Social Lens

Intense management of sinking secondary schools to convert them into moving education institutions

Ngwako Solomon Modiba

Scientific article

This paper examines what it takes to emerge with a caring and moving education institution from the initially sinking one whose scholar results were deplorably low from the perspectives of teachers serving in the School Governing Body (SGB) and the Representative Council of Learners (RCL). This study has been motivated by a variety of discourses on scholar performance, the majority of which are centred on the perspectives of external education stakeholders other than teachers and learners serving on a secondary school's governing council. The paper is conceptual and empirical in nature while following the qualitative research paradigm. The question guiding this paper is: how long does it take a sinking secondary school to be turned around into a caring and a moving secondary school? Narrative enquiry and interviewing techniques were employed to generate data. Six secondary schools from one of the circuits in Waterberg region, Limpopo Province, South Africa, were conveniently sampled for this study. Only members of the School Governing Body's teacher components and chairpersons of the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) from each of the six sampled secondary schools participated in the study. Findings revealed that firstly, caring and moving schools do not batter trust with stakeholders. Secondly, caring and moving schools experience minimal derelict of teaching duties by educators. Thirdly, caring and moving schools witness less of derelict of learning responsibility by scholars. Fourthly, there is subjugation of the culture of laziness in caring and moving secondary schools. Fifthly, a policy of remedial lessons for struggling scholars, is upheld in caring and moving schools. Lastly, caring and moving schools experience less of gaping leadership void in their ranks. The researcher recommends for sinking secondary schools to share warm disposition and be friendly with everyone to successfully become caring and moving secondary schools.

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Hadith Illumination: Exploring Nawab Siddique Hasan Khan's Legacy

Asra Aslam, Rafique Anjum

Scientific article

This research explores the significant contributions of Nawab Ṣiddique Ḥasan Khan (1832-1890), a distinguished scholar from India, to the field of Islamic studies, with a particular focus on Ḥadith. Nawab's profound impact on the Muslim world stems from his dedicated efforts in religious sciences and societal services. As a prolific and gifted author, he extensively covered theology, Quran, Ḥadith, Fiqh, Islamic history, culture, ethics, politics, and economics, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of Islam and its fundamental sciences. Belonging to the Ahl-i-Ḥadith group, Nawab was a strict Sunnite and non-conformist traditionalist, rejecting the authority of medieval Muslim Scholars in favor of individual judgment based on the Quran and the Prophet's sayings. As an eminent Muḥaddith, he vehemently opposed weak and fabricated Ahadith, defending the legislative position of Ḥadith and acknowledging the six canonical books known as al-Ṣihah al-Sittah. His works were recognized for their richness and high research standards. Nawab's valuable contribution as a religious reformer lies in reviving the dynamic and straightforward religion of Islam, particularly as practiced by the early Muslims (Salaf-i-Saliḥin). He emphasized the study of original Islamic sources, challenging the prevalent doctrine of Taqlid in India. As a moderate religious thinker, Nawab opposed fitnah and chaos in religious matters, advocating for the closure of politically motivated controversial issues. His stance against religious innovations, including Bid‘ah and Bid‘ah Hasanah, reflects his commitment to the authenticity of Sunnah. In the realm of Sufism, Nawab, a reformist sufi, endorsed sufism while strictly adhering to the sacred law. He rejected pantheism/unity of being and incarnation, emphasizing adherence to the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. The present study used the secondary data for analysing the contribution. This research aims to delve into the nuanced contributions of Nawab Ṣiddique Ḥasan Khan to Quranic and Ḥadith studies, recognizing the challenges posed by the condition and quality of his published works. Emphasizing his grand personality and multifaceted contributions to Islamic learning, the study sheds light on the enduring impact of his scholarship on the global Muslim community.

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Cybersecurity Compliance Frameworks- a pragmatic view with an IT outsourcing company case study

Rachel John Robinson

Scientific article

This paper practically deals with the theoretical base drawn from the standards and rules posed by various international bodies in terms of information security. To start with, this paper defines what security framework is applied practically to an IT outsourcing company based in UK named Cyberfox. Hence the relevant laws of the land are analyzed like NIS (The Network and Information Systems Regulations 2018) and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations). By doing so, a framework in cyber security is tried to be fit in for this company called Cyberfox. By careful analysis and critical evaluation ofthe pros and cons of such companies’ framework and whether it is a workable model is discussed in the first half of the paper. The second half of the paper basically details the NIST (National Institute of Standards & Technology) cyber security framework and the Internal Organization of Standardization protocols in respect to 4 specific standards like Information Security Management systems (ISMS) measurement (ISO 27004), Information security risk management (ISO 27005), Requirements of bodies providing audit services (ISO 27006) and Governance of Information Security (ISO 27014). All these four are studied for their merits and demerits for practical purposes.

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Āyatûllāḥ Mûrtazā Mûtaḥḥārī: The Intellectual Architect of Modern Islamic Thought in Iran

Khalid Hussain Mir, Mohammad Rafique Anjum, Huseyin Caksen

Scientific article

This research explores the life and contributions of Āyatûllāḥ Mûrtazā Mûtaḥḥārī, a pivotal figure in Iran's history and Islamic thought. As a distinguished cleric and philosopher, Mûtaḥḥārī, a key associate of Āyatûllāḥ Rūhûllāḥ Kḥomeīnī, played a crucial role in the intellectual renaissance that paved the way for the Islamic Revolution of 1979. By adeptly blending traditional Islamic teachings with contemporary philosophy, he significantly shaped Iran's sociopolitical landscape during this transformative period. This research provides a comprehensive biographical sketch of Mûtaḥḥārī, detailing his early life, education, and critical influences. It emphasizes his dynamic teaching career at the University of Tehran and explores the intellectual currents that informed his philosophical and theological contributions. Mûtaḥḥārī's innovative approach to reconciling Islam with modernity, integrating faith and reason, and critiquing Marxism is thoroughly examined, showcasing his impact on the intersection of religious and contemporary thought. Additionally, the research delves into Mûtaḥḥārī's political and social ideologies, particularly his role in the Islamic revolution, perspectives on Islamic democracy, and critique of materialistic ideologies. It highlights his enduring influence on post-revolutionary Iran, especially in shaping educational and political systems. In conclusion, Mûtaḥḥārī's legacy emerges as a guiding light in contemporary Islamic philosophy and Iranian society, fostering ongoing discussions about the role of religion in the modern world and inspiring scholars globally in the evolving dialogue between Islam and the complexities of the modern era.

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Shifting Market Power: The Role of Supply Chain Disruptions in Redefining Global Trade Dynamics

Tamim Forhad Shuvo, Md. Mohin Habib

Scientific article

Global supply chains have recently faced intense disruptions, especially due to COVID-19, exposing vulnerabilities across industries. This study explores how large-scale shocks such as pandemics, geopolitical conflicts, and environmental crises are transforming global market power and trade patterns. Analyzing sectors like technology, automotive, and pharmaceuticals, the research highlights how developed economies, traditionally dominant, are increasingly dependent on emerging markets, which are gaining influence. Factors like digital innovation, rising logistics costs, and trade restrictions further drive these shifts. The findings underscore the need for resilience, localization, and adaptive strategies, offering guidance for policymakers and industry leaders to strengthen trade stability.

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A Holistic Approach to Student Well-being: Balancing Health and Academic Success for Students Living Abroad

Saira Tahir, Zunaira Tahir, Ayesha Asghar, Nida Ashiq, Haseeb Ahmed, Attia Qammar, Ali Azam, Ammar Ahmed

Scientific article

This study explores the challenges encountered by students living abroad as they struggle to reconcile their academic responsibilities with maintaining their mental, emotional and physical health. This article emphasizes the significance of implementing a health-oriented and well-structured routine. A practical and easy-to-implement approach was proposed to assist students living abroad in balancing their tiresome academic journey with a healthy and organic lifestyle. The aspects related to corporal and cognitive health, stress and time management, and psychological well-being were considered while developing an optimal everyday schedule for international students combatting cultural, linguistic, educational and social discrepancies beyond borders. The authors experimentally implemented the proposed framework in a case study. As a result, a significant total body weight loss of 16 kg was achieved within four months to get rid of obesity. Other benefits included alleviated levels of anxiety, stress, hypertension, hair loss and visual impairment-related issues. To conclude, this multidisciplinary investigation aims to contribute to the existing literature on social sciences and sustainable cognitive health practices for overseas students.

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