International Journal of Knowledge and Learning (8 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Individual study work and lecturer support as predictors of students academic success  
  by Nazmi Xhomara 
  Abstract: The purpose of the study is to investigate the relationships between individual study work and lecturer support, and students academic success, as well as the influence of individual study work and lecturer support on students academic success. The mixed approach is the method used in the study. A random cluster sample of students and a purposive sample of lecturers, a structured questionnaire, and a semi-structured interview were selected to be used in the study. The study demonstrated that individual study work influences strongly students academic success, meanwhile lecturer support doesnt influence it. At the same time, students academic success has been explained strongly by individual study work and lecturer support. This study is one of a very small number of studies reporting similar results.
  Keywords: individual study work; lecturer support; students’ academic success.
  
  
• Understanding Entrepreneurial Intention among Indian Youth Aspiring for SelfEmployment  
  by Yasir Arafat, Imran Saleem, Amit Kumar Dwivedi 
  Abstract: Purpose - The main aim of this study is to confirm whether Entrepreneurial Intention Models (EIM) explain the entrepreneurial phenomenon when applied to India.rnrnDesign/methodology/approach We have tested the Ajzens theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework for testing entrepreneurial intention (EI) in Indian setting. The data has been collected by administering Entrepreneurial Intention Questionnaire (EIQ) among the students of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India who are aspiring to take up self-employment as their career option. The paper employs a linear regression model to examine the determinants of entrepreneurial intention (EI) based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB).rnrnFindings Results obtained partially support the theory of planned behavior. The construct Social Norms (SN) found to be insignificant in predicting entrepreneurial intention (EI). Moreover, Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) or Self-efficacy explains highest variance than other variables which indicates that entrepreneurial behavior is not under volitional control; hence, India has a less munificent environment for entrepreneurs than other nations. rnrnOriginality/value This is one of the few studies to provide evidence for Entrepreneurial Intention Models (EIM) in India based on the TPB framework. In addition, it checks the robustness of the TPB in explaining EI in India and confirm the some of the previous findings.rn
  Keywords: Entrepreneurship; Entrepreneurial Intention; Theory of Planned Behavior; Students; Intention models; Start-up; Venture creation.
  
  
• Why Do Students Fall Into Webtoon Viewing While They Give Up Mathematics? An fMRI Study  
  by Seung-Hyuk Kwon, Yeong-Ji Lee, Yong-Ju Kwon 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify brain activation regions related to flow and motivation during mathematics problem solving and webtoon viewing based on brain imaging technology. Researchers measured brain activation using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and investigated flow and motivation through questionnaires. Significant differences between mathematics problem solving and webtoon viewing were found in high school students brain activation regions. Based on the functions of these brain activation regions, result-oriented reward pursuit could play an important role in students motivation-inducing during mathematics problem solving. However, investigation of flow and motivation from webtoon viewing were ascertained to be caused from pleasure from new information presented in the story and picture. Results of this study could help devise a specific strategy for mathematics problem solving instruction.
  Keywords: flow experience; functional magnetic resonance imaging; mathematics problem solving; motivation; webtoon viewing.
  
  
• The Effect of Knowledge Management Maturity on Managerial Flexibility: An Empirical Study in Telecommunications Companies in Jordan  
  by Abeer Al-Faouri, Raghda AL Faouri, Elham Al-Faouri, Manar Al-Qatawneh 
  Abstract: While existing literature has generally concentrated on knowledge management maturity (KMM) and managerial flexibility, less focus has been dedicated to the effect of the former on the latter. Consequently, this study suggested a model of the effects of KMM dimensions: people, process, and technology on managerial flexibility dimensions: structural flexibility, and strategic flexibility. The responses of 168 employees working in mobile communications companies in Jordan engaged in managerial and specialized knowledge work were analyzed to test the proposed research hypotheses. The results revealed that only people maturity, and process maturity have significant effects on the structural flexibility; whereas all the independent variables: people maturity, process maturity, and technology maturity have significant effects on the strategic flexibility. In the light of the results reached some practical implications for the explored organizations and proposed future studies have been recommended.
  Keywords: knowledge management maturity; people maturity; process maturity; technology maturity; managerial flexibility; structural flexibility; strategic flexibility.
  
  
• The philosophy of education in the Sultanate of Oman: Between Conservatism and Modernism  
  by Chokri Kooli 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to present and analyse the main attributes of the philosophy of education in the Sultanate of Oman. An investigation of the governments educational orientations, linking the different attributes observed in its philosophy of education to the main educative approaches showed that this philosophy stands between Conservatism and Modernism. The research also found that the Oman Philosophy of Education reflects the lineaments of the Oman society. By combining openness to the universal values and preserving the Arabian-Islamic national culture and values, the Sultanate of Oman has put in place a unique model of teaching philosophy. This model shows a certain openness to the contemporary world and an attachment to the traditional values of Omani Arabian-Islamic society. The research also showed that The Oman Philosophy of education is conservative in its form and in majority modernist in its content.
  Keywords: Philosophy of education; Sultanate of Oman; philosophical dispositions; Conservatism in education; Modernism in education.
  
  
• Stakeholders Views of Children with Special Needs in Saudi Arabia  
  by Mohaned Ghazi Abed 
  Abstract: This study examined stakeholders views concerning students with special needs in Saudi Arabia, and their perspectives on inclusion or exclusion from mainstream schools. A qualitative study was conducted using open-ended interviews. The research sample included 21 parents and 32 teachers as stakeholders representing a range of individuals directly involved in education in the Special Needs arena in the Saudi context. The results revealed that a number of stakeholders opposed those children with SEN being included in general schools. Moreover, knowledge was found to be lacking among stakeholders regarding legislation for children with special need. Analysis of the findings clarified the stakeholders perceptions of special needs education. Based on these, practice implications for reforms in education for SEN children in the Saudi are discussed.
  Keywords: Children; Inclusion; Special Needs; Stakeholders; Saudi Arabia; reformative actions; mainstream schools; Special Needs arena; inclusive education.
  
  
• The Contradiction between Self-protection and Self-presentation on Knowledge Sharing Behavior: Evidence from Higher Education Students in Pakistan  
  by Syed Ali Raza, Komal Akram Khan 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to discover the knowledge sharing behavior among the students of higher education by incorporating information security awareness and social capital along with the role of self-protection and self-presentation. Independent variables are general information security awareness, information security policy awareness, bonding social capital, bridging social capital, thread appraisal and source credibility while knowledge sharing behavior act as a dependent variable. The study is conducted in Karachi and data were collected from 520 respondents that include students of different universities with different educational backgrounds. The study used an online questionnaire as a medium for data collection. A quantitative approach is used in the study. Further, partial least square-structural equation modeling is used to analyze the data. The result shows that general information security awareness and information security policy awareness have a positive and significant impact on threat appraisal and knowledge sharing behavior. Social capital has a positive and significant relationship with source credibility and knowledge sharing behavior. Furthermore, source credibility has a positive and significant relationship with knowledge sharing behavior whereas, threat appraisal has a positive but insignificant impact on knowledge sharing behavior.
  Keywords: Knowledge Sharing Behavior; Social Capital; Social Networking Sites; Smart PLS; Pakistan.
  
  
• A Multivariate Econometric Perspective on Distance Learning and Livelihood Status in India  
  by Unmilan Kalita 
  Abstract: Open and distance learning (ODL) has stood as a pivot pillar of Indias framework for education, wherein knowledge has reached the countrys nooks and corners, indirectly propelling its growth and development for decades. The main objective of this study is to examine whether ODL impacts livelihood status of people in India. The study involves a multivariate analysis of ODLs effect on livelihood, considering Indias GDP per capita (state-wise) as proxy for the livelihood variable. Observations indicate that ODL exerts significant positive impact on GDP per capita, strongly underlining the case for pursuing ODL policy in the states. The impact of Indias gender parity index, life expectancy at birth, Human Development Index (HDI) and self-help groups (SHG) on GDP per capita is studied while their interrelationship with ODL is observed through a bivariate analysis.
  Keywords: Open and distance learning; Gross domestic product; Livelihood; Human Development Index; Life Expectancy at Birth; Self Help Groups.