Rama Rao Bokka, Jonas Barayandema, Lester Brian Shawa and Daniel Henao Zapata
Mahmoud Ahmad Mahmoud, Shuhymee Ahmad and Donny Abdul Latief Poespowidjojo
The purpose of this study is to extend the existing literature on the relationship between psychological empowerment and individual performance (IP) through the mediating role of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to extend the existing literature on the relationship between psychological empowerment and individual performance (IP) through the mediating role of intrapreneurial behaviour (IB). Therefore, the empowerment theory (ET) and psychological entrepreneurship theory (PET) were integrated to nurture the IP of medium enterprises (MEs) production/operations managers by analyzing the mediating influence of IB on the psychological empowerment–IP relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey method was engaged by means of self-administered questionnaire. Data were collected from a sample of 355 MEs production/operations managers and analysed with partial least square (PLS) structural equation modelling (SEM).
Findings
According to the results, Psychological empowerment (PE) has a significant direct relationship with both IB and IP. Equally, IB has a positive significant impact on IP. Moreover, the mediating influence of IB on the psychological empowerment–IP relationship was established.
Practical implications
The result implies that MEs can stimulate the IP of production/operations managers by encouraging IB through psychological empowerment–IP relationship. Therefore, the psychological empowerment–IP relationship will manifest better when IB is invigorated among production/operations managers.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to examine the mediating influence of IB on the psychological empowerment–IP relationship, which revealed a significant contribution to both entrepreneurship and organizational behaviour literature. The IB literature is relatively lacking, particularly among developing countries and in particular Nigeria.
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Yenny Vicky Paredes-Arturo, Andrea Florez-Madroñero and Daniel Camilo Aguirre-Acevedo
This paper aims to analyze how psychosocial support influences caring activities toward indigenous older adults.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to analyze how psychosocial support influences caring activities toward indigenous older adults.
Design/methodology/approach
A descriptive study with the participation of 229 informal indigenous caregivers. The study considered both sociodemographic and medical variables. It used the mini-mental test to determine the cognitive level in the elderly. It applied the Yesavage and Zarit scales to establish depressive symptomatology and caregiver burden. Finally, the study used the MOS psychosocial support and Apgar screening questionnaires to assess the psychosocial dimension and the patient’s family functional state, respectively.
Findings
The study observed a low caregiver burden effect using the MOS questionnaire. This may be explained due to variability in the Zarit Scale Score product of other variables like years of care (−0.17 and −0.28), depressive symptoms (0.16 and 0.18), cognitive level (mini-mental) (−0.13 and −0.14) and comorbidity (0.26 and −0.27). The study obtained an incidence between (−0.02 and −0.12) when including all assessed dimensions into the model. The instrumental dimension in the social support questionnaire obtained the highest score.
Originality/value
Protective factors prevail in the group of indigenous caregivers allowing this activity to not trigger overload. Yet, variables such as the female gender, some comorbidities and the presence of depressive symptoms could be potential variables for dysfunction in this occupational role.
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Raúl Alberto Mora, Juan Diego Martínez, Liliana Alzate-Pérez, Raúl Gómez-Yepes and Laura Mildrey Zapata-Monsalve
This chapter presents the results of the collective experience of two professors and three students in implementing WebQuests in a preservice English education component. The…
Abstract
This chapter presents the results of the collective experience of two professors and three students in implementing WebQuests in a preservice English education component. The first part of the chapter provided a definition of WebQuests, situating this particular proposal within the literature on second language education and the Colombian and Latin American contexts. The authors found that the paucity of studies on designing WebQuests, specifically in Latin America, became one of the strengths of their work. The next section situated how implementing WebQuests in this preservice program enabled an expansion of the actual conceptual framework that is currently in place for WebQuests by adding ideas about competences and socio-cultural and critical thinking theories. However, there is an explanation about how WebQuests became a very feasible alternative to respond to the curricular demands of their institution. Next, the authors shared a multi-vocal account, from every author's vantage point, of how they carried out their work with WebQuests. This implementation process generated a series of changes in the way students saw themselves as learners and future teachers, gaining more ownership of the idea of WebQuests beyond a semester assignment. The instructors, as the result of their work, are now thinking of better ways to redefine how they use WebQuests and how they will get their other cohorts involved in collaborative academic efforts. This chapter is, then, not only an account of an experience, but an invitation to think about how to expand the boundaries of preservice teacher education through technological mediation.
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Ardalan Sabamehr, Nima Amani, Solomon Boateng and Adam Sommer
This paper aims to outlines a model for water main rehabilitation in Kitchener, Ontario, using a machine-learning approach. Water main networks are vital infrastructure, requiring…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to outlines a model for water main rehabilitation in Kitchener, Ontario, using a machine-learning approach. Water main networks are vital infrastructure, requiring regular condition assessments to ensure consistent service. Budgets are often allocated for nondestructive testing methods, but using machine learning to predict network conditions offers cost benefits.
Design/methodology/approach
The study focuses on a prediction approach that includes the rehabilitation requirement model. The Decision Tree machine learning method was applied to predict water main pipe breaks in 2024. Based on the predictions, 24 pipes were identified for rehabilitation, and the appropriate Trenchless Rehabilitation Method was selected accordingly.
Findings
The model, applied to data from Kitchener, successfully predicted 24 water main pipe breaks for 2024. The largest pipe diameter was 1200 mm, and the longest length was 6977 m. A cost comparison, factoring in Environmental and Social (E&S) costs, showed that open-cut methods were 25% more expensive than Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP). When E&S costs were included, the total cost of the open-cut method increased by approximately 300% compared to sliplining.
Originality/value
Based on the pipe characteristics, CIPP lining and sliplining are recommended for rehabilitation by the City of Kitchener. This study presents a novel approach using Decision Tree machine learning techniques to predict pipe breaks, with a 97% prediction accuracy, making it a promising alternative to traditional models.