of University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Oman

Teaching materials is an effective factor in determining EFL learners’ competence levels (Richards, 2017). Taking this into consideration, this paper aims to examine the potential effect of technology, i.e. movies, on mastering past simple among Omani EFL learners. The current quantitative study uses written tests, before and after the treatment to test the grammatical competence of the participants. This study was contextualized in Oman, at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (SCT) with 13 Omani EFL learners. A considerable increase is shown in the participants’ competence level (past simple) after analyzing the results of pre and post-tests. This indicates a beneficial influence of using English movies in English classrooms on learning past simple tense. Consequently, this research totally recommends the integration of English movies in EFL classes in order to solve the problem of learners’ poor grammatical abilities.

New Employee Orientation: A Case Study of University for Development Studies

The paper shed light on the relevance of the new employee orientation programme of the University for Development Studies (UDS) for newly recruited Senior Members. The study data were obtained using an electronic questionnaire, which was opened for a period of two weeks, to which 133 out of 188 participants of the orientation programme responded to the questionnaire. The data from the electronic questionnaire was downloaded and analysed qualitatively using a 2010 Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
 The study found that respondents’ expectations from the new employee orientation programme were generally met. The results further indicate that many of the respondents (82 percent) were satisfied with the conduct of the new employee orientation programme. Among the most important achievements of the orientation programme, according to respondents, were: the channel of communication; effective teaching; rules, regulations and policies of the University; employment benefits and or conditions of service; career development as well as roles and duties expected of teaching staff. Respondents recommended that the orientation programme be improved by: Allocating more time for presentations as well as question and answer sessions; 
 
 Presentation on stress and self-care management and 
 Internet availability at the orientation venue for hands-on practice during ICT sessions.