Ali Pakdaman, Goudarz Alibakhshi and Abdollah Baradaran
A couple of decades ago, the negotiated syllabus was introduced as an alternative to the predetermined syllabus. The review of the related studies shows the number of studies on…
Abstract
Purpose
A couple of decades ago, the negotiated syllabus was introduced as an alternative to the predetermined syllabus. The review of the related studies shows the number of studies on the use of negotiated syllabus in English language teaching is scanty. The main purpose of the study was to explore the advantages/merits of employing negotiated syllabus in general English courses that undergraduate students take.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors employed the phenomenology research method to deeply delve into the undergraduate students' perceptions of the advantages of the negotiated syllabus. The phenomenology method is used for investigating human lived experiences through the descriptions given by the people involved in the study. This qualitative research method is mainly used to study fields with little or no knowledge. The authors collected the data through in-depth interviews with the informants (18 students) who were selected through theoretical sampling. The informants were undergraduate students at Allameh Tabataba'i University who were selected through theoretical sampling. The authors listened to the recordings to transcribe the participants' statements and remarks verbatim. Then, we analyzed the interviews thematically through open, axial and selective coding. This study aimed at exploring the participants' perspectives on the advantages of the negotiated Syllabus. The study's main objective was to investigate the advantages/merits of employing negotiated Syllabus in undergraduate students' general English courses.
Findings
Findings revealed that employing the negotiated syllabus resulted in many advantages which were reduced into three axial coding: psychological, pedagogical and individual. Generally, the negotiated syllabus reduces the students' anxiety, improves their motivation, affects their language achievement and develops their critical thinking and learner autonomy.
Practical implications
Teachers are recommended to minimize the constraints and use the negotiated syllabus to optimize language learners' motivation and language achievement in teaching English programs.
Originality/value
The impact of the negotiated syllabus on language learners has been investigated through quantitative research methods. However, the language learners' perceptions of the negotiated syllabus have not been well explored qualitatively.
Details
Keywords
Mohammad Ali Zakeri, Mahlagha Dehghan, Fatemeh Ghaedi Heidari, Hassan Pakdaman, Mehdi Mehdizadeh, Hamid Ganjeh, Mojtaba Sanji Rafsanjani and Sayed Mortaza Hossini Rafsanjanipoor
The increasing prevalence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global crisis that leads to physical and psychological outcomes for health-care workers, so this study aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
The increasing prevalence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global crisis that leads to physical and psychological outcomes for health-care workers, so this study aims to investigate the mental health outcomes (including general health, generalized anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder) in health-care workers in Rafsanjan, Iran.
Design/methodology/approach
By using convenience sampling, this cross-sectional study was conducted on 332 health-care workers working in public hospitals in southern Iran. Data collection lasted from March to April 2020. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) and Impact of Event Scale were used to collect data. The data were then analyzed by using SPSS 25 and descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square and multivariate logistic regression).
Findings
In total 45.5% of the participants had psychological disorder according to GHQ. In addition, 25.3% of the participants had GAD and 31.6% had posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The results using multivariate logistic regression showed that only income was significantly associated with psychological disorders (95% confidence interval for odds ratio: 1.32–6.45, P = 0.008).
Practical implications
According to the results, the incidence of GAD and PTSD was high among health-care workers. Therefore, it is recommended that the psychological skills of health-care workers be strengthened through counseling and training programs.
Originality/value
This paper provides a novel analysis of mental health in health-care workers in Iran.
Details
Keywords
Mohsen Pakdaman, Sara Geravandi, Ali Hejazi, Mobin Salehi and Mahboobeh Davoodifar
Currently, the health system is a treatment-oriented system focused on service providers. In this system, the main focus is on the health market, with little attention on insured…
Abstract
Purpose
Currently, the health system is a treatment-oriented system focused on service providers. In this system, the main focus is on the health market, with little attention on insured. One way to get out of existing conditions is to empower the insured in order to involve them actively in maintaining and improving health. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study was done using the content analysis method. Based on the purposive sampling method and theoretical saturation criterion, 24 individuals including 12 health insurance experts and 12 insured participated in the study in 2018. The semi-structured interview method was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using MAXQDA10 software.
Findings
Having analyzed the interviews, 750 codes were obtained. These codes were categorized into two categories of “insurance experts” and “insured” and ten subcategories of “informing and educating, cost reduction, intersectional activities, expectations from the insured, services package, access to services, inability to pay costs, participation, and expectations from the insurance organization.”
Originality/value
This qualitative study was conducted to assess and determine the effective strategies for empowering the insured under health insurance. The results of this study are helpful to the health insurance organizations and health decision makers to detect the effective ways to develop the quality of insurance services, improve the status of insured, and increase access to health care goods and services.
Details
Keywords
Shila Monazam Ebrahimpour, Fariborz Rahimnia, Alireza Pooya and Morteza Pakdaman
Workforce planning must answer how many workforces, in which positions, and talents, and when each organization is needed. To find the requirements workforce, organizations need…
Abstract
Purpose
Workforce planning must answer how many workforces, in which positions, and talents, and when each organization is needed. To find the requirements workforce, organizations need to know the organizational position and talents pools. Clarifying the number of workforces required in each pool requires attention to workforce flows, including hiring, promotion, degradation, horizontal movement, and exiting the organization. It is a dynamic issue and must be addressed over several periods over a specific duration, which adds to the complexity. According to the talent management presented in this research, all the above complex questions are answered by applying the optimal control (OC) model according to talent management presented in this research.
Design/methodology/approach
This research presents a dynamic model by using a linear-quadratic optimal control model, which was solved by Pontryagin's maximum principle, to achieve an optimal number of workforce requirements for each of the positions of nursing services manager, supervisor, head nurses and nurses in the health sector according to the required talents in each position.
Findings
The results have shown that the target value of workforce numbers has been achieved in the planning period, and the validation test and sensitivity analysis justified the model by reaching the workforce planning targets.
Originality/value
This study provides a dynamic model for achieving quantitative workforce planning targets; the model presented in this manuscript has included an important qualitative factor, namely workforce talents. According to the authors' review, there is no comprehensive research devoted to workforce planning through optimal control models by attention to workforces skills.
Details
Keywords
Mohsen pakdaman, Raheleh akbari, Hamid reza Dehghan, Asra Asgharzadeh and Mahdieh Namayandeh
For years, traditional techniques have been used for diabetes treatment. There are two major types of insulin: insulin analogs and regular insulin. Insulin analogs are similar to…
Abstract
Purpose
For years, traditional techniques have been used for diabetes treatment. There are two major types of insulin: insulin analogs and regular insulin. Insulin analogs are similar to regular insulin and lead to changes in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. The purpose of the present research was to determine the cost-effectiveness of insulin analogs versus regular insulin for diabetes control in Yazd Diabetes Center in 2017.
Design/methodology/approach
In this descriptive–analytical research, the cost-effectiveness index was used to compare insulin analogs and regular insulin (pen/vial) for treatment of diabetes. Data were analyzed in the TreeAge Software and a decision tree was constructed. A 10% discount rate was used for ICER sensitivity analysis. Cost-effectiveness was examined from a provider's perspective.
Findings
QALY was calculated to be 0.2 for diabetic patients using insulin analogs and 0.05 for those using regular insulin. The average cost was $3.228 for analog users and $1.826 for regular insulin users. An ICER of $0.093506/QALY was obtained. The present findings suggest that insulin analogs are more cost-effective than regular insulin.
Originality/value
This study was conducted using a cost-effectiveness analysis to evaluate insulin analogs versus regular insulin in controlling diabetes. The results of study are helpful to the government to allocate more resources to apply the cost-effective method of the treatment and to protect patients with diabetes from the high cost of treatment.
Details
Keywords
Madhusudhan Margam and Parbati Pandey
The systematic literature review aims to highlight the transformative influence of mobile technology in reshaping library services for Library and Information Science (LIS…
Abstract
Purpose
The systematic literature review aims to highlight the transformative influence of mobile technology in reshaping library services for Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals and users.
Design/methodology/approach
The selection of relevant literature utilized the PRISMA-20 guidelines and a systematic literature review, wherein 39 articles were meticulously examined from a pool of 198. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to articles retrieved from the Scopus database and Google Scholar, focusing on data from 2018 to 2023 and excluding all the literature except journal articles.
Findings
The results demonstrate a significant awareness among LIS professionals and users regarding adopting mobile-based library services. Nonetheless, the adoption of mobile technology in libraries faces impediments from internal and external factors. These challenges encompass the need for coherent policies and practical issues such as insufficient financial resources, limitations in infrastructure, unpredictable electricity and Internet connectivity. The study also highlights concerns related to data security, the digital divide, a shortage of IT experts and inadequate staffing. The findings suggest that libraries must navigate this evolving landscape to provide improved and more accessible services to their users.
Practical implications
This study addresses a gap in the existing research by contributing to the literature on using mobile technology for accessing library services and resources. The findings aim to assist LIS professionals in developing plans, policies and strategies for implementing mobile-based library services.
Originality/value
The results of this study contribute to improving and expanding current mobile-based services in libraries, ensuring that information and resources are universally accessible “on the go environment.”
Details
Keywords
Oghenere Salubi and Uyanda Majavu
This paper delves into the pivotal role of public libraries in supporting and promoting literacy, with a particular focus on their relevance in financially and infrastructurally…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper delves into the pivotal role of public libraries in supporting and promoting literacy, with a particular focus on their relevance in financially and infrastructurally low-resourced territories (FILTs). Literacy, being a fundamental skill, empowers individuals, enriches education and contributes to social and economic development. Nonetheless, numerous FILTs encounter substantial obstacles in granting access to quality education and fostering literacy skills among their people. As an opinion piece rooted in empirical literature, this paper serves as an introductory exploration, acknowledging that it only skims the surface of raising awareness.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper expands upon the existing body of literature concerning public libraries and the imperative for literacy programs. It purposefully addresses a range of issues that may appear contradictory in FILTs, primarily due to economic constraints. However, from the authors’ perspective, these issues actually highlight the vast potential for intervention and progress.
Findings
Numerous evident strategies can be identified to attain the goal of an enlightened and educated nation, fostering empowered individuals. One such approach involves prioritizing the promotion and support of literacy programs in public libraries. Nonetheless, there is a pressing need for heightened awareness regarding the significance of adopting a holistic perspective when addressing various interconnected issues. This includes the long-term advantages associated with an educated and literate society, particularly in FILTs.
Originality/value
The literature within the field of library and information science offers scarce publications regarding literacy support programs in libraries, despite the fact that fostering informed and literate citizens is a prominent goal in the mission and vision plans of numerous FILTs. This paper presents an exploratory perspective, aiming to raise awareness about the significance of considering diverse approaches to support and promote literacy in public libraries within FILTs. It also proposes the development of a framework as a means to facilitate this endeavor. While the context of the paper is framed for FILTs, aspects of the framework may also be useful and applicable in other well-resourced regions and libraries.
Details
Keywords
Mangey Ram, Akshay Kumar and Sadiya Naaz
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the reliability and signature reliability of solar panel k-out-of-n-multiplex system with the help of universal generating function.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the reliability and signature reliability of solar panel k-out-of-n-multiplex system with the help of universal generating function.
Design/methodology/approach
Energy scarcity and global warming issues have become important concerns for humanity in recent decades. To solve these problems, various nations work for renewable energy sources (RESs), including sun, breeze, geothermal, wave, radioactive and biofuels. Solar energy is absorbed by solar panels, referred to as photovoltaic panels, which then transform it into electricity that can be used to power buildings or residences. Remote places can be supplied with electricity using these panels. Solar energy is often generated using a solar panel that is connected to an inverter for power supply. As a result, a converter reliability evaluation is frequently required. This paper presents a study on the reliability analysis of k-out-of-n systems with heterogeneous components. In this research, the universal generating function methodology is used to identify the reliability function and signature reliability of the solar array components. This method is commonly used to assess the tail signature and Barlow-Proschan index with independent and identically distributed components.
Findings
The Barlow-Proschan index, tail signature, signature, expected lifetime, expected cost and minimal signature of independent identically distributed are all computed.
Originality/value
This is the first study of solar panel k-out-of-n-multiplex systems to examine the signature reliability with the help of universal generating function techniques with various measures.
Details
Keywords
Ibrahim Al-Shourbaji and Waleed Zogaan
The human resource (HR) allocation problem is one of the critical dimensions of the project management process. Due to this nature of the problem, researchers are continually…
Abstract
Purpose
The human resource (HR) allocation problem is one of the critical dimensions of the project management process. Due to this nature of the problem, researchers are continually optimizing one or more critical scheduling and allocation challenges in different ways. This study aims to optimize two goals, increasing customer satisfaction and reducing costs using the imperialist competitive algorithm.
Design/methodology/approach
Cloud-based e-commerce applications are preferred to conventional systems because they can save money in many areas, including resource use, running expenses, capital costs, maintenance and operation costs. In web applications, its core functionality of performance enhancement and automated device recovery is important. HR knowledge, expertise and competencies are becoming increasingly valuable carriers for organizational competitive advantage. As a result, HR management is becoming more relevant, as it seeks to channel all of the workers’ energy into meeting the organizational strategic objectives. The allocation of resources to maximize benefit or minimize cost is known as the resource allocation problem. Since discovering solutions in polynomial time is complicated, HR allocation in cloud-based e-commerce is an Nondeterministic Polynomial time (NP)-hard problem. In this paper, to promote the respective strengths and minimize the weaknesses, the imperialist competitive algorithm is suggested to solve these issues. The imperialist competitive algorithm is tested by comparing it to the literature’s novel algorithms using a simulation.
Findings
Empirical outcomes have illustrated that the suggested hybrid method achieves higher performance in discovering the appropriate HR allocation than some modern techniques.
Practical implications
The paper presents a useful method for improving HR allocation methods. The MATLAB-based simulation results have indicated that costs and waiting time have been improved compared to other algorithms, which cause the high application of this method in practical projects.
Originality/value
The main novelty of this paper is using an imperialist competitive algorithm for finding the best solution to the HR allocation problem in cloud-based e-commerce.