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Enrichment of Systems Thinking for Problem Solving in Engineering Systems using the Hermeneutic Loop: Case Studies for Designers in the Field of Remote Communication
Get PDFThe systems thinking approach to problem solving is a dynamic and productive approach. However, emphasizing only the objective aspects of a phenomena and neglecting their subjective aspects can decrease its problem solving power. In order to enhance the problem solving power of systems thinking, it is proposed in this article to enrich systems thinking by using the hermeneutic loop. This applied research adopts practical aspects of systems thinking and hermeneutics in understanding and solving problems more effectively. The proposed approach is comprised of an additive loop, named the hermeneutic loop, concerning simultaneously “the whole system and its parts” and “subjectively and objectively”. Requirements of systems thinking are highlighted involving the holism and life cycle of the system. A summary of the considerations for systems thinking regarding holism and lifetime are as follows: (1) feedback in lifetime, (2) feed forward, (3) combining human and tools, (4) resources, (5) stock and flow and (6) carrying capacity (saturation). The utilization of this enriched systems thinking is investigated in three real engineering design processes, including case studies for designers in the field of remote communication. As the result, the proposed enriched systems thinking provides an improved understanding of the whole, which improves the solving power of the designers of components, and adds subjective product design to the objective desig
Materials Adaptation of Imported CEFR Textbooks: Teachers’ Perceptions and Practices
Get PDFPurpose - This study aims to find out ESL teachers’ perceptions of imported CEFR textbooks currently in use in the classroom. Additionally, it seeks to determine how teachers have adapted and localized the contents of these books. Methodology - A total of 331 lower secondary school teachers participated in the survey and six were selected for face-to-face interviews. A questionnaire, utilizing a semantic differential scale ranging from one to six, was administered to collect quantitative data, while qualitative data was gathered through a semi–structured interview protocol. Findings - The results indicate that the majority of the teachers were fully aware of the CEFR imported textbooks currently being used in schools. Interestingly, more than half of the surveyed teachers (53.8%) agreed that these books were suitable and matched CEFR levels B1 and B2 set for the secondary school level. Significance - Findings from the interviews highlighted the necessity for teachers to adapt materials, although it also meant extra workload for them. As expected, the teachers added, modified, and simplified the contents of the textbooks. In short, materials adaptation is inevitable as long as the imported CEFR textbooks remain the main teaching material
Retention-Based Learning: An Approach to Maximizing Student Learning Outcomes in High School Plant Anatomy Lesson
Get PDFPurpose – Many students perceive plant anatomy as difficult due to the complexity of the material. Additionally, conventional teaching techniques often neglect the importance of information retention in the learning process. Therefore, this study examines the effects of Retention-Based Learning on students’ learning outcomes compared to conventional learning without Retention-Based Learning. Methodology – A multiple-group time series research design was used to measure the effectiveness of Retention-Based Learning on students’ learning outcomes including information retention, cognitive load, and learning achievement. Retention interventions in the Retention Based Learning class included watching videos, identifying images and answering questions. The participants in this study were seventy eight 10th-grade public high school students in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, divided into two research groups. Findings – This study found that students in the experimental group had better information retention in each lesson and a significantly higher ability to process information with less mental effort and lower cognitive load than the control group. Additionally, the experimental group showed significantly higher learning achievement than the control group. These findings demonstrate the importance of maintaining information retention to maximize learning outcomes in plant anatomy lessons. Significance – This study indicates that maintaining retention can be a simple and powerful learning approach to help high school teachers teach complex material. The study highlights the significance of maintaining student retention to improve learning performanc
Language Use in the Management of Refugees in Jordan: A Textual Analysis
No full textEven though peace is a desired situation, conflicts are inevitable. The language of conflict resolution plays a noteworthy role in not only preventing violence and mitigating conflict escalation but also in addressing the pressing needs of affected and displaced individuals due to wars and conflicts in their homelands. There is thus a critical need to understand how linguistic strategies are employed in managing conflicts for refugees. This paper discusses the study which analyses the linguistic strategies employed in the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) documents concerning Syrian refugees in Jordan. Drawing upon Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis theory, this qualitative research examined the language of resolution embedded in these legal documents and the impact on the diplomatic management practices of these refugees. The findings revealed that the UNHCR skilfully combines authoritative and emphatic language in an attempt to address the problems and manage their concerns effectively. The study demonstrated not only the significant role of language in managing and resolving conflicts but also in shaping and mobilising international efforts to protect the refugees. The paper concludes with the recommendation that future research should consider the refugees’ narratives in conflict resolution and managemen
Balancing Act: Insights into Burnout and Work-life Dynamics among Experience Educators in private Institutions
No full textThis qualitative study explores burnout among higher educators in private institutions through evidence from semi-structured interviews. Twenty-one respondents, all with over five years of tenure, were selected for in-depth interviews. The study examines the impact of burnout on educators' work-life balance and how they articulate their experiences, particularly the strategies they employ to voice concerns about their well-being. By analyzing the interplay between professional exhaustion and personal life, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of both structural and individual factors that influence burnout in the private education sector. The findings aim to inform policies and practices, offering pathways for higher education institutions to create environments that mitigate burnout and promote a healthier work-life balanc
Implementation of Parking Charges Collection System in Alor Setar City Council (MBAS): Flexi Parking System
No full textThe system for collecting parking charges became an issue when the private company appointed by the council failed to carry out the assigned duties and resulted the council having to manage the parking charge collection service. The questions were (1) what are the problems that affect the effectiveness of the management of the parking charge collection system at MBAS; and (2) what suggestions can be submitted for improvement? This study uses the interview method with the responsible parties at MBAS. This study found that the problems encountered include delays in obtaining coupon stocks, mistakes in scratching coupons, enforcement officers not started monitoring on time, high operating costs for operating machines and the need to attend the office MBAS for matters related to summons payments, monthly passes and booking parking slots. This study contributed evidence to support the model in previous studies. The interview method used in this study contributes to the increase of knowledge in terms of research methods to obtain important information from the responsible officers in the field study. The findings of this study contributed to improving understanding and strengthening measures towards the management system of parking charge collection using smart applications in a council are
Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Career Barriers and Opportunities for Women in Malaysia's Auditing Sector
No full textDespite women comprising over 55% of chartered accountants in Malaysia, only 13%-22% attain partnership level. This discrepancy highlights the presence of the "glass ceiling," an invisible barrier preventing women from advancing in their auditing careers despite their qualifications, skills, and achievements. Our study explores this phenomenon through the lived experiences and perceptions of women in the auditing profession. We conducted semi-structured interviews with nine audit staff (current and former) from both the Big Four and non-Big Four firms. Analyzing the findings through the framework of inequality regimes theory, we identified three key themes that contribute to career stagnation: (i) work-life balance, (ii) individual challenges, and (iii) occupational minority status. Specific barriers include marriage, demanding work schedules, self-determination challenges, professional qualification requirements, occupational minority status, and language barrier
Achieving Quality Education Through ServiceLearning Approach
No full textThis study explores the implementation and impact of service-learning within the context of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which emphasizes quality education and holistic development. Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) has incorporated service-learning into its curriculum, particularly within the TISSA-UUM's Management Accounting course. Since 2018, students have been required to engage with local businesses or nonprofit organizations to apply financial planning and budgeting techniques learned in class to real-world situations. Despite the potential benefits, research on the specific impact of service-learning on accounting education at TISSA-UUM remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap by examining students' learning experiences during service-learning projects. The study used experimental approach involved three teaching groups of Management Accounting II. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes related to students' learning experiences: personal development, venturing beyond comfort zones, and gaining real-life experiences. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for lecturers, students, and educational institutions on how to effectively conduct service-learning activities to achieve the goals of quality education outlined in SDG 4. By understanding both the benefits and challenges of service-learning, educational stakeholders can better prepare students for successful integration into professional environments, ultimately contributing to their personal and professional growt
