Yaro Ibrahim, Rozita Arshad and Dani Salleh
This study aims to obtain stakeholder perceptions of secondary education quality in Sokoto State, Nigeria.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to obtain stakeholder perceptions of secondary education quality in Sokoto State, Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research approach was used by conducting interviews. Data were purposively collected from a sample of 15 education stakeholders in Sokoto State, and analyzed to extract major themes using the NVivo software program.
Findings
The results of the interviews suggested that high-quality education is defined by the following seven dimensions that fell under a systems-based framework: the provision of adequate instructional materials, the provision of educational infrastructure, imparting the “right” knowledge, meeting education “yardsticks”, provision of teacher support and welfare, creating a conducive learning atmosphere and availability of high-quality teachers.
Research limitations/implications
The research is confined to the Sokoto State only. Although the findings may be applicable to other states of the Nigerian federation, the qualitative research design limits generalization beyond the present data. The research has methodological limitations in that only a qualitative approach was used in obtaining and analyzing the data.
Practical implications
This study presents dimensions of, and a definition of, secondary education quality, as perceived by education stakeholders in Sokoto State, Nigeria. This systems-based definition could be useful to the government in re-designing its educational plans and ensuring quality in secondary education programs. Once fully applied in the educational system, issues of low-quality education and graduation of unprepared students can be addressed more systematically. The goal of admitting more competent school leavers into tertiary institutions could also be pursued actively. Other social challenges, such as juvenile delinquency, can likewise be addressed. The study draws attention of those responsible for education provision in Nigeria to look inward to focus on those dimensions that need prompt and urgent improvements so that education quality can be ensured for a better society.
Originality/value
This study provides a systems-based framework of educational quality to guide school improvement efforts in Nigerian secondary schools that reflect values of regional stakeholders. This study demonstrates an easy-to-apply method for deriving educational quality indicators with stakeholder involvement. The dimensions obtained are supported by theory and the literature discussed.
Details
Keywords
Satinder Singh, Sarabjeet Singh and Tanveer Kajla
Purpose: The study aims to explore the wider acceptance of blockchain technology and growing faith in this technology among all business domains to mitigate the chances of fraud…
Abstract
Purpose: The study aims to explore the wider acceptance of blockchain technology and growing faith in this technology among all business domains to mitigate the chances of fraud in various sectors.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The authors focus on studies conducted during 2015–2022 using keywords such as blockchain, fraud detection and financial domain for Systematic Literature Review (SLR). The SLR approach entails two databases, namely, Scopus and IEEE Xplore, to seek relevant articles covering the effectiveness of blockchain technology in controlling financial fraud.
Findings: The findings of the research explored different types of business domains using blockchains in detecting fraud. They examined their effectiveness in other sectors such as insurance, banks, online transactions, real estate, credit card usage, etc.
Practical Implications: The results of this research highlight (1) the real-life applications of blockchain technology to secure the gateway for online transactions; (2) people from diverse backgrounds with different business objectives can strongly rely on blockchains to prevent fraud.
Originality/Value: The SLR conducted in this study assists in the identification of future avenues with practical implications, making researchers aware of the work so far carried out for checking the effectiveness of blockchain; however, it does not ignore the possibility of zero to less effectiveness in some businesses which is yet to be explored.
Details
Keywords
This study investigates the effect of entrepreneurial orientation and government support on the innovation openness of South Korean manufacturing firms. By compartmentalizing…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the effect of entrepreneurial orientation and government support on the innovation openness of South Korean manufacturing firms. By compartmentalizing entrepreneurial orientation and government support, this study seeks to elucidate their effects on the breadth and depth of firms' knowledge searches.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilizes Poisson regression analysis with empirical data from 2,353 South Korean manufacturing firms collected from Korean Innovation Survey data.
Findings
Analysis reveals nuanced influences of various factors on firms' open innovation activities. Innovativeness positively affects knowledge search breadth and depth, highlighting the role of innovation-oriented processes, while competitive aggressiveness influences depth, thereby underscoring the pursuit of specialized knowledge acquisition. Proactiveness positively affects breadth but negatively affects depth, suggesting the importance of maintaining broad perspectives. Government support scope positively affects both breadth and depth, reflecting the significance of external support in encouraging inclusive knowledge exploration. The importance of government support positively influences depth, emphasizing its vital role in establishing collaborative relationships to enhance in-depth knowledge acquisition.
Originality/value
This study provides novel insights by exploring the nuanced implementation of open innovation in latecomer economies, especially South Korea, which experienced rapid economic development by leveraging innovation. The identification of specific factors influencing knowledge search breadth and depth contributes to the literature on open innovation by providing strategic guidelines for firms and policymakers. This practical implications of this study suggest that firms should align their strategies with entrepreneurial orientation while leveraging pertinent government support.
Details
Keywords
Osuani Fyneface Idema, Malik Abdulwahab, Innocent Okechi Arukalam, Ifeyinwa Ekeke, Chigoziri N. Njoku, Chioma Anyiam, Benedict Onyeachu and Emeka Emmanuel Oguzie
Hexavalent chromium has been a benchmark corrosion inhibitor before it was phased out because of its carcinogenic properties. However, because it was phased out, many alternative…
Abstract
Purpose
Hexavalent chromium has been a benchmark corrosion inhibitor before it was phased out because of its carcinogenic properties. However, because it was phased out, many alternative corrosion inhibitors have been introduced but failed to meet the performance of this benchmark inhibitor. Consequently, benzotriazole (BTA) was reported to exhibit chromate-like inhibition performance. Subsequently, Intelli-ion was reported by researchers to exhibit chromate-like performance also with claims of being a unique alternative. This paper aims to review the inhibition performance of these two alternatives. Above all, promotes the unique inhibition performance of Intelli-ion that makes it suitable for application in many sectors.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the corrosion inhibition performances of BTA and Intelli-ion were compared systematically by reviewing some related literatures based on the opinion of the authors.
Findings
Different methodologies for measuring the inhibition performance of BTA showed that it’s an inhibitor of choice. However, the cut edge corrosion performance of Intelli-ion and BTA corrosion inhibitors on galvanized steel of 55% Wt.% Al, 44% Wt.% Zn and 1% Wt.% Si in 5 Wt.% NaCl solution was compared when subjected to scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) for 24 h. The results showed faint blue-colored region depicting negative cathodic current density for the Intelli-ion while there was a high-intensity of red-colored region depicting a positive anodic current density for BTA. In other words, the Intelli-ion inhibitor had a better overall cut-edge corrosion inhibition performance than the BTA inhibitor.
Originality/value
This paper compares and further, summarizes the corrosion inhibition performance of Intelli-ion and BTA by evaluating SVET results from the literature. In addition, it serves as an overview and reference for the unique inhibition performance of Intelli-ion when applied in field applications.
Details
Keywords
Mohammad H. Salaheldin, Mohammad A. Hassanain and Ahmed M. Ibrahim
This paper presents a systematic conduct of post-occupancy evaluation (POE) for polyclinic facilities at public hospitals.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper presents a systematic conduct of post-occupancy evaluation (POE) for polyclinic facilities at public hospitals.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a mixed design research, where a review of literature was utilized, to qualitatively synthesize POE research on healthcare facilities. Three polyclinic facilities at Saudi Arabia were then assessed. The assessment was systematically conducted by the utilization of surveys and relative importance indices to solicit the experts’ and users' perspectives. The research included the conduct of physical measurements and walkthroughs inspections. Lastly, focus group meetings were conducted to generate recommendations that would improve the built environment conditions of polyclinic facilities.
Findings
The research identified unsatisfactory zoning, indoor air quality and concerns related to installations of different systems. Performance elements and subsequent indicators were identified and evaluated for their significance. The knowledge of these, enables the systematic conduct of POE, by exemplary case studies, for the managers and decision-makers of polyclinic facilities.
Originality/value
This research presents a comprehensive approach for the systematic conduct of POE at polyclinic facilities. The research enriches the literature and fulfils a contextual gap. The recommendations serve to enhance feedforward, the design and management of healthcare facilities.
Details
Keywords
Mohammad A. Hassanain, Ali Iftikhar, Abdul-Mohsen Al-Hammad, Adel Alshibani, Ahmed M. Ibrahim and Abdullatif Abdallah
This paper provides an exemplary systematic conduct of post‐occupancy evaluation (POE) on higher education facilities in Saudi Arabia.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper provides an exemplary systematic conduct of post‐occupancy evaluation (POE) on higher education facilities in Saudi Arabia.
Design/methodology/approach
The research study utilized several qualitative and quantitative POE techniques which were systematically comprising (1) scoping and reviewing the facilities-related documents, (2) identification of performance indicators through the review of literature, (3) development and collection of questionnaire survey responses from stakeholders, (4) collection of physical measurements and (5) assessing the facilities by walk-throughs. Then, the data were analyzed and the findings were reported to representative samples of users through focus group meetings. Then, recommendations were drawn for improving the occupational conditions of the case study facilities.
Findings
The synthesis of literature led to three main categories of performance elements that are relevant for higher education facilities. These include technical, functional and behavioral elements, in which each of the elements has specific performance indicators, 97 in total. The research study exemplifies a systematic conduct of POE. The stakeholders' perspectives on the performance elements through surveys, measurements and walk-throughs were collected. The assessment led to recommendations toward satisfactory and quality occupation of the case study facilities.
Originality/value
This research aims to standardize POE by introducing its methods as a tool for evaluating higher education facilities and by elaborating the most prominent performance indicators for ensuring higher education core functions, namely, teaching, research and community collaboration.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper was to test the extract of barley as an environmentally friendly inhibitor for the acid corrosion of steel due to its wide availability as a popular…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to test the extract of barley as an environmentally friendly inhibitor for the acid corrosion of steel due to its wide availability as a popular major crop and its richness with different chemical constituents reported in literature (40) like alanine, glycine, serine, aspartic acid, leucine, valine, tyrosine and isoleucine with various number of functional groups that are able to chelate metal cations and to discuss the effect of temperature on its inhibition efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization measurements were carried out using frequency response analyzer Gill AC instrument. The frequency range for EIS measurements was 0.1 ≤ f ≤ 1 × 103 with an applied potential signal amplitude of 10 mV around the rest potential. Polarization measurements were carried out at a scan rate of 30 mV/min, utilizing a three-electrode cell. A platinum sheet and saturated calomel electrode were used as counter and reference electrodes, respectively. The working electrode was constructed with steel specimens that have the following composition (weight per cent): C, 0.21; S, 0.04; Mn, 2.5; P, 0.04; Si, 0.35; and balance Fe.
Findings
Barley extract could act as an effective corrosion inhibitor for the acid corrosion of steel. The inhibiting action of the barley extract was attributed to its adsorption over the metal surface that blocks the available cathodic and anodic sites. Adsorption isotherms indicated that the adsorbed extract molecules cover one active center over the metal surface.
Originality/value
The research included the first use of an important world crop as an effective corrosion inhibitor that can reduce the corrosion of steel to an extent of 94 per cent.
Details
Keywords
People who experience mental illness often demonstrate limited help-seeking behaviours. There is evidence to suggest that media content can influence negative attitudes towards…
Abstract
Purpose
People who experience mental illness often demonstrate limited help-seeking behaviours. There is evidence to suggest that media content can influence negative attitudes towards mental illness; less is known about how media impacts help-seeking behaviours. The purpose of this study is to identify if media plays a role in people’s decisions to seek help for their mental health.
Design/methodology/approach
The databases Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycInfo, Social Sciences Full Text [H.W. Wilson] and Soc Index were systemically searched for papers in the English language that investigated the link between media and help-seeking for mental illness.
Findings
Sixteen studies met eligibility criteria. There was some evidence to suggest that various forms of media – including video and online resources – can positively influence help-seeking for mental health. Print media had some limited effect on help-seeking behaviours but was weaker in comparison to other forms of media. There was no evidence to suggest that media discourages people from seeking help.
Originality/value
This review identified that, given the heterogeneity of the included papers, and the limited evidence available, there is a need for more focused research to determine how media impacts mental health-related help-seeking behaviours.
Details
Keywords
M.N.N. Rodrigo, Srinath Perera, Sepani Senaratne and Xiaohua Jin
Blockchain as an emerging technology has increased the interests within various industries because of its salient features. A potential application of blockchain for embodied…
Abstract
Purpose
Blockchain as an emerging technology has increased the interests within various industries because of its salient features. A potential application of blockchain for embodied carbon (EC) estimating is being explored. Though there are several databases/tools to estimate EC, the accuracy of estimates prepared using them is affected due to several limitations. As a solution, a prototype blockchain-based EC (BEC) Estimator for distributed supply chain-based EC estimating has been introduced. The data models and user flow diagram that lead to development of a BEC Estimator are developed and evaluated in this study.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study approach assisted in developing the data models and user flow diagram for the BEC Estimator. A Delphi-based expert forum was used to evaluate and produce the refined data models and user flow diagram.
Findings
The BEC Estimator adopts a waterfall model, a system development lifecycle model, in developing the application. The phases, system analysis and system design, consisting the development of the data models and user flow diagram for the BEC Estimator are discussed.
Originality/value
Estimating EC accurately plays an important role in construction. The BEC Estimator uses the supply chain based embodied carbon estimating method to estimate EC accurately. This paper demonstrates the data models and user flow diagram developed for the BEC Estimator.
Details
Keywords
Mary Anita Quist and Augustine Adomah-Afari
The purpose of this paper is to explore how socio-cultural beliefs and practices could influence the knowledge, attitude and perception of insecticide-treated net (ITN) use in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how socio-cultural beliefs and practices could influence the knowledge, attitude and perception of insecticide-treated net (ITN) use in the control of malaria amongst pregnant women attending antenatal clinic.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were gathered using interviews and documentary review. Framework analysis was applied to classify emerging themes and the findings interpreted using the health belief model.
Findings
The findings showed that the pregnant women had appreciable knowledge, both the positive and negative attitudes and the perceptions of insecticide treated nets. To most of them, sleeping under an ITN would not affect pregnancy/cause abortion, but rather prevent mosquito bites and associated malaria.
Research limitations/implications
The limitations include the sample size of participants and health facilities used. Lack of application of a quantitative research method meant that the authors could not quantify the findings to ensure generalisation to the entire population.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that health policy makers, implementers and health professionals need to appreciate the perception and the attitude of pregnant women when designing policy guidelines for the malaria control programme.
Social implications
This paper helps to elucidate on how socio-cultural beliefs and practices could influence the knowledge, attitude and perception of ITN usage amongst both pregnant women and people in malaria endemic communities.
Originality/value
This paper suggests that health policy makers, implementers and health professionals have to devise strategies to address socio-cultural beliefs and practices in the scaling up of malaria control programmes.