International Journal of Social Sciences and Business Research

Exploring Education Students' Awareness and Knowledge of Blockchain Technology in Education

Alan White, Supaphorn Akkapin, Tubagus Achmad Darodjat — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study examines the awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of blockchain technology in education among 16 Chinese nationals enrolled in an international education program in Thailand, using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The results show general interest in blockchain's potential applications in education, particularly in areas such as credential verification, transparency of academic records, and secure digital student records. However, the findings reveal a significant gap in respondents' understanding and familiarity with blockchain technology. Still, there is strong optimism about its future role in education, with many participants expressing interest in learning more about blockchain. The study suggests that educational institutions should offer training programs, implement pilot projects, and collaborate with blockchain experts to close the knowledge gap. Future research could explore the practical implementation of blockchain in education, its impact on learning outcomes, and the obstacles to its adoption.

Pre-Program Perceptions of the PhD Process: An Exploration of First-Semester PhD Students' Expectations

Alan White, Supaphorn Akkapin, Tubagus Achmad Darodjat — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study examined the expectations of seven Chinese PhD students enrolled in an international program in Bangkok, Thailand, regarding the intellectual, emotional, and professional aspects of their doctoral journey. The results showed that students anticipated the PhD process to be intellectually demanding, with a focus on developing research skills and enhancing critical thinking. Although students recognized potential emotional difficulties, such as stress and isolation, they remained optimistic about the academic and career benefits of pursuing a PhD. The study stressed the importance of supportive supervision, alignment of research interests with supervisors, and intrinsic motivation in shaping students' experiences. The findings suggest that institutions should implement pre-enrollment orientation programs to manage expectations and provide better support during the first semester. This research contributes to understanding the factors that influence PhD students' early experiences and offers recommendations for improving student engagement and retention in doctoral programs.

Students Perceptions of Online Learning Platforms: Impact on Education and Learning Accessibility in China

Xu Liu, Hu Yayun, Zhong Peiyi, Kaishu Wang, Tubagus Achmad Darodjat, Alan White — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the experiences of 120 university students in China using Xueersi Online School, with a focus on key factors such as ease of use, personalized learning, course effectiveness, and affordability. A structured questionnaire was distributed, covering six dimensions: basic information, online learning habits, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, behavioral intentions, and challenges and suggestions. The results indicate that students generally find the platform user-friendly and highly value its AI-driven personalized learning features. Additionally, the platform is perceived as useful for improving learning efficiency, particularly in structured subjects. However, the study highlights a significant urban-rural gap in access to online learning due to network and device limitations in rural areas. Affordability concerns also emerged, with students from lower-income backgrounds finding the platform's courses expensive. The findings suggest that while Xueersi Online School is effective in providing a personalized and efficient learning experience, addressing accessibility and cost issues will be crucial to making the platform more inclusive and equitable for all students.

The Influence of Digital Marketing on Perceived Image and Revisit Intention Toward Agricultural Tourism Destinations in Chumphon Province, Thailand

Supaphorn Akkapin, Atchara Salee, Phattarawadee Rungsimanop — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study examines the influence of digital marketing factors on the perceived image of agricultural tourism destinations and tourists’ revisit intention in Chumphon Province, Thailand. A quantitative research design was employed using a structured questionnaire administered to 200 tourists who had visited agricultural tourism sites in Chumphon. The digital marketing factors investigated included social media marketing, content marketing, influencer marketing, and electronic word of mouth (e-WOM). Perceived destination image was assessed through five dimensions: quality, credibility, uniqueness, attractiveness, and sustainability. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and stepwise multiple regression. The results revealed that overall digital marketing was perceived as high (M = 4.18), with e-WOM receiving the highest mean score (M = 4.28). The perceived image of Chumphon’s agricultural tourism was moderate to high (M = 3.78), with attractiveness ranked highest (M = 3.91). Revisit intention was also high (M = 3.84). Stepwise regression indicated that influencer marketing (β = .398), content marketing (β = .271), and social media marketing (β = .229) significantly predicted perceived destination image (R² = .590). Furthermore, all five perceived image dimensions significantly predicted revisit intention (R² = .460), with attractiveness (β = .372) and uniqueness (β = .315) being the strongest predictors. These findings provide practical implications for destination marketers seeking to leverage digital marketing strategies to enhance the perceived image and encourage repeat visitation to agricultural tourism destinations.

Chinese university MOOCs: Usability, impact, and educational outcomes

QiYang Wang, Lu Zhou, ZiWei OuYang, Tubagus Achmad Darodjat, Alan White — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the use and impact of Chinese university MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) on learners, employing a mixed-methods approach with both quantitative and qualitative data. A survey of 21 respondents from Nanning, Guangxi, China, including students, working professionals, and lifelong learners, examined their experiences, perceptions, and challenges related to Chinese MOOCs. Survey results indicated high engagement with MOOCs, with 16 out of 21 participants having used them. However, low course completion rates were noted, as more than half of respondents (14 out of 21) reported not finishing at least one course. Usability was generally positive, with the majority finding the platforms easy to navigate. While internet access and technology were not widespread barriers for participants, professional recognition of MOOCs and their usefulness for career advancement received mixed responses. The study suggests that to increase the impact of Chinese university MOOCs, challenges such as course completion rates, digital access, and standardized accreditation must be addressed.

Advantages and Challenges of Chinese Doctoral Degree Students Studying in International Programs in Thailand

Peipei Li, Supaphorn Akkapin, Tubagus Achmad Darodjat, Alan White — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

With globalization, many Chinese students choose to study in Thailand. The decision to study in Thailand is influenced by personal, economic, policy, institutional, and cultural factors. The study found that respondents considered studying in Thailand to be cost-effective, geographically convenient, and accessible due to the low language barrier. Most students found the cost of living met expectations, although some still felt financial pressure. Students encountered problems with the visa application process, particularly communication barriers, even with access to information. Most participants recognized the internationalization of Thai universities, but opinions on teaching quality varied. In terms of cultural adaptation, dietary issues were the primary difficulty, with religious factors having a minor impact. Overall, the appeal of studying in Thailand lies in its low cost and international environment, with visa procedures, varying teaching quality, and cultural adaptation posing obstacles.

Perceptions of the Importance of English Academic Writing Skills in the Age of AI: A Study of Non-Native Postgraduate Students

Alan White, Supaphorn Akkapin, Tubagus Achmad Darodjat — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Chinese Administrators Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Learning Management Systems in Smart Higher Education

Hong Ma, Alan White, Supot Rattanapun, Supaphorn Akkapin — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Learning Management Systems (LMS) is driving a profound transformation in higher education, fostering personalised learning, enhanced administrative efficiency, and smart campus environments. This paper reviews global research on LMS adoption and AI integration in Europe, China, and Australia, highlighting regional trends, user perceptions, and technological innovations. Drawing on studies of AI-enabled chatbots, intelligent assistants, and bibliometric analyses, the review identifies critical factors influencing technology acceptance, including perceived usefulness, confirmation, and attitude toward use. A conceptual framework grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is proposed to examine Chinese postgraduate administrators’ perceptions of AI and LMS adoption. The study’s methodology involves a survey of 16 Chinese master’s students studying educational administration at a Thai university, providing cross-cultural insights into future policy and implementation strategies.