HUMAN BEHAVIOR, DEVELOPMENT and SOCIETY

Chance vs. Chants

Clifton Armstrong — 2024-11-10

This study was designed to determine if there is a difference between English Language Learner (ELL) production of /s/ in words such as prince and prints, as it appeared that ELLs were pronouncing “prince” for the former, but “print” for the latter. Study subjects completed a dictation task using a paragraph with many words ending in /s/. The results were that final /s/ in words such as prince was produced in 94.1% of the required contexts, while /s/ in words like prints was produced in 64.9% of the required contexts. The structural difference between pairs such as prince and prints is that prince has no internal morphological structure, while prints consists of print + s. The different production rates for final /s/ suggest that ELLs are processing the words differently, and are apparently unconsciously aware of the morphological difference between pairs such prince and prints. Contrary to expectations, this morphological awareness leads to incorrect responses. The discussion shows that issues such as salience, sonority, and L1 transfer cannot account for the data obtained in the study. In the paper suggestions are presented for raising morphological awareness to a more conscious level, thereby potentially aiding acquisition.

A Study of Employers’ Satisfaction With Generation Z in Thai Workplaces

Rachaniphorn Ngotngamwong — 2024-11-10

The newest generation of workers, Generation Z, differs in many ways from previous cohorts, and so its entry into job markets poses increasing management challenges for organizations. The objective of this qualitative phenomenology research study was to explore employers’ challenges and satisfaction levels with Gen Z in the workplace. Conducted in Thailand, a total of 13 participants participated in in-depth structured interviews. The results showed that while there were challenges working with Gen Z, the majority of employers were satisfied with their performance in the workplace. Gen Z workers were described as being creative, fast, problem-solvers, self-learners, tech savvy, highly confident, flexible, adaptable to change, and bringing new and great ideas. Their challenges included low organizational commitment, reluctance to stay beyond normal working hours, impatience, lack of attention to detail, and lack of some social and basic office skills. This study provides a better understanding of Gen Z’s mindset, and the input gained may help employers to respond more appropriately to changes in their current workforces. It may also be valuable in helping universities to better prepare students for the workplace.

Livelihood Resiliency of Selected Informal Sectors in Cebu City, the Philippines

James G. Esguerra — 2024-11-10

This study focused on the livelihood resiliency of selected informal sectors in Cebu City, the Philippines. It employed a mixed-method approach to describe how informal sectors responded to external shocks. A quantitative approach was used to measure three resilience capacities: absorptive, adaptive, and transformative resilience. The results revealed that both street and platform vendors showed high resilience capacities. When relationships between gender and resilience capacity levels were tested for street and platform vendors, only gender and adaptive capacities showed significant relationships at the .02 and .04 levels, respectively. By contrast, their absorptive and transformative resilience capacities showed no significant differences. Qualitative findings revealed that informal sector street and platform vendors were vulnerable in times of economic shock due to their irregular incomes, poor working conditions, and struggles to sell their products. Despite external shocks, they attempted to cope by looking for alternative sources of income, utilizing their savings, and receiving assistance from the government, along with support from their families.

The Influence of Social Media Marketing and Customer Experience on Consumer Purchase Intentions

Huajia Zhang — 2024-11-10

In this study the impact of social media marketing and customer experience was investigated on consumer purchase intentions, using Mixue Ice Cream & Tea as a case study. Data were collected through an online survey of 501 Nanjing, China respondents who had purchased products from Mixue Ice Cream & Tea. Structural equation modeling was used for hypothesis testing. The findings revealed that social media marketing and customer experience significantly and positively influenced purchase intentions, with trust and brand awareness as key mediators. The results underscore the importance of innovative social media strategies and high-quality customer experiences in fostering trust and enhancing brand awareness. Practical implications include recommendations for enhancing social media engagement, customer service, and transparent business practices. Future research should expand geographically, incorporate additional variables, and explore emerging technologies. This study contributes to the literature by offering a comprehensive model of consumer behavior and actionable insights for the ready-to-drink tea industry.

New Normal Learning Method Satisfaction Among University Students in the Post-Pandemic Period

Phyo Min Tun — 2024-11-10

E-learning has become the new normal learning method in the post-pandemic period around the globe, including Myanmar. The present study aimed to examine the satisfaction of Myanmar university students with the new normal learning method. The study utilized an inductive quantitative approach, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the data. Data was collected from 262 Myanmar students who were studying locally and abroad. The results of the study indicated that e-learning trust was more critical than e-learning effectiveness (p < .001), while e-learning system quality was insignificant for e-learning satisfaction. In addition, e-learning trust and effectiveness were mediating variables between e-learning system quality and e-learning satisfaction. This study delivers valuable insights for educators and university facilitators to enhance students' satisfaction with new normal learning methods.

Framing of Flood News in The Borneo Post, a Regional Malaysian Newspaper

Ning Li — 2024-11-10

In recent years, climate change and unpredictable weather are causing more frequent severe floods in various areas, but little is understood about how regional newspapers shape public reactions to and preparations for natural disasters. This study investigated the framing of flood news by The Borneo Post, an English-language newspaper circulated in Sarawak, Malaysia. The specific aspects examined were: (a) frequency of thematic and episodic framing of flood events and (b) frame dimensions used in articles. Altogether 76 articles (25,676 words) on floods published by The Borneo Post from 1 January to 31 December 2023 were analysed. All articles were in the episodic frame. The main frame dimension was attribution of responsibility (79%), where authorities act as disseminators and narrators of disaster facts. However, the absence of thematic framing of floods lowers attribution of responsibility to authorities to plan long-term solutions to flooding. The economic consequences frame ranked second (14.5%), emphasising losses suffered. Little attention was given to human interest (3.9%) or conflict (1.3%). There was no morality frame, and 1.3% of articles were fact-filled and did not have an obvious frame dimension. The findings suggest that fact-focused flood reporting lacking the humanity element may not move readers to action.

The Learning Experiences of Filipino Students in an International Exchange Program in Thailand

Yongyut Khamkhong — 2024-11-10

Having the opportunity to participate in an international exchange program is not an easy path for every student. After spending a month in an international exchange program at Phranakhon Rajabhat University, Bangkok, seven Filipino students from Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology shared their reflections for this research study, which aimed to examine their learning experiences during the program. The research methodology included questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that their experiences in terms of academic growth, cultural understanding, and personal development were overwhelmingly positive, despite some initial adjustments. They expressed a willingness to return to the country with their loved ones, highlighting that the organizers effectively addressed their needs and met their expectations. Their detailed insights in this report may provide useful ideas for those organizing similar programs.