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3 December 30, 2024
Editorial
1. Jacob Owusu Sarfo
User Engagement Trends for a Scholarly Publication Hosted on AJOL: A Case on Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 297-300.
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 297-300.
Abstract:
This editorial briefly analyses user engagement trends for a scholarly publication hosted on African Journals Online (AJOL) between August and November 2024. Using data on abstract views and article downloads, we explore geographical patterns of academic engagement across continents and regions. The analysis revealed that North America, particularly the United States, is the leading download contributor. At the same time, Africa and Asia exhibited significant growth in abstract views based on AJOL’s data. The editorial discusses these trends, highlighting the implications for global academic dissemination and suggesting strategies to enhance accessibility, visibility, and impact in underrepresented regions.
This editorial briefly analyses user engagement trends for a scholarly publication hosted on African Journals Online (AJOL) between August and November 2024. Using data on abstract views and article downloads, we explore geographical patterns of academic engagement across continents and regions. The analysis revealed that North America, particularly the United States, is the leading download contributor. At the same time, Africa and Asia exhibited significant growth in abstract views based on AJOL’s data. The editorial discusses these trends, highlighting the implications for global academic dissemination and suggesting strategies to enhance accessibility, visibility, and impact in underrepresented regions.
Articles
2. Dina Brenda Boateng Adu, Emma Annan, Mary Ani-Amponsah
“How Can a Male Too Want to Do This Work?” Exploring the Challenges Faced by Male Midwives in Ghana’s Midwifery Practice
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 301-308.
3. Marina A. Voytikova, Elena V. Pugacheva, Oleg N. RyzhovJournal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 301-308.
Abstract:
Workplace challenges can be daunting and hinder the provision of quality services, especially for a professional such as the male midwife who spends the entirety of his work life in an environment in which he can be termed the minority. Heavy workload, harassment, and intimidation are some documented challenges of the male midwife. The study sought to explore the challenges faced by male midwives in midwifery practice in Ghana. Using the qualitative study design and purposive sampling, data were collected within 30 to 45 minutes for each participant and reached saturation by the 14th participant. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis. Findings revealed two major themes of current and training period challenges were developed, from which four sub-themes emerged: the attitude of female midwives, the heavy workload and unfavourable duty schedule, and the clinical supervisors’ attitude. In conclusion, male midwives are trained maternal and neonatal health care providers working in various aspects of midwifery to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortalities; however, the challenges in the workplace pose unbearable barriers which impede the aim of practice.
Workplace challenges can be daunting and hinder the provision of quality services, especially for a professional such as the male midwife who spends the entirety of his work life in an environment in which he can be termed the minority. Heavy workload, harassment, and intimidation are some documented challenges of the male midwife. The study sought to explore the challenges faced by male midwives in midwifery practice in Ghana. Using the qualitative study design and purposive sampling, data were collected within 30 to 45 minutes for each participant and reached saturation by the 14th participant. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis. Findings revealed two major themes of current and training period challenges were developed, from which four sub-themes emerged: the attitude of female midwives, the heavy workload and unfavourable duty schedule, and the clinical supervisors’ attitude. In conclusion, male midwives are trained maternal and neonatal health care providers working in various aspects of midwifery to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortalities; however, the challenges in the workplace pose unbearable barriers which impede the aim of practice.
Cognitive and Musical Characteristics as Factors of Creative Development
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 309-316.
4. Fatima Ajimudin, Kananga Robert MunkunaJournal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 309-316.
Abstract:
The study is dedicated to examining cognitive and musical characteristics as factors in the creative development of children in primary school and adolescence. The sample consisted of 126 students of grades 2-3 and 6-7 from comprehensive schools in Moscow and Sochi. The following methods were used: Raven’s test, Amthauer’s Verbal Scale, Gold-MSI and Torrance test. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that the structure of creative perspective factors changes with age. In primary school, fluid intelligence is the leading factor, whereas active musical involvement comes to the fore in adolescence. A significant interaction effect between fluid intelligence and musical involvement was found. An increase in the role of crystallized intelligence in adolescence was revealed. Emotional responsiveness to music consistently contributes to developing creative potential in both age groups. The results of the study emphasize the importance of an integrated approach to the development of creative potential, taking into account both cognitive and musical factors. Practical implications for education and prospects for further research are discussed.
The study is dedicated to examining cognitive and musical characteristics as factors in the creative development of children in primary school and adolescence. The sample consisted of 126 students of grades 2-3 and 6-7 from comprehensive schools in Moscow and Sochi. The following methods were used: Raven’s test, Amthauer’s Verbal Scale, Gold-MSI and Torrance test. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that the structure of creative perspective factors changes with age. In primary school, fluid intelligence is the leading factor, whereas active musical involvement comes to the fore in adolescence. A significant interaction effect between fluid intelligence and musical involvement was found. An increase in the role of crystallized intelligence in adolescence was revealed. Emotional responsiveness to music consistently contributes to developing creative potential in both age groups. The results of the study emphasize the importance of an integrated approach to the development of creative potential, taking into account both cognitive and musical factors. Practical implications for education and prospects for further research are discussed.
Psychosocial Factors Influencing Grade 7 Learners’ Performance in Mathematics Classes at Primary Schools in the Northern Cape, South Africa
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 317-331.
5. Alexander Tetteh Kwasi Nuer, Selorm Omega, Nazir Kizze-Hayford, Jerry Ampofo-Asiama, Salifu Seidu-Larry, Vivianne Geraldo, Isaac Okyere, Samuel Bridge NkansahJournal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 317-331.
Abstract:
This study explores the psychosocial factors influencing Grade 7 learners’ performance in mathematics classes at primary schools in the Frances Baard district in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative interpretive approach infused with a multiple-case study design. The thematic analysis results show that some learners were not fully engaged in the mathematics classes despite having the necessary resources, including qualified teachers. The study revealed that family and community issues affect learners’ academic performance in mathematics classes. It further found that some learners struggle to comprehend mathematical concepts taught in English, their second language. The study recommends that teachers should enhance their pedagogical approaches to fit learners’ home languages, locations, and socioeconomic circumstances.
This study explores the psychosocial factors influencing Grade 7 learners’ performance in mathematics classes at primary schools in the Frances Baard district in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative interpretive approach infused with a multiple-case study design. The thematic analysis results show that some learners were not fully engaged in the mathematics classes despite having the necessary resources, including qualified teachers. The study revealed that family and community issues affect learners’ academic performance in mathematics classes. It further found that some learners struggle to comprehend mathematical concepts taught in English, their second language. The study recommends that teachers should enhance their pedagogical approaches to fit learners’ home languages, locations, and socioeconomic circumstances.
Socio-Economic Activities and the Sustainability of Fish Smoking in Small Communities: Insights from the Central Region of Ghana
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 332-345.
6. Teresa Zamora-Lobato, Lizzeth Navarro-Ibarra, Rosalba Cabrera GutiérrezJournal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 332-345.
Abstract:
This study explores the impact of fish processing activities on the socio-economic well-being of fish smokers along the coastal regions of Ghana’s Central Region, to improve sustainability in fish processing and supply. Using a qualitative phenomenological research design, data was collected through purposive sampling from four fish smokers, each with over 20 years of experience and an average age of 55 years. Thematic analysis was employed to evaluate participants’ perspectives on the fish processing industry. The findings revealed that the fish smokers predominantly processed herrings, mackerel, anchovies, and tuna sourced from the sea or cold stores, with smoking primarily done using the Chorkor oven. Despite variations in location or oven type, their operational practices were largely similar. Participants clearly understood their market dynamics, including clientele preferences and pricing strategies. However, key challenges included financial and labour constraints, along with erratic fluctuations in the price of raw fish. The study noted that improving hygienic practices could significantly enhance the shelf life of smoked fish, thereby boosting income and socio-economic prospects for fish processors. The results underscore the importance of addressing operational challenges in the fish processing industry while providing actionable insights for enhancing sustainability. Additionally, the study offers methodological recommendations and highlights strategies to improve smoked fish sales, contributing to a deeper understanding of the socio-economic impact of micro and small-scale fishsmoking enterprises.
This study explores the impact of fish processing activities on the socio-economic well-being of fish smokers along the coastal regions of Ghana’s Central Region, to improve sustainability in fish processing and supply. Using a qualitative phenomenological research design, data was collected through purposive sampling from four fish smokers, each with over 20 years of experience and an average age of 55 years. Thematic analysis was employed to evaluate participants’ perspectives on the fish processing industry. The findings revealed that the fish smokers predominantly processed herrings, mackerel, anchovies, and tuna sourced from the sea or cold stores, with smoking primarily done using the Chorkor oven. Despite variations in location or oven type, their operational practices were largely similar. Participants clearly understood their market dynamics, including clientele preferences and pricing strategies. However, key challenges included financial and labour constraints, along with erratic fluctuations in the price of raw fish. The study noted that improving hygienic practices could significantly enhance the shelf life of smoked fish, thereby boosting income and socio-economic prospects for fish processors. The results underscore the importance of addressing operational challenges in the fish processing industry while providing actionable insights for enhancing sustainability. Additionally, the study offers methodological recommendations and highlights strategies to improve smoked fish sales, contributing to a deeper understanding of the socio-economic impact of micro and small-scale fishsmoking enterprises.
Levels of Anxiety Towards Mathematics in Elementary School Students
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 346-361.
7. Aylin del Rosario Lagunes-Hernández, Miriam Flores-Bañuelos, Rubén Edel-NavarroJournal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 346-361.
Abstract:
This study aims to examine the existence of 0anxiety towards mathematics in elementary school students. For such purpose, it was determined that sixth-grade public school students would be examined. Employing a non-probability, self-selection sampling, an Anxiety Towards Mathematics test, designed by Muñoz-Cantero and Mato-Vázquez, was applied to 183 students. These students stemmed from four different public schools; some attended school in the morning and others in the evening. The reliability of said test showed a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.94, which also meets the function of normality. The Exploratory Factor Analysis was used to obtain the underlying factor solution, which was confirmed subsequently through the Structural Equations Model method. The main findings present the underlying structure of a four-factor model obtained with the Exploratory Factor Analysis validated through the Structural Equations Model method. Regarding gender differences, it was proven that in the dimensions of anxiety towards evaluation, temporality, understanding math problems, and numbers and math operations, there is a difference between males and females, except for anxiety towards mathematical situations in daily life. This last result can be linked to how independent they are in their daily life and not precisely inside a classroom.
This study aims to examine the existence of 0anxiety towards mathematics in elementary school students. For such purpose, it was determined that sixth-grade public school students would be examined. Employing a non-probability, self-selection sampling, an Anxiety Towards Mathematics test, designed by Muñoz-Cantero and Mato-Vázquez, was applied to 183 students. These students stemmed from four different public schools; some attended school in the morning and others in the evening. The reliability of said test showed a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.94, which also meets the function of normality. The Exploratory Factor Analysis was used to obtain the underlying factor solution, which was confirmed subsequently through the Structural Equations Model method. The main findings present the underlying structure of a four-factor model obtained with the Exploratory Factor Analysis validated through the Structural Equations Model method. Regarding gender differences, it was proven that in the dimensions of anxiety towards evaluation, temporality, understanding math problems, and numbers and math operations, there is a difference between males and females, except for anxiety towards mathematical situations in daily life. This last result can be linked to how independent they are in their daily life and not precisely inside a classroom.
Role of Job Satisfaction in Turnover Intentions in a Private Security Company
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 362-375.
8. Sumana Chiangnangam, Paiboon Manorom, Wirapong ChansanamJournal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 362-375.
Abstract:
Employee turnover is a significant challenge for many companies, and understanding the causes and consequences of this phenomenon is crucial for ensuring long-term organizational stability and success. In this context, a study was conducted to explore the relationship between job satisfaction and employees’ intention to leave in a private security company. To address this issue, an empirical study was carried out with a non-experimental design, using a comprehensive approach that included descriptive, correlational, exploratory, and confirmatory analyses, all framed within the hypothetical-deductive paradigm and applying Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) methodology. The study sample consisted of 620 workers from Duxon, a private security company located in the Boca del Río metropolitan area, Veracruz, México. The research findings revealed that job satisfaction has a negative relationship with the intention to resign from the job. In this case, it was observed that employees report being satisfied with the variety of tasks they perform at work and feel comfortable and secure in their work environment. As a result, this variable does not significantly impact their intention to leave.
Employee turnover is a significant challenge for many companies, and understanding the causes and consequences of this phenomenon is crucial for ensuring long-term organizational stability and success. In this context, a study was conducted to explore the relationship between job satisfaction and employees’ intention to leave in a private security company. To address this issue, an empirical study was carried out with a non-experimental design, using a comprehensive approach that included descriptive, correlational, exploratory, and confirmatory analyses, all framed within the hypothetical-deductive paradigm and applying Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) methodology. The study sample consisted of 620 workers from Duxon, a private security company located in the Boca del Río metropolitan area, Veracruz, México. The research findings revealed that job satisfaction has a negative relationship with the intention to resign from the job. In this case, it was observed that employees report being satisfied with the variety of tasks they perform at work and feel comfortable and secure in their work environment. As a result, this variable does not significantly impact their intention to leave.
Strategies for Sustainable Development in Organic Farming: A Topic Modeling Approach Using Latent Dirichlet Allocation
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 376-391.
9. Yaqin FanJournal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 376-391.
Abstract:
Organic farming products have gained popularity among health-conscious consumers as a sustainable alternative. Agricultural entrepreneurs focusing on organic agriculture aim to create value through sustainable development, leveraging networks across production, processing, and marketing. Despite its growth, organic agriculture development requires further research to identify effective approaches and methods across various dimensions. This study aims to investigate strategies and methodologies for organic farming by analyzing topic models related to organic agriculture and entrepreneurship using bibliographic information. A dataset of 4,327 article abstracts published between 1946 and 2023 in the Scopus database was analyzed using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modeling method. The analysis identified five primary topics: (1) Soil for organic agriculture, (2) Environment and organic agriculture, (3) Agricultural business, (4) Organic production, and (5) The use of organic substances. The topic modeling approach yielded a connection value of 0.419, indicating an effective and appropriate grouping of topics. The findings provide valuable insights for farmers, enabling them to understand historical trends and strategies in organic farming and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the study offers researchers a foundation for applying topic modeling to explore future research directions in organic agriculture and related fields.
Organic farming products have gained popularity among health-conscious consumers as a sustainable alternative. Agricultural entrepreneurs focusing on organic agriculture aim to create value through sustainable development, leveraging networks across production, processing, and marketing. Despite its growth, organic agriculture development requires further research to identify effective approaches and methods across various dimensions. This study aims to investigate strategies and methodologies for organic farming by analyzing topic models related to organic agriculture and entrepreneurship using bibliographic information. A dataset of 4,327 article abstracts published between 1946 and 2023 in the Scopus database was analyzed using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modeling method. The analysis identified five primary topics: (1) Soil for organic agriculture, (2) Environment and organic agriculture, (3) Agricultural business, (4) Organic production, and (5) The use of organic substances. The topic modeling approach yielded a connection value of 0.419, indicating an effective and appropriate grouping of topics. The findings provide valuable insights for farmers, enabling them to understand historical trends and strategies in organic farming and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the study offers researchers a foundation for applying topic modeling to explore future research directions in organic agriculture and related fields.
Review on the Application of Universal Design for Learning in Classroom Instruction
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 393-400.
10. Tetiana Bilous-Osin, Mykola Yurchenko, Mykhailo Goncharenko, Natalia Sukhytska, Pavlo GorinovJournal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 393-400.
Abstract:
To comprehensively understand the application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in classroom instruction and to pinpoint existing challenges, an extensive literature review was undertaken, utilizing renowned databases such as ERIC, PsycInfo, Social Sciences Index, and Science Direct. This review yielded over 80 peer-reviewed articles encompassing empirical research studies, covering a wide range of educational stages from primary schools to universities. The 62 selected pieces of literature offered a wealth of information, enabling a detailed examination of the application of UDL in real-world classroom contexts. The findings from this review were meticulously organized and subjected to a thorough analytical process, focusing on three key dimensions: the general application of UDL principles, the specific strategies employed for implementation, and the evaluations of these strategies’ effectiveness. The analysis revealed a landscape where the adoption of UDL principles is marked by a lack of systematic approaches and a shortage of clearly defined, tailored strategies. This has led to a varied picture in terms of outcomes, with some instances showing promising results while others falling short of expectations. The heterogeneity in the application and the inconclusive nature of the effectiveness underscore the need for further research and the development of more precise, contextually relevant UDL strategies to ensure that the principles of UDL are effectively translated into practice for the benefit of all learners.
To comprehensively understand the application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in classroom instruction and to pinpoint existing challenges, an extensive literature review was undertaken, utilizing renowned databases such as ERIC, PsycInfo, Social Sciences Index, and Science Direct. This review yielded over 80 peer-reviewed articles encompassing empirical research studies, covering a wide range of educational stages from primary schools to universities. The 62 selected pieces of literature offered a wealth of information, enabling a detailed examination of the application of UDL in real-world classroom contexts. The findings from this review were meticulously organized and subjected to a thorough analytical process, focusing on three key dimensions: the general application of UDL principles, the specific strategies employed for implementation, and the evaluations of these strategies’ effectiveness. The analysis revealed a landscape where the adoption of UDL principles is marked by a lack of systematic approaches and a shortage of clearly defined, tailored strategies. This has led to a varied picture in terms of outcomes, with some instances showing promising results while others falling short of expectations. The heterogeneity in the application and the inconclusive nature of the effectiveness underscore the need for further research and the development of more precise, contextually relevant UDL strategies to ensure that the principles of UDL are effectively translated into practice for the benefit of all learners.
Management and Public Procedures for Providing Higher Legal Education
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 401-411.
11. Liduvina Valencia-Márquez, Sergio Hernández-Mejía, Daniel Martínez-NavarreteJournal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 401-411.
Abstract:
The provision of higher legal education is formed from a set of material and institutional measures that have the appropriate procedural form of implementation. Public management procedures are integral elements of this provision. Higher legal education is defined as a complex system of knowledge, skills, expertise, legal-related ways of reasoning, qualities, and competencies acquired during training in a higher education institution according to a standardized educational program; the completion of this program is the ground for awarding a higher education degree. The purpose of the article is to determine the managerial and procedural aspects of providing higher legal education. The findings substantiate the need to improve legislation in the field of higher legal education by developing and adopting special legislation. The study’s methodological framework involved general and special scientific approaches, such as methods of philosophical argument, system analysis, deductive reasoning, structural-functional, and empirical methods. The authors present an argument for special features determining the provision of higher legal education. The findings can be of avail to legislators and law enforcement bodies to regulate relations in higher legal education.
The provision of higher legal education is formed from a set of material and institutional measures that have the appropriate procedural form of implementation. Public management procedures are integral elements of this provision. Higher legal education is defined as a complex system of knowledge, skills, expertise, legal-related ways of reasoning, qualities, and competencies acquired during training in a higher education institution according to a standardized educational program; the completion of this program is the ground for awarding a higher education degree. The purpose of the article is to determine the managerial and procedural aspects of providing higher legal education. The findings substantiate the need to improve legislation in the field of higher legal education by developing and adopting special legislation. The study’s methodological framework involved general and special scientific approaches, such as methods of philosophical argument, system analysis, deductive reasoning, structural-functional, and empirical methods. The authors present an argument for special features determining the provision of higher legal education. The findings can be of avail to legislators and law enforcement bodies to regulate relations in higher legal education.
Mathematical Skills Applied in Finance and their Relationship with Academic And Personal Variables: Empirical Study in College Students
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 412-423.
12. Keren Naa Abeka Arthur, Esther Afoley LaryeaJournal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 412-423.
Abstract:
This research aims to determine the relationship between mathematical skills applied in finance and the academic and personal variables of college students. The results of the ordered Probit regression model show the mathematical competencies of the students according to their professional area of study, gender and employment condition. It is more likely that students in the “economic-administrative” area, compared to students in the engineering area, have mathematical skills to perform basic numerical operations, ratios and proportions, as well as apply formulas that involve financial concepts. The sample was 309 university students who were studying in the last semester of their bachelor’s program. The sample is made up of students enrolled in public and private universities, belonging to the Municipality of Veracruz, Mexico. The questionnaire was structured in two sections. The first section includes questions about the student’s personal and academic characteristics. The second section includes 23 questions, with multiple-choice answers, with only one answer being true. To explain the behavior of the dependent variable, as well as mathematical skills, with ordered response options, the ordered Probit response model is used. The results show the role of the students’ employment status in relation to mathematical skills to perform basic arithmetic operations related to spending, personal budget and calculations of variation of quantities and amounts. The results of the research suggest strengthening the mathematical competencies of university students in personal finance topics, which allows them to promote informed financial decision-making.
This research aims to determine the relationship between mathematical skills applied in finance and the academic and personal variables of college students. The results of the ordered Probit regression model show the mathematical competencies of the students according to their professional area of study, gender and employment condition. It is more likely that students in the “economic-administrative” area, compared to students in the engineering area, have mathematical skills to perform basic numerical operations, ratios and proportions, as well as apply formulas that involve financial concepts. The sample was 309 university students who were studying in the last semester of their bachelor’s program. The sample is made up of students enrolled in public and private universities, belonging to the Municipality of Veracruz, Mexico. The questionnaire was structured in two sections. The first section includes questions about the student’s personal and academic characteristics. The second section includes 23 questions, with multiple-choice answers, with only one answer being true. To explain the behavior of the dependent variable, as well as mathematical skills, with ordered response options, the ordered Probit response model is used. The results show the role of the students’ employment status in relation to mathematical skills to perform basic arithmetic operations related to spending, personal budget and calculations of variation of quantities and amounts. The results of the research suggest strengthening the mathematical competencies of university students in personal finance topics, which allows them to promote informed financial decision-making.
Improving Student Engagement in Co-curricular Programmes: The Role of Monitoring and Incentive Structures
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 424-440.
13. Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2024. 11(3): 424-440.
Abstract:
Management educators are becoming increasingly interested in preparing their students for managerial and leadership roles in the job market, and soft skills have been touted as useful in this transition. Nevertheless, soft skills in public universities are difficult to develop in large class sizes, making co-curricular skills development training a good alternative. This paper is an instructional innovation piece that reports on the results of experimenting with different combined incentive and monitoring structures to understand their role in improving student engagement in a design thinking course aimed at developing soft skills in the extra-curricular setting. In this study, we analyzed quantitative and qualitative data from administrative records and interviews using descriptive, t-test and thematic analysis techniques to understand the effect of the combined mechanisms on engagement. Our findings indicate a significant difference between the control and treatment groups with regard to all engagement variables except for efforts to work harder. However, the mechanisms are more important in promoting behavioural engagement than cognitive and affective engagement. We recommend that management educators tailor incentives to specific engagement variables that drive desired outcomes rather than tying them to programme-level outcomes. Additionally, we suggest a need to understand the communication culture of students to shape decisions regarding monitoring mechanisms.
Management educators are becoming increasingly interested in preparing their students for managerial and leadership roles in the job market, and soft skills have been touted as useful in this transition. Nevertheless, soft skills in public universities are difficult to develop in large class sizes, making co-curricular skills development training a good alternative. This paper is an instructional innovation piece that reports on the results of experimenting with different combined incentive and monitoring structures to understand their role in improving student engagement in a design thinking course aimed at developing soft skills in the extra-curricular setting. In this study, we analyzed quantitative and qualitative data from administrative records and interviews using descriptive, t-test and thematic analysis techniques to understand the effect of the combined mechanisms on engagement. Our findings indicate a significant difference between the control and treatment groups with regard to all engagement variables except for efforts to work harder. However, the mechanisms are more important in promoting behavioural engagement than cognitive and affective engagement. We recommend that management educators tailor incentives to specific engagement variables that drive desired outcomes rather than tying them to programme-level outcomes. Additionally, we suggest a need to understand the communication culture of students to shape decisions regarding monitoring mechanisms.
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