i-manager's Journal on Humanities & Social Sciences (JHSS)


Volume 4 Issue 1 January - April 2024

Research Paper

Qualitative Case Study on HBCU Students' Perceptions of the Sources of Academic Self-Efficacy in Online Learning

Jennifer Miller* , Jillian Skelton**, Madison Bibbs***
* Licensed Professional Counselor, United States.
** University of Alabama, United States.
*** Mississippi State University, United States.
Miller, J., Skelton, J., and Bibbs, M. (2024). Qualitative Case Study on HBCU Students' Perceptions of the Sources of Academic Self-Efficacy in Online Learning. i-manager’s Journal on Humanities & Social Sciences, 4(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.26634/jhss.4.1.20257

Abstract

This qualitative case study explored the experiences of Historically Black College or University (HBCU) students taking online courses during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to better understand students' perceptions of the influence of the four sources of academic self-efficacy on their academic performance during this period of exclusive online learning. Participants (n = 13) were female students enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree program at a small HBCU in the southeastern United States. All participants confirmed that they had been taking courses exclusively online due to COVID restrictions in 2020, with no in-person courses for at least six months prior to data collection. Four themes emerged: Mastery Experiences for online students requires self-regulation and independent learning skills with dynamic instruction and constructive feedback, effective Vicarious Experiences were student-directed extracurricular multi-modality interactions with peers, effective Verbal Persuasion for online students was the rapport with instructors, Physiological State for online students was their ability to manage competing demands and distractions. Each theme provided insights for college administration, faculty, and students into developing strategies for enhancing the online learning experience for undergraduate college students by intentionally informing their sense of academic self-efficacy which is strongly related to academic performance in the online classroom.

Research Paper

Voices of Resilience: A Qualitative Exploration of Blogging as a Resilience Intervention among Young People in the Philippines

Dennis Relojo-Howell* , Mark Hoelterhoff **, Laura Cariola ***
*-*** Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh.
Relojo-Howell, D., Hoelterhoff, M., and Cariola, L. (2024). Voices of Resilience: A Qualitative Exploration of Blogging as a Resilience Intervention among Young People in the Philippines. i-manager’s Journal on Humanities & Social Sciences, 4(1), 15-31. https://doi.org/10.26634/jhss.4.1.20295

Abstract

Psychological resilience has been a topic of ongoing debate in the field of psychology, with a lack of consensus on its definition, operationalisation, and conceptualisation. Meanwhile, young people have been called upon to demonstrate resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LAMICs) where they have been disproportionately affected by the economic fallout. In response to this, this study aimed to explore the perception of resilience and blogging among young people from a LAMIC. Using in-depth interviews with 15 participants, the study identified three main themes: sources of resilience, role of resilience, and process of resilience. Additionally, five main themes related to blogging were identified: what is a blog, video bloggers, advantages, concerns, and experience. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding resilience from a different demographic, which can influence the development of resilience interventions. This study also provides insights into the potential of using blogging as a tool for promoting resilience in young people. Overall, this study offers a valuable contribution to the understanding of resilience and its relation to digital mental health, particularly in diverse and underrepresented communities.

Research Paper

Identification of Key Performance Dimensions of Academic Professionals: A Qualitative Exploration

Imran Sheikh*
Jashore University of Science and Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh.
Sheikh, I. (2024). Identification of Key Performance Dimensions of Academic Professionals: A Qualitative Exploration. i-manager’s Journal on Humanities & Social Sciences, 4(1), 32-49. https://doi.org/10.26634/jhss.4.1.20307

Abstract

This study seeks to explore the dimensions of performance of academic professionals in various universities in Bangladesh. This qualitative study used 21 in-depth, semi-structured interviews to collect data from 10 public universities across four administrative regions of Bangladesh. The data was analyzed thematically using the interpretive phenomenological approach in NVivo 12 Pro software. This study has identified four crucial performance characteristics of academic professionals in public institutions in Bangladesh. These dimensions include teaching, research and publication, administrative tasks, and managing external funds. The results also indicated that academic professionals must participate in this activity throughout their careers. A range of respondents' perspectives were utilized to characterize the performance aspects of academic professionals. During the process of selecting the university category, there was some overlap. For instance, this study does not include private universities, medical universities, other specialized universities, and off-campus universities in Bangladesh. There is a better possibility of getting better outcomes if all kinds of universities are included in this study. By outlining the shortcomings of the present study, the article also serves as a rallying cry for additional research. The findings of the study will improve the understanding of the academic professional about the key performance dimensions. The results also offer a useful framework for relevant authorities, HR departments, university administrations, and lawmakers by describing the most important aspects of academic professionals' performance that they must exhibit at different career points. The study sheds light on the possible societal contributions of performance and its various sub-dimensions. This research constructs a comprehensive model of the links between HRM practices, university authority orientation, and academic professionals' productivity based on theoretical assumptions and empirical evidence. This study's results have practical consequences because they examine critical components of academic professionals' performance that may influence their employment.

Research Paper

Challenges and Opportunities: The Impact of the Second Screening on Television Viewing in Blantyre, Malawi

Lawrence Luhanga* , George C. Angelopulo**
* Department of Computer Science, DMI St. John the Baptist University, Malawi.
** Department of Communication Science, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa.
Luhanga, L., and Angelopulo, G. C. (2024). Challenges and Opportunities: The Impact of the Second Screening on Television Viewing in Blantyre, Malawi. i-manager’s Journal on Humanities & Social Sciences, 4(1), 50-56. https://doi.org/10.26634/jhss.4.1.20612

Abstract

This research investigates the dual impact of second screening on television viewing in Blantyre, Malawi, exploring the challenges it poses to traditional viewing practices and the opportunities it presents for broadcasters. Based on the Distraction-Conflict and Uses and Gratification theories, the study examines how second screening, the simultaneous use of secondary devices during television watching, affects viewer attention and engagement. Utilising qualitative methodologies, including focus groups and in-depth interviews, the research gathered insights from a diverse demographic in Blantyre. The analysis uncovered that second screening often leads to fragmented attention and reduced engagement with television content, posing significant challenges for content creators and broadcasters. However, the study also highlights potential opportunities for leveraging second screening to enhance viewer engagement, particularly through interactive content and social media integration. These opportunities suggest innovative strategies for broadcasters to reclaim viewer attention and foster a more participatory viewing experience. The findings of this study offer valuable implications for media producers, suggesting that embracing the complexities of second screening can lead to more engaging and immersive content strategies. Furthermore, this research contributes to the understanding of media consumption dynamics in Malawi, providing a foundation for future studies in similar contexts where digital and traditional media intersect.

Review Paper

Exploring the Intersections of Responsible AI for Community Wellbeing in Local Governance: A Comprehensive Review

Bala Dhandayuthapani V.*
Department of IT, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Shinas Campus, North Al Batinah, Sultanate of Oman.
Dhandayuthapani, V. B. (2024). Exploring the Intersections of Responsible AI for Community Wellbeing in Local Governance: A Comprehensive Review. i-manager’s Journal on Humanities & Social Sciences, 4(1), 57-64. https://doi.org/10.26634/jhss.4.1.20327

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and community well-being for local governance. It investigates the potential use of AI to ease societal issues and improve community well-being. This article provides an overview of the impact of AI on community dynamics, smart urban planning, and integrating AI optimization with community well-being. The incorporation of smart applications into urban planning approaches is highlighted as a critical component, demonstrating AI's revolutionary potential for creating sustainable and inclusive landscapes. The main issue is the importance of combining AI optimization with community well-being, with a focus on responsible and ethical AI approaches that benefit the community. This review also goes over emotional AI and its ethical consequences, intellectual freedom in AI ethics, and AI's role in healthcare. This comprehensive analysis offers significant insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners looking to shape the ethical and equitable deployment of AI technology for societal benefit.