Propel Journal of Applied Management

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Performance Appraisal Systems in Higher Education: A Faculty-Centric Study

2024-07-10T20:56:35+00:00

In the realm of higher education, institutions serve as the training ground for a diverse array of professionals, ranging from educators and healthcare practitioners to engineers, business leaders, and social scientists. These establishments play a critical role in imparting advanced skills required across various industries. Central to the delivery of quality education within these institutions are the faculty members, who are instrumental in shaping the academic experiences of students. Consequently, there is a growing focus on enhancing the performance of faculty members within higher education institutions (HEIs). One compelling study seeks to investigate the connection between performance appraisal and faculty performance in HEIs. Employing a descriptive qualitative research methodology, the study delves into the impact of performance appraisal systems on the overall performance of faculty members within these institutions. Conducted through insightful interviews with faculty members, the study collects valuable data that is subsequently subjected to content analysis to discern meaningful insights. The findings of this study provide compelling evidence to suggest that the implementation of an effective performance appraisal system within universities yields positive outcomes. Notably, the study indicates that such systems contribute to the enhancement of both faculty members' performance and the overall standing of the universities. This underscores the significance of robust performance appraisal mechanisms in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence within higher education institutions.

Exploring the Role of Social Media in Shaping Brand Equity: The Influence of Diversity and Value Perception

2024-07-10T20:59:57+00:00

Digital transformation has profoundly influenced businesses' marketing strategies, particularly in promoting products on a global scale. This shift has led to enhanced sales and the development of online communities, which often surpass traditional marketing mediums in effectiveness. The role of social media in forming these communities remains contentious; some scholars argue it fosters relationship building for companies, while others disagree. In light of this debate, this paper aims to investigate the impact of societal and individual diversity on the brand equity of high versus low involvement products, with social value and content value serving as mediating factors. This study is significant as it sheds light on a crucial aspect of brand equity in the digital age. A survey was conducted with 600 members of social media communities in Karachi, utilizing SmartPLS for data analysis. The findings reveal that consumers with extrinsic, extroverted, and collectivist traits tend to prioritize social value. Conversely, those with intrinsic, introverted, and individualist characteristics favor content value in social media communities. Both social and content values significantly influence brand equity and its dimensions, directly and as mediators. Therefore, businesses can enhance brand equity by encouraging consumer engagement in social media communities, fostering a diverse environment that promotes cultural exchange.

Effective Leadership Practices in Schools: Insights for Improving Educational Outcomes and Environment

2024-07-14T20:27:54+00:00

This research investigates the critical role of school leaders in shaping the educational environment, focusing on their impact on school culture, student achievement, and teacher motivation. Utilizing an online survey method within a quantitative framework, this study collects comprehensive data to uncover significant insights. Findings indicate that school leaders play a pivotal role in defining the perception of the learning environment and interpreting behavior within the school context. Their leadership decisions and actions significantly shape the overall school culture, fostering an environment that promotes collaboration, teamwork, and academic success. Effective school leaders prioritize creating a safe and supportive atmosphere and implementing policies and procedures that cater to the needs of both students and teachers, thereby enhancing morale and motivation. For instance, recent studies highlight the correlation between proactive leadership and improved school performance metrics (Smith & Bell, 2023; Johnson et al., 2022). Additionally, leaders who actively engage in professional development and stakeholder involvement tend to cultivate more positive educational climates (Brown, 2023). Ultimately, this study aims to identify best practices and provide strategic recommendations for educational administrators, thereby contributing to ongoing efforts to improve learning environments and support holistic student and teacher development.