International Journal of Knowledge and Learning (43 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• 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
   
  
• 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
   
  
• Clinical legal education in India through disruptive technology: the changing contours  
  by R.K. Rajkhanna, C. Rabbiraj 
  Abstract: Clinical legal education (CLE) has always been an integral part of legal education in India, and this study provides a quantitative assessment of the existing clinical legal education programs. The global spread of the idea is also accelerating. The paper also argues that CLE should bridge academic research and actual legal practice. India has made many attempts to establish a high-quality CLE system. However, this was all in vain, as the authorities failed to plan. The important period of meeting CLE and integrating technology into legal education is the focus of this study. As CLE concepts gain academic support, questions about legal education concepts and the form CLE should take have become increasingly important. More debate revolves around technology’s place in the classrooms of aspiring lawyers. Nonetheless, the resulting logical concerns are not trivial. Technology may simply be seen as a tool to complement more traditional forms of legal guidance. This study aims to find out how CLE has changed in India and what new initiatives and practises are being used in this field.
  Keywords: Bar Council of India; clinical legal education; Indian Constitution; legal education; pedagogy; technology; University Grants Commission.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10055364
   
  
• Enhancing speaking fluency in English through the use of open educational resources among secondary school students in Kazakhstan  
  by Akbota T. Toleuzhan, Galiya B. Sarzhanova, Gulnaz K. Tleuzhanova, Cem Erdem 
  Abstract: This study examines Kazakhstani intermediate students’ perspectives on using self-developed open educational resources (OER) to enhance their speaking skills in English as a foreign language (EFL). The survey analysis also aims to reveal whether there are differences based on participants’ gender. Using a purposive sampling technique, data was collected through Google forms from 302 students. The practical outcome has displayed that the self-developed OER, including an electronic textbook and a You Tube channel, has been warmly accepted by most participants. Due to OERs’ real-life context, simpler language, and entertaining features based on the essential elements of the language, participants’ fluency and confidence in speaking English enhanced, and its persistent use enabled students to become more independent learners in EFL, taking on the responsibility for their learning. Moreover, EFL learners’ motivation to learn the language has significantly increased due to the proposed OER entertaining content identified as the most appealing feature among EFL students.
  Keywords: open educational resources; OER; speaking fluency; autonomous learning; motivation; confidence; digital technologies in EFL; You Tube videos; authentic materials; entertaining content.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10055707
   
  
• Artificial intelligence: a support system in inclusive education  
  by Manjula Balachandran, C. Rabbiraj 
  Abstract: Education develops and moulds humans into resourceful human capital. The use of artificial intelligence in education can fix some of the field’s most pressing problems to speed up the achievement of SDG 4. Alongside benefits are several issues that have thus far outrun policy discussions, regulatory structures, and implementation. UNESCO is dedicated to helping member states use artificial intelligence to advance the Education 2030 Agenda and uphold universally accepted standards of fairness and inclusiveness. Over the last few years, artificial intelligence tools have been devised, modified, and used accordingly to bring new approaches to education. The disabled community, who were the most neglected, are now educated in an inclusive setup, though divergent, an innovative pattern. This article delves into the application of artificial intelligence in inclusive education, how inclusive education can be shaped in the future through assistive artificial intelligence techniques, and by assessing its legal personality in today’s world.
  Keywords: artificial intelligence; inclusive education; education; children with disabilities; legal framework; functioning; impairment; health.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10056100
   
  
• Linking knowledge sharing with employee creativity: the relevance of organisational identification  
  by Sobia Hassan, Rabia Asif 
  Abstract: Sharing information via knowledge creation is considered as the main driving force for growth which allows organisations to obtain numerous benefits like better learning, innovation and strong decision-making. To manage creativity, highly trained and qualified individuals are required to create and apply innovative ideas in various domains. This would only be possible if universities have smooth knowledge sharing among staff to create identification in which employees and organisation share similar objectives and values. The current investigation observes the influence of knowledge sharing on academic staffs creativity from public sector universities, taking into account the role of organisational identification. The study used the quantitative research technique and indicated that knowledge sharing has significant positive effect on the creativity with the mediating emphasis of organisational identification. Findings of the current study are deliberated in the light of earlier researches and recommend implications for practice and viability in the organisations.
  Keywords: knowledge sharing; employee creativity; organisational identification.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10056101
   
  
• What shapes online mode of teaching impact on hospitality students’ academic achievement? An empirical assessment during COVID-19  
  by Girish K. Nair 
  Abstract: The COVID-19 has posed a challenge on hospitality education; nevertheless, the online mode of teaching came as the survival tool and it has provided an ideal platform for the continuance of educational services. As student engagement was the key aspect to be tackled by the online tool, specifically focussed on the impact of student-to-student, student-to-teacher, and student-to-content interaction on the student engagement. Further, the study has explored the dynamics between student engagement, student satisfaction, and student achievement during the COVID-19 situation. Six hypotheses were postulated based on the earlier studies on the antecedents of academic achievement of the students and they were tested empirically through the data collected (n = 207 through extrapolation) in higher educational institutions. Student-teacher interaction, student engagement, student satisfaction and student achievement are having significant positive association. The practical implications would help the education providers to fine-tune the online mode of teaching to deal with future eventualities.
  Keywords: hospitality education; student engagement; student satisfaction; student achievement; online learning; COVID-19.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10056136
   
  
• Developing agricultural literacy through USR and blockchain  
  by Chien-Pang Lee, Cheng-I. Wei, Tzong-Ru Lee 
  Abstract: This study proposed a concept of university social responsibility (USR) to develop agriculture literacy by involving students in actual procedure of agricultural production and sales. Through this study, students, teachers, and farmers’ associations were connected in a course. Blockchain technology was used for a complete and accurate record. This study was held at National Chung Hsing University Taiwan during the first semester of the 2019 academic year. Questionnaires were given to students to analyse their agricultural literacy. Descriptive analysis showed that the mean of students’ agricultural cognition, agricultural attitude, and agricultural behaviour were 3.3737, 3.7495, and 3.3912, respectively. The semantic analysis showed that students understood that they had cooperation and knowledge exchange with farmers’ association by the blockchain technology. It was concluded that the students tended to have a better agricultural attitude after participating in the course and this USR concept had a subtle effect on developing students’ agricultural literacy.
  Keywords: agricultural literacy; university social responsibility; USR; blockchain technology.
  
  
• Female academics in higher education institutes and their work-life balance strategies: a voiceless saga  
  by Rabia Naseem, Kanwal Iqbal Khan, Sobia Naseem, Quratulain Akhtar 
  Abstract: Work-life balance (WLB) is a widely explored topic in the academic discourse. The researchers are trying to find strategies to effectively balance their work and home responsibilities for women in management. This study aims to analyse how gender roles and inequalities shape the strategies of female academics in higher education institutions. 18 faculty members participated in the semi-structured interviews. The trustworthiness of qualitative inquiry was ascertained by using triangulation, thick descriptions, and peer reviews. Three major themes emerged from the analysis: emotional, religious and social strategies. Despite available support, faculty noted challenges in managing work and family roles and fighting with gender stereotypes. This research adds to the emerging concept of WLB literature from the developed countries viewpoint. It also shows how WLB discourse varies from Western sensibilities and collaborates with the previously established strategies that female academics formulate in WLB.
  Keywords: gender roles; female academics; work-life balance strategies; professional careers; gender stereotypes; higher education institutions.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10056663
   
  
• Demystifying design thinking: insights from a systematic literature review  
  by Arabinda Bhandari 
  Abstract: Design thinking (DT) becomes a recognised terminology in management nowadays. The concept of DT is predominantly framed as an approach to innovation and creative problem-solving methods on designers processes and practices. It is considered that DT can comprehend customer needs, can shape a firms value creation processes, and contribute to the formalisation of the design task. Considering the importance of DT in a current business and social scenario, the objective of this research is to review past performance and the intellectual structure of DT. To do so, this study has done a comprehensive and systematic review of 124 A* and A category ABDC indexed articles from 2007 Scopus indexed articles based on the PRISMA framework. A systematic literature review reveals the performance, themes, and sub-themes in the intellectual structure and identifies five different future research directions with 20 different theories which have contributed to DT research.
  Keywords: design; design thinking; innovation; problem-solving; bibliometric analysis; solution.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10057009
   
  
• Building authentic assessment criteria in teaching Mathematics in the direction of competence development for primary students  
  by Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, Vu Dinh Phuong 
  Abstract: Authentic assessment is an assessment form that can assist teachers in conducting the assessment as well as improving student learning. Criteria are considered one of the necessary tools for authentic assessment. In what ways do various contextual circumstances influence the creation of credible assessment standards? How does one actually go about creating valid assessment criteria? This article aims at stating the research findings about the influence degrees of several factors on the authentic assessment criteria building process and authentic assessment criteria building procedure in teaching Mathematics in the direction of competence development. Through studies of several authors, this article analyses the role of learning outcomes, standards, and several particular factors in authentic assessment for authentic assessment criteria. The authentic assessment procedure is proposed and consulted by several education experts based on the experimenting process. In addition, the proposed procedure is analysed and clarified through an assessment task used in Mathematics for class 5th students.
  Keywords: authentic assessment; criteria assessment; competency assessment; assessment task; teaching mathematics; primary students.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10057089
   
  
• Virtual learning styles based on learning style detection  
  by G. Bhuvaneswari, B.R. Aravind, S. Suman Rajest, S. Arun Kumar 
  Abstract: Online learning spaces are virtual learning environments that have evolved alongside breakthroughs in information technology and the continual growth of educational ideals. Physical classes are always difficult for any instructor, and online classes have added to the burden by requiring teachers to consider the ethics, values, and viewpoints of students towards online learning. While distance learning has been viewed as useful for learners who cannot afford physical learning owing to a variety of causes, it has progressed in such a way that student viewpoints have reached a point where ethics are not considered. This paper attempts to find out the learning styles of students in the context of online classrooms and the data are collected using a questionnaire. The study was done with 322 students who belong to first year engineering stream and their perspectives based on their answers are analysed. The central tenet of behaviourism is that all actions are acquired through interactions with the environment. According to this learning theory, environmental circumstances have a much greater impact on behaviour than innate or inherited traits.
  Keywords: virtual classroom; online learning; learning styles; learning models; kinesthetic learners; visual learners; auditory learners; learning preferences; virtual environment; learning space; online medium.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10057158
   
  
• Legal study on the role and importance of technology in education for children with disabilities  
  by Manjula Balachandran, C. Rabbiraj 
  Abstract: Education at all levels is becoming more dependent on technology. To provide universal access to technology, educational institutions must make sure that the employed technology is available to all people, including those with disabilities also. Technology offers a lot of untapped promise for supporting inclusive education. Universal learning design coupled with technology-supported learning has much potential, but the gap lies in accessibility and lack of resources. This paper examines inclusive education technology use, access, and need. The Information Technology Act of 2000 legalises electronic communication and commerce. Education for children with special needs (CWSN) is dealt with under the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. Coalescing these enactments is a boon to the education system as it helps target CWSN who are diverse. The study is purely doctrinal and refers to the Indian context. Indian education lacks technical and legal infrastructure, according to research. Technology will change special education. New technology and instructional methods improve special education.
  Keywords: technology; information and communication; education; children with special needs; CWSN; assistive technology; Indian context; universal learning design.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10057268
   
  
• Global warming awareness among Jordanian university students  
  by Ashraf F. Kan'an 
  Abstract: This study aimed to assess the level of GW in Jordanian university students and compare the level of awareness of students according to their academic level (high and low), faculty (science and humanities), gender (male and female), and year of study (first and final years). A quantitative research that provides a comprehensive view of GW in Jordanian universities. A total of 383 university students of currently registered undergraduate programs from six independent universities in Jordan were recruited. An online questionnaire covering three aspects of GW was sent to participants in December 2020. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Participants had good (67%) overall knowledge about GW, a very good level of GW causes (81%), and a poor level of knowledge about the GW impacts on humans and the environment (47%) and knowledge about GW possible solutions (59%). Significant differences were founded between males and females, students from scientific faculties and students from other faculties, students with higher academic achievement than lower achievement in the total GW knowledge. But, no significant differences were between students in the first year and the final years.
  Keywords: global warming; knowledge; awareness; university; students; Jordan.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10057277
   
  
• Comparative analysis of the impact of urban music on students of state, private and parochial educational institutions  
  by Agustin Angel Roberto Chumpitaz-Avila, Luis Fernando Castro-Llacsa 
  Abstract: Urban music has become a cultural phenomenon of a worldwide scale that invades social spaces and can determine the lifestyle of many teenagers. Likewise, music plays a very important role in the academic formation of students. The present study aims to determine urban musics influence on students behaviour in their final year of secondary education at state, parochial, and private institutions. To this end, exploratory research was conducted to identify behavioural patterns and their influence on their learning achievement. Moreover, a quantitative methodology was utilised through the literature review method to establish a foundation in previous works and enable the creation and implementation of instruments based on these indexed articles. The preliminary results obtained from applying the questionnaire and interview to students in their final year of secondary education demonstrate that socio-economic status, the ethnic origin of students, and the social spaces where these adolescents frequent all influence the choice of preferred musical genre and shape their social behaviour.
  Keywords: urban music; social behaviours; secondary education; adolescents; ethical values; cultural development; globalisation; academic formation; interculturalism; influence.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2023.10058257
   
  
• 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
   
  
• Quality education from the student's 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
   
  
• 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
   
  
• 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 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 the instructor and course significantly higher. 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
   
  
• 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