Competency and Needs of Technical Vocational Teachers in the Division of Aklan

This research aimed to assess the general and technical competency of Technical Vocational Education (TVE) teachers in the schools Division of Aklan. It also determined the competency needs and gaps in teaching TVE in the implementation of the program. The study was participated by 118 TVE teachers. Mixed-methods research design using sequential strategy was employed in this study. The Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers was used as guide for assessing the general level of competency while self-assessment guide of TESDA was used to assess the level of technical competency. The quantitative data were used as bases in the conduct of focus group discussions to triangulate the responses in the survey. The general competency level of TVE teachers was described as “highly proficient” while the technical competency level was reported on the “advanced” level. The gaps identified were: (1) teacher-subject mismatch, (2) inadequate skills in applying math and science principles in technical training, (3) struggle in promoting understanding of global labor markets, (4) inability to lead workplace communication (5) lack of content knowledge and pedagogy, (6) lack of competence in assessment and reporting, (7) insufficient trainings related to area of specialization, and (8) expired and unaligned national certificates (nc).The competency needs identified were:(1) activities that would enhance competency, (2) motivation and opportunities to acquire/enhance, and apply competency, and (3) renewed professionalism and rejuvenated teaching advocacy and calling. 

Impact of Physical Environment on Brand Loyalty in Fine Dining Restaurant Industry: Mediated by Brand Prestige

Prestige seeking buyers are increasing gradually and maximization of brand loyal customers is a main target of every organization for rapid growth. Due to intangibility in nature of services, physical environment becomes a major tool, to communicate consumers about the quality of services, to setting customer expectations, to create positive service experience and to influence employee productivity because services are produced and consumed simultaneously. The research?s main purpose is to create better understanding of physical surroundings through examining the effect of physical environment?s dimension (D?cor &artifacts, spatial layout, ambience) on brand loyalty. Second purpose is the mediating test of brand prestige between dimension of physical environment (D?cor &artifacts, spatial layout, ambience) and brand loyalty. Thirdly, to check brand prestige?s impact on brand loyalty. A quantitative approach is used and data is collected from diners of fine dining restaurant from two metropolitan cities of Pakistan i.e. Lahore and Faisalabad, in order to investigate the direct and indirect impact of dimensions of physical environment on brand loyalty and brand prestige via convenience sampling. Sample size was 271 and Multiple Regression Analysis was used to test the study hypotheses. Preacher & Hayes Process Macro was used to measure the mediation. Findings of the study showed that three dimensions of physical environment i.e. d?cor & artifacts, spatial layout and ambience have positive impact on brand prestige & brand loyalty. Brand prestige has mediating role between all three dimensions of physical environment and has positive impact on brand loyalty. Theoretical and practical implications are provided which is helpful for the marketing managers to make strategies in such a way that can create positive brand loyalty.