Research in Social Sciences and Technology

Enhancing the Character and Readability of Mission Statements in IT Startups: Implications for Stakeholder Communication and Sustainable Business Growth

Supot Rattanapun, Thikamporn Thaweedech; Alan Robert White — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The mission statement connects vision and operations. It supports communication between organizations and stakeholders. Readability of the mission statement is important for business communication. This research examines the characteristics of mission statements. The study analyzes the readability of mission statements from several technology startup companies. The research uses Gunning’s Fog Index with data from 18 Thai technology companies listed on the Market for Alternative Investment (MAI). Counting methods are applied in the data collection and analysis process. The statistics used include frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Gunning’s Fog Index (GFI). The findings show that most mission statements contain fewer than 250 words and consist of 3 to 4 sentences. The readability level ranges from acceptable to ideal. Most readers rate the mission statements as optimal at 38.89 percent and acceptable at 33.33 percent. These two groups of businesses succeed in interacting with stakeholders to create mutual business value. Only 11.11 percent of the businesses receive ratings in the difficult category and should revise the goal statement. To support long-term growth, technology startups should prepare mission statements that show readiness in terms of customer perspectives, internal operations, financial performance, and learning and development. These findings may be useful for both businesses and stakeholders. The study is relevant to the technology industry and other sectors. The contribution to sustainable development goals remains important for economic growth and cooperation.

Extending the Task-Technology Fit Theory with a Skill Fit Construct: A Case Study of a Transaction Control Log and Accounting System

์Nitaya Wongpinunwatana, Jamchan Kongpol, Siriwan Pinyosiripan — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Numerous studies have employed the Task-technology fit (TTF) theory to examine the impact of information systems used for training. While some of these studies reported positive outcomes, others presented mixed results on the impact of the systems improving users' performance in problem solving and learning. One possible explanation for these inconsistencies is likely caused by additional factors beyond the task and technology characteristics emphasized in TTF. This research is a preliminary study to enhance understanding of TTF and its impact on system usage and work performance. The study argues that task-technology alignment should also consider users' skills and the fit between the task and technology. Therefore, this research explores the effects of task characteristics, technology characteristics, and users' skills on system usage and work performance. Data from 210 participants of the Revenue Department of Thailand was analyzed using a two-way factorial multivariate analysis (Factorial MANOVA) to assess the impact of Task-technology-skill fit (TTSF) on system usage and work performance. Additionally, a simple regression analysis was conducted to examine the effect of system usage on work performance. The findings indicated that the fit among tasks, technology, and skills significantly impacts system usage and work performance. However, the system usage does not directly affect work performance. This study proposed a factorial design to depict the task-technology-skill fit, the first to introduce this integrated framework.

Enhancing Academic Performance in Agricultural Sciences: The Impact of Inquiry-Based Learning on Learners

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement document indicates that Animal Studies comprise a substantial part of the Grade 12 syllabus, more so than topics like soil science, agro-ecology, agricultural economics, and crop science. This highlights the importance of exploring diverse teaching approaches in the beginning of Grade 10, as a strong foundation in earlier grades could improve understanding of Animal Studies in Grade 12. This study explored the effectiveness of inquiry-based learning (IBL) in teaching Grade 10 learners about poultry breeds. A mixed-method approach was used to compare IBL with traditional teaching methods. Forty-six Agricultural Sciences learners were randomly assigned to a quasi-experiment, with 23 learners in the experimental group taught through IBL and 23 in the control group taught using the traditional lecture method (TLM). Both groups underwent pre- and post-performance tests. The quantitative data were analysed using an independent t-test, while qualitative data were thematically analysed through document analysis of the learners' assessment scripts. Results from the t-test indicated that the experimental group achieved significantly higher mean scores than the control group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the document analysis revealed that IBL fosters higher-order thinking, active participation, and critical thinking skills. Consequently, the inquiry-based learning approach proves to be an effective tool for enhancing learners’ academic performance. These findings suggest that educators and policymakers should consider integrating inquiry-based learning strategies into the teaching of Agricultural Sciences curriculum to improve achievement of academic outcomes. Emphasis on active engagement and critical thinking can lead to more meaningful learning experiences for learners.

Maintaining Learner Discipline in Secondary Schools: How School Management Teams Employ Collaborative Strategies to Sustain Learner Discipline

Amy Sarah Padayachee, Ntombizandile Gcelu, Sekitla Makhasane — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Indiscipline remains a bone of contention in schools across the world. The preponderance of literature associated with indiscipline highlights its severity and the frequency of its manifestation rendering it a global problem. The frequency of indiscipline in the African continent has also made the spotlight in educational research undertaken by various scholars. The literature presents a general conception of the lack of discipline in South African schools. Since the post-dispensation of the education system in South Africa, school management teams have been tasked with managing discipline in schools. Research suggests that school management teams have established, and are currently implementing, strategies to manage learner discipline. Yet, despite the implementation of these strategies, the persistence of indiscipline in schools across South Africa remains a reality. Therefore, strategies need to be used to sustain learner discipline in schools. This study explored collaborative strategies to maintain learner discipline in secondary schools in the ILembe education district. This study is grounded in the Collaborative Leadership Theory. The sample size comprised 24 secondary schools in the ILembe education district. Four participants per school were selected, yielding 96 participants consisting of the principal, one deputy principal, and two departmental heads per school. The participants were selected through simple random sampling. A qualitative research approach was used for this study. The study revealed that collaborative leadership was employed by School Management Teams (SMTs) to lead collaborations in schools to sustain learner discipline. It is recommended that a collaborative leadership approach be adopted to encourage stakeholders to approach all aspects of school management in partnership with stakeholders with a vested interest in the school.

Rewriting the Metanarrative of Apartheid in the Democratic South Africa

Witness Roya, Sandiso Ngcobo — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

In the aftermath of South Africa's attainment of political freedom in 1994, the country's history has been depicted through numerous literary works. Most of these works are distinguished by a 'master narrative' that conveys the notion of apartheid's overwhelming oppression, perpetuating the unrealistic perception of constant black misery. We sought texts which depart from this single narrative to encourage more studies as currently, there is little research which strikes a balance between miserable and nostalgic experiences of apartheid in several literary texts. Employing the theoretical framework of Apartheid Studies, a purposive sampling approach was employed to carefully choose four literary works that were then analyzed for their representation of the everyday experiences of black individuals. The analyses of the four texts were categorized into five overarching themes: identity, displacement, violence, betrayal, and writing as a weapon. The findings indicate that the authors adeptly capture the daily experiences of black individuals in Apartheid-era South Africa, employing humour to depict their quest for democracy. Any narrative of South Africa's history produced in the democratic era should encompass the country's achievements and shortcomings, and accurately represent its diverse makeup.

Charting the Skies and Seas: A Comparative Study of Career Awareness in Aviation and Maritime Professions Among Primary School Learners

Zamandlovu Sizile Makola, Thuli Ngonyama-Ndou, Ramodungoane Tabane — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 21:54:21 +0300

The aviation and maritime sectors are vital for global transport and economic growth, yet attracting youth to these fields is challenging. This comparative analysis investigates primary learners' views on aviation and maritime careers, emphasising motivations, barriers and educational needs. Utilising Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) and Social Learning Theory of Career Decision-Making (SLTCDM), the research assesses how early exposure, outcome expectations and self-efficacy influence learners' interest in these industries. By focusing on primary school learners, a largely overlooked group in career development research, this study contributes novel insights into early-stage career perceptions. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted using feedback from learners attending a career exhibition targeting aviation and maritime professions. Results indicate that both fields are viewed as exciting and lucrative; however, aviation careers are linked to academic challenges and high training costs, while maritime roles are perceived as physically demanding and associated with prolonged family absences. Key motivators identified include financial security, opportunities for global travel and diverse career options, whereas significant barriers entail issues related to work-life balance, limited career awareness and industry-specific challenges. The findings underscore the need for structured career exposure, experiential learning, and mentorship programmes to connect learners with non-traditional careers. Practical implications include integrating career education into curricula, fostering industry-school partnerships, promoting gender diversity, and leveraging technology for career guidance. Addressing these challenges through targeted interventions can effectively attract a diverse, skilled workforce to the aviation and maritime sectors.

Assessing Learners' Understanding of Microbiology Applications in Multidisciplinary Biological Science Degree Madira Coutlyne Manganyia

Madira Manganyi — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 22:52:38 +0300

This study investigates the comprehension of microbiological concepts among students and identifies areas for improvement in microbiology education. The participants comprised 56 second-year learners (17 males, 39 females) studying microbiology as part of their BSc Biology program at a university in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. A survey was conducted to assess respondents' accuracy in answering ten questions covering various aspects of microbiology, including definitions, classifications, historical figures, and applications in different disciplines. The results of the survey on microbiology knowledge revealed that respondents performed best in identifying Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, with an accuracy rate of 85.7%. Conversely, they performed worst in accurately identifying the reasons to study microbiology, with only 10.7% of responses being accurate. The results reveal varying levels of accuracy, with notable strengths in historical knowledge and identification of infectious diseases. However, deficiencies are observed in taxonomical classifications and understanding of interdisciplinary applications. Strategies for addressing these gaps through targeted educational interventions, curriculum development, and innovative pedagogical approaches are discussed. Overall, this study underlines the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance microbiology education and prepare students for the complexities of the field.

Lives and Livelihoods: How Socioeconomic Realities Shape Community Participation in Managing the Tanguar Haor Wetlands in Bangladesh

Mohammad Fakhrus Salam — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 02:19:18 +0300

This study delves into how local communities engage in the management of Tanguar Haor, a vital wetland in northeastern Bangladesh designated as an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) and a Ramsar site. The study looks at relationships between important socioeconomic factors like income, education, age, gender, and local participation in wetland governance using household-level data from twelve villages. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative household survey data with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions to capture both statistical trends and community perceptions regarding participation in wetland governance. Roles in decision-making, project implementation, evaluation, and benefit-sharing procedures are among them. In contrast to their mainland counterparts in the Sunamganj district, the Tanguar Haor region, which has been inhabited for generations, is home to communities primarily impoverished and socioeconomically marginalized. The degree of meaningful participation is nonetheless unequal and frequently limited by structural inequities, despite the government's efforts to promote a co-management model incorporating governmental actors and local communities. The study finds that while the most underprivileged groups continue to be under-represented, those with greater socioeconomic status are substantially more involved in wetland management. These results emphasise how crucial it is to address socioeconomic inequality in order to promote inclusive and sustainable wetland governance. The study contributes to the broader discourse on environmental justice, local stewardship, and the role of equity in natural resource management.

The Role of Forums in Enhancing Vocabulary Acquisition in English as Foreign Language Classrooms

Matias Vedaschi Ozzola — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 19:30:46 +0300

This study investigated the effectiveness of online forum-based collaborative learning versus traditional instructional methods for vocabulary acquisition among English as a foreign language learners. Twenty-one first-year translation and interpreting students participated in a comparative study examining two distinct vocabulary teaching approaches. For tourism vocabulary, students engaged in collaborative forum activities comprising writing descriptive texts and responding to peers’ posts using 15 target lexical items. For media vocabulary, students received traditional instruction through individual exercises and instructor-led activities. The delayed assessments revealed significant differences in vocabulary retention. Students demonstrated a 62% lexical utilization rate following forum-based instruction compared to 35% following traditional methods, representing a 75.5% improvement. The forum-based approach facilitates functional lexical acquisition with appropriate semantic and pragmatic deployment. These findings support sociocultural theory and the interaction hypothesis, suggesting that collaborative forum environments create effective digital zones of proximal development, where meaningful peer interactions enhance vocabulary learning. This study provides empirical evidence that asynchronous online forums significantly outperform conventional vocabulary instruction by promoting deeper lexical processing through collaborative meaning negotiation.

Analysing Relationally Entangled Sustainable Learning Environments for Employability of Accounting Teacher Education Graduates in Unequal Post COVID - 19 Contexts

Mahlomaholo Rosy Makeresemese — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 22:49:51 +0300

South Africa is still burdened by its history of colonisation and apartheid, manifesting through a high burden of disease due to rampant poverty, which is a function of unprecedentedly low rates of employment, estimated to be around 37 % among the 18- to 34-year-old Black African youth. The intersectionality of inequalities regarding race, rural versus urban divide, gender binaries, and socio-economic status, among others, seems to be a significant determinant of such. To remedy the problem, attempts have been made to increase the levels of education among the youth. Unfortunately, even the Black African graduates also seem to swell the ranks of the unemployed. In this paper, through qualitative approaches of participatory action research, we exemplify how transforming the Accounting Teacher Education Programme (ATEP), guided by equally multi-perspectival and multilayered lenses of relationality and entanglement learned from COVID-19’s experiences, enabled the study to promote holistic approaches towards achieving positive developmental outcomes and increased possibilities of employment.