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Primary teachers’ perceptions of music teaching before and after the COVID-19 pandemic
No full textMusic is one of the twelve subjects taught by mainstream primary school teachers in Ireland and it was specifically affected by COVID-19 restrictions. The aim of this study was to explore teachers’ perceptions on how music is taught in the post-pandemic classroom. Qualitative research was chosen as the specific experiences of participants were the focus. Five primary teachers currently working in a mainstream classroom for over three years were interviewed. The interviews were semi-structured and lasted between 20 and 30 minutes. Two research questions were explored: one focused on how teachers plan, incorporate and teach music in the post-pandemic classroom and the other focused on barriers to teaching music before and after the pandemic. The results indicated that planning was inconsistent, teachers were conscious of including music but were under pressure. Disjointedness, confidence, attitude, time, and support were identified as barriers to music teaching
A Study On the Need for Investment in Employee Wellbeing in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) In Bangalore, India
No full textIncreasingly, well-being is a major concern for a growing number of well-known organisations throughout the world. As a valid aim of business policies, it is also seen to have a positive impact on an organisation's development, which makes it an important
consideration. In this setting, businesses must pay particular attention to the well-being of their employees. There is a strong correlation between employee well-being and a number of HR activities, according to several studies. A company's overall development and profitability are also positively affected by the well-being of its employees. The health and well-being of employees is an important consideration for every firm, as well as for ensuring compliance with applicable laws. It is the objective of this research to examine the level of commitment of employers towards employee wellbeing in small and medium enterprises. The study examines the relationship between employee well-being and workplace productivity. The goal of this paper is to portray that business outcomes have overshadowed employee wellbeing and therefore the study seeks to establish a positive correlation between employee performance and the effects of the same of the Human resource practices of the organisations. A deductive method is used to investigate ideas and empirical facts related to employee well-being in the paper at hand. There will be a literature review used in this investigation to support the primary research which will be then used in the analysis stage to draw conclusions that will be presented in the findings and recommendations section of the report
Depression and anxiety symptom severity on executive functioning in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
No full textPurpose: To investigate the impact of anxiety and depression symptom severity on executive functioning in adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Method: Thirty-one adults ranging from 18 to 72 years of age with a confirmed ADHD diagnosis took part in the study. The study was designed as an online experimental survey which used a self-administered mental health questionnaire to evaluate participants’ levels of depression and anxiety and two neuropsychological tests to assess three areas of executive functioning: working memory, flexible thinking, and inhibitory control. Results: Statistical analysis revealed no difference between symptom severity of depression and anxiety on working memory and inhibitory control although a significant difference was found in cognitive flexibility between symptom severity of depression and anxiety. Conclusion: Comorbidity between ADHD, anxiety and depression may impact only specific executive functions in adults
Impact of Inclusive Leadership on Engineering Project Success in Ireland
No full textThe primary aim of this study is to find out to what extend does inclusive leadership
impact on project success. The researcher followed a quantitative method approach
surveying eight-four employees from the engineering sector in Ireland. The primary data was
collected via questionnaire in Google Forms and analysed through SPSS. The hypothesis H1,
H2, and H3 were tested and proven by using Cronbach’s Alpha Parameters and R-square
Model, and through the analysis of the results, respectively.
The researcher believes that this study validates the inclusive leaders’ skills as a
strategy to not only guarantee successful projects but also to guarantee that all team
members are working in an equally and fairly environment. Leaders must bring the best from
their employees in order to them perform at their best. Overall, organisations should organise
inclusive and diverse training initiatives in the form of workshops and seminars to assist
leaders and employees in making more reasonable project decisions
Challenges In Effectively Implementing Agile Methods In Different Industries Of Ireland: Mixed-Method Study
No full textThe research was inspired by Shameem et al.'s findings on prioritizing challenges of
the agile process in a distributed software development environment (2018). With Agile
methodology being popular lately in other industry sectors as well besides software
development the researcher further developed the topic. The research aim was to identify
the challenges in effectively implementing Agile methods in different industry sectors of
Ireland and to investigate similarities in the challenge categories across industries from the
perspective of project professionals. A mixed-method approach was selected to answer the
research questions including a combination of semi-structured interviews and online
questioners. The result shows the main challenges in implementing Agile methods in Ireland
are the lack of understanding of Agile method values and principles, followed by lack of
leadership commitment, management struggle with shifting to Agile mindset, organizational
culture too traditional, and resistance to change from individuals or groups. The research also
conducted that People related challenges are similar across all industry sectors in Ireland and
there the significant challenges across different industry sectors related to Organization,
Process, and Technology challenges
A study on the role of brand community management on brand loyalty and customer retention for Irish coffee consumers.
No full textThis dissertation investigates the role of Brand Community Management on brand
loyalty and customer retention for Irish coffee consumers. Underpinned by previous
literature, a deductive approach was used to test the theory behind brand community
management, identification, and perceptions of Irish coffee customers. Primary data was
gathered from 335 participants using an online quantitative survey questionnaire. The results
revealed key characteristics that influence brand loyalty, namely taste, service quality,
customer advocacy, and positive coffee shop experiences. Coffee brands were observed to be
customer-centric, and any existence or meaningfulness attached to brand community is
primarily reliant on customer experience and social motives rather than a felt sense of
membership. For most Irish consumers, coffee shops appear to be social gathering places
rather than established communities. Therefore, the study concludes that the ability of brand
community management to influence loyalty and retention relies upon the curation of positive
customer experiences
Moving from paper to cashless transactions: The effect on retail firms in Cork City, Ireland
No full textOver the years, technological advancement has led to the global disruption of various business sectors. In the finance sector, the adoption of cashless payment methods enabled by technology is increasing, especially among European countries. Cork city in Ireland announced plans to become Ireland's first cashless city with a scheme known "Cork cashes out" in 2015. Customers were encouraged to shop with debit cards rather than cash to participate in competitions for a range of prices. The researcher adopted a cross-sectional survey method and quantitatively analysed the data collected from a sample of 100 retail firms. The study found a significant positive relationship between profitability of retail firms and the adoption of a cashless payment system. The findings also showed that investments in financial innovations on a cashless payment system benefit sales. Furthermore, findings showed (82%) of the retailers prefer cashless paymentsto cash payment for transactions. The finding also revealed a significant downside for transitioning from cash to cashless transactions on retail firms. Lastly, the study discovered that the significant challenges faced by retailers are 'holding too much cash' and 'physical contact with customers during the pandemic.
Hemp for a Sustainable Future
Get PDFThe consistent rhetoric that there is nothing that humans can do to save our climate
is a misunderstood myth. With legislation changing on all three levels of government
– locally, nationally and internationally in the form of “Climate Action and Low Carbon
Development Bill 2020”, the “European Green Deal” and the “Paris Agreement”
respectively, that points to a vision that business practices and processes need to
adapt to a more circular economy.
With the use of secondary research, we analysed the construction industry’s impact
on our environment, what hemp is capable of doing for the environment and lastly
the feasibility of investing in the hemp construction industry.
The construction industry adds many pollutants to the environment, not just in the
form of carbon emissions. In Ireland, there is an increase of construction demand
(creating a larger effect on the environment than previously) due to the housing
crisis. The legal status is shifting towards a carbon neutral world therefore it would
affect the way the construction industry meets the demand for housing.
Hempcrete as an alternative construction material to concrete, is seen as the
healthier option for the construction industry. One that is sorely needed and one that
can help with the effects of the climate and potentially repair our past environmental
mistakes. Hempcrete is a mixture of lime binder, hemp hurd and water. Hempcrete
can be casted into bricks and sold or can be mixed onsite and used to pour into the
mould of the desired building. Having their own benefits, secondary research
revealed that hemp - from the moment it's planted - starts to create a better
environment and even after 300 years of Hempcrete standing buildings they keep
absorbing the CO2 in the environment.
The hemp industry is growing in size as hemp legislation is changing. There
is demand for socially responsible products. While most companies that are
producing hemp products now are still small and don’t have a strong position in the
market, it holds great potential to make a difference in the construction industry and
at the same time create a green circular economy that works to improve our
environment rather than to destroy it.
Ireland's climate is appropriate for the growth of industrial hemp which represents an
opportunity of becoming a major international supplier. Leading to Ireland having a
larger role to play internationally with its efforts for a greener circular-economy as
Ireland's impact on the western culture is seen as one of the greatest strengths it
holds (as irish holidays and folklore are celebrated around the world). This is a great
advantage while marketing a product of such importance. Therefore the literature
review partly focuses on the feasibility of creating a company that will specialise in all
things hemp, starting with the Construction Industry as it has the biggest effect on
the degradation of our environment.
Hempcore, the business proposal at the end of the literature review, is the logical
next step in creating a circular economy that is focused on fixing the environment.
Using ancient materials mixed with modern technology, Hempcore will aim to gain
competitive advantage to influence the construction industry in a more responsible
way
Investigating the adoption levels of cloud computing in Nigeria
No full textThe world is an emerging stage with intense technological innovations and advancement. Cloud computing has not doubled back during this transformative surge, reporting vast growth in application across various sectors. Nigeria as a nation has not been left out in the adoption of this technology but at a much lesser rate comparatively. This is less than desirable in a global economic landscape that is geared towards technological improvement and innovation. In this research, I investigated the overall prevalence of cloud computing technologies in Nigeria and determine the hindrances to its widespread use. With the aid of pre-existent material on the subject using interviews and quantitative data from questionnaires, I discovered several reasons for the low level of adoption of cloud computing in Nigeria as a developing Nation. These factors include low technological advancement, lack of funds for investment in technology, lack of technical-know-how, institutional constraints, and security. It is therefore observed that a wide range of systemic growth and development is needed in Nigeria before cloud computing is institutionalized. Advanced policies and infrastructure need to be developed to put cloud computing in widespread use. Globally, it is seen that cloud computing is no longer just a trend but a fast-growing technology that will only see more widespread use as time goes on. Therefore, Nigeria and other developing nations would do well to utilize its numerous benefits
Readiness, Barriers and Strategies for Dealing with Unexpected Organisational Change: A Case Study of Irish Secondary Schools During the Covid-19 Pandemic
No full textThe aim of this study is to provide insight on the readiness, barriers and strategies for dealing with unexpected organisational changes, driven by the Covid-19 pandemic, using the Irish Secondary Schools as the case study. Primary data was collected using a quantitative questionnaire with embedded open-ended questions. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis was descriptive in nature, providing an account of the School Management experiences in implementing change during the world-wide public health crisis. The findings revealed key types of organisational changes implemented, including employee training; changing or introducing new technology, and implementing school-wide operational changes related to the Covid-19 response plan. The key barriers to change related to lack of time to plan change effectively, competing demands from multiple stakeholders and lack of communication from the government to inform on changes required. The main contribution of this study are the empirical findings related to unplanned organisational changes in the Education sector