International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research

703 - 707

Authors: Argjina Karemani, Ilir Kapaj

In recent years ISO 9001 standards and TQM techniques appear as the main tool in the market. This paper analyzes the relationship between ISO 9001 standards and TQM techniques in Macedonian SME-s. The research conducted in this paper shows the benefits that enterprises receive from the implementation of ISO 9001 standards and the relationship between them based on theoretical and empirical research. We, as authors emphasize the need for enterprises to focus on issues related to the application of this standard and TQM techniques to enterprises of Republic of Macedonia (specifically Polog Region). To analyze this effect it was necessary to use the method of surveying with enterprises in the Republic of Macedonia. The research is based on a survey of 120 enterprises on Polog Region, where is analyzed the relationship between ISO 9001 standards and TQM techniques and which one of these quality techniques enterprises apply mostly. With the data processing we can conclude that even though there are large difference s between ISO 9001 standards and Total Quality management again there is a good relationship between them.

722 - 731

Authors: Nurcan Demirel

The purpose of this study was to comparatively analyze the effects of 6 weeks of gymnastics and whole body vibration exercises on some physical fitness parameters. Twenty two male subjects participated in this research (Age average 21.4 ± 2.4 and height average 1.75 ± 5.6 cm). Participants were randomly assigned to three groups; Gymnastics and Whole-body Vibration Exercise Group (GWBVEG, n=7), Gymnastics Exercise Group (GEG, n=8) and Control Group (CG, n=7). Muscle strength, endurance and flexibility were measured before and after 6 week-exercise period. For data analyses Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used in order to look at the differences among the dependant groups and Mann Whitney U test was used in order to to look at the differences among the independant groups. When the groups’ post-tests for physical performance values were compared, it was observed that the improvement of muscle strength and endurance values of the GWBVEG group was significantly higher than the one for GEG and CG groups (p>0.05). As a result, it is suggested that the whole-body vibration in gymnastics can be considered as an important criteria for the improvement of endurance, muscle strength and flexibility.

748 - 762

Authors: Ferhat Yıldırım

Socialization and communication between humans also bring about certain problems. Situations such as conflicts of opinion and misunderstandings eventually result in disputes and conflicts in general. Even though what comes to mind at the first mention of a conflict in this framework is judicial remedy (by means of court action), certain alternative remedies other than this remedy exist at the present time. Indeed, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), which first originated in the United States of America (USA) and then spread all around the world, is a product of thissearch. In this work, firstly the inception and development of the mediation process was briefly reviewed, followed by an examination of the legal studies in Turkey and what has been brought about by the Law on Mediation in Legal Disputes. While examining the stipulations of the law, Austria Federal Law on Mediation in Legal Disputes (ZivMediatG) was also addressed with a focus on its similar and different aspects compared to the Turkish Legal system. In conclusion, by taking into consideration the comparative legal practices, too, suggestions were offered for the system to spread and to obtain efficient outcomes.

774 - 784

Authors: Rabia Hos, Hatice Yagci, Halil Ibrahim Cinarbas

The aim of this study was to investigate English Language Teaching (ELT) students’ perceptions about blended learning on the improvement of language skills. The study also found out the students’ opinions about the advantages and the limitations of blended learning, and gathered the suggestions for the improvement of the blended learning experience. Quantitative research methodology was used in the study. The data was collected through blended learning perceptions questionnaire. The sample consisted of 101 Turkish ELT students selected by random stratified sampling. The results showed that students mostly had positive attitudes towards blended courses and they found these courses advantageous and beneficial for improving language skills. They reported that blended learning improved their vocabulary and listening at most. The use of multimedia was thought to be one of the greatest advantages of the blended learning. The connection problem was found out to be the biggest limitation faced by the students. Finally, the participants suggested more technical support to be provided during blended courses.

801 - 814

Authors: Hatice Işın Dizdarlar, Oyku Şener

Many theories in social sciences assumed that individuals are rational in making decisions. However, many researchers like Watson, Kahneman, Tversky and Smith claimed that individuals are not rational during decision-making process. Traditional economy and finance theories discuss whether or not they are rational forming behaviors affecting their financial decisions and behaviors. In the literature of finance, opposing the efficient market theory which assumes that investors are rational in their decisions, there are behavioral finance theories defending the idea that investors are not rational. Behavioral finance is a discipline which tries to determine the behaviors of investors in the market utilizing psychology, sociology and anthropology. The purpose of this study is to determine the risk-taking behaviors of individual investors. In the theoretical part of the study, the developments in behavioral finance theories have been investigated. On the other side, in the research part, the main aim is to define the relationship between demographic and social features and risk-taking behaviors. The questionnaire results obtained from individual investors through simple random sampling are evaluated by using chi-square and frequency analysis. As the result of the study, individual investors pointed that having knowledge of securities and the market are the most important determinants for investment. Additionally, “pseudocertainty effect”, investors’ both avoiding and taking risk according to the amount they spared for their investments, is observed. In the study, it is concluded that socio-economic factors and information are effective on risk-taking behavior of investors.

825 - 835

Authors: Cezmi Karasu

Most reliable intelligence sources in terms of their security strategy states are diplomatic mechanisms. Ottoman Empire; however, began to build regular security mechanisms the last of XVIII’th centuy. The first permanent embassy called “the residence embassy” founded by Selim III and began to see the external intelligence function with some deficiencies and shortcomings. Until the establishment of the diplomatic mechanism; external intelligence was being obtained from various other sources. Divan-i Humayun Interpreters, a one-time extraordinary ambassadors appointed, Voevodes of Wallachia and Moldavia were mainly from these sources. Voevodes of Wallachia and Moldavia with neighboring Western countries, receive through their people at the capital cities of western states used to send news to the Sublime Porte in long reports. Those intelligence reports -called "News Paper"- on the benefits of development as well as policies. Our study with face amounts expressed in Prime Ministry Ottoman Archives in Istanbul (BOA) tackles these documents. Thus, much unknown but vital function for the state of Voevodes of Wallachia and Moldavia will be put in.

843 - 854

Authors: Melahat Demirbilek, Safiye Özdemirhan, Mehmet Yigit, Leyla Özdemir, Hasan Yüksel, Ömer Özdemir

The objective of this study is to determine the opinions of senior (4th year) social work students in Ankara University and Başkent University on their educational and professional lives. This research is a descriptive study. The population of this study is the senior (4th year) social work students in Ankara University and Başkent University. The sample is selected via simple random sampling and in total 98 students voluntarily participated in the study, 61 of them being from Ankara University and 37 from Başkent University. The data is collected with a questionnaire, which consists of two parts. The first part of the questionnaire has socio-demographic questions whereas the second part of the questionnaire includes questions about social work education and occupational expectations, which are developed by the researchers. The data is analysed with SPSS 16.0 statistical programme, and frequency distribution (f), percentages and Chi-Square test(X2) techniques are used. According to the analysis results, the percentage of Ankara University students, who stated that their excitement, hope and expectations have decreased after starting the programme is higher compared to Başkent University students.47.6 % of Ankara University students and 59.4 % of Başkent University students think that some courses are not relevant for their degree. The percentage of Başkent University students who think that academic staff at their university is competent is 78.4 % whereas this number is much lower for Ankara University students (26.2 %). The percentage of students who think that social work is underdeveloped in Turkey is higher among Başkent University students compared to Ankara University students. 54 % of Başkent University students and 39.3 % of Ankara University students think that they will easily find a job after graduation. The percentage of agreeing with the statement that social work is a future job is 89.2 % among Başkent University students and 67.2 % among Ankara University students.

870 - 883

Authors: Celal Gülşen, Hicran Çetin Gündüz

The purpose of this study is to clarify the student’s opinions, who are Nevsehir University, Faculty of Education, Pedagogical Formation Education Certificate Program students, toward teacher profession and practicing this profession and practices in the extent of the courses. In the research, 3 types of questionnaire with 5 likert type were used to specify student’s opinions. The population of the study consists of 77 women and 49 men and totally 126 students. In the result of the research, it was seen that pedagogical formation education student’s opinions are positive and students wanted to do this profession. And it was also observed that students found practicing about teacher profession positive and very beneficial. In the extent of teacher practicing, most of the students pointed out that the guidance teachers help the intern teacher students in the courses and also make with students with collaboration. In the research to reach the general results, it will be beneficial to analyze these problems in different perspectives.

896 - 904

Authors: Sena Gürşen Otacıoğlu

Background: Turkey’s relations with other countries have set on a different framework in the recent years. Especially to fulfill the obligations of being an EU member, a lot of work is being carried out in different perspectives. There is effort to build up relationships with EU member countries on many subjects however there still is not enough information on these countries’ education system. In scope of the research, the music teachers who have graduated from Turkish educational institutions have been compared to their European counterparts in terms of their educational status and the results of the research have been noteworthy Propose:To better serve the research purposes, the curriculums ofSalzburg Mozarteum University,Austria andMarmara University,Turkey have been analyzed in terms of a) credit hours, b) course durations, c) course contents. Based on the results, data presentations in tables as well as commentary have been provided from a Comparative Education standpoint. In the subcategories of this research, the following topics have been compared between,AustriaandTurkey: a) Starting and receiving musical education, b) The educational systems of institutions raising music teachers, c) The capabilities of institutions raising music teachers, d) The educational programs of institutions raising music teachers. The research has been conducted based on qualitative research principals while qualitative solution methods have been preferred. Percentage and Frequency evaluations have been performed where necessary. Sources of evidence Despite all the effort spent by institutions related to the education of teachers, this subject is still very problematic on every level of education inTurkey. Comparing the current education of the teachers coming from Turkish faculties of education and their counterparts in developed European countries is thought to bring out results that will shed light to the solution of existing problems. Main argument The research made with this idea in mind aims to become a reference to help develop the best and highest quality teacher education programs that are necessary to make music teachers, who have an important role in the education of music in Turkey’s National Education System, well equipped in their profession and thus help them become qualified educators and start this program during their school years. Conclusions:As a result of this research, valuable information has been gained as differences have been observed between the two countries’ teaching methodologies in terms of credit hours, course durations and course contents. Furthermore, with the current student exchange programs in European countries taken into consideration, the contributions of this research will be better realized.

915 - 929

Authors: Harun Sulak

The basic assumption of the classical inventory (EOQ/EPQ) models is that %100 of items ordered/produced are perfect. However, in most of the production processes, it is unavoidable that the items ordered or produced are defective. This study developes a fuzzy economic order quantity model with defective items and shortages. In this model, the demand, defective rate, ordering cost, unit cost, disposal cost, holding cost, backordering cost and screening cost are expressed as trapezoidal and triangular fuzzy numbers. Moreover, the Graded Mean Integration Representation method is applied to defuzzify the total profit function in fuzzy sense, and then the optimal policy for the model is determined. The results between crisp case and fuzzy case are compared with the help of numerical examples. Finally, sensitivity analysis is carried out to find the effect of changes in the values of selling prices of good-and imperfect quality items, screening rate and percentage of scrap items on optimal solutions.

938 - 948

Authors: Jonas Mikael Christensen

The problems and challenges of Social work relate to both local and global contexts, and Social Work Education needs to be characterized by this, although how to fully realize it is complex. The purpose of this article is to problematize and detail how Social Work Education can be seen in higher education from the perspective of internationalization out of a swedish context. The article should be seen as a contribution to Educational Science where internationalization can add to the understanding of social education. Research data has been collected from two groups of respondents: Social work students and lecturers in Social Work Education. The theoretical frame of reference is provided by a modified social-ecological model called the Entrecology model, a connector in education between the individual in relation to her or his surrounding context on different levels. The main conclusion is that the concept of ‘acting locally, thinking globally, should be viewed as a major input for developing Social Work Education—A Glocal approach.

960 - 979

Authors: Aicha El Alaoui

This paper tries to examine if women’s education affects the economic growth. To illustrate this aim, four countries cases have been presented: Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, named MATE. The motive behind choosing them was because these countries have many common religious and cultural norms and values. The statistical analysis of data over the period 1960-2012 shows that the relationship between fertility rate and different measures of education is negative. Averages literacy rate and labour participation of the female are less than that of male. Two panel models are estimated over the period 2000-2012: a 'general' panel model and a 'gender' panel model. In the first model, the explanatory variables are introduced without gender’s characteristics in order to measure their impact on the economic growth. In the second model, the explanatory variables are introduced in the first model with gender’s distinguishing excluding variables that measure the quality of governance and institutional. The main findings are that women’s education, particularly, tertiary education, women’s labour force participation and institutional capital affect positively economic growth. On the contrary, the primary and secondary school enrolment are negatively linked to the economic growth. This paper concludes that women’s tertiary education is a master-key to economic growth and development accompanied by a healthy and good quality of institutional capital and by eliminating all forms of gender discrimination.

991 - 999

Authors: Fitim Deari, Rufi Osmani

The purpose of this study is to examine the accounting versus taxable profit for selected firms. Totally nine firms are examined for the period 2010-2014. Selected firms are indexed on Macedonian Stock Exchange Index - MBI10 and belong to different industry sectors. Selected firms are the most liquid on Macedonian Stock Exchange, have better business performance and financial statements are prepared in accordance with IAS and IFRS. The analysis is focused on effects of additional fiscal costs (firm income tax) to net profit (loss). The analysis argues that despite the fact that formally Macedonia ranks among the countries with lower fiscal burden of 10% tax (personal income tax and profit tax), the level of real fiscal cost is much higher and very asymmetric. This additional fiscal cost and this fiscal asymmetry is the result of the fact that the law on profit tax in whole or part taxed in additional way 25 types of operating expenses which are considered irrelevant; and even these costs exceed the minimum limits set by the government of the country. In the case of Macedonia, fiscal provisions of the law on profit tax affect illogically situations that even firms operate with loss they should pay income tax; and consequently, this increase the business loss on one hand and decrease the economic and financial performance on the other hand.

1012 - 1023

Authors: Sevim Güllü, Ezgi Gülden Çiftçi

This research aims at examining gym members' perceptions of life quality. The research was conducted in the survey model. The quality of life scale was acquired from the world health organization (2015). The scale has four subdimensions: physical, psychological, social and environmental domains. The study group of the research was composed of 100 individuals who are members of a private gym located in mecidiyeköy, istanbul. Percentage, frequency, and crosstab methods were used to find about the distribution of participant demographics. To test whether subdimensions of the scale exhibits normal distribution, the kolmogorov-smirnov test was performed and it was found that all subdimensions of the quality of life scale exhibited normal distribution. (p<0.05). Accordingly, the independent t-test and the one-way variance (anova) test were applied for two-variable data at the significance level of α = 0.05 and multi-variable data respectively. Post-hoc tests were utilized for finding the difference between the groups. As a result of evaluating the findings, participants' quality of life did not differ significantly by gender in the physical, psychological, social and environmental domains. When considered by the gender variable, a significant different was found in the psychological and environmental domains. In the psychological domain, the participants whose ages varied between 23 and 26 had a higher quality of life than those whose age were 31 and above. Those whose aged varied between 27 and 30 also had higher quality of life than those whose ages were 31 and above. In the environmental domain, the participants whose ages varied between 23 and 26 had higher quality of life than those whose ages varied between 18 and 22 and were 31 and above. On the other hand, a statistically significant difference was found only in the psychological domain in terms of the income level variable. The life quality of those whose income were lower than try 1500 were significantly found to be lower than those whose income were higher than try 3000. It is considered normal that individuals' perceptions of life quality increase as their income levels increase, too. The research can be enriched with participants of different characteristics.

1030 - 1041

Authors: Fatma Lorcu, Gamze Yıldız Erduran

In the last twenty years, entrepreneurship education has developed greatly in developed countries and it is quite effective in terms of entrepreneurial intention. This study aims to find out to what extent entrepreneurial education affects the entrepreneurial intentions of students at Trakya University. Entrepreneurial education has recently been added to the program at Trakya University, and positive results from this study will help to show the effectiveness of these courses. The study found that students who have been in receipt of an entrepreneurial education have deeper entrepreneurial intentions to take action when compared with students who were not in receipt of an entrepreneurial education. Besides, it was found that the percentage of those who are unclear as to whether to establish their own business or not, in terms of all the students who took an entrepreneurship course and those who did not, is rather high; besides, 23% of the students think that entrepreneurship can be learned.