Abstract: Distance learning systems offer useful methods of
learning and usually contain a final course test or another form of
test. The paper proposes a web application for evaluating tests using
an expert system in distance learning systems. The proposed web
application is appropriate for didactic tests or tests with results for
subsequent studying follow-up courses. The web application works
with test questions and uses an expert system and LFLC tool for test
evaluation. After test evaluation, the results are visualized and shown
to the student.
Abstract: The article includes the results and conclusions from
empirical researches that had been done. The research focuses on the
impact of investments made in small and medium-sized enterprises
financed from EU funds on the competitiveness of these companies.
The researches includes financial results in sales revenue and net
income, expenses, and many other new products/services on offer,
higher quality products and services, more modern methods of
production, innovation in management processes, increase in the
number of customers, increase in market share, increase in
profitability of production and provision of services. The main
conclusions are that, companies with direct investments under this
measure shall apply the modern methods of production. The
consequence of this is to increase the quality of our products and
services. Furthermore, both small and medium-sized enterprises have
introduced new products and services. Investments were carried out,
thus enabling better work organization in enterprises. Entrepreneurs
would guarantee higher quality of service, which would result in
better relationships with their customers, what is more, noting the rise
in number of clients. More than half of the companies indicated that
the investments contributed to the increase in market share. Same
thing as for market reach and brand recognition of particular
company. An interesting finding is that, investments in small
enterprises were more effective than medium-sized enterprises.
Abstract: This study aimed to 1) develop pre-service teachers’
leadership skills through camp-based learning, and 2) develop preservice
teachers’ teamwork skills through camp-based learning. An
applied research methodology was used. The target group was
derived from a purposive selection. It involved 32 fourth-year
students in Early Childhood Education Program enrolling a course
entitled Seminar in Early Childhood Education provided during
second semester of academic year 2013. The treatment was camp-based
learning activities which applied a PDCA process including
four stages: 1) plan, 2) do, 3) check, and 4) act. Research instruments
were a learning camp program, a camp-based learning management
plan, a 5-level assessment form for leadership skills and a 5-level
assessment form for assessing teamwork skills. Data were analyzed
using descriptive statistics. Results were: 1) pre-service teachers’
leadership skills yielded the before treatment average score at x= 3.4,
S.D.=0.6 2and the after-treatment average score at x 4.29 , S.D.=0.66
pre-service teachers’ teamwork skills yielded the before-treatment
average score at x=3.31, S.D.=0.60 and the after-treatment average
score at x=4.42, S.D.=0.66 Both differences were statistically
significant at the .05 level. Thus, the pre-service teachers’ leadership
and teamwork skills were significantly improved through the camp-based
learning approach.
Abstract: The importance of agribusiness development is
proved in accordance with the trends in the agricultural sector of
Georgia. Agribusiness environment and the consequences of the
agricultural reforms are evaluated. The factors hindering the
development of agribusiness are revealed and the ways for
overcoming these problems are suggested. SWOT analysis is done in
order to identify the needs of agribusiness. The needs of agribusiness
development in Georgia are evaluated by priorities: prevention of
diseases and reduction of the harm caused by these diseases,
accessibility of long-term agricultural loans with low interest rates,
improving qualification of farmers, the level of education and usage
of modern technologies, changes in legislation, accessibility to high
quality agricultural machinery, and the development of infrastructure.
Based on the outcomes of the research, agribusiness development
strategies in Georgia are suggested and appropriate priorities of
economic policy are determined. Conclusions are made and based on
these conclusions, some recommendations are suggested.
Abstract: Economic development and growth are significantly
linked to the consistent and sustainable sector of small and medium
enterprises (SMEs). Banks are the frontrunners in financing and
advising SMEs. The main objective of the study is to assess the
tendency of SMEs to use the Islamic bank. Model was developed
using quantitative method with a hypothetical-deductive testing
approach. Model (N = 364) used primary data on the tendency of
SMEs to use Islamic banks gathered from questionnaire. It is found
by Mann-Whitney test that the tendency to use Islamic bank varies
between those firms which consider formal financing with the ones
relying on informal financing with the latter tends more to use
Islamic bank. This study can serve academic researchers, policy
makers, and developing countries as a model of SMEs’ desirability to
Islamic banking.
Abstract: The purpose of the study was to examine lifelong
education for teachers as a tool for achieving effective teaching and
learning. Lifelong education enhances social inclusion, personal
development, citizenship, employability, teaching and learning,
community and the nation. It is imperative that the teacher needs to
update his knowledge regularly to be able to perform optimally, since
he has a major position in the inculcation of desirable elements in
students, and the challenges of lifelong education were also
discussed. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A
simple random sampling technique was used to select 80 teachers as
sample from a population of 105 senior secondary school teachers in
Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. A 20-item self
designed questionnaire subjected to expert validation and reliability
was used to collect data. The reliability Alpha coefficient of 0.87 was
established using Cronbach’s Alpha technique, mean scores and
standard deviation were used to answer the 2 research questions
while chi-square was used to analyse data for the 2 null hypotheses,
which states that lifelong education for teachers is not a significant
tool for achieving effective teaching and lifelong education for
teachers does not significantly impact on effective learning. The
findings of the study revealed that, lifelong education for teachers can
be used as a tool for achieving effective teaching and learning, and
the study recommended among others that government, organizations
and individuals should in collaboration put lifelong education
programmes for teachers on the priority list. The paper concluded
that the strategic position of lifelong education for teachers towards
enhanced teaching, learning and the production of quality manpower
in the society makes it imperative for all hands to be on “deck” to
support the programme financially and otherwise.
Abstract: This investigation is focused on using of Mon dance
in Pathum Thani Province’s tradition and has the following
objectives: 1) to study the background of Mon dance in Pathum
Thani Province; 2) to study Mon dance in Pathum Thani Province;
and 3) to study of using Mon dance in Pathum Thani province’s
tradition. This qualitative research was conducted in Pathum Thani
province (in the central of Thailand). Data was collected from
documentary study and field data by means of observation, interview,
and group discussion. Workshops were also held with a total of 100
attendees, comprised of 20 key informants, 40 casual informants and
40 general informants. Data was validated using the triangulation
technique and the findings are presented using the descriptive
analysis. The results of the study show that the historical background
of Mon dance in Pathum Thani Province initiated during the war
evacuation from Martaban (south of Burma) to settle down in Sam
Khok, Pathum Thani Province in Ayutthaya period to Rattanakosin.
The study found that Mon dance typically consists of 12-13 dancing
process. The melodies have 12-13 songs. Piphat Mon (Mon
traditional music ensemble) is used in the performance. Performers
are dressed in Mon traditional costumes. The performers are 6-12
women and depending on the employer’s demands. Length of the
performance varies from the duration of music orchestration. Rituals
and customs performed are paying homage to teachers before the
performance. The offerings are composed of flowers, incense sticks,
candles, money gifts which are well arranged on a tray with pedestal,
and also liquors, tobaccos and pure water for asking propitiousness.
For the use of Mon dance in Pathum Thani Province’s tradition, it is
found that the dance is commonly performed in the funeral
ceremonial tradition at present because the physical postures of the
performance are considered graceful and exquisite. In addition, as for
its value, it has long been believed since the ancient times that Mon
dance was a sacred thing considered as the dignity and glorification
especially for funeral ceremonies of priest or royal hierarchy classes.
However, Mon dance has continued to be used in the traditions
associated with Mon people activities in Pathum Thani Province for
instance customary welcome for honor guest and Songkran festival.
Abstract: In turbulent modern economy, the companies need to
properly manage their business processes. Well-defined and stable
business processes ensure security of crucial data and applications,
and provide a quality product or service to the end customer. On the
other side, constant changes on the market, new regulatory
provisions, and emerging new technologies require the need of
issuing prompt and effective changes of business process. In this
article, we explore the use of agile principles in working with
business process management (BPM) solutions. We deal with
difficulties in BPM development cycle, review the benefits of using
agility, and choose the basic agile principles that ensure the success
of a BPM project.
Abstract: This research tested the performance of alternative
warehouse designs concerning the picking process. The chosen
performance measures were Travel Distance and Total Fulfilment
Time. An explanatory case study was built up around a model
implemented with SIMUL8. Hypotheses were set by selecting
outcomes from the literature survey matching popular empirical
findings. 17.4% reductions were found for Total Fulfilment Time and
Resource Utilisation. The latter was then used as a proxy for
operational efficiency. Literal replication of theoretical data-patterns
was considered as an internal validity sign. Assessing the estimated
changes benefits ahead of implementation was found to be a
contribution to practice.
Abstract: The ultimate purpose of this investigation was to
determine the teachers’ opinions as well as students’ opinions
towards the Adapted English Lessons. The subjects of the study were
5 Thai teachers, who teach English, and 85 Grade 10 mixed-ability
students at Triamudom Suksa Pattanakarn Ratchada School,
Bangkok, Thailand. The research instruments included questionnaires
and the informal interview. The data from the research instruments
was collected and analyzed concerning linguistic principles of
minimal pair and articulatory phonetics as well as teaching
techniques of mimicry-memorization; vocabulary substitution drills,
language pattern drills, reading comprehension exercise, practicing
listening, speaking and writing skill and communicative activities;
informal talk and free writing. The data was statistically compiled
according to an arithmetic percentage. The results showed that the
teachers and students have very highly positive opinions towards
adapting linguistic principles for teaching and learning phonological
accuracy. Teaching techniques provided in the Adapted English
Lessons can be used efficiently in the classroom. The teachers and
students have positive opinions towards them too.
Abstract: A growing demand is felt today for realistic 3D
models enabling the cognition and popularization of historical-artistic
heritage. Evaluation and preservation of Cultural Heritage is
inextricably connected with the innovative processes of gaining,
managing, and using knowledge. The development and perfecting of
techniques for acquiring and elaborating photorealistic 3D models,
made them pivotal elements for popularizing information of objects
on the scale of architectonic structures.
Abstract: South Africa is in its post-industrial era moving from
the primary and secondary sector to the tertiary sector. The study
investigated the impact of the disaggregated energy consumption
(coal, oil, and electricity) on the primary, secondary and tertiary
sectors of the economy between 1980 and 2012 in South Africa.
Using vector error correction model, it was established that South
Africa is an energy dependent economy, and that energy (especially
electricity and oil) is a limiting factor of growth. This implies that
implementation of energy conservation policies may hamper
economic growth. Output growth is significantly outpacing energy
supply, which has necessitated load shedding. To meet up the excess
energy demand, there is a need to increase the generating capacity
which will necessitate increased investment in the electricity sector as
well as strategic steps to increase oil production. There is also need to
explore more renewable energy sources, in order to meet the growing
energy demand without compromising growth and environmental
sustainability. Policy makers should also pursue energy efficiency
policies especially at sectoral level of the economy.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to empirically investigate the
mediating impact of export performance (EP) between technological
advancement capabilities and business performance (BP) of
Malaysian manufacturing micro, small and medium sized enterprises
(MSME’s). Firm’s technological advancement resources are
hypothesized as a platform to enhance both exports and BP of
manufacturing MSMEs in Malaysia. This study is twofold, primary it
has investigated that technological advancement capabilities helps to
appreciates main performance measures noted in terms of EP and
Secondly, it investigates that how efficiently and effectively
technological advancement capabilities can contribute in overall
Malaysian MSME’s BP. Smart PLS-3 statistical software is used to
know the association between technological advancement
capabilities, MSME’s EP and BP. In this study, the data was
composed from Malaysian manufacturing MSME’s in east coast
industrial zones known as the manufacturing hub of MSMEs. Seven
hundred and fifty (750) questionnaires were distributed, but only 148
usable questionnaires are returned. The finding of this study indicated
that technological advancement capabilities helps to strengthen the
export in term of time and cost efficient and it plays a significant role
in appreciating their BP. This study is helpful for small and medium
enterprise owners who intend to expand their business overseas and
though smart technological advancement resources they can achieve
their business competitiveness and excellence both at local and
international markets.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to analyze the impact of
literature review software on researchers. The aim of this study was
achieved by analyzing models in terms of perceived usefulness,
perceived ease of use, and acceptance level. Collected data were
analyzed using WarpPLS 4.0 software. This study used two
theoretical frameworks, namely, Technology Acceptance Model and
the Training Needs Assessment Model. The study was experimental
and was conducted at a public university in South Africa. The results
of the study showed that acceptance level has a high impact on
research productivity followed by perceived usefulness and perceived
ease of use.
Abstract: The goal of this paper is proposing a supply chain
value dashboard in home appliance manufacturing firms to create
more value for all stakeholders via balanced scorecard approach.
Balanced scorecard is an effective approach that managers have used
to evaluate supply chain performance in many fields but there is a
lack of enough attention to all supply chain stakeholders, improving
value creation and, defining correlation between value indicators and
performance measuring quantitatively. In this research the key
stakeholders in home appliance supply chain, value indicators with
respect to create more value for stakeholders and the most important
metrics to evaluate supply chain value performance based on
balanced scorecard approach have been selected via literature review.
The most important indicators based on expert’s judgment acquired
by in survey focused on creating more value for. Structural equation
modelling has been used to disclose relations between value
indicators and balanced scorecard metrics. The important result of
this research is identifying effective value dashboard to create more
value for all stakeholders in supply chain via balanced scorecard
approach and based on an empirical study covering ten home
appliance manufacturing firms in Iran. Home appliance
manufacturing firms can increase their stakeholder's satisfaction by
using this value dashboard.
Abstract: Adoption of Information Systems (IS) is receiving
increasing attention such that its implications have been closely
monitored and studied by the IS management community, industry
and professional gatekeepers. Building on previous research
regarding the adoption of technology, this paper develops and
validates an integrated model of the adoption of mobile banking. The
model originates from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and
the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). This paper intends to offer a
preliminary scrutiny of the antecedents of the adoption of mobile
banking services in the context of a developing country. Data was
collected from Pakistan. The findings showed that an integrated TAM
and TPB model greatly explains the adoption intention of mobile
banking; and perceived behavioural control and its antecedents play a
significant role in predicting adoption Theoretical and managerial
implications of findings are presented and discussed.
Abstract: In a world characterized by greed and the lust for
power and its attendant trappings, abuse of legal power is nothing
new to most of us. Legal abuses of power abound in all fields of
human endeavour. Accounts of such abuses dominate the mass media
and for the average individual, no single day goes by without his
getting to hear about at least one such occurrence. This paper briefly
looks at the meaning of legal power, what legal abuse is all about, its
causes, and some of its manifestations in the society. Its
consequences will also be discussed and some suggestions for reform
will be made. In the course of the paper, references will be made to
various jurisdictions around the world.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose two algorithms to optimally
solve makespan and total completion time scheduling problems with
learning effect and job dependent delivery times in a single machine
environment. The delivery time is the extra time to eliminate adverse
effect between the main processing and delivery to the customer. In
this paper, we introduce the job dependent delivery times for some
single machine scheduling problems with position dependent learning
effect, which are makespan are total completion. The results with
respect to two algorithms proposed for solving of the each problem
are compared with LINGO solutions for 50-jobs, 100-jobs and 150-
jobs problems. The proposed algorithms can find the same results in
shorter time.
Abstract: The traditional rhythms of the West African country
of Guinea have played a centuries-long role in defining the different
people groups that make up the country. Throughout their history,
before and since colonization by the French, the different ethnicities
have used their traditional music as a distinct part of their historical
identities. That is starting to change. Guinea is an impoverished
nation created in the early twentieth-century with little regard for the
history and cultures of the people who were included. The traditional
rhythms of the different people groups and their heritages have
remained. Fifteen individual traditional Guinean rhythms were
chosen to represent popular rhythms from the four geographical
regions of Guinea. Each rhythm was traced back to its native village
and video recorded on-site by as many different local performing
groups as could be located. The cyclical patterns rhythms were
transcribed via a circular, spatial design and then copied into a box
notation system where sounds happening at the same time could be
studied. These rhythms were analyzed for their consistency-overperformance
in a Fundamental Rhythm Pattern analysis so rhythms
could be compared for how they are changing through different
performances. The analysis showed that the traditional rhythm
performances of the Middle and Forest Guinea regions were the most
cohesive and showed the least evidence of change between
performances. The role of music in each of these regions is both
limited and focused. The Coastal and High Guinea regions have
much in common historically through their ethnic history and
modern-day trade connections, but the rhythm performances seem to
be less consistent and demonstrate more changes in how they are
performed today. In each of these regions the role and usage of music
is much freer and wide-spread. In spite of advances being made as a
country, different ethnic groups still frequently only respond and
participate (dance and sing) to the music of their native ethnicity.
There is some evidence that this self-imposed musical barrier is
beginning to change and evolve, partially through the development of
better roads, more access to electricity and technology, the nationwide
Ebola health crisis, and a growing self-identification as a
unified nation.
Abstract: The article deals with the readiness of military
professionals for challenging situations. It discusses higher
requirements on the psychical endurance of military professionals
arising from the specific nature of the military occupation, which is
typical for being very difficult to maintain regularity, which is in
accordance with the hygiene of work alternated by relaxation. The
soldier must be able to serve in the long term and constantly intense
performance that goes beyond human tolerance to stress situations. A
challenging situation is always associated with overcoming
difficulties, obstacles and complicated circumstances or using
unusual methods, ways and means to achieve the desired (expected)
objectives, performing a given task or satisfying an important need.
This paper describes the categories of challenging situations, their
classification and characteristics. Attention is also paid to the
formation of personality in challenging situations, coping with stress
in challenging situations, Phases of solutions of stressful situations,
resistance to challenging life situations and its factors. Finally, the
article is focused on increasing the readiness of military professionals
for challenging situations.