1993 research outputs found
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Ramadan, lived religion, and the celebration of ambiguity
Get PDFIn this paper, I demonstrate how the lived practice of Ramadan in the UK signifies a tolerance and celebration of ambiguity in everyday life. I position my work against Bauer’s (2021) argument that Muslims have become increasingly unaccepting of ambiguity and that this “intolerance of ambiguity in modern Islam is a phenomenon of modernity” (29). Rather, my participants tolerated seemingly contradictory ideas, embracing subjectivity and contrasting a post-Enlightenment emphasis on certainty and objective truth.
I demonstrate these subjective and ambiguous attitudes and practices through several examples. Firstly, participants displayed an ambiguous approach to sacred times. This is explored in the context of variant methods of moonsighting – to determine the start and end of Islamic months – and the perceived unknowability of one of the most sacred times of the year, Laylatu-l-qadr (The Night of Power). Secondly, participants expressed paradoxical attitudes towards food, simultaneously shunning and rejoicing in bodily desires.
My paper contributes to several contemporary understandings of Islam – including the works of Thomas Bauer (2021) and Shahab Ahmed (2016) – which tend towards the idea that Muslims today have become increasingly intolerant of ambiguity and subjectivity instead adopting more rigid and binary positions. I contrast such arguments, displaying particularly how the everyday, often domestic, practice of Islam is more nuanced and complex than public discourses might reveal. Furthermore, I argue that studies of everyday, mundane aspects of religion are vital in illuminating our understanding of Islam in the modern world
Analysing the Influence of Digital Marketing on Consumer Perceptions and Actions Within the UK’s Mobile Technology Sector
Get PDFPurpose: The research intended to assess the effect of digital marketing on consumer attitudes and behaviour in the mobile industry in UK. The study reflects its significance by conducting the present research on the contribution of digital marketing and its influence on consumer behaviour and attitudes toward purchasing products from mobile companies in UK.
Methods: The study with the help of primary methods and statistical analysis to present the online survey data gained in-depth knowledge about the selected research phenomenon more accurately and appropriately. It surveyed 50 marketing professionals with 12 close ended questions. The collected data were analysed using SPSS software that derived descriptive statistics, regression, chi-square test and Pearson correlation.
Findings: The results provide an understanding of the influence of consumer perception and their actions towards the digital marketing technique in the UK for the mobile technology sector. Through the SPSS analysis process, it is evident that there remains a correlation between the dependent and the independent variables. The results have shown that digital marketing needs to be undertaken by market practitioners to engage customers, however by seeing consumers’ actions. It has been found that consumer perception and their actions have a significant relationship over the digital marketing taking place in UK mobile technology. The study has expanded the knowledge by bridging the gap in previous studies and confirmed that the existing limited evidence regarding digital marketing in UK mobile technology industry. The scholars or academic researcher who are willing to conduct research on a closer background can enrich their knowledge through the results of this study which is a significant practical contribution of the study.
Implications: The scholars or academic researcher who are willing to conduct research on a closer background can enrich their knowledge through the results of this study. Decision makers or marketing managers of mobile companies could gain profound knowledge about digital marketing and its influence on consumers’ perception. They could take suggestions from the findings of this study to maximise their potential in digital marketing efficiency
Celtic Women in Context: Comparative Perspectives on Stereotypes and Gender Roles of Ancient Women
Get PDFThis dissertation focuses on the stories and stereotypes of Celtic women of antiquity. Evidence of the behaviour and roles of these women is sparse, and when they are mentioned, their true nature has the potential to be shrouded in bias, leading to a possible misrepresentation. Classical authors, such as Tacitus, Dio and Caesar had the propensity to write about the Celts through a kaleidoscopic lens that featured xenophobia, sexism, and propaganda, creating an entertaining but often fragmentary image. This study looks at whether these perspectives have altered the way Celtic women have been portrayed over time. The stories of lesser known historical women such as Camma, Chiomara and Eponina are explored alongside the more popular accounts of Boudica and Cartimandua. These women are compared to their Roman and Greek, female counterparts to discover if there is any truth to the stereotype that suggests Celtic women had more freedom and were equal to their male kin in both strength and society.
There is a glamorisation of the Celts, and by proxy, Celtic women. This research aims to tend to their truth as much as possible, to show how ‘one stereotype cannot fit all’; that these women are nuanced and that we only disrespect them when we mould them to fit our own ideal
Changing Anti-Corruption Practices in Ukraine: 2022 Onwards
Get PDFThe problem of corruption in Ukraine has existed since its declaration of independence. With the
help of civil society, recommendations of international organisations, and international cooperation,
Ukraine slightly improved the situation, but there was not as much change in the public acceptance
of corruption. However, on the 24th of February 2022, the Russian Federation launched its invasion,
changing Ukrainian society and its mundane life.
This thesis analyses the impact of the war on the anti-corruption processes in Ukraine and the shift
in the perspective of the Ukrainian public on the problem of corruption in their country. The case of
corruption in the Ukrainian Defence Ministry is used as the main example of an important trend in
Ukrainian society: improving the involvement of the citizens in the anti-corruption processes and
the role of investigative journalism in bringing public attention to the problems within the vital state
institutions. Then, the findings from the case study are brought into the context of the corruption
studies, and the papers studying corruption in Ukraine are utilised to compare the corruption before
and after the beginning of the war. With the formed understanding of corruption both in a
theoretical sense and in practice, the thesis expands on the current state of anti-corruption strategy
and the social influence on the situation.
The ultimate goal of this thesis is to provide an understanding of the current corruption-related
processes in Ukrainian society and how to retain them once the war ends
Improving Students’ Mathematical Understanding by Engaging with the Mathematical Structure
Get PDFThis study investigates whether teaching using the underlying structure of mathematical concepts improves students’ understanding. This case focused on fractional magnitudes. For this study, instantiations are defined as mathematical concepts considered from the viewpoint of the learner. Mathematical structure consists of the instantiations alongside their properties.
The pragmatic approach explores the research aims using qualitative and quantitative methods. A series of interventions was designed with Year 7 students. The interventions focussed on teaching students about fractional magnitudes; an area of mathematics vital for much of the secondary mathematics syllabus. The approach was cyclical, with three interventions. The design for each intervention was informed by the specific mathematical ideas that the students had misunderstood in the previous intervention.
Although students’ understanding of fractional amounts had improved at the end of
the first intervention, the post-test and interview indicated a persistence of incorrect responses, which were automatic and accompanied by mantras. The second intervention included tasks to try to address these intuitive responses. The third intervention focussed on intuitive responses and language around fraction magnitude.
The first intervention investigated the mathematical thoughts and understanding of students. The second and third interventions allowed for in-depth investigation of specific incorrect intuitions and perceptions of mathematical structure from the viewpoint of these learners. This cyclical approach exposed specific incorrect intuitive responses that appeared to be persistent.
The study demonstrates a process of designing teaching episodes interpreting
both the mathematical structure and the student errors through the students’
viewpoints. The results indicate ways that teachers can address intuitions in their classroom. The findings suggest that the use of mantras, helpful in teaching early mathematics, may be a basis for intuitive errors that persist. Exploration of a possible link between a learner’s general mathematical difficulties and dependence on intuition could be an area for future research
Evaluating UK Crisis Interventions: Fiscal, Monetary, and Regulatory Policy Responses to the 2007-2009 Financial Crisis
Get PDFThis study investigated the experiences and perceptions of investment professionals during the financial crisis in the United Kingdom from 2007 to 2009, focusing on their challenges, views on intervention measures, and the impact on their financial stability and trust in banking institutions. These professionals, who participated in the survey, had first hand experience of the crisis that hit the financial sector, making their insights crucial for this research. The study guides further crisis management strategies, financial regulations, and policies that can strengthen financial stability and restore the confidence of investment professionals in the banking sector. Adopting a quantitative research approach and a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 40 investment professionals in the UK, including investment professionals.
The study establishes that a large number of investment professionals were moderately to severely impacted by the crisis, facing challenges in credit and financial services, housing positions, and the small business and entrepreneurship sector. Additionally, the study reveals ambivalent attitudes towards the efficacy, equity, and necessity of crisis responses implemented by the UK government and financial organizations. The narratives of the participants highlight the importance of financial literacy in emergencies, significant concerns regarding potential future financial crises, and the diminishing public trust in banks. These findings suggest that greater collaboration and more policy-oriented methods for crisis resolution and financial supervision, based on rebuilding trust and enhancing the financial stability of the system, are needed at the policy and institutional levels
Transforming ministry in the Church in Wales: a critical assessment of the implementation of ministry areas
No full textThe context of this research is the Church in Wales Review (2012) which advocated a transition to ministry areas which are geographically and demographically larger than existing parishes. My thesis looks at ways in which Ministry Areas can be implemented by using templates and theories of change, principally those of John Kotter. His eight step model is an appropriate tool for change in a church steeped in history and tradition. St David’s Diocese was selected for research as they had started the transition from 2017. An understanding of general principles and reaction to change was explored before examining the context of ministry and how that had evolved, mainly in Wales since disestablishment in 1920. Related research concentrated on the effects of change rather than the change itself but was found useful as parallels could be drawn with St David’s Diocese on factors such as rurality, collaboration and church growth. Research methods were both quantitative and qualitative and include questionnaires, interviews and focus groups. The following theological themes emerged from the data and literature reviews; change, the Body of Christ, servant leadership and place and were reflected upon in the context of organisational change. A statement has been included to explain how Covid restrictions affected the research and writing of this thesis. Results focused on different perspectives, accorded to roles and levels of ministerial oversight. Research showed the effect of differing activities and relationships between churches and communities relating to increased opportunities for mission. The final recommendations were based on Strategy, Sustaining Change, Ministry and Community which were predominant themes running through the thesis. Cutting across all the activity involved in the transition to Ministry Areas has to be an awareness of the intrinsic reasons why this change was required, to develop a collaborate and relevant ministry which has potential to grow disciples and communities of faith. Although the focus is the Church in Wales, the principles of change developed in this work are applicable for a much wider context
The Impact of Social Media Use on Mental Health of the Adult Population: A Systematic Literature Review
Get PDFBackground: The pervasive use of social media has raised concerns about its potential impact on adult mental health.
The overarching aim of this study is to analyse and synthesize existing literature to provide insights into the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes among adults.
Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed, EBSCO Host and ProQuest central. The search encompassed studies conducted from the earliest date to 2023. A comprehensive search strategy was employed to identify relevant studies. Data extraction and evaluation were conducted using predetermined criteria to assess the quality and relevance of the included studies. Thematic analysis was utilized to synthesize the findings from both qualitative and quantitative studies.
Results: The review identified a diverse range of studies conducted globally, highlighting the widespread interest in understanding the impact of social media on mental health. The systematic review identified 26 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, encompassing various research designs, including 21 cross-sectional, one cohort, one qualitative, and one mixed-methods studies. theThematic analysis revealed several overarching themes, including the positive and negative associations between social media use and mental health outcomes, the influence of specific platforms, mediating factors such as stress and acculturation, gender differences in susceptibility, and qualitative insights into users' experiences. The systematic review identified 26 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, encompassing various research designs, including 21 cross-sectional, one cohort, one qualitative, and one mixed methods studies.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the nuanced relationship between social media use and mental health among adults. While some studies reported detrimental effects, others found no significant associations or even positive outcomes. Factors such as platform diversity, stress mediation, acculturation, and gender differences further complicate the relationship. These insights have implications for interventions and future research directions aimed at promoting mental well-being in the context of social media use among adults
Simulated Online Music Composing Lessons: developing teaching models through action research
Get PDFThe purpose of this research was to develop three models for the online teaching of music composing, along with creating a composing-specific technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge (TPACK) model from Mishra and Koeher’s (2006) original TPACK model. The teaching models developed were synchronous (live teaching), asynchronous (teaching is pre- recorded), and synergistic (a hybrid of synchronous and asynchronous). The study, situated in an interpretivist paradigm, used a two-cycle action research approach. A year 9 class of 19 students consented to participate in the research, which collected data through bi-weekly questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and a researcher diary. The teaching, upon which the research was based, took place in a simulated online environment within a physical classroom, where each student had access to a computer, headphones, the G Suite for Education, and BandLab. The findings explore the development of the models, where three music-specific online composing teaching models and a composing-specific TPACK model are presented. The research highlights that teaching composing online is possible, but that challenges, including communication and creating a sense of belonging within the online environment, exist. The students shared many positive views about online learning and were receptive to the changes made to the models after each cycle, including for example the addition of a second Google Meet call. The key themes foregrounded by this research were online music pedagogy, relationships, efficiency, and the misalignment of efficiency and connectedness, contributing to the literature around online music teaching. Based on the findings, the need for further research into how the teaching models and TPACK model interact, development of the composing -specific TPACK model, and testing of the models in a true online environment, are suggested. Moreover, the findings indicate the value of the models as a guide for educators in their own online music pedagogic practice. The three models for teaching online music composing and the composing-specific TPACK model are the major contributions of this research
The Value of Technology Transfer on the Development of Entrepreneurship Capabilities: A Study of the Educational Technology Industry in Hong Kong
Get PDFTechnology transfer, also known as knowledge transfer or knowledge exchange, is an integral mission of universities, supplementing their core functions of teaching, learning, and research. Each of the eight publicly funded universities in Hong Kong has set up Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) to streamline this process. TTOs are vital for managing intellectual property, commercializing technology, and fostering entrepreneurship. Universities aim to enhance their TTOs' efficiency to transform research and development investments into tangible societal benefits, contributing to economic growth and entrepreneurship.
Educational Technology (EdTech) is a rapidly growing market, driven further by technological advancements and the impacts of COVID-19. This sector sees a surge in technology-based startups focusing on educational applications, and educators are increasingly launching commercial or social enterprises to address teaching and learning challenges. EdTech uniquely combines technological inventions with pedagogical innovations to create new educational tools. This study explores how entrepreneurs in the EdTech startup sector build technology value, educational value, and social networks, which constitute their knowledge capital and support their entrepreneurial capabilities.
The study's findings affirm that both formal and informal technology transfer and entrepreneurship development activities within universities positively impact the knowledge capital of EdTech startups, enhancing their innovativeness, entrepreneurial attitudes, and cocreation abilities. Educational value significantly influences entrepreneurial capability. Although absorptive capability positively impacts entrepreneurial capability, its moderating role between knowledge capital and entrepreneurial capability is insignificant. These findings offer managerial implications for university technology transfer activities and EdTech startups in Hong Kong. The model and findings can be adapted to other technology sectors like SportsTech, HealthTech, FemaleTech, and ArtTech, suggesting a versatile framework for understanding technology transfer and entrepreneurship in various specialised domains
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