beSMART

A COMPUTER-ASSISTED INSTRUCTION MODULE ON ENHANCING NUMERACY SKILLS OF PRESCHOOLERS WITH ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

Jasper Vincent Q. Alontaga

Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experience significant academic problems attributed to their symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity (National Institute of Mental Health, 2005). In the field of mathematics where focus and accuracy are essential, this problem is further complicated. Mathematics in nature is sequential as it builds on previously acquired knowledge – the most basic being numeracy which is honed during childhood. The use of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) for numeracy instruction benefits children due its presentation and interactivity features (Clements, 2002). There exists alignment in the motivational factors of CAI and the symptoms of children with ADHD (Lerner, 2000). This research aimed to develop a proposed CAI Module in Numeracy for Preschoolers with ADHD following the ADDIE Model of Instructional Design by McArdle (1991) and the ARCS Model of Motivational Design by Keller and Keller (1994). Design considerations under the Motivational Motivating Interactivity in Multimedia (MIM) Checklist by Keller and Keller were deemed important by eleven (11) teachers of preschoolers with ADHD and were further rated as appropriately handled in the CAI Module by three (3) Special Education (SPED) experts. Pilot testing of the CAI Module to three (3) preschoolers with ADHD has proven its impact. It is recommended that integration of the CAI Module in the curriculum be examined. Evaluation and development are on-going processes that should also be taken into consideration.

Computer Assisted Instruction, Instructional System Design, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Preschool Numeracy

A STUDY ON CREDIT INTEREST MARGIN AND EFFICIENCY RATIOS OF SELECTED UNIVERSAL BANKS IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR THE YEAR 2010

The researcher based his sample on eight universal banks in the Philippines from 2003 to 2010. This research used a descriptive design to show the trend of profit efficiency of banks as a result of financial liberalization. It used a correlational analysis to determine the relationship between profit efficiency and its core drivers. The scope of the study is limited to the removal of entry barriers which is one of the six policies of financial liberalization that allowed the entry of the ten foreign banks. To assess the bank’s profit efficiency, net interest margin to total assets ratio (net interest income / total assets) was used. The study showed that financial liberalization improved the profit efficiency of banks. It showed that capital to assets ratio and loans to assets ratio are positively related with net interest margin to assets. It also showed that provision for loan losses ratio is negatively related with net interest margin to assets.

Profit Efficiency, Financial Liberalization, Universal Banks

WATEERFALLVs V-MODEL Vs AGILE: A COMPARITIVE STUDY ON SDLC

THE CONVERGENCY OF IFRS IN INDONESIA ACCOUNTING STANDARD: DO VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS NEED TO CHANGE THEIR CURRICULUM?

Convergence of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) to local Financial Accounting Standards is the headlines for each accounting. Vocational School (SMK) has a curriculum based on the Basic Competence that has been set by the Directorate of Vocational High School. However, the Competency Standards  drawn protests from teachers through various statements because it has not been updated with current needs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the needs of accounting curriculum changes in response to IFRS Convergence. The method being used in this research is descriptive qualitative. We conclude that the current accounting curriculum and books used in vocational schools is still not aligned with the changing on financial standards in Indonesia which is now mainly based on IFRS and SAK ETAP. Knowledge of vocational accounting teachers of the new standards is still not sufficient. Hence,training and tectbook improvementare necessaryfor teachers. We recommend providing training and socialization of new standard for teachers, especially accounting teachers in vocational schools.

IFRS, Vocational Schools, Accounting, Curriculum

THE ROLE AND DETERMINANTS OF PARTICIPATION
IN INDUSTRY-SCIENCE LINKS IN AN OIL-BASED ECONOMY: THE CASE OF OMAN

Dr. Issa Sabeel Al Bulushi

The main aim of this research is to explore the determinants of successful industry-science links (ISL), involving cooperation between firms and universities, in order to assist the development of a diversified knowledge-based economy in Oman. The researcher used the development of these links in the advanced countries for the necessary benchmarking. Interactions between industry and science institutions aim at the exchange of knowledge and technology and, when successful, promote the enhanced innovativeness and competitiveness of the ISL partners. At present, not much universities and colleges in Oman sees the importance of establishing links between them and the industries and so based in this premise, the researcher will look into the benefits of ISL and how this can possibly lead to establishing a knowledge-based economy in Oman. Further, the researcher will explain the components that relates to ISL and why it is necessary for Higher Education Institutions in Oman to venture into such collaborative efforts.

Industry science links, knowledge based economy, higher education, higher education institutions

THE VALUE AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOFT SKILLS: THE CASE OF OMAN

Prof. Taki Abdul Redha Al Abduwani

The purpose of the study is to assess the role of soft component of human capital theory and explain the differences in soft skill endowment in Oman. Being quasi-experimental, the methodology envelops not only quantitative analysis but also qualitative case studies and in-depth illustrations to exemplify the relevance and relative contribution of soft skills vis-à-vis hard skills before and after intervention programmes. …………………..