Shamsul Huq Bin Shahriar, Silvia Akter, Nayeema Sultana, Sayed Arafat and Md. Mahfuzur Rahman Khan
Human resources (HR) management has encountered unforeseen obstacles and issues in recruiting, retaining, training and developing workforces under the “new normal” due to pandemic…
Abstract
Purpose
Human resources (HR) management has encountered unforeseen obstacles and issues in recruiting, retaining, training and developing workforces under the “new normal” due to pandemic circumstances followed by the Russo–Ukrainian War and global economic turmoil. As the world is now well-equipped with technological advancements and internet-based connectivity, many pandemic disruptions have been avoided through rapid adaptation of technological systems. Despite the constructive outcomes of this contemporary approach to learning and development (L&D), this study explores the further depths of massive open online courses (MOOC) platform adoption in human resource development initiatives during pandemic times.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research approach was adopted to understand the employee and HR perspective on the changes in L&D approaches in organizations. To gather the primary data, respondents were divided into two clusters; different sets of questionnaires were developed for interview sessions.
Findings
Results suggest that employee L&D was much more improvised with distance or online learning, including organizational e-learning systems and MOOC platforms. To accomplish their HR development goals, organizations went through significant transformations during the Coronavirus pandemic; organizational attempts to initiate online training and MOOC-based learning fostered positive results in employee capacity development, process improvement, employee engagement and motivation.
Originality/value
This research will assist organizations in developing interactive training methods as an effective replacement for traditional training. Additionally, it will assist readers, practitioners and HR specialists in understanding how MOOCs are changing the L&D ecosystem.
Details
Keywords
This study seeks to investigate talent development practices within the evolving business landscape, focusing on human resources in Bangladesh.
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to investigate talent development practices within the evolving business landscape, focusing on human resources in Bangladesh.
Design/methodology/approach
Due to the study’s complexity, qualitative research methods were chosen. Data collection involved interviews with two clusters: Cluster A comprised 20 HR professionals with at least two years of talent management experience, recruited through purposive sampling. Cluster B involved in-depth interviews with seventeen employees from various departments, excluding HR.
Findings
The research findings revealed that talent acquisition strategies are shifting toward hiring experienced professionals for critical roles, emphasizing expertise. While organizations prioritize aligning talent development with long-term goals, concerns persist over unethical practices in hiring processes. Succession planning emerges as vital for leadership continuity and agile talent management practices gain traction. Additionally, digital transformation reshapes development methods, while employee self-development initiatives are increasingly valued. Employer branding plays a crucial role in talent acquisition, with employee and employer branding serving as key components of the talent acquisition process.
Practical implications
This study offers actionable insights for organizations in Bangladesh to overhaul talent development methods, ensuring alignment with long-term objectives, adopting agile talent management and leveraging digital transformation. These strategies are essential for cultivating future leaders’ adeptness at navigating the evolving business landscape.
Originality/value
The paper offers valuable insights into the future of work (FoW) and talent development practices, particularly from the unique perspective of developing nations. This perspective sheds light on how organizations in these regions navigate challenges and opportunities, which may differ from those in first-world corporate cultures.
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Md Abdul Momen, Seyama Sultana, Md. Anamul Hoque, Shamsul Huq Bin Shahriar and Abu Sadat Muhammad Ashif
Like every other sector, educational institutions have also been suffering immensely due to COVID-19 pandemic. Many educational institutions are now adopting digital classroom…
Abstract
Purpose
Like every other sector, educational institutions have also been suffering immensely due to COVID-19 pandemic. Many educational institutions are now adopting digital classroom services. However, an online platform with the need for appropriate technology and infrastructure from the students’ perspective poses a severe challenge to developing countries like Bangladesh. The paper aims to figure out the relevant factors that affect the extent of student satisfaction with digital classroom services at the school and tertiary levels.
Design/methodology/approach
It is a quantitative study of 450 students from Bangladesh who encountered online classes during the pandemic of COVID-19. An equal number of students from all levels, including schools, colleges and tertiary stages, participated in the survey. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses are used to interpret the data. Structural equation modeling using AMOS graphic software is incorporated to test the study’s hypothesis.
Findings
Among all the four determinants of student satisfaction during this critical era, all levels look satisfied with the three underlying influences: technological, convenience and resource-related factors. However, school-level students found the digital classroom services abrasive with Internet connectivity and technical structures during online classes and exams.
Research limitations/implications
A comprehensive study can assess the difference between private and public university students in this regard. In addition, the impact of gender and/or location (rural/urban area) can be assessed by using the same model of the study.
Practical implications
Having the experience of the students’ satisfaction level during this pandemic, the government, educational institutions and other stakeholders can take away the findings of the results to have a better plan for Internet-based education at every level.
Originality/value
The study is unique to see the readiness of developing nations such as Bangladesh to focus on the sudden uncertainty like a pandemic in introducing the digital education platform. The study can add value to achieving the country’s sustainable development goal of becoming a digitally enabled regional education hub.
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Tamanna Parvin Eva, Silvia Akter, Mashruha Zabeen and Shamsul Huq Bin Shahriar
The purpose of this study is to explore learner-centered emerging technologies, methods of learning with artificial intelligence (AI), student engagement and concerns related to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore learner-centered emerging technologies, methods of learning with artificial intelligence (AI), student engagement and concerns related to the assessment process at public and private universities in Bangladesh.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed a qualitative research approach to investigate innovations in learning, student engagement and assessment concerns. Respondents were categorized into three clusters: Cluster-A comprised students from various academic levels, Cluster-B included faculty members with online teaching experience and Cluster-C consisted of information and communication technology (ICT) experts from university information technology (IT) departments. Qualitative data were collected via in-depth interviews.
Findings
The research findings indicate the widespread acceptance and utilization of learner-centered technologies, with online and hybrid learning offering flexibility, accessibility, self-paced learning and better student engagement opportunities. While AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini are valued for clarifying theoretical concepts, concerns exist regarding their ethical use, particularly in completing assignments. The assessment process faces challenges related to online exams, with concerns over cheating prompting calls for AI-supported solutions. However, there is a gap between commitment and action in regulating unethical AI usage, highlighting the need for clearer guidance and investment in technological solutions for an effective assessment process.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations of this study include the inability to quantify the satisfaction level with the emergence of learner-centered technologies, which could be better explained through a quantitative study.
Originality/value
This study’s originality and value stem from its thorough investigation of innovations in learner-centered education considering the emergence of AI and student engagement, uniquely focusing on the perspective of a developing country.
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Shamsul Huq Bin Shahriar, Sayed Arafat, Intijamul Islam, J. M. Ekram Hossain Nur, Saifur Rahman, Syful Islam Khan and M. Sayeed Alam
The extreme measures that have been taken by governments across the globe to minimize the spread of COVID-19 have had significant impacts on almost all…
Abstract
Purpose
The extreme measures that have been taken by governments across the globe to minimize the spread of COVID-19 have had significant impacts on almost all the public sectors, especially on the economy and education. This study aims to address the approaches and prospective of online-based training and e-learning for employee learning and development during this COVID-19 crisis.
Design/methodology/approach
With an emphasis on the qualitative approach and considering the complex COVID-19 emergency, required data were collected from in-depth interviews to interpret the experiences of the respondents.
Findings
The findings suggested that the digital learning ecosystem offered flexibility of time, place and pace, which provided essential convenience during the COVID-19 crisis. From the human resource (HR) perspective, the e-learning culture has enabled the organizations to quickly adopt the new normal, secure sustainable continuity of organizational development and ensure decent work and growth within and across organizations. The adoption of e-learning and flexible working conditions following the setback has enabled the organizations to quickly cope up with the new normal, causing a significant paradigm shift in the organizational culture and corporate sector of Bangladesh.
Research limitations/implications
The study will assist the HR of any organization to contemplate e-learning systems as effective alternative training methods. Also, the study will be suggestive to traverse new dimensions and skillsets for the pedagogues.
Originality/value
This study offers new evidential scenarios regarding the emergence of effective e-learning initiatives and online-based learning programs for developing the workforce to be efficient and productive even in distressful and inconvenient COVID-19 situations.
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Md. Abdul Momen, Seyama Sultana, Farhana Ferdousi and Shamsul Huq Bin Shahriar
It is evident that the local small and medium enterprises of Bangladesh suffered in the competition because of the strong presence of foreign brands in the market. The purpose of…
Abstract
Purpose
It is evident that the local small and medium enterprises of Bangladesh suffered in the competition because of the strong presence of foreign brands in the market. The purpose of this study is to figure out the factors influencing consumers to purchase a foreign brand predominantly among young consumers.
Design/methodology/approach
It is a quantitative study considering 257 young demographics as respondents. They are drawn randomly. Confirmatory factor analysis, regression analysis and a path model of structural equation model using AMOS graphics software are used in this study to analyze the data.
Findings
This study finds two out of three identified variables are influencing the foreign product purchase for the young Bangladeshi consumers. Brand value and product features of the given foreign product are the most dominant factors behind this adoption. However, a significant relationship between product quality and brand choice is not evident in this study.
Research limitations/implications
It will give a clue to the small or medium startup of the country that normally target the young customer but face challenges to understand their mind and sometimes lagging because of the strong presence of the international brands.
Originality/value
A comprehensive review of the literature suggests that not so many studies took place that determines the respective factors behind the purchase of foreign brands particularly among young demographics of a lower middle income developing nation.
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Shamsul Huq Bin Shahriar, Sayed Arafat, Nayeema Sultana, Silvia Akter, Md. Mahfuzur Rahman Khan, J.M. Ekram Hossain Nur and Syful Islam Khan
In 2020, the education system was preliminary halted by the COVID-19 crisis and went through radical improvisation, and online-based distance learning was the only plausible…
Abstract
Purpose
In 2020, the education system was preliminary halted by the COVID-19 crisis and went through radical improvisation, and online-based distance learning was the only plausible initiative to continue educational activities ensuring health guidelines properly. However, in reality, such desperate measure in case of a lower-middle-income developing nation lacking proper structural capabilities raised some issues and concerns for both pupils and mentors, and this study aims to explore the practice of online-based distance learning in private universities of Bangladesh and the challenges associated with it.
Design/methodology/approach
This exploratory research is qualitative in nature. A total number of 89 undergraduate level university students from different private universities were divided into two main clusters and interviewed in depth.
Findings
The findings of this paper revealed that common developing country syndromes like improper technological infrastructure development, limitation to devices or internet accessibility and financial hindrances can disrupt the harmony of the online learning experience. Also, the lack of tech literacy has created a huge tension and psychological inertia among both the teachers and the students.
Social implications
The coronavirus pandemic event, with its dreadful influence, is creating immense mental pressures for students to cope well with the online learning system. Comprehending the underlying challenges affiliated with online-based distance learning and enabling faculties or respected personnel with training and development programs to handle impediments better way, this learning initiative can ensure the best outcomes.
Originality/value
The significance of this study lies in comprehending the feasibility of online-based education regarding lower-middle-income developing nation context and the realism of such learning process's acceptability considering its actual effectiveness.