International Journal of Knowledge and Learning (42 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Learning Paradigm, Derived Analogically from Japanese Economic Policy "Abenomics"  
  by Toyohide Watanabe 
  Abstract: The current learning environment or learning means is far from the traditional classroom-based learning style: in anytime and anywhere any one can learn individually, referring to desirable/preferred learning contents through mobile devises. The evolutional information technologies have been contributed such learning environments and means drastically. The word ubiquity is adjust consistent to the borderless learning activity without any exceptions. However, it is not always assured or verified how to apply or use various kinds of systems, functions, tools or devises, developed by IT (Information Technology) with a view to making the learning activity more effectual.rn In this paper, we address the advanced learning paradigm in IT society. As one of approach viewpoints, we focus on the framework on the basis of Abenomics, promoted as one of to break free from deflation means in Japanese economic policy. It seems that the viewpoint to be discussed cognitively in Abenomics is straightly applied to our current learning environment with various kinds of pedagogic problems. The most important concept transition from deflation to inflation in Abenomics is analogically corresponded to the trend extension from centralized classroom to distributed personal learning space. Under the understanding of such situation, we investigate our advanced learning paradigm on the basis of Abenomics.rn
  Keywords: Abenomics; Worth of money and article price; monetary policy; fiscal policy; growth strategy; learning paradigm; IT-based functionality; knowledge composition; knowledge acquisition; knowledge understanding; knowledge resources and learning curriculum.
  
  
• Surveillance of ramification of alternate therapy and yoga on the health of employees' suffering with high BP and sugar: empirical study on the physical and mental fitness  
  by Sheelu Sagar, Vikas Garg, Rohit Rastogi 
  Abstract: This manuscript provides information associated with the physiological health benefits of yoga, pranayama and aerobic exercise. The yoga practice helps to control blood sugar levels, improve cardiovascular functioning, maintain the systolic and diastolic blood pressure at a normal level, help with digestion, gain muscular strength and get rid of muscular stiffness, resulting in a state of happy mind with a flexible body. The investigation aims to examine the physiological health of young employees with the benefits of yoga, pranayama, meditation and light aerobic exercise. The study was done on employees of PPS International who were engaged in the manufacture of high-tech equipment for the Indian Railways, and metro trains, situated at Greater Noida (UP) India. The founder and promoter of PPS International gave his permission for practical investigation of the employees of his company for this research study. The researcher randomly selected 120 subjects within the age range of 4050 years. On the recorded data computational analysis was done to establish the result.
  Keywords: yoga; health; meditation; blood sugar; blood pressure; employees.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10049896
   
  
• Blackboard Collaborate: COVID-19 impacts on EFL classroom learning and knowledge on first year university students  
  by Iftikhar Alam, Asifa Qasim, Akhter Habib Shah, Tribhuwan Kumar 
  Abstract: This study examined whether COVID-19 affected EFL/ESL teaching, learning, and formative evaluation among Umm Al Qura University’s CFY medical students. Due to the COVID-19 lockout and social isolation, classroom instruction and learning were moved online and/or to Blackboard Collaborate. This study examined CFY medical students’ perceptions of online classes and Blackboard Collaborate’s effects on teaching, learning, and course assessment. The research was quantitative. After 15 weeks of real-time online Blackboard classes, 30 CFY medical students were randomly sampled and given a questionnaire. Data was collected using a five-point Likert scale and analysed with SPSS. Online teaching and learning positively affected students’ learning environment perceptions. COVID-19 participants said Blackboard online classes improved English teaching, learning, and formative assessment. The results show that Blackboard Collaborate has been as beneficial as face-to-face classes during lockdown or social distancing. The study promotes blended learning for CFY students at the university.
  Keywords: Blackboard Collaborate; COVID-19; impact; EFL/ESP classroom; knowledge and learning; first year university students.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10049997
   
  
• Critical factors of service quality in higher education services and their impact on overall service quality, student satisfaction and student loyalty  
  by Tohid Kachwala, Dinesh Panchal, Pradeep Pai 
  Abstract: Globalisation of knowledge compels Indian Higher Education Institutes to improve their quality. Quality at an affordable price will be the critical determinant for students’ selection of the university. Understanding students’ expectations in higher education services becomes vital as an operations strategy to retain existing students and entice potential students. An extensive literature survey proposes a scientific model using structural equation modelling (in IBM AMOS) to develop a path model for the antecedents of service quality, overall service quality, student satisfaction and student loyalty. Using the sample data from the higher education services for the postgraduate program, the analysis was done to evaluate the influence of antecedents on the overall service quality and further on the student’s satisfaction and student loyalty. The result indicated that four antecedents (tangibles, academic competence, reputation and delivery) positively influence the overall service quality. Further, the study also found that overall service quality directly influences student satisfaction and indirectly influences student loyalty through student satisfaction in higher education services.
  Keywords: tangibles; academic competence; reputation; delivery; services quality; student satisfaction; student loyalty; higher education services and structural equation modelling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10050093
   
  
• An exploratory study to investigate the interpersonal listening behaviour in personal sales context, its impact on the customer’s perception and outcomes  
  by Archana Shrivastava, Ruchi Tandon, Sanjeev Tandon 
  Abstract: Authors argue that the perception of salespersons about their interpersonal listening ability is important but the perspective of the listened-to is equally important for an assessment of the competence. As the traditional studies on listening in sales refer to either self or buyer’s evaluation, we propose to investigate their validity. We also argue that the traditional scales to measure listening behaviour proposed by Castleberry and Ramsey and Sohi in 1997 may produce diverse results when used in a different setting and on a different population. The findings suggest a gap in the self-perceived listening abilities of the salesperson with that of the buyers’ evaluation. Further, the results display a positive link between the salesperson’s listening and the trust and satisfaction developed throughout sales interactions but contrary to past studies, it does not necessarily lead to the possibility of future interaction. The discussion focuses on directions for future research using this scale and the need to develop additional measures that tap components of listening in sales.
  Keywords: listening; salesperson; retail; interpersonal communication; sales.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10050251
   
  
• An impact of demographic profile of undergraduate students on the entrepreneurial knowledge and intention in Tamil Nadu, India  
  by A. Vasumathi, T. Sagaya Mary, Rajesh Mamilla, I.S. Stephan Thangaiah 
  Abstract: An intention has a great impact on the actual behaviour of a person. Intention is a state of mind that directs the attitude, potential, learning, experience and action of a person towards a specific goal. The intention to become an entrepreneur is the sole best prognosticator of entrepreneurial behaviour. Entrepreneurship is all about to one’s own business that involves one’s self-reliance, work attitude, innovation, initiative, creativity and risk-taking. Entrepreneurial knowledge and intention therefore envisages entrepreneurial behaviours. Demographic factors have a great influence on a person’s intentions and goal setting. Based upon this the present study aims to analyse the impact of demographic factors on the entrepreneurial intention among the undergraduate students in Tamil Nadu, India. Weighted average analysis, analysis of variance and regression analysis will be employed to find out the relationship between demographic factors and their impact on entrepreneurial intentions. Further this study also aims at finding out the important demographic factors that contribute towards the entrepreneurial intentions of the students. The result of the study can be used in framing course content for the students with the objective of enhancing their entrepreneurial intention and skills.
  Keywords: entrepreneurship; demography; profile; intention and entrepreneurial intention; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10050496
   
  
• A cloud-based systematic cyber security teaching and learning framework for high school students  
  by Berioska Contreras Vargas, Seppo Virtanen 
  Abstract: We present a systematic framework to construct cybersecurity knowledge for high school students on cloud computing. The learning outcomes were analysed based on time and completion rates to evaluate a ranking, learning curves, and clusters. The presented cyber security education module consists of a series of adaptive assignments anchored on constructivist and scaffolding learning theories. The probability of success for active guided tasks was 0.80. In the case of constructive adaptive assignments it was 0.75, and interactive adaptive assignments it was 0.25. The completion rate dropped in the last adaptive assignment, implying the need to reinforce interactions earlier. Students demonstrated that motivation is as much determinant as the background experience, showing noticeable variations in the time needed to complete our adaptive assignments.
  Keywords: security; privacy; cybersecurity; penetration testing; teaching and learning; constructivist learning theory; scaffolding learning; active learning; high school; cloud computing.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10050497
   
  
• Digital transformation of knowledge and learning content in educating English language to primary school children  
  by Gulim S. Karimova, Pirmagambet Z. Ishanov, Galiya B. Sarzhanova, Svetlana A. Odintsova, Saltanat K. Abildina 
  Abstract: Authors researched the digital transformation of the education system and the creation of high-quality digital content for educating foreign languages to primary school children. In the context of digital transformation of education and forced transition to online form of education due to COVID-19, digital educational content becomes the effective teaching method for school children. However, our analysis points out the quantitative and qualitative insufficiency of educational and digital content that considers age-related, psychological, spiritual and moral features and cultural values of Kazakh school children. That was the reason of creating digital educating complex aimed to teach English to Kazakhstani school children. The main advantage of the complex developed by the authors is that it is adapted to both online and offline learning formats. The aim of the research is to justify the necessity of using and creating digital educational content in the conditions of digital transformation of education in the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as identifying the efficiency of digital educating complex developed by the authors of the article.
  Keywords: digitalisation of education; transformation; digital educational content; primary school; foreign languages; knowledge; learning.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10051359
   
  
• Influence of writing tasks and self-awareness reflective writing exercises on emergent Researchers’ academic writing  
  by Chin-Wen Chien 
  Abstract: Authentic academic writing tasks should be integrated to assist emergent researchers to acquire academic literacy in the university. This case study explored the influence of writing tasks and self-awareness reflective writing exercises on six English as a foreign language (EFL) emergent researchers’ academic writing and their attitudes in a northwest university in Taiwan. The analysis of interviews, writing tasks, and documents concluded that the clear and step-by step procedure on writing tasks and reflective writing exercises led these emergent researchers to examine the important elements of academic writing. Participants held a positive attitude toward the writing tasks and reflective writing exercises. The proposed conceptual framework can provide the guidelines for practitioners in designing instructional practices on writing tasks and reflective writing exercises for EFL emergent researchers.
  Keywords: academic writing; emergent researchers; instructional practice; reflective writing exercises; writing tasks; English as a foreign language; EFL.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10051377
   
  
• Quality education in students perspective: a qualitative study on two HEIs of Karachi  
  by Syed Ghazanfer Inam, Shariq Ahmed, Zafar Iqbal 
  Abstract: The purpose of this research is to identify quality assurance aspects of quality education and the learning process through an effective and efficient evaluation model in higher education institutes (HEIs). A conceptual model is being developed with the help of a literature review and focus group discussion performed by the group of students of two HEIs in Karachi, Pakistan. It can help to overcome the laps of quality assurance in higher education learning that can improve the educational quality in HEIs. This quality assurance model offers quality awareness for higher education institutes and assists in the execution of an improved quality education system. The outcome asks to improve the learning practice in higher educational institutes and facilitates the institutional management to be aware of how to enhance their quality education and the quality assurance methods by providing a congenial and collaborative environment to faculty members.
  Keywords: quality education; student experience; quality management; learning management; higher education institutes; HEIs.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10051613
   
  
• Factors influencing employee engagement in the Lebanese educational sector  
  by Abir R. Murad, Rania B. Mostafa 
  Abstract: The workforce in any organisation is considered an essential element that cannot be copied or imitated by the competitors and is seen as the most valuable resource if managed and guided properly. In this case, establishing employee engagement is an important concept within nowadays organisations especially because an engaged employee who is cognitively and emotionally bound with the organisation, feels self-driven to meet the organisation’s objectives and is committed to the organisation’s values. The research on this phenomenon is still limited and unsubstantial. Although several studies and researches have focused on employee engagement in organisations, few have focused on the person-environment (PE) fit to explain its direct impact on employee engagement. We analyse the three dimensions of PE fit, namely: person-job (PJ) fit, person-organisational (PO) fit, and person-technology (PT) fit to understand the relationship between the three dimensions of PE fit and employee engagement. We hereby determine the significance of each dimension on employees’ physical, cognitive and emotional engagement. The results show that PJ fit and PT fit have a significant impact on employee engagement; whereas, PO fit has shown an insignificant impact on employee engagement.
  Keywords: employee engagement; person-environment fit; person-job fit; person-organisational fit; person-technology fit; educational sector; Lebanon.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10051735
   
  
• Understanding students’ perceptions of online discussion boards for homework in an online graduate-level accounting course  
  by Lei Wen 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine students’ perceptions of online discussion boards for homework in an accelerated online graduate-level accounting course. Compared to students without the use of online discussion boards, students with the use of online discussion boards for homework rate significantly higher about the instructor and course. The results also reveal that students prefer the ungraded and voluntary online discussion boards rather than the required and graded discussion boards. Due to the impact of various factors, the paper shows the variation between favourable overall ratings of the instructor and course versus neutral rating about online discussion boards for homework. The research has some practical implications for accounting educators and practitioners in accelerated online learning environments.
  Keywords: accounting education; online education; online discussion boards; course development.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10051893
   
  
• Determining involvement HRM practices and benevolent HRM attributions role in improving employees engagement and reducing stress in sales-centric organisations  
  by Muddasar Ghani Khwaja, Athar Hameed, Umer Zaman 
  Abstract: Workplace stress has been characterised as a global occupational phenomenon that causes adverse organisational outcomes; including serious employee’s illnesses and phenomenal productivity loss per annum. Human resource management (HRM) has always thrived to induce predefined work practices that support employee well-being in the organisations. The present study provides a framework on how HRM practices can augment employee wellbeing by reducing their stress levels. Involvement HRM practices and benevolent HRM attributions are portrayed to enhance employee gratitude, which in return results in alleviating employee stress and improving employee engagement levels. The data was collected from 298 respondents using survey questionnaire. Proportionate stratified random sampling was deployed and structural equation modelling (SEM) was executed for the determination of causal relationship among constructs. Results affirmed established theoretical foundations as strong causality existed among the constructs. The study provides HR practitioners a pathway of optimising organisational productivity and employee wellbeing.
  Keywords: involvement HRM practices; gratitude; employee stress; human resource management; HRM attributions; engagement; structural equation modelling; SEM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10052434
   
  
• Psychological well-being, resilience, stress and demographic factors: a study among undergraduate students during online mode of education in India  
  by Asha Binu Raj, Pallawi Ambreesh Kumar, Nityanand Tripathi 
  Abstract: The present study aims to analyse the interaction between resilience, psychological well-being and stress among the undergraduate management students in India during the online mode of education. Study indicates that resilience is positively correlated with psychological well-being but negatively correlated with stress. Findings show that students of different educational institutions, gender and age groups experience similar levels of stress, but the resilience and psychological well-being experienced by them differ based on various demographic variables such as type of educational institution, gender and age group. Scholars can further analyse other dimensions of well-being; as well as conduct comparative studies in pandemic and non-pandemic contexts. The paper will facilitate educational institutions to implement well-being and resilience strategies to help students to manage stress and be more resilient. The paper also provides social implications to parents and other stakeholders so as to facilitate support and guidance needed to manage well-being among the students.
  Keywords: stress; resilience; psychological well-being; demographic factors; age; gender; educational institution; online education; COVID-19; students; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10052510
   
  
• A bibliometric analysis of knowledge management research during COVID-19  
  by Sanjay Fuloria, Ankur Srivastava, Umang Anand 
  Abstract: This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of the knowledge management (KM) literature during COVID-19. It covers the research output in both Scopus and Web of Science databases during the period 2020 to 2022. 404 research articles, conference papers, and conference proceedings’ output were extracted from both Scopus and Web of Science databases. Biblioshiny tool from the R stable is used for this bibliometric analysis. The results show that there were 3.61 citations per document with an average of 1.66 citations per year. Almost 1,600 authors published on KM during this pandemic. 97.7% of the published output had multiple authors. 90% of the authors contributed one article. COVID-19 pandemic is a good time to take stock of the KM literature. The KM literature more than doubled from 2020 to 2021.This study is comprehensive as far as the literature on KM is concerned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  Keywords: bibliometric analysis; COVID-19; knowledge management; Biblioshiny; thematic mapping; co-citations; science mapping analysis; collaboration network.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10052599
   
  
• Looking beyond the leader in leadership  
  by Martin Sposato 
  Abstract: This article, which is based on a literature review, aims to present followership theory as a complement to the study of leadership. It first presents some common limitations of existing leadership theories and then suggests integrating followership theory into them to gain a more comprehensive understanding of leadership in organisations. Next, followership theory and its main characteristics are discussed. Finally, the article makes an original contribution by explaining how followership theory can be integrated into prominent leadership theories and showing how it can help advance leadership and organisational studies.
  Keywords: leadership; followership; followership theory; followers.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10052801
   
  
• Entrepreneurial intention among Yemeni students beyond business schools: mediation and moderation approaches  
  by Mugaahed Abdu Kaid Saleh, Manjunath K. Rajappa, Mohammed Mostafa Mohammed Qaied 
  Abstract: Entrepreneurial intention (EI) among students has been widely investigated by many researchers and well presented in earlier literatures, however, EI among students beyond business schools is not equally researched. This study aims to investigate attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control as mediators in the relationship between entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial knowledge/entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and the moderation of gender on the same among students beyond business schools in Yemen. This study is a cross-sectional study, which relies on data compiled from 486 college students using random sampling and applying PLS-SEM for data analysis. The results unveil self-efficacy as the least influential factor on entrepreneurial intention. The results also show partial mediation of attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control on the relationship between entrepreneurial knowledge and entrepreneurial intention, but not with entrepreneurial self-efficacy; while no moderation of gender is found on any of the relationship of variables in the model. This research adds to the literature by measuring entrepreneurial intention among students beyond business schools in underdeveloped economy and investigating the entrepreneurial antecedents as mediators between entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial knowledge/self-efficacy.
  Keywords: entrepreneurial intention; attitudes; subjective norms; behaviour; students; business schools; entrepreneurial self-efficacy; entrepreneurial knowledge.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10052802
   
  
• Comparative analysis of entrepreneurial propensity in developing economies: the case of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia  
  by Caleb Muyiwa Adelowo, Yusuf Opeyemi Akinwale 
  Abstract: Entrepreneurship education (EE) improves national entrepreneurial ecosystems and creates possible path for entrepreneurial activities to engage massive youth in developing economies. This paper performs a comparative analysis of the key determinants of students’ entrepreneurial propensity in Nigeria (NGR) and Saudi Arabia (KSA). The study adopts cross-sectional survey design by collecting data from two universities each from Nigeria and Saudi Arabia in 2018. The results showed that students from both countries have high entrepreneurial propensity, although the interest is a bit higher in Nigeria. It also showed that Nigerian students engaged more in entrepreneurial activities than their counterparts in the KSA. The regression analysis shows that entrepreneurship education and business plan development predispose students in both countries to entrepreneurship. Students’ business plan, university environment and parents’ involvement in business have more significant influence on entrepreneurship propensity in KSA than NGR. Policy implications were drawn for decision makers and university administrators in both countries.
  Keywords: entrepreneurship propensity; innovation; job creation; developing countries; Nigeria; Saudi Arabia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10052824
   
  
• Use of virtual learning environment in teaching Malay language in national secondary schools  
  by Fong Peng Chew, Zanariah Hamid, Mohd Shahril Nizam Shaharom 
  Abstract: The study attempts to investigate the use of the virtual learning environment (VLE) in Malaysian schools, especially in the teaching of the Malay language by applying the technology acceptance model (TAM), unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), and Elys’ condition of change model. A study with a quantitative, non-experimental and correlational approach was developed. The sample consisted of 400 Malay language teachers at national secondary schools in Selangor. By using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), the finding indicated that the structural model is a strong model to explain the factors including adoption intention, administrative support, teachers’ belief, facility condition, perceived usefulness, and attitude that influenced the adoption of the virtual learning environment. In conclusion, the developed model of the virtual learning environment may be utilised to contribute to the successful use of the virtual learning environment in teaching the Malay language.
  Keywords: Malay language; school teachers; virtual learning environment; VLE.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10052825
   
  
• Perception and preference towards distance learning in Nepali academic setting  
  by Manish Thapa 
  Abstract: With technological advancement in a progressive manner and increasing use in an academic setting, distance learning has been an on-debate topic in the current educational discourse. Through cross-sectional research design, this paper set an objective of exploring the perception among students towards the adoption of distance learning in Nepali academic settings. The research focused on areas such as preferred instruction method, perception towards the level of attentiveness and clarity of instructions, quality of existing technologies, internet facilities, and adaptability of distance learning based on course modality and academic level. Students are perceived to have a high level of distraction during class and have a moderate level of interaction and clarity in instructions. Students perceived having a low potentiality of adopting distance class for a technical and practical course but highly perceived their application in the theory-based course. The research concludes by emphasising on participant’s preferred mode as a blended course (application of both online mode and traditional set-up mode).
  Keywords: distance; learning; academic; education; teaching-learning; students; modality.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10052891
   
  
• Absorptive capacity factors impacting performance and flexibility in strategic alliances: a TISM model  
  by Sanjay Dhir, Swati Dhir 
  Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to understand the possible linkage among the variables that are accountable for the innovative performance in the case of strategic alliances. This study has attempted to comprehend the complicated relationship among the variables which is required to put together in order to create innovative performance in strategic alliances to grow and develop the firm. This study is to identify the various variables from the coherent literature reviews and analyse the objects. The examining of variables would lead to the innovative performance of a firm. Total interpretive structural modelling (TISM)/MICMAC have been used to explore the variables to understand the complex connection among them.
  Keywords: absorptive capacity; ACAP; strategic alliances; innovative performance; flexibility; total interpretive structural modelling; TISM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10052909
   
  
• Imparting entrepreneurial skills among undergraduates in unstable environments: evidence from Iraq, Syria and Yemen  
  by Mugaahed Abdu Kaid Saleh, Manjunath K. Rajappa, Suheila Almasloukh 
  Abstract: Entrepreneurship skills are the most sought-after skills in the 21st century. This study attempts to explore the extent of imparting entrepreneurial skills among undergraduate students in unstable environments. Three countries are chosen for the study (432 from Iraq, 459 from Syria, and 528 from Yemen), as these economies have witnessed political and economic instability during the last decade. The study followed a case study methodology, using a descriptive approach. The study adopts descriptive statistics, factor analysis and variance analysis for reporting the results. The findings indicate a low to moderate level of entrepreneurial skills being imparted among undergraduates; and demographic characteristics are found to be more influential among Yemeni undergraduates and less influential among Syrian undergraduates. The reliability of the instrument is established in the Iraqi and Yemeni context and not in the Syrian context. However, model fit is established in the Syrian context but not in the case of others. The study recommends efforts being vey essential to change and upgrade entrepreneurship education. The study argues that the role of universities in imparting entrepreneurial skills can redress the gap of the strategies in the educational policies in the three economies.
  Keywords: entrepreneurial skills; managerial skills; technical skills; undergraduate; unstable environment; Iraq; Syria; Yemen.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10053132
   
  
• The linkage between teaching competency, teacher-student relationship and learning satisfaction  
  by Parmod Parmod, Shish Pal, Anuradha Yadav, Farhat Akhtar 
  Abstract: The primary goal of this study is to identify and investigate the relationship between teaching competency (TC) and students’ learning satisfaction (LS), which will further be tested for mediation by the teacher-student relationship. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from students chosen randomly from the universities and colleges of the National Capital Region of India. Out of 350 filled questionnaires, 300 were complete in all manners and found fit for the analysis. Several statistical tools like factor analysis, mediation, and Bootstrapping were employed to achieve the objectives. The results indicated a strong positive relation between TC and LS. Furthermore, the teacher-student relationship mediated the relationship between TC and LS. Therefore, research suggests TC and teacher-student relationship as antecedents of students’ learning satisfaction. The empirical findings expand existing knowledge on the relationship between these constructs.
  Keywords: teaching competency; learning satisfaction; teacher-student relationship; TSR; COVID-19; student engagement; education system; student behaviour; mediation.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10053133
   
  
• A study on mental distress amidst COVID-19: a path to reboot and resilience  
  by Ankita Saxena, Shashi Shekhar Gautam 
  Abstract: The present research paper figures out numerous factors which affected the mental wellbeing of employees amidst the pandemic especially at the time of second wave of COVID-19. The current study is exploratory in nature where various professionals working in organised sector of India completed an online survey from 3rd of April 2021 to 6th of June 2021. Total 403 participants completed the survey. Based on the primary data, the factors affecting mental wellbeing have been determined namely social isolation, job and future uncertainty, financial uncertainty, threat of infection and death rate, burnout due to official work and emotional factors during COVID. Further, in order to reboot the workforce morale and enthusiasm post COVID, the researchers proposed a theoretical model of resilience having three elements namely empathy, addressing mental health problems and developing positive aspects of work and strengths of workforce.
  Keywords: burnout; COVID-19; mental well-being; employee resilience; employee-centric approach.
  
  
• Knowledge representation in generative lexicon: exploiting qualia structure for compound noun interpretation  
  by Vandana Dwivedi, Sanjukta Ghosh 
  Abstract: The paper is an attempt towards building a lexical knowledge representation model using generative lexicon framework especially exploiting the qualia information of the nouns. The interpretation of compound nouns is a challenging task in any natural language processing application. Some most frequently occurring terms that are found in popular and scholarly texts of ayurveda are compound nouns in nature. The compound used in this paper is rasaayana, a process of rejuvenation or a product of that process. This term occurs both as a head word as the second element or a non-head first element of a compound noun. The GL model is able to represent the natural polysemy of the word either as a process or a result and explain the meanings of the compound words created with it based on the qualia structure representation and the principle of coercion.
  Keywords: generative lexicon; lexical knowledge representation; qualia roles; coercion; rasaayana compounds.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10053232
   
  
• Consequences of online class during COVID-19 with women schoolteachers’ work-life balance  
  by T. Jansi Rani, V. Krishna Priya 
  Abstract: Work-life balance (WLB) is the balance of both sides of one’s life (personal and professional). In the life, who has to responsibility of both personal and professional life. In the meantime, wide spread of COVID-19 has resulted to the major changes all around the world. The current conceptual paper emphasises the WLB of women school teachers during the pandemic period. In professional life she has to prepare for online class, assignment at par with technology. The paper comprises of family involvement and job role and responsibilities as an independent variable and work life balance as a dependent variable. This paper concludes that WLB during COVID-19 is complicated is nature, especially for women school teacher to conduct up to date classes.
  Keywords: work-life balance; women schoolteachers; family involvement; job role and responsibilities; online classes.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10053235
   
  
• Knowledge-oriented leadership and innovative performance: role of creative self-efficacy and organisational climate in software industry of Pakistan  
  by Tauseef Ahmad, Muhammad Ajmal, Anwar Ul Haq 
  Abstract: In the present study, the relationship between knowledge-oriented leadership and organisation innovative performance has been tested through the mediating role of creative self-efficacy, as it is crucial for workplace creativity. The supportive organisational climate can be a trigger to boost up all this innovative process. To obtain this objective, a structured questionnaire was designed and distributed among the software houses/IT firms in Pakistan. Responses of 309 employees of different software houses/IT firms from Islamabad and Karachi are gathered. The results show a positive relationship between knowledge-oriented leadership and innovative organisational performance. Employee’s creative self-efficacy is another factor significantly affecting the relationship between knowledge-oriented leadership and innovative organisational performance as a mediator and as well as moderator. Knowledge-oriented leadership also creates a strong climate to enhance employee creative skills further.
  Keywords: knowledge-oriented leadership; organisational climate; creative self-efficacy; innovative organisational performance; Pakistan.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10053239
   
  
• Determining the efficacy level of online education in higher studies during COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from Bangladesh  
  by Sumayya Begum, Mohammad Amzad Hossain Sarker, Afzal Hossain, Md Yusuf Hossein Khan 
  Abstract: Online education is a flexible instructional delivery system that includes any kind of learning that takes place via the internet. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to determine the efficacy level of online education in higher studies during the COVID-19 pandemic in the contexts of Bangladesh. This research used both quantitative and descriptive analysis methods. A standardised questionnaire was used to collect 348 data points from university students using an online purposive sampling method. A partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach was used to assess the data and test the hypotheses. The results of the PLS-SEM analysis method demonstrated that course curriculum, internet self-efficacy, and self-motivation had a positive and significant association with online education in higher studies during the COVID-19 pandemic. For the successful implementation of the digital education system in tertiary level education in this period of pandemic and after pandemic new normal condition this study findings will play a significant role for the policymakers of Bangladesh.
  Keywords: COVID-19; online education; higher studies; university students; structural equation modelling; SEM; Bangladesh.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10053429
   
  
• Impact of COVID-19 on the students’ learning: an empirical study in India  
  by Nirmal Chandra Roy 
  Abstract: The worse pandemic that has been experienced in this world is COVID-19. Each and every human being in this world has gained some sort of bitter experience due to the pandemic. The students have been largely affected. However, the present study aims to identify the factors that influence students’ online learning during COVID-19 and the impact of online learning on their education. In the study, primary data have been used. A well-structured questionnaire has been framed to collect the primary data and for this purpose, a convenient sampling technique has been applied. Professional masters’ level students have been considered in the study. Responses received from 583 sample respondents were analysed with the SPSS-23. Firstly, factors analysis has been conducted, and then multiple regression analysis has been performed to determine the impact of the identified factors of students’ online learning on students’ education.
  Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; student; learning; education; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10053430
   
  
• The orientation of knowledge sources and knowledge transfer towards innovation capabilities are moderated by absorptive capacity: an empirical study in perspective of manufacturing industries.  
  by Muhammad Shahid Tufail, Kanwal Shaheen, Sana Mehmood, Nausheen Syed, Iram Bashir, Anum Jamil 
  Abstract: This paper intends to explore the impact of knowledge sources on innovation capabilities of the firm. Firms tend to improve their innovation capabilities for the long-term survival. In process of innovation, firms increasingly rely on the several knowledge sources. Objective is to find the effects of knowledge sources on firm’s innovation capabilities. On the bases of self-administered survey, data was collected to achieve the convenience sample of 181 respondents. Different manufacturing industries in Faisalabad division were targeted for this purpose. Different manufacturing industries’ owners, managers, directors or supervisors were consulted and collected the valid responses of 181 sample size. Data analysis was completed by using the SPSS, AMOS and Process macro. The results of this study signpost that the knowledge sources positively influence the innovation capabilities of the firm. Particularly, the knowledge sources’ direct effect is fully mediated by knowledge transfer. Furthermore, the knowledge sources’ effects are contingent upon the absorptive capacity. The contribution of this study is not only to investigate the effect of knowledge sources on firm’s innovation capabilities in the literature of knowledge sources but also it contributes to the knowledge management research by illustrating the moderating effect of absorptive capacity.
  Keywords: innovation capabilities; absorptive capacity; knowledge sources; knowledge transfer.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10053431
   
  
• ICTs for reflective pedagogy: voices from teacher education  
  by Uzma Shahzadi, Bashir Hussain 
  Abstract: This study intended to examine the perspective of the use of ICTs for reflective pedagogy by teaching professionals and pre-service teachers. This study used triangulation mixed-method research design. Regular teaching professionals and enrolled pre-service teachers of teacher education departments in general public sector universities of Pakistan made the population of the study. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the sample size of 1,480, i.e., 110 teaching professionals and 1,370 pre-service teachers. Five-point Likert scale was used to collect data. The Cronbach alpha value was found to be 0.78. Quantitative data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was collected using semi structured interviews from both teaching professionals and pre-service teachers. Analysis of data found that there is seldom use of ICTs for reflective pedagogy in the teacher education programs. The limited use of ICT as a tool for reflection in teacher education programs was also evident from the finding emerged from the analysis of interviews. Study recommended the focus on ICT integrated reflective teaching learning practices in teacher education programs.
  Keywords: teacher education; reflective pedagogy; ICT resources; blogs; journals.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10053432
   
  
• Comparing yinyang and fission-fusion algorithms for accelerating the k-means  
  by Marcelo Kuchar Matte, Maria Do Carmo Nicoletti 
  Abstract: Given both, a set of data instances and an integer value k as input to the k-means clustering algorithm, a clustering represented as a partition of the given set into k groups (clusters) is produced by the algorithm. The k-means is considered relatively scalable and efficient in processing large sets of data instances. However, the inductive process the algorithm implements can have high time-related computational cost, depending on the given set of instances. Considering the algorithm invests most of its runtime in distance calculations, a way of accelerating its execution time is by avoiding calculations when possible. One way of doing that is by using a mathematical result known as triangle inequality. The main goal of the work described in this paper is to empirically investigate the contribution of the triangle inequality employed by two algorithms, the yinyang and the fission-fusion. Results from experiments using both algorithms on 17 datasets are evidence that, in general, the yinyang algorithm had a speed-up performance higher than that of the fission-fusion. However, in datasets where instances are described by a relatively small number of attributes (<8), the fission-fusion had a better speed-up performance.
  Keywords: k-means; optimisation; triangle inequality; accelerating algorithms; yinyang; fission-fusion.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10053502
   
  
• Exploring employers perceptions on public universities quality and graduate employability in Malaysia  
  by Amal Ahmad Almasri, Noor Azman Ali, Amer Hamzah Jantan 
  Abstract: This study was conducted to explore the employers’ perceptions of the relationship between the quality of public universities and graduate employability. This study adopted a qualitative research design by using a semi- structural interview with ten employers. The findings indicate the determinants of university quality, including university outcomes, reputation, academic program and curriculum, infrastructure and support facilities, academic staff, and training as influential factors on graduate employability. In addition, employers commented that graduate employability could be influenced by top management commitment, especially when they seek to communicate with stakeholders to determine the workplace’s needs to improve their graduate employability. Whilst, employers consider admission requirements of public universities are not based on academic excellence, but on the quantity of students. Therefore, this study recommends that the higher authorities in public universities and employers need to strengthen the associations between them and activate partnerships for all parties’ benefit. As well, public universities need to pay more attention to the determinants of quality, which contribute to enhancing graduate employability.
  Keywords: quality assurance; public university; employability; employers.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10053503
   
  
• The role of personality traits on learning styles of engineering and management students studying the internet of things knowledge areas  
  by Arjun V. Singar, Shashi Jain 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to assess the role of personality traits on learning styles amongst engineering and management students studying the internet of things (IoT) related knowledge areas. The final year engineering and management students from Karnataka, who studied the IoT related knowledge areas, were the target respondents of this study. The total number of respondents for the study was 2,315 students out of which 1,588 were from the engineering programme and 727 were from the management programme. The data collection instrument was questionnaire-based and was prepared by referring to the big five model for personality traits and Felder and Silverman model for learning styles. The study revealed a significant relationship between the personality traits and the learning styles in the sample population. However, the study also concluded that there is no significant difference in the path of the relationship between the personality traits and the learning styles amongst engineering and management students.
  Keywords: personality traits; learning styles; internet of things; IoT; big five model; engineering; management; learning style index.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10054536
   
  
• Loan delinquency analysis using predictive model  
  by Riktesh Srivastava, Sachin Kumar Srivastava, Khushboo Agnihotri, Anviti Gupta 
  Abstract: The research uses a machine learning approach to appraising the validity of customer aptness for a loan. Banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFC) face significant non-performing assets (NPAs) threats because of the non-payment of loans. In this study, the data is collected from Kaggle and tested using various machine learning models to determine if the borrower can repay its loan. In addition, we analysed the performance of the models [K-nearest neighbours (K-NN), logistic regression, support vector machines (SVM), decision tree, naive Bayes and neural networks]. The purpose is to support decisions that are based not on subjective aspects but objective data analysis. This work aims to analyse how objective factors influence borrowers to default loans, identify the leading causes contributing to a borrower’s default loan. The results show that the decision tree classifier gives the best result, with a recall rate of 0.0885 and a false- negative rate of 5.4%.
  Keywords: non-banking financial companies; NBFC; K-nearest neighbours; K-NN; decision tree; support vector machine; SVM; logistic regression; naïve Bayes; neural network.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10054873
   
  
• Role of career adaptability and optimism in Indian economy: a dual mediation analysis  
  by Teena Bharti, Satish Chandra Ojha 
  Abstract: The face of the hospitality sector in India is continuously changing and in times of career transitiveness, it is important to know the factors that support a successful career. The current research aims to explore the relationship between career planning, employee optimism, career adaptability and career satisfaction in the Indian hospitality sector. The study included 283 employees from Indian hospitality sector. Additionally, the study used SEM and bootstrap method to measure the dual mediating relationship between career planning, employee optimism dimensions, career adaptability dimensions, and career satisfaction in Indian setting. The results indicated that optimism dimensions and career adaptability dimensions partially mediate the relationship between career planning and career satisfaction in Indian hospitality sector. The study suggests useful implications for academia and industrial purpose. The limitations and future research avenues have been discussed. The study would contribute to the sparse literature on employee optimism, career planning, career adaptability and subjective career success. It would contribute to the social cognitive career theory (SCCT).
  Keywords: career adaptability; career planning; career satisfaction; employee optimism; Indian hospitality sector; social cognitive career theory; SCCT.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10054969
   
  
• Knowledge toward employee's behaviour during job insecurity: evidence from four different sectors of developing country context  
  by Naveed Saif, Muhammad Tahir Khan, Imrab Shaheen, Haji Rehman 
  Abstract: Job insecurity is a term that is a major stressor among various departments across the globe. Job insecurity construct is validated across the western world, but to date, this field is neglected in a Pakistani work context. The current study tries to analyse the psychometric characteristics of the job insecurity scale across different organisation setups (namely higher education institutions, private primary and secondary education sector). For this purpose, data were obtained from the sample of (N = 950) of the organisation mentioned above through the survey. CFA and EFA results show that JIS consists of two factors (affective and cognitive dimensions) in the Pakistan work context. The result through hierarchal regression shows that JIS is negatively related to emotional exhaustion, normative and affective commitment, while positively related to physical and mental health complaints. Recommendations for further research are expressed at the end of the research work.
  Keywords: job insecurity; commitment; mental health complaint; MHC; physical health complaint; PHC; emotional exhaustion.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10049158
   
  
• Truth and justification problem in educational administration: opinions of the academics in Turkey  
  by Fatih Sahin 
  Abstract: This research deals with the problem of truth and justification of belief expressions put forward in educational administration. To clarify this problem, the researcher interviewed nine academics from educational administration. Content analysis was conducted over these transcribed interviews. According to the results, beliefs put forward in educational administration must correspond to reality and produce pragmatic results for a belief to be knowledge. Still, there are also some negative criticisms on this issue. As part of the justification, it was observed that justification with fundamental beliefs and corresponding beliefs were considered essential for justification. Still, similarly, negative assessments were also made on that issue. It is expected that this study will mainly contribute to knowledge production processes in educational administration.
  Keywords: truth problem; justification problem; educational administration; academics; Turkey.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10048592
   
  
• Knowledge sharing practices in non-profit sector: a case of an intergovernmental organisation  
  by Quang Ngoc Le, Kulthida Tuamsuk 
  Abstract: This paper aims to present findings of knowledge sharing practices from professional employees in a case study of non-profit sector. The study includes both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Firstly, a survey was conducted in an intergovernmental organisation operating in Thailand. Secondly, an in-depth interview identified the understanding of knowledge management and knowledge sharing and what factors should be considered to promote sharing the knowledge among others. Quantitative data analysis revealed that lack of time is the most significant barrier for knowledge sharing practices. Regarding knowledge sharing behaviours, the finding also confirmed that professional staff in the organisation only considered sharing their colleagues voluntarily. Qualitative data analysis reported highly positive perceptions regarding knowledge management and knowledge sharing and revealed some additional factors affecting knowledge sharing practices in non-profit contexts.
  Keywords: knowledge management; knowledge sharing; non-profit organisation; NPO; intergovernmental organisation; sharing barrier; sharing behaviour; organisational culture.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10048589
   
  
• An experiential study on the role and inclusion of Indian languages for generating employment opportunity  
  by Anju Khandelwal, Ankita Tandon, Avanish Kumar 
  Abstract: India is a multilingual country where the spoken language diverges approximately every 100 kilometres. About 2,000 dialects are spoken in India by different communities and there are 22 official languages. English and Hindi are used for official language by most of the states of India. All official documents and reports of the central government are published in bilingual, English and Hindi. Among the international community as well as business language, English is becoming more important in both native and non-native English-speaking countries. Speaking has been considered the most important skill at workplace therefore this paper aims to find out the importance of Hindi/other Indian language in the workplace by conducting a survey among career opportunities and deep learning in India. The result shows that the necessity of Hindi language skill in workplace has not changed, and the participants have reiterated the role of Hindi as the influencing factor during interviews/workplace.
  Keywords: language barrier; employment opportunity; language skills; NEP 2020.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10048424
   
  
• Organisational learning: COVID-19 strategy for human resource skill adjustment  
  by Friday Ogbu Edeh, Joy N. Ugwu, Linus Adama, Nicholas Ihentuge Achilike, Chimeziem C.G. Udeze, Ngozi Franca Iroegbu, Stephen F. Aleke, Collins Okechukwu Irem, Peter Ifeanyi Okwu, Ikechukwu Ogbu 
  Abstract: The survival of the home country and multinationals such as manufacturing companies depend solely on their readiness to learn the new normal by adjusting the behaviour, attitudes, and culture of their human resources through upskilling and reskilling approaches. It is based on this premise that this study investigates organisational learning as a strategy for human resource skill adjustment in manufacturing companies in South-Eastern Nigeria. The overall results revealed that dimensions of organisational learnings have positive significant effects on determinants of human resource skill adjustment which implies that an improvement on organisational learning leads to human resource skill adjustment with regards to new work culture engendered by COVID-19 pandemic. This study implies that for HR managers to effectively adjust the behaviour, attitude, skill, and knowledge of their subordinates, upskilling and reskilling, exploration learning, and exploitation learning should be deployed.
  Keywords: human resource skill adjustment; HRSA; organisational learning; OL; upskilling; reskilling; COVID-19 pandemic.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10048780
   
  
• Impact of inclusive leadership on project success through climate for innovation: the moderating role of knowledge sharing  
  by Muhammad Qaiser Shafi, Abdul Qayyum, Safina Naz, Sajeela Rabbani, Nida Kamal 
  Abstract: This research study aims to examine the impact of inclusive leadership on project success while keeping the climate for innovation as a mediator and knowledge sharing within the organisation as a moderator. Using the convenience sampling technique, data were collected from 201 participants working in project-based organisations across major cities of Pakistan. The data has been analysed using Smart PLS and SPSS. As a result of the regression analysis, it was found that inclusive leadership significantly and positively impacts project success. The findings show that inclusive leadership has a positive effect on the climate for innovation. The results revealed that the climate for innovation mediates the relationship between inclusive leadership and project success. The results showed that knowledge sharing does not moderate the relationship between inclusive leadership and project success. Limitations, future suggestions, and managerial implications have also been discussed. The study aims to address the gap on how inclusive leadership leads towards project success in the presence of climate for innovation as a mediator and knowledge sharing as a moderator in project-based organisations of Pakistan.
  Keywords: inclusive leadership; climate for innovation; knowledge sharing; project success; project-based organisations.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2022.10049171