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Investigating the Performance and Sustainability of Active Investment Funds in the Iranian Capital Market and the Position of Funds in Attracting Investors
Get PDFInvestment funds are among the effective instruments in the capital market that are established by banks and brokerage companies and play an effective role in developing the market and increasing investor participation. They are generally classified as low-risk instruments suitable for direct participation by less experienced investors. Accordingly, the purpose of this research is to examine the efficiency and sustainability of active investment funds in the Iranian capital market and the position of the funds in attracting investors in 125 investment funds from 2014 to the end of 2023. Also, the research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of method. The method of collecting information in theoretical foundations is the library method and in the section of testing hypotheses, the method of document mining of financial statements.Excel software was used in the process of data preparation, modification, and processing, and Eviews software, version 11, was used to calculate descriptive and inferential statistics. The research hypotheses were tested using regression analysis and a mixed data approach. The results of the study indicate that the efficiency and sustainability of active investment funds in the Iranian capital market are positively and significantly related to investor attraction and its position. 
Splitting the L2 Self-Guide: Ways Forward for Motivation Research
Get PDFDrawing on Markus and Nurius’s (1986) theory of possible selves and Higgins’s (1987) theory of self-discrepancies, Dörnyei (2005, 2009) developed the L2 self-guide, a construct explaining the generation of motivation for language learning. Because Dörnyei focused on convergences in the source theories, L2MSS researchers have come to regard possible selves (Markus & Nurius, 1986) and self-guides (Higgins, 1987) as differing manifestations of a common underlying phenomenon. However, when constructs are similar, but not identical, assumptions of equivalence can lead to theoretical and methodological confusion (Lawson & Robins, 2021). Drawing on observations by MacIntyre (2022; MacIntyre et al., 2009a, 2009b) in critical engagements with Dörnyei’s scholarship, this article addresses disparities in the source construct conceptualizations. It considers the implications that follow when sibling constructs are viewed as identical, and when possible selves and self-guides are conjoined in a unitary construct. Together, conceptual divergencies in the source constructs and concerns about the validity of L2MSS scales (Al-Hoorie, et al., 2024a, 2024b) mean that the L2 self-guide should be disassembled. Ultimately, it is only if possible selves and self-guides are understood and investigated as discrete constructs that the value they may have for L2 motivation research can be fully assessed
A Longitudinal Examination of Changes in Language Teachers’ Anxiety and Enjoyment Using Growth Curve Modeling
Get PDFFor over 30 years, Peter MacIntyre shaped and innovated the way(s) in which second language acquisition (SLA) researchers investigate individual differences (IDs) of language learners. His work significantly contributed to the sophistication of conceptual models for learner ID variables such as willingness-to-communicate, anxiety, and enjoyment, advanced theoretical perspectives and approaches, and pioneered methodological innovations, such as the idiodynamic method. The purpose of the present study is to take Peter’s pioneering vision and innovative spirit as starting points and to apply multiple aspects of his work to the empirical investigation of language teacher IDs. Specifically, the study takes a longitudinal approach and examines the (dynamic) change trajectories in language teachers’ anxiety and enjoyment in two different classroom scenarios over a period of nine weeks. Quantitative online survey data was collected from 93 language teachers and analyzed via individual growth curve modeling, using gender and experience level as time-invariant, and coping potential as time-varying covariates. Results indicate unique change trajectories and inter-individual differences for both emotions across both classroom scenarios. Findings also suggest that time-varying, rather than time-invariant variables, consistently explained substantive amounts of variance and variability in language teachers’ emotion trajectories. Directions for future research and practical implications are discussed
Enhancing the Reputation of Territorial Brands through Digital Presence: The Case of “WeCasablanca”
Get PDFThe aim of this paper is to explore the importance of implementing a digital marketing approach within the framework of a territorial brand and its potential for maintaining the promises that may be tackled to improve the image of the area at the national and international levels concerning territorial beauty objectives. Casablanca in Morocco selected for the research platform for three primary reasons: firstly, we are deeply involved in the matter as we collaborate with 'Casablanca Events & Animation', a local development agency that released the pilot project "WeCasablanca" for territorial branding activities; secondly, "Wecasablanca" stands due to the fact the first African territorial sign; thirdly, it has come to be popularized throughout Africa owing to its virtual presence. Given this, as a methodology, we chose a multi-purpose tool that consists of three local marketing objectives and a methodological blend of parallel approaches: qualitative for stepping into the depths of the case count and quantitative for diagnosis. Most striking results show that the brand "Wecasablanca" has considerably improved, after the introduction of digital advertising, in brand popularity and brand image, and there are also ample, rich, and harmonious opportunities for stakeholders that must continue to take shape digitally
Spiritual Intelligence and Work-Family Conflict: The Mediating Role of Happiness at Work and Work-Life Balance
Get PDFThe study examines the Work-Family Conflict (WFC) experienced by bank employees, particularly at Bank Jatim and its impact on their well-being and performance in the context of high-pressure work environments. The study aims to explore the relationship between work-family conflict, work-life balance, spiritual intelligence, and employee performance. The study utilizes a quantitative research methodology to explore the relationships among various variables, focusing on all 75 Bank Jatim branch staff in Madiun, East Java, Indonesia. The research employs a saturated sampling technique by including the entire population in the sample and collecting primary data through a questionnaire. Data analysis is performed using PLS-SEM. Spiritual intelligence has a positive and significant effect on happiness at work. Spiritual intelligence does not significantly impact work-family conflict. Spiritual intelligence positively and significantly influences work-life balance. Happiness at work does not significantly affect work-family conflict. Work-life balance has a significant negative effect on work-family conflict. The indirect effect of spiritual intelligence on work-family conflict through happiness at work is not significant. The indirect effect of spiritual intelligence on work-family conflict through work-life balance is significant. The study contributes to the enrichment of workplace psychology theories and offers practical recommendations for organizations
The Influence of User Readiness on Self Check-In Technology Adoption: A Study Using TRAM Method
Get PDFThe innovative digital, which was introduced by an Indonesian cabin hotel firm to improve operational efficiency, Self Check-in Technology (SCT), became the object of this investigation. The objective of this numerical study is to achieve insight into elements influencing user readiness to embrace technology by utilizing the Technology Readiness Acceptance Model (TRAM). This research data was gathered by involving 430 participants who had stayed at a cabin hotel at least once using an online questionnaire. The gathered data underwent analysis through the SmartPLS application to process the measurement of the outer model, inner model, and hypotheses. The results indicate that 6 out of 11 hypotheses were validated. Optimism (OPT) substantially and favorably influences perceived ease of use (PEU) and perceived usefulness (PU), while innovativeness (INN) significantly only affects PU. However, Insecurity (INS) and discomfort (DIS) do not impact PEU and PU. PEU positively impacts PU, and both highly impact intention to use. This study concludes that the use intention of the SCT is driven by OPT, INN, INS, DIS, PEU, and PU. These findings support the adoption of the technology to enhance operational performance within the hospitality industry. A successful investigation is recommended for conducting usability testing to further evaluate user experience, as usability plays a critical role in affecting user-friendliness. Furthermore, it is essential to implement a data protection policy. Ultimately, the aim is to utilize the technology
Impact of Task Complexity on Lexical Complexity in CET4 Writing Insights from LCA Measurement Dimensions
Get PDFTo investigate how task complexity cognitive factors influence the lexical complexity in essay writing, this study was guided by Robinson’s Cognition Hypothesis (CH) and Skehan’s Limited Attentional Capacity Model (LACM), and examined the effects of task complexity on lexical complexity in undergraduates’ essay writing. Using Lu’s Lexical Complexity Analyser (2010, 2012), the study analysed essays written by 60 undergraduates across 25 dimensions of lexical complexity, following the SSARC grouping method by Robinson and Gilabert (2007). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test evaluated the relationship between pre-existing standardised writing scores (PS) and the essay outputs under the experimental condition (QM), focusing on lexical density, lexical sophistication, and lexical variation dimensions. Findings indicate that verb sophistication and the Uber index are significantly associated with higher proficiency, supporting Robinson’s CH, which links cognitive resource allocation in complex tasks to improved language proficiency. Noun variation also emerged as significant, aligning with recent studies emphasising lexical diversity in writing. However, measurements like lexical density and type/token ratio showed no significant differences, suggesting a limited role. The study highlights the importance of sophisticated lexical use; however, it also acknowledges that cognitive resource limitations, as posited by Skehan’s LACM, may constrain the deployment of more complex lexical structures
Exploring Sociocultural Theory and SLA: A Tribute to James Lantolf
Get PDFWe are very pleased to publish this latest Special Issue in honor of Prof James P. Lantolf. Prof. Lantolf is the Greer Professor Emeritus in Language Acquisition and Applied Linguistics at The Pennsylvania State University. He also served as the Director of the Center for Language Acquisition and the U.S. Department of Education Title VI Center for Advanced Language Proficiency, Education, and Research. Prof. Lantolf is a distinguished scholar in applied linguistics, renowned for his pioneering work in sociocultural theory and second language acquisition (SLA). His five decades of groundbreaking research have significantly advanced our understanding of second language development through the lens of Vygotskian sociocultural psychology (Qin, 2021). Lantolf has authored and co-edited numerous influential books and articles in these areas. His contributions have earned him prestigious accolades, including serving as president of the American Association for Applied Linguistics (2005) and receiving its Distinguished Scholarship and Service Award (2016)
Understanding Second Language Learners’ Emotional-Cognitive Development through Division of Labor Collaboration
Get PDFIn recent years, researchers from a Vygotskian Sociocultural Theory (V-SCT) perspective have sought to promote and trace the development of both emotion and cognition. Contributing to this emergent body of research, our study leveraged Concept-Based Language Instruction (C-BLI) and a Division-of-Labor Pedagogy (DOLP) to investigate the second language (L2) literacy development of university, intermediate level French learners (Buescher, 2015; Urbanski, 2023). Through investigating mediation by a researcher-teacher and in a collective, we traced four learners’ emotional and cognitive development by examining the overall content as well as micro-interactional features of their contributions to the group both on a moment-to-moment basis and over the twelve-week span of a literacy intervention. We found that the DOLP, an instructional arrangement where each group member has a key role to play in promoting the collective’s meaningful engagement with texts, not only supported the development of learners’ literacy abilities but also created the conditions for peer emotional mediation and development. This study has implications for language researchers and practitioners, compelling us to reflect on how we ask learners to collaborate and what kinds of development that collaboration allows
Employee Happiness and Green Practices: A Case Study of Internal Corporate Social Responsibility
Get PDFThe concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has arisen as a result of due to the increase in pollution and excessive exploitation of the Earth's resources, as well as the human resources caused by the activities of companies that seek to make profits at any cost. As resources have become increasingly limited and human performance has decreased due to burnout, and also because current generations move from one job to another if they consider that the organizational environment does not provide them a certain degree of comfort, companies have had to adapt certain policies to support both the environment and employees. Thus, the role of the current research is to identify those components of internal CSR that impact employee happiness, as well ase components of internal CSR that impact employee happiness and green practices. In this sense, by applying a questionnaire addressed to a number of 123 respondents whose answers were imported into Smart PLS, it was wanted to validate the hypotheses according to which the variables work-life balance and equal opportunities, adaptability to change, and occupational health and safety have a role in defining employee happiness, as well as green practices within companies