A Study of Capital Adequacy Ratio of Commercial Banks in India
Dr. Manmeet Singh, Dr Supriya Pathak & Dr Rashmi Somani
Banking Industry has changed over a period and face different types of risks. The risk of failure of banks creates a pressure on the government to safeguard the funds of depositors and therefore Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) or Capital Adequacy ratio (CAR)as prescribed by Basel Committee for Banking Supervision (BCBS) has been implemented by RBI in India for commercial banks. These Basel norms for capital regulation covered the journey from Basel I to Basel III in India from 1992 to till now. This paper analyses the status of CRAR of three Bank Groups, namely, Public Sector banks, Indian PrivateBanks and Foreign Banks. The results suggest CRAR of Public Sector and Indian Private Banks differ significantly. Also, CRAR of Public Sector Banks and Foreign Banks differ significantly. But the CRAR of Indian Private Banks and Foreign Banks do not differ significantly. Thus,all commercial banks particularly, Public Sector Banks have to maintain CRAR at an appropriate high level to absorb unexpected losses.
An analysis of online entertainment experience openness and buying behaviour of generation z
Neelam Verma & Dr.Supriya Pathak
Social media has made people more aware and giventhem knowledge of day today's trends, news, businesses, and new technologies and given them the power to communicate and give their views without hesitation. In this new world of technology, everything is upgraded and automated. Technology is been hereditary for generation z. Gen z can never be separated from technology like smartphones, and laptops. They are totally dependent on technology. They are the upcoming generation and needed to be explored for gender preferences.So, the study is aimed to understand the generation z gender opinion on social media regarding buying behaviour of Indore city.The collection of data was from a Google form questionnaire of generation z. The speculative results conveythat social media assist both genders of generation z generate their need and awaken them through online advertising on social media sites and helps them buy the product. It determines generation z's behaviour on social media and determines the cause and effect of gender preferences in Indore city. Quota sampling is being used as a research methodology.The study uses Reliability statistics, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, Regression analysis and means scores to test the hypothesis.As a result, it is found that generation z have similar perception in the context of gender, age, and occupation regarding online entertainment experience, online entertainment opennessand buying behaviour.
Does the GST Affect the Stock Market: An Empirical Study of India?
Priyanka Nehra
This study aims to determine how the GST's introduction has affected the instability of the stock market index in India. Daily data from the Nifty 50 index have been utilized for the study's purposes from the first of June 2011 to the fifth of November 2022. The entire sample has been separated into two periods: before and after the installation of the GST. The influence of GST adoption on the volatility of the stock market index of India has been studied empirically using the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (1,1) Model. According to the study's findings, there is less volatility has been found in the Indian stock market before the adoption of the GST than it was after.
Clinical Profile of Nephrotic Syndrome in Children a Study Done in the Tertiary health care centre in Andhra Pradesh India
Dr Dinendraram Ketireddi, Dr Pilli Sandeep ,Dr Kurmana Madhavi , Dr Seepana Jyotsna
Introduction:Nephrotic syndrome is a common renal disease worldwide andan important chronic renal disease in children.The main objective of the study was to analysethe demographic profile, response to steroids andcomplications, in children with Nephrotic syndrome. Materials and Methods: Prospective observational study at the paediatric department of paediatrics, Government GeneralHospital, Srikakulam.58 children who were diagnosed to havenephrotic syndrome were included in the study. Cases were noted down into the proformaconcerning history, examination and investigations. Results: a total of 58 cases of Nephrotic Syndrome, the most common age group was 4–6 years (55.2%). There was a male-to-female ratio of 1.25:1. It was found that 72.4% of subjects were newly diagnosed and 27.6% were relapse cases. 100% of cases responded to steroid therapy. Conclusion: In the present study clinical profile of children with Nephrotic syndrome was concordant with typical nephrotic syndrome in children.
The Role of Digital Technology on Labor productivity of Sub Saharan Africa: Evidence panel data analysis
Elfenesh Muleta Beyene , Amsalu Bedemo Beyene & Atnafu Gebremeskel Sore
This study examines the role of digital technology on labor productivity. The required data for this study was obtained from 33 Sub –Saharan African countries from 2010 to 2020 and employed a one-step systems Generalized Method of Moments of estimation. The findings indicate that digital technology has a significant positive effect on labor productivity in the short run. Besides, the result also reveals that the lag of labor productivity has a significant positive effect on labor productivity in the short run. Unlike other; foreign direct investments, the level of inflation and general government final consumption expenditure has a significant negative effect on economic growth. The finding from the long-run model analysis shows that digital technology has a significant positive influence on labor productivity in the long run. The result also depicts that foreign direct investment, inflation, and general government final consumption expenditure have a long-run negative effect on labor productivity. From a policy point of view, the overall result shows a need for investment in digital technology development and a well-defined guiding principle to manage general government final consumption expenditure, inflation, and foreign direct investment.
Effects of Digital Technology on Employment Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from One-Step Difference GMM
Elfenesh Muleta Beyene , Amsalu Bedemo Beyene , Atnafu Gebremeskel Sore
This study examines the effects of digital technology on employment growth in Sub-Saharan African countries. The data were obtained from 27 Sub-Saharan African countries from 2010 to 2020 and the one step Difference GMM method of estimation was employed. The findings show that digital technology positively affect employment growth through overall digital technology index, digital technology usage index, and digital empowerment index whereas, government general consumption expenditure harms employment growth in the region. This undesirable result of government spending is due to allocating government spending in favor of Unproductive expenditures that arise because of uncertainties, the lack of a well-trained civil service, inadequate checks and balances in the political and budgetary process, and corruption. The result implies that there is a need for policy intervention in terms of investment in digital technology development, improving digital skills and creating awareness about digital technology, and empowering people to use digital technology and allocating government expenditure in favor of productive expenditure.
Household characteristics and investment in girl child education
Professor Atakpo,Edirin Theresa Ph.D & Obed-Chukwuka, Anthonia Nnenna and Akpotu, Ejiroghene Nelson
The research was carried out to ascertain how different household characteristics like marital status of parents, parents age, economic background, religion, type of family, occupation among others can affect investments in girl-child education. The design for the study was the descriptive survey research design. Four researchobjectives and a research hypothesis guided the study. The study population included all the parents ofpupils in public primary schools in Delta Central senatorial district of Delta State which is about 1.2million parents. 1,116 parents were sampled from six selected local Government Areas in Delta central senatorial districtrepresenting about 10% of the population. A 4sectioned self-structured questionnaire titled: Household Characteristics and Investment in Girl Child Education Questionnaire (HC1GCEQ) was designed by the researchers for the study. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used for data analysis. A mean score of 2.50 and above indicated an effect on girl child educationwhile, a mean score less than 2.50 indicated no effect on girl child education The research hypothesis was answered using Pearson product moment correlation statistic. The study revealed that Household characteristics affected girl child education in terms of type of school the girlchild will attend, it affected the payment of extra levies, and itaffected books and other supplies for the girl child. The recommendations based on the findings include continuous sensitization by government, workers, voluntary groups and organizations and child right and or girl child activists on the importance of girl child education especially among the rural areas and also financially empowering parents through gainful employment.
Indigenous knowledge, culture in agricultural development in Delta north agricultural zone of Delta state, Nigeria
Giweze, E.A. .Odjebor, U. & Ehiwario, A.F.
Indigenous knowledge is regarded as the poor social capital. Indigenous knowledge refers to a generational type of knowledge that has evolved within the community, especially in a rural setting. It is a unique knowledge confined to a particular culture or society. The objectives of this study were to: Identify practical application of traditional knowledge in agriculture. Examine the benefits of indigenous knowledge to agricultural development. Identify constraints to indigenous knowledge in agricultural development. This study was carried out in Delta State of Nigeria. Twenty (20) farmers were selected from four (4) farmers groups making a total population of eighty (80) respondents for this study. Table 1 result shows that the respondents applied traditional knowledge in everyday routine of their farming activities. Table 2 results revealed that the respondents agreed there are benefits with indigenous knowledge practices. Table 3 result shows that the respondents agreed that indigenous knowledge is challenged by many factors. It is gradually disappearing and remains only in the memory of some old age people who live in remote rural areas. Conclusion, it is clear that traditional knowledge plays an important role in development of agriculture in different farming practices. Therefore to avoid total extinction of indigenous knowledge practices, documentation and dissemination of these knowledge practices deserve special attention, as they encompass knowledge.
Food Security and Agricultural Policies: Conceptual Discourse on Socioeconomic Environmental Nexus in Nigeria
Oluwatosin Edafe, Evans Osabuohien, Isaiah Olurinola,Oluwatoyin Matthew , Romanus Osabohien & Joel Edafe
This study examines how socioeconomic and environmental issues affect the state of food security using the case of Nigeria. It presents some case studies to draw out some micro-macro nexus on food security using two of the major stable crops (notably cassava and rice) in Nigeria. The paper proposes a policy analytical model and recommends the need for value chain coordination to reduce post-harvest losses and improve infrastructural development; the need for the private sector leadership to promote key value chain participants by taking responsibility for articulating and implementing agriculture's growth plan. Also, there is the need for continuous evaluation that can help in the identification of areas for improvement and also develop pointers to measure the overall impacts of the implemented programmes in addressing food security challenges. Finally, smallholder farmers who are responsible for the production of a greater percentage of food in the country should also be trained to have access to market information systems to plan appropriately and avoid risks and uncertainties. If these measures are put in place, it would improve agricultural production and ensure food security in Nigeria.
Investigating automated customer service delivery as correlate of customer retention in Nigerian banking sector
Hezekiah Olufemi Adetayo and Temitayo Alice Onifade
Nigeria as a country has presently adopted cashless economy whereby almost everything is automated, and this is taking tolls on every sector of the economy especially the small business owners. In view of this, the study examined the relationship between automated customer service delivery and retention of customers in the Nigerian banking sector using small business owners in Ekiti State. Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population of the study comprises one thousand seven hundred and forty-nine (1749) registered small business owners across the sixteen (16) Local Government Areas of Ekiti State. The sample size for the study was 330. Two Local Government Areas were randomly selected from each of the three senatorial districts of Ekiti state using Table of Random Number (TRN); totaling six LGAs in all. The results of percentages, chi-square and correlation used for the study suggested that waiting time, queue length, speed of facility, convenience of checking account balance, number of complaints solved, clarity of information/message received and helpfulness of services were the major factors of automated customer service delivery of banks influencing customer retention in the Nigerian banking sector. Thus, increase in provision of automated service delivery led to increase in customer retention in Nigerian banking sector.
Impact of Employee Engagement and its Emerging Elements during Covid-19 in the IT Industry
Shweta Bandi & Dr. Sunil Mishra
Employee Engagement is a highly discussed, researched, and investigated term amongst researchers and behavioral scientists world wide and has come up with varied dimensions and factors in different industries. Keeping this in mind, the current study is being conducted to identify emerging factors and collect relevant information concerning the IT industry. An extensive literature review is done to extract important parameters influencing EE in the IT industry during the COVID-19period.‘Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA)’ is applied to check the statistical validity of the identified factors and their level of impact.The study found four key factors family engagement(4.67),acknowledgment & recognition(4.61),strong communication(4.59),and incentives & perks(4.44).
Financial Innovation (FIs) and Performance of Deposit Money Banks (PMDBs) in Nigeria
Ehiedu, Victor C.
The study examined the effect of financial innovations (FIs) on performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria for the duration of 2000-2022 (22years). This was done respect of measures of FIs, namely; Points of Sales (POS), Mobile Banking (MB), Automated Teller Machines (ATM) and Internet Banking (INTB) and how the effects financial performance of DMBs in Nigeria {proxy with Return on Equity (ROE)}. The method of data collection used in this study is the secondary source of data (time series data), from the CBN Bank Supervisory Annual Report, CBN Statistical Bulletin and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Annual Reports for the period 2000-2020. The data set was described using descriptive statistics and the unit root test was conducted to ascertain if the data are stationary in order to have accurate regression result. The correlation analysis will be use to ascertain the co-movement of the independent variables in relation to the dependent variable while the Multiple Regression analysis were employed with the aid of E-VIEW version 9.0 for the purpose of testing the research hypotheses raised. The finding revealed that ATM and POS has positive significant effect on ROE of deposit money banks in Nigeria while INTB and MB has negative insignificant effect on ROE of deposit money banks in Nigeria. Hence, the study concluded that FIs and financial performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria is significant, and it’s affected the banking industry positively. It is therefore recommended that, Investment in financial disruptive innovations has been proven to enhance the finance of Nigerian deposit money banks. The banks should therefore give emphasis to efficient utilization of FIs enabled services such POS, MB, ATM and INTB.
A quadripartite structural vector auto-regression (SVAR) analysis of climate change, employment rate, health outcome and growth nexus in Nigeria
Enoh H. Olele & Efayena O. Obukohwo
Problem: Following wide swings in climatic conditions in Nigeria especially in recent years which has affected households’ livelihood and health status, governmental authorities have re-intensified efforts at curbing the ravaging climatic conditions. Design/Methodology/Approach: The empirically investigate the climate change contagion effect on employment rate, health outcome (proxied by life expectancy at birth) and economic growth (proxied by GDP per capita) using quarterly (1981Q1-2020Q4) aggregate data for Nigeria and applying the structural VAR technique. Findings: We find that climate shock adversely affects health outcome, employment rate and economic growth. Conclusion: An important implication for policy which is derived from the study is that climate change mitigation policy should be implemented to minimize disastrous climatic shocks especially on the country’s most vulnerable populace.
Gender and Resource Division: Determinants of Womens Housework in Agaw Meder, Northwest Ethiopia
Ayenew Mamo Seyoum (PhD)
Women's disproportionate engagement in house work and its determinants has been relatively well studied in the developed countries. There is, however, a serious lack of such research for less developed countries. Unless the barriers to women's participation in development efforts are understood and addressed, poverty reduction programs may not succeed. This paper used data from a household survey of 502 married women to analyze determinants of women's hours of house work in light of available theories and employing a multi-variety hierarchical linear regression model. Results show that, in line with theory and past research, time availability (measured as women's employment status) and resources or bargaining power (measured as years of schooling and loan receipt status), and gender ideology/display (measured as traditional gender perception/practice) have statistically significant negative associations with a woman's housework time. Similarly, traditional gender perception/practice as a measure of gender ideology/display has the expected positive association with a woman's housework time, despite the weaker statistical significance level. Also, among control variables, house work and non-house work performed by other members, number of young children and household asset values has the expected associations to women’s hours of housework. National strategies aiming at poverty reduction may need to pay more attention to educate women, help them overcome shortage of working capital, and improve employment opportunities since these may also empower women and thereby minimize traditional gender ideology/display and having too many young children.
Of Cyber Stalking Victimization Behaviour and Inadequacies of Indian Cyber Law: Exploring the Criminal Contents Related to Lesser Degree of Social Integration
Dr. Debahuti Panigrahi
A mobile phone can be the worst possible format of harassment who can imagine this in the age of idea and technology. Even if the mobile phone is switched of and is upon the bed as a handy object in today's materialistic world, the audio device is on and someone has tapped the phone and is listening to every sound the women is making and the front and back camera is live - recording each and every private moments of her personal life. In a socio- legal front this is a crime challenging the privacy and security of women. This paper examines the lacunae of the cyber laws and tries to put into picture the patterns of victimisation of women in the form of cyber blackmail, threats, cyber-pornography, posting and publishing of obscene sexual content, stalking, defamation, morphing, and the establishment of fake profiles, cyber extortion & cyber bullying.
Electricity Consumption and Human Capital Development in Nigeria;An Implication for the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 7)
Johnson Ifeanyi Okoh, Emmanuel Oloke, Ghemi Moses Sodeinde, Nkiruka E. Ifekwem, Adebayo Akanbi Johnson, Nancy Izegbuwa Tongo, Lanke B.Awomailo, Timothy Ayomitunde Aderemi,
Managing energy consumption and human beings for the sustainace of economic prosperity in Nigeia have neccesitaed the deliberate efforts to explore healthier and sustainable energy sources. As a result of this, the nexus between electricity consumption and human capital development in Nigeria requires urgent attention because human capital plays a pivotal function in motivating economic development, and consumption of electricity is an impetus for the output growth. Against this backdrop, this study examined the influence of electricity consumption on human capital development in Nigeria from 1990 to 2019 within the techniques of econometrics. The summary of findings in this study are presented as follows; electricity consumption had a positive and significant relationship with the human development index in Nigeria. Furthermore, there was a unidirectional causal relationship flowing from government capital expenditure (GEC) to electricity consumption (ELC) in Nigeria. As a result of the above findings, this study makes the following recommendation for the policymakers as thus, whenever the development of human capital is the priority of the Nigerian government, the investment in capital projects that will catalyse the improvement in generation of electricity should be embarked in the country. Similarly, in achieveing the SDG goal seven in Nigeria the policymakers in the country shouldexplore more of energy from electricity in driving human development in the country.
Impact of digital management on organization productivity in Eti Osa local government area of Lagos state
Linus Izediuno, Okafor & Ikenna Theodore, Nnoli & Bashiru Akande, Bello & Okebola
This research identified the effect of big data management on organisational productivity. It ascertained the impact of cyber-physical system management on organization productivity; it investigated the impact of interoperability on organisational productivity; and also established the impact of internet of things (IoT) management on organizational productivity all to assess the impact of digital management on organizational productivity. The instrument of the research design used was a questionnaire. One hundred and fifty (150) questions were administered to MTN staff in ETI-OSA local government area. In analyzing the questionnaire, the data analytical procedure of tables and percentages was used in classifying data, while the inferential statistic of Chi-square was used in the testing of hypotheses. The study discovered that there is a significant positive impact of big data management on organizational productivity. It was also concluded that organizations must adhere to the usage of big digital management in other to achieve high productivity. It was recommended that every organization in this era should embark on in-service to get its staff acquainted with the model of big data management as it will affect the entire organizational productivity.
The Levels of Physical Activity and Activity Preferences among College Students in North Gondar, Ethiopia
Dr Melkamu Dugassa, Mr Adane Eshetu, Dr Mathivanan Dhamodharan
Introduction: Participating in moderate or vigorous physical activities continuously is very important to maintain health and prevent overall morbidity and mortality associated with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Objective: This study aimed to investigate the physical activity levels and activity preferences of college students in North Gondar, Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional survey design was conducted among 201 college students in north Ethiopia. In a proportionate stratified random sampling technique, gender strata were used. A modified International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was utilized to collect relevant data. The results were expressed in MET-minutes/week (Metabolic Equivalent of Task). Results: The results of this study revealed that the most preferred activity by college students was volleyball (n=154, 76.6%) while weightlifting (n=5, 2.5%) was rated the least. The majority of males primarily played volleyball (n=96, 47.8%) while walking (n=82, 40.8) is the choice of most college female students. Per the MET score calculated, 54.7%, 28.9%, and 16.4% of the college students were physically inactive, moderately active, and vigorously active respectively. Conclusions: Understanding physical activity levels and preferences will greatly aid in developing a comprehensive physical fitness program for college students to achieve the recommendation of the World Health Organization's minimum weekly physical activity level. Moreover, the physical activity levels and preferences of college students observed in this study may be used to deliver supplementary, appropriate, and interesting opportunities for those who might otherwise be overlooked by “one-size-fits-all” physical activity advancement policies.
Theological rigidity against Covid-19 vaccines among rural christian learners in Gutu, Zimbabwe
Munyaradzi Chidarikire, Tinevmbo Shumba & Eugenia Mabika
This article explores theological rigidity and misconceptions against solutions to increase COVID-19 vaccination among rural learners in Zimbabwe. This qualitative study is anchored on socio-cultural theory by Levi Vygotsky. An interpretive paradigm embedded in a case study design was used to explore the concepts. We used a purposive sampling technique to select nineteen knowledge rich rural Christians drawn fromPentecostals, African initiated Traditional Churches and Evangelicals denominations. In-depth interviews were conducted with the selected informants. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) were administered with participants drawn from each of the three denomination categories, giving a total of six FGDs. Data generated through focus group discussions were analyzed through thematic content analysis.We found that a significant number of rural learners in Zimbabwe have not been vaccinated due to a myriad of reasons. These include their rigid theological beliefs, cultural resistance and political skepticism. Consequently, the paper recommends that there is need for the Government, Church organizationsand other stakeholders to collectively engage each other and find solutions to increase the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among rural learners.
Health Condition and Female Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria
Esther M. Folarin , Evans Osabuohien , Henry Okodua and Romanus Osabohien
The proportion of women’s participation in agriculture differs by regions in developing countries. Nevertheless, this disparity notwithstanding, women actively participate in different nods of agricultural value chain. As at 2011, out of women labour, above 50% were agricultural workers and above 20% were observed to be cultivators. However, only about 13% of the operational holdings were owned by women, which shows gender asymmetry in resource ownership in agriculture. It has been argued that when women are given opportunities in agriculture, such as access to land, credit among others, it will enhance their productivity, which forms the basis of this studies. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of health conditions of female/women on their level of agricultural productivity. Therefore, the study aims to answer the research question ‘what is the impact of women health condition on household agricultural productivity? The study engaged wave 4 (2018/2019) of the Living Stand Measurement Study, Integrated Survey on Agriculture (LSMS-ISA). The reason for using wave 4 is because, it is the more recent wave of the LSMS-ISA, at the point of writing this report. The LSMS-ISA data is a general household data by the World Bank in collaboration with National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of Nigeria. From the pooled data, we disaggregated female-headed households, using the household identification (hhid). Therefore, this study is based on female-headed households, while the male-headed households were excluded from the analysis. The study engaged the descriptive statistics, t-test to examine the significant difference in productivity between household-heads who are healthy and those who are not, the legit regression to estimate the determinants of health condition, and the propensity score matching (PSM) technique to estimate the impact of health condition on female agricultural productivity. The result from the test of mean difference shows that there is a significant difference in productivity between household heads who are healthy and those who are not. It implies that, those who are healthier have higher level of productivity than their counterparts who are not. From the determinants of health condition, using the logit regression, the result shows that household income, education, ICT adoption, and location are significant determinants. From the impact analysis, using the PSM, the result shows that, access to healthcare by female headed households contributes 28.49% to the level of their productivity. The result informs the need to enhance women access to healthcare, especially, farming households in the rural areas, for higher agricultural productivity. Therefore, the study suggests that policies such as improved healthcare systems, among others, geared towards enhancing female engagement in agriculture and services alongside other concerned sectors should be promoted.
Research Article: A study on Cognizance of EFL Teachers Regarding the Accommodation of Learners Different Learning Styles in ELT Context: Focus on Two Colleges of Teachers Education in Oromia, Ethiopia
Aliye Geleta , Zeleke Teshome & Mekuria Zewdie
This this study was aimed at exploring EFL teachers’ cognizance of students’ learning styles and also their attempt to address them in teaching English Language in Shambu and Jimma Colleges of Teachers’ Education (henceforth, CTEs), Oromia, Ethiopia. To achieve the intended objective, a descriptive survey design was employed and this design was selected since the prime intention of the study was to describe the existing realities concerning the EFL teachers’ practices of accommodating learning styles. EFL teachers and Year III EFL students of the English language department, altogether 60 participants were taken using a comprehensive sampling technique. Besides, classroom observations were conducted to see the teachers’ actual practices while teaching the English language, this method was used to triangulate the different kinds of the data obtained from the two parties. Finally, the finding of the study revealed that the EFL teachers’ practices of accommodating their learners’ different learning styles in the English language teaching at the CTEs was found to be poor. In other words, EFL teachers of the aforementioned CTE are not addressing their learners’ learning styles while teaching the English language courses. And it could be inferred that this failure of accommodation emanated from teachers’ lack of cognizance of students’ learning styles.
Demutualization of Nigerian stock exchange and stock market growth
Njogo Bibiana, Olowo Samson, Obiekwe, Chinelo .J & Olayiwola Oluwasegun
This study aimed to examine the demutualization of Nigerian stock exchange and stock market growth. Its main objective was comparing the capital market financial performance before and after demutualization. The research utilized a descriptive research design to examine the objective. It also sourced secondary monthly data of April 2017 to November 2019 for years before demutualization and April 2020 till November 2022 for years after demutualization from the Nigerian capital market annual reports. The variables examined were market capitalization as performance variable. Total market equities, total market bond, investment in subsidiary, exchange rate, and total listed securities. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the sourced data. Findings revealed that before demutualization, total market equities, total market bond, investment in subsidiary, and total listed securities negatively and significantly influence the capital market development variables of market capitalization. After demutualization, total market equities, total market bond, investment in subsidiary, exchange rate, and total listed securities were positively significant in impacting market capitalization. The implication of this finding was that demutualization positively and significantly improves the Nigerian capital market performance. Hence, its adoption is a major boost to the growth of the market. This study added value to the capital market literature by establishing the fact that demutualization would significantly influence stock market indices of market equities, market bond, investments in subsidiary, exchange rate, and total listed securities. Hence, nations looking to sustain its stock market growth can look the way of demutualization.
Influence of School-Based Management towards School Effectiveness in the Schools Division of Samar, Philippines
Leobert T. Mante
In recent years, there has been an increasing international movement towards decentralization, delegation and greater autonomy for schools in the public education sector with the aim of enhancing the international standard of education. This survey explored the contrasting viewpoints of teachers and school heads on school autonomy and school effectiveness as affective outcomes. Respondents came from three autonomous and non-autonomous schools in the Division of Samar, Philippines. It was revealed that the drive towards greater autonomy for schools is a real movement in today's education. Schools who have been delegated greater powers to take internal decisions, which traditionally required approval by the Department of Education, school staff are viewed as having greater control in decision-making with regard to internal school assessment, institutional staff development, school curriculum design, than schools who have not been allowed to do so. Although earlier research indicated that Autonomous Schools are more successful than non-autonomous Schools, the present study suggests that this hypothesis should be met with caution, as only 4 per cent of the variance could be explained by variables (SBMs) in the present study. Further analysis would be required, considering the scale of the sample used here, if we are to articulate some hypothesis on the relationship between school autonomy and school performance.
A fuzzy-based framework for public buildings construction projects evaluation
A.F. Sanni, M.K. Onifade, D.E. Ighravwe and A.O. Ojo
Public building construction project management helps ensure building sustainability, making stakeholders focus on different aspects of managing the projects. Currently, sparse information exists on how to adequately and effectively manage the project because the existing frameworks focus on individual aspects of the managing process, such as costing and personnel management. Hence, this study aims to develop a framework for managing public building construction projects (BCP). It developed a fuzzy balanced scorecard (FBSC) framework for evaluating contractors' performance in public BCPs. Fuzzy analytical hierarchical process (FAHP) to determine the importance of public BCP evaluation criteria. Data were gathered from selected project stakeholders in the six locations in Southwest Nigeria. The results from the framework showed that the second location had the best performance. The overall performance of the developed framework in terms of financial criteria was 99.07%, while the clients' criteria generated 96.59%.Furthermore, the internal process criteria had an overall performance of 93.67%, while the learning and growth criteria had an overall performance of 95.44%. The information demonstrated that it is possible to compare the performance of locations from four perspectives. It highlights locations that could be used as benchmarks for enhancing the performance of public BCPs. The information from this study is important for anyone involved in the building construction business.
Thematic Analysis of Paraphrasing as an Intertextual Technique: The case of Matshafa Ziq
Habtemariam Amare Gebremeskel & Ayenew Guade Belete
This article has been conducted on Mätshäfä Ziq (canonical manuscript). Mätshäfä Ziq is one of the liturgical books in Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church (EOTC). It is like a guide book for monthly and annual praises of God and saints, performed by the church’s scholars in Qine M?hlét. Mätshäfä Ziq, like other sacred books, is an acknowledged literary masterpiece in EOTC. It has two major parts known as Ziq and M?zmur. The manuscript is called by its first part for it has bigger volume than its corresponding part, M?zmur and is the first in its layout in the manuscript. The main objective of this article is to investigate the thematic and intertextual analysis of paraphrasing in the target manuscript. To achieve the objective, qualitative research methodology was applied; document analysis was used as a data gathering instrument; potential extracts were identified and equivalent translation of the extract was done; and finally, the intertextual feature was identified. Paraphrasing as one of the intertextual techniques in Mätshäfä Ziq has been discussed. Tracing of former concepts, reconstruction of implications, portrayal of intertextual connections, depiction of transposition and mosaic of references, and multi-translationwere found as findings of the research. Therefore, this study is hoped to contribute to the reconsideration of the established views about religious texts. It confirms that religious manuscripts do not possess solely religious polemics but literary and social experiences too. This in turn fills the dearth of scientific researches on Ethiopic manuscript from literature point of view. Finally, conclusion was made and possible recommendations have been forwarded.
Clinico-Etiological Profile of Children with Acute Febrile Encephalopathy Study done in tertiary care Government Medical College & Hospital, Srikakulam
Dr Menni Chowdary Babu, Dr Dinendraram Ketireddi, Dr Pilli Sandeep, Dr Seepana Somasekhara Rao
Background: AFE (Acute febrile encephalopathy) is one of the major causes of hospitaladmissions of children and adults in India.Acute febrile encephalopathy (AFE) is defined as a fever associated with acute alteration of consciousness, with or without a seizure, motor and/ or sensory deficit and total duration of illness two weeks or less. The main aim of this study was to assess the clinical-aetiological profile of children with AFE. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out at the government general hospitalin Srikakulam,over 6 months.A total of 43 children aged 1 month to 12 years who were admitted to PICU with fever ≤ 2 weeks duration and altered sensorium either at onset or following fever were enrolled.The patient’s detailed history and physical examination including detailed neurological examinations were recorded on pre-structured proforma.The aetiology of AFE was evaluated based on a detailed history, a meticulous clinical examination and relevant investigations. Results: The incidence of AFE was 42 (2.8%) of the total hospital admissions.The most important presenting complaints apart from fever and altered sensorium, most common presenting complaints were headache 66.7%, and vomiting 57%, followed by Seizures 47.6%, neck rigidity 28.6%, hypertonia 19%and focal neurological deficits 14.3%were seen.The diagnoses based on clinicalpresentation and laboratory findings were pyogenic meningitis in 13 (31%), followed by Cerebral malariain 12 (28.6%),Suspected viral encephalitisin 8 (19%),tubercular meningitisin 4 (9.5%),Dengue encephalopathy 3(7%),Enteric encephalopathy 2(4.8%). Conclusions: Pyogenic meningitiswas the leading cause of AFE followed by cerebral malaria, and suspected viral encephalitis. Early identification and preventive strategies must be keeping mind.
Heavy Metals Concentration and Spatial Variation of Groundwater in Isoko North-L.G.A., Delta of State Nigeria
Ejemeyovwi D. Ochuko. (Ph.D ) Ashima. B. Toyon, Oyem. M. , Oyubu, L, Oboro
This study examined water pollution substancesspatial variation, and conducted a comparative study for primarydata within ten spatially distributed boreholes’ samples ofgroundwater reservoir heavy metals intrusion in Isoko North LGA, Delta State, Nigeria. The secondary data include acceptableWHO standards and published works Online,Textbooks, Journals etc. Samples are collected from productive boreholes into plastic Jerry-cans (2 liters), labeled and immediately covered with lids to minimize oxygen contamination and escape of dissolved gasses. Parameters tested for include Ph, Temperature, Total Dissolved Solid, Total hardness, Bicarbonate, Nitrate, Sulphate, Ca, Fe, Pub, Cd, Cu, Zn, Mg and total coliform count.. The analyses show that water in the area has high Iron oxide and Calcium Chloride concentration than any other heavy metals and other contaminants found in the water samples. Moreover there is differences in water quality in dry and rainy seasons to establish a significant relationship between the heavy metals from the host rocks and the groundwater resources in the area. Apart from high Iron and calcium contents, none of the parameters examined exceed the stipulated acceptableWHO standards to indicate that the water in the area is potable “if and if” (iff) well treated of the predominantly high iron and calcium concentrations.
Determinants of Environmental Accounting information disclosure in an emerging market: The Moderating effect of agency cost - An empirical evidence from Nigeria
Okeke Obiajulu Chibuzo, Okorieocha Onyedikachi Chikezie, Edeogu Promise Nwakaego & Okere Wisdom
By producing and discharging hazardous substances, liquids, sounds, and carbon emissions, businesses blatantly contribute to environmental damage. This study seeks to investigate firm specific drivers of environmental accounting information disclosure in Pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria. Quantitative research was employed and data will be collected from the annual report and financial statement of listed pharmaceutical firms in Nigeria for a period of 11 years spanning 2011-2021. The study used logit regression to estimate the model. Firm specific factors used are leverage, firm size, firm age, profitability. The findings of the study revealed profitability having an insignificant positive effect, leverage an insignificant positive effect, firms size a significant positive effect, and firm age a significant positive effect on environmental accounting information disclosure. Also, the study concluded that firm characteristics have a joint significant effect on environmental accounting information disclosure. Agency cost moderates the relationship between firm size, firm age also firm characteristics jointly and environmental accounting information disclosure.The recommendation of the study is for management of health care firms in Nigeria to improve on the firm specific characteristics in order to disclose more environmental information in their annual report and for the firms to improve generally on their environmental accounting information practices. Also, for the government to enact laws that will improve upon environmental accounting practices of health care firms in Nigeria and done by some other developed countries.
Determinants of livelihood diversification strategies in the Ale District, Southwestern Ethiopia
Mamush Masha, Mengie Belayneh and Hordofa Belay
Diversifying the sources of livelihood for households beyond agriculture plays a significant role in reducing poverty and foodinsecurity. However, identification of the causes that determine households’ choice of livelihood strategies of rural households have received little attention in Ethiopia in general and the study area in particular. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the determinants of livelihood diversification strategies in Ale district of southwest Ethiopia.A cross-sectional survey research design was employed to examine the factors that determinelivelihood diversification strategies.Stratifiedrandom sampling technique was applied to select 378sample sizes from three selected kebeles. Descriptive statistics expressed in mean and percentages andone way analysis of variancewas applied to investigate the mean differences of continuous variables. Multinomial logistic regression model was employed to identify factors that determine livelihood diversification strategies.The income portfolio analysis revealed that onfarm activity has a prominent contribution to the total income of sample households.The regression model result showed that sex,age of household head, farm size, family size, year of education, location of market, cooperative work and owned cattle size were the main determinants of livelihood diversification strategies (p < 0.05).Our findings suggests that the household livelihoods are highly diverse and needstrong local institution to the household-level characteristics. Inthis aspect, local governmentshould pay more attention to education, gender, cooperative work, provision of credit access andincentive programs to reach all household membersthrough developing effective platform that allow all rural households to be involved and share experience ondiversification of livelihood strategies.
Exchange Rates and Macroeconomic Fundamentals in a Small Commodity-Export-Dependent Economy
Dr. Owen Affor Maku, Dr. B. O. Ishioro, & V.E. Asagba
Problem: The relationship between exchange rates and macroeconomic fundamentals has long been debated to be unclear especially when viewed from different schools of thoughts. Hence this study focused on exploring the relationship existing between of exchange rates and macroeconomic fundamentals in Nigeria. Design/Methodology/Approach: Series of Real exchange rate and Macroeconomic fundamentals were employed to the Vector Error Correction Mechanism (VECM) ,and cointegration technique in order to evaluate the response of the performance of the Nigerian national economic and wealth creating activities to currency depreciations. Findings: Our results indicate that about 1 per cent depreciation of the real exchange rate accounted for about 0.90 per cent decline in the performance of the national economic and wealth creating activities in both short and long-run. This depicts the existence of a contractionary policy effect. Conclusion: The long-run contractionary effect of real depreciations may not be appealing for considering exchange rate policy as a development strategy, the likelihood of the contribution of the capital account component of the BOP must be reckoned as it has a significant effect on growth in the long run, implying that relevant macroeconomic fundamentals must be targeted in improving the output of productivity as there seems to exist a strong link between the capital account component, exchange rate and other macroeconomic fundamentals which culminates into growth. Therefore, government and her agencies especially the monetary authorities should ensure that exchange rates and fundamentals including the capital account component of the BOP are well managed for growth-enervating purposes.
Effect of Marketing Strategy on Firm Performance: A Study on Ethiopian Textile Manufacturing Industries
Worku Gadisa Sufa, Zerihun Ayenew Birbirsa, Tesfaye Eba Mogose
This article contains research findings on how Marketing Strategy affects the Firm’s Performance in the textile manufacturing Industry. A causal analysis of the connection between the independent factors and the dependent variable was performed as part of the study using an explanatory research design. Relationships in Product Strategy, Price Strategy, Place strategy, Promotion Strategy (as an independent variable), and company performance were the specific areas of interest in the study. To determine how Marketing strategy affects the firm performance, the Structural Equation model (SEM) was utilized in the study. Thus, the model fitness was tested before running the SEM and respectively the result showed that the fit indices for the model shown in data analyses were in the acceptable range(CMIN/DF=1.100, GFI =0 .992, RMR=0.001, TLI = 1.000, RMSEA = 0.017).This allows the researcher to run SEM. The result of the study showed that when the marketing strategy goes by one- unit, Firm performance goes by 0.923, With a P-Value of less than 5 percent. this shows that marketing strategy has a significant positive effect on the firm Performance. Specifically, the study revealed that Product Strategy, Price Strategy, Place strategy, and Promotion strategy has a significant positive effect on the Firm performance. therefore, to enhance the firm Performance, the companies should give due emphasis to setting a viable marketing strategy as it let them have better performances.
The Mediating Effect of Customer Satisfaction on The Relationships Between Promotional Strategy and Firms Sales Performance
Getachew Etana Eticha, Zerihun Ayenew Birbirsa, Misganu Getahun
This paper presents a study on the Mediating Effect of Customer Satisfaction on The Relationships Between Promotional Strategy and Firms’ Sales Performance. For the study, an explanatory research design is used to investigate the direct and indirect relationship between Promotional Strategy, Customer Satisfaction, and firms’ sales performances. Both primary and secondary sources of data are exploited. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques are also employed to select the respondents from the target population of the study. The structural Equation Model was used to analyze the data. Respectively, the data were analyzed using AMOS software. The study result showed that the direct effect of Promotional Strategy on firm sales performance is 0.067, with a P-Value less than 0.05. this shows that, when Promotional Strategy goes by, 1, firm sales performance goes up by 0.067 with T-value greater than 1.96 and p -a value less than 0.05. On the other hand, the study revealed that the indirect effect of Promotional strategy on firm sales performance is 1.86; with P-Value is less than 0.05. This shows that the firm sales performance is improved when customer satisfaction is mediating the relationship between Promotional Strategy and Firm sales performance in the Ethiopian banking industry. thus, it is recommended that the banking industry should focus on satisfying their customer. Additionally, the top management of the banking industry should encourage the team of the industry to set a clear strategy for customer satisfaction.
Budget deficit and macroeconomic performance in sub-Saharan Africa. Does income group matter?
Okeke Obiajulu Chibuzo, Esefo Ikponmwosa Osagie , Okere Wisdom & Oketa Eunice Chiamaka
This study examined the nexus between budget deficit and macroeconomics performance across SSA countries and also between the different income group countries in SSA as pointed out by the world bank, for the period between 1991 – 2018. Adopting the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) for the estimation of the variables, the findings revealed a long-run significant as well as a positive association between budget deficit and inflation, and also an insignificant but positive effect in the short run. A long-run significant negative effect between budget deficit and the exchange rate was reported, also a short-run insignificant positive. For the various income groups, budget deficit and inflation rate had a similar effect, whereas it was different between budget deficit and exchange rate. The study recommended the reduction of the budget deficit to reduce the inflation rate and also measures should be taken to stabilize the fluctuating exchange rate.
Effect of work-life balance on employee performance in the health care sector of delta state Nigeria
Ibini Emueje ,Ph.D Okonta Ewere Clinton & Odanibeh John Anael
The study examined the effect of work-life balance on employee performance in the Health Care Sector of Delta State. The study used a cross-sectional survey research design. The population of this study consists of 512 staff of five different hospitals in Asaba, Ughelli, and Warri metropolis of Delta State. The sample size consisted of approximately 217 individuals. A segment of the population was drawn using the stratified random sampling approach. A structured questionnaire with responses in the form of a five-point Likert scale served as the study's research instrument. The study employed the test-retest reliability approach. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used to analyse the data in order to draw generalisations and conclusions. Finding showed that 41% of the change in employee performance was brought about by the dimensions of work-life balance. The study concluded that the dimensions of work-life balance such as flexible schedules, work leave initiatives and tele working have significant positive effect on employee performance. The study recommended amongst others that companies should always try to meet workers requests by appreciating the value of worklife balance if they wish to boost their productivity.
Perception of Delta State University Staff Towards Physically Active Workshop Programme for A Fit and Healthy Life
Singer,Cable Ebimene (Ph.D.)
The importance of a physical fitness programme cannot be overemphasis. Physical fitness programmes promote good health and prevent hypokinetic ailments. People who engage in physical fitness activities as a lifestyle will benefit in the long term from all the physical and psychological effects produced through the programme. This study, therefore, is to examine the perception of delta state university staff towards a physically active workshop programme for a healthy life. Two research questions were formulated to guide the study. The descriptive research design of the expo-facto was adopted for the study. The population consisted of all Delsu staff (academic and non-academic).The sample size for the study consisted of Ninety-four (94) staff (26 academic and 68 non-academic). The instrument for the study is a self-developed questionnaire. The study revealed that Delsu staff do not participate regularly in the monthly Delsu physically active workshop programme for a fit and healthy life because of the poor nature of sports facilities and equipment in the university community. It also revealed that the nature of work does not prevent Delsu staff from participating in the monthly Delsu physically active workshop programme for a fit and healthy life. It was recommended that sports facilities and equipment should be provided and maintained for the programme objectives to be achieved.
Taxation and performance of small and medium enterprises (SME) in Nigeria prospects and implications
Okere, Wisdom; Okere Uloma
This research looked at how different tax rates affected the success of small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria. The research, which used a conceptual approach, found that tax rates had an effect on the performance of small and medium-sized businesses, with higher rates leading to greater production, distribution, and selling expenses. In addition, the analysis shows that there is a significant chance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to get access to taxes and the official market under the existing Finance Act 2020. The research suggests streamlining tax rules for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to make compliance less of a hassle. This entails not only having straightforward tax rules, but also a straightforward tax filing procedure.
Determinants of Women heads non farm participation in Western Ethiopia Empirical Evidence in Horo Guduru Wollega zone
Wakuma Dufera, Amsalu Bedemo, Temesgen Kebede
Introduction; Women have an important role in business participation that has a great impact on improving households’ livelihoods. Objectives; The main objective of this study was to describe factors determining women's non-farm participation in non-farm activities. Methodology; For analyzing the data, the researcher used the binary log it model, Results; The result of the study shows that the determinants of women's participation in non-agricultural activities were age, family size, household property ownership, land size, non-farm training, lack of access to credit, membership in Idir, women's participation in local community affairs, and distance from the market location. Among these determinant variables, land size, family size, and distance from market location negatively influence women's participation, while the rest positively influence women's participation in non-agricultural activities. Furthermore, socioeconomic factors such as society's backward attitude toward women and women's low participation in education have been identified as major issues. Recommendation: Accordingly, the study recommended that the government, NGOs, and various religious leaders work together to minimize the socio-economic impact on women, and the women's and children's affairs office in the study area should work with the university researchers to identify the problems faced by women.
Environmental laws and the politics of environmental enforcement in Nigeria oil-rich Niger Delta region
Zephaniah O. Edo , Victor E. Clark, (Ph.D) & Laz Etemike, (Ph.D)
The last six decades have seen the massive ecological damage done to the Niger Delta environment through unwholesome activities by oil multinationals. The region continue to suffer from avoidable oil spills, oil pollution and gas flaring and these have affected the economic activities of the region and lives of its inhabitants. To address the pollution of the region which has caused great damage to aquatic lives, air and land, the government has enacted several environmental laws, regulations and standards to regulate the oil industry and to curb its negative externalities. Unfortunately these laws have not translated into substantive environmental quality as environmental enforcement continue to fall short in addressing environmental disaster in the region, hampering the nation’s drive towards environmental sustainability and sustainable development. Using secondary data derives from scholarly articles and documents, this paper explains that the overdependence of the Nigerian government on crude oil is the major explanations for its weak enforcement of environmental laws. It concludes that environmental enforcement in the region can only be strengthened if the government were to pursue policies that will lessen this dependency.
Firms attributes and share prices of quoted consumer goods firms in Nigeria
Obaje, Folashade Olufunke1; Ogirima, Abdulmumuni2; & Muhammed Abdulsalam3
The study examined the impact of firm’s attributes on share prices of the quoted consumer goods firms in Nigeria. The research design adopted by the study is correlational and ex-post facto and the population constitutes the twenty (20) consumer goods firms quoted on the Nigeria Exchange Group as at 31st December 2021 out of which ten (10) were used as sample size. Due to the data availability of the companies, the study uses purposive sampling technique. The study uses secondary data and the instrument used for the collection of the data is documentation. The data used are extracted from the annual reports of the listed consumer goods firms on the Nigeria Exchange Group.. The study used linear regression model as the techniques of analysis using STATA 13.0 software. The study revealed that firm age has a significant positive impact on share prices while firm size and leverage both have insignificant negative impact on share prices of quoted consumer goods firms in Nigeria. The study therefore recommended that the management, investors and regulators of the quoted consumer goods firms in Nigeria should not place emphasis on the number of years a firm has been in operation and should devise more strategies of maintaining and improving their asset base.
Agricultural productivity, population growth and food security in sub-Saharan Africa
1Nnoli, Ikenna Theodore; 2Enilolobo, Oluwafemi Sunday; 3Ajayi, Emmanuel Olusuyi and 4Imeokparia, Lawrence.
The study investigates the impact of Agricultural productivity and population growth on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2001 to 2019. The study made use of secondary data sourced from the World Development Indicator (WDI, 2021), and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO, 2021). A sample of 38 countries out of the 48 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa was selected using convenient sampling technique. Food security, the dependent variable was measured in terms of availability, accessibility, stability and Utilization, proxied by “Food production Index (2006=100)”, “Gross domestic product per capita, PPP, Dissemination (constant 2011 international $)”, “Per capita food supply variability (kcal/cap/day)” and “Percentage of population using at least basic drinking water service” respectively. In other to achieve the objective of the study, the System Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) was employed. From the GMM result, agricultural productivity with coefficients of 0.07064, 0.04724, 0.45007 and 0.05036 positively and significantly impacted food security when measured in terms of Availability, Accessibility, Stability and Utilization respectively. While population growth with coefficients of -0.09528, -0.03628, -0.74364 and -0.03867 negatively and significantly impacted food security when measured in terms of Availability, Accessibility, Stability and Utilization respectively. The study based on its findings recommended that African leaders need to play a critical role in supporting agricultural research and development which will increase agricultural productivity and hence improves food security.
Financial Development-Income inequality nexus in Developing economies in post-Covid-19 Era: Evidence from Nigeria
Victoria I. Okafor1,2 Oluranti Olurinola3 Ebenezer Bowale,2,4 Romanus Osabohien2,5 Esther Oluwatayo6
Issues: To have a thriving economy post-COVID-19, relevant and viable policies need to be put in place. The incidence of COVID-19 has reduced the last 5 years efforts towards reducing global poverty and income inequality to nothing as poverty and income inequality have further widened. Income inequality is the disparity in income distribution that has further widened due to the income loss of people because of the lockdown instigated to curb the spread of the pandemic. While the lockdown affected global productivity, developing economies are more likely to be more affected because the pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of economies due to the pre-existing developmental issues plaguing developing economies. Therefore, measures must be taken drastically to ensure that developing economies have an economy to look forward to post-COVID. Methods: This study analysed how financial development can effectively aid income inequality reduction in Africa, focusing on Nigeria. The study examined the Nigeria Baseline Household survey conducted by the World Bank during the heat of COVID-19 with the aid of descriptive statistics. Findings: findings show that financial development can drastically reduce income inequality when electronic measures are embraced.
Effect of Covid-19 Pandemic on Consumption and Prices of Poultry Products in Delta State, Nigeria .
Ogisi, O.D., Enimu, S. and Ovwasa, O. J.
The study was carried out in Delta State, Nigeria to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on consumption and prices of poultry products. The specific objectives were to determine the level of consumption of poultry products before, during and after the outbreak of COVID-19; ascertain the major COVID-19 event that impacted poultry industry the most; and determine the effect of Consumer’s profile on consumption of poultry products during the pandemic. The multi-stage random sampling technique was applied in the selection of 405 respondents and primary data were collected using questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used for data analysis. The result from the study indicated that 54% of the respondents were female, with average age of 26years; majority 40% had tertiary education. About 60% of the monthly expenditure of the respondents was on food items and the prices of poultry product skyrocketed 300% compared to pre-COVID-19 era, while 95% of the poultry consumers do not have access to the products during the pandemic. The multiple regression models with adjusted R2 of 79% indicated a relatively good fit, revealing that age, gender, employment, household income, and selling price of the products affected poultry consumption in the study area. Based on the result of the study, it was recommended that government and non-governmental organizations should develop alternative sales and distribution platforms for poultry and poultry products (online resources and ecommerce) to connect producers, businesses, and consumers in any circumstances and facilitate flexible conditions for bank loans disbursement and management.
An evaluation of the effect of Cash Flow Activities management on the Financial Performance of Manufacturing Firms Listed at the Nigeria Stock Exchange
1Modum Ikenna C. 2Dr. Ugwoke, Robison O. 3Dr. Ojukwu, Chioma Obianuju 4Akwue, Ojore Solomon
The study examined the cash flow activities on the financial performance of manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Eighteen (16) firms were selected from the forty-three (43) firms listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) judgementally. The Ex-Post facto research design was adopted, and secondary data were extracted from the selected firms’ annual reports for eleven years (2011-2021). Cash flow from operating activities, cash flow from investing activities, and cash flow from financing activities were used as proxies for the independent variables. In contrast, ROCE, EPS and TQ were used as proxies for the dependent variable. Three hypotheses were formulated and analysed using the fixed and random effect models. There were mixed results of significant and non-significant cash flow activities on the financial performance of the selected manufacturing firms. Therefore, the study recommended that firms should optimally engage all activities that would generate more cash inflow from operating activities to increase the firm’s performance. Management of the firms should thoroughly evaluate investment opportunities to ensure an optimal return, which will lead to improved performance. Firms should use cash flow ratios for investment appraisal and seek a cheaper funding source to reduce the burden of servicing debt to achieve an optimal result.
Effects of communication technology instructional intervention on achievement of basic science and technology among junior secondary school students in Delta State, Nigeria.
Iroriteraye-Adjekpovu, Janice Imizuokena (Ph.D), Ovuworie Onoriode Oghenewede & Umukoro Emmanuel
The paper investigated the effects of communication technology instructional intervention on academic achievement of Basic/Elementary Science and Technology students in Delta State. The paper adopted a pre-test - post-test quasi-experimental design. The population constituted of 21,937 JSII students of Elementary Science and Technology in 179 public/government secondary schools in Delta State. A purposive sampling technique was employed and 223 JSII Basic Science and Technology students made up the study sample size. Basic Science Achievement Test (BSAT) was the instrument used for data collection. The reliability of the BSAT was established using the Kuder-Richardson formula 21 which yielded a coefficient index of 0.77. The data obtained were analysed using mean, standard deviation, t-test and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The results indicated a significant difference in the achievement mean scores between students instructed Basic/ Elementary Science and Technology with communication technology instructional intervention and those instructed with the lecture method, in favour of students taught Basic/Elementary Science and Technology with communication technology instructional intervention; there was no significant difference in the mean achievement scores between male and female students instructed Basic/Elementary Science and Technology with communication technology instructional intervention; and there was no significant interaction effect of teaching method and sex on students’ achievement in Elementary Science and Technology. It was therefore, recommended that communication technology instructional intervention should be adopted by Basic/Elementary Science and Technology Teachers in the teaching of Basic/Elementary Science and Technology concepts at junior secondary school level to enable them apply scientific and technological knowledge and skill.
Entrepreneurship: A Catalyst for Job Creation and Inclusive Growth in Nigeria
Imoisi, Anthony Ilegbinosa (PhD)
The pecuniarynecessity of making jobs available has become obvious following the downturn in economic activities in Nigeria, which turned chronic unemployment rates into anurgent political concern for the country’s government. This has been compounded by the nation’s persistent insecurity challenges and rising fiscal pressures, along with a global economy that is undergoingrun-of-the-mill growth. While certainly not a solution for all of Nigeria’s unemployment troubles, programmes that stimulate entrepreneurship and encourageMSMEs can assist the country in creating jobs and fostering inclusive growth, along the lines of the eighth SDG. The economic justification for taking up entrepreneurship and MSMEs is uncomplicated to formulate. Other than creating jobs, entrepreneurs and MSMEs can help upset the prevalentsnag of associate capitalism in the nation. Regrettably, promoting an ecosystem that would drive these potential change vehiclesonward is difficult. Undeniably, the Nigerian government has acknowledged the advantages of entrepreneurship but has not ensured that the appropriate ecosystem is available for entrepreneurs to thrive. The policy modifications required to produce such an ecosystem need a resilient political determination and a willingness to confrontembedded political and economic interests. Pressurizing deposit money banks to extend financial openings to entrepreneurs, and increasing market access viaimprovedinterconnectedlocal supply chains are extremely politicized concerns in Nigeria. Carrying out policy reforms in these locales has hence been problematic. Nevertheless if the Nigerian government desire to reduce unemployment, it ought to do what is required to galvanize entrepreneurs and MSMEs
Personality Super-traits and Psychosocial Adjustment of First Year University Undergraduates in Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
Toyin Odofin, Ph.D And E.E. Ebenuwa-Okoh, Ph.D
This study examined the impact of personality supertraits on psychosocial adjustment among first year university undergraduate students in Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses. Simple random sampling technique and Purposive sampling was used to select 300 male and female first year undergraduate participants for the study. The target population for the study was 100 level undergraduates’ students in the Faculty of Education, Delta State University, Abraka. The instrument used to collect data was an adopted questionnaire which include personality supertraits (PS)and psychosocial adjustment scale(PAS). Cronbach Alpha was used to assess the reliability index of the instrument which yielded 0.79.The data collected were analyzed using Descriptive Statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) to answer research questions and Regression Statistics to test the hypotheses at .05 level of significance.The results of the findings showed that the fivepersonality supertraits jointly had a positive relationship with psychosocial adjustment. The study further showed that male undergraduate student’s psychosocial adjustment is higher than those of their female counterparts.Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that effective counselling should be given by professional counsellors in schools to first year undergraduate students in order to help nurture the students with emotional needs that wish to share their problems in confidence with them. When planning activities in the universities for undergraduates, equal opportunities should be given to both male and female undergraduates.
Intellectual Capital and Competitive Advantage of Deposit Money Banks in Enugu Metropolis Nigeria
1Ezenwakwelu, Charity A.; 2Esubok, Saviour Etim; 3Okonye, Gift Chukwuyem 4Akpan, Ekom Etim
The study examined intellectual capital and competitive advantage of deposit money banks in Enugu Metropolis. The study sought to: ascertain the effect of human capital on growth performance; assess the effect of customer capital on products patronage; determine the effect of structural capital on service delivery and ascertain the effect of technology advancement on productivity of deposit money banks. The study population was 1497, from which a sample of 297 was obtained from Cochran statistical formula. The study adopted the survey research design. Findings from the logistic regression revealed that human capital had positive effect on growth performance. Customer capital had positive effect on products patronage. Structural capital positively affected service delivery. Technology advancement positively affected productivity of deposit money banks. It was concluded that intellectual capital is essential for organizational competitiveness. Therefore, banks should design policies that support attraction, retention and development of highly knowledgeable personnel.
Recognition and Employees Behavioural outcomes: A Case of Covenant University, Nigeria
Patience N. Evans- Osabuohien Ebeguki E. Igbinona Romanus Osabohien* Daniel E. Ufua Oluwapelumi John Olajugba Olamilekan Ayomiposi Daramola Johnson Oluwaniyi Okeowo Oluwakemi Alake
Background: This study is focused on talent retention strategies and employees’ behavioural outcomes in Nigeria. The study is based on the Nigerian higher education sector and uses Covenant University, Ota, as a case study. Methodology: The sample of the study consists of four hundred and forty-four (444) academic staff in the four (4) colleges of the University. The study used a semi-structured questionnaire to gather relevant data for analysis and interpretation. The Heterotrait-monotrait discriminant (HTMT) ratio of correlation was utilised in ascertaining the Partial List - Equation Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) was engaged in understanding the predictive relevance of the measurement construct. Results and Recommendation: From the analysis, recognition significantly influences employees’ behavioural outcomes. The study recommends that there is a need for an organisation to embrace continuous evaluation and adjustment of recognitionpolicies to maintain its talent retention competencies. It is also recommended for the case study organisation’s management to consistently project career support initiatives for the enhancement of staff behavioural outcomes.
Original Manuscript Effects of 10-Week Core Exercises Intervention on Agility Skills of U-15 Female Football Players
Dr Melkamu Dugassa Kasssa1* , Mr Amanu Eba Muleta2, Professor D. Mathivanan3
Introduction: Core training effectively improves sports performance.Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the effect of 10-weeks core exercise intervention on the performance measures of two agility categories of U15female football players. Methods: Thirty under U-15 female football players were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG, n=15) and control group (CG, n=15). Baseline and end measurements included the agility T-test and Illinois agility test. The 10-week intervention entailed 40 minutes of supervised core exercises (Jump Squat, Alternate Legs Jump, Squat, Crunches, Lying Twist Trunk, Lunge, Side Plank, and Mountain Climber), three days a week. Pre-test measurements at the start of the study and post-test measurements afterten weeks were compared using mean, standard deviation, and analysis of varience (ANOVA) considering significant level of p<0.05. Second was used as the unit of measurement. Results: In the exeperimental group, there was an improvement in agility T-test and Illinious agility test with p<0.05.A statistically significant difference of Illinois agility test among EG in pretest and posttest between offensive and goalkeepers with a mean difference of (M=3.09), p<0.05; midfielders and goalkeepers (M=2.59), p<0.0; and between Defensives and Goalkeepers players (M=3.43), p<0.01. Also, significant variances of Agility T-Test among offensive players pretest (12.63 ± 0.59 sec) and the posttest values (10.39 ± 0.69 sec) (F=20.84; p=0.0001) was observed.Conclusion: The use of core training in combination with normal football training for ten weeks is shown to be effective in improving the quickness and agility of U15 female football players after ten weeks. So, it appears reasonable to include specific core training programs within football training.Conclusion: Core pieces of training that were applied additionally to soccer training can contribute positively to developing players' speed and agility skills.
Catechizing Women Empowerment through a Multi-Dimensional Prism: Insights from Gender Statistics
Dr shruti R Panday
Women Empowerment is believed to be the key factor inimproving status of women in the society. UNO Agenda 30 incorporates gender equality as one of the targets to be achieved not only to ameliorate the condition of women but also the family and the society. In this context, it becomes imperative that the lens through which the concept of women empowerment is seen, should be widened. A host of economic, social, political, cultural factors are interlinked to ensure real endorsement of empowerment to women in the society. The paper tries to elucidate a multivariate multidimensional causative relation among factors which guarantee real empowerment to women at various levels of their life cycles. From available literatures, variables affecting empowerment at various stages were identified and clubbed as facilitating or debilitating factors and at the same time disparity between actual and real magnitude of empowerment has been identified. The paper has been written with women issues in the developing countries with special focus to India.
Influence of self-efficacy, empathy and self-esteem on teachers attitudes toward students with autism spectrum disorder
Fung Lan Yong , Melinda Kong & Yaw Seng Ee
The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of self-efficacy, empathy and self-esteem on teachers’ attitudes toward students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The sample consisted of 69 teachers who completed the scales online. Data were analysed using SmartPLS-SEM software. Findings revealed a significantly positive relationship between teachers’ self-efficacy and empathy toward students with ASD.A significantly positive relationship between teachers’ empathy and attitudes toward students with ASD was also found. Recommendations on how to increase teacher empathy toward students with ASD were provided in light of the findings.
Staffs perceptions of transformational leadership behaviours among departmental heads at Malaysian tertiary institutions
Yuk Fong Chin , Melinda Kong & Ming Ha Lee
The purpose of this study was to examine staff’s perceptions of the cruciality of transformational leadership behaviours among department heads at private tertiary institutions. The study was limited to 56 administrative and teaching staff from three private colleges in Sabah and Sarawak as well as an Australian-based university in Sarawak. The Transformational Scale/Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) designed by Bass and Avolio (1995) was administered online to collect data that were subsequently analysed using SPSS 26.0. Mann-Whitney U test revealed non-significant differences existed in terms of gender, while Kruskal-Wallis H test, revealed non-significant differences existed in terms of age and qualifications. A one-sample Wilcoxon test revealed that all transformational leadership items were significant at the hypothesised valued of 3.5, in which all items had median values that were significantly greatly than 3.5, indicating that staff tended to choose the higher score for all items. Additionally, the mean score of transformational leadership behaviours was 62 for males and 60 for females(out of a total of 70), indicating that staff tended to perceive the cruciality of transformational leadership among department heads, as average. Overall, about 82 to 97 percent of staff perceived that department heads should exhibit all of the transformational leadership behaviours, except for treating staff as individuals rather than members of a group.
Computer aided Instruction needs for Clothing and Textile students in Nigerias Tertiary Institutions
Azonuche Juliana Ego
The need for adoption and use of Computer–aided Instruction (CAI) technology in Clothing and textile education is an innovation and crucial step in the right direction towards training future labour force needed for apparel industry. The study was to find out the extent of lecturers’ awareness, instructional resources and ascertain CAI needs in pattern making to further the teaching and learning of Clothing and textile in Nigeria tertiary institutions. A hypothesis was tested in the study. Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. Population was 233 respondents. Eight tertiary institutions were randomly selected. All the seven lecturers and 68 students of clothing and textiles in the selected institutions were used. Questionnaire was used to collect data and analysed using percentages, mean, standard deviation and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Findings showed that lecturers are highly aware of the use of CAI in pattern making in clothing and textiles but do not use it in instruction. Instructional resources and pattern making skill needs were identified. Therefore, CAI will expose lecturers and students to skill training and usage. It was recommended that training and CAI technology be provided for effective instruction to meet global competitive requirements.
Effect of public traffic service delivery on transportation administration in Oyo State, Nigeria
Dr. Oluwaseyi Isaiah Alamu & Ahmed Olasunkanmi Lawal
Issues: Traffic management is one of the main functions of public sector; of road transportation is a major mode of transportation in Nigeria. Despite government’s efforts at delivering a suitable transportation system there has been a lot of clam our on the state of transportation administration in Oyo State, Nigeria. Service delivery in the area of traffic management in Oyo State has witnessed a major challenge as a result of an increase in the number of road users, roadside trading, lack of adequate traffic lights, road signs and poor road networks. Methods: This paper seeks to examine the effect of public traffic service delivery on transportation in Oyo State, Nigeria. The paper made use of primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected through questionnaire and interview while secondary data were collected from textbooks, journals, reports, government gazettes and other publications. A multistage sampling technique was used for the study. Findings: The study found that there is a significant effect between public traffic service delivery and management of road transportation in Oyo State, being that 2 calculated(58.21) is greater than 2 tabulated(28.869). Conclusions: The study concluded that public traffic service delivery had an effect on transport administration in Oyo State, Nigeria. Thus, recommended that more hands need to be deployed to manage public transport administration and make available adequate public road transport facilities.
Establishing Virtue Ethics as an Alternative Theory to Consequentialism and Deontology for Addressing Environmental Problems
Dr. Jyoti Kumari1, Dr. Pankojini Mulia2 and Dr. Ajit Kumar Behura3
Environmental Problem is globally witnessed in the twenty-first century. These environmental problems are deforestation, acid rain, ozone layer depletion, loss of biodiversity, climate change, pollution of air, water, and soil, which require urgent attention. The reason behind these environmental problems is: (a) urbanization, (b) modernization, (c) industrialization (d) population growth, (e) poverty, and more importantly (f) the growing materialistic needs of humans, their unethical practices and immoral conduct. Humans are the most powerful beings on the earth and they have misused their physical and mental power to satisfy their greed rather than need which gave them mastery over nature and consequently destroyed it. The effect of these destruction is not only limited to humans, but it is also effecting the other beings of this planet. Only science is not sufficient to provide the solution to these environmental problems, hence we must have to emphasize on the need of ethics. Ethics teaches us which actions are good or bad, right or wrong for human being. Therefore, this present would focus on virtue ethics for addressing the environmental problems instead of other ethical theories such as consequentialism and deontology because presently instead of focussing either on the consequences of an action or the duties and responsibilities of an individual, there is a need to inculcate good virtues among the humans for building a good character so that they can act morally and take moral decisions towards environmental problems.
Financial development and manufacturing capacity utilization in Nigeria
Aniefor, Sunday Jones and Orife, Catherine Ogheneovo
This study examined the effect of credit to private sector on the variation in manufacturing capacity utilization in Nigeria. Data for the study were extracted from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) annual reports and statistical bulletin of 2020. The data as published in the statistical bulletin are on annual basis except otherwise stated. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics generated from E-Views 9.0 statistical software. Based on the empirical evidence on hypothesis, this study upholds that credit to private sector show a negative relationship with manufacturing capacity utilization in Nigeria. The study conclude that there was inadequate credit to finance public sector as it concerns industrial production and capacity utilization in Nigeria and this needed urgent attention to abate the effect on our economy. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) continue to strengthen and regulate the process of financial procedures on areas of industrial sector and ensure commercial banks give adequate priority to industrial production due to its extensive benefits to our economy.
Labour Practices and Plastic Manufacturing Firms Image in Nigeria
1Akinbode, James*, 2Sokefun, Eniola, Ogunrinade, Ranti & 3Ebeloku, Ademola
Image of plastic manufacturing firms in Nigeria have come under severe criticisms for numerous reasons. One of the many issues that is yet to adequately gathered empirical support is the spate of unfair labour practices which might have been responsible for negative image of the plastic firms in Nigeria and it was against this backdrop that this study examined labour practices and plastic manufacturing firms’ image in Nigeria. To achieve the objective of the study, a survey was conducted among two hundred and thirty-eight (238) employees of selected plastic manufacturing firms in Nigeria. It was revealed in the processed data that there is significant relationship between unfair labour practices and plastic manufacturing firms’ image in Nigeria. Specifically, the study discovered that female employees’ were exposed to unfair labour practices in plastic manufacturing firms than male employees’ and this have really affected the image of plastic manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Similarly, employees with low retention tendencies were found to have experienced more unfair labour practices which have earned the firms negative image than those with high retention tendencies. The study concluded that unfair labour practices have contributed significantly the battered image of the Nigerian plastic manufacturing firms. It was recommended that urgent steps must be taken to reposition the Nigerian plastic manufacturing firms to earn positive image and make it more employees’ friendly in order to enhance the productivity level of the industry in Nigeria.
The Role of Indian and Ethiopian Universities in Building a Knowledge-Based Economy: A five-dimensional Comparative Study
Teshome Gudissa Degu, Ph.D.
It is a well-known fact that knowledge-based economies are essential for nations to survive the effect of globalization. In the twenty-first century, a knowledge-based economy is vital for competitiveness. A knowledge-based economy is one in which technological and information development, distribution, and application are vital to economic activity and long-term growth. The study's overarching goal is to analyze the contributions of Indian and Ethiopian universities to the development of a knowledge-based economy. A qualitative comparative analysis methodology was used in this investigation. A total of twenty participants were chosen (ten Indian professors who had previously taught at Indian institutions and who are currently hired by some Ethiopian universities, and ten Ethiopian professors) were chosen from a sample of five Ethiopian universities. Primary data was gathered through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Furthermore, because secondary sources were so crucial, pertinent information on universities in India and Ethiopia was acquired from published works. The data analysis procedures for this study included transcribing the interview recordings, reading the transcriptions several times to get a sense of the entire interview, starting the coding process, reviewing all codes to determine which codes did not work or combining ideas from different codes, and breaking down the codes that contained too much data into secondary codes. Human capital formation, academic publication, innovation, start-ups, and university-industry linkage were used as criteria to compare the universities of both countries. According to qualitative data analysis, Indian institutions are much ahead of Ethiopian universities. India is a global leader in human capital formation, with one in every four graduates coming from the Indian educational system. Moreover, universities in India have notable publication records and good culture of university-industry linkage. Ethiopian universities are either in their infancy or underperforming in terms of human capital generation, research, innovation, startups, and university-industry collaboration.
Corporate Governance Mechanisms and Reported Earnings Quality of Quoted Nigerian Banks
Adeosun, Omoniyi Alabi (PhD) & Adeosun, Oluwaseun Titi ,
This study investigates the impact of corporate governance mechanisms on reported earnings quality of quoted Nigerian banks. Post consolidation of banks in Nigeria in 2004 resulted in increase in the capital base of Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) but did not mitigate the propensity of the management to engage in earnings manipulation due to weak corporate governance regime. With the introduction of the corporate governance code in 2006 and the revised code for banks and finance houses in 2014 by the Central Bank of Nigeria as well as the adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards, it is expected that financial reporting practice in the quoted banks should improve. This study is directed at ascertaining the extent at which governance mechanisms associate with earnings management in the banking industry. The study used 10 (ten) quoted DMBs during the period 2010-2019, regressed six governance mechanisms on reported earnings quality proxy. Multiple regressions analysis was employed using the software E-view version 10. The study finds a significant and positive relationship between the size of the audit committee, audit committee independence and firm (bank) size and reported earnings quality while board size, board independence and size of external auditors are found to be insignificant but negatively associated with reported earnings quality. The study therefore recommends in light of the findings: that the Code of Corporate Governance 2014 and provisions of CAMA 1990 on audit committee size, audit committee independence and external audit should be upheld in Nigeria quoted banks as they are significant factors in reduction of opportunistic financial reporting by management.
Firms indebtedness and financial performance of the listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria
Akpokerere, Othuke Emmanuel (Ph.D) Osevwe-Okoroyibo, E. Eloho
This study examined the effects of Indebtedness on Financial Performance (FP) of listed Oil and Gas (O&G) firms in Nigeria; for the period of 2011-2020 (10years). This was done in respect of the measures of Indebtedness [Long Term Debt Ratio (LTDR), Total Debt Ratio (TDR) and Debt to Equity (DTER)] in relation to FP proxied with Return on Assets (ROA). Secondary data were collected from annual report of selected O&G quoted companies and analyzed with descriptive statistics, correlation matrix and regression analytical technique using the E-VIEW (version 9.0) statistical tool. The findings revealed that LTDR, TDR and DTER does not have significant effect on ROA. The study concluded that Indebtedness does not exert significance effect on FP of listed O&G firms in Nigeria. The study suggested that in order to optimise the earning potential of the oil and gas enterprises in Nigeria as well as to produce a respectable return on the loan, long-term debts should be applied to long-term business strategies. The first line of attack should once more be equity funding.
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