Articles

Envisioning the Future: A Quantitative Analysis of Architecture Students’ Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence Integration in Architectural Design across Region III, IV-A, and NCR, Philippines

In an era characterized by modernization and technological advancements, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought changes to the different processes of various industries, including the field of architecture. To address concerns and present the views of those in the industry, this research aims to identify and describe the perceptions of Architecture students from various universities/colleges towards adopting AI in Architectural Design through descriptive-correlational research. As well as to discover the students’ acceptance level in adopting artificial intelligence in academic curriculum. Forty-five (45) university/college students enrolled in an Architecture program across diverse institutions drawn from a purposive sampling method answered a survey questionnaire containing Twenty (20) questions answerable by a 5-point Likert Scale. The results revealed that the students’ perceptions were neutral regarding adopting artificial intelligence in academic curriculum and future employment and careers. The correlational analysis suggested that the relationship between the perception of AI in architecture and its impact on career and employment was weak as they saw the potential threat of AI in future employment opportunities. The researchers recommended the results of this study for future research when gathering data related to artificial intelligence, the perception of the students, and the development of AI on how to improve and recognize the limitations of its use.

Analysis of Digital Transformation on Consumer Behavior for Shopping in Offline and Online Store (Case Study: UNIQLO Indonesia)

Uniqlo is one of the world’s largest Apparel Fashion firms. Uniqlo’s business strategy integrates the entire clothing-making process, from planning and design to production, distribution, and retail. Uniqlo expanded its retail operations in Indonesia on February 13, 2013, and presently has 65 stores in 25 cities throughout the country. Uniqlo Indonesia must face obstacles in this digital era shift; during the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate of business owners creating e-commerce stores and customers purchasing online surged rapidly. Uniqlo has the lowest online sales contribution rate among its competitors, with 16% Online Sales Contribution and 84% Offline Sales Contribution. Uniqlo aspires to boost its online sales contribution to 20%. This study offers a maximized omnichannel integration approach between Uniqlo Indonesia’s online store and Uniqlo Indonesia’s offline stores to achieve Uniqlo’s aim of becoming the number one global apparel company. This research includes an internal analysis that includes value chain analysis and resources analysis to evaluate Uniqlo Indonesia’s internal condition and determine strengths and weaknesses, an external analysis that includes general environment analysis, industry analysis, and competitor analysis to evaluate Uniqlo Indonesia’s external conditions and determine threats and opportunities, and a customer journey analysis that includes the five A’s. Following the analytical phase, TOWS Matrix, Business Model Canvas, and Value Proposition Canvas were produced to help improve the formulation of the solution for Uniqlo Indonesia. Uniqlo Indonesia should improve every touchpoint across all integrated channels in the customer journey using Uniqlo Indonesia resources to improve the omnichannel integration strategy. This research’s business strategy and solutions can be utilized by Uniqlo Indonesia to boost customer awareness, sales, and customer loyalty.

Primary School Teachers’ Views on Integrating Technology in English Language Instruction in Rural School Contexts in the Lubombo Region of Eswatini

The realization that traditional methods of teaching have become inadequate hence can no longer be exclusively used when teaching, has seen technology being integrated in instruction for all curricula.  This study intended to explore the views of primary school teachers on the integration of technology when teaching English language in rural school contexts in the Lubombo region of Eswatini. The study was based on the following research questions: What are the views of primary school English language teachers on the integration of technology in English language instruction in rural school contexts? What are the benefits of integrating technology in English language instruction in rural school contexts? How do primary school teachers integrate technology in English Language instruction in rural school contexts? What challenges do primary school English language teachers encounter when integrating technology in English language instruction in rural school contexts? The study adopted the interpretivist research paradigm which was used with the qualitative research approach and the case study research design. While the simple random sampling technique was used to select four (4) schools that took part in the study, purposive sampling was used to select eight (8) teachers that took part in the study (two teachers from each school). Data were gathered using an interview guide where teachers were interviewed on a one on one. The data were analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis. The study found that some teachers had a misconception about technology integration in instruction as they view it as the teaching of basic computer skills. Another finding was that integrating technology in English language instruction was viewed as very beneficial as it resulted in optimum lesson delivery since learners generally have a big interest in technology. Challenges that teachers encountered when integrating technology in instruction included lack of training and unavailability of technological gadgets as well as poor internet connections. The study therefore recommends that The Ministry of Education, through the In-service department should train the teachers on how they can integrate technology in their teaching. Another recommendation is that Headteachers should organize teachers from other schools who are known to be effectively using the approach to come and assist teachers in rural schools.

Self-Employment and Poverty in Morocco: The Case of the Informal Sector

Among the most important sectors where self-employment is expanding are the agricultural, industrial and service sectors. Support programs to accompany self-initiative and enable the integration of the informal sector include : the “Moukawalati” program in its new version, the “Infitah” program, the “Imtyaz” program and the “Moussanada” program, in addition to the “Rawaj”, “Damane Express” and “Tatwir Express” programs. The possibility of obtaining financing is one of the difficulties for the self-employed and small businesses. In addition to this, there are problems related to management, equipment, supervision, support, lack of regular and rigorous accounting management, insufficient training provided (initial and continuing), problems in the use of new technologies and lack of knowledge related to planning and management. The system, the conditions of risk-taking, coupled with the numerous and slow administrative procedures, not to mention the difficulty in obtaining information, low competitiveness, and high costs of speculation.