Ensuring access to quality education and career training is a crucial challenge, especially in developing nations. Vocational, scientific, technological, and engineering education are essential for active participation in any community and play a significant role in shaping life perspectives. The ability to sustain competitiveness depends on receiving high-quality vocational, scientific, technological, or engineering education and professional growth. These factors are vital for the long-term growth of prosperous economies and nation-building. Hence, this perspective review attempts to provide information on some contemporary pedagogies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) vis-à-vis scientific and engineering education in Nigeria. The study zooms into the challenges and possible solutions that will promote and enhance pedagogies in scientific and engineering education in Nigeria. The study adopted a perspective review approach in overviewing prior accessible studies (literatures) as well as a methodological framework. It is believed that this perspective review study will serve as a way forward for other developing nations.
This article examines the legal challenges associated with the utilization of marine genetic resources (MGR) at both the national level and beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). The legal challenges addressed are as follows: 1) MGR are located across various jurisdictions, encompassing both national and international domains. The analysis starts with an overview of the international regulations that govern the utilization of genetic resources (GR) and their influence on national legislation. It emphasizes the principle of state sovereignty over natural resources while defining MGR and determining ownership; 2) It further highlights the intersection of national and international laws, particularly in transboundary contexts and within Indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples (IADP) territories, analyzing how these regulations are interpreted and applied in such scenarios; 3) The legal challenges related to the use of MGR in international waters are examined. Special emphasis is placed on the recent United Nations (UN) Agreement concerning this issue. This includes an analysis of its impact and specific provisions related to the utilization of MGR, such as the quantity to be collected, the methodology employed, collection sites, among others. The article concludes by asserting that the equitable distribution of benefits from the use of GR should begin at the earliest stages of access to these resources, including project planning and sample collection, rather than being delayed until the patenting and commercialization phases. Early benefit-sharing is essential for promoting fairness and equity in the use of MGR.
The fifth-generation technology standard (5G) is the cellular technology standard of this decade and its adoption leaves room for research and disclosure of new insights. 5G demands specific skillsets for the workforce to cope with its unprecedented use cases. The rapid progress of technology in various industries necessitates a constant effort from workers to acquire the latest skills demanded by the tech sector. The successful implementation of 5G hinges on the presence of competent individuals who can propel its progress. Most of the existing works related to 5G explore this technology from a multitude of applied and industrial viewpoints, but very few of them take a rigorous look at the 5G competencies associated with talent development. A competency model will help shape the required educational and training activities for preparing the 5G workforce, thereby improving workforce planning and performance in industrial settings. This study has opted to utilize the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) to investigate and evaluate the perspectives of a group of experts, with the aim of proposing a 5G competency model. Based on the findings of this study, a model consisting of 46 elements under three categories is presented for utilization by any contingent of 5G. This competency model identifies, assesses, and introduces the necessary competencies, knowledge, and attributes for effective performance in a 5G-related job role in an industrial environment, guiding hiring, training, and development. Companies and academic institutions may utilize the suggested competency model in the real world to create job descriptions for 5G positions and to develop curriculum based on competencies. Such a model can be extended beyond the scope of 5G and lay the foundation of future wireless cellular network competency models, such as 6G competency models, by being refined and revised.
This research investigates how accountants in Thailand are adapting to changes driven by advances in digital technology, environmental issues, and professional accounting organizations. The study identifies key factors influencing these shifts and assesses their impact on the accounting field. A survey of accountants from large manufacturing firms in Thailand was conducted, examining internal, external, and personal factors affecting their roles and responsibilities. The study uses Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze data from 174 respondents, identifying leadership and digital technology readiness as internal factors; sustainability force, professional entity, and digital technology force as external factors; and competency skills and attitude as personal factors. The fit indices collectively suggest that the model has a good fit to the data, demonstrated by Comparative Fit Index (CFI) value (0.91), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) (0.891), Root Mean Squared Error of Approximation (RMSEA) (0.067), and chi-square/degree of freedom model (1.776). The combination of the indices supports the conclusion that the model is robust and well-aligned with the observed data, and importantly capturing the relationships between the constructs under the study. Results reveal a significant transformation in the professional identity of Thai accountants, primarily driven by their positive attitude towards changes. Notably, professional accounting bodies and educational institutions appear to hinder this evolution. The findings emphasize the need for professional organizations to realign their strategies to better support the evolving roles of accountants.
This research investigates the impact of modern technological methods of knowledge management (KM) and total quality management (TQM) on the performance of faculty members in educational colleges in Jordan. Drawing on a survey conducted with 306 faculty members, the study examines the influence of technology on teaching methodologies and academic quality within the Jordanian higher education context. The study utilizes the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to back up the modern technological methods of knowledge management (KM) and total quality management (TQM) models. The findings reveal a generally positive perception among respondents regarding the beneficial effects of modern technological tools on teaching effectiveness, collaboration, and innovation. Additionally, technology-enhanced TQM practices were found to contribute to improvements in curriculum design, student engagement, and administrative processes. Regression and correlation analyses support significant relationships between technology-enabled KM and TQM practices and faculty performance, highlighting the transformative role of technology in shaping the future of higher education in Jordan. Recommendations are provided for educational institutions to enhance the integration of technology and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement among faculty members.
The MENA region, known for its significant oil and gas production, has been widely acknowledged for its reliance on fossil fuels. The dependence on fossil fuels has led to significant environmental pollution. Therefore, the shift towards a more environmentally friendly and enduring future is crucial. Thus, the current study tries to investigate the effect of green technology innovations on green growth in MENA region. Specifically, we examine whether the effect of green technology innovations on green growth depend on the threshold level of income. To this end, a panel threshold model is estimated for a sample of 10 MENA countries over the period 1998–2022. Our main findings show that only countries with income level beyond the threshold can benefit significantly from green technology innovations in term of green growth. Nevertheless, our findings indicate a substantial and adverse impact of green technology innovation on countries where income levels fall below the specified threshold.
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