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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.