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Volume 4 Number 11 November 2018

Preparing Future Teachers in Indonesia: Motives of Science and Non-Science Student Teachers for Entering into Teacher Education Programs


Authors: Syaiful ; Amirul Mukminin ; Masbirorotni ; Mia Aina ; Akhmad Habibi ; Siti Rahma Sari ; Harlina Harja ; Nyimas Triana
Pages: 354-363
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.411.354.363
Abstract
The purpose of this current study was to examine the undocumented motives of the first-year science and non-science student teachers from seven different undergraduate teacher education programs in one public university, Jambi, Indonesia. Data were collected through a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. A total of 593 completed questionnaires received from participants who enrolled in seven different undergraduate teacher education programs (biology, chemistry, economics English, history, mathematics, and physics education programs). Interview data were obtained from eighteen participants who were willing to be interviewed. The frequency of each statement was computed and expressed as percentage of its total score while interview data were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and carefully analysed. Our findings indicated that the first-year student teachers’ interpretations of their motives for entering teacher education programs were quantitatively and qualitatively interwoven among altruistic, intrinsic, and extrinsic motives across participants. Policy implications are also discussed.

Making Life Better for Female Students With Motor Disabilities: Success in Saudi Arabia With a Selective Counselling Program


Authors: Radeah Mohammed Hamididin ; Mogeda El Sayed El Keshky
Pages: 345-353
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.411.345.353
Abstract
The impact of a Selective Counselling Program on the quality of psychological life of seven female university students with motor disabilities was determined. Subjects aged 18-25 (22.8 ±1.24) were students at King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being were used to observe the variations in the different levels of Psychological Well-Being of the students using the following protocol: Evaluation of the initial levels; evaluation after 6 weeks with 12 sessions (two sessions per week) of 60-90 minutes each, and follow-up evaluation two months later. Results were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. The sample’s quality of psychological life showed positive effects with improvements. This study emphasizes the need for Selective Counselling Programs for subjects with motor disabilities, to help them better integrate into society and improve their psychological quality of life.

Inclusive Design and Practices in Education: A Pilot Study in Davutpasa Campus


Authors: Sahika Ozdemir ; Asli Sungur
Pages: 337-344
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.411.337.344
Abstract
The public sphere of the city where the social relations of the social individuals live intensely has an important role in urban development. In addition to these changing circumstances, new requirements and problems such as the inclusion of these areas arise. It is an approach to raise awareness among university students as the main campus users who will increase and improve the spatial quality in professional life by increasing the awareness of university students who will continue the development of society, communities and cities and by increasing the quality of university campuses and spreading this philosophy within the society. The problem faced by users on university campuses is defined by surveys that enable all users to access campus equipment and develop solutions that enable them to use it as they wish. The aim of this study is to see the Davutpasa Campus’s inclusivity. In this context, a pilot study was conducted and the results were evaluated. At this stage of the study, the intelligibility of the questions and the adequacy of the answers were evaluated in terms of the nature of the questionnaire study.

Understanding the Theory of Einstein’s Special Relativity Based on the Coherence of the Theoretic System


Authors: Jun-Young Oh ; Jong-Kwan Lee
Pages: 325-336
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.411.325.336
Abstract
Weinberg (1992) supported “Rigidity in physics theory”. This is a method which does not allow even the smallest quantity of change without a large scale overturning in the coherence network, and represents solidity at a level where the pieces of the theories themselves can be pieced together. In order to maintain coherence between theories, it is an inevitability and necessity for the solid description of theories of nature. Assumptions and premises, which are important elements comprising conceptual frames, play an important role when we form new concepts. The process of the coherence between component theories in a conceptual frame increasing through these assumptions or premises functioning as axioms to derive new theoretical theses is a characteristic of the formation process of the principles of Einstein’s special theory of relativity. The purpose of this study is to make a proposal regarding appropriate education of the special theory of relativity through this process of increasing overall coherence. It is a cyclical and ecological learning method and not a linear and mechanical learning method. The research problems following this purpose are: preliminarily, to understand the characteristics of Einstein’s special theory of relativity which has coherence between all the theories, and ultimately, to make a proposal on the education of the special theory of relatively through increases in coherence.

Involvement of Kin in Caring Children with Developmental Disabilities


Authors: Joel M. Durban
Pages: 312-324
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.411.312.324
Abstract
This case study research explored the involvement of members of the kin who assumed responsibility in taking care of the children with developmental disabilities. The study is based on the proposition that the children’s school performance is influenced by the quality of care they receive from the members of the kin who takes care of them. A total of fifty-two children with developmental disabilities were assessed of their school performance based from the Department of Education (DepED) Order 72, series 2012. Data derived the children’s school performance became the basis for the selection of five caregivers who participated in the case study.  The analysis of the interview results showed that members of kin involved in children with developmental disabilities represent a powerful psychological and emotional experience and affects the development of the children. Implications for kinship care policies are discussed.

Entrepreneurial Mindset Among Students of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institutions in Malaysia


Authors: Dzuhailmi Dahalan ; Jeffrey Lawrence D’Silva ; Ismi Arif Ismail ; Nor Aini Mohamed
Pages: 303-311
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.411.303.311
Abstract
This article examines entrepreneurial mindset among the students of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions under the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. The findings presented are a small part of the overall research data on the readiness of TVET students in Malaysia to venture into entrepreneurship. This quantitative study involves 1000 students from eight selected public TVET institutions in Peninsular Malaysia. Overall, the study finds that respondents’ level of entrepreneurial mindset is at a moderate level. Furthermore, there is a significant difference in the level of entrepreneurial mindset between the respondents at the certificate level and diploma level, the background of the family/parents who own businesses and otherwise, and also between the respondents who are involved and not involved in business activities. This study holds a positive view that there is potential in enhancing the entrepreneurial mindset of students in TVET institutions in order to generate as many job creators as possible. Hence, the study suggests that the Ministry and all relevant stakeholders to streamline the strategy of the Higher Education Insititution (HEI) Entrepreneurship Action Plan by focusing on the key growth factors of entrepreneurial mindset so that the target of new entrepreneurial talents among HEI students can be realised and also by taking into consideration the potentials of TVET students in Malaysia.

The Relationship Between Social Responsibility and Investment-Cash Flow ‎Sensitivity ‎ and the Role of Agency Costs


Authors: Abdolhossein Talebi Najafabadi ; Zahra Farhadi ; Narjes Kamali Kermani
Pages: 294-302
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.411.294.302
Abstract
In this study, the relationship between social responsibility and investment-cash flow ‎sensitivity ‎and the role of agency costs in companies listed on Tehran Stock Exchange were investigated. To this end, 127 companies were examined during the period 2011-2016. The required data in this research was extracted, classified and calculated using Excel software and finally, the hypotheses were tested at a 95% confidence level through Eviews‏ ‏and Stata software. The results obtained from hypothesis testing demonstrated that corporate social responsibility ‎negatively moderates investment-cash flow ‎sensitivity. Furthermore, no reliable evidence was found in relation to the effectiveness of agency costs in the relationship between social responsibility and investment-cash flow ‎sensitivity at a 95% confidence level.

Religious Tourism as a Tool for Sustainability: The Case of Cyprus


Authors: Andreas P. Varnavas ; Nicos Rodosthenous ; Paris Vogazianos
Pages: 285-293
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.411.285.293
Abstract
The sustainable development of tourism is still a huge challenge. In this paper, we regard Cyprus’s religious tourism as a special form of tourism that can enrich Cyprus’ tourism products while providing a way to alleviate the adverse effects of mass tourism and support sustainability. Although evidence is provided in the literature about the role of religious tourism as an alternative form of tourism, no formal method has been incorporated into this role. The study investigated the determinants and prospects of religious tourism in Cyprus and how it is supported by local residents’ understanding of the concept and prospects of religious tourism and its links to local traditions and culture. This is the first step in making relevant bodies and institutions aware of the integration of religious tourism into their overall strategic plan for sustainable tourism development. It also introduces future research directions.

The Study of Community Forest Management in Eastern Economic Corridor: Case in Nakhon Nayok


Authors: Patarapong  Kroeksakul ; Pramuk Srichiwong ; Arin Ngamniyom ; Kun Silprasit ; Phanom Suthisaksophon ; Nawara Jantaraworachat
Pages: 276-284
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.411.276.284
Abstract
This study aims to examine the strengths and weaknesses of community forest management in the east corridor of Thailand. Methodology required will be of high quality, so use group and individual interviews to collect as much data as you can. The tools that will be used are semi-structure interviews and checklists that will help provide content analysis. The desired results of this study are: to review the community forest committee in the three areas of Thailand’s east corridor, to set up a form of government organization following the project, and for the SWOT analysis of community forest management of committees in the area. Ten issues can be classified with three major points, and weaknesses related to ten topics can be classified by two main points. The opportunities involved can be broken into seven categories with two major points. The threat has five categories and two issues. Thus, the recommended solutions are: 1) Studies continue examining the three main issues, and 2) Continue developing solutions for the three issues.

Systematic Thinking Underlying Cross-Cultural Differences in Deception Acceptability


Authors: Claudia Castro ; Guadalupe Elizabeth Morales ; Ernesto Octavio Lopez ; Laura Olivares ; Jaume Masip
Pages: 271-275
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.411.271.275
Abstract
This study aims to explore cultural differences between Spanish and Mexican individuals in how specific cognitive-based thinking explains judgment formation regarding deception acceptability. Here, participants from both populations were required to judge acceptability of actors´ lying and truth-telling tendencies across several social scenarios. These deception scenarios were built by considering experimental manipulation of the type of relationship with the deceiver, gender, motive, and deception consequences. Analysis results indicate that judgment formation of acceptability in both populations followed a cognitive summative rule to integrate factor information valuation. However, when considering valuation of telling lies to an unknown individual, acceptability was significantly different for the two populations. Spanish individuals viewed lying to an unknown individual significantly more acceptable than did Mexican participants.

The Role of Credit Ratings in Capital Structure and its Adjustment Speed in Companies Accepted in Tehran Stock Exchange


Authors: Narjes Kamali Kermani ; Abdolhossein Talebi Najafabadi ; Zahra Farhadi
Pages: 263-270
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.411.263.270
Abstract
In the present study, the role of credit ratings in capital structure and its adjustment speed was investigated in companies accepted in Tehran Stock Exchange. To this end, 138 companies were examined during the period 2011-2016. In this research, the data was extracted, classified and calculated using Excel software and ultimately, the hypotheses were tested at a 95% confidence level through Eviews‏ ‏and Stata software. The results obtained from hypothesis testing demonstrated that there is a significant negative relationship between credit ratings and adjustment speed to reach the optimal level of capital structure. Further, no reliable evidence was found regarding the existence of a significant relationship between credit ratings and capital structure at a 95% confidence level.

Conceptual Model of Leadership Communication, Collective Efficacy & Job Performance of Village Leader


Authors: Mohd Yusri Ibrahim ; Ruzaini Sulaiman
Pages: 257-262
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.411.257.262
Abstract
The economic development and living standards of fishermen communities in coastal villages are much influenced by their leaders’ performance. However, studies show that leadership competencies among leaders in coastal is still at an unsatisfactory level. This study was conducted to develop a conceptual model to improve the performance of village leaders. This paper was proposed leadership communication and collective efficacy as predictor variables to improve the leadership competence in coastal fishing villages.

The Impact of the Logistic Sector on Competitiveness in the Presence of Structural Breaks: A Study on Turkey


Authors: Hilal Yildirir Keser ; Kadir Y. Eryiğit
Pages: 246-256
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.411.246.256
Abstract
The main aim of this paper, based on the importance of the logistics sector for economic growth and, accordingly, competitiveness, is to explain the impact of the logistics sector on competitiveness by testing its relationship with macroeconomic factors. In accordance with this aim, principally, some research literature has been given a place. A cointegration model with structural breaks has been used to analyze the effects of the logistics sector, exports, imports, the industry production index and oil prices on GDP, which is an indication of competitiveness. For two different pairs of structural breaks and the two cointegration relationships there is a mutual positive relationship between the logistics sector and the GDP. Along with this, while export, import and industrial production index affect the GDP, the finding that oil prices reduce the performance of the logistics sector has been reached.

Utility of Finnish Vocabulary of Indo-European Origin for Learning Finnish


Authors: Kazuhito Uni
Pages: 241-245
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.411.241.245
Abstract
Latin and Greek are the major donor languages to most European languages including Finnish, which does not belong to the Indo-European but Uralic language family. The present study conducted a vocabulary survey to examine the utility of frequently used Finnish vocabulary of foreign origins and their English equivalents for learning Finnish as a foreign language. The Oxford 3000 list was used as the primary reference of high-frequency English words and their Finnish equivalents. Approximately 190 loanwords of Latin or Greek origin are included in the most frequently used 3,000 Finnish words and approximately 80 loanwords can be used with a similar pronunciation in English and French. Therefore, the present study concluded that knowledge of high-frequency Finnish vocabulary of Greek or Latin origin could assist speakers of English and French in learning Finnish.

Assessment of Socio-Economic and Sexual Vulnerability of Tea Workers in Bangladesh


Authors: Md Ziaur Rahman ; Md Nazirul Islam Sarker ; Nazmul Huda ; Sajedul Islam Khan ; A. B. M. Nurullah ; Md Rafiuz Zaman
Pages: 229-240
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.411.229.240
Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to explore and explain the dynamics of a sexual vulnerability of female tea garden workers in Bangladesh. A quantitative oriented qualitative mixed method has been applied to this study. The study reveals that nearly 52% of the respondents are tortured or harassed in the garden and among them, 26% of the tortured respondents have convicted Tila babu. Only 26% of the total respondents have slight radio exposure. And surprisingly 1% of the respondents hear radio less than once a week. Many new issues are found in this research such as 5% of the respondents watch TV less than once a week. Marxist feminist theory and feminist political activist theory have been consulted to explore the concerned issues such as a women’s right to bodily integrity and autonomy for protection from domestic violence, sexual harassment, and rape as well as workplace rights. Marxist thinkers indicate that all exploitations domination is occurred because of class inequality and class discrimination. Because Marxist theory has little room for issues dealing directly with women’s reproductive and sexual concerns, many Marxist feminists initially focused on women’s work-related concerns. The study suggests that law enforcement should be strengthened through giving punishment of convicted persons of tea garden authorities through introducing an inter tea garden’s Investigation Commission and increasing accessibility of NGOs.

Problem-Solving Skills and Mental Health of Social Work Students in Greece


Authors: Charis Asimopoulos ; Sofia Martinaki ; Katerina Maniadaki
Pages: 220-228
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.411.220.228
Abstract
Social work is a problem-solving scientific and professional discipline and the problem-solving ability of social work students is of the utmost importance for their education. The aim of this study was to investigate the social work students’ problem-solving skills in relation to demographics, year of studies and mental health. The sample included 370 students from the bachelor’s degree programme of the Department of Social Work of the University of Western Attica in Athens, Greece. The Problem- Solving Inventory (PSI) and the Symptom CheckList-90 (SCL-90) were completed by the students along with a questionnaire investigating demographics. A significant negative correlation was found between all SCL-90 dimensions and PSI scores. All SCL-90 dimensions were predictive for all PSI scales. Additionally, it was found that unmarried students had lower Problem- Solving Confidence, Approach-Avoidance Style and Total PSI score as compared with the married ones. Furthermore, students coming from urban areas had greater scores on Personal Control and Total PSI score, while greater scores on Problem-Solving Confidence were found in those attended the 3rd or 4th year of studies as compared to those of the 1st and 2nd year of studies. Implications for additional research and the curriculum of social work studies are discussed.

Review of Hierarchy-of-Effects (Hoe) Models and Higher Education Advertising in Malaysia


Authors: Azizul Yadi Yaakop ; Nomahaza Mahadi ; Zailin Zainal Ariffin ; Siti Sarah Omar
Pages: 212-219
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.411.212.219
Abstract
The most enduring and controversial models of advertising effectiveness are the Hierarchy-of-effects (HOE) models, which are of particular interest to researchers in marketing and advertising. This paper gives emphasis on the selection of these hierarchical models in the context of Higher Education Institutions  (HEIs) in Malaysia. The notion of raising awareness and interest, followed by desire and action is very seductive in its simplicity, and provides a clear focus for Higher Education advertising. In light of the criticisms of these models, this conceptual paper compares and contrasts the more important advertising models and reflects on the relevance of these simple models in relations to the advertising focus in HEIs.The authors conclude that HOE models fail to adequately represent the impact of the advertising process on the complex emotional/rational decision-making that takes place when choosing HEIs. Advertising’s impact on the choice process is far more complex: developing brand desire through brand image is an important purpose of advertising. The authors are also in agreement with the notion of an essential understanding of other marketing areas such as brand identity, meaning and reputation of higher education institutions through a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods to communicate effectively with the stakeholders.