UNDERSTANDING STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF KEY DETERMINANTS INFLUENCING ACADEMIC SUCCESS IN E-LEARNING: INSIGHTS FROM A NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY

Volume 81, Jan 2025
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2025.1.1
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Abstract: Presently, numerous issues plague Nigeria's educational system. None is more accurate and persistent than the low academic performance of students at every level of education, which is one of the biggest, most significant disadvantages of educational progress. The present study sought to investigate students' views on the determinants of e-learners' academic success. All National Open University students in the South West geopolitical zone, ranging from second to fourth year, comprised the population. The study was conducted using a qualitative study design. Purposive sampling was employed to select 48 university participants from the study's sample. A thematic analysis was used to examine the data gathered through focus group interviews, which were audio recorded and transcribed. The study's findings demonstrated how students perceived various factors as determinants of their academic success, namely, computer dependence and knowledge, the benefits of the Internet, previous ICT experience, collaborative learning, parental ICT literacy influence, self-efficacy and motivation, and progressive computer use and benefits. Recommendations for practice are presented.

Author(s): Desmond Wesley Govender, Olukayode Solomon Aboderin, Irene Govender


THE EFFECT OF FLIPPED CLASSROOM ON ACADEMIC SUCCESS OF SEVENTH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES STUDENTS ABOUT LIVING DEMOCRACY UNIT

Volume 80, Dec 2024
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2024.12.1
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Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the flipped classroom model on the academic achievement of 7th grade students in the Living Democracy unit of the Social Studies course according to the activity-based constructivist approach. The research was conducted in two different secondary schools in Erzurum province (east part of Turkey), located in the east of Türkiye, during the second semester of 2015-2016 academic year. A quasi-experimental design was used in the study. The experimental and control groups were matched by analyzing the 5th and 6th grade point averages and pre-test results of the students. The "Social Studies Academic Achievement Test" was applied to the experimental and control groups as a pre-test and post-test. During the research, the data obtained from the achievement test were analyzed using t-tests and one-way ANOVA tests. Additionally, it was determined whether there were significant differences in the academic achievement of the students in the experimental and control groups according to the educational status of their parents. The results indicate that the flipped classroom model has a more significant effect on students' academic achievement than the activity-based constructivist approach.

Author(s): Selçuk Ilgaz, Ersin Dursunlar


EXPLORING STUDENT PERSPECTIVES ON USING SPORTS AS A HOLISTIC TOOL FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Volume 80, Dec 2024
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2024.12.4
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Abstract: All higher education institutions worldwide provide sports opportunities for their students. These activities serve various purposes, all aimed at enhancing social cohesion and promoting the health and wellness of students. Lack of skill development can hinder a student’s personal and professional growth, making it difficult for them to adapt to changing environment and in the pursuing of new opportunities. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effectiveness of using sport as a holistic tool to enhance students’ skills development. A quantitative methodology was adopted. Participants were selected using the Stratified random sampling method from eight departments within the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Durban University of Technology. Data was collected through the distribution of surveys to students and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29. Based on the findings it can be noted that an interrelationship that exits between physical activity, mental health, and social relationships, whereby universities need to change the mindset of policy makers to ensure that the physical activity programs are presented to first year students to ensure that skills development is prioritized, which will lead to students experiencing a better quality of life.

Author(s): Colleen Lotz, Sameera Banu Hussain


BEYOND LEISURE INVOLVEMENT: UNDERSTANDING PATHWAYS TO WOMEN’S PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING THROUGH THE MULTI-MEDIATING EFFECT OF LEISURE FACILITATORS

Volume 80, Dec 2024
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2024.12.3
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Abstract: For Turkish women, participation in leisure activities plays a crucial role in reducing daily life and pressures while providing a sense of autonomy, competence, and commitment, which are essential components of psychological health. This study investigates the impact of leisure involvement on psychological well-being and explores the mediating effect of leisure facilitators on this relationship. In this study, employed a purposive sample consisting of individuals who were members of fitness centers and who participated in mat Pilates program. A total of 277 women, aged 20–55 years, participated in eight weeks of mat Pilates program, selected using criterion sampling. Data collection tools included the Leisure Involvement Scale, Psychological Well-Being Scale, and Leisure Facilitators Scale. The findings indicate that leisure activities significantly enhance mental health and well-being. Additionally, the results emphasize the crucial role of facilitators in optimizing the benefits of leisure involvement. By highlighting the importance of leisure and recreational pursuits, the study suggests that increasing and supporting leisure participation across various contexts can substantially improve psychological well-being. These findings advocate for more comprehensive strategies that integrate leisure activities into mental health promotion and well-being programs. According to these findings, creating policies and programs that promote women's participation in leisure activities within various cultural settings are essential.

Author(s): Rıfat Kerem Gürkan, Feyza Meryem Kara, Merve Turan


THE IMPACT OF E-COMMERCE ON THE FEMINIZATION OF POVERTY: EVIDENCE FROM MINORITY WOMEN IN GUIZHOU

Volume 80, Nov 2024
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2024.11.5
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Abstract: This paper investigates the potential of e-commerce to alleviate poverty among ethnic minority women in Guizhou, China, through a case study of Miao embroidery. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this study combines quantitative data from questionnaires with qualitative insights from interviews to explore the impact of e-commerce on economic conditions and social status. Findings reveal that e-commerce facilitates the commercialization of Miao embroidery, providing women with new income opportunities and promoting economic independence. This research contributes to the discourse on poverty alleviation, gender equality, and the commercialization of intangible cultural heritage in the digital era.

Author(s): Yi Yang, Jameson Chou, Xunqian Liu


THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AS A COMMUNICATION TOOL IN THE SPORT INDUSTRY: A CASE OF THE KZN FOOTBALL INDUSTRY

Volume 80, Oct 2024
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2024.10.4
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Abstract: Over the years the football industry has revolutionized into a modernized game through social media platforms (Wang, Cheng, and Sun 2021: 102). Social media platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) have been used globally among soccer stars, fans, and football clubs to engage in communication (Weimar, Holthoff, and Biscacia 2020: 335). It is evident that communication plays an integral role in the sporting industry. Nairaine (2019: 223), adds that football clubs are now exposed to advanced technology opportunities resulting from the development of social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, etc. This paper aimed to establish how social media is used as a communication tool within the KwaZulu-Natal football industry. Three selected football teams where investigated in terms of how they used social media platforms to build and maintain relationships with their stakeholders. A qualitative research approach was adopted for this study. The findings indicated that social media has become an integral part everyday life. Social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram have transformed communication practices globally, thereby making it easier for the sports teams to engage with their stakeholders. This study further highlights that football clubs also adopted social media as a communication tool to engage with and to disseminate information to their fans and stakeholders. Despite possible barriers may exist when using social media platforms, research has shown that it serves as a powerful tool when addressing social issues and fostering communication with stakeholders. The study suggests that soccer clubs should be constant with their social media posts and ensure that a social media strategy is developed and managed by the respective soccer clubs.

Author(s): Asanda Dzelwa, Paulene Naidoo, Sameera Banu Hussain


DEVELOPING A MANAGER: CONCEPTUALISING AND IDENTIFYING THE ELEMENTS OF MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT

Volume 81, Jan 2025
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2025.1.2
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Abstract: The landscape in which modern organizations operate is rapidly changing and requires managerial agility, and this necessitates a frequent review of how managers are developed. The objective of this study was to present a contemporary and comprehensive definition of management development, and to identify the elements affiliated with management. Employing a qualitative approach, systematically selected journal articles, textbooks and editorials published after 2015, with management development its primary discussion, were analyzed for their own content and the seminal works they referred to. The data was thematically grouped where both prominent and less central themes were identified. Management development is a recognized concept, defined as a process comprising planned and systematic formal and informal approaches aimed at developing crucial capabilities, specifically skills, required by a manager to be effective in their role, to the benefit of the organization they are employed in. It often involves a mix of formal and informal approaches. Contemporary approaches emphasize methods such as reflective and action learning interventions, with tailored goal-setting interventions geared towards enhancing relevance. These approaches are customized to the workplace context, taking individuals' skill sets and personalized needs into account. Though complex, literature on management development can be consolidated to present both an inclusive definition of the concept as well as the elements associated with it. A broad base of academic literature was captured and integrated towards a comprehensive understanding of management development.

Author(s): Shelley Cook, Renier Steyn


INVESTIGATION OF PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS' GENERAL SELFEFFICACY LEVELS

Volume 80, Nov 2024
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2024.11.2
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Abstract: This study aimed to examine the general self-efficacy levels of teacher candidates. The sample of the study consisted of teacher candidates studying in different departments of Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University in the 2023-2024 academic year. The General SelfEfficacy Scale was used to determine the general self-efficacy levels of teacher candidates. As a result of the study, the general self-efficacy levels of teacher candidates were determined. It was observed that the general self-efficacy levels of teacher candidates were high. This means that Kyrgyz teacher candidates overcome difficulties in daily and academic life. Then, tests were conducted to understand whether the general self-efficacy levels of Kyrgyz teacher candidates differed statistically according to different independent variables. In this direction, first of all, the differences in the general self-efficacy level according to gender and living with the family were examined. As a result of the independent samples t-test, it was determined that there was no statistically significant difference. Another important result reached in the study is that the general self-efficacy levels of Kyrgyz prospective teachers differ statistically significantly according to their socioeconomic status. In other words, it was observed that those with a higher socioeconomic status had a higher general self-efficacy level than those with a lower socioeconomic status.

Author(s): Madina OZTURK, Yavuz Ercan GUL


RETHINKING INCLUSIVE ORGANIZATION: EXPERIENTIAL MODEL FOR INTEGRATION OF DIFFERENCES OF DIVERSE WORKFORCE

Volume 80, Aug 2024
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2024.8.3
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Abstract: Inclusive organizations capitalize on diversity by recognizing, respecting, and valuing the differences of a diverse workforce for business and social benefits. Diverse individuals feel included in an organization by evaluating their experiences of inclusion. The existing models of inclusive organization found in the literature do not conceptualize inclusion on the basis of experiential dimensions. This study, through a combination of a systematic review of literature and qualitative research, brings out four experiential dimensions that synergistically formulate an inclusive organization. Through a systematic review of the literature, 13 models presented by various scholars during the past 20 years were critically analyzed to synthesize a model based on the experiential dimensions of inclusive organization. The qualitative study, comprising 26 in-depth interviews, aimed to confirm the dimensions derived from existing models and delve into their pertinent sub-dimensions, with a particular focus on incorporating the diversity of a workforce.

Author(s): Dr. Omar Khalid Bhatti

TRANSLATIONAL ANALYSIS OF SPORTS MEDICINE TERMINOLOGY: TRANSLATION FROM LATIN, ENGLISH, AND FRENCH INTO MONTENEGRIN

Volume 80, Sep 2024
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2024.9.1
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Abstract: This article pertains to the analysis of a corpus in sports medicine, specifically focusing on the shoulder joint. It investigates the terminology encompassing bones, ligaments, muscles, joints, and movements in Latin, English, and French, as well as their equivalents in Montenegro. The article's aim was to analyze specific lexemes that perform a terminological function in the Montenegrin language when translating sports medical terminology from Latin, English, and French. The analysis process faces challenges due to Montenegro's lack of standardized terminological dictionaries. This research emphasizes the importance of aligning terminology to achieve precise and consistent understanding among linguistic experts and professionals in specialized medical disciplines. This research, through systematic analysis and interpretation of available sources, provides a foundation for improving terminological standards in the field of sports medicine in the Montenegrin language, thereby facilitating professional communication and education in this modern medical discipline.

Author(s): Andrea Perunicic, Gabriel Barbulet