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Exploring the Perceptions of Private Sector Nursing Educators on Long-Term Retention in a Single Institution: A Qualitative Phenomenological Inquiry
Full text linkThis study aims to explore nurse educators\u27 perceptions of their long-term commitment to teaching and the factors influencing their retention within a private nursing institution. Turnover among nurse educators has become a pressing concern globally, as it threatens the quality of nursing education, the stability of academic programs, and the future preparation of competent nurses. This issue is particularly critical in private institutions, where challenges in retaining experienced faculty are more pronounced. A qualitative research design was deployed. Eight nurse educators participated in two-hour, in-depth semi-structured interviews, which allowed for rich data collection. The data were analysed using thematic analysis, a method to capture participants\u27 nuanced experiences and insights. The findings highlighted five central influences on retention: maintaining work–life balance, receiving effective leadership support, overall job satisfaction, cultural alignment within the institution, and opportunities for professional and career growth. These themes reflected the complex interplay of personal, organisational, and professional factors that shape educators\u27 intentions to remain in or leave their positions. Based on these findings, the study recommends that institutions adopt sustainable retention strategies, including supportive leadership practices, flexible work arrangements, and transparent pathways for professional development to ensure workforce stability
Development and Validation of a Digital Competence Scale for Teachers at Higher Education level
Full text linkDigital competence integrates knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for effective utilisation of digital technologies. This study aimed to develop and validate a Digital Competence Scale for in-service higher education teachers to measure six key digital competencies: technical competence, information processing competence, content creation competence, cybersecurity competence, cloud computing competence, and artificial intelligence competence. Grounded in extensive literature of digital competence, ICT and digital education, an initial pool of 25 items was developed using the prominently identified international digital competence frameworks. After initial scrutiny through content and expert validity, the scale was piloted on the data of 200 teachers. This data was used for exploratory factor analysis. For further scale validation, two models of the same scale were made. The first model was based on the six-dimensional conceptual framework, and the other model was based on exploratory factor analysis results. Both models were compared using confirmatory factor analysis. Overall, the 6-dimensional scale demonstrated strong psychometric properties supporting the scale’s use in educational and professional contexts
Assessing the Effectiveness of Mentoring Programs in Enhancing Academic Performance and Career Clarity among Undergraduate Students in Karachi, Pakistan
Full text linkMentoring is a process in which a seasoned individual guides an inexperienced individual to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of mentoring programs in enhancing academic performance and career clarity among undergraduate students across six public and private universities in Karachi, Pakistan. A qualitative research design was adopted along with an open-ended interview approach; data were collected from both male and female students, representing three disciplines, including law, humanities, and social sciences. Thematic analysis was conducted by using Braun and Clarke’s framework and a software program, which led to the identification of six main themes and ten subthemes. The results revealed a critical gap in the presence of formally structured mentoring programs, despite the widespread awareness of their potential benefits. Students reported that informal guidance by faculty members emerged as a valuable but inconsistent support system. Moreover, structured programs would not only enhance academic performance but also career planning, emotional resilience, and professional skill development. Thus, these findings underscore the need for higher education institutions to institutionalise mentoring as a key developmental tool
Inner Reflections: Exploring the Effect of Contemplative Art on Students\u27 Self-Awareness
Full text linkThis study explores the experiences and perceptions of university students to establish a connection between Contemplative Art (CA) and self-awareness. It also explores strategies for integrating CA across various academic disciplines. Using semi-structured interviews with 12 Fine Arts students from public sector universities in Punjab, Pakistan, the research identified key themes that underscore a strong relationship between CA and the development of self-awareness among higher education students. The primary emerging themes include increased self-confidence, spiritual awakening, and enhanced emotional expression. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of departmental collaboration and teacher training as effective strategies for integrating CA into other disciplines, thereby promoting interdisciplinarity. By disseminating these findings, this research aims to stimulate discourse on the role of CA in educational settings, contributing to the broader discourse on holistic and contemplative education. The insights from this study have the potential to enrich existing literature, encourage faculty to incorporate CA in their pedagogical practices and inspire future research into this essential area of education
Assessing the Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on Russian Politics: A Comprehensive Analysis
Full text linkThe Russian invasion of Ukraine has significantly shaped and transformed the political landscape within Russia, producing a range of intricate and multifaceted outcomes. Initially, the conflict appeared to bolster President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power, driven by a surge of nationalism and the rallying effect typical during wartime. Yet, this perceived consolidation of authority has faced mounting challenges due to severe domestic crises, persistent economic instability, growing societal unrest, and increasing international isolation. This paper investigates the intricate interplay between the war’s domestic and international repercussions and their potential long-term implications for Russian political policies and governance. By combining quantitative analyses of key economic indicators, such as inflation rates and GDP performance, with qualitative assessments of evolving political trends, social dynamics, and media narratives, this study provides a holistic view of the current state of Russian politics. It further examines how these factors collectively expose the inherent vulnerabilities of Putin’s regime, highlighting the precarious balance between centralized control and the emerging pressures of dissent. Through this comprehensive analysis, the paper aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of Russia\u27s shifting political trajectory amidst one of its most defining crises in recent history
Rethinking of Pak-US Relations: Prospects of their Bilateral Relations Post August 2021 to Joe Biden Administration
Full text linkThis paper examines Pak-US relations following the departure of US forces from Afghanistan. The central question of this study is if there is a potential for US-Pak reproachment given that the US\u27s priorities have drastically changed since the withdrawal of its forces. The paper finds that despite being friends, Pakistan and the United States have had decades-long, complicated relations with contrasting perspectives on a diverse issue. In the light of the neoclassical perspective, the paper argues that the significance the United States attaches to Pakistan in the current geostrategic context—amidst the escalating US-China hostilities—is limited to Afghanistan and tainted by its close ties to China and the strategic significance of India. The US\u27s reliance on Pakistan is likely to increase even after the departure of troops from Afghanistan because of the anti-regional framework created by Iran, China, and Russia
Burnout to Breakthrough: Exploring Wellbeing as a Mediator and Emotional Intelligence as a Moderator in Job Performance Dynamics
Full text linkThis study assessed the integrated model of employee job performance with burnout, well-being, and emotional intelligence within mediated and moderated contexts, employing the JD-R theoretical framework. The study included respondents from Pakistan\u27s service industry, utilising a purposive sampling technique. Responses were collected through a closed-ended questionnaire, and data analysis was conducted using partial least squares path analysis. This study indicates a significant relationship between burnout and job performance, with well-being serving as a mediator. Emotional intelligence has shown no significant moderating influence; however, previous research indicates that emotional intelligence supports employees in managing pressure during critical times, thereby enhancing performance. The study demonstrated that workplace dynamics are highly interrelated, enabling managers to address burnout to enhance employee performance while ensuring adequate well-being throughout the organizational environment. While emotional intelligence did not serve as a moderator, it can favourably empower employees. Subsequently, managers can achieve sustained organizational success by implementing these insights and encouraging a workplace that prioritizes productivity and the human experience
Exploring the Impact of ChatGPT on Students’ Engagement and Motivation: A Demographic Perspective
Full text linkAI-powered education is becoming increasingly prevalent in the global educational system. ChatGPT, an AI tool, significantly improves the dynamics of schooling by accelerating students\u27 academic achievement to new heights using their various demographic information while engaging learners\u27 thinking attributes. Thus, the study sought to explore the impact of ChatGPT on students\u27 academic engagement and motivation using student demographics as a lens. The study used a quantitative research technique. The descriptive survey included all undergraduate students from public and private universities in Karachi. The researcher applied purposive and snowball sampling techniques to choose a sample of 400 undergraduate students. The study collected data using a questionnaire and analyzed it using SPSS. The findings indicated that male and female undergraduate students enrolled in any semester of any degree program at any department of Karachi\u27s public and private-sector universities had the same level of academic engagement and motivation while utilizing ChatGPT in online learning settings. Therefore, the study offered useful information for policymakers, educators, and practitioners to develop more successful ways for incorporating current AI techniques into Karachi\u27s higher education system
Job Satisfaction as a Predictor of Mental Health Problems and Substance Use among Personnel Working in Higher Education Institutions in Pakistan
Full text linkThis study aims to investigate the predictive association of job satisfaction with mental health problems (i.e. depression, anxiety & stress) and substance use among personnel working in HEIs in Pakistan. A sample of personnel working in different public and private sector HEIs in Pakistan was recruited using a convenient sampling technique. To assess the variables, the Job Satisfaction Survey, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, and the Drug Abuse Screening Test were utilised, with all measures administered in the Urdu language. Findings indicate that, variables of job satisfaction (i.e., supervision & fringe benefits) significantly predicted substance. Furthermore, there is a significant predictive association of job satisfaction with depression, anxiety and stress. Moreover, there is a significant predictive relationship of components of job satisfaction, such as promotion, fringe benefits, and supervision, with depression, and promotion, supervision, fringe benefits, and contingent rewards are significantly associated with anxiety, and the variable of fringe benefits is significantly associated with stress. The findings indicate that components of job satisfaction, such as fringe benefits, supervision quality, and promotion, are significantly associated with mental health problems. Job satisfaction across these domains offers a protective effect in reducing mental health issues and substance use. These insights underscore the importance of fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment and climate to enhance employees’ productivity, mental well-being, and quality of life
Examining Theoretical Foundations and Practical Implications of Continuous Professional Development
Full text linkContinuous Professional Development (CPD) plays a vital role for educators in improving their teaching practices, keeping them up-to-date, and creating a positive learning environment for students, as well as addressing the gaps in teaching needs. This study focuses on the theoretical foundation of CPD, including Adult Learning Theory, Reflective Practice, Experiential Learning, and Situated Learning. It critically examines the framework of CPD and discusses the findings of its implementation in educational settings. By reviewing key points of the research articles, this paper analyses the best practices and gaps in CPD, which highlight its major issues, including limited teaching support and sustainability. The paper also mentions personal growth ideas and recommendations to enhance CPD use and productivity. It assists in enforcing blended learning strategies as well as guided reflection. The findings indicate the significance of a cooperative and research-intensive process in ensuring that it can be maximised in terms of its effectiveness in teaching practice and student learning