Abstract: The importance of using mother tongue and
translation in foreign language classrooms cannot be ignored and
translation can be utilized as a method in English Language Teaching
courses. There exist researches advocating or objecting to the use of
translation in foreign language learning but they all have a point in
common: Translation should be used as an aid to teaching, not an end
in itself. In this research, prospective English language teachers’
opinions about translation use and use of mother tongue in foreign
language teaching are investigated and according to the findings,
some explanations and recommendations are made.
Abstract: Applied industrial engineering is concerned with
imparting employable skills to improve the productivity for current
situation of products and services. The purpose of this case study is to
present the results of an initial research study conducted to identify
the desired professional characteristics of an industrial engineer with
an undergraduate degree and the emerging topic areas that should be
incorporated into the curriculum to prepare industrial engineering
(IE) graduates for the future workforce. Conclusions and
recommendations for applied industrial engineering syllabus have
been gathered and reported below. A two-pronged approach was
taken which included a method of benchmarking by comparing the
applied industrial engineering curricula of various universities and an
industry survey to identify job market requirements. This
methodology produced an analysis of the changing nature of
industrial engineering from learning to practical education. A
curriculum study for engineering is a relatively unexplored area of
research in the Middle East, much less for applied industrial
engineering. This work is an effort to bridge the gap between
theoretical study in the classroom and the real world work
applications in the industrial and service sectors.
Abstract: The effective development of a geoscience education
and training program takes account of the rapidly changing
environment in the geoscience market, includes information about
resource-rich countries which have international education demands.
In this paper, we introduce the geoscience program run by the
International School for Geoscience Resources at the Korea Institute
of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (IS-Geo of KIGAM), and show
its remarkable performance. To further effective geoscience program
planning and operation, we present recommendations for strategic
management for customer-oriented operation with a more favorable
program format and advanced training aids. Above all, the IS-Geo of
KIGAM should continue improve through ‘plan-do-see-feedback’
activities based on the recommendations.
Abstract: In today’s world, the LED display has been used for
presenting visual information under various circumstances. Such
information is an important intermediary in the human information
processing. Researchers have been investigated diverse factors that
influence this process effectiveness. The letter size is undoubtedly
one major factor that has been tested and recommended by many
standards and guidelines. However, viewing information on the
display from direct perpendicular position is a typical assumption
whereas many actual events are required viewing from the angles.
This current research aims to study the effect of oblique viewing
angle and viewing distance on ability to recognize alphabet, number,
and English word. The total of ten participants was volunteered to our
3 x 4 x 4 within subject study. Independent variables include three
distance levels (2, 6, and 12 m), four oblique angles (0, 45, 60, 75
degree), and four target types (alphabet, number, short word, and
long word). Following the method of constant stimuli our study
suggests that the larger oblique angle, ranging from 0 to 75 degree
from the line of sight, results in significant higher legibility threshold
or larger font size required (p-value < 0.05). Viewing distance factor
also shows to have significant effect on the threshold (p-value
Abstract: One of the biggest challenges facing Theological/
Religious Education in Nigeria is access to quality learning materials.
For instance at the Trinity (Union) Theological College, Umuahia, it
was difficult for lecturers to access suitable and qualitative materials
for instruction especially the ones that would suit the African context
and stimulate a deep rooted interest among the students. Some
textbooks written by foreign authors were readily available in the
School Library, but were lacking in the College bookshops for
students to own copies. Even when the College was able to order
some of the books from abroad, it did not usher in the needed
enthusiasm expected from the students because they were either very
expensive or very difficult to understand during private studies. So it
became necessary to develop contextual materials which were
affordable and understandable, though with little success. The
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)’s innovation in the
development and sharing of learning resources through its Open
Courseware is a welcome development and of great assistance to
students. Apart from NOUN students who could easily access the
materials, many others from various theological/religious institutes
across the nation have benefited immensely. So, the thesis of this
paper is that the promotion of open educational resources in
theological/religious education in Nigeria would facilitate a better
informed/equipped religious leadership, which would in turn impact
its adherents for a healthier society and national development.
Adopting a narrative and historical approach within the context of
Nigeria’s educational system, the paper discusses: educational
traditions in Nigeria; challenges facing theological/religious
education in Nigeria; and benefits of open educational resources. The
study goes further to making recommendations on how OER could
positively influence theological/religious education in Nigeria. It is
expected that theologians, religious educators, and ODL practitioners
would find this work very useful.
Abstract: The psychological impact of peer influence on its
individual group members, can make them resist HIV/AIDS
counselling and testing. This study investigated the correlate of peer
influence and resistance to HIV/AIDS counselling and testing among
students in tertiary institutions in Kano state, Nigeria. To achieve
this, three null hypotheses were postulated and tested. Cross-
Sectional Survey Design was employed in which 1512 sample was
selected from a student population of 104,841.Simple Random
Sampling was used in the selection. A self-developed 20-item scale
called Peer Influence and Psychological Resistance Inventory
(PIPRI) was used for data collection. Pearson Product Moment
Correlation (PPMCC) via test-retest method was applied to estimate a
reliability coefficient of 0.86 for the scale. Data obtained was
analyzed using t-test and PPMCC at 0.05 level of confidence. Results
reveal 26.3% (397) of the respondents being influenced by their peer
group, while 39.8% showed resistance. Also, the t-tests and PPMCC
statistics were greater than their respective critical values. This shows
that there was a significant gender difference in peer influence and a
difference between peer influence and resistance to HIV/AIDS
counselling and testing. However, a positive relationship between
peer influence and resistance to HIV/AIDS counselling and testing
was shown. A major recommendation offered suggests the use of
reinforcement and social support for positive attitudes and
maintenance of safe behaviour among students who patronize
HIV/AIDS counselling.
Abstract: The asynchronous discussion forum is one of the most
widely used activities in learning management system environment.
Online forum allows participants to interact, construct knowledge,
and can be used to complement face to face sessions in blended
learning courses. However, to what extent do the students perceive
the benefits or advantages of forum remain to be seen. Through
content and social network analyses, instructors will be able to gauge
the students’ engagement and knowledge construction level. Thus,
this study aims to analyze the students’ level of knowledge
construction and their participation level that occur through online
discussion. It also attempts to investigate the relationship between the
level of knowledge construction and their social interaction patterns.
The sample involves 23 students undertaking a master course in one
public university in Malaysia. The asynchronous discussion forum
was conducted for three weeks as part of the course requirement. The
finding indicates that the level of knowledge construction is quite
low. Also, the density value of 0.11 indicating the overall
communication among the participants in the forum is low. This
study reveals that strong and significant correlations between SNA
measures (in-degree centrality, out-degree centrality) and level of
knowledge construction. Thus, allocating these active students in
different group aids the interactive discussion takes place. Finally,
based upon the findings, some recommendations to increase students’
level of knowledge construction and also for further research are
proposed.
Abstract: Lately, asynchronous discussion forum is integrated in
higher educational institutions as it may increase learning process,
learners’ understanding, achievement and knowledge construction.
The asynchronous discussion forum is used to complement the
traditional, face-to-face learning session in hybrid learning courses.
However, studies have proven that students’ engagement in online
forums is still unconvincing. Thus, the aim of this study is to
investigate the motivating factors and obstacles that affect the
learners’ engagement in asynchronous discussion forum. This study
is carried out in one of the public higher educational institutions in
Malaysia with 18 postgraduate students as samples. The authors have
developed a 40-items questionnaire based on literature review. The
results indicate several factors that have encouraged or limited
students’ engagement in asynchronous discussion forum: (a) the
practices or behaviors of peers, or instructors, (b) the needs for the
discussions, (c) the learners’ personalities, (d) constraints in
continuing the discussion forum, (e) lack of ideas, (f) the level of
thoughts, (g) the level of knowledge construction, (h) technical
problems, (i) time constraints and (j) misunderstanding. This study
suggests some recommendations to increase the students’
engagement in online forums. Finally, based upon the findings, some
implications are proposed for further research.
Abstract: Online forum is part of a Learning Management
System (LMS) environment in which students share their opinions.
This study attempts to investigate the perceptions of students towards
online forum and their patterns of listening behavior during the forum
interaction. The students’ perceptions were measured using a
questionnaire, in which seven dimensions were used involving online
experience, benefits of forum participation, cost of participation,
perceived ease of use, usefulness, attitude, and intention. Meanwhile,
their patterns of listening behaviors were obtained using the log file
extracted from the LMS. A total of 25 postgraduate students
undertaking a course were involved in this study, and their activities
in the forum session were recorded by the LMS and used as a log file.
The results from the questionnaire analysis indicated that the students
perceived that the forum is easy to use, useful, and bring benefits to
them. Also, they showed positive attitude towards online forum, and
they have the intention to use it in future. Based on the log data, the
participants were also divided into six clusters of listening behavior,
in which they are different in terms of temporality, breadth, depth and
speaking level. The findings were compared to previous clusters
grouping and future recommendations are also discussed.
Abstract: An anthropometric study applied to 1,115 students of
the Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Engineering of the
Autonomous University of California. Thirteen individual
measurements were taken in a sitting position. The results obtained
allow forming a reliable anthropometric database for statistical
studies and analysis and inferences of specific distributions, so the
opinion of experts in occupational medicine recommendations may
emit to reduce risks resulting in an alteration of the vital signs during
the execution of their school activities. Another use of these analyses
is to use them as a reliable reference for future deeper research, to the
design of spaces, tools, utensils, workstations, with anthropometric
dimensions and ergonomic characteristics suitable to use.
Abstract: This research paper aims to identify, analyze and rank
factors affecting labor productivity in Spain with respect to their
relative importance. Using a selected set of 35 factors, a structured
questionnaire survey was utilized as the method to collect data from
companies. Target population is comprised by a random
representative sample of practitioners related with the Spanish
construction industry. Findings reveal the top five ranked factors are
as follows: (1) shortage or late supply of materials; (2) clarity of the
drawings and project documents; (3) clear and daily task assignment;
(4) tools or equipment shortages; (5) level of skill and experience of
laborers. Additionally, this research also pretends to provide simple
and comprehensive recommendations so that they could be
implemented by construction managers for an effective management
of construction labor forces.
Abstract: The article presents the trends in Georgian wine
market development and evaluates the competitive advantages of
Georgia to enter the wine market based on its customs, traditions and
historical practices combined with modern technologies.
In order to analyze the supply of wine, dynamics of vineyard land
area and grape varieties are discussed, trends in wine production are
presented, trends in export and import are evaluated, local wine
market, its micro and macro environments are studied and analyzed
based on the interviews with experts and analysis of initial recording
materials.
For strengthening its position on the international market, the level
of competitiveness of Georgian wine is defined, which is evaluated
by “ex-ante” and “ex-post” methods, as well as by four basic and two
additional factors of the Porter’s diamond method; potential
advantages and disadvantages of Georgian wine are revealed.
Conclusions are made by identifying the factors that hinder the
development of Georgian wine market. Based on the conclusions,
relevant recommendations are developed.
Abstract: The paper discusses economic policy of Georgia
aiming to increase national competitiveness as well as the tools and
means which will help to improve the competitiveness of the country.
The sectors of the economy, in which the country can achieve the
competitive advantage, are studied. It is noted that the country’s
economic policy plays an important role in obtaining and maintaining
the competitive advantage - authority should take measures to ensure
high level of education; scientific and research activities should be
funded by the state; foreign direct investments should be attracted
mainly in science-intensive industries; adaptation with the latest
scientific achievements of the modern world and deepening of
scientific and technical cooperation. Stable business environment and
export oriented strategy is the basis for the country’s economic
growth.
As the outcome of the research, the paper suggests the strategy for
improving competitiveness in Georgia; recommendations are
provided based on relevant conclusions.
Abstract: This paper presents the findings from a numerical simulation of the flow in 37-rod fuel assembly models spaced by a double-wire trapezoidal wrapping as applied to the BREST-OD-300 experimental nuclear reactor. Data on a high static pressure distribution within the models, and equations for determining the fuel bundle flow friction factors have been obtained. Recommendations are provided on using the closing turbulence models available in the ANSYS Fluent. A comparative analysis has been performed against the existing empirical equations for determining the flow friction factors. The calculated and experimental data fit has been shown.
An analysis into the experimental data and results of the numerical simulation of the BREST-OD-300 fuel rod assembly hydrodynamic performance are presented.
Abstract: The case study presents the progression of a project management of Al-Shifa, a healthcare information system in Oman. The case study describes the evolution of the implementation of a healthcare information system tailored to meet the needs of the healthcare units under the supervision of the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Oman. A focus group methodology was used for collecting the relevant information from the main project's stakeholders. In addition reports about the project made available for the researchers. The case analysis is made based on the Project Management approach developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The main finding that there was no formal project management approach adopted by the MOH for the development and implementation of the herewith mentioned healthcare information system project. Furthermore, the project had suffered a scope creep in terms of features, cost and time-schedule. The recommendations of the authors, for the rescue of the project from its current dilemma, consist of technological, administrative and human resources development actions.
Abstract: With the increasing popularity of the Internet, online reading has become an essential source for EFL readers. Using strategies to comprehend information on online reading texts play a crucial role in students’ academic success. Metacognitive reading strategies are effective factors that enhance EFL learners reading comprehension. This study aimed at exploring the use of online metacognitive reading strategies by postgraduate Libyan EFL students. Quantitative data was collected using the Survey of Online Reading Strategies (OSORS). The findings revealed that the participants were moderate users of metacognitive online reading strategies. Problem solving strategies were the most frequently reported used strategies, while support reading strategies were the least. The five most and least frequently reported strategies were identified. Based on the findings, some future research recommendations were presented.
Abstract: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) are the backbone of central Europe’s economies and have a significant contribution to the gross domestic product. Production planning and scheduling (PPS) is still a crucial element in manufacturing industries of the 21st century even though this area of research is more than a century old. The topic of PPS is well researched especially in the context of large enterprises in the manufacturing industry. However the implementation of PPS methodologies within SME is mostly unobserved. This work analyzes how PPS is implemented in SME with the geographical focus on Switzerland and its vicinity. Based on restricted resources compared to large enterprises, SME have to face different challenges. The real problem areas of selected enterprises in regards of PPS are identified and evaluated. For the identified real-life problem areas of SME clear and detailed recommendations are created, covering concepts and best practices and the efficient usage of PPS. Furthermore the economic and entrepreneurial value for companies is lined out and why the implementation of the introduced recommendations is advised.
Abstract: The aim of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of software quality assurance approaches of Sri Lankan offshore software development organizations, and to propose a framework which could be used across all offshore software development organizations.
An empirical study was conducted using derived framework from popular software quality evaluation models. The research instrument employed was a questionnaire survey among thirty seven Sri Lankan registered offshore software development organizations.
The findings demonstrate a positive view of Effectiveness of Software Quality Assurance – the stronger predictors of Stability, Installability, Correctness, Testability and Changeability. The present study’s recommendations indicate a need for much emphasis on software quality assurance for the Sri Lankan offshore software development organizations.
Abstract: We present a deterministic model which describes
the dynamics of tuberculosis in Algerian population where the
vaccination program with BCG is in place since 1969 and where
the WHO recommendations regarding the DOTS (directly-observed
treatment, short course) strategy are in application. The impact
of an intervention program, targeting recently infected people
among all close contacts of active cases and their treatment to
prevent endogenous reactivation, on the incidence of tuberculosis,
is investigated. We showed that a widespread treatment of latently
infected individuals for some years is recommended to shift from
higher to lower equilibrium state and thereafter relaxation is
recommended.
Abstract: This survey research aims to study the standard of service quality of food and beverage service staffs in hotel business by studying the service standard of three sample hotels, Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, and Banyan Tree Phuket. In order to find the international service standard of food and beverage service, triangular research, i.e. quantitative, qualitative, and survey were employed. In this research, questionnaires and in-depth interview were used for getting the information on the sequences and method of services. There were three parts of modified questionnaires to measure service quality and guest’s satisfaction including service facilities, attentiveness, responsibility, reliability, and circumspection. This study used sample random sampling to derive subjects with the return rate of the questionnaires was 70% or 280. Data were analyzed by SPSS to find arithmetic mean, SD, percentage, and comparison by t-test and One-way ANOVA. The results revealed that the service quality of the three hotels were in the international level which could create high satisfaction to the international customers. Recommendations for research implementations were to maintain the area of good service quality, and to improve some dimensions of service quality such as reliability. Training in service standard, product knowledge, and new technology for employees should be provided. Furthermore, in order to develop the service quality of the industry, training collaboration between hotel organization and educational institutions in food and beverage service should be considered.