International Journal of Learning and Change (5 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Artificial intelligence powered engagement: unveiling trends, driving learning, and shaping the future of employee experience  
  by D. Prema, Ragini 
  Abstract: This bibliometric analysis examines the intersection of artificial intelligence in enhancing employee learning and boosting employee engagement. This research aims to systematically map the existing literature, identify key contributors, highlight influential journals, and cover prevalent themes in this emerging field by conducting a bibliometric analysis. It sheds light on the growing application in these areas, such as sentiment analysis, personalised learning, and engagement strategies. The study utilises bibliometric analysis, leveraging the Scopus database to examine publications spanning from 2012 to 2024. The analysis reveals a growing trend in artificial intelligence-related research. Artificial intelligence enhances real-time performance tracking, personalised learning, and seamless communication. Nevertheless, ethical considerations regarding privacy and data security remain crucial. This study is the first to offer a bibliometric analysis of employee engagement through artificial intelligence. It advances scholarly understanding of artificial intelligences impact on employee engagement and provides valuable insights for future research and practical applications.
  Keywords: artificial intelligence; AI; personalised learning; employee engagement; EE; bibliometric analysis; sentiment analysis; predictive analytics.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJLC.2025.10071160
   
  
• Does school feeding and input supply improve enrolment, attendance, and test scores? Evidence from Lideta sub-city, Addis Ababa  
  by Fekadu Mulugeta Asfaw 
  Abstract: This research aimed to assess the impact of the school feeding and school input supply (SFSIS) program on the school performance of primary public schools in Lideta sub-city, Addis Ababa. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 134 school children (grades 2 to 8) alongside school rosters and attendance records. Additionally, focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and direct school observations were conducted. Trend analysis was used to evaluate changes in enrolment before and after the implementation of the SFSIS program. The study found no significant effect of the program on learning achievement and attendance. Enrolment trends showed a general decline over the study period, with contextual factors contributing to the lack of positive impact. The study suggests that the effectiveness of the SFSIS program is contingent on the school context, and investments in such programs should be aligned with the outcomes they aim to achieve.
  Keywords: enrolment; school feeding program; academic achievement; attendance rate; school input supply; school uniforms; Lideta sub-city; focus group discussions; FGDs; key informant interviews; KIIs.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJLC.2025.10071888
   
  
• Mapping the metaverse: a bibliometric analysis of collaboration, impact and trends  
  by Mohit Kumar, Pravin Kumar Agrawal, Supriya Agrawal, Vibha Kushwaha 
  Abstract: The study attempts to carry out an in-depth analysis of the contributions made in domain of metaverse research during the period 20102023, to identify influential nodes, prominent trends, and contribution to the research community. A bibliometric analysis was conducted on 2,818 documents including articles, book chapters and conference proceedings. Data sources were utilised to identify effect of citations, collaboration networks, and publication patterns in the metaverse research community. Metaverse publications have increased exponentially after 2020 highlighting rising research interest. The increasing impact of metaverse research is identified through the increasing number of citations per article. The co-citation network identifies interlinks that prevail among researchers and identifies influential nodes in the research community. China is the top contributor to metaverse research in affiliations and country-wise research. The findings are of huge importance to researchers and institutes who are involved in researching the new metaverse research community and starting new research collaborations.
  Keywords: metaverse; bibliometric analysis; collaboration; citation impact; research trends.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJLC.2025.10071971
   
  
• HERO in e-learning: the role of AI in strengthening psychological capital  
  by R. Manigandan, Sabale Anjali, H. Shayrine, A. Rajeswari, V. Sasirekha 
  Abstract: Drawing upon social cognitive theory this study examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) as a digital companion on psychological capital (PsyCap) characterised by the HERO framework (hope, efficacy, resilience, optimism) in e-learning setting. This study examines how AI-driven interactions can improve learners psychological capital (PsyCap). Using a quantitative research design, this study analysed survey data obtained from a sample of 550 e-learners across several AI-enhanced e-learning platforms in business using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). This study results demonstrated that engagement with AI as a digital companion has a significant and positive effect on the PsyCap of e-learners. E-learning emerged as a critical mediating variable, with its proper integration into AI platforms amplifying the positive outcomes on learners psychological resources. This research adds a novel perspective to the field of e-learning and AI in industry by empirically investigating the mediating role of e-learning in the relationship between AI engagement and PsyCap development.
  Keywords: psychological capital; PsyCap; artificial intelligence; e-learning; HERO framework; organisation development.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJLC.2025.10072124
   
  
• Social capital as a catalyst for leadership excellence: the mediating role of institutional reputation in Indian higher education  
  by Vaishnavi Balaji, R. Manigandan, R. Supriya, A. Shakti Priya, Bhanu Sree Reddy, Manju Shree Raman, Mitku Assefa 
  Abstract: Drawing upon social capital theory, this study aims to investigate the impact of social capital on leadership effectiveness through mediating role of institutional reputation in higher educational institution. Data were collected from 310 academic leaders, including HODs, area chairs, and deans, using a structured online questionnaire. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed for analysis. The results indicate a significant positive relationship between social capital and leadership effectiveness, highlighting the importance of interpersonal trust, collaborative culture, and professional networks in influencing strategic vision, decision-making, and transformational leadership skills. Moreover, institutional reputation is identified as a partial mediator in this relationship, indicating that robust social capital not only improves direct leadership outcomes but also enhances the perceived credibility and prestige of institutions, hence strengthening leadership legitimacy and influence. This study enhances the sparse empirical literature linking social capital and leadership within the Indian higher education sector and provides pragmatic insights for policymakers and institutional leaders aiming to cultivate trust-based cultures and reputational capital. The study concludes with ideas for cultivating social capital via inclusive governance, faculty involvement, and external collaborations to improve leadership efficacy and ensure sustained institutional success.
  Keywords: academic leadership; higher educational institutions; HEIs; Indian higher education; institutional reputation; leadership effectiveness; relational governance; social capital; structural equation modelling; SEM; PLS-SEM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJLC.2025.10072125