Being Vigilant and Veridical
Abstract
We continue to venture through some of the uncharted areas and modalities of scholarship and research. This issue of International Forum ascertains that research continues through challenging situations and that stacking it on the backburner is not an option. Scholars in academe have found new possibilities of exploration and venture in these unprecedented times. Being vigilant (watchful of possible dangers) and veridical (truthful), however, is as important as ever before. This is where the present issue of the journal comes in.
To start with, John Wesley Taylor V highlights the need to banish erroneous thinking and clarifies nine myths related to quantitative research. He cautions, “the fundamental problem often lies in our innate desire to be something beyond who we really are” (p.15). He passionately calls for the need for being vigilant and veridical in the realm of quantitative research.
Considering the effects of overweight in adults which is related to co- morbidities, the pre-experimental study of Khaw, Calbayan, and Pondi (p.25) provides insights on the positive effects of an obesity prevention program in Penang, Malaysia. Being vigilant is surely the way to go in terms of lifestyle. Dominic’s two articles present theoretical models applicable, especially in the business sector. In the first article (p.49), he prescribes a conceptual model for industry-university collaboration and proposes creating an office of a relationship manager to liaison between the university and industry. The second article (p.147) provides insights into factors that trigger consumer-cause empathy in the context of cause-related marketing.
The next article by Imbong and Imbong (p.67) describes the best practices of wellness spas in Cebu, Philippines that run on outsourced modality. The sustainability of these enterprises is described through the lens of the managers in this study. Important guidelines for the sustainability of the spas point to vigilance and veridicality. Wa-Mbaleka and Wa-Mbaleka (p.86) address seven social responsibilities of researchers during the stages of conducting, disseminating, and implementing the results of research. They provide suggestions that help integrate social responsibility into research.
The next two articles come from studies in Zimbabwe and Tanzania, respectively. Gwizo (p.102) focuses on the lifestyle practices of university students in Zimbabwe. Her qualitative study has led to a holistic lifestyle curriculum model via an innovation configuration map for use in higher education settings. Ngussa and Mwema’s (p.129) quantitative study, on the other hand, focuses on secondary school students’ attitude towards learning in relation to bullying. Irembere (p. 173) continues with a quest for vigilance and veridicality by studying parents’ perception of their involvement in curriculum development and proposes greater involvement of parents in secondary school curriculum.
The last two articles provide insights into specific social issues. Gwizo’s (p. 193) article focuses on stigma and discrimination. He looks at the issue through a biblical-theological lens and provides suggestions for church response to individuals with chronic conditions as HIV documentations. Ibong and Pielago (p.214) present a phenomenological study on the employment experiences of individuals with disability in Cebu, Philippines. Finally, the three books reviews by Sin Lay (p. 246), Kato (p.250), and Sarempaa (p.254) give a glimpse of the possible professional reading resources that one can try out.
As we venture on with such scholastic pursuits in the coming days, may the insights gained from this issue of the journal keep us vigilant and veridical. We cannot afford to be otherwise. I believe this to be so.
Prema Gaikwad, PhD
Editor, International Forum
