scholarly journals Design and evaluation of practice-oriented materials fostering students’ development of problem-solving competence

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Kuzle
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Thought Processes ◽  
Design Based Research ◽  
Grade 5 ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Explicit Training ◽  
Learning Heuristics ◽  
Development Of Students

In a design-research project on problem-solving, theory-based and practice-oriented materials were developed with the goal of fostering systematical development of students’ problem-solving competence in a targeted manner by learning heuristics. Special attention was given to working backward strategy, which has been shown difficult for students to learn and use. In the study, 14 Grade 5 students participated in explicit heuristic training. The results show that even though the students intuitively reversed their thought processes before the explicit training, they experienced difficulties when solving complex reversing tasks, which improved considerably after explicit heuristic training. Thus, the study results showed that the developed materials using design-based research-approach promoted the development of students’ flexibility of thought when problem-solving by working backward. At the end of the paper, the results are discussed with regard to their theoretical and practical implications.

scholarly journals Does Scientific Evaluation Matter? Improving Digital Simulation Games by Design-Based Research

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sven Ivens ◽  
Monika Oberle
Keyword(s):  
Civic Education ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Digital Simulation ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Simulation Game ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Scientific Evaluation ◽  
Simulation Games ◽  
Design Based Research ◽  
Term Evaluation

Grounded in a design-based research approach, the aim of this article is to determine whether scientific evaluations help to (a) identify and fix problems in educational interventions and (b) eventually foster a more effective and positive evaluated intervention. Therefore, data from a longer-term evaluation of short digital simulation games about the European Parliament for civic education in schools were used. The data included three cycles of interventions with pre- and post-evaluations starting with the first prototype in 2015/2016 (n = 209), the second cycle in 2017/18 (n = 97), and the last one in 2019/20 (n = 222). After each evaluation, major problems and critiques regarding the simulation game were discussed with the developers, and changes were implemented in the game design. The four most important problems, the processes by which they were improved and the reactions of the participants in the following evaluations are pointed out in the article. A comparison of the last and first evaluation cycle showed an overall improvement of the simulation game regarding its effectiveness in transferring EU knowledge and the participants’ general satisfaction with the simulation game. This study underlines the value of the design-based research approach for developing educational interventions and can be useful for further work on civic education measures and the implementation of digital simulation games.

scholarly journals Using Design Thinking Principles to Improve Outpatients’ Experiences in Hospital Pharmacies: A Case Study of Two Hospitals in Asir Region, Saudi Arabia

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 854
Author(s):  
Dalia Almaghaslah ◽  
Abdulrhman Alsayari ◽  
Saleh Ali Alyahya ◽  
Rana Alshehri ◽  
Khawlah Alqadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Management System ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Queue Management ◽  
End User ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Hospital Pharmacies ◽  
Asir Region

Introduction: Design thinking, an innovative problem-solving approach, has gained wide popularity in healthcare disciplines. The aim of this work is to improve outpatients’ experiences in hospital pharmacies in two hospitals in Asir region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: The design thinking approach, adopted from Stanford University’s D-School, was used in this study. Results: Several problems were identified: lack of comfortable environment in the pharmacies’ waiting area, lack of a queue management system, and workflow inefficiencies related to ordering and supplies of medicines. A prototype was proposed to overcome these challenges. Discussion and Conclusion: The design thinking approach helped in identifying end-user (patients visiting outpatient pharmacies) values and desires and provided an understanding of their struggles. It also proposed tailored solutions that could improve patients’ experiences while using the services of the outpatient pharmacies.

scholarly journals The role of salient beliefs in graduates’ intention to apply

2015 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Adams ◽  
François De Kock
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Support ◽  
Behavioural Control ◽  
Control Beliefs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Application Process ◽  
Perceived Behavioural Control ◽  
Latent Variable Analysis ◽  
Study Results

Orientation: Organisations compete fiercely to recruit the best graduates, because they consider them a rich source of future talent. In the recruitment literature, it has become increasingly important to understand the factors that influence graduate applicant intentions. Research purpose: Drawing on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), we tested a model proposing that applicant intention is a function of their attitude towards applying, beliefs about referent other’s expectations (subjective norms) and perceived behavioural control with respect to this behaviour.Motivation for the study: The study was motivated by the need to shed light on graduate applicants’ decisions to apply to an organisation of their choice. Research approach, design and method: The study used a quantitative design to test hypotheses that attitudes towards behaviour, norms and control beliefs would influence intention to apply. We surveyed prospective job seekers (N = 854) studying at a South African university about their beliefs regarding the job application process. Main findings: Structural equation modelling showed reasonable fit of the proposed model to the survey data. Latent variable analysis demonstrated that perceived behavioural control and subjective norm explained intention to apply. With the combination of all three variables, only attitude towards applying did not play a significant role in the prediction of intention to apply, which is contrary to previous research. Practical/managerial implications: The findings highlight the role of salient control beliefs in the application process. Efforts by universities and organisations to affect intentions to apply may potentially benefit from focusing on support services that could enhance feelings of control and minimise perceived obstacles. Recruiters could focus on control to increase potential recruitment pools. Contribution/value-add: The study contributes to the recruitment literature in three ways. Firstly, TPB is shown to be a useful framework to explain graduate applicants’ intention to apply, as this theoretical model found empirical support. In doing so, the present study advances our understanding of how graduates’ intentions to apply are formed. Secondly, the results showed that applicants’ control and normative beliefs dominate when considering applying. Lastly, the study results open up interesting avenues for future research on applicant intentions.

Understanding Cellular Respiration in Terms of Matter & Energy within Ecosystems

2014 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
pp. 408-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua S. White ◽  
April C. Maskiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Student Understanding ◽  
Next Generation Science Standards ◽  
Cellular Respiration ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Science Standards ◽  
Design Based Research ◽  
Written Responses ◽  
Ecosystem Level ◽  
Quantitative Results ◽  
Matter Energy

Using a design-based research approach, we developed a data-rich problem (DRP) set to improve student understanding of cellular respiration at the ecosystem level. The problem tasks engage students in data analysis to develop biological explanations. Several of the tasks and their implementation are described. Quantitative results suggest that students from the experimental class who participated in the DRP showed significant gains on cellular respiration posttest items, and students from the control class who participated in a non-DRP task showed no significant gains. Qualitative results from interviews and written responses showed that students from the experimental class progressed to deeper “levels of achievement” in cellular respiration. The data-rich tasks promote student understanding of cellular respiration, matter transformation, decomposition, and energy transformation – all goals recommended by the Next Generation Science Standards.

Taxpayer behavioural factors influencing entrenched tax gaps

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Divakaran Reddy
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Tax Compliance ◽  
Public Trust ◽  
Accurate Estimate ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Tax Revenues ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Government ◽  
Tax Noncompliance

Tax compliance is the willingness of taxpayers to obey tax rules of a nation, whilst tax noncompliance is the unwilling behaviour of citizens to act under tax regulations. Taxpayer compliance enables the government to collect tax revenues, which is one of the most important sources of government income. Altering the non-compliant behaviour of citizens is an important barometer for increasing tax revenues that contribute to the socio-economic development of a nation. Numerous quondam studies have been conducted strikingly in the past few decades on taxpayer compliance. However, there is a dearth of sufficient research currently on tax noncompliance behaviour. Moreover, the phenomenon of tax noncompliance has limited exploration from the vantage point of meta-analysis of primary research studies conducted, focussing on interrogating, and systematically categorising their results. Resultantly, the purpose of this study was to examine the previously related primary studies to determine those factors that have been judged to have influenced the tax compliance behaviour of citizens. This study has adopted the quantitative research approach and followed the preferred reporting items for systematic review (PRISMA) method and meta-analysis to provide an accurate estimate of the relationship that exists in a population of relevant tax noncompliance behavioural studies. The population comprised of 45 international studies conducted between the period 2015 to 2020 is selected for analysis. The study results indicate that the quality of tax administration systems and public trust in institutional governance are factors that have influenced taxpayer compliance positively. Poor government accountability mechanisms entrenched tax gaps, and developing public trust in government institutions were found to be universal to promote voluntary taxpayer compliance. This study has contributed significantly to the open discussion on tax compliance among researchers, governments, and businesses.

Constraints and limitations of concrete 3D printing in architecture

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chien-Ho Ko
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Manufacturing Process ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Layer By Layer ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Improve Design ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Property Control

Purpose Additive manufacturing of concrete (AMoC) is an emerging technology for constructing buildings. However, due to the nature of the concrete property and constructing buildings in layers, constraints and limitations are encountered while applying AMoC in architecture. This paper aims to analyze the constraints and limitations that may be encountered while using AMoC in architecture. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive research approach is used to conduct this study. First, basic notions of AMoC are introduced. Then, challenges of AMoC, including hardware, material property, control and design, are addressed. Finally, strategies that may be used to overcome the challenges are discussed. Findings Factors influencing the success of AMoC include hardware, material, control methods, manufacturing process and design. Considering these issues in the early design phase is crucial to achieving a successful computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) integration to bring CAD and CAM benefits into the architecture industry. Originality/value In three-dimensional (3D) printing, objects are constructed layer by layer. Printing results are thus affected by the additive method (such as toolpath) and material properties (such as tensile strength and slump). Although previous studies attempt to improve AMoC, most of them focus on the manufacturing process. However, a successful application of AMoC in architecture needs to consider the possible constraints and limitations of concrete 3D printing. So far, research on the potential challenges of applying AMoC in architecture from a building lifecycle perspective is still limited. The study results of this study could be used to improve design and construction while applying AMoC in architecture.

scholarly journals An empirical analysis of construction organisations’ competitive strategies and performance

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 417-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luqman Oyekunle Oyewobi ◽  
Abimbola Oluwakemi Windapo ◽  
Rotimi Olabode Bamidele James
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Chief Executive Officers ◽  
Chief Executive ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Competitive Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Financial Performance Measures ◽  
Executive Officers

Purpose – The essence of strategy formulation is to assist an organisation obtain a strategic fit with its environment and help enhance organisational continuous improvement in achieving performance excellence. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the type of competitive strategies used by construction organisations in attaining their strategic goals in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach – The study employs an inductive research approach using a well-structured questionnaire to elicit information from large construction organisations based in South Africa. Findings – The research identifies five strategic attributes that could assist organisations to grow their businesses and enhance their returns. It reveals that all Porters’ generic competitive strategies are significantly related to organisational financial performance measures except focus strategy. The research found that three generic competitive strategies are positively related to non-financial performance and that differentiation and cost-leadership strategies are capable of assisting organisations’ achieve their financial performance goals. Practical implications – The study results will be of immense benefit to chief executive officers as well as managers of construction organisations in growing their businesses and enhancing their corporate performance. Originality/value – The paper contributes both theoretically and empirically to the current discussion and findings on competitive strategy and its relationship with organisational performance. The results presented in the paper have important implications for the implementation of competitive strategies in construction companies and future studies in the area of strategic management.

scholarly journals Penerapan teknik faded examples untuk meningkatkan kemampuan pemecahan masalah materi pengayaan trigonometri SMA

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Hanifa Prahastami Pambayun ◽  
Endah Retnowati
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Cognitive Load ◽  
Cognitive Load Theory ◽  
Instructional Materials ◽  
Teaching Materials ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Load Theory ◽  
Study Results

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menghasilkan dan mendeskripsikan pengembangan bahan ajar pengayaan trigonometri SMA menggunakan teknik faded examples yang berkualitas untuk meningkatkan kemampuan pemecahan masalah siswa. Kualitas bahan ajar yang dikembangkan mencakup aspek kevalidan, keefektifan, dan kepraktisan. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian pengembangan dengan model Plomp yang mencakup tiga tahapan. (1) penelitian awal mencakup analisis kebutuhan dan analisis konteks, (2) pengembangan yang mencakup desain produk dan pembuatan produk, dan (3) evaluasi yang meliputi proses validasi dan proses implementasi. Proses pengembangan melibatkan dua ahli, satu orang guru dan 50 siswa (siswa kelas X pengayaan 1 dan X pengayaan 2) SMA IPA di Mataram. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah bahan ajar pengayaan berupa buku guru dan buku siswa yang dikembangkan dengan menerapkan teknik faded examples. Pada buku pengayaan terdapat paket faded examples dengan jenis backward dan forward fading dimana pada akhir paket, siswa diminta untuk membuat sendiri soal sesuai dengan materi yang sedang dipelajari. Teknik ini dikembangkan oleh teori desain pembelajaran bernama Cognitive Load Theory (CLT). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa bahan ajar ini layak digunakan karena dinilai sangat baik secara isi dan penyajian oleh dosen validator, praktis oleh guru matematika dan praktis digunakan oleh siswa. Hasil ketuntasan belajar adalah sebanyak  100% siswa mencapai nilai minimal kemampuan pemecahan masalah. The application of faded examples techniques to improve student’s problem solving ability on trigonometry at high school level AbstractThis study was aimed to produce and describe the quality of the developed Trigonometric Senior High School Science Program Enrichment’s Instructional Materials using Faded-Examples Techniques to Improve Problem Solving Ability. The quality of the developed teaching materials include all aspects of validity, effectiveness, and practicality. This was a developmental research used three phases Plomp’s model which consists of: (1) preliminary studies which involved the needs and context analysis, (2) product design development, and (3) the evaluation process of product validation and implementation. The development process involves two experts as validator, one teacher, and 50 students (X pengayaan 1 and X pengayaan 2). The study results the trigonometric enrichment’s teaching materials which consists of the teacher’s textbook and the student’s textbook that was developed using the faded-examples technique. This technique based on The Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) instructional design. The results of the study showed that the quality of the developed trigonometric enrichment’s teaching materials is “very good” according to lecturer validation and “practical” according to the evaluation from the teachers and students. The results of the learning showed that 100% of the students passed the minimum grade criteria of problem solving skills.

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