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Since the 1970s, many Chinese students have taken the advantage of the available opportunities to undertake their tertiary studies in English speaking countries. Although the People’s Republic of China, their students and the host... more
Since the 1970s, many Chinese students have taken the advantage of the available opportunities to undertake their tertiary studies in English speaking countries. Although the People’s Republic of China, their students and the host countries have enjoyed the mutual benefits, there have been challenges for all concerned too. This paper aims to address the research question of what these challenges are and how they be addressed. In order to address the identified research questions, an investigation utilizing the data collected from different cases was carried out. These cases dealt with issues and challenges facing the Chinese students studying at the Australian Universities. The case interviews were conducted separately and then the commonalities in issues were identified. These factors were grouped in six different categories of language skills, adjustment capabilities, effort, social pressure, financial situation and teaching support. Various scenarios relating to each group were p...
An Empirical Analysis of Research Outputs in Community Economic Development: Implications for the Study Area
Hennepin Canal State Park boasts healthy visitor numbers: in 2009, it attracted 1.25mil visitors and since 2004, visitor levels to the park have increased at the rate of 2% per annum (compound annual growth rate (CAGR) = 2%). This is in... more
Hennepin Canal State Park boasts healthy visitor numbers: in 2009, it attracted 1.25mil visitors and since 2004, visitor levels to the park have increased at the rate of 2% per annum (compound annual growth rate (CAGR) = 2%). This is in spite of the overall negative growth in visitor numbers for the state parks in Illinois (-1.25% CAGR for the period 2004-2009). Key issue is whether to expand Hennepin Canal State Park's services to include canal cruising or boating. To address this question, plausible future scenarios for the park were constructed. These are: Positive: In order to benefit from the increases in visitor numbers, a state park has to provide quality services. Since customer attraction is a function of product mix and quality, only state parks with a vast product line (for example, trail-based recreation, water-based recreation, etc.) will survive. Hence, the industry concentration will be low. Developments in virtual technology will not impact visitor numbers. Negat...
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A mathematical technique to measure nonprofit management performance has eluded researchers for more than three decades. Traditional, analytical techniques have failed to find a solution that has broad acceptance. This problem raised the... more
A mathematical technique to measure nonprofit management performance has eluded researchers for more than three decades. Traditional, analytical techniques have failed to find a solution that has broad acceptance. This problem raised the following question: will heuristic methodology provide an acceptable, approximate solution to the measurement of individual management deficiency in a nonprofit organisation? The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that a heuristic methodology can be used to build a model that will measure individual management deficiency and produce an assessment of management strengths and weaknesses for the board members of nonprofit organisations. The heuristic methodology known as simulated annealing was adopted in an attempt to find an acceptable, approximate solution to the measurement of individual management deficiency. A heuristic model was built and tested and satisfactory results were obtained. The results were validated by demonstrating that there ...
The term pyramid is very much synonymous with those built in the ancient Egypt. However, it should be noted that other significantly important and large pyramids with similar features were also constructed independently in other parts of... more
The term pyramid is very much synonymous with those built in the ancient Egypt. However, it should be noted that other significantly important and large pyramids with similar features were also constructed independently in other parts of the world. The pyramids of Teotihucan (pronounced Teo–tee–wa-can) in Mexico at almost 15000 kilometers away from Egypt are some of the examples. As far as we know, there were no possible contacts between the two civilizations. It is also a mystery why the ancient civilizations built these huge constructions. Were they burial facilities, places of worship or structures, which rose high to the sky in an attempt (perhaps) to reach and get closers to the (heavens)?
This paper presents procedures and findings of an experiment on teaching basic mathematics concepts to Business undergraduate students by employing very practical aids. The main objectives of this experiment were to provide the students... more
This paper presents procedures and findings of an experiment on teaching basic mathematics concepts to Business undergraduate students by employing very practical aids. The main objectives of this experiment were to provide the students with skills and abilities to: 1. identify and formulate an appropriate model (linear or non-linear) by viewing the scatterdiagram for forecasting purposes; and 2. plot straight lines represented by the constraints and objective function of two-variable Linear Programming models for optimization purposes. The equipment used included basic scientific calculators, protractors and a flexi-curve. This experiment was based on the idea of guiding the students towards finding the answers instead of simply giving them the information. It also placed an emphasis on the visual aspects of teaching and learning methods. The effectiveness of the method was tested by identifying and measuring students' performance and learning preferences; and making comparison...
This paper is based on an investigation which has utilised the data collected from eleven different case studies. Each case study deals with issues and challenges facing the western expatriates residing in Japan for the purposes of... more
This paper is based on an investigation which has utilised the data collected from eleven different case studies. Each case study deals with issues and challenges facing the western expatriates residing in Japan for the purposes of business or education. The case studies were analysed separately and then the commonalities in issues were identified. These challenges were grouped in five different categories of Language, Culture, Work Ethics, Transportation and Red tape. Various scenarios relating to each group were provided and discussed. A heuristics model to measure an index value for the challenges facing the expatriates was explained and presented. This model can be utilised for the purposes of monitoring one’s difficulty levels in a manner which allows performing what-if analysis or comparison with other similar scenarios. The findings indicate that an attempt to familiarise oneself with the basics of the Japanese language and recognition and acceptance of certain attitude diffe...
This paper presents a practical way of incorporating awareness about the greenhouse gas emissions into tertiary courses. A tertiary course on Supply Chain Management was selected for this purpose. A specially designed case study was... more
This paper presents a practical way of incorporating awareness about the greenhouse gas emissions into tertiary courses. A tertiary course on Supply Chain Management was selected for this purpose. A specially designed case study was provided to the students. The main aim of this case study was to encourage students to trace back the main processes involved in making a product with the purpose of identifying and reducing the energy consumptions in different stages. The case study was undertaken with guidance and feedback. Students were asked to engage in a threaded online discussion on the course discussion group. The suggested solutions were complemented with the necessary feeback and comments and then they were made available to all students to view. The outcome, based on the students’ solution demonstrated their understanding of the systematical ways of identification and reduction of the processes which contribute to generation of greenhouse gas emissions.
Constructing a Network Diagram using the Critical Path Analysis methods is an important task in planning a project systematically. For details of Project Management, see Burke (2010) and Gido and Clements (2012). This task involves some... more
Constructing a Network Diagram using the Critical Path Analysis methods is an important task in planning a project systematically. For details of Project Management, see Burke (2010) and Gido and Clements (2012). This task involves some basic and very practical mathematical modeling in determining the total project time; the earliest and latest start and finish times for activities; and the critical activities which constitute the Critical Path. Hence, procedures such as forward and backward passes would be necessary in these calculations. The interactive multimedia environment presented in this workshop has been based on an approach developed, tested and taught by the author for several years. The approach is structured on the three main phases of Formulation, Solution and Interpretation. In recent years, this approach was incorporated into a multimedia environment. It was then made available as an application for students to download and use it to simulate a typical face to face l...
Hosted by the University of Southern Queensland and sponsored by the USQ Multicultural Network, this one-day symposium was a unique event which aimed to provide a forum to discuss connections between culture, language and technology. This... more
Hosted by the University of Southern Queensland and sponsored by the USQ Multicultural Network, this one-day symposium was a unique event which aimed to provide a forum to discuss connections between culture, language and technology. This symposium brought together researchers, policy makers, and practitioners to share insights into the challenges and opportunities that a networked society presents. This gathering explored practical policies and approaches to identify better ways of linking different cultures in such a way that communication, harmony, acceptance and respect between different cultures is achieved and maintained. In addition to its practical contributions, the event aimed to help both professionals and academics to engage in networking and formal publication. The symposium program included keynote and panel, paper, and poster sessions. The symposium was organized around four suggested, but not exhaustive, themes: • Technological Influences on Culture and Language • Cu...
This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ajssh.leena-luna.co.jp/AJSSHPDFs/Vol.2(3)/AJSSH2013(2.3-28).pdf This paper presents a practical Method for characterising, modelling and solving scheduling problems using a heuristic approach. The... more
This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ajssh.leena-luna.co.jp/AJSSHPDFs/Vol.2(3)/AJSSH2013(2.3-28).pdf This paper presents a practical Method for characterising, modelling and solving scheduling problems using a heuristic approach. The emphasis is on a heuristic methodology which has been adopted in developing the TRANSIM nurse allocation system. TRANSIM has been used in designing schedules in various schools of nursing in England and Australia. The methodology can be adopted for the purpose of automated scheduling in a variety of management and engineering applications.
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A new language can certainly provide new dimensions and outlook on life and allow one to tap into different parts of the brain. It can help an individual to understand others and oneself better; and expand the boundaries of their actual... more
A new language can certainly provide new dimensions and outlook on life and allow one to tap into different parts of the brain. It can help an individual to understand others and oneself better; and expand the boundaries of their actual and virtual worlds. In addition, using even the very basics of a new language can establish a closer connection with the native speaker of that language. This initiative can send positive signals of acceptance, trust and interest to the native speakers. A Business professional can certainly benefit from establishment of such a positive relationship. This paper explores why and how, in particular, a Business professional should go about learning a new language. It establishes connections between language and culture. It presents innovative methods of learning a new language using the latest technologies, learning ideas and approaches. The use of emerging technologies such as those used in speech recognition are also discussed. A number of multimedia l...
This paper reports the findings of an investigation into the employers ’ requirements with regard to quantitative skills. The main purpose is to investigate possible gaps between the employers ’ need and the skills provided by tertiary... more
This paper reports the findings of an investigation into the employers ’ requirements with regard to quantitative skills. The main purpose is to investigate possible gaps between the employers ’ need and the skills provided by tertiary courses in quantitative subjects and to recommend possible solutions if needed. The surveyed employers were selected randomly from the regional Australia. In many cases, quantitative modelling approaches can certainly aid managerial decision making to reduce wastage; and increase productivity and profitability. It was discovered that the majority of the surveyed firms however, did not perceive mathematical skills as being important in their decision making activities. A close analysis of the data demonstrated that these industries, regardless of their type, had a preference for graduates with practical skills in quantitative subjects. Hence, this lack of interest by the employers for quantitative tools and techniques could be due to the nature of mate...
Model building applications using mathematics and Statistics are discussed widely in many textbooks. For instance, Linear Programming and Regression Analysis are applied to a variety of situations which range from manufacturing to health... more
Model building applications using mathematics and Statistics are discussed widely in many textbooks. For instance, Linear Programming and Regression Analysis are applied to a variety of situations which range from manufacturing to health and education. The employers’ needs and expectations in terms of these techniques need to be investigated. Teaching approaches would obviously have a significant effect on students’ learning which consequently meets the employers’ needs. Feedback from the employers and students will certainly help with making improvements to the teaching materials and training. 2. Employers’ Needs and Expectations It can be argued that the employers are the ultimate customers of the educational institutes. Hence, their needs and expectations should be taken into consideration in designing course materials. As an initial study, a sample of 50 organisations representing both goods producing and service providing industries were randomly selected from the Darling Downs...
This paper is based on an investigation which has utilised the data collected from different cases. The cases deal with issues and challenges facing the Chinese students studying at the Australian Universities. The case interviews were... more
This paper is based on an investigation which has utilised the data collected from different cases. The cases deal with issues and challenges facing the Chinese students studying at the Australian Universities. The case interviews were conducted separately and then the commonalities in issues were identified. These factors were grouped in six different categories of Language skills, Adjustment Capabilities, Effort, Social Pressure, Financial Situation and Teaching Support. Various scenarios relating to each group were provided and discussed. A heuristics model to measure an index value for the performance facing the Chinese students was explained and presented. This model can be utilised for the purposes of monitoring one's academic performance levels in a manner which allows carrying out what-if analysis or comparison with other similar scenarios. The heuristic model was applied to example cases and the results were verified by users to be valid and compatible with their expect...
This paper investigates the benefits of learning another language for the Business professionals. It then explores and presents the use of the latest technologies in learning a language. These technologies include innovative apps on... more
This paper investigates the benefits of learning another language for the Business professionals. It then explores and presents the use of the latest technologies in learning a language. These technologies include innovative apps on smartphones, liveScribe's smart pens, speech-to-text features of iPhone/iPad and the very latest in wearable computers such as Google Glass. These emerging technology products provide a wonderful opportunity for learning any language in a flexible and portable manner. So, the language learners can, very easily, have instant access to their portable tutor when and where they desire. Recent research in the area of multimedia conducted by the author in Japan and North America has re-confirmed the importance and effectiveness of visual features in teaching and learning materials in general. Based on these findings, the authors have embarked on an investigation to determine the practical and innovative uses of the latest technologies employed in language ...
[Summary]: This workshop presents a practical method of teaching basic Dynamic Programming (DP). This method of teaching DP has been tested with several hundred students in recent years. By adopting this approach, all students would... more
[Summary]: This workshop presents a practical method of teaching basic Dynamic Programming (DP). This method of teaching DP has been tested with several hundred students in recent years. By adopting this approach, all students would understand and learn DP concepts and applications in a two hour session. The development of this methodology was prompted by the author's observation of Business students' experience in learning DP and its applications. The method utilizes a generic recursive formula and an easy to use tabular approach based on a general purpose table. The concepts such as breaking up the problem into smaller sub-problems, linking the solutions of the sub-problems through a generic recursive relationship are explained by the use analogies and anecdotes. As a result of learning Dynamic Programming this way, a very large proportion of students usually achieve B+ grades in the formal assessments The workshop will simulate a typical session with hands-on opportunities for the candidates. On completion of this workshop, candidates should be able to adopt this practically oriented teaching method of Dynamic Programming for their teaching and learning introductory Dynamic Programming. For information on this approach, you may refer to: Nooriafshar M. (2002), 'Use of Web-Based Multimedia Technology in Teaching and Learning Mathematical Programming', Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching 21(4), 331-349. [Online]. Available: http://www.aace.org/dl/index.cfm/fuseaction/View/paperID/10628 Nooriafshar M. (2004), 'The Use of Innovative Teaching Methods for ‘Maximising’ the Enjoyment from Learning Mathematical Concepts', Series of International Monographs on Mathematics Teaching Worldwide, Muzaki,Budapest (A Kluwer Company). This paper was selected for inclusion in the first of the international monographs, entitled 'INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH: Selected Articles from the International Journal for Mathematics Teaching and Learning'.
This paper is based on an experiment which utilized the Classroom Performance (CPS) for teaching judgmental forecasting to undergraduate students. The system was adopted and utilized in a cons tructivist manner to simulate a Delphi... more
This paper is based on an experiment which utilized the Classroom Performance (CPS) for teaching judgmental forecasting to undergraduate students. The system was adopted and utilized in a cons tructivist manner to simulate a Delphi exercise for long term prediction of wa ter consumption. The main purpose was to teach judgmental forecasting in an in teractive manner. A group of 20 students undertaking the undergraduate course of Business Forecasting at the University of Southern Queensland in Australia took part in this exercise. Although the students were in the same physical location, the technology enabled them to express their opinions without revealing any identity. The positive outcome a specially designed test has confirmed th e effectiveness of this technology-based method of classroom teaching.
This paper investigates the use of the latest technology and innovative methods in such a way that the established learning and teaching approaches are taken into consideration in designing teaching materials. In other words, technology... more
This paper investigates the use of the latest technology and innovative methods in such a way that the established learning and teaching approaches are taken into consideration in designing teaching materials. In other words, technology is not regarded and used as a substitute but as a complementary component to achieve enhancements. The use of leading edge technologies such as three dimensional (3 D) animation and virtual reality technologies are explored for this purpose. This balanced approach in designing teaching materials is demonstrated through a number of applications in Business related courses. Hence, technology aided teaching methods, which utilize established learning concepts for the purpose of learning enhancement are developed and presented. In order to test this design approach, one of the latest 3D programming tools was adopted. The findings demonstrated that Virtual Reality (VR) technologies, when supported by established learning and teaching concepts, can play a ...
The web-based interactive multimedia system presented in this article is based on a generic approach developed by the author for formulating and solving Dynamic Programming problems. The approach has proven to be an easy to learn and easy... more
The web-based interactive multimedia system presented in this article is based on a generic approach developed by the author for formulating and solving Dynamic Programming problems. The approach has proven to be an easy to learn and easy to use practical method. The web-based multimedia system based on the author's algorithm was designed and developed as part of a research project funded by the Faculty of Business, University of Southern Queensland, Australia, in 1997. The system uses the mBED technology to invoke animation and sound and allow the user to interact with the animations and simulations. The main objective of this project was to provide supplementary and additional components, which would enhance and complement the existing material and teaching methods in dynamic programming.
This paper is based on analysis and comparison of data collected from high schools in two different parts of the world. The first sample (Group 1) was selected from the year 12 students in the Darling Downs region of Queensland in... more
This paper is based on analysis and comparison of data collected from high schools in two different parts of the world. The first sample (Group 1) was selected from the year 12 students in the Darling Downs region of Queensland in Australia and the second sample (Group 2) was selected from year 12 students in Tehran, Iran. Although both groups of students possess similar characteristics in terms of topic and level, they have been exposed to different teaching methods. For instance, students from Tehran would have learned mathematics and statistics in a very traditional manner. That is mainly chalk and talk. However, the Australian students have been exposed to more flexible methods. Culturally driven factors such as parental encouragement or even pressure in some cases would also play a role in shaping and influencing students’ attitudes and aspirations. For instance, mathematics, in general, is regarded by the majority of the Iranian parents as a topic which will help their childre...
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage... more
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission ...
This article explores the unique features offered by the latest handheld devices such as iPad and iPhone for learning and teaching. The teaching capabilities of iPad and iPhone through their numerous educational application programs... more
This article explores the unique features offered by the latest handheld devices such as iPad and iPhone for learning and teaching. The teaching capabilities of iPad and iPhone through their numerous educational application programs (widely referred to as apps) from the teacher's point of view, has been identified. A number of useful and relevant iPad and iPhone apps for learning and teaching languages have been identified as part of this research project. In particular, the more human-like interface features, offered by Apple devices such as iPad and iPhone have been investigated for educational purposes. Preliminary studies by the author have demonstrated that students have a preference for using a smart handheld device in helping them with their studies. The unique touch interface, portability low cost and readily availability of apps are amongst the favourite features of iPad and iPhone.
The onset of Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes and some instances of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) is becoming quite common amongst the adults. It is estimated that there are around one million people in Australia who... more
The onset of Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes and some instances of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) is becoming quite common amongst the adults. It is estimated that there are around one million people in Australia who have diabetes (type 1 and type 2). According to Diabetes Australia, over 700,000 people are currently registered on the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) with 6,000 new registrants joining each month (NDSS News-Conquest, 2006). The increase in numbers of the diabetic people will certainly have an impact on the healthcare for the aged. In order to prevent or at least minimize the long term health complications associated with diabetes, a commitment to proper management of the condition from the time of diagnosis is absolutely vital. This paper has investigated some of the latest technologies available in monitoring and managing diabetes. There is no doubt that the advancement of information technology does and will play a key role in providing a more effective management strategy.

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Hosted by the University of Southern Queensland and sponsored by the USQ Multicultural Network, this one-day symposium was a unique event which aimed to provide a forum to discuss connections between culture, language and technology. This... more
Hosted by the University of Southern Queensland and sponsored by the USQ Multicultural Network, this one-day symposium was a unique event which aimed to provide a forum to discuss connections between culture, language and technology. This symposium brought together researchers, policy makers, and practitioners to share insights into the challenges and opportunities that a networked society presents. This gathering explored practical policies and approaches to identify better ways of linking different cultures in such a way that communication, harmony, acceptance and respect between different cultures is achieved and maintained.
In addition to its practical contributions, the event aimed to help both professionals and academics to engage in networking and formal publication.
The symposium program included keynote and panel, paper, and poster sessions. The symposium was organized around four suggested, but not exhaustive, themes:
• Technological Influences on Culture and Language
• Cultural Diversity and its Impact on Local Communities
• Bridging the Culture Gaps between Australia and China
• The Role of Emerging Technologies in Building Communities
Symposium Organising Committee:
• Dr Mehryar Nooriafshar, Chair. Email: mehryar.nooriafshar@usq.edu.au
• Associate Professor Khorshed Alam, Co-Chair. Email: khorshed.alam@usq.edu.au
• Dr Joe Zhou Peng, Member. Email: joe.zhoupeng@usq.edu.au
• Dr Hoda McClymont, Member. Email: hoda.mcclymont@usq.edu.au
• Mr William Conwell, Symposium Manager. Email: william.conwell@usq.edu.au
ISSN: 2421-7719
The ISSN Cyprus Centre notifies that serial publication under the title ic-PSIRS International Conference on Political Science, International Relations and Sociology has been allocated ISSN 2357-1292 and has been registered with the International Centre for the Registration of Serial publications, in Paris.
http://dx.doi.org/10.15405/slct2015.1(2421-7905)
All rights reserved.
Publisher © 2015 Future Academy® Publishing Services Editor © 2015 Mehryar Nooriafshar
Individual contributions © 2015 Their authors
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 Unported License, permitting all non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly
This entry is an ebook which can be downloaded by searching for the title or the author's name (Nooriafshar) on Amazon's online Kindle store.
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The main purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate the role of innovative approaches to education with a view to the future developments. The presentation provides an overview of how learning has evolved and progressed over the years... more
The main purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate the role of innovative approaches to education with a view to the future developments. The presentation provides an overview of how learning has evolved and progressed over the years and then it provides and discusses the impact of facilities, institutes, equipment and technologies on learning over the centuries.

Discussions on past and present learning means and methods intend to encourage us to think about the innovative and exciting future of education. The technologies associated with modern computing advance rapidly and their power and functionalities enhance at an exponential rate. These changes also have an impact on the ways we learn and teach.  These developments are discussed and an innovative way of capturing, storing and transferring knowledge is put forward.