International Journal on Recent Trends in Business and Tourism (IJRTBT)

A Study of Inequality in Schooling and Teacher-Student Ratios in Urban and Rural China

Bi Ying — 2025-01-30

Introduction: This study investigates educational inequality between urban and rural schools in China, focusing on the impact of technology access and teacher-student ratios on educational outcomes. Data were collected from urban and rural schools, examining the availability of technological resources, teacher-student ratios, and student academic performance. Methods: The study employs confirmatory factor analysis and regression techniques to validate hypotheses and identify key trends. Results: The findings reveal that technology access and teacher-student ratios significantly affect educational outcomes. Urban schools demonstrate a substantial advantage in both areas, resulting in superior academic performance. In rural schools, resource scarcity, particularly in technology access and teacher-student ratios, constrains educational quality. Hypothesis testing highlights the statistically significant interactive effect of technology access and teacher-student ratios on educational outcomes in urban schools. In contrast, the impact of technology access in rural schools is weaker due to resource limitations, although it remains positive. Conclusion: The study concludes that addressing educational inequality requires a comprehensive approach, including enhancing technology access, optimising teacher-student ratios, and improving teacher quality in rural schools. These measures are critical to narrowing the urban-rural education gap and promoting equitable educational opportunities for all students.

Technological Resources, Teacher-Student Ratio Differences, and Educational Inequality Between Urban and Rural Areas in China

Bi Ying — 2025-01-30

Introduction: Educational resource inequality between urban and rural areas remains a critical issue in achieving educational equity. This study focuses on the disparities in access to technical resources and teacher-student ratios in schools across Eastern China, aiming to examine their causes and impacts on educational quality and social development. Methods: Using data collected from 32 junior high schools and 7 primary schools, this study employs a combination of field surveys and questionnaire analysis. Quantitative methods are applied to compare urban and rural schools in terms of technical equipment, internet access, intelligent teaching resources, and teacher-student ratios, and to assess their influence on education quality. Results: The findings reveal that urban schools demonstrate significant advantages in resource allocation, characterised by lower teacher-student ratios, higher teacher qualifications, and richer technical resources. In contrast, rural schools face substantial resource shortages, which exacerbate educational disparities and hinder equitable development. Grounded in human capital theory, this study highlights the critical role of equitable resource allocation in enhancing human capital accumulation, improving education quality, and fostering balanced social and economic development. The findings underscore the necessity of increasing resource allocation to rural schools and optimising urban-rural resource distribution. Future research should expand sample coverage and incorporate diverse regions and school types to further investigate the multifaceted causes of educational inequality and propose actionable solutions. Conclusion: Urban schools demonstrate significant advantages in the allocation of educational resources, while rural institutions face severe shortages in these fundamental provisions. Specifically, the unequal distribution of technological resources and disparities in student-teacher ratios constitute primary drivers exacerbating urban-rural educational inequality.

The Impact of Transformational Leadership on Employees' Deviant Innovative Behaviour

Chao Cheng — 2025-01-30

Introduction: China’s economic recovery and increasing competition drive innovation demand, but resource constraints may lead employees to adopt deviant innovation strategies. The impact of deviant innovation remains debated, and the role of transformational leadership in this process needs further exploration. Objective: This study examines how transformational leadership influences deviant innovation and the mediating roles of employees’ innovation self-efficacy and work mission. Methods: A survey of 237 virtual R&D team members from high-tech firms in Southwest China was conducted. Structural equation modelling (SPSS 26.0, Amos 26.0) was used to analyse the relationship between transformational leadership and deviant innovation. Results: This study is limited to virtual R&D teams in Southwest China, and future research should expand to other regions and industries. The reliance on survey data may introduce subjectivity, which could be mitigated through interviews or company records. Conclusion: Transformational leadership indirectly drives deviant innovation by enhancing employees’ innovation self-efficacy and work mission, both of which serve as partial mediators.

Research on the Digital Transformation and Organizational Performance of Traditional SMEs in the Context of the Digital Economy

Zhang Minjie — 2025-01-30

Introduction: The digital economy is thriving in China, driven by rapid advancements in technology, innovative business models, and the emergence of new industries. However, traditional small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face significant challenges in adapting to this evolving landscape. Digital transformation is increasingly recognised as a crucial driver of growth for these enterprises. This study explores the impact of digital transformation on organisational performance in traditional Chinese SMEs, aiming to provide both theoretical and practical insights for business leaders. Methods: This research examines a sample of 3,410 Chinese traditional SMEs to assess the effects of digital transformation on their organisational performance. The study employs quantitative methods, analysing data collected through surveys and financial reports. A comparative approach is used to evaluate how digital transformation influences SMEs across different industries and business scales. Results: The findings indicate that digital transformation has a significant positive impact on organisational performance in traditional SMEs. However, the effects vary depending on the scale of the enterprise and the industry in which it operates. While some businesses experience substantial improvements in efficiency and profitability, others face challenges in fully leveraging digital technologies. Discussion: The results highlight the necessity for SME managers to develop tailored digital transformation strategies based on their industry-specific requirements and business scale. Factors such as investment in digital infrastructure, workforce digital literacy, and strategic alignment with emerging market trends play a critical role in determining success. Additionally, businesses that proactively integrate digital solutions tend to gain a competitive advantage in the evolving economy. Conclusion: Digital transformation serves as a powerful enabler of growth for traditional SMEs in China. While the transition presents challenges, businesses that embrace digital innovation strategically can achieve significant improvements in organisational performance. This study provides valuable guidance for SME managers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, emphasising the need for customised digital transformation strategies to ensure sustainable growth in the digital economy.

Geodiversity as a Driver of Tourism: A study of Sri Lankan Geological Heritage

P.K.U Perera — 2025-01-30

Tourism development is increasingly recognising geodiversity, which encompasses a variety of geological formations, landforms, and associated ecosystems, as a critical factor. Using a qualitative approach, this research study examined how geodiversity serves as a pull motivation for tourists, shapes their perceptions, and plays a role in the activities and experiences associated with geotourism. Data were collected through in-depth interviews had with tourists who were selected using purposive and snowball sampling, and those collected data were analysed using thematic analysis technique to uncover key insights. The findings revealed that the geodiversity of Sri Lanka is a significant motivational factor for tourists, offering unique geological features such as Adam’s Peak, Horton Plains, and Sigiriya, which integrate natural beauty with cultural narratives. During the data analysis, it was observed that tourists highlighted strong emotional connections to these sites, with awe and wonder emerging as recurring themes. However, the study also identifies gaps in tourists’ pre-visit awareness, highlighting the need for targeted educational and promotional initiatives. Further, geodiversity enables a range of activities, varying from adventure tourism and ecotourism to cultural exploration, while enhancing the overall tourist experience. This study pointed out the potential of geodiversity to diversify the tourism offering of Sri Lanka, attract niche markets, and promote sustainable development. Key recommendations include improving geoconservation practices, leveraging digital marketing and visual storytelling, and fostering collaborative efforts among stakeholders. By aligning geotourism strategies with global sustainable goals, Sri Lanka can position itself as a premier geotourism destination. The research contributes to the wide understanding of geotourism by exploring how geodiversity can be managed effectively and integrated into tourism planning and development. It also highlights the importance of balancing economic benefits with ecological and cultural preservation.