Message Design and Recipients’ Perception in Intercultural Emails: Iraqi Non-Native English Speakers’ Emails to Australian Native Speakers

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This study investigates the relationship between English non-native speakers’ linguistic behaviour in email communication and native speakers’ attitudinal reactions. Authentic email messages were collected from Iraqi non-native English speakers and evaluated by Australian English native speakers in terms of clarity, style, structure and appropriateness. The email messages were analysed at the discourse level and matched with Australian participants’ evaluations. The results showed that in addition to canonical moves of subject line, opening, request and closing, non-canonical moves, such as establishing the background, introducing self, promoting further contact and thanking/appreciating the recipient, were used more frequently in positively evaluated emails than in negatively evaluated ones. The results were discussed in terms of the limitations of email as a text-based communication channel and the role of non-canonical moves in adding positive effect to the email message.

The Effect of Transformational Leadership on Employee Engagement with Perceived Organizational Support as a Mediating Variable

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Employee engagement is a key factor in the success of an organization. One of the government agencies in Bandar Lampung (UPTD) Bandar Lampung has set targets as an integral part of the organization’s program plan, which includes achieving targets. However, the realization of these targets from 2018 to 2022 has fluctuated. This is suspected to be due to insufficient employee engagement in the organization. In this study, employee engagement is influenced by transformational leadership both directly and indirectly through perceived organizational support as a mediating variable. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of transformational leadership on employee engagement, the impact of transformational leadership on perceived organizational support, the impact of perceived organizational support on employee engagement, and whether perceived organizational support mediates the effect of transformational leadership on employee engagement. The sample size for this study is 120 respondents, using a simple random sampling method. The analysis tool used is SEM-AMOS.

Purpose: The aim of this research is to know the effect of transformational leadership on employee engagement with perceived organizational support as a mediating variable.

Patients and methods: Data has been obtained from the answer of questionnaire testing on 120 respondents who were used as samples in research using techniques simple random sampling.

Results: The results of the study show transformational leadership has a positive and significant effect on employee engagement, transformational leadership has a positive and significant effect on perceived organizational support, perceived organizational support has a positive and significant effect on employee engagement, and transformational leadership has a positive and significant effect on employee engagement through perceived organizational support.

Conclusion: Companies can advised to implement a more effective and structured communication strategy. One important step is to hold regular meetings at all levels of the organization, where leaders actively convey the company’s vision, mission, and goals. Additionally, the organization can conduct anonymous employee surveys, open discussion forums, and suggestion boxes. Management needs to actively listen, respond, and take concrete actions based on employee feedback to build trust and increase engagement. The organization should also create a collaborative and supportive work culture, encourage teamwork by integrating teamwork assessments into performance evaluations, and provide training on leadership and interpersonal skills to enhance employees’ ability to work together.

Students’ Perceptions on Zoom as Alternative to In- person Purposive Communication Classes

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The whole world responded to the need of continuing learning through a safer modality at the onset of the COVID19 pandemic. New and existing online platforms became in-demand to bear the bulk of lessons, teaching, and student engagement. One of the existing online platforms that were favorably used by higher institutions was Zoom. This study investigates on students’ perceptions on Zoom as a possible replacement for face-to-face modality for Purposive Communication (PURPCOM) class in the years ahead even after the ebb of the COVID19 pandemic. A total of 104 college students participated in an online Likert scale survey. Students’ responses regarding the advantages and disadvantages of using Zoom in PURPCOM class were thematically analyzed. The results indicated that an average of 49%-80% of students had a positive perception on using Zoom in their PURPCOM class in terms of their feelings, impact on learning, impact on interaction, and the capacity of Zoom to replace the in-person PURPCOM class. An average of 6% -19% disagreed on using Zoom over in-person class, and the top disadvantage of Zoom is the issue of poor internet connection. It is recommended that the survey be given to additional number of respondents in order to get a more accurate data on students’ perceptions in using Zoom as a replacement for the in-person PURPCOM class in future academic terms.

Career Perspectives and Pathways: A Multi-Method Clustering Analysis of First-year Business Students

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This study examines first-year business students’ career perspectives and pathways through the lens of clustering analysis. Using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), K-means, and Hierarchical Clustering techniques, the data reveals three distinct student clusters: a goal-oriented group focused on traditional business careers, an exploratory cluster still discovering their passions, and a smaller segment of passion-driven individuals pursuing specialized or innovative career paths. Positioning these clusters along the dimensions of career perspectives and career paths provides insights into the diversity of first-year business students. The study concludes that business schools must implement tailored career exploration programs, structured mentorship opportunities, and entrepreneurship-specific initiatives targeting this diverse cohort’s unique needs and aspirations. Fostering this holistic ecosystem to celebrate the diversity of career outlooks will better position first-year business students for long-term success and fulfillment in the evolving business landscape.

Exploring Online Education in South African Correctional Centres: Perspectives from ODEL students

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Higher education in Southern Africa is in an era that has transcended the traditional boundaries of space and time.  This chapter aims to explore the experiences and difficulties of officials and incarcerated offenders in South African correctional facilities, who are taking online classes in Open Distance Electronic Learning (ODEL) institutions like the University of South Africa (UNISA).

This chapter employed a qualitative desktop research method which involves analysing secondary data that includes previously published academic articles, media reports, and policies from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).

The main findings demonstrate the considerable obstacles faced by institutionalized ODEL learning. The major themes of student challenges include 1. Limited Access to Computers and the Internet (for safety concerns). 2. Low levels of Digital Literacy. 3. Insufficient Individualised Student Support, and conversely, 4. Recognition of Online Learning Benefits. The significance of the study is that it offers valuable insight for shaping and promoting more inclusive student support strategies by attending to the diverse needs of students in non-traditional learning environments. The study also highlights how crucial it is to create digital literacy initiatives and expand access to technology infrastructure to guarantee that all students succeed in online learning in the Southern Africa region.

Legal Protection for the Copyright Holder of the SKJ88 Song whose Work was used without Permission for Commercial Purposes by PT. Elang Prima Retailindo

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The goal of this study is to ascertain if PT. Elang Prima Retailindo’s unauthorized commercial use of the SKJ88 song gives the copyright holders legal protection. A normative legal research technique that takes a statutory and conceptual approach is used. According to the study findings, the goal of legal protection for the copyright holders of the SKJ88 song is to safeguard the authors and copyright holders whose work was utilized for commercial reasons by PT. Elang Prima Retailindo without their consent. The implementation of the UUHC is expected to provide clarity regarding the status of creations, so that creators and copyright holders no longer need to worry about the protection of their works. Legal protection in this case involves both internal and external protection. Article 80 Paragraph (1) of the Copyright Law governs internal protection for the copyright proprietor of the SKJ88 song, whose work was exploited for commercial reasons by PT. Elang Prima Retailindo without authorization. However, internal protection is not realized because there is no agreement between the two parties. External legal protection for the copyright holder of the SKJ88 song, whose work is used without permission for commercial purposes by PT. Elang Prima Retailindo, is regulated in Article 27 Paragraph (2) of the Copyright Law, Article 64 Paragraph (2), Article 96 Paragraph (1), Articles 112 to 120 of the Copyright Law, and Article 18 of Government Regulation Number 56 of 2021.

Application of Risk-Based Audit Approach by Sole Practitioners and Local Audit Firms: Towards Fully-Compliant Financial Reports

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The study examined the factors influencing the implementation of the Risk-Based Audit Approach (RBAA). Key variables identified were auditor capability, availability of audit professionals, integration of information technology, job pressure on auditors, competitiveness of audit firms, and audit fees. The respondents included sole practitioners and employed auditors in local audit firms. The research used a quantitative method, employing structured questionnaires to capture respondents’ perceptions. The findings revealed that auditor capability is the most critical factor in applying RBAA. For effective implementation, auditors need industry-specific experience, sufficient training hours, balanced staffing leverage, investment in IT and productivity tools, compliance with firm regulations, and a good ratio of audit hours to risk areas and audit phases. Skilled auditors are more adept at identifying and addressing potential issues. Future research could explore factors affecting auditor capability and the availability of audit professionals.

Reconstruction of Improving Teachers’ Ability in Using The Independent Teaching Platform (PMM) Application in Social Studies Subjects in Elementary Schools in Pandawan District

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The development of technology in the era of the industrial revolution 4.0 requires teachers to use technology in classroom learning. However, there are difficulties for teachers in applying the application, namely: (1) teachers have difficulty in adapting to technological developments; (2) classroom learning must be adaptive; (3) teachers have difficulty adapting to technology; and (4) teachers have difficulty in utilizing existing technology. One of the applications used by teachers in sharing good practices is that teachers must use the Merdeka Mengajar Platform (PMM), this application is a development provided by the Ministry of Education, as one of the suggestions prepared by the government in implementing classroom learning. The facts show that there are still many teachers who have not been able to adapt to this PPM, especially in the findings in social studies learning in elementary schools in Pandawan. in the subject of Social Sciences (IPS) in elementary schools, the use of PMM is still not optimal. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the ability of teachers in using PMM in social studies subjects in Elementary Schools in Pandawan District and to identify the obstacles faced by teachers in using the Merdeka Mengajar Platform. The research method used in this study is a quantitative-exploratory study to describe the ability of teachers in utilizing the Merdeka Mengajar Platform (PMM) in social studies subjects in Cluster 3, Pandawan District. Data collection was carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data were analyzed systematically using qualitative data analysis techniques, including data preparation, building data understanding, data coding, descriptions and themes, and presentation of findings. The results of the study showed that the majority of teachers have been able to utilize the basic features of PMM, but there are still several obstacles that need to be overcome. The results of the study showed that the majority of teachers have been able to utilize the basic features of PMM, but there are still several obstacles that need to be overcome. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the potential of PMM in improving the quality of social studies learning in Elementary Schools is very good. However, the success of PMM implementation still faces several obstacles that need to be overcome such as limited internet access, lack of technological knowledge, time constraints and lack of motivation. The recommendations proposed, such as ongoing training, improving infrastructure related to internet access, and establishing a teacher community, are expected to overcome existing obstacles and maximize the potential of PMM in improving the quality of learning.

Optimization of the GOBIS Surabaya Bus System in Providing Public Transportation in the City of Surabaya

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This research examines the optimisation of the Surabaya Bus Gobis application, which was launched to support Suroboyo Bus, a public transport initiative by the Mayor of Surabaya, Mrs Tri Rismaharini. This study uses a qualitative method with interviews as a data collection technique, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of the GOBIS system, identify inhibiting and supporting factors, and evaluate efforts to improve the quality of the application’s services. The results show that although the Gobis application has been quite optimal in information services, improvements are still needed in certain aspects such as map graphics, appearance, and application features to improve functionality and services. Optimisation is expected to be carried out by UPTD PTU to achieve better results in the Gobis application system and Suroboyo Bus service.

Navigating the Crossroads: Intersectionality in Engaged Scholarship Among Black Female Academics in South African Universities

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In South Africa, where women make up more than half of the population but are still underrepresented in higher education. Within engaged scholarship initiatives, black female academics encounter intersecting challenges that are shaped by factors such as gender, race, class, and other aspects of identity. These difficulties are exacerbated by the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and overlapping roles, such as caring for the home and providing care for others. Furthermore, in South African universities women are regarded as a niche area in the academic community. The study aims to explore how different sides of identity interact and influence experiences in academic engagement, highlighting the challenges and possibilities Black women face in higher education. To obtain insights from Black female academics in South African universities, this study used a qualitative research methodology. The results highlight the complex interactions between intersectional identities in Black female academics’ engaged scholarship initiatives. Findings further reveal the difficulties they encounter, such as managing their academic obligations with caregiving and household duties and their academic goals. The study also emphasizes how marginalized women’s studies programs are in South African universities, which speaks to larger concerns about the acceptance and validation of women’s voices and viewpoints in higher education. The study recommends the creation of a more equitable and inclusive academic environment for Black female academics in South Africa based on the findings. Among these are, putting in place programs and policies to assist work-life balance and cater to the unique needs of Black women in higher education, boosting the integration of gender perspectives across disciplines, and increasing the visibility and acknowledgment of women’s studies programs in South African universities, and supplying Black female academics with mentors and support systems to help them overcome intersectional obstacles and progress in their academic careers.