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NDMRP Proceedings

 

 

 

Copyright © Global Illuminators. All rights reserved

NDMRP Proceeding
Volume 4, Pages 1-83
2018 NDMRP Conference on “NEW DIRECTIONS IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH & PRACTICE” (NDMRP 2018)
May 12-13, 2018 London, UK
Edited by Dr. Ahmed Saddam

 

Volume 1
pp. 1-305 (2015)
2015 NDMRP Conference on “NEW DIRECTIONS IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH & PRACTICE” (NDMRP 2015)
Volume 2
pp. 1-137 (2016)
2016 NDMRP Conference on “NEW DIRECTIONS IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH & PRACTICE” (NDMRP 2016)
Volume 3
pp. 1-73 (2017)
2017 NDMRP Conference on “NEW DIRECTIONS IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH & PRACTICE” (NDMRP 2017)
Volume 4
pp. 1-83 (2018)
2018 NDMRP Conference on “NEW DIRECTIONS IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH & PRACTICE” (NDMRP 2018)

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Preface of proceeding


Track: Business Management & Economic Studies

Implementing Quality Assurance in Vocational Education, Requirements & Obstacles: The College of Technological Studies, Kuwait, As A Case Study

2

Pages 1-7
Salah Al-Ali

Abstract
Vocational and technical education is concerned with preparing students for the world of work. The rapid change in society and transformation towards post industrialism present a significant challenge on vocational and technical education programs. Vocational and technical institutions must focus on building a reputation for enhancing student’s capabilities for a specific job. On the other hand, industries would employ graduates that have specific level of knowledge, skills and attitudes for specialised field. As a result, vocational and technical institutions have to develop student’s competencies that respond directly to the need of industry. Quality assurance refer to the characteristics of the programs that ensure proper learning programs that meet the criteria’s set by the providers of vocational graduates. It can be described as a set of principles, code of conducts, methods of assessment and set of criteria’s that assure quality in vocational education on provider level. Quality in vocational education is essential in improving the learning environments, enhancing student’s capabilities, job prospects and meeting socio-economic goals. This paper would focus on the concept and importance of quality assurance in vocational and technical education with particular attention to the College of technological Studies, CTS. The paper would discuss the validity, requirements and obstacles that might hinder the implementation of quality assurance in the CTS. The paper would be based on field work that would encompasses a review of the related literature, questionnaires and personal interviews with the college deans, selected heads of academic departments, and staff. The outcomes of this research would propose the requirements and methodology to implement quality assurance in the CTS. The paper would conclude that unless the management of the CTS realised and appreciate the concept and application of quality assurance, industries would continue to rely on expatriate for years ahead.

Analyzing the Credibility of Eword-of-Mouth using Customer Reviews in Social Media

2

Pages 8-21
Albon, Alexandra, Kraft, Patricia, Rennhak, Carsten

Abstract
Increasing product awareness, spreading information about product features and re-ducing consumers‟ hesitation towards purchasing are key marketing objectives. One of the modern tools to support these objectives in today‟s Social Media-driven world is eWord-of-Mouth. Empirical research shows that eWord-of-Mouth is relevant for a large percentage of consumers‟ buying decisions. Literature defines eWord-of-Mouth as “any positive or negative statement made by potential, actual, or former customers about a product or company which is made available to multitude of the people and institutions via the Internet“ (Hennig-Thurau, Gwinner, Walsh, & Gremler, 2004). eWord-of-Mouth marketing actively tries to influence and/or encourage Word-of-Mouth, e.g. by seeding a message in Social Media or by rewarding consumers/fans to engage in Word-of-Mouth, etc. As it is difficult to control eWord-of-Mouth, research-ers are interested in identifying avenues to manage it for marketing purposes. Litera-ture identifies credibility as the key factor for message adaption (Case, Johnson, An-drews, Allard, & Kelly, 2004, p. 660), but empirical evidence is rare when it comes to identifying what drives credibility of eWord-of-Mouth. Our paper closes this gap by identifying key drivers of credibility in eWord-of-Mouth based on a comprehensive literature analysis and a field study using an online questionnaire (n = 161). The results demonstrate that credibility is predominantly influenced by source, message and media credibility. Since Social Media sources are often anonymous, credibility surro-gates need to be identified: our paper gives evidence that expertise/know how, style of speech and logic/structure of message reasoning are perceived as credibility drivers. Concerning media credibility ease of navigation/usability and structure were identified as key drivers. Visual elements and interactivity were not identified as significant drivers of media credibility. From a practical perspective, to collect, systematise, filter, and analyse positive and negative recommendations particularly important for firms. Moreover, companies should support consumers in writing high-quality reviews by offering templates. As all theoretical research, this paper is subject to limitations too. The sample selection process is an arbitrary selection and the survey design can cause problems in terms of clearly allocating a causal connection. Hence, future research may focus on more sophisticated sampling techniques.

Track: Social Science & Humanities

Teachers’ and Students’ Perceptions of the Academic and Socio-Emotional Benefits of Peer Tutoring

2

Pages 22-31
Afnan Almulla

Abstract

This study explored the perspectives of teachers and students regarding the academic and socio-emotional benefits of peer tutoring (PT) as a strategy to support students with specific learning difficulties (SpLD) in middle schools in Saudi Arabia. The research was prompted by the recent expansion of special education services in Saudi Arabia to include not only primary but also middle school students and the introduction of new teaching methods to enhance the learning experiences of SpLD students. These options differ from the predominant traditional teaching approaches in Saudi Arabia, which are increasingly perceived as inadequate for the preparation of students for the challenges of a modern, globalised society. For this reason, a qualitative case study was conducted in six inclusive schools, using interviews and observations to investigate the perceptions of 9 SEN teachers, 18 mainstream students and 19 SpLD students. The findings indicate that PT was perceived as an effective method for the provision of academic support for SpLD students and was associated with improved academic performance, motivation and participation. However, SEN teachers and students expressed different perceptions about the efficacy of this technique in supporting the development of social and emotional skills among SpLD students. This may be attributable to the lack of systematic planning and supervision before and during PT session, reflected in a lack of awareness among students regarding the objectives of PT programmes.


Public Engagement: Talking Science to Laypersons as Perceived by Postgraduate Students in Jordan

2

Pages 32-37
Abdallah Khataybeh, Kholoud Al-Sheik

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating how and why to engage laypersons with science as perceived by postgraduate students in Jordan. A questionnaire consisted of (24) items, with 5 point Likert-Scale was used after conducting the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Findings showed that the respondents showed positive perception towards engaging laypersons in science as it is vital for their daily life and using technology properly, and the importance of using layperson knowledge in communicating with them. Finally scientists need practice and knowledge to communicate with laypersons.


Sustainability of Franchise Entrepreneurship and the Role of Trust

2

Pages 38-42
Wan-Fadzilah Wan-Yusoff, Raja-Rizal-Iskandar Raja-Hisham, G. Marthandan, Sabarudin Zakaria, Muhamad-Rahimi Ramli

Abstract

Franchise entrepreneurship in Malaysia has been aggressively promoted to develop the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector as it is considered as one business that can help nurture novice SME entrepreneurs by minimising uncertainties during the riskiest stages of business. In developed countries, franchise entrepreneurship has reached a matured stage but in developing countries the business model is yet to be widely embraced by SME entrepreneurs to venture into any business. However, despite it promising business model, the franchise turnover and failure remains high due to the divergence of franchisor and franchisee interests. Since the success and sustainability of any franchise relationship is dependent on the convergent of franchisor and franchisee goals, the objective of this study is to determine to the role of trust in developing a sustainable model for a franchise entrepreneurship. The conceptual framework for this study was underpinned by the agency theory, social capital theory and the transaction cost theory. A multiple case study approach was adopted. Data was collected from the franchisor and franchisees of a local leading retail franchise and a licensed international food operator using some structured interview as well as content analysis of secondary data. Preliminary results showed that trusting relationship between the franchisee and the franchisor is one of the most important factors leading to entrepreneurial sustainability. These two parties must be held together by a common goal. Results of the study also identified some level of opportunistic behaviours by both franchisor-franchisee and licensor-licensee and the influence of social exchanges and transaction costs on their behaviour.

Assessing the Use of Social Media Networks as Collaborative Learning Supporting Tools: Cases of Two Universities

2

Pages 43-50
Norsharina Zabidi

Abstract

The reputation of social media networks nowadays is undeniable, and they remain the essential domain in supporting the educational context. Their excellent potential makes the predominance of social media networks attract the attention of learners today. Nevertheless, little attention seems to be given to the evaluation of social media network usage based on learner‟s choices, mainly as their collaborative learning support tools. Rather than trying to cover each scope of social media against the educational context, this research paper aims to assess the usage of social media networks as collaborative learning tools. Questionnaire surveys were conducted at two selected universities and a total of 80 respondents were randomly chosen to participate in the study using a convenience sampling. The majority of students at both chosen universities used WeChat and WhatsApp as their group work support tools. Furthermore, the research findings toward the frequency of use and length of time spent proved that both universities‟ students actively used their preferred social media networks as collaborative supporting tools. Indeed, it is not surprising, since social media networks nowadays already serve as an integral part of daily student life. Social media networks play a significant role as indispensable support tools for cooperative learning activities as well as transforming the collaborative learning environment. Accordingly, it is anticipated that the findings in this study on the current state of social media networks used by students as collaborative learning support tools, primarily based on their choices, could benefit coming research studies.


The Multidisciplinary Research at the Bauhaus (1919-1933) as a Historical Ideal of Artistic and Social Development. Female Student Contributions

2

Pages 51-59
Vadillo, Marisa

Abstract

The German school of the Bauhaus (1919-1933) had turned, in only fourteen years, into a pedagogic, investigative and artistic model. Their new improved pedagogical example is defined by the way in which their different academic programs were based on the multidisciplinary of the classical arts, which until then had been separately classified in painting, sculpture and architecture. The Bauhaus constructive ideal was at the service of society, hence, its pedagogical method was oriented towards the formation of professionals, so they would be able to master the knowledge that allowed them to design everyday objects, and to create an architecture style based on a single-family dwelling unit. In other to produce functional, cheap products that were full of spirituality, they based their programs on formal, plastic or aesthetic theories whose origin lies on the artistic thought. Society was changed due to their artistic creations. The artists that were educated in the Bauhaus changed the history of the modern design, imposing an educational model that opened the doors to the kind of multidisciplinary research that nowadays we still support in contemporary art centres. Accordingly, one of the Bauhaus‟ most affected sectors by the training and multidisciplinary research was the group of female students who were educated in this famous centre, being known today as artists of recognized international prestige. This group of students changed the society with their historical contributions about furniture, creation in lamps, textiles or household objects. Therefore, it brought out a significant number of artists as Marianne Brandt (1893-1983) in metal, Anni Albers (1899-1994) and her fabrics, Alma Buscher (1899-1944) with her toys, Wera Meyer-Waldeck (1906-1964) with her objects or Margarete Leischner (1907-1970) in textiles, among others.


Determinants of Financial Literacy for Elderly People: Evidence from Malaysia

2

Pages 60-69
Selvadurai, Visyalini, Kenayathulla, Husaina, Banu, Siraj, Saedah

Abstract

The fundamental element in making informed financial decisions for retirement planning is financial literacy. In this current challenging global economic situation, numerous elderly people are facing challenges to live upon retirement with financial freedom and this problem is becoming increasingly essential. Thus, this quantitative study intended to identify the key determinants of financial literacy which are vital in financial planning for retirement among elderly people in Malaysia. Survey was carried out among 1239 elderly people who are aged 55 and above from Klang Valley, Malaysia. The data was analysed quantitatively using descriptive and inferential statistics in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the key determinants of financial literacy of elderly people population in Malaysia. The process also involved descriptive statistical analysis. Based on the analysis, education level, luxury amenities, minimum monthly expenses were identified as the significant determinants of financial literacy for elderly people. These findings provide essential insights to the policy makers and government to expose financial literacy education to every working individual regardless of their Socio Economic Status (SES) to aid them in financial planning and retire with financial freedom. In terms of theoretical contribution, the findings from this study may provide an opportunity to enrich the understanding of the financial literacy determinants that contribute towards financial retirement planning. Future researchers should compare the financial literacy determinants which contribute to financial retirement planning between low, medium and high income group of people. It will be interesting to find the results as these groups of people may have different perceptions on the determinants and they also may have different ways of planning their finance for retirement.


A Comparative Survey of Intuitive Intelligence Teaching Styles Versus Emotional Intelligence Teaching Styles Among Pnu-Itl Student Practice Teachers

2

Pages 70-77
Teresita S. Festin

Abstract

The study examine the significant difference between Emotional Intelligence teaching styles and Intuitive Intelligence teaching styles among student practice teachers in Philippine Normal University – Institute of Teaching and Learning (PNU-ITL). It focuses on the importance of Emotional Intelligence and Intuitive Intelligence teaching styles in personal, academic, and career success’s of the student practice teachers. The teachers role requires various abilities. One of such fundamental capacities in the contemporary world is emotional intelligence. Emotional and Intuitive aspects in the teaching process influence overall student’s performance. Having high intelligence does not guarantee success, achievement, or happiness. This means that it is also important to recognize abilities such as deductive logical intelligence (skills for math, deduction) and verbal intelligence (the art of language) in addition to other intelligences of the same importance, like spatial (find one’s bearings, picture oneself in three dimensions), musical (think in sounds and rhythms) and kenisthetic abilities (know how to use one’s own body).Descriptive research design was adopted and proportionate stratified sampling was chosen for study. Questionaires on Emotional and Intuitive Intelligences were distributed. The data were collected and analyzed to determine how often student practice teachers use emotional and Intuitive intelligences in their teaching styles. Result indicated that student practice teachers’ use of Emotional Intelligence teaching styles obtained the mean of 3.98 and Intuitive Intelligence teaching style the mean of 3.955. The researcher also used t-test to assess whether the means of two groups were statistically different from each other. This analysis is appropriate in comparing the means of two groups (Emotional and Intuitive Intelligence teaching styles) and especially suited as the analysis for the posttest only two group randomized experimental design.


Track: Engineering and Technology

Nurturing National Dual Training System towards Government-Link Companies‟ Standard

2

Pages 78-83
Asnul Dahar Minghat, Siti Salina Mustakim

Abstract

Government-Link Companies is defined as companies with major commercial objectives and the Government has a control interest in the system, while National Dual Training System is listed in the Malaysia Education Plan which relates to the initiative of generating employment for skilled worker, developing a knowledgeable host, and producing workers with entrepreneurial skills and the ability to get and use other knowledge especially in the information of technology. This paper discuss strengths and weaknesses of NDTS implementation and its resolution towards GLC‟s satisfactions of (1) relevant curriculum with industry growth, (2) lecturers from industries, (3) Work-Based Learning Programme, (4) Industry Solely Concerned with Profiet, (5) Lack of Commitment from Industries, (6) Authorization Autonomous Controlled, and (7) Exchange of Expertise and Facilities.