Naresuan University Journal
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The Development of Religious Tourism Da’wah for Pesantren Receptionists
Full text link Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) are rich in religious tourism potential; therefore, they need to be developed as a medium for da’wah activities. However, pesantren circles are less able to manage the power of the management system and the unity system in developing religious da’wah. The object of this assistance is pesantren-based group counseling for pesantren receptionists (pengkhidmah tamu pesantren) members. The aim of this research is to strive for pesantren human resources (especially pesantren receptionists) to be able to manage the management staff system and unified staff system in dealing with the development of religious da’wah. The mentoring method uses Participatory Action Research (PAR) combined with pesantren-based counselling group. Data collection tools include interviews, observations, and Focus Group Discussions. The research sample was 40 guest speakers. The results of the counseling show the problems of pesantren in developing religious da’wah, namely that pesantren receptionists do not have good skills and organization, do not have information technology skills, and do not have an entrepreneurial spirit. Forms of counseling include bil-irsyad da’wah assistance (especially social skills), bit-tadbir da’wah assistance (management psychology transformation), information technology training (e-tamu), as well as career counseling and entrepreneurship psychology assistance. The impact of counseling assistance shows a level of guest satisfaction of 87% (high). This counseling assistance is very important for the development of the science of da’wah bil-irsyad (counseling), and the benefits are felt by the community of pesantren receptionists members. In the future, research should be carried out with other approaches so as to obtain comprehensive data.
Keywords: Religious Tourism, Receptionists, Da’wah, Pesantren, Counselin
The Influence of Business and Non-Business Factors on Customer Retention in Telecommunication Industry in Guinea-Conakry: The Mediating Effect of Brand Image
No full text Retaining existing customers and attracting new ones is a necessity for the telecommunication industry to succeed; it can lead to greater financial returns and encourage research development in producing new marketable products. Due to an intensely competitive market, numerous service providers experience a decline in their customer base annually. Thus, this research aims to ascertain the impact of brand image as a mediating factor in the link between customer retention and network quality, pricing, promotion, customer service, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Guinea-Conakry. The research used a quantitative data approach in which primary data were collected from undergraduate students who used mobile phones connected to various network providers in Guinea. The research questionnaire received responses from 383 people in total. With the SmartPLS program, data analysis was done. The outcomes indicated that promotion, customer service, price, and CSR substantially influenced customer retention, while network quality showed an insignificant impact. The findings also revealed that network quality, customer service, and promotion significantly positively influenced brand image. However, price and CSR, on the other hand, presented an insignificant influence on brand image. Additionally, the findings showed that brand image has a substantial impact on customer retention. Finally, the outcomes showed that promotion, customer service, and network quality have an indirect and significant positive influence on customer retention via a brand image as the mediating variable. Meanwhile, price and CSR through brand image demonstrated an insignificant impact on customer retention. The study will enhance a cordial relationship between the network providers and their customers as a consequence it will pave the way for further strategic development in the telecommunication sector.
Keywords: Network Quality, Customer Service, CSR, Brand Image, Customer Retentio
The Needs for Musical Instruments from Recycled Materials of the Elderly: A Case Study of Tha Pho Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phitsanulok Province
No full text This paper presents a qualitative case study investigating the needs for musical instruments from recycled materials of elderly people living in Tha Pho Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phitsanulok Province, Thailand. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposefully selected group of five elderly volunteers aged 60-75 residing in Tha Pho Subdistrict who met the following inclusion criteria: ability to participate in musical activities independently, ability to read and write, and living in Tha Pho Subdistrict.
The findings revealed a variety of musical instrument preferences and emphasized the importance of culturally sensitive interventions to promote musical engagement among the elderly. Regarding design considerations, user-centered approaches should be prioritized, focusing on usability, tactility, and lightweight construction. Instruments were crafted from materials that were visually accommodating, aesthetically pleasing, and devoid of sharp edges. Physical aspects were tailored to the anatomy of older individuals, with floor-standing designs to mitigate lifting strains for comfort and health promotion. As for the selection of materials, it prioritized safety, availability, and minimizing injury risks during playing. Additionally, instruments should be designed for easy access and playability, utilizing natural materials where possible. The choice of music for playing was curated to resonate with the elderly, featuring familiar tunes or reflecting their cultural heritage, such as “Pleng Lao Long Nan” and “Pleng Pan Fai”.
Keywords: Music, Elderly, Musical Instrument, Recycled Material
World Heritage Sites’ Online Virtual Tour Evaluation and Expansion Prospects: A Case Study of the Suzhou Classical Gardens
No full text Many world cultural heritage projects have used virtual technology to build a variety of no-contact online virtual tours. China’s Suzhou Classical Gardens (SCGs) built an online virtual tour in 2016; however, the technology was outdated. This research explored the development direction of the SCGs’ online virtual tour technology by analysing their existing technology and comparing it with the technology used by other World Heritage Sites (WHSs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers investigated and summarised the existing 1,301 World Cultural Heritage Online Tourism Systems and selected seven technological representatives for case studies and comparison to obtain the analysis results. The researchers found that the SCGs’ existing technology lacked details of interaction and guidance. The study concluded that they should use the latest technology to focus on enhancing tourists’ experiences and interactions. The research indicates that the SCGs can use the latest technology, such as the Metaverse, to enhance visitors’ sense of experience and provide tourists with a more attractive and immersive experience.
Keywords: World Heritage Sites (WHSs), Online Virtual Tour, Suzhou Classical Gardens (SCGs), Tourism, Pandemic
Community Empowerment: A New Approach for the Sustainable Maintenance and Management of Chinese Historical Dwellings
No full text This research focuses on the Jianchuan Ancient City Historical and Cultural District. The aim of the study is to investigate and analyze the effective behaviors and implementation limitations of residents in the self-management and maintenance of historical dwellings. It also explores how the self-management and maintenance of historical dwellings benefit residents and the role these benefits play in the sustainable maintenance and management of historical dwellings. The development level of community empowerment practices in the area, along with the degree of community empowerment, are analyzed in this study, and suggestions are proposed for coping with limitations based on relevant successful cases to promote a sound community empowerment mechanism for the management and protection of historical dwellings. The study revealed that residents’ long-term proactive maintenance behavior significantly extended the lifespan of historical dwellings and maintained the city’s historical pattern. The need to repair wooden buildings has stimulated the development of local employment and traditional crafts. Residents were also found to play an important role in cultural dissemination and heritage research, establishing a preliminary collaborative relationship with the government, achieving a decentralization and proactive response, indicating the gradual development of the local community empowerment mechanism to a higher level, and demonstrating greater potential. The study findings also revealed the limitations of residents in terms of insufficient professional knowledge, financial constraints, and differences in investment within the community, posing potential challenges to improving community empowerment mechanisms and achieving the sustainable maintenance and management of historical residents. This study proposes the establishment of an architectural heritage to protect funds and organize professional training and lectures while providing historical dwelling archives and repair guidelines to ensure the autonomy, effectiveness, and sustainability of residents’ participation in the maintenance and management of historical dwellings.
Keywords: Community Empowerment, Historical Dwellings, Sustainable, Self-management and Maintenance Behavior, Community Empowerment Mechanis
English-Speaking Anxiety Among Second- and Fourth-Year Thai University English Majors
No full text This comparative study surveyed English speaking anxiety among second- and fourth-year English majors at a northern Thai university, examining factors contributing to anxiety and potential differences between the two groups. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire addressing the effects of communication apprehension, fear of assessment, and fear of negative evaluation, along with an open-ended question about other issues contributing to English-speaking anxiety, was administered online to 31 second- and 34 fourth-year students. The results showed that students in both groups experienced moderate levels of anxiety in terms of comprehension apprehension and test anxiety. However, there was a notable difference in the levels of fear of negative evaluation. Specifically, second-year English majors exhibited a high level of fear of negative evaluation while fourth-year English majors experienced it at a moderate level. Despite this, statistical analyses revealed significant differences between the two groups in all three core factors: comprehension apprehension (t = -3.449, p < .05), test anxiety (t = 2.920, p < .05), and fear of negative evaluation (t = 10.711, p < .0001). Interestingly, although previous research suggests that more years of study generally reduce anxiety, this study found that this does not hold true across all factors. Additionally, analyses of anxiety levels across various scenarios revealed specific anxiety-inducing factors. Furthermore, the written responses predominantly highlighted grammar and vocabulary as areas of concern. These findings offer implications for pedagogical strategies and suggest avenues for future research.
Keywords: Anxiety, Speaking, English, Thai Students, Universit