The Echos Of Enlightment:English Education And The Right Of Anti-caste Consciousness In Kerala Renaissance Literature
Authors: Prathibha P Nair
Abstract: This research paper explores the profound intersections between Western Enlightenment ideals, introduced through English education, and the emergence of anti-caste consciousness during the Kerala Renaissance (കേരള നവോത്ഥാനം). In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kerala’s highly oppressive, caste-ridden social hierarchy underwent a radical transformation. This paper argues that English education, brought primarily by colonial administration and Christian missionaries, served as a double-edged sword. While it was an instrument of colonial power, it simultaneously provided the marginalized and reformist intellectuals of Kerala with an alternative vocabulary of liberty, equality, and human rights. By analyzing key literary texts and socio-religious reform movements of the period—including the works of Oyyarathu Chandumenon, C.V. Raman Pillai, and the discourse generated by figures like Sree Narayana Guru and Kumaran Asan—this paper examines how the 'universal' ideas of the European Enlightenment were localized to dismantle indigenous caste hegemonies. Ultimately, the study demonstrates how English literature and education acted as catalysts in shaping a modern, egalitarian sensibility in Kerala’s cultural and literary landscape.
Analysis Of Digital Competency Among Male And Female Teachers Of Higher Education
Authors: Dr. Sanjay Singh, Dr Jitandera Kumar Singh, Preeti Devi
Abstract: The study underscores the importance of fostering a culture of lifelong learning among educators and students. Digital competency is not a static skill but a dynamic process that requires continuous updating and adaptation. Higher education institutions should promote a growth mindset, encouraging faculty to embrace new challenges, seek professional development opportunities, and stay curious about emerging technologies. By cultivating a culture of lifelong learning, institutions can create resilient, adaptable educators who are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of a digital world.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21358385
Influence of Organizational Location on Quality Management Practices and Operational Efficiency among Organizations in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Richard Baridura Donanu, Daniel Chukwuebuka Onyedikachi
Abstract: This study investigated the influence of organizational location (urban vs. rural) on quality management practices and operational efficiency among organizations in Rivers State, Nigeria. Anchored on Contingency Theory, Resource-Based View, and Institutional Theory, the study adopted a descriptive survey design. Data were collected from 385 managerial and supervisory staff using the Influence of Organizational Location on Quality Management Practices and Operational Efficiency Questionnaire (ILQMPOEQ) with Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.78. Results showed moderate levels of quality management practices for urban organizations (Mean = 2.89, SD = 0.04) and rural organizations (Mean = 2.85, SD = 0.04). Operational efficiency was also moderate for urban (Mean = 3.03, SD = 0.26) and rural organizations (Mean = 3.01, SD = 0.25). Independent Samples t-test revealed no statistically significant differences in quality management practices (t = 0.562, df = 383, p = 0.574) or operational efficiency (t = 0.517, df = 383, p = 0.606) between urban and rural locations, leading to the acceptance of both null hypotheses. The findings suggest that organizational location does not significantly influence quality management practices or operational efficiency in Rivers State. Recommendations include that Organizations should strengthen quality management systems by prioritizing continuous improvement practices such as mentoring, regular feedback, and process optimization.
Influence of Active Sports Participation on Personality Traits Among Generation Z Students: A Study of College Students in Lucknow
Authors: Professor Naseem Ahmad Khan, Research Scholar Murli Manohar
Abstract: Generation Z college students in Lucknow are coming of age in a period marked by heavy digital engagement, academic pressure, and increasingly sedentary daily routines. This study set out to describe how active participation in sports relates to personality traits among this group. Using a descriptive, quantitative survey design, data were gathered from college students through a structured questionnaire combining a demographic and sports-participation section with a standardised personality measure based on the Big Five framework (Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness to Experience). Students were grouped by their level of sports involvement (active participants versus non-participants) and by the nature of their sporting activity (team-based versus individual). Data were summarised using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, without inferential hypothesis testing, in order to build an accurate descriptive profile of personality patterns across these groups. The findings are expected to show that students who are regularly and actively involved in sports display comparatively higher mean scores on Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and Openness, alongside lower average Neuroticism, while team-sport participants show distinctly higher Agreeableness scores linked to cooperative, socially engaged behaviour. The study situates these patterns within the specific cultural and educational context of Lucknow, where sports culture, gender norms, and campus infrastructure shape the way young people engage with physical activity. It concludes that structured sports participation offers Lucknow's colleges a practical, low-cost avenue for supporting the psychological and social development of Generation Z students, and recommends stronger institutional investment in sports infrastructure, inclusive participation policies, and awareness programmes that highlight the personality and well-being benefits of an active campus sporting culture.
A Sneak Peak In Art Education And Its History, Parallel To Pedagogy And Andragogy
Authors: Jereen Susan John
Abstract: Art education has played a vital role in fostering creativity, cultural awareness, critical thinking, and human expression throughout history. From prehistoric cave paintings and classical artistic traditions to contemporary digital and interdisciplinary practices, art education has continuously evolved in response to changing social, cultural, and technological contexts. This paper provides a historical overview of art education while examining its development alongside the educational theories of pedagogy and andragogy. It explores how pedagogical approaches have traditionally shaped art instruction for children through structured guidance, skill development, and creative exploration, whereas andragogical principles emphasize self-directed learning, experiential knowledge, reflective practice, and lifelong artistic engagement among adults. The study highlights the transformation of teaching methodologies from teacher-centered instruction to learner-centered, collaborative, and technology-enhanced practices. Furthermore, it discusses the influence of modern educational philosophies, digital media, and inclusive learning environments on contemporary art education. By drawing parallels between the historical evolution of art education and the principles of pedagogy and andragogy, the paper demonstrates how effective art instruction can address the diverse learning needs of individuals across different age groups and educational settings.
The Journey of a Dyslexic as a Learner and an Educator, Exploring Pedagogy and Andragogy and Their Roles in Higher and Professional Education
Authors: Jereen Susan John
Abstract: This paper explores the lived experiences of a dyslexic individual navigating the dual roles of learner and educator, highlighting the challenges, strengths, and transformative opportunities associated with dyslexia in higher and professional education. It examines how traditional pedagogical approaches often fail to address the diverse learning needs of students with specific learning differences, while andragogical principles provide greater flexibility, autonomy, and learner-centered engagement. Drawing on personal reflection, inclusive education literature, and contemporary teaching practices, the study analyzes how instructional strategies grounded in empathy, accessibility, and universal design can enhance academic success and professional competence. The paper also discusses the role of assistive technologies, differentiated instruction, and inclusive assessment in creating equitable learning environments. By integrating the perspectives of both learner and educator, this study emphasizes that dyslexia should be recognized not merely as a learning difficulty but also as a source of resilience, creativity, and innovation. The findings advocate for the adoption of inclusive pedagogical and andragogical frameworks that empower learners with dyslexia to thrive in higher and professional education while equipping educators to foster accessible and meaningful learning experiences.
An Integrated Four-Domain Research Framework For Environmental Sustainability: Energy, Water, Recycling, And Waste Management
Authors: Dr. Kanchan Kumari
Abstract: Purpose – This paper develops and presents an integrated multi-domain research framework for investigating four critical pillars of environmental sustainability — energy systems, water resource management, material recycling, and waste governance. The framework addresses the fragmented state of sustainability research by proposing a unified six-phase mixed-methods model applicable across disciplines, geographies, and institutional contexts. Design/methodology/approach – The framework adopts a mixed-methods design integrating quantitative data analysis, field-based measurement, systems modelling, and qualitative policy evaluation. An 18-month phased timeline is proposed, structured across problem identification, literature synthesis, methodology design, primary data collection, analysis, and policy output generation. Findings – Cross-domain analysis reveals five high-priority research gaps, including grid-scale storage viability, groundwater depletion in arid urban zones, methane capture efficiency in informal landfills, and the systemic nexus interactions between energy, water, and waste. The framework demonstrates that treating these domains in isolation systematically underestimates interdependencies and leads to suboptimal policy design. Research limitations/implications – The framework is conceptual and requires empirical validation across diverse national contexts. Data availability constraints in low-income countries may limit certain quantitative methods. Practical implications – The framework provides researchers, policymakers, and sustainability practitioners with a structured, replicable approach to cross-domain environmental investigation. It directly supports SDG 6 (Clean Water), SDG 7 (Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption). Originality/value – This paper makes an original contribution by synthesising four sustainability domains into a single integrated research model, moving beyond siloed inquiry to capture systemic interdependencies.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21411142
Social Media Marketing Activities And Consumer Outcomes: An Integrative Systematic Review
Authors: Ashoka K. G, Shilpa Bhat N. H, Mahendra H. R, Karthik Naik
Abstract: Background: Firms increasingly invest in social media marketing activities (SMMAs), yet published studies differ in the activities measured, mechanisms proposed, and outcomes reported. Objective: To identify the dominant SMMA dimensions, explain how they influence consumer and brand outcomes, evaluate the quality of the evidence, and define a focused future research agenda. Methods: A publisher-bounded systematic review was reported according to PRISMA 2020 and PRISMA-S. Emerald Insight, Springer Nature Link, Wiley Online Library, Taylor & Francis Online, and SAGE Journals were searched for English-language, peer-reviewed empirical studies published from 2015 to 14 March 2026. Two-stage screening was applied to a register of 66 records. Thirty studies met the eligibility criteria. Data were extracted on context, design, SMMA dimensions, mechanisms, outcomes, and findings. Study quality was assessed with design-appropriate Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool criteria. Because constructs and effect measures were heterogeneous, results were synthesised narratively rather than meta-analytically. Results: The final evidence base contained six studies from each publisher group. Twenty-five studies used cross-sectional surveys, most commonly with structural equation modelling. Entertainment, interaction, trendiness, customisation, informativeness, electronic word-of-mouth support, and promotions were the main SMMA dimensions. The most consistent pattern was indirect: SMMAs shaped cognitive mechanisms such as brand awareness, image, credibility, value, and equity; relational mechanisms such as trust, experience, love, satisfaction, and self-brand connection; and engagement mechanisms. These mechanisms then influenced loyalty, purchase or visit intention, repurchase, electronic word of mouth, customer equity, and, in one study, financial performance. Longitudinal evidence was rare and did not always confirm the positive cross-sectional pattern. Limitations: The review was intentionally limited to five publisher platforms, English-language journal articles, and studies published from 2015 onward. Most included studies relied on self-reported, single-country, cross-sectional data. Formal publication-bias tests and certainty grading were not appropriate without a pooled effect estimate. Conclusion: SMMAs generally create outcomes through trust, brand experience or equity, satisfaction, and engagement rather than through stable direct effects. Future research should use longitudinal, experimental, multi-source, and objective-performance designs. Registration and funding: The review was not registered and no separate protocol was published. No specific funding was received.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21413824
Status of Teaching faculties in Private/Management Professional Educational Institutions
Authors: Dr. Ashwani Kumar
Abstract: Teaching faculty in private and management professional educational institutions play a vital role in maintaining academic quality and preparing skilled graduates. Over the past few decades, the rapid expansion of private institutions has increased access to higher education, especially in professional fields such as engineering, management, pharmacy, nursing, law, and teacher education. However, faculty members in many of these institutions face challenges such as job insecurity, contractual appointments, inadequate salaries, excessive workload, limited research opportunities, and restricted participation in institutional decision-making. These issues affect faculty motivation, professional development, and the overall quality of education. At the same time, several reputed private institutions provide competitive salaries, modern infrastructure, research support, and opportunities for career advancement. Therefore, the status of teaching faculty varies significantly across institutions. This study examines the working conditions, professional status, challenges, and opportunities of teaching faculty in private and management professional educational institutions and highlights the need for improved policies to ensure quality education and faculty well-being.
A Study On Performance Appraisal with Reference to Heritage Foods Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad
Authors: Padala Likhitha, Dr. P. Girija Sri
Abstract: This study examined the performance appraisal system at Heritage Foods Pvt. Ltd., a leading organization in India’s food and dairy processing sector. The research focused on evaluating employees’ perceptions regarding the fairness, transparency, and developmental effectiveness of the existing appraisal process. The key objectives included analyzing appraisal-related factors, understanding employee perceptions, assessing the impact of appraisal on job satisfaction, and identifying organizational actions taken after the appraisal process. A quantitative research approach was adopted, utilizing a structured questionnaire with closed-ended questions administered to a sample of 100 employees selected through purposive sampling. The instrument gathered demographic data, multiple-choice responses related to appraisal practices, and Likert-scale responses measuring employee attitudes toward various appraisal dimensions. The collected data were analyzed using frequency distribution, descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and one-way ANOVA with the support of MS Excel and SPSS software.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21450599
An Analytical Study Of The Implementation Challenges Of Outcome-Based Education
Authors: B. Chella Bala Sushmitha, Dr. K. Vijila
Abstract: A learner-centered approach to education, outcome-based education (OBE) places more emphasis on achieving well-defined learning outcomes than on the conventional teaching method. It highlights the capabilities, abilities, and information that students should possess after completing a program. OBE has become crucial for training graduates to address changing professional and societal expectations in the light of globalization and rapid technology improvements. To guarantee efficient curriculum design, instruction, learning, and evaluation, the framework integrates Program Outcomes (POs), Program Specific Outcomes (PSOs), and Course Outcomes (COs). OBE offers a methodical strategy to producing qualified healthcare workers, especially in medical education, by matching curriculum material, instructional techniques, and assessment techniques with intended results.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21453669
A Comparative Study of Patients Perception of the Quality of Healthcare Delivery in Private and Public Health Facilities in The Bono Region
Authors: Patience Anima Agyei, Samuel Boateng
Abstract: Quality healthcare has become an important focus of healthcare delivery at both the national and global levels over the past decade. Ghana's ability to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 by 2030 largely depends on the capacity of healthcare facilities to deliver efficient and high-quality healthcare services. The overall aim of this study was to assess the quality of healthcare delivery in both private and public health facilities in Ghana. Specifically, the study examined the convenience of healthcare services provided in selected health facilities in the Bono Region, patients' perceptions of the quality of healthcare infrastructure, and their perceptions of the quality of care received from healthcare providers. The study adopted a quantitative research approach. Primary data were collected from 133 respondents selected through a convenience sampling technique. Data obtained from both in-patients and out-patients of the selected health facilities were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and the findings were presented using descriptive statistics, particularly percentages. The findings revealed that, compared with private health facilities, public health facilities experienced delays in retrieving patients' medical records, had longer patient waiting times, and offered less flexible payment systems. The study also found that, compared with public health facilities, private facilities were less accessible to persons with disabilities (PWDs), had limited access to modern medical equipment, and were served by poorer road networks. Furthermore, patients perceived that staff in public health facilities was less likely to involve them in healthcare decision-making, provide adequate education about their medical conditions, or demonstrate empathy during care. The study concluded that private health facilities provide more convenient and flexible healthcare delivery processes than public health facilities, while public health facilities possess relatively better healthcare infrastructure. The study therefore recommends that the management of public health facilities strengthen customer relations training for healthcare personnel and adopt paperless medical record systems to improve service efficiency and patient satisfaction.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21472644
Assessing Livelihood Gaps And Intervention Priorities In An Urban Informal Settlement: A Participatory Gap Analysis Study Of Ekta Village, Delhi, India
Authors: Dr. Manisha V. Nain
Abstract: Background: The swiftly growing cities of India have not shown an even growth. Lying between commercial corridors and institutional campuses, there lies an informal settlement area named Ekta Village in Pitampura, a part of North- West Delhi which attract migrant labour workforce but receives very limited attention from public support systems. There are overlapping vulnerabilities in these settlements which includes broken sanitation chains, irregular income, women devoid of skilled pathways and communities that have limited knowledge of the welfare programes available to them. Though there are NGO but they are operating with limited budget and short intervention windows , deciding where to start is not a minor problem. A structured gap analysis can bring prolific results to resolve this issue. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted over a time period of 4 consecutive days amongst 25 houses of Ekta Village ( each house has an average of 5 people), Data was collected through direct field observation and face-to-face structured interviews. Three dimensions namely severity, feasibility for NGO-led resolution within 60 days, and likely community were taken to be rated on likert 5 point rating scale to identify each problem and result in composite Problem Prioritisation Matrix scores (maximum 15). Three analysis – Root cause analysis, SWOT analysis, and SDG mapping were applied in sequence. Results: The analysis of household data resulted in identification of five important problems- inadequate sanitations (72% of households), unemployment (60%), a decrease in women's vocational skills (52%), limited healthcare awareness (44%), and weak educational support (36%). The problem prioritization Matrix revealed Women Skill Development (14/15) receiving the highest concern on the basis of secerity, feasibility and impact whereas educational support(10/15) is least priority area. Conclusions: A 60-day Women Skill Development and Livelihood programme is proposed with budget of ₹11,000 which will focus on community awareness sessions, vocational workshops, government scheme registration support, and the seeding of at least one Self-Help Group. The design closely maps to Sustainable Development Goals of 1, 5, 8, and 10. The methodology of this study could be replicated for community-level NGO scoping in peri-urban Delhi and comparable contexts.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21484336
A Study on Training and Development of Vikrama Innovative
Authors: Kambala Hemanth Kumar, Assistant Professor Dr. P. Girija Sri
Abstract: Training and development is one of the most important functions of Human Resource Management which ensures the improvement of knowledge, skills, abilities, and performance of employees. In the current competitive business scenario, it is necessary for the companies to constantly strive to transform their employees in accordance with the latest technologies and challenges of the business environment. Training and development differs from each other, where training enhances the current performance of the employees while development prepares the personnel for the future challenges. There are several reasons why the importance of training and development of employees cannot be denied. This study explores these reasons and sheds light on the significance of training and development, their types, and various methods. The current research also provides an insight into the impact of proper training and development programs on the productivity and performance of employees. Additionally, the study highlights the need for analyzing the requirements for training, choosing the most effective methods, assessing the results of the current training, and providing employees with knowledge in a highly competitive environment. The obtained results of the study show that appropriate training and development of personnel are vital for the growth of employees and the business. Thus, the organizations should provide their workers with the necessary resources for acquiring new skills and knowledge.
Sri Aurobindo and the Ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
Authors: Professor (Dr.) Sushma Rani
Abstract: The idea of a united and harmonious humanity has long been embedded in the philosophical traditions of India. The concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning “the world is one family,” reflects a universal vision of coexistence, compassion, and collective well-being. The philosophical thought of Sri Aurobindo offers a profound framework for understanding and realizing this ideal in the modern world. His philosophy emphasizes the spiritual evolution of humanity and the development of a higher consciousness capable of transcending divisions of nation, race, and culture (Aurobindo, 1972). This paper examines the philosophical relationship between Sri Aurobindo’s ideas and the ancient Indian ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Sri Aurobindo’s concept of human unity extends beyond political or institutional arrangements and is rooted in the spiritual transformation of human consciousness. According to his philosophy, genuine global harmony emerges when individuals recognize the inner unity of humanity and develop values of cooperation, compassion, and collective responsibility (Chaudhuri, 1974). The study adopts a qualitative and philosophical methodology based on textual analysis of Sri Aurobindo’s major works and relevant scholarly literature. The paper also discusses the contemporary relevance of these ideas in addressing global challenges such as cultural fragmentation, social inequality, and international conflict. The findings suggest that Sri Aurobindo’s vision of spiritual evolution provides a meaningful philosophical foundation for realizing the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. His emphasis on inner transformation, unity in diversity, and collective progress offers valuable insights for building a more peaceful and interconnected global society.
Manifestation of Dharma through Lokanatya: An Analytical Study of Kushan and Gambhira Traditions of North Bengal
Authors: Research Scholar Sanjoy Sarkar
Abstract: Folk theatre is an inseparable component of folk culture, reflects the collective identity, religious beliefs, ethical values, and social experiences of a community. In North Bengal, Lokanatya or folk theatre not only exists as a powerful medium of entertainment, but also a significant cultural tool for transmitting religious ideas, moral principles, and social responsibilities to the masses. The concept of Dharma in the Indian cultural context reaches far beyond the boundaries of institutional religion and incorporates ethical behaviour, social harmony, moral responsibility, familial responsibilities and the preservation of collective values. This paper focuses on the reflection of Dharma through selected folk theatre traditions of North Bengal, namely, Kushan Pala of Cooch Behar and Gambhira of Malda districts of West Bengal. Kushan Pala represents Rama, Sita, Lav, Kush and others and through these narratives the performers embody the idea of Dharma, on the other hand Gambhira presents Lord Shiva and Dharma Thakur and incorporates them in social context. The study also mentions some other performances to get a glimpse of the broader religious dimensions of folk performative traditions of the region. It adopts a qualitative and analytical methodology. Theoretical lenses of Richard Schechner’s Performance Theory and Victor Turner’s concept of Communitas have been used to analyse performances.
A Study of Meta Cognitive Skills Among Senior Secondary School Students in Relation to Their Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Ms. Manju Yadav, Professor Sushma Rani
Abstract: The present study aims to examine the relationship between metacognitive skills and emotional intelligence among senior secondary school students. Metacognitive skills, which involve planning, monitoring, and evaluating one's own learning processes, play a significant role in improving academic performance and lifelong learning. Emotional intelligence, encompassing the ability to perceive, understand, manage, and regulate emotions, is equally important for students' personal, social, and academic development. The study adopts a quantitative survey method, selecting a representative sample of senior secondary school students through an appropriate sampling technique. Standardized instruments are used to assess students' metacognitive skills and emotional intelligence. Statistical techniques such as descriptive statistics, correlation, and inferential analysis are employed to analyze the data. The findings are expected to reveal a significant positive relationship between metacognitive skills and emotional intelligence, indicating that students with higher emotional intelligence tend to demonstrate better metacognitive abilities. The study also explores differences based on demographic variables such as gender and academic stream, where applicable. The findings are expected to contribute to educational psychology by highlighting the importance of fostering both metacognitive skills and emotional intelligence in school education. The study recommends that educators incorporate instructional strategies and emotional learning programs that enhance students' self-awareness, self-regulation, and reflective thinking to promote holistic development.
The Role of Language Attitudes in the Learning of English as a Second Language in Zambian Secondary Schools
Authors: Munkanta Josephine
Abstract: English functions as the official language of instruction in Zambia and plays a central role in academic success and social mobility. However, students in many secondary schools learn English as a second language while maintaining strong connections to local languages. Language attitudes—beliefs, feelings, and perceptions about a language—can significantly influence how students approach learning English. Despite the importance of English in education, some learners demonstrate mixed or negative attitudes toward its use in academic environments. This paper examines the role of language attitudes in shaping the learning of English as a second language in Zambian secondary schools. Drawing on existing literature and examples from multilingual educational contexts, the article explores how attitudes toward English and local languages affect motivation, classroom participation, and language proficiency. The study proposes a practical framework for improving language attitudes through inclusive language policies, teacher support, and culturally responsive teaching strategies. Strengthening positive language attitudes can enhance English proficiency while also respecting Zambia’s multilingual identity. The findings highlight that balanced language practices and supportive learning environments can improve educational outcomes and promote more effective English language acquisition among secondary school learners.
Climate Change Anxiety And Psychological Well-Being: Examining The Moderating Role Of Resilience And The Mediating Role Of Coping Strategies
Authors: Kiran Bala Salaan
Abstract: Climate change is increasingly recognised not only as an environmental crisis but also as a psychological stressor with measurable consequences for mental health. This paper develops a conceptual and empirical framework for understanding the relationship between climate change anxiety (CCA) and psychological well-being, proposing a moderated-mediation model in which coping strategies mediate the relationship between climate change anxiety and well-being. At the same time, resilience moderates the strength of this association. Drawing on the transactional model of stress and coping and on eudaimonic models of well-being, the paper argues that climate anxiety exerts both direct and indirect effects on well-being: maladaptive coping strategies, such as avoidance and denial, are expected to predict poorer psychological outcomes, whereas adaptive, problem-focused and meaning-focused coping strategies are expected to predict more favourable outcomes. Resilience is proposed to buffer the negative effects of climate anxiety, such that individuals higher in resilience are expected to show a weaker association between climate anxiety and diminished well-being than individuals lower in resilience. A quantitative, cross-sectional methodology is proposed, using validated instruments including the Climate Anxiety Scale, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Brief COPE, and Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-Being, analysed through moderated-mediation regression modelling. Implications for climate-aware mental health interventions, resilience-building programs, and future longitudinal research are discussed.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21640782
Mapping the Literature of Remote and Hybrid Work Since the Pandemic: A Bibliometric and BERTopic Thematic Analysis
Authors: Research Scholar Pushpa Prajapati, Assistant Professor Dr. Shweta Bhatia
Abstract: The pandemic induced disruption produced a fragmented body of knowledge spanning from human resource management, organisational behaviour, information technology, cybersecurity to the latest integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into workplaces around the remote-hybrid work shift. Initially, quantitative bibliometric analysis was used to map the performance of existing literature by means of Biblioshiny interface of Bibliometrix R package followed by a computational thematic analysis. A peer-reviewed Scopus corpus of 453 articles was funnelled down using PRISMA inclusion-exclusion approach. The performance analysis showed a steep growth in publication during the peak of pandemic transitions in 2023 and 2024; articles were scattered across journals while older articles gained more citations for being early in the lane. The complementary thematic analysis used the title-and-abstract Scopus metadata using topic modelling technique of BERTopic that combined document embeddings, dimensionality reduction using UMAP and density-based clustering using HDBSCAN. The 23 coherent clusters identified were narrowed down to six broad meta-themes, (1) organizational practices, management, and control (2) employee well-being and psychological outcomes (3) technology, knowledge work, and collaboration, (4) spatial and mobility dimensions, (5) risk, security, and productivity and (6) methodological and review contributions. An intertopic distance map was used to study the weight and relative distance of clusters. The triangulation of thematic layers recovered from full title-and-abstract concatenation against standard bibliometric performance indicators, offers a novel keyword-independent literature mapping method and a conceptual framework to reveal underexplored theoretical gaps that have evolved in isolation from one another. Practically, organisational decision-makers have narrow economic evidence for hybrid work rather than employee-experience effects, underscoring the need for empirical future research with unified study design, ideally replicated with transformer-based embeddings and multi-database corpora.
Absenteeism and Job Security in Zambian Government Secondary Schools: A Case Study of Damview, Chipata Trades, St. Atanazio and Hillside Girls Secondary Schools (Chipata District)
Authors: Dr. Phiri John
Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between teacher absenteeism and job security in selected government secondary schools in Chipata District, Zambia—namely Damview, Chipata Trades, St. Atanazio, and Hillside Girls Secondary Schools. Recognizing that teacher attendance is central to effective learning, the research sought to understand how employment conditions and perceptions of job stability influence absenteeism patterns. A mixed-methods explanatory design was employed. Quantitative data were gathered through structured questionnaires administered to teachers and attendance register reviews, while qualitative insights were obtained from interviews with school administrators, focus group discussions, and document analysis. Statistical techniques, including regression analysis, were used to examine associations between job security and absenteeism, while thematic coding captured teachers’ lived experiences and perspectives. Findings revealed that teachers with permanent, pensionable positions reported higher levels of perceived job security and, paradoxically, higher rates of unauthorized absenteeism compared to contractual staff. However, job security alone did not fully account for absenteeism trends. Other significant factors included transport challenges, health-related issues, low job satisfaction, and weak enforcement of attendance policies. These results highlight the complex interplay between structural employment protections and everyday realities of teacher welfare. The study concludes that effective interventions must combine clear disciplinary measures with initiatives that enhance teacher motivation and well-being. Recommendations include strengthening daily monitoring systems, streamlining disciplinary procedures in line with labor law, piloting attendance incentives, and investing in welfare programs to support teachers. By addressing both accountability and welfare, education authorities can reduce absenteeism and improve learning outcomes in Zambia’s public schools.
The Effect of Unplanned Teacher and Staff Meetings on Learner’s Academic Performance at Kagunda Primary School of Chipata District
Authors: Dr. Alice Dube, Dr. John Phiri
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess The Effect of Unplanned Teacher and Staff Meetings on Learner’s Academic Performance in Selected Schools of Chipata District, Zambia. The study explored factors that reduced time for teaching and learning and suggested strategies that could be employed to reduce time loss. The concurrent embedded design of the mixed methods approach was used with quantitative data adding detail to the qualitative data. A questionnaire collected data from 1 primary school teachers while interview guides were used to collect data from the primary school head teacher. A focus group guide was used to collect data from 24 learners. The qualitative was analyzed using emerging themes. Quantitative data from the questionnaire was analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that, the time that learners received for learning was not adequate. Learners being in ninth grade also affirmed that the time that remained for them to cover the remaining content in subjects before they could write their examinations was not adequate. Teachers noted this from the low coverage of the syllabus. The Head teacher also indicated that, the time for teaching was not adequate to cover for content in the syllabi. On factors that reduced teaching time, the study revealed factors such as staff unplanned meetings that took place during learning time, unplanned holidays. Classroom factors included teachers performing disciplinary cases, attending to slow learners and teaching methods that consumed most of the time. However, some measures such as having school councils to monitor teachers, having class registers for teacher’s accountability and reducing unplanned teacher and staff meetings were already employed by the school as it was revealed by the head teacher. It was concluded that the time that was utilised for teaching was not adequate and a number of factors revealed in the study contributed to the loss of time in selected primary schools in Chipata district. It was suggested that, there was need for proper planning of teacher and staff meetings and incentives to teachers in order to encourage commitment to duty. It was recommended that there was need for continuous professional development of teachers with regard to strategies of how the limited time could be made manageable such as seminars, workshops and refresher courses to equip teachers and administrators with knowledge, skills and attitude on proper time management practices.
An Investigation of Factors Perpetuating Pupil Absenteeism in Chipata District: A Case Study of Mtowe Primary School in Eastern Province of Zambia
Authors: Tundashi Tommy, Dr. John Phiri
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that perpetuated pupil absenteeism at Mtowe Primary School of Chipata. The study aimed to find why pupils missed school often, how absenteeism affected learning, and what could be done to improve regular attendance. A mixed methods approach was used. Attendance records for the 2023 school year were analysed to show patterns and levels of absence. Interviews and focus group discussions were held with pupils, teachers, parents, and the head teacher to gather their views and experiences. Data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to identify the main causes and effects of absenteeism. The findings showed that absenteeism was caused by many linked factors. Poverty was a major cause: many families could not afford school supplies, fees, or uniforms, and some children worked to help at home. Health problems, especially malaria and poor nutrition, made pupils miss school frequently. Household duties and seasonal farm work also reduced attendance. School factors such as harsh discipline, occasional teacher absence, and low pupil engagement were reported to discourage regular attendance. Girls were more affected by household chores and early marriage risks. Community attitudes and weak links between the school and local services made it harder to follow up absent pupils. The study concluded that absenteeism at Mtowe Primary was a complex problem that needed combined actions. It recommended school feeding or health checks, support for poor families, better teacher training on pupil engagement, stronger community school partnerships, and regular monitoring of attendance with quick follow up for absent pupils. These measures were suggested to reduce absenteeism and improve learning outcomes
Integrated Cross-Disciplinary Frameworks in Mainstream Inclusive Classrooms: Optimizing Pedagogical Outcomes for Learners with Diverse Needs
Authors: Assistant Professor Priya
Abstract: Modern educational environments demand flexible pedagogical frameworks capable of systematically addressing the multifaceted learning profiles present in contemporary classrooms. This paper investigates the operational integration and systemic value of cross-disciplinary frameworks within mainstream inclusive education. By synthesizing perspectives across special pedagogy, allied health disciplines, assistive technologies, and environmental ergonomics, this study examines how multi-professional collaboration dismantled historical instructional silos. We analyze primary institutional barriers—such as rigid professional boundaries, administrative scheduling constraints, and curricular rigidity—and delineate empirical methodologies including Universal Design for Learning (UDL), structured co-teaching typologies, and trans disciplinary diagnostic protocols. The findings demonstrate that shifting from isolated instructional practices to an integrated, cross-disciplinary ecosystem enhances cognitive accessibility, mitigates pedagogical friction, and significantly improves developmental and academic outcomes for Children with Special Needs (CWSN) within mainstream educational institutions.
Role of Inbound Marketing in Creating Brand Equity: A Case Study of PhysicsWallah in the Indian Ed-Tech Industry
Authors: Research Scholar Mr. Utkarsh Pandey, Professor K.K Shukla
Abstract: The Indian education technology (Ed-Tech) sector has witnessed a sharp divergence in fortunes since 2022, with several heavily-funded, advertising-led firms contracting or collapsing even as a smaller number of firms have continued to grow profitably. This paper examines PhysicsWallah, a Noida-based Ed-Tech company that began as a free YouTube channel in 2016 and went on to become India's first listed Ed-Tech unicorn in November 2025, as a case study in building brand equity through inbound marketing rather than through outbound, celebrity-led advertising. Using a qualitative, secondary-data case study method drawing on company disclosures, business and financial press coverage, and industry analyses, the paper maps PhysicsWallah's core inbound marketing activities, namely content marketing on YouTube, search-driven organic discovery, community-based social media engagement, and vernacular localisation, onto the four classical dimensions of consumer-based brand equity: awareness, perceived quality, brand associations, and loyalty. The analysis suggests that PhysicsWallah's low customer acquisition cost, high organic traffic share, and premium-to-issue-price stock market listing are consistent with the proposition that sustained, value-first content can build durable brand equity more efficiently than high-spend outbound campaigns, although the paper also documents emerging strains on perceived quality and trust as the company has scaled offline. The paper concludes with managerial implications for Ed-Tech firms and directions for future empirical research.
The Role of Corporate Innovation Funds in Driving Sustainable Technologies
Authors: Research Scholar Mrs. Deepika K, Research Scholar Mrs. Suma K G
Abstract: Corporate Innovation Funds (CIFs) have emerged as critical vehicles for promoting sustainability-driven technological advancements. Positioned at the intersection of corporate strategy, environmental responsibility, and entrepreneurial innovation, these funds enable firms to invest in emerging technologies aligned with long-term goals. This paper explores the structure, strategic value, and policy implications of CIFs with a focus on India. It integrates theoretical frameworks such as stakeholder theory and innovation diffusion to assess how CIFs act as catalysts for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through global and Indian case studies, it evaluates the successes, limitations, and opportunities within this funding model.
Comparative Study of Yoga-Based Training and Conventional Exercise on Health-Related Fitness
Authors: Assistant Professor Dr Ashish Tomar
Abstract: Health-related fitness is a fundamental component of overall well-being and plays a significant role in preventing lifestyle-related diseases while enhancing physical performance and quality of life. Among the various approaches to improving fitness, yoga-based training and conventional exercise are widely recognized for their physiological and psychological benefits. However, limited comparative research has examined their relative effectiveness on different components of health-related fitness. The present study aims to compare the effects of an eight-week Yoga-Based Training programme and a Conventional Exercise programme on selected health-related fitness variables among college students aged 18–25 years. A pre-test–post-test experimental design with two groups was employed. Sixty healthy participants were randomly assigned to either the Yoga-Based Training group or the Conventional Exercise group, with thirty participants in each group. The intervention was conducted for eight weeks, five days per week, with sixty-minute training sessions. Health-related fitness components, including cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition, were assessed using standardized fitness tests before and after the intervention. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, independent t-tests, and effect size measures at the 0.05 level of significance. It is anticipated that both training programmes will produce significant improvements in health-related fitness, while Yoga-Based Training may demonstrate greater benefits in flexibility and overall well-being, and Conventional Exercise may show comparatively greater improvements in muscular strength and cardiorespiratory endurance. The findings of the study are expected to provide valuable evidence for physical educators, fitness professionals, coaches, and health practitioners in designing effective fitness programmes for promoting lifelong health and wellness.
Enhancing Organizational Performance Through Diversity and Inclusion Practices
Authors: Dr.R.Radhamani, Research Scholars Ms.S.Sridevi
Abstract: Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another's uniqueness." — Ola Joseph This paper explores how diversity practices relate to a key component of workplace well-being, namely engagement. It The present study investigates the moderating effect of integrative approaches to open communications, involvement and conflict resolution in the implementation of an organizational change initiative in the relationship between cognitive diversity among employees and the organization performance. In Chapter Four assessment we discuss research on diversity and inclusion at work, emerging issues reflecting the status of minority groups, and the challenges experienced by minority-group employees and organizations. (1) the impact of diversity and inclusion on the organization's performance and sustainability, and (2) new and better ways to reduce inequity and promote diversity in its broadest conceptualization, this chapter incorporates the author's summary of outcomes and recommended strategies. (3) This studies mostly incorporated in a highly selected number of robust systematic reviews and meta-analyses. (4) For the most part, and notwithstanding barriers to reducing stereotyping and discrimination, interventions to improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace led to favorable outcomes. Finally, it is about giving the organizations and D&I professionals the needed guidelines, tools and support, as the world becomes well connected and continuous exchange of workforce relocating across different countries based on the need of their expertise and profession, D&I would become more stronger across future companies, creating a competitive edge in an increasingly competitive global labour market. Theoretical and practical implications of the study are discussed along with recommendations for future research.
Paper Metamorphosis: An Investigation of Material Transformation and Creative Identity Through Practice
Authors: Poornima M.L, Dr Vishweshwari Tiwari
Abstract: The contemporary art world increasingly recognizes materials not merely as passive carriers of artistic ideas but as active participants in the creation of meaning. Among these materials, paper occupies a unique position due to its accessibility, fragility, adaptability, and transformative potential. This research investigates paper as both a medium and a metaphor through a practice-based approach that explores the relationship between material transformation and artistic identity. By employing experimental techniques such as tearing, folding, layering, burning, stitching, and reconstruction, the study examines how paper transcends its traditional role as a support surface and becomes a dynamic artistic medium. The research argues that artistic knowledge emerges through direct engagement with materials and that transformation functions as both a physical process and a conceptual framework. Through studio experimentation and critical reflection, paper is revealed as a site of memory, identity, vulnerability, resilience, and renewal. The study contributes to contemporary discussions on materiality, sustainability, and practice-based research by demonstrating how artistic identity develops through continuous interaction with material processes.
Mental Health in an Evolving World: Issues and Interventions
Authors: Neelam Kuril
Abstract: Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being, encompassing emotional, psychological, and social dimensions. In the contemporary world, rapid urbanization, technological advancement, and socio-economic changes have intensified stress, anxiety, and emotional instability across populations. Mental health challenges are shaped by a complex interaction of biological, social, and environmental factors, including poverty, inequality, trauma, and lack of access to healthcare. Despite increasing awareness, stigma and inadequate infrastructure continue to limit effective diagnosis and treatment, particularly in developing countries like India. Rising concerns such as anger, burnout, and youth mental distress reflect deeper structural and societal pressures. Academic stress, family environment, and social expectations significantly influence the mental well-being of young individuals. Additionally, workforce challenges, including burnout and resource constraints, further weaken mental health systems. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach involving prevention, early intervention, and accessible treatment. Strengthening community support, integrating mental health into primary care, promoting awareness, and implementing policy reforms are essential steps. A holistic and inclusive framework is necessary to improve mental health outcomes and ensure sustainable well-being in an increasingly complex global environment.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21774138
Achievement Motivation as a Predictor of Managerial Effectiveness: Evidence from Secondary School Teachers of Haryana
Authors: Research Scholar Ms. Km. Preeti, Professor Dr. Vijay Kumar
Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between managerial effectiveness and achievement motivation among 303 secondary school teachers from Gurugram, Faridabad, and Palwal districts of Haryana. Using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation, findings revealed a very low, statistically non-significant positive correlation between Achievement Motivation (M = 20.24, SD = 5.426) and Managerial Effectiveness (M = 388.61, SD = 62.565), r = .050, p > .05. Life Satisfaction emerged as a significant correlate of Managerial Effectiveness (r = .258, p < .01). Group-wise analysis showed Group 3 teachers had the highest Managerial Effectiveness (M = 406.64). The study concludes that while achievement motivation is not a strong predictor, life satisfaction and professional training positively influence managerial effectiveness. Implications for teacher development, well-being programs, and school administration are discussed.
Workplace Security: Best Practices for Maintaining a Secure Working Environment
Authors: Sari Mohammed Al Handhah
Abstract: Workplace security is a fundamental aspect of every successful organization because it protects employees, physical assets, digital information, and business operations from a wide range of threats. In today’s technology-driven environment, organizations face increasingly complex security challenges that include cyberattacks, insider threats, physical intrusions, social engineering, ransomware, and data breaches. These threats can result in financial losses, operational disruptions, legal consequences, and damage to an organization’s reputation. Therefore, maintaining a secure workplace requires more than installing security systems or antivirus software; it demands a comprehensive strategy that combines physical security, cybersecurity, employee awareness, effective policies, and strong leadership. This paper explores the key components of workplace security, discusses common threats faced by organizations, and examines practical strategies for reducing security risks. It concludes that developing a strong security culture, supported by continuous employee education and proactive risk management, is essential for creating a safe, productive, and resilient working environment.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Resource Management in Selected Primary Schools. A Case Study in Kafue District
Authors: Petronella Mwika
Abstract: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of resource management in selected primary schools in Kafue District. Resource management in schools plays a critical role in improving teaching and learning outcomes. The study focused on key resources such as human resources, financial resources, and physical facilities. A descriptive research design was used, involving school administrators and teachers from selected primary schools. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews to gain insights into how resources are planned, allocated, and utilized. The findings revealed that although schools make efforts to manage resources effectively, several challenges exist. These include inadequate funding, shortage of teaching materials, poor maintenance of infrastructure, and limited staff development opportunities. The study also found that proper planning and monitoring significantly improve resource utilization. The research concludes that effective resource management enhances the quality of education. It recommends increased funding, improved training for school managers, and better monitoring systems to ensure efficient use of available resources.
The Lemur Theory (TLT): A Philosophical and Conceptual Perspective on Creativity and Innovation for Sustainable Development
Authors: Jackson Matsanga
Abstract: The Lemur Theory (TLT) is an original philosophical and conceptual framework developed to explain the complementary role of creativity and innovation in achieving sustainable success. The theory was developed using an interpretivist philosophical paradigm and a conceptual theory-development research design. The findings established that creativity generates original and purposeful ideas, innovation transforms those ideas into practical and sustainable achievements, and the continuous interaction between these complementary traits promotes resilience, adaptability, continuous learning, organizational effectiveness, environmental stewardship, and long-term development. The study further developed the philosophical foundations, conceptual foundations, theoretical propositions, assumptions, core principles, conceptual and philosophical framework, mathematical representation, statistical model, and practical applications of the Lemur Theory. The study concludes that sustainable success is best achieved when creativity and innovation operate together within an enabling environment characterized by effective leadership, continuous learning, collaboration, responsible resource utilization, supportive organizational culture, ethical responsibility, and adaptability to change.
The Honey Badger Theory: A Philosophical Framework for Progressive Individual and Organisational Development
Authors: Jackson Matsanga
Abstract: The development of individuals and organisations remains a central concern across philosophy, educational management, leadership, organisational studies, psychology, and development studies. Although resilience and wisdom have been widely investigated within these disciplines, they have generally been conceptualised as independent constructs, resulting in fragmented explanations of progressive development. This conceptual separation creates a need for a broader philosophical framework capable of explaining how resilience and wisdom interact to promote sustainable individual and organisational advancement. This article develops the Honey Badger Theory, a nature-inspired philosophical framework that explains progressive individual and organisational development through the complementary interaction of resilience and wisdom. The theory was developed using a philosophical and conceptual theory-development approach that involved the systematic review and synthesis of philosophical, conceptual, theoretical, and empirical literature, together with the philosophical interpretation of scientifically documented behavioural characteristics of the honey badger (Mellivora capensis). Scientific observations were translated into conceptual constructs through a structured process of philosophical interpretation and conceptual analysis. The Honey Badger Theory contends that resilience and wisdom are fundamental, complementary, and mutually reinforcing attributes that promote progressive individual and organisational development. Resilience provides the capacity to persevere, adapt, recover, and sustain purposeful action in the face of adversity, whereas wisdom provides ethical judgment, reflective thinking, contextual understanding, and strategic direction that guide resilient action towards meaningful and sustainable outcomes. Progressive development is therefore explained as the continuous interaction of these complementary attributes. The theory contributes to scholarship by integrating resilience and wisdom within a unified philosophical framework, advancing a systematic methodology for nature-inspired theory development, and providing practical applications in educational management, leadership, organisational development, public administration, entrepreneurship, community development, and professional practice. It also establishes a conceptual foundation for future empirical research aimed at validating and refining its propositions across diverse cultural, institutional, and disciplinary contexts.
Feminism in Sudha Murty’s “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read
Authors: Research Scholar Mr. R.S.Singaravel, Assistant Professor Dr. Bathridevanath R
Abstract: This paper examines the feminist dimensions of Sudha Murty's short story How I Taught My Grandmother to Read through the perspectives of liberal and postcolonial feminism. The study explores how Murty presents literacy as a powerful means of women's empowerment and self-reliance within the socio-cultural context of rural India. The grandmother's transformation from an illiterate, dependent woman into a confident, independent reader symbolizes resistance to patriarchal norms and demonstrates that education is a lifelong process capable of transforming individual lives. The paper further analyzes themes such as female agency, intergenerational learning, sisterhood, literacy, and the subtle challenge to traditional gender roles. Murty's simple yet profound narrative highlights the importance of education in enabling women to achieve dignity, confidence, and autonomy. By employing symbolism, cultural practices, and realistic characterization, the story advocates an inclusive form of feminism rooted in compassion, mutual support, and everyday acts of resistance. Although the narrative has certain limitations regarding caste and class representation, it remains a significant literary work that promotes women's empowerment through education and lifelong learning. The study concludes that Murty's story continues to inspire contemporary discussions on gender equality and literacy, reinforcing the idea that educating women contributes to broader social transformation.
It’s Okay To Be Different: Understanding Autism-Like Behaviors And Personalized Learning Through A Neuro-Relational Lens
Authors: Dr. Pavithra Lakshminarasimhan
Abstract: Children often display behaviors that differ from typical developmental expectations, including echolalia, limited eye contact, repetitive movements, and self-soothing behaviors, which may resemble autism. These behaviors reflect unique ways of processing, regulating, and engaging with the environment, rather than deficits. This paper integrates Neuro-Relational Theory, Intersubjectivity Theory, Developmental Social Pragmatics, and the Ecological Attunement Model (EAM)—proposed by Dr. Pavithra Lakshminarasimhan—to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding these behaviors. Through detailed case illustrations of two children, Tom and John, this paper demonstrates how personalized learning support—tailored across the four progressive levels of EAM—can enhance social, emotional, and academic outcomes. The discussion presents a structured synthesis of theoretical frameworks and outcomes through standardized comparative tables to guide clinical and educational implementation.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21849958
Beyond Reality: The Evolution Of Fantasy Art From Mythological Imagination To Contemporary Digital Visual Culture
Authors: Pavurala Yashaswini, Puja Dhanuka
Abstract: One of humanity's most enduring visual languages, fantasy art transcends reality to convey spirituality, mythology, imagination, and cultural identity. Fantasy art has always changed in reaction to shifting philosophical, theological, technological, and creative paradigms, from prehistoric cave drawings showing hybrid human-animal characters to the complex digital landscapes of modern visual culture. This study traces the evolution of fantasy art from legendary imagination to modern digital visual culture. The study explores the aesthetic, symbolic, and cultural relevance of fantasy imagery across many eras using a qualitative and historical research technique that draws on art historical literature, visual analysis, and comparative interpretation. The results imply that fantasy art is a sophisticated kind of visual communication that reflects societal ideals, cultural memory, psychological experience, and changing human goals rather than just being an escapist genre. Fantasy art keeps bridging the gap between historical imagination and modern inventiveness by fusing classic legendary stories with cutting-edge digital technologies. By offering a thorough historical and critical framework for comprehending fantasy art as a dynamic discipline that links artistic creativity, cultural legacy, and digital revolution, this book advances the subject of visual arts. The study also emphasizes how fantasy art is becoming more and more important academically in modern visual studies, as well as how it is becoming more prevalent in illustration, movies, video games, animation, and immersive media. Before analyzing the evolution of fantasy art through the Medieval, Renaissance, Romantic, Symbolist, and Surrealist periods, the paper investigates the beginnings of fantasy art in prehistoric ritualistic imagery and old mythological traditions. Influential artists like Hieronymus Bosch, William Blake, Richard Dadd, John Martin, Frank Frazetta, and modern digital concept artists are given special attention since their works broadened the visual language of fantasy. The book also examines how mythology, folklore, religion, psychology, and popular imagination shaped fantasy as a separate artistic form. Furthermore, it explores the ways in which modern visual culture has reinterpreted fantasy art through technological advancements such as digital painting, three-dimensional modelling, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and interactive media.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21850467
School Administration as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Curriculum Implementation and the Quality of Ordinary-Level Secondary Education in Elgon Zone, Eastern Uganda
Authors: Jackson Matsanga
Abstract: Curriculum reform does not improve educational quality automatically; its effects depend partly on the institutional conditions through which teachers and learners enact it. This study examined whether school administration moderates the relationship between curriculum implementation and the quality of ordinary-level secondary education in Elgon Zone, Eastern Uganda. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was used. Quantitative evidence was obtained from 461 learners and 159 teachers selected from secondary schools across the zone, while qualitative evidence was generated through interviews and focus-group discussions involving selected headteachers, teachers, learners, Board of Governors members and Parent–Teacher Association representatives. Questionnaire items measured administrative transparency and collaboration, instructional supervision, provision of teaching and learning resources, stakeholder involvement, and accountability. Descriptive statistics, multiple regression and interaction analysis were complemented by thematic analysis. Learners reported substantial administrative weaknesses across all five dimensions: disagreement was highest for instructional supervision (59.6%), followed by transparency and collaboration (54.4%), stakeholder involvement (52.8%), resource provision (52.1%), and accountability (52.5% based on the table categories). The learners’ interaction model was statistically significant, R = .364, R² = .132, F(1, 458) = 5.974, p = .015. The positive interaction coefficient (β = .364, p = .015) indicates that stronger school administration enhances the positive association between curriculum implementation and educational quality. Teachers likewise reported weaknesses in administration. Their main-effects model was significant, R = .372, R² = .138, F(2, 157) = 2.991, p = .033; curriculum implementation (β = .380, p = .046) and school administration (β = .311, p = .016) were both positive predictors. Qualitative evidence supported the importance of regular meetings, collaborative leadership and administrative oversight. The study concludes that curriculum implementation is necessary but insufficient: its translation into quality outcomes is strengthened or weakened by school administration. Leadership development, routine instructional supervision, transparent accountability, stakeholder participation and needs-based resource allocation should therefore be treated as integral components of curriculum implementation.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Menstrual Health, Hygiene and Diet Among Rural School Going Girls (Pakpatla Village in Nirmal District)
Authors: D Sneha, Assistant Professor P Suma
Abstract: Menstrual health and hygiene remain under-addressed in rural India, where taboos and limited awareness impact adolescent girls' well-being. The study aimed to assess knowledge and promote awareness of menstrual health, hygiene, and dietary practices among school-going girls (aged 11–15 years) in Pakpatla village, Nirmal district, Telangana. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 girls from two schools, selected via convenience sampling. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, menstrual knowledge, hygiene practices, and diet. An educational pamphlet was used to spread awareness. Data analysed using simple frequency and percentage and the association between variables was analysed using chi square test, conducted in Microsoft Excel. Results showed that 78% of participants had not yet attained menarche, and 55% were aged 10-11 years. Only 24% correctly recognized menstruation as a natural process, with widespread misconceptions. Hygiene knowledge was poor-43% didn’t know proper pad-changing frequency, and 35% were unaware of safe disposal methods. Dietary awareness was also limited, with 30% reporting no prior information. A significant association was found between age and knowledge levels (p = 0.00064), with older girls showing better awareness. These findings emphasize the urgent need for menstrual health education in rural schools, particularly for younger adolescents. School-based interventions using visual aids and open dialogue can help dispel myths, improve knowledge, and foster healthy practices.
Toward an AI-Enhanced Universal Design for Learning Framework: A Theory-Synthesis Approach to Inclusive Education
Authors: Associate Professor Dr. Rajpawan, Assistant Professor Anuradha Thakur
Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping educational practice by enabling more personalized, adaptive, and accessible learning experiences. Despite these advances, there remains a limited pedagogically grounded understanding of how AI can be meaningfully integrated with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to support inclusive education while preserving teacher agency, ethical responsibility, and learner diversity. Addressing this gap, this conceptual paper proposes the AI-Enhanced Universal Design for Learning (AI-UDL) Framework, developed through a theory-synthesis approach that integrates contemporary scholarship on UDL, AI in education, human-centered AI, and inclusive and special education. Drawing on this interdisciplinary synthesis, the framework conceptualizes AI as an instructional partner that supports, rather than replaces, teachers in designing flexible, equitable, and responsive learning environments. The AI-UDL Framework comprises six interrelated dimensions: learner profiling, adaptive representation, personalized engagement, flexible expression, teacher decision support, and ethical governance. Together, these dimensions demonstrate how AI can operationalize UDL principles while maintaining pedagogical integrity, accessibility, and human oversight. By reconceptualizing the relationship between AI and UDL, this paper advances a theoretically grounded framework that contributes to the emerging discourse on responsible AI integration in education. The framework offers practical guidance for educators, instructional designers, and policymakers and establishes a foundation for future empirical validation, instructional innovation, and the development of AI-supported inclusive learning environments.
Conflict Resolution Mechanisms in Nigeria’s Multi-Ethnic Society
Authors: Paul ‘Seun Sosina
Abstract: This study examined conflict resolution mechanisms in Nigeria’s multi-ethnic society, focusing on the causes, effectiveness, challenges, and prospects of traditional and formal approaches. The study adopts Conflict Transformation Theory as its analytical framework and utilizes a qualitative desk-review methodology, drawing on secondary data from academic journals, books, institutional reports, and statutory frameworks to assess Nigeria’s conflict management architecture. Findings indicate that ethnic and religious diversity, political manipulation, poverty, inequality, unemployment, resource competition, marginalization, and weak governance contribute significantly to persistent conflicts. Traditional mechanisms demonstrate strengths in accessibility, cultural legitimacy, mediation, reconciliation, and restorative justice at the community level. However, their effectiveness is constrained by weak legal recognition, inadequate institutional support, gender exclusion, declining traditional authority, and limited capacity to manage large-scale conflicts. Formal mechanisms provide legal authority and enforceability but are weakened by high costs, delays, corruption, political interference, and limited cultural responsiveness. The study concludes that sustainable peace requires integrating traditional and formal mechanisms through hybrid structures, institutional reform, inclusive peacebuilding, socio-economic development, improved governance, and digital early-warning systems. The study recommends stronger legal recognition of indigenous mechanisms, expanded alternative dispute resolution, inclusive community participation, and coordinated multi-level peacebuilding.
A Comparative Study of Digital Education in Rural and Urban Areas
Authors: Gurmeet Kaur, Assistant Professor Mr. Jagbir Grewal
Abstract: Digital education has expanded rapidly across Indian schooling in recent years, yet its distribution across rural and urban settings remains markedly uneven. The present paper reports the findings of a study undertaken to compare the access to, utilisation of, and attitude toward digital education among rural and urban secondary school students of Yamuna Nagar district, Haryana, and to examine whether the two localities differ significantly on access, device availability, internet connectivity, teacher digital competency, and attitude. A sample of one hundred Class 9 and 10 students was drawn through stratified random sampling from six secondary schools, balanced across locality (50 rural, 50 urban). Data were gathered using the Digital Education Accessibility Scale, adapted from Rani and Thakur (2020), and analysed using Pearson's correlation and the independent-samples t-test at the 0.05 level of significance. Results showed urban students scoring significantly higher on all five dimensions tested, a strong positive correlation between Access and Utilisation scores, and a near-categorical rather than gradual divide in Access between the two localities. The paper discusses these findings in the light of existing research and offers implications for teachers, schools, and policy planners.
The Journey from Oppression to Empowerment: A Feminist Analysis of Divakaruni’s Heroines
Authors: Poonam Pareek, Dr vineet kumar purohit
Abstract: The literature in India has played a significant role in feminist discourse, reflecting the experiences and perspectives of women who are struggling against patriarchal oppression and their gradual process of becoming a self and an empowered individual. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is one of the most important Indian diasporic writers for her subtle depictions of women under social, cultural and emotional restrictions. This paper explores the role of female characters in Divakaruni's selected novels such as The Palace of Illusions, The Forest of Enchantments, Sister of My Heart and Before We Visit the Goddess, and how they have been transformed. The study examines the characters of Divakaruni's heroines in a feminist literary criticism and their journey from silence, marginalization and oppression to agency, voice and independence. The study also explores the intersections of gender, class, diaspora and generational conflicts that affect women's identity construction and resistance. Divakaruni's portrayal of mythological characters in contemporary settings and ordinary women in non-traditional roles defies the patriarchal system and redefines what it means to be a woman in Indian English novels.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21916648
Rethinking African Studies in a Globalised World: Decolonising Methodologies and New Direction
Authors: Adedeji T. A., Matanmi K. A., Oyero S. A., Awoniyi, O. M., Omidun D. O.
Abstract: The field of African Studies emerged during the colonial period, profoundly shaped by Western imperial interests and epistemologies that sought to classify, control, and exploit African societies. Over the 19th and 20th centuries, academic institutions across Europe and North America formalized African Studies as a field, often driven by anthropological, ethnographic, and sociological methods that reinforced racial hierarchies and justified colonial rule. Despite independence movements and the subsequent wave of postcolonial critique in the mid-20th century, African Studies remains marked by colonial-era legacies that continue to influence methodological choices and scholarly priorities. This paper examines the ongoing impact of these colonial foundations on African Studies, interrogating how these origins have been both perpetuated and challenged in modern scholarship. Through the lens of decolonial and postcolonial theories, this study critically engages with the movement to decolonise African Studies, emphasizing the necessity of an epistemological shift that centers African voices, indigenous knowledge systems, and culturally rooted methodologies. The paper proposes new directions for African Studies that reflect the complexities and realities of African societies in a globalised world, ultimately calling for an academic reformation that honors Africa’s historical and intellectual heritage.
Visualising Government Schemes on Household Linen: A Creative Interpretation Through Cloth – Katran
Authors: Assistant Professor Dr Deep Shikha Pandey, Ms Pooja Kumari
Abstract: This research paper titled "Visualising Government Schemes on Household Linen: A Creative Interpretation Through Cloth – Katran", explores an innovative fusion of sustainable textile art and social awareness. Under the visionary leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, various welfare schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Ujjwala Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana have been launched to empower citizens. However, effective communication and dissemination of these schemes to rural and semi-urban populations remain a challenge. To address this gap, the present study creatively integrates the visual identity of these government initiatives into household linen using leftover fabric scraps (katran), promoting both sustainability and awareness. A white bedsheet was selected as the base canvas, onto which logos of the schemes were first traced and then artistically enhanced using colorful fabric scraps. This transformation of everyday household items into mediums of public messaging merges aesthetics with advocacy, aligning with global movements of upcycling and sustainable design. The final product was evaluated by 30 faculty and staff members of Magadh University using a five-point rating scale, based on parameters like color combination, appearance, design, and cost-effectiveness. The results revealed overwhelmingly positive feedback, with the majority of participants rating the design as "Excellent" or "Good." The study not only demonstrates the potential of fabric art in public communication but also highlights new possibilities for self-employment and craft-based entrepreneurship, particularly among women. In conclusion, this research sets a precedent for using household textiles as functional tools for spreading awareness about national schemes while promoting sustainable practices. The integration of katran into creative messaging serves as an environmentally friendly and socially empowering approach, offering new avenues in design, education, and rural entrepreneurship.
Comparison of Jāti in Hindustani and Carnatic Taal System
Authors: Ms. Udita Biswas
Abstract: Jāti is a distinct concept of Indian classical music. Jāti is one of the 10 Prāṇa of Taal that deals with the changing patterns of rhythmic meter subjected to change of the Aksharkāl in one matra of a given taal in North Indian or Hindustani system. However, this phenomenon of altering the Jāti of a certain taal is achieved through a particular way in the Carnatic Sapta Suladi Taal system which is different from that of Hindustani Taal system. This study aims to examine the concept of Jāti in the Hindustani taal and Carnatic taal systems. The paper shall compare how Jāti is defined, categorized, and used in both traditions, focusing on its role in the construction of rhythmic patterns and their application in performances. The methodology involves analysing the classification of Jāti in each system, including the number of matrās and vibhāg in Hindustani Taal system, as well as the rhythmic patterns derived by alterations in the Laghu of the Carnatic Taal system. Data collection for this study involves gathering information through relevant books and other textual sources from academic libraries to explore the key themes. The findings shall highlight similarities and differences in the treatment of Jāti, such as its flexibility in Hindustani music versus its more structured use in Carnatic music. The study shall conclude by emphasizing the importance of Jāti in maintaining rhythmic integrity and enhancing the musical expression in both classical traditions, shedding light on their unique approaches to rhythm and musical form.
Nature, Memory and Resistance: Towards a Green Humanities Framework for Eco-Poetics in Indian English Poetry
Authors: Research Scholar Kawya Pandey, Professor Dr.Pramod Kumar
Abstract: Indian English poetry offers a distinctive field for developing an eco-poetic framework in which nature is not merely represented as landscape or aesthetic ornament but functions as a repository of cultural memory, traditional knowledge, ethical relationships and resistance to dominant structures of power. This paper proposes a critical framework for reading Indian English poetry through the interdisciplinary lens of the Green Humanities, particularly by bringing ecocriticism into dialogue with postcolonial studies, indigenous epistemologies, cultural memory, ecofeminism and the study of more-than-human agency. The poetry of A.K. Ramanujan, Dom Moraes, Ranjit Hoskote and Tishani Doshi demonstrates an important intergenerational movement: from nature as a culturally embedded field of memory and human experience to nature as an active participant in questions of displacement, ecological violence, climate anxiety and cultural resistance. Ramanujan's "Ecology" and "A River" expose the relationship between traditional cultural imagination and ecological perception; Moraes's landscape poetry connects nature with memory, estrangement and belonging; Hoskote transforms ecology into an archive of histories, migrations, architecture and climate crisis; while Doshi's Girls Are Coming Out of the Woods and A God at the Door connect ecological vulnerability with gender, embodiment, violence and planetary precarity. The paper argues that Indian eco-poetics should therefore be understood not simply as poetry "about nature" but as a form of cultural knowledge in which the natural world becomes a site for recovering suppressed histories and challenging anthropocentric and colonial ways of understanding the environment.
A Study on Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Management and its Impact on Cash Flow (With Special Reference to Zenith Logistics)
Authors: Praveen Kumar.V, Assistant Professor Dr. P.Vinodhini
Abstract: Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable are important components of working capital management, particularly in the logistics industry where customer invoices, transport-related expenses, vendor settlements and other financial transactions occur regularly. This study examines the Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable management practices at Zenith Logistics and evaluates their role in cash flow management and financial efficiency. The study is based on practical exposure gained during an internship in the Accounts Department, including maintaining financial records, verifying invoices, updating financial data, processing transactions and assisting with routine accounting activities. Primary data were collected from 50 employees through a structured questionnaire using convenience sampling. Percentage analysis and Microsoft Excel were used for analysis and presentation. The findings show that 68% believe customer payments are received on time, 72% believe vendor payments are made on time, and 44% are satisfied with the overall receivable and payable management system. Further, 84% perceive receivable management as positive or very positive for cash flow, while 78% agree or strongly agree that further improvement is required. The study concludes that timely collection of receivables and prompt settlement of payables support liquidity, operational continuity and financial decision-making. Regular ageing analysis, systematic follow-up, stronger documentation, digital accounting systems and financial analytics are recommended.
The Impact of Consumer Attitudes on Buying Behavior towards Luxury Brands in Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Authors: Assistant Professor K. Valarmathi, Assistant Professor S.Arunadevi, Assistant Professor S.Rbbkbk
Abstract: Luxury-brand consumption is influenced by more than functional product performance. Consumers may evaluate luxury brands based on perceived quality, exclusivity, status, identity expression, price, trust, purchase risk, and the symbolic value of ownership. This study examines the impact of consumer attitudes on buying behaviour towards luxury brands among consumers in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. A quantitative research methodology was adopted, using a structured questionnaire administered to 120 respondents. The questionnaire collected demographic information and measured perceived benefits, perceived risks, trust in luxury brands, consumer attitudes, and luxury-brand buying behaviour. The analysis plan includes descriptive statistics, demographic frequency and percentage tables, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple regression. Descriptive statistics will summarize the characteristics and attitudes of the respondents; ANOVA will test whether buying behaviour differs across demographic groups; and multiple regression will estimate the independent effects of perceived benefits, perceived risks, trust, and consumer attitudes on buying behaviour. Since the raw dataset and statistical output were not provided, the numerical results in this manuscript are intentionally presented as placeholders and must be replaced with verified results. The study provides a structured framework for understanding luxury-brand purchase behaviour in an urban Tamil Nadu market and for identifying whether value perceptions, risk reduction, trust, or attitude is the strongest predictor of consumer behaviour.
Determinants of Consumer Attitudes toward E-Shopping: An Empirical Study in Chennai, Tamil NaduK
Authors: Dr. Muthukumaresan, M., Dr.Sambath Kumar. B, Dr.V.Govindarajan, Dr P Balusamy
Abstract: The rapid expansion of digital commerce has changed how consumers search for, evaluate, purchase, and review products. This study examines the determinants shaping consumer attitudes toward e-shopping among consumers in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. A quantitative research design was adopted, and primary data were collected from 70 respondents using a structured questionnaire. The instrument covered demographic characteristics, perceived benefits and risks of e-shopping, trust in e-commerce platforms, and e-shopping behavior. The proposed analysis uses descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis, and multiple regression. These techniques are intended to examine whether consumer characteristics are associated with e-shopping behaviour, whether attitudes differ across demographic groups, how perceived benefits, perceived risks, and trust are related to behaviour, and which factors are the strongest statistical predictors of e-shopping behaviour. Because the raw dataset and computed outputs were not supplied, numerical results are presented as placeholders rather than invented findings. The study provides a structured framework for interpreting consumer attitudes in an urban Indian context and offers practical implications for e-commerce firms, payment providers, logistics operators, and policymakers. The main analytical expectation is that perceived benefits and trust will be positively associated with e-shopping behaviour, while perceived risks will be negatively associated; these expectations must be confirmed or rejected using the completed statistical analysis.
A Study on Financial Data Analysis and Impacts on Working Capital Management
Authors: Rohith M, Assistant Professor Dr. P.Vinodhini
Abstract: This study, titled “A Study on Financial Data Analysis and Its Impact on Working Capital Management”, examines the role of financial data analysis in managing the working capital of Reverie Synaptic Pulse. It focuses on cash flow, receivables, payables, inventory, liquidity, and financial decision-making. The study is based on primary data collected from 50 respondents using a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using percentage analysis and pie charts to understand the respondents’ opinions regarding financial data analysis and working capital management. The study finds that effective financial data analysis supports better working capital management by improving cash-flow monitoring, liquidity management, cost control, and financial decision-making. The study concludes that regular and accurate financial analysis can improve working capital efficiency and contribute to better financial performance
Women Entrepreneurship and Access to Digital Finance: A Catalyst for Inclusive Economic Growth in India
Authors: Dr Surbhi Dubey Misra
Abstract: Women entrepreneurship has emerged as a significant contributor to economic development, employment generation, and social transformation in developing economies. However, limited access to formal financial systems continues to constrain women-owned enterprises, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions. Digital finance has recently transformed the financial inclusion landscape by providing accessible, affordable, and technology-driven financial services. This study examines the relationship between access to digital finance and the growth of women entrepreneurship in India. Using a conceptual and empirical review approach, the paper analyzes how mobile banking, digital payments, fintech services, and online lending platforms influence entrepreneurial performance among women entrepreneurs. The study further identifies challenges such as digital illiteracy, cybersecurity concerns, socio-cultural barriers, and inadequate technological infrastructure. The findings suggest that digital finance significantly enhances financial accessibility, business sustainability, and economic empowerment among women entrepreneurs. The study recommends policy interventions focusing on digital literacy, fintech inclusion, gender-sensitive financial policies, and rural digital infrastructure development to strengthen women-led enterprises. The research contributes to the growing literature on financial inclusion, digital transformation, and women entrepreneurship in emerging economies.
Techniques Secondary School Teachers Employ to Motivate Students to Learn Poetry in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
Authors: Adeleye C. B, Akinwamide T. K.
Abstract: Motivating students to engage actively and passionately in the study of poetry is a significant challenge faced by educators worldwide, particularly in the dynamic and culturally diverse educational landscape of Nigeria. Ado-Ekiti, being a key educational hub in the country, presents a unique setting to explore the strategies employed by secondary school teachers to stimulate students' interest and enthusiasm towards poetry learning. This study aims to comprehensively assess the various techniques employed by teachers in Ado-Ekiti to motivate students to embrace poetry, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation for literary expression. Specifically, the study investigated: (i) techniques that are commonly used by secondary school teachers in motivating their students to learn poetry; (ii) difference in the techniques secondary school teachers employ to motivate students to learn poetry on the basis of gender, qualification, teachers’ experience, and school type. The present study is of descriptive research type. The population for this study comprises both public and private senior secondary school teachers in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, while the target population consisted of senior secondary schools Literature-in-English teachers. The stratified and proportional sampling techniques were adopted in selecting 117 respondents for the study. A researcher-designed questionnaire titled “Techniques Secondary School Teachers Employ to Motivate Students to Learn Poetry Questionnaire (TSSTEMSLPQ) was used for data collection. The reliability of the instrument was determined by adopting the test-retest method, while reliability co-efficient stood at .78. Percentage was used to describe the demographic characteristics of the respondents. Research question one was answered using mean rating, while the independent t-test, and the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to test research hypotheses. Furthermore, the qualitative part of the questionnaire which was open-ended was subjected to the Thematic Analysis. It was concluded that the main technique employed by English literature teachers to motivate students to learn poetry was dramatization in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. The implication is that teachers should consider integrating interactive and performance-based activities to engage students and enhance their understanding and appreciation of literature. It was recommended that educators should incorporate dramatic elements and performance-based activities into their teaching strategies. It was further recommended that teachers of Literature-in-English should foster an inclusive and diverse classroom environment.