Econometric analysis of the impact evaluation of development interventions on ginger production system
Awogbemi Clement Adeyeye , Alagbe Samson Adekola & Oloda Festus Smart Sunday
Ginger is a therapeutic crop with global acceptability due to its medicinal and economic values. Its value chain has been staggering over time as a result of some underlined factors and their associated effects. In order to stimulate the performance of ginger value most especially, in rural communities where means of livelihood depend mostly on agriculture, development interventions needed to be put in place. In this study, the impact of interventions on ginger outputs were measured from the surveys conducted from some randomly selected Local Government Areas in Kaduna State. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the socio-economic profile of the respondents; cost and return analyses were employed to measure the profitability of the ginger production system and multiple regression techniques were used to estimate the impact of the interventions on ginger outputs. Findings from the study indicated that the ginger production system was dominated by female adults and was also a profitable scheme. This was affirmed by the monetary value obtained from the variable cost of production and increasing rate of returns from the ginger output. It was also asserted that most of the determinant factors that influenced the land productivity of the ginger growers were positively significant with attendant jobs creation.
Application of Monte Carlo Simulation in Risk Analysis of Combustion Inspection Project Cost
Dr. Enyinna Gregory. C Dr. Uche. U. Moneke Dr. Uche, Ijioma & Uba Akadike
This study applied Monte Carlo Simulation in carrying out risk analysis of general electric (GE) Frame 9E Gas Turbine Prepared for Combustion Inspection at Transcop power Limited (TPL) with the aim of modelling the company’s combustion inspection project cost. Secondary data was acquired from the company for simulation using MATLAB®, Python®, @Risk® of Palisade Corporation which is an add-in program for Microsoft® Office Excel, and the Crystal Ball of Oracle®. That made it possible to define probability of continuous stochastic variable as variable value that is included in a specified interval using Monte Carlo Simulation principles. Data were acquired on monthly basis for the years 2014 to 2020 which made it possible for us to ascertain these facts, from Simulation result indicated that it is possible to carry out any of the three turnaround projects on GT4 to GT13 with a project cost of 255 million naira when adequately managed, while 580 million would be sufficient for GT15 to GT20. Thus, risk analysis on combustion inspection project cost helped facilitate efficient process of turnaround maintenance project without delaying the process which can eventually affect the efficiency of the mode of operations of the Turbine or create a possible condition of equipment breakdown. This process through the aid of Monte Carlo risk simulation created high accuracy for risk management of combustion inspection project cost at Trancop power Limited.
Resorting to traditional way of water conservation: The Case of Tassa Farming technology in Delta State, Nigeria
*Eromedoghene, E.O., **Okonta, B.O., ***Ebewore, S.O. and ****Amedu, I.O
The study was assessed the adoption of tassa farming technology among farmers in Delta State. Specific objectives were to: describe the socio economic characteristics of the farmers; ascertain the awareness of the respondents of Tassa farming technology; determine the proportion of farmers involved in Tassa farming technology; determine the perception of farmers of tassa farming technology; ascertain the knowledge level of farmers of tassa farming technology; and examine the constraints to the use of tassa farming technique. A total of 108 farmers were selected for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (binary logit regression model). Results show that majority of the respondents (91.7%) are very much aware of the technology, although the adoption index of 0.43 showed low adoption of Tassa farming technique. Respondents’ perception of Tassa farming indicates that respondents affirm the statement that Tassa farming technology is easy to use compare to other agricultural technologies; Tassa farming technology improves yields and increases income. However, they perceived Tassa as labour intensive. The most serious constraints experienced by the respondents included lack of finance (mean = 3.35), lack of labour force (mean = 3.11), government policy on the use of Tassa pits (mean = 4.1), lack of extension information and follow-up (mean 3.64) and lack of technical know-how for digging Tassa pits (mean = 1.71%). It was recommended that farmers in the state be sensitized on Tassa farming technology through increased knowledge of the technology as a way of encouraging farming all year round.
Effects of sample size and dispersion on quantile based plots for detecting normality
Isaac O. Ajao, Awogbemi C. Adeyeye and Urama Kenny Ugochukwu
A lot of researchers handling data want their data tested for normality before proceeding to further statistical analysis. The classical tests for the assessment of normality among others are Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test, Lilliefors corrected K-S test, Shapiro-Wilk test, Shapiro-Francia test, Anderson-Darling test, Cramer-von Mises test, D’Agostinoskewness test, Anscombe-Glynn kurtosis test, D’Agostino-Pearson omnibus test, and the Jarque-Bera test. The visual methods commonly used are the histogram, boxplot, pp-plot, qqplot, and the stem-and-leaf plot. This paper seeks to find out the effect of sample and dispersion on quantile based plots for detecting normality in montecarlo simulated and the transformed data. It was observed that as the sample size increases the data approaches normality, while it suffers departure as standard deviation increases. It is therefore recommended that the visual methods, especially the qq-plot be used for detecting normality only when the sample size is low and the standard deviation is high.
Evolution of commodity market: effect of Covid 19 era
Dr. Veronica N. Ndubuisi
Evolution of commodity trading can be traced to the agricultural revolution of 8500 BC during which farmers and traders fashioned a means to secure prices of commodities against price fluctuations caused by weather, conflict, demand and supply gap. While the Egyptian Exchange was established in 1861, the Nigerian Commodity Market came on board not until 1990s. Nigeria has been the suppliers of raw materials to Western Europe and prices and conditions of trade dictated by them. The Covid-19 postmortem era has brought in new dimensions in Nigeria commodity marketing with global consequences of demand and supply shock, global energy crisis and US Dollar acceleration and squeeze. Consequently, the functioning system of Nigeria commodity marketing is bound to have several prongs, such as inadequate transport system, storage facilities and support ancilliary base. Hence, it is recommended for rejuvenation of the commodity market in general and agricultural sector in particular.
Empirical Investigation of the Political Determinants of Defense Expenditure: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa
Anthony Orji , Anthony Edache Eyimoga, Jonathan E. Ogbuabor, Peter N. Mba, Ikubor. O. Jude, Onyinye I. Anthony-Orji. Ndubuisi Isaac
Problem: Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) is a region that is very young in terms of democratic practices. This is due to the fact that most SSA countries fought for their independence which was given to the countries in the region by the Colonialists who are mostly from the United Kingdom, Portugal, France, Belgium etc. This independence was gotten within the period1960 to 1980. As a result, these new nations in SSA started forming political parties in other to form governments that will rule their country. However, SSA started witnessing large scale political instability since the reign of independence. This has led most SSA countries to have authoritarians as heads of state. In view of these problems, this research investigated the impact of political factors on defense expenditure in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Design/Methodology/Approach: The study used data covering for the period 2000 to 2019. Variables used include previous defense expenditure, military in politics, ethnic conflict and external conflict. Descriptive statistics and unit root test were also carried out. The Generalized method of moment by Arrelano and Bond (1991) was used for estimation. Findings: The findings showed that apart from previous defense spending, other political factors determined defense expenditure remotely for the period of study. Conclusion: As a result of this, the study recommends that policy makers should always review previous military spending and their outcomes before carrying out any other expenditure on defense so as to avoid waste of scarce resources. Again, political factors should not be used as the only deciding factor when dealing with spending on defense so as to avoid arms importation which could be used to achieve political aims and for other negative purposes.
An Investigation into the Utilization of Information Resources by Inmates of Correctional Centres in Delta State Nigeria
Obaro, G. O. (Ph.D) and Ekeno Precious Eroboghene
The study probed the utilisation of information resources by inmates of correctional centres in Delta State. The descriptive survey was used, and the multi-sampling techniques were utilised to select the sample size of 341 respondents out of a population of 2,821 respondents. Five correctional centres in Delta State Nigeria were studied namely the correctional centres in Agbor, Kwale, Ogwashi-Uku, Sapele, and Warri. A research-developed instrument was employed for collection of data which was content validated by three experts in the Library and Information Science, and Measurement and Evaluation departments, of Delta State University, Abraka. A test re-test reliability was ascertained with a coefficient of 0.85. Data collected were analysed using mean frequencies and simple percentages. The finding showed that religious books, dictionaries, and inspirational materials were among the resources utilised by inmates, though they were lowly utilised. They were also helpful in building their spiritual lives as they were incarcerated. The study, therefore, recommended that programmes that will help them use the library should be introduced.
Renewable energy consumption, sustainable development and food security nexus: Insights from Nigeria
Christiana O. Hassan, Eyitemi A. Fasanu, Henry Okodua, Gershon Obindah, Oluwatoyin Matthew
Nigeria is poised to lead Africa in the drive to achieve increased renewable energy consumption and food security. It is also one of the leading fossil fuel and mineral deposit locations in the world, as well as the largest oil producer in Africa. This implied that there are high levels of mineral and fossil fuel depletions, which set the stage for the consideration of adjusted net savings. This study aims to investigate the relationship among renewable energy consumption, food security and Adjusted Net Savings (ANS) in Nigeria. The study will use secondary data from 1990 to 2019 to examine the central, correlation, and dispersion behavior of the variables considered in this study, and provide background information and recommendations for future studies. The findings of this study will provide insights into the effectiveness of Nigeria's policies and programs aimed at promoting sustainable development and improving food security, with potential implications for other developing countries facing similar challenges.
3d matrices in periodontal regeneration a new vista
Sai suruthi Subramanian, Savithri N.K, Sangeetha S, Gautham Kumar N, Krishnan. C. S, Gowrishankar. N, Jesintha Mary.M
Technology has become an essential part of dentistry in recent years that led to the development of devices and tools to improve treatment methods and teaching in the fields of end odontics, implant, craniofacial, maxillofacial, orthognathic, and periodontal treatments. 3D Bioprinting is an evolving technology in the field of regenerative medicine that allows the fabrication of living tissues using the living cells by the printing process. Since, periodontitis has become more prevailing disease among the population; there is a requirement for increased periodontal regenerative procedures to restore normal healthy periodontium for the patients. The 3D printing technologies have the advantages of high material utilization and the capability to manufacture a single complex geometry; nevertheless, they have the demerits of high cost and time-consuming post processing. The development of new materials and technologies will be the future trend of 3D printing in dentistry, and there is no denying that 3D printing will have a vivid future.
Tax Aggressiveness and Corporate Financial Distress Interaction Role of Ownership
Chinwe Gloria Odum (Ph.D)
Broadly, this study examines the interaction effect of ownership structure on the relationship between tax aggressiveness and financial distress using 822 firm year data of non-finance firms listed on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Group over the period 2006 and 2019. Ex-post facto research design is employed on a panel data set of fifty-nine listed non-finance firms in Nigeria. Feasible Generalized Least Square Regression analyses technique was employed to test the hypothesis of the study. The result revealed that ownership structure; particularly managerial ownership negatively interacts the relationship as supported by the agency theory, which suggests that managers may act in their own self-interest rather than in the best interest of shareholders. This outcome underscores the importance of good corporate governance and a balanced approach to tax management in promoting long-term financial health and stability of listed non-finance firms in Nigeria. Consequent upon the established results, this study carefully recommends that policymakers may need to strengthen or enforce tax regulations to reduce the risk of tax aggressiveness. Further, listed non-finance firms whose ownership structure policies favours higher managerial ownership may need to adopt more effective risk management strategies to mitigate the impact of tax aggressiveness on financial distress.
Heavy metals content of some benthopelagic and demersal fish species in selected wetlands in Lagos Nigeria
Ogwu, C, Ukpene, A. O., Aregbor, O, & C. Oriomah.
This study investigated the concentrations of heavy metals in some fish species in wetlands in Lagos for their suitability for local human consumption and for export. It was an ex-post facto research that answered 4 research questions and tested a hypothesis. To achieve these 5 wetlands were randomly selected in Lagos City, and 3 species of fish were sampled from 5 sample sites in each wetland which were bulked and composite drawn and stored in ice-cooled flask kept at -20°C for analysis. The analytical standard adopted was EPA 6020B and instrument of determination deployed is Agilent AAS model 240FSAA. The grand mean results obtained were; Cd; 0.08±0.03mg/kg, Cr; 0.08±0.02mg/kg, Hg; 0.04 mg/kg, As; 0.06±0.01 mg/kg and V; 0.06±0.00 mg/kg. The grand mean results were subjected to test of significance with ANOVA deploying SPSS model 29 at 0.05 level of significance. The p-value was 0.41 thus rejecting Ho. The study concludes that the wetlands are polluted with heavy metals and recommends that: the fishes from the wetlands are not fit for local consumption and are not suitable for export. The wetlands should be remediated and the monitoring agency enjoined to increase their surveillance on the industries operating in Lagos city.
A Study on the Effectiveness of Strategies to Develop Comprehensive Calligraphy Skills
Qian Chao & Gertrude Vallejos Corpuz
In order to gain an accurate understanding of the development of comprehensive competence in calligraphy among graduate students at comprehensive universities in China, this study explored the question of the effectiveness of strategies for the development of comprehensive competence in calligraphy, such as how effective is the implementation of strategies for the development of comprehensive competence in calligraphy in terms of talent development, teaching delivery, curriculum arrangement, and employment? Respondents were current students as well as graduating graduate students at three comprehensive colleges and universities in southwestern China. The study was conducted in the second semester of the 2022 academic year. The study was conducted using a quantitative research method, including quantitative methods through questionnaires, weighted averages, and Likert scales. The project is conducive to optimizing the construction of a comprehensive university graduate education and comprehensive competence training system for calligraphy, and to exploring a talent training program for graduate education in calligraphy with an international perspective. At the same time, it is of practical value to the heritage of Chinese traditional culture and the strategy of "going out".
Laser assisted new attachment procedure
Dr. J Sarvesh Kumar, Dr. Sangeetha S , Dr. Savithri N K , Dr. Krishnan C S
In dentistry, lasers have been used to treat a number of dental diseases, including the removal of dental caries from the teeth and preparation of the surrounding tooth structure for receiving the restoration, reshaping and refining of the gingiva, removal of microorganisms from root canals, removal of small lesions from the oral cavity, pain relief from canker sores, and investigation of any pathology. In order to remove the infected oral tissues, get rid of the microbes, and clear the gingival collar of plaque, debris, and calculus, Gregg and McCarthy developed the laser-assisted new attachment method (LANAP). Dental professionals are increasingly choosing LANAP as the favoured method for treating gingival diseases as opposed to traditional flap surgery with curettes. By using LANAP, we can achieve a better and more rapid healing process as well as more dependable therapy outcomes. The purpose of this review is to understand the laser assisted new attachment of the period ontium after periodontal therapy.
Do Farmers Need Government Intervention in Agriculture? Implications for Rural poverty reduction in the Sidama Region of Ethiopia
Bealu Tukela Bekata , Ch. Appa Rao and G. Nagaraja
The primary rationale for government intervention in the agricultural market is incomplete market structures. And examined farmers' preferences about government intervention in agriculture in the Sidama region of Ethiopia in 2022.This study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 400 sample size. Additionally, the logit regression model substantiated whether farmers need government intervention in agriculture. Results show that Ethiopia's farmers prefer government intervention in agriculture to stabilize the price and input supply and provide information and credit. Relatively older and female farmers need government intervention more than their counterparts. In contrast, relatively more educated farmers and farmers with more income do not prefer government intervention. Pricing decision plays a significant role in marketing decision. Farmers deal with buyers to sell their products in the local area or may provide products to the market by loading them on their shoulders. This system reduces the bargaining power of farmers during the price determination. Hence, farmers need government intervention to provide information about markets and to set fair and guaranteed prices for agricultural products. Farmers suffer from adverse price movements in Ethiopia and need a contractual agreement with buyers and the government to succeed. There is a need for institutional interference to enhance access to the market and infrastructure. Hence, the government should formulate policies to set a fair and guaranteed price that transfers income from consumers to farmers.
Nigerias civilian regime of 2015-2021 press freedom and responsibility: A content analysis of Vanguard and the Punch newspapers
Egbon, Kasiari Jessica
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) saddles the press with the herculean task of upholding the fundamental objectives of the country’s constitution and holding public officers accountable to the citizens. This means that journalists and media organisations are duty bound to interact with the various agents and institutions of government, and constantly act as a check on the excesses of government and the press itself. To successfully achieve this, therefore, the press must enjoy a considerable freedom while being ethically circumspect. This study examines how Vanguard and The Punch newspapers have covered the cases of press freedom violation and press unprofessionalism since the inception of the Buhari’s civilian administration. It essentially sought to determine the frequency of such newspaper reports. Using the content analysis design, the study evaluates the contents of 183 issues of Vanguard and The Punch newspapers retrieved from the Nexis Lexis database, and the results were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings show that there has been a frequent reportage of the cases of press freedom violation in Nigeria since the inception of the Buhari’s civilian administration although the majority of reports focused more on the cases of media freedom violation than the cases of unethical press behavior. Also, the study recommends that government should give a greater measure of freedom to the Nigerian press, and the press should become more ethically and socially responsible to the society where they operate.
Recovery strategies in higher education during the post-COVID-19 era
Renaliza B. Juanbe & Ramir S. Austria
Problem: The COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected the higher education landscape, bringing unprecedented challenges and prompting the application of strategies to cope with drastic changes. This study aimed to identify the recovery strategies employed in higher education as institutions gear for the post-COVID-19 era. Methodology: Systematic literature review was employed to draw relevant information from selected literature sources. Significant data were extracted, coded, and synthesized. Findings: The themes that emerged from the systematic literature review were as follows: learning from experiences to improve current capacity, communicating and collaborating with stakeholders, and attuning instruction to the new normal. Conclusion: The application of different recovery strategies benefited higher education institutions as they traverse the post-COVID-19 era. The application of these recovery strategies must be continued as they move towards the new normal.
Microfinance has grown as a tool for economic development. Microfinance serves to eradicate poverty and promoting women's empowerment in underdeveloped countries. The future prospects of Micro Finance were identified using a Bibiliometric analysis ba
Addis Kebede, Amare Sahile Abebe, Reda Darge Negasi
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of implementing social constructivism teaching methods through integrating PBL, collaborative learning, CL and scaffolding techniques to enhance grade 8 students EFL reading comprehension and teamwork skills. The study used quasi-experimental pretest and posttest comparison group design. The participants of the study were 64 (17 M and 15 F) 8th grade students at Shashemane Full Cycle Elementary School in 2021/22 academic year. There were two grade 8 sections in the school in the academic year the research conducted and the participants of the study were categorized into experimental and control group randomly using a lottery system. Independent t-test was run to check significance of difference between mean scores of the control and experimental groups on reading comprehension pretest and posttest. Additionally, Independent t-test was run to identify the difference between pretest and posttest gains of the experimental and control group on reading comprehension. Pre and post reading comprehension tests were administered to compare reading comprehension performance of the experimental and control groups before and after the intervention. Class observations, semi-structured interview, formal and post observation discussions, and FGD were used to collect data about students teamwork behavior. The posttest reading comprehension scores revealed that students in the experimental group performed better than the comparison group. The result of paired sample t-tests also indicated that changes on the mean scores was not by chance, rather it was a result of students engagement in English reading sessions which used social constructivism teaching methods. Likewise, the result of the present study revealed that social constructivism teaching methods have effect on enhancing teamwork skills of the students. Based on insight from the study recommendations are stated.
Bibiliometric analysis of micro finance research during 2000-2021
Maheswari Dama
Microfinance has grown as a tool for economic development. Microfinance serves to eradicate poverty and promoting women's empowerment in underdeveloped countries. The future prospects of Micro Finance were identified using a Bibiliometric analysis based on the Scopus data source from 2000 to 2021. Microfinance has progressed from a promise to a reality during the last two decades, albeit with ups and downs. This article examines 161 papers that have been indexed by Scopus. In 2020, the highest papers were published, which is the highest number in the last 20 years. Summative analysis identified key research areas in micro finance for the last five years. Highest percentage of articles published on micro finance institutions and Poverty eradication by using micro finance. Few articles are published on Non-performing loans in micro finance, gender discrimination, rural micro finance and financial inclusion in micro finance industry.
The Challenges of Teaching Calligraphy in Shaanxi Province in China
Liu Zhenfan and Apollo A. Endrano
One of the most essential part of China’s traditional culture is calligraphy. Regardless of today’s development, calligraphy is still noted to be an integral element of Chinese society. Teaching Calligraphy teaching in colleges and universities ensures the continuity of the tradition and culture but it faces challenges that becomes a factor in its cultural transmission. Therefore, this paper first introduces and describes calligraphy as an integral element of traditional Chinese culture ,then the encountered challenges in teaching calligraphy education in colleges and universities in China
Service System Innovation and Service Quality of Telecommunication firms in Nigeria
Akpan, Ekom Etim , Anthony Aniagbaoso Igwe and Ben Etim Udoh
This study explores the relationship between service system innovation and service quality in Nigerian telecommunication firms. The objective is to determine the relationships between service system innovation and service quality and identify the key drivers of service system innovation in the telecommunication industry. The study adopts a quantitative research approach, using a survey questionnaire to collect data from 200 customers of three major telecommunication firms in Nigeria. Data analysis is conducted using descriptive statistics and partial least square – structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal a significant positive relationship between service system innovation and service quality in the Nigerian telecommunication industry. The results also indicate that the key drivers of service system innovation in the industry include idea generation, service development and commercialization. The study concludes that telecommunication firms in Nigeria can enhance their service quality by investing in service system innovation and focusing on the key drivers identified in this study. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence of the relationship between service system innovation and service quality in the Nigerian telecommunication industry, as well as identifying the key drivers of service system innovation in the industry. The study recommends that telecommunication firms in Nigeria should prioritize service system innovation to remain competitive in the industry and meet the increasing demands of customers.
Systematic Reviews on Measures of Agricultural Marketing Cooperatives Performance
Asfaw Temesgen Bari, Zerihun Ayenew, Tesfaye Eba
Agricultural marketing cooperative (AMC) is a popular and widely expanded cooperative society over the world. It is established and preforming business to provide goods and services to farmer members. It is identified that there are arguments in measuring the performance of AMC. Therefore, the objective of this review study is to ascertain measures of agricultural cooperative performance through critical review of scholarly articles. For this review research different array of strategies and procedures were used namely, developing research question to be addressed and setting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Literatures were searched and researched iteratively from different sources mainly google scholar, research gate, web of Science and CORE research databases.105 articles were identified from which 41articles were selected through thoroughly evaluation of their relevance to the review topic; the article topic, abstract, main findings and discussion as well as conclusion were used as criteria of inclusion or exclusion of identified article to or from the review. Based on the review study it was found that control power, commitment, participation and loyalty of members and as well as directors bargaining power and accountability, management competency and employee engagement and board-management relationships are used to measure management performance of agricultural cooperative. Furthermore, the review study established that aggregate farm input supply in variety, quantity and quality over time including collective volume and diversity of farm output marketing with fair price are used to measure business performance of cooperative. In line with this the study also determined that the conventional financial ratios namely liquidity ratios, leverage ratios and profitability ratios used to measure financial stability of cooperative with relatively lower than the industry standards being the cooperative is not-for profit business. Besides, earning per share and economic value added as contemporary financial ratios are recommended to be used as financial performance measures of AMC to indicate cooperative value economic stability of the cooperative in today’s dynamic market.
Exploring Public-Private Partnership for the Project Performance of Federal Health Institutions in the South-East, Nigeria
Chika Martha Okafor, Emmanuel K. Agbaeze, Anthony Obiora Ude*, Akintunde Olayeni and Dare Joseph Enimola
This study aimed to investigate the use of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to enhance project performance in Federal Health Institutions in South-East Nigeria. The research employed a survey design and collected data through questionnaires from staff members in federal tertiary health institutions in the region that had existing partnerships with private organizations to improve healthcare delivery. The management or administrative team of these health institutions was selected as the sample population, as they are responsible for handling PPP affairs. Structural Equation Modeling was used to perform a Confirmatory Factor Analysis for construct validity, and the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used for internal consistency analysis. Descriptive statistics and regression techniques were used, including the Satorra- Bentler test and Simultaneous Regression Analysis. Results showed that payment mechanisms and Dispute Resolution Mechanisms (DRM) were significant in improving Project Sustainability Performance (PSP), while contractual control and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) were not. The study also found that partners' trust had a moderating influence on the effect of contractual control on Project Outcome Performance (POP). The study recommended that PPP projects should focus on building collaborative relationships with project stakeholders in Federal Health Institutions in the South-East Nigeria.
Multivariate analysis of a study of student satisfaction levels Higher Education Centres and its associated factors
Mr Ravishankar .S Professor Prasanna Kamath. B.T. , Professor Muninarayana Chandrappa,
Satisfaction is a state felt by a person who has experienced a performance or an outcome that fulfilled his or her expectations. Student satisfaction an acute attitude, resulting from an assessment of a student's educational experiences. (1,2) Over the years, educational Institutions, have become more than just degree providers. They play a major role in shaping the career and hence the future of their students. The economic development of the nation depends on the quality of Higher education is perceived as one of the most important instruments in assessment. (3) Every successful university in the world has always stressed the importance of student feedback for them to improve and develop in the future. The basic purpose of all the higher education centres is of imparting knowledge and its effective use for development through innovation, and creativity and to meet the expectations and needs of the student community without compromising on quality education. (4,5) At present globalization of higher education has led to increased competition among higher education centres and made them adopt corporate strategies to be unique from their competitors to gain the attention of the student's community and provide satisfaction by meeting their needs and expectations. (6) The present study was undertaken to assess the student's satisfaction levels and identify various factors influencing the satisfaction levels, also to measure student perceptions of the campus experience to identify those areas where the institution is performing well and to target areas where there is scope for improvement. The aim was to fulfil the dreams of young aspirants by providing quality education, and better prospects for their future.
Strategic management and good sport governance: The moderating role of organizational size
Mengistu Galcho Garmamo, Tesfaye Asgedom Haddera, Zeru Bekele Tol3, Matiwos Ensermu Jaleta
Problem: The purpose of this study was to examine whether organizational strategic management contributes to good sport governance, and whether organization size shapes the relationship. Design/Methodology/Approach: Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 238 respondents (internal stakeholders) randomly selected from six Ethiopian Olympic sport federations. The data were analyzed by the two-step SEM approach using SPSS AMOS 23.0. Findings: Results indicate that the relationship between organizational strategic management and good sport governance was statistically significant (β=.24, t-value=11.72, P< 0.001). In the same way, the relationship between organizational size and good sport governance was found statistically significant (β=.06, t-value=2.96, P<0.01). However, the interaction effect of the Organizational size and strategic management on Good sport governance was found not statistically significant (β=.001, t-value=.05, P>0.05). Research limitation: The data for this study were gathered via a cross-sectional survey, so associations between variables are not sufficient to establish causal relationships. Future longitudinal analyses would be useful to study causality. Finally, the future study would better consider the effect of multiple confounding variables in the hypothesized relationships. Practical implication: This study implies that managers should bear in mind that strategic management is a key necessity, regardless of size, to maneuver all activities, resources, and processes in a systematic way of involving all sport actors to achieve organizational goals and to attempt to treat and heal multi-faceted ills in national sport federations. Originality/Value: The findings of this study shed light on the untested relationship between strategic management and good sport governance with moderation effect of organizational size in national sports organizations.
Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the tissues of some fish species in selected wetlands in Lagos Nigeria
Ogwu C, Ukpene A. O., Ekpe I. N. & Aregbor. O.
The study investigated the heavy metals content in fish species in selected wetlands in Lagos, Lagos state Nigeria for its suitability for human consumption and for export. It was an ex-post facto research that answered 4 research questions and tested a hypothesis. To achieve these, 5 wetlands were randomly selected from the 13 wetlands in Lagos. The fish species used for the study are Tilapia zilli and Clariasspp and the sampling period was between September 2022 to February 2023. The wetlands were mapped into 5 sampling zones and 3 fishes samples were collected from each zone with the assistance of artisanal fishermen. The fishes from zones were bulked and 3 samples randomly collected from each wetland. The analytical standard adopted was USEPA 601020 and the instrument used for the determination of individual metals was Agilent AAS model 240 FSAA. The grand mean results obtained were Pb; 0.14±0.03mg/kg, Cr; 0.13±0.03mg/kg, Cd, 0.13±0.02mg/kg, V; 0.15±0.02mg/kg and Hg; 0.11±0.01mg/kg. The grand mean results were subjected to test of significance with ANOVA deploying SPSS model 29 at 0.05 level of significance. The p-value was 0.34 thus rejecting H0. The study concludes that the wetlands investigated are polluted with heavy metals above maximum permissible concentrations and recommends that fishes in the wetlands should not be consumed and should not be exported. The impacted wetlands should be remediated and the monitoring agency NESREA should step up it game in surveillance
Development and validation of instructional module on CHED Mandated topics in mathematics in the modern world
Christian Serrato Cabral
One of the important educational innovations in instructional design that can complement the traditional face-to-face instructions programmed instruction in modular form. The modular approach consists of self-directed learning activity packets that are self-instructional, self-paced, student-directed, and placed the responsibility of learning on the students. The objective of the study was to develop and validate an instructional module on CHED mandated topics in Mathematics in the Modern World in order to address new trends and fit in with the new normal. The investigation was carried out using a developmental research design According to the findings, the panel of experts assessed the instructional module to be “excellent”. The developed instructional module was found to be valid in terms of objectives, content, format and language, presentation and usefulness based on the experts’ assessment. The face validity of the developed instructional module was assessed by the student-respondents to be valid. Student-respondents performed better in the post-test because of their learnings from the instructional module. They considered it to be very useful since it helped them understand the lessons in the module. It is then suggested that the proposed validated instructional module be used by the Mathematics teachers from other colleges and universities to increase its reliability and usability.
Online Teaching Competency of College Teachers in the University of the Cordilleras: A Quantitative Report
Joan Oyang-o Pucya, MAEd Ramir Santos Austria, PhD, EdD
There has been a tremendous growth in the incorporation of information and communication technology (ICT) in the educational landscape over the past decade. Even before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is already an increasing interest in the use of ICT to support the delivery of education through different learning modalities. However, despite the presence of ICT in education, there are still various issues in the use of ICT in education. One of the major issues is the online teaching competency of teachers which is further highlighted with the sudden shift from the traditional face-to-face learning modality to online learning modality due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, this study aimed to identify the level of teaching competency of college teachers along course design, course communication, time management, and technical competence. Quantitative descriptive research design is used to collect descriptive information regarding online teaching competency. A 32-item questionnaire is adapted to collect the main data and a focused group discussion is conducted to further analyze and verify the results of the study. Generally, the result of the study shows that the college teachers have very high levels of online teaching competency. With this, the continuous provision of ICT-related webinars, seminars, and trainings should be promoted in order to maintain and further improve the online teaching competency of the college teachers.
Empirical investigation of political determinants of defense expenditure: evidence from sub-Saharan Africa
Anthony Orji , Anthony Edache Eyimoga, Jonathan E. , Ogbuabor (Ph.D), Onyinye I. Anthony-Orji, Ndubuisi Isaac, Ikubor. O. Jude (PhD) , Peter N. Mba
Problem: Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) is a region that is very young in terms of democratic practices. This is due to the fact that most SSA countries fought for their independence which was given to the countries in the region by the Colonialists who are mostly from the United Kingdom, Portugal, France, Belgium etc. This independence was gotten within the period1960 to 1980. As a result, these new nations in SSA started forming political parties in other to form governments that will rule their country. However, SSA started witnessing large scale political instability since the reign of independence. This has led most SSA countries to have authoritarians as heads of state. In view of these problems, this research investigated the impact of political factors on defense expenditure in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Design/Methodology/Approach: The study used data covering for the period 2000 to 2019. Variables used include previous defense expenditure, military in politics, ethnic conflict and external conflict. Descriptive statistics and unit root test were also carried out. The Generalized method of moment by Arrelano and Bond (1991) was used for estimation. Findings: The findings showed that apart from previous defense spending, other political factors determined defense expenditure remotely for the period of study. Conclusion: As a result of this, the study recommends that policy makers should always review previous military spending and their outcomes before carrying out any other expenditure on defense so as to avoid waste of scarce resources. Again, political factors should not be used as the only deciding factor when dealing with spending on defense so as to avoid arms importation which could be used to achieve political aims and for other negative purposes.
Construction of Campus Culture in Universities from the Perspective of Aesthetic Education
Tian Cong & Donna Marie A.Oyam
Aesthetic education, based on the principle of aesthetic supremacy, plays an important role in promoting personal growth and helping to shape personal values, attitudes and behaviors. It plays an important role in promoting the construction of a positive, healthy and harmonious university campus culture. This article adopts the literature research method?aimed to explore the construction of university campus culture from the perspective of aesthetic education, and analyze the challenges existing in the current construction of university campus culture, so as to provide feasible strategies and measures to promote the construction of campus culture from the Perspective of Aesthetic Education.
Factors influencing calligraphy satisfaction in Shandong Universities
Qiu Ming & Dr. Jennifer M. Dindin
Calligraphy courses in colleges and universities not only cultivate students' knowledge of calligraphy theory and writing skills, but also expand students' cultural vision and increase their cultural confidence. Calligraphy course satisfaction is an important index to measure the level and quality of calligraphy teaching in schools. There are abundant educational resources in calligraphy courses in colleges and universities, and promoting the construction of calligraphy majors is conducive to giving full play to the unique and irreplaceable educational function of calligraphy courses. Based on the interview results of colleges and universities in Shandong Province, this paper analyzes the factors affecting the satisfaction of calligraphy courses in Shandong province, and puts forward countermeasures to improve the satisfaction of calligraphy courses, so that students can better appreciate the charm of calligraphy art and understand the connotation of traditional Chinese culture contained in calligraphy art. It is conducive to the inheritance and development of excellent traditional culture, and also conducive to the transportation of high-quality calligraphy professionals to the society.
Customer experience management and customer retention in selected restaurants in Asaba, Delta State
Asiagwu, Catherine Ekene and Ehimen, Ughulu Samuel
This study examined the influence of customer experience management on customer retention in restaurants in Asaba, Delta State. Specifically, the study sought to investigate the influence of affective customer experience, cognitive customer experience and physical customer experience on customer retention in restaurants in Asaba. Customer Relationship Management Pyramid Model forms the theoretical basis for this study. The study adopted survey research method. The population of the study was the customers of selected restaurants in Asaba Delta State. Cochran’s formula was employed to get a sample size of 384. Structured questionnaire was used to generate data for the study. Simple percentage analysis was employed in analyzing the research questions while regression analysis was employed in testing the hypotheses 0.05 level of significance. The study found that affective customer experience, cognitive customer experience and physical customer experience have significant influence on customer retention in restaurants in Asaba. Based on the foregoing, the study concludes that customer experience management had significant influence on customer retention in restaurants in Asaba, Delta State. The study recommends amongst others that management of hotels should deliberately focus on mechanic clues in terms of providing a conducive environment, especially one that is clean for its students at all times.
Political environment on the performance of airlines in South East, Nigeria
Obamen, Joseph, Okeke Michael Amobi, Onyinye P P., Nzekwe R A
The study investigated political environment and performance of airlines operating in South-East, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to determine; the effect of Political risk on goal attainment and Politics on employee satisfaction. The study employed a survey design. The populace of the study was 400 staff from the only four aircraft working in South East Nigeria. Information was collected utilizing the survey investigate instrument, which was outlined on a 5-point Likert Scale and was physically share to the respondents. Spearman Ranking Correlation Coefficient was utilized to test reliability of the instrument giving a coefficient of 0.958, indicating the reliability of the instrument.Data collected were analyzed using Spearman rank correlation,andWilcoxon signed ranks test statistics5% probability level of significance. The study found that Political risk significantly affected goal attainment, and politics positively affected employee satisfaction. The study suggested that government should put in place the right security architecture that will guarantee the safety of life, property, and business operation, the government should build institutions that will naturally discourage internal and external politics within the organization.
Characterisation and Prediction of the mortality caused by road Traffic accidents on Cameroon major roads
Awa Terence Achiri, Gerald Azeh and Innocent Ndoh Mbue
This study uses a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model to describe and forecast the mortality from traffic-related injuries in Cameroon from 2000 to 2021.The database was produced by triangulating local data with the World Bank Group's website's assessment of the nation's road safety. Using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller test, the series after differencing and log transformation was found to be stationary (p<.05). The Bayesian information criteria of root mean squared error, mean absolute error, and mean absolute percentage error were used to assess the developed models. The goodness-of-fit of the various models was assessed using the autocorrelation function (ACF), partial autocorrelation function (FACF), and LjungeBox test of residuals. The built models were evaluated using the Bayesian information criterion, Root Mean Squared Error, Mean Absolute Error, and Mean Absolute Percentage Error. Using the autocorrelation function (ACF) and partial autocorrelation function (FACF) of residuals and the LjungeBox test, the goodness-of-fit of the various models was compared. Based on minimal diagnostic statistics (RMSE = 1.375, MAE =0.965, MAPE = 37.69), the SARIMA (3, 1, 3)x(0, 1, 2)12 model was determined to be the most frugal model from the aforementioned analyses based on minimal diagnostic statistics (RMSE = 1.375, MAE = 0.965, MAPE = 37.69). A Box-Ljung test revealed that there was no white noise at the 5% level of significance (5.148; p = .881). Furthermore, neither the ACF nor the PACF plots showed any peaks outside of the insignificant zone. The expected death rate shows a tendency to increase over time. In addition to improving road safety, especially through the extension of public transit, policymakers urgently need to assure safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport networks for all, with an emphasis on the needs of those in vulnerable situations.
Russia Ukraine Conflict: Exposing Its Serious Effects on Global Economy
Priyanka Nehra
This study describes the effect of the Russia-Ukraine invasion on the global economy like major economies of the world, and major commodities like fuel, natural gas, agricultural output and precious metals. Over these economic issues, many key issues arise due to warfare. These issues include humanitarian crisis, migration, natural and infrastructural losses, food security and quality, trade and logistics, cultural losses, physical and psychological health of people disturbed, women and adult safety, educational loss, the intention of people etc. The author analyzed more than 30 research papers to understand the impact of war. The study concludes that war only causes losses, loss of people, loss of lives and many other losses.
Performance indicators discriminating adopters and non adopters of an enterprise upgrading program among micro small medium sized enterprises in Cameroon
Yana Theodory, Innocent Ndoh Mbue & Bitondo Diedonne.
Empirical observations in Cameroon suggest that only a few enterprises (?9%) have adhered to the enterprise upgrade program. This poses the question of whether adopters of the program have a competitive advantage over non-adopters. To attempt an answer to this question, a quantitative approach using web-based structured questionnaires was used. Fifty local enterprises—adopters (24) and non-adopters (26)—were purposefully selected. The independent variables consisted of nine performance indicators measured on an interval scale, while the dependent variable was the enterprise's adoption of the program. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The findings indicate that the canonical correlation, an index of discrimination (R = 0.788), was significant (Wilks' =.380, Chi-square = 42.126, df = 9, P =.000), and the function explained 62.1% of the discrimination between the groups. The mean differences were in the expected direction: 1.304 for adopters and -1.204 for non-adopters, indicating that adopters are more competitive. The rank order of importance, as determined by the relative magnitude of the canonical loadings, suggests that non-financial indicators were more important discriminators. From a policy point of view, the overall result shows a need for local enterprises to be upgraded. Other classification models have been successfully applied to solve similar problems in the past. It is possible that these models can also be applied to solve the current problem if a good mapping of the problem to appropriate network architecture is found. These could be an interesting area for research in the future.
Potentials and Challenges of Sahara Tourism in Algeria Case study of Oued Souf province
Zohier Saifi
All studies conducted on the tourism sector in Algeria indicate the various natural resources of the country and its rich cultural and artistic heritage, allowing a variety of tourism activities to be exploited adequately. This research paper aims to analyse the possibilities and obstacles of Sahara tourism in the province of Oued Souf by studying the gap between the local potentials of tourism and the reasons for the continued underdevelopment of this sector. The research is based on data from the Tourism Directorate and it is supported by field investigations and oral interviews. By analysing SWOT points (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats), the results of the current study indicate attraction of tourists to Oued Souf province. However, tourism in this province has many internal and external limitations, is still underdeveloped and unable to stimulate local economic and social potentials such as a lack of competitive advantage for tourism, the absence of supplementary and recreational activities, absence of the role of the state in development, and lack of equipment.
Predictors of Modern Contraceptives knowledge among Married Women of Reproductive Age in Nigeria: a Mixed Method Approach
Bose J. Odewale, Dominic E. Azuh, Muyiwa Oladosun & Emmanuel O. Amoo
The study examined consistent determinants of knowledge of modern contraceptive among married women in Nigeria. This study used mixed method approach to examine consistent socio-demographic factors influencing knowledge of modern methods of contraceptives among married women in Nigeria. It employed the 2008 and 2018 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) data sets, which were analysed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate (i.e. binary logistic regression) techniques. Qualitative data was gotten from Focus Group Discussion among pregnant women attending ante-natal clinic within a health facilities in three Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Bivariate results show that knowledge of contraceptives is significantly and consistently associated with socio-demographic variables examined with p-value = 0.000 in both surveys. Multivariate results show that geographical region, women’s education, women’s wealth and work status is significantly consistent in determining the knowledge of modern contraceptives among married women in Nigeria. The qualitative result shows that FGD participants showed that educated women and urban women have more knowledge compared to uneducated and rural women. Policy and programmes geared towards improving knowledge of modern contraceptives method and it adoption among married women of reproductive age in Nigeria will need to consider these key socio-demographic factors.
Renewable energy consumption and sustainable development nexus: insights from Nigeria
Eyitemi A. Fasanu, Christiana O. Hassan, Henry Okodua, Gershon Obindah, Oluwatoyin Matthew
The global community is increasingly debating the need to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix. Nigeria, poised to contribute about 69% of Africa's total energy consumption, has the potential to drive renewable energy consumption in the continent and beyond. This study aims to analyze the relationship between renewable energy consumption and Adjusted Net Savings (ANS) in Nigeria, a measure of the genuine or true saving in an economy after accounting for pollution damages and depletion of natural resources. Using secondary data from 1990 to 2019, this study presents a preliminary analysis of the central, correlation and dispersion behaviour of renewable energy consumption and ANS in Nigeria, and provides background information and recommendations for future studies.This study finds that Nigeria's renewable energy consumption remains low, with non-renewable sources accounting for about 90% of total energy consumption, despite the country's potential for renewable energy. The preliminary analysis suggests the possibility of Nigeria being an exception to the trend in literature that states a positive and significant relationship between renewable energy consumption and ANS. Further research is necessary to empirically test the cause-effect relationship between these variables and verify this hypothesis.This study contributes to the literature by serving as a reference point for further research on the nexus between renewable energy consumption and ANS in Nigeria, which is lacking in the Nigerian energy literature. It also underscores the importance of considering ANS as a measure of sustainable development in energy policy and investment decisions.
Fiscal policy as a Panacea for sustainable economic growth in Nigeria: an empirical analysis
Musa Dauda, Philip O. Alege , Olabanji O. Ewetan
Nigeria in recent times, has experienced an increase in government expenditure which has not translated into economic growth. Most notable is the increase from 8.92 Trillion Naira in 2019 to 10.81 Trillion Naira in 2020. This increase did not result in greater economic growth, as significant macroeconomic indices such as GDP reported negative growth of -1.97 per cent in 2020, unemployment grew to 33.3% in 2020, and inflation was 11.40% in 2019 and rose to 13.25 per cent in 2020. This has sparked heated debate among Nigerian officials and experts. The study investigated the impact of fiscal policy as a panacea for sustained economic growth in Nigeria using the Ordinary Least Square Method and the Granger Causality Test.The study found that government expenditure on education, health, agriculture, and government revenue assumes a positive and statistically significant at 5%. The study also discovered that government expenditure on road and construction indicates a negative relationship with economic growth GDP). This implies that an increase in government expenditure on roads and construction will influencethe GDP growth rate negatively. The likely reason might be the fund allocated for the purpose of road and construction is not judiciously used and they cannot have a positive transmission effect on economic growth. The study also found that government expenditure on education indicates, and government revenue indicates a bi-directional causality with GDP. Government expenditure on health and agriculture indicates uni-directional causality with GDP while government expenditure on road and construction shows no causality with GDP. To stimulate economic growth, government spending on health, education, and agriculture must be increased as components of productive spending. What Nigeria requires is a fiscal policy norm that commits the government to a specific level of fiscal and budgetary management.
Accountability and Public Policy Outcomes of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission
Ejiroghene A. Oghuvbu , Daniel E. Gberevbie, & Nick P. Essien
This study examined how the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) dealt with accountability and the results of its public policy decisions. A growing number of developing countries, including Nigeria, have been urged to manage resources more wisely, offer excellent public services that cater to citizens' needs, and be more accountable for their decisions and actions. Therefore, a key concern of contemporary governance is the accountability of public officials and institutions. The study employed a cross-sectional research design. The study used William Melckling and Michael Jensen's Agency theory as its analytical framework. Out of the 400 questionnaires that were distributed, 359 copies were found in the five area groups that were chosen using a double-stage probability sampling technique. In the study, 359 respondents were included, which is 89.75% of the total population. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21. Descriptive statistics, simple linear regression, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation were used to analyse the quantitative data. Themes that were textually analysed to present the qualitative data. The study's findings demonstrate how accountability can ensure that employees uphold performance standards by serving as a check and balance in the implementation of DESOPADEC public policies. According to the study, when DESOPADEC's public policies are implemented, integrity is fostered through responsibility. In light of these findings, the study concludes that accountability has an impact on the outcomes of public policies just as it does on a society's socioeconomic well-being and that the agency must adopt accountability as an ethical practise in order to promote better outcomes for its citizens.
Opportunities and Challenges of Organic Farming in Delta State, Nigeria
Owigho, Ogheneovo & Evwierhurhoma, Faith Enoh and Akeni Tina Ewomazino
The Study Examined the Opportunities and Challenges of Organic Farming in Delta State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to; identify the forms of organic farming practices in Delta State, Nigeria, ascertain the opportunities oforganic farmingin Delta State, Nigeria and find out thechallenges of organic farmingin Delta State, Nigeria. A sample size of 187 respondents was drawn for the study using purposive sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. Frequency and percentage were used to analyze the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents, while mean and standard deviationwere used to answer the research questions. The findings of the study showed among others that the opportunities oforganic farming practices in Delta State, Nigeria werehigher incomes due tolower input costs, creation of employment opportunities as it is highly labour intensive, increase in livestock production, production of quality crops that promote good health andenvironment conservation. It was also found out that the challenges oforganic farmingin Delta State, Nigeria werelimited access to credits, insufficient manual labour, high cost of labour, low knowledge of organic farming practices, poor access to market for selling farm outputs,pest and diseases, limited access to agricultural inputs, absence of agriculture policy that promotes organic farming,long period of decomposition of organic manure andlow soil fertility. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that Delta State Government should make available credit facilities to farmers to encourage organic farming in large quantities.
Does the Effect of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Infrastructure on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Inflow Depend on the Level of ICT Penetration? Evidence from West Africa
Oluwemimo T. Bolujoko, Oluwarotimi A. Owolabi, Mercy C. Omeire, Blessing O. Okwudire
The present study examines the role of Information and Communications Technology infrastructure in relation to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow to West Africa. Specifically focusing on mobile phone and internet, this study explores whether ICT infrastructure is significant for FDI inflow and whether high levels of ICT infrastructure play a role in such infrastructure affecting FDI inflow as measured by Net FDI inflow in West African countries. The study employed Panel Data Random effects estimation in analysing the data in pursuit of the objectives of the study. The study found that ICT infrastructure in the form of both Mobile phone and internet were both significant for boosting FDI inflow to West Africa. Further, while Internet was significant for FDI inflow in high internet use countries, mobile phone was significant for FDI inflow in high mobile phone use countries. The study consequently recommends amongst others based on its findings that governments of respective West African countries must of a necessity leverage on their country strengths in respective ICT infrastructure as reflected by their respective country ICT penetration levels, via ICT infrastructure provision in order to attract sizeable amounts of FDI inflow in light of increased global competition for capital in the world and the dire need of West African countries for increased levels of capital for domestic investment.
The Relationship between Leadership Styles and Organizational performance in Ethiopian HEIs
Mihretu Shanko Gidi
Leadership can play huge role for creating high performance culture since it organizes both utilization of human and other resources. Competent and strong leader motivates employees and motivated employees does not only increase his or her job performance and commitment within an organization, but also goes beyond the job requirements thus increasing the organization’s general performance and making it more successful. This study is an attempt to assess the impact of leadership styles on the performance public universities of Ethiopia. For this purpose, a theoretical framework was first explored from the existing research containing the study variables. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between leadership styles practiced and organizational performance in Ethiopian HEIs. Quantitative and Qualitative descriptive survey was conducted for the study. The study population comprised the number of respondents has been be chosen employing a proportional sampling technique from each university and 386 respondents were participated for the survey method. Analysis techniques which used for quantitative study were descriptive statisticsand correlation analysis. On the other hand, qualitative data from the interview guide was analyzed by content analysis; this involved selecting and grouping the data according to emerging themes in line with objectives of the study. The study revealed that all kinds of leadership styles were practiced in EHIs as the overall respondents’ perception is above average (>50%) and there is strong and positive relationship between Transformational and transactional leadership styles and organizational performance in Ethiopian HEIs. Whereas Lassis faire Leadership Style has negative relationship with organizational performance
Analysis of the Effects of Relationship Quality on Entrepreneurial Orientation of Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Unions in Western Oromia, Ethiopia
Asfaw Temesgen Bari, Zerihun Ayenew Brbirsa, Tesfaye Eba Mogose
The study intended to analyze the effect of relationship quality (RQ) on entrepreneurial orientation (EO) of agricultural marketing cooperative (AMC) in western Oromia State of Ethiopia. For achieving this research objective, explanatory research design was used to explain the relationship and then the effects of the predictor variables on the response variable. Data was collected from sample AMC using semi-structured question for respondents, in-depth interview for key informants and discussion checklist for focused group discussion. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used for data analyses using SPSS Amos version 23. Consequently, model identification, model fitting test and parameter estimates were analyzed. From this, the specified model was identified and accurately fitting to the collected data for the fact that all the model identification and model fit testing requirements were met as per the standard. From the study findings, all the predicting variable of cooperative RQ such as cooperative member commitment (CMC); member trust (CMT); member satisfaction (CMS) and member loyalty (CML) have statistically significant and positive associations with the EO of AMC for all p-value < 0.001and the parameter estimates are positive. The results of the study indicated that CML and CMC are the most influencing EO among the dimensions of RQ considered by this research. Based on the study findings the study concluded that improving CMC, CMT, CMS and CML enhancing EO of AMC for ensuring innovativeness and competency of the marketing cooperatives
Balanced Scorecard as a Strategic Management Tool in Improving Performance: A Study of Selected Firms in Nigeria
Ezebor Ogheneovie Michael , Chinonye Love Moses, Ogbari Mercy Ejovwokeoghene, Gberevbie Marvellous Aghogho Chidinma , Ezebor Christian Uyoyo, Chukwu Chidinma Patience
The concept of a balanced scorecard emerged as a need to measure performance. The balanced scorecard helps strategic managers convert goals and objectives into day-to-day operational activities by answering the questions of what, when, who and how? The objective of this study was first to determine the balanced scorecard measurements used by the selected firms and then how it affects the performance of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, UAC of Nigeria Plc, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Chi Limited, Flour mills of Nigeria, Friesland Campina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, A & P Foods Limited and Unilever Plc. The data for this study were gathered using the questionnaire as an instrument. Four hundred copies of the questionnaire were administered to employees of the firms. The research hypotheses were tested with the Structural Equation Model (SMART-PLS). The result showed that the financial perspective has a significant effect on product performance,customer perspective has an effect on market performance, there is a relationship between internal business processesand organizational effectiveness and there is an existing effect between environmental perspective and innovative performance. It is recommended that the management of the selected firms must recognize the importance of a balanced scorecard as a strategic tool in converting waste to resources and improving performance. Managers must adopt the use of a balanced scorecard if they intend to be innovative and remain in business.
Intelligence Quotient as a Predictor of Tertiary Institution Students Achievement in Chemistry
Avwiri, H.E (PhD)
The study investigated intelligence quotient as a predictor of tertiary institution students’ achievement in in chemistry. Two research questions guided the study and two null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The design adopted for the study was correlation survey. The population of the study was 1, 172 students of chemistry education in public tertiary institutions in Delta state, Nigeria out of 317 students were drawn using purposive sampling technique. Intelligence Quotient Test (IQT) adapted from Carter and Russell (2007) was used for data collection along with the students score sheet. Analysis of data was done by means of simple and multiple linear regressions. The findings of the study revealed among others that 1.2% of the variance in achievement in Chemistry was predicted by students’ intelligence quotient. Also, achievement scores in Computer science were significantly predicted by students’ intelligence quotient. The most important domains of intelligence for learning chemistry are the spatial intelligence and logical reasoning. It was recommended that orientation and seminars should be designed for chemistry students to help them develop all aspect of their intelligence and to ensure that such abilities are well utilized in the learning of chemistry
The Effect of Students Prior Knowledge Activation on Their EFL Reading Comprehension of Texts of Varying Familiarity
Teshome Guteta Kitessa
The purpose of this study was to look into the effect of students' prior knowledge (PK) activation on their reading comprehension of texts written in different cultures. The study participants were 88 randomly selected treatment students and 87 randomly selected comparison students. The QUAN-qual embedded mixed method design was employed. The treatment group was provided with reading comprehension activities of varied cultural texts accompanied by cuing and brainstorming, whereas the comparison group continued with its usual reading lesson. The instruments for data collection were the post-test, questionnaire, and group interview. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for reliability and normality checks involving KR-21, Cronbach’s alpha, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov. Inferential statistics employed the independent t-test, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and effect size tests. The results showed that the PKA group outperformed the PKIA group by a significant mean difference of t (173) = 6.06, p.001. At Z(86) = -2.182, p =.05., there was also a significant mean difference between brainstorming and cuing strategies. Among the strategies employed, cuing was found to be more helpful in activating the students' PK related to the familiar text, with a mean rank of 42.76. Conclusions can be drawn that, PK activation improves reading comprehension, and that PK activation using cuing increases with increased text familiarity. Hence, awareness should be given to text writers for the inclusion of PK activation strategies through texts containing cuing cultural expressions. This can simplify complex texts into learner-friendly ones for ease of practice in reading comprehension.
Entrepreneurial innovation in accounting profession: the African experience
Agbo, Elias Igwebuike
There is a universal belief that enterprising education ought to be directed towards practical teaching and re-training of students. The essence of such education is to expand the entrepreneurial know-how of students towards originality and innovativeness. For professional accounting students, entrepreneurial education ought to create in them such proficiencies that would enable them to evolve feasible business plans upon graduation and qualification. This becomes more apposite in African nations as employment prospects among qualified accountants are becoming progressively competitive. Also, the job openings have remained limited while recruitment opportunities in the private sector decrease day- by-day. Added to this worrisome situation are the drift of job subcontracting in accounting and consultancy firms, the employment of casual labor and the phenomenon of rightsizing of labor among big firms and multinational companies in African countries. It is against this backdrop that this research intends to investigate the degree to which entrepreneurial innovativeness has been infused into the accounting occupation in African countries, particularly the Sub-Saharan Africa(SSA).The study embraced the historical research approach. It concluded that the entrepreneurial adaptation that is lacking presently should become the epicenter of the progress of accounting profession in Africa.
Financial mix and financial performance of firms in Nigeria: a comparative study of the oil & gas and consumer goods firms listed in Nigeria
Benedicta Owonye
This study examined a comparative analysis of the impact of financial mix (FM) on financial performance (FP) of firms in Nigeria, targeting the listed oil & gas and consumer goods sectors (OGCGSs) firms in the Nigeria stock exchange (NSE); specifically; 10 companies listed in the OGCGSs firms; for the period of 2011-2020 (10years). Secondary data (panel data) which will be sourced from the annual reports and accounts of firms listed OGCGSs based on the variables under study. The secondary data obtained is presented in a tabular form, and analyzed through the application of descriptive statistics, panel unit root test, Pedroni residual cointegration test, correlation matrix and regression analytical technique using the E-VIEW (version 9.0) statistical tool. Results showed that LTDR has insignificant beneficial effect on ROA of listed OG firms while significant beneficial effects on ROA of listed CGs firms in Nigeria; TDR has a insignificant adverse effect on ROA of listed OGCGSs firms in Nigeria; DTER and STDR have beneficial and substantial effects on ROA of listed OG enterprises and adverse and significant effects on ROA of listed CGs firms in Nigeria, respectively. The study found that FM has a mixed effect on FP in Nigerian OGCGSs. STD should be applied to short-term business ideas in OGCGS enterprises in Nigeria to increase their significance in FM decisions, which affects ROA. These companies should use more equity.
Effects of rural-urban migration on labor availability for arable crop production among rural households in Edo state, Nigeria
Abushe O.P, Odjebor. U., Ebewore S.O. and Ofuoku A.U
This study examined the effects of rural-urban migration on labor availability for arable crops production among rural households in Edo state Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the rates of rural-urban migration, identify the causes of rural urban migration and determine the effects of rural urban migration on labor availability for arable crop production. A total of 298 heads of rural households were sampled for this study. The objectives of the study were achieved with frequency counts and percentages and means derived from a point 4 likert type scale. The hypothesis was tested with Tobit regression analysis. The result revealed that majority (64.10%) of the heads of rural household were female and are within the age bracket of 50-59years with an average house hold size of 6 persons having a mean monthly income of #72,210. The study found that rural household loses 3 persons within the ages of 22-28years to both permanent and temporary migration. The regression analysis revealed that age, educational level, types of crop grown, migrant household members, lack of good job opportunities, underdevelopment, and poor social amenities significantly contributed to rural-urban migration in the study area.(p=0.000<0.01, R2 =0.71). It was found that rural-urban migration had an effect on the cost of labor. (Labor is very expensive. Mean=3.16) and availability of labor (labor is very scarce. Mean= 2.67). Based on the findings it was recommended that all stake holders and the governments should strive to develop the rural areas and introduce technology driven agriculture to the rural areas to reduce the rates of rural-urban migration and its effect on labor availability.
Response to the pedagogy of French translation: a case study of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) students
Tonukari, Ufuoma Emmanuel (Ph.D.) Gloria .N. Shuaibu & Egwa Riliwanu Ighodaro
French language teaching in Nigerian universities can be dated as far back as the 1970s. The French translation is one of the aspects of learning the language but has not received adequate attention as other aspects such as French literature. From observation and previous studies, it has been observed that most French students tend not to be interested in writing their research projects in translation studies. There are certain reasons and assumptions for this lacuna. For example, French students (undergraduates) have first contact with translation studies as a course in year three, thereby spending minimal time learning and developing an interest in the field. Therefore, using the cross-sectional research design, this study investigated UNIBEN students’ response to the pedagogy of French translation. The study used the semi-structured questionnaire as the research instrument to collect data from a population of 282 randomly selected UNIBEN French students.85% was the response rate. Before the research, a pilot study was conducted to test the reliability of the questionnaire using the Cronbach Alpha formula. Major finding revealed that students’ response to the pedagogy of French translation was low. Therefore, the study recommends, amongst others, a better curriculum that encourages the teaching of French translation from year one and a better-equipped laboratory for its teaching and learning in UNIBEN and the Nigerian universities at large.
Socio-Demographic Factors and Womens Autonomy in Household Decision Making
Bose J. Odewale, Dominic E. Azuh, Muyiwa Oladosun & Emmanuel O Amoo
This study examines the influence of socio-demographic factors on women’s autonomy in household decision making in Nigeria. The findings of this studywill aid women’s participation in economic activities thereby increasing their contributions to sustainable development. It employed the 2008 and 2018 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) data sets. The study applied the univariate, bivariate, and multivariate (i.e. binary logistic regression) techniques. Bivariate results show women’s autonomy in large household purchases is significantly associated with place of residence, education, husband’s work statusand wealth index (p-value = 0.000) in both 2008 and 2018 surveys. The binary logistic result shows that in 2008, Muslim women had 0.5 times odds of having autonomy in decision making on large household purchases compared to Christian women. In 2018, women in higher ages (above 45) were1.5 times more likely to have autonomy in large household purchases than those in younger ages (15-24) Working women had 2.2 times odds of having autonomy in decision making on large household purchases compared to their counterparts who did not have a job. Also, women with higher education had 2.8 times the odds of having autonomy in decision making on large household purchases compared to women with no education. Policy and programmes geared towards improving household decision making autonomy of women becomes crucial in accelerating their contributionstowards sustainable development.
Empirics of the Relationship among Macroeconomic Fundamentals in Nigeria
Dr. Owen Affor Maku and Dr. B. O. Ishioro
Problem: The inter-relationship between and/or among selected key macroeconomic and policy fundamentals such as the levels of output, exchange rate, price, money supply and interest rate have potent impact on the performance, growth pattern and economic stability and development of any economy. Over the years, the Nigerian economy has experienced significant and prolonged fluctuations and instability as a result of the movement of these fundamentals as they affect the economy. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study therefore took a concerted and an in-depth investigation of the inter-relationship and inter-linkages among these macroeconomic fundamentals using annual time series data from the Nigerian economy for the period 1981 to 2021. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and other estimation techniques were adopted in testing for the long-run relationship among the variables. Findings: The results of the ARDL Bounds test affirmed that a long-run relationship exist among the selected macroeconomic indicators when output, price, interest rate and nominal exchange rate were used as dependent variables. Also, the price level and money supply exhibited more causal relationship among the macroeconomic fundamentals which authenticate further long-held-empirical-intuition of the relevant role these variable play in shaping policy outcomes for the economy. Conclusion: We concluded that price level and money supply exhibited more potent causal effects with the other macroeconomic fundamentals such as output, interest rate and exchange rate both in the short and long run. The existence of these relationships suggested the relative effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policy as regards the Nigerian economy given that their relative coefficients are greater than the other fundamentals in the various equations specified. Therefore, in order to maintain price stability so as to avoid inflationary pressures in the economy, the Central Bank and monetary authorities should design its monetary policy by targeting the rate of interest and its exchange rate structure. The study recommends that macroeconomic policies regulating each of these fundamentals should consider the related indicators both in the short and long-run periods. This will avert growth-reverting tendencies.
Discrimination in Welfare Distribution between Academic and Non Academic Staff of selected Nigerian Universities: A Qualitative Perspective
Mercy E. Udume, Emmanuel O. Amoo, Olufunke P. Adebayo, Bosede J. Odewale, Evaristus Adesina, Michael O. Owoeye., Tolulope A. Allo & Amos Oloore
Background: The study considered the unequal access to healthcare, housing and decent office space among academic and non-academic staff of Nigeria four universities (public and private) and how these have impacted on staff’s work output. Objective: It examined the intra-and-inter universities divergences in staff welfare provisions using three basic indices of welfare, namely: healthcare, housing accommodation and decent office provisions. Methods: The study used semi-structured in-depth interviews among 12 academics (6 seniors, 6 juniors) and 14 non-academics (8 senior and 6 junior) in two public and two private universities selected out of the list of universities within the Lagos and Ogun States. The qualitative data obtained were analysed following systematic-content analysis pattern and presented in adherence to RATS guidelines. The result shows that the abdication of welfare-provision responsibility in the public universities with unhealthy consequences paved way for private ownership and has not been totally benign. The finding revealed that there is high priority for academics in the allocation of welfare facilities especially housing accommodation and offices compared to non-academics in both private and public universities. It shows that the cost of medical bills in private universities are high, unaffordable to workers and are not overwhelmingly. Recommendation: The authors suggest that the implications for discrimination in welfare distribution between academic and non-academic could breed unhealthy working rivalry, and eventual substandard research activities with negative consequences on the quality of the graduates.
Monetary policy and economic growth in Africa: an FMOLS approach
Ajayi1, E. Olusuyi & Olapade 2 V. Oluwafemi , Oraka3 F. Kesiena , Giwa4 Babatunde Agbolade
The study investigated the effect of monetary policy on economic growth and analyse the causal relationship between monetary policy and economic growth in Africa. The study adopted the fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and the dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) estimation techniques. Im, Pesaran and Shin (IPS) was adopted to test for stationarity in the datasets. The granger causality method was used to analyse the second research hypothesis. The stationarity test results show that three of the seven variables were stationary at level while the remaining four were stationary at first order difference. The co-integration test results show that there is long run relationship among the datasets. Results from this study show the impact of monetary policy on economic growth in Africa. For the per capita income model, the regression estimates reveal money supply (MS = 0.012235; p -values: 0.0213) had positive significant impact on economic growth among the African countries examined, but does not granger cause economic growth of the countries. On the other hand, credit to the private sector and exchange rate did not significantly impact on economic growth among the African countries examined, neither do they granger cause economic growth of the countries (CPS = -0.144277; p -values: 0.6091). The study concludes that only money supply impacts on economic growth in Africa. The study thereby recommends that for more impact of monetary policy to be felt in Africa there is need for greater financial inclusion in Africa, by making sure that many adults in the region have access to banking services. Equally monetary authorities in Africa need to revise their monetary policy and improve on areas that do not encourage economic growth
Leadership behavioron performance of selected Ethiopian sports federations
Samson Wondirad, Tesfay Asgedom, Aschenaki Taddese
This study aimed to identify the relationship between leadership behaviour and performance of selected Ethiopian sports federations.For this study purpose the researcher used a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. A sample size of ninth-five (n = 95) respondents was used in this study. The quantitative data analysis was processed using IBM SPSS Amos 23.0 software. Structural equation modelling (SEM) has been used to study this relationship. Confirmatory Factory Analysis (CFA) was used to test the hypothesis between leadership behaviour and performance observed variables and their underlying latent constructs exist. The finding of study found that there was a positive correlation between leadership behaviour and performance of the study. The study recommends that Selected Ethiopian Sports Federations provide the performance appraisal of their employees based on their system of their promotion to better satisfactory
Strength of peer counseling strategy in curbing drug abuse among secondary rural learners in Chivi, Zimbabwe
Chidarikire Munyaradzi
This qualitative paper examines the strength ofa peer counselling strategy for alleviating drug abuse in Zimbabwean marginalized rural learners. There is an increase of drug abuse in Zimbabwe rural learning environments. Learners under the influence of drugs are engaging in unprotected sex, criminal activities, failing academically, committing suicide, mental problems among others. To mitigate effects of drug abuse there is a need to implement a peer counselling strategy for alleviating drug abuse in Zimbabwean rural schools through active participation of all stakeholders. This paper anchored on Critical Emancipatory Research theory. A qualitative phenomenological design was used with face to face interviews as data-collection instruments, to purposively selected fifteen school learners participants ( 8 females and 7 seven males) from three Chivi rural secondary schools. This paper established that there is there is no specific peer counselling strategy that was formulated collectively by rural citizens to mitigate drug abuse among rural learners. It was also noted that, the current peer counselling strategies that are being used to assist rural learners are Eurocentric that are devoid of rural cultural values and expectations. On the way forward, counsellors, rural learners, parents, educational policymakers, Non-Governmental Organizations, Government and the general public should collectively formulate and implement locally accepted peer counselling strategy that deals with drug abuse among secondary school learners.
The impact of sport commitment on Sports Talent identification and Development associated factors: In the case of Oromia regional state selected sports projects
Amanu Eba & Ayyantu Jembere
Sport commitment such as sport involvement, sport enjoyment, personal investments-quantity, enthusiastic commitment, constrained commitment, valuable opportunities, personal investments-loss, social constraints, social support-emotional, social support-informational, desire to excel-mastery achievement and desire to excel-social achievement in sport affects sport talent identification and development. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of sport commitment on Sports Talent identification and Development associated factors: The Case in Oromia Regional state Zones Sport Commission. In this study, concurrent mixed research design was employed. The study area covers selected Oromia Regional State zone and Oromia Special Zone surrounding Finfinne including Laga Tafo Laga Dadhi town, Sebeta town, Burayu town and Gelan town (N = 614 and n = 284). The primary sources of data were sport office experts from Zonal and towns’ Sport Commission employees, coaches, players and athletes. Independent variable was measured using Sport commitment dimensions questionnaire and dependent variable was Talent Development Environment associated factors. Data were collected via standardized questionnaires. The quantitative data gathered using questionnaires were analysed using STATA version 14, and then data were summarized using frequency and percentage. Using linear regression was used analyse impact of sport commitment on athlete’s talent identification and development. Athlete’s commitment significantly affects talent identification and development associated factors (F (1,282) = 51.62, p < 0.01, R2 = 0.155). The study concluded that project athlete’s commitment significant affected talent identification and development associated factors in selected Oromia regional state selected cities’ and towns club’s and projects. The study recommends that Oromia regional state selected cities’ and towns club’s and projects management body and coaches should develop two way communications and to create strong social network with their athletes.
Effect of access to healthcare and education interaction on female agricultural productivity in Nigeria
Esther Folarin , Evans Osabuohien, and Henry Okodua
From 4.2 percent in 2002 to 7.2 percent in 2006, the growth rate of the agriculture sector's share of the GDP at constant base prices in 1990 increased. Women make up between 60 and 80 percent of the labor force in African agriculture, according to common estimates. The study's main objective is to compare the employment and productivity levels of men and women on an individual basis using the existing statistical data and to suggest strategies to do so with a lower turnout. In Nigeria (37%), as well as in other developing nations, women's participation in the agricultural sector is significantly lower. The propensity score matching technique was used to evaluate the impact of access to healthcare interacting with education on female agricultural output in order to generate an accurate estimation of the model. The outcome highlights the necessity to increase female employment in Nigeria's economy in order to increase agricultural productivity. As a result, the study recommends that policies supporting female empowerment in other relevant sectors, including agriculture and services, should be encouraged.
The Relationship between Leadership Styles and Organizational performance in Ethiopian HEIs
Mihretu Shanko Gidi, Kenenisa Lemi Debela, Chalchissa Amentie Kero
Leadership can play huge role for creating high performance culture since it organizes both utilization of human and other resources. Competent and strong leader motivates employees and motivated employees does not only increase his or her job performance and commitment within an organization, but also goes beyond the job requirements thus increasing the organization’s general performance and making it more successful. This study is an attempt to assess the impact of leadership styles on the performance public universities of Ethiopia. For this purpose, a theoretical framework was first explored from the existing research containing the study variables. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between leadership styles practiced and organizational performance in Ethiopian HEIs. Quantitative and Qualitative descriptive survey was conducted for the study. The study population comprised the number of respondents has been be chosen employing a proportional sampling technique from each university and 386 respondents were participated for the survey method. Analysis techniques which used for quantitative study were descriptive statisticsand correlation analysis. On the other hand, qualitative data from the interview guide was analyzed by content analysis; this involved selecting and grouping the data according to emerging themes in line with objectives of the study. The study revealed that all kinds of leadership styles were practiced in EHIs as the overall respondents’ perception is above average (>50%) and there is strong and positive relationship between Transformational and transactional leadership styles and organizational performance in Ethiopian HEIs. Whereas Lassis faire Leadership Style has negative relationship with organizational performance
Mixed branding, perceived quality and consumer buying behaviour of cosmetic products among female nursing students in Abeokuta, Ogun state
Onifade,Temitayo Alice (PhD) Oladipupo, Omolara Omowunmi Adetayo, Hezekiah Oluwafemi (PhD) Adekunle Adekola Rasheed (PhD)
The objectives of the study was to determine the impact of mixed branding and perceived quality on consumer buying behaviour of cosmetic products among female nursing students in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Data for the study were collected using a structured questionnaire from female nursing students at nursing institutes in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The data were analysed usingregression. A total of 185 questionnaires (sample size) were distributed in two nursing institutes in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Based on the regression results, mixed branding had a positive and significant impact on the consumer buying behaviour of cosmetics among female nursing students in Abeokuta, product referral has a negative but insignificant impact on the consumer buying behaviour of cosmetics and finally perceived quality of the brand has a positive and significant impact on impact on the consumer buying behaviour of cosmetics among female nursing students in Abeokuta. The study recommends that Mixed branding is critical for attracting and retaining clients, especially in the cosmetics industry, where rivalry among businesses is intense and consistent. Also, continuous improvement in brand recognition, brand loyalty, and brand association, as well as product quality that meets consumer purchasing behaviour, must be maintained at all times.
Leadership behaviour and Human Resource Management Practice mediation between strategic plan and performance of selected Ethiopian sports federation
Samson Wondirad, Tesfay Asgedom, Aschenaki Taddese
The purpose of the study was to identify the relationship between strategic plan and performance through leadership behavior and Human Resource Management Practice (HRMP) of the selected Ethiopian sports federation. The study used a cross-sectional research design. A sample size of ninety-five (n = 95) respondents participated. The data was processed using IBM SPSS Amos 23.0 software. Structural equation modeling and Confirmatory Factory Analysis (CFA) have been used for data analysis. Leadership behavior and HRMP play an important mediating role between strategic plans and the performance of sports federations with (β= .86, P=0.00). The finding of the study confirms that leadership behavior and HRMP partially mediate the relationship between the strategic plan and the performance of both federations. The study recommended that it is advisable if selected Ethiopian sports federations to work on capacity development programs on human resource development and take up-to-date leadership training frequently, this will enable to enhance the performance of both federations.
Entrepreneurship Financing and Dynamics of Unemployment in Nigeria
Oluwasogo Adediran, Ph.D Lawrence Olusegun Fagbola, Ph.D Yusuf Oke Lawal, Ph.D
Over the years, successive governments in Nigeria have created various financing windows to address the funding needs of small-scale businesses and start-ups in order to promote employment and improve the living conditions of the citizens. However, in spite of available palliatives from the government and financial institutions, social indicators of economic performance continue to grow at sub-optimal rates, with adverse implications for national security and performance of macroeconomic fundamentals. This research investigates the extent to which entrepreneurial finance provided by commercial and microfinance banks in Nigeria contribute to unemployment reduction in the country for the period 1992 to 2021. The study employs secondary data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin and World Development Indicators as published by World Bank. The analysis using the Auto Regressive Distributed Lag model reveals that increase in funding of small business firms did not spur job creation in Nigeria. However, the Granger causality estimates show transmission of causality from financial sector credit to unemployment. Thus, we recommend the need for stakeholders in the economy especially the government to monitor banks’ credits to small-scale business firms to ensure proper deployment for expansion of job-creating activities. While it is important for banks to enhance credit to small scale businesses, the government should also ensure adequate infrastructure to support economic activities.
An Exploratory Study on Determinants of Water Scarcity in Delhi
Dr. Kiran Dabas
After oxygen, water is the important fundamental component of life. Anything that disrupts the availability and quantity of water tends to disrupt humanity's ability to survive. The scarcity of water puts the sustainability of the natural resource base in jeopardy, affecting all social and economic sectors. Since safe access to water is essential to peoples' diverse means of subsistence, the micro levels organisations such as local communities and households evidently experience water scarcity. Water resources in Delhi are under tremendous strain due to a combination of factors including a sharp rise in water demand, deteriorating water quality, groundwater depletion, inter-sectoral conflict and competition for water and system’s bottlenecks. Despite Delhi's prominent position, it does not provide a fair representation of the supply and distribution of water. Many rural and urban areas do not receive water in accordance with prescribed norms. Even though hydrological and climatic statistics show no substantial change in the availability of water over the past fifty years, a sizable portion of both rural and urban areas nevertheless experience water shortage. People do not receive water that is of appropriate quality, in sufficient quantity or both, in a timely manner. In fact certain social, economic, political and institutional variables are accelerating and intensifying water shortage and inequality. The research work necessitated a wide range of primary and secondary data. The collected information has been analyzed and interpreted with the help of statistical technique and GIS mapping environment. This paper is a micro-level investigation that covers an entire city. This study therefore aims to investigate the determinants and nature of the water scarcity situation in Delhi. It also suggests pragmatic solutions and policy recommendations for ensuring access to affordable clean water to everyone.
The relationship between farm and non farm activities of smallholder farmers Evidence from Western Ethiopia
Mr. Wakuma Dufera, Dr. Amsalu Bedemo & Dr. Temesgen Kebede
Farm and non-farm sectors reinforce each other to support living in a rural area, that is, just as a non-farm activity contributes to farm growth; agricultural activity also contributes to the development of the non-agricultural sector. The objective of the study was to identify the link between farm and non-farm activities. In this study, a multi-stage sampling method was used to select 383 sample respondents in the study area. The data was analyzed using the SUR bivariate model. As a result, bivariate SUR econometric results showed that variables such as land size, age, credit, distance from market, education, training, livestock(TLU), and membership of iqub frequently determined both sectors (farm and non-farm). The study recommended that agricultural development strategies issued by the government should include non-agricultural activities as well.
A Study on Effects of Teacher Mediation on Students Writing Skills Performance
Wendu Mesele Abebe , & Abebe Gebretsadik Woldearegawi
This study aimed at investigating the effects of teacher mediation on student writing skills performance. A quasi-experimental design was employed to conduct the research. The research participants were Hawassa University first-year Natural Sciences students. A simple random sampling technique was applied to select the two compasses and assign groups to the experimental or control groups. Data collecting instruments were writing skills tests and questionnaires. Analysis of the results revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in the experimental group between the pre-test and post-test on the importance and the mediator use of the principles. The independent samples t-test showed that students in the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group in writing content, organization, grammar use, and vocabulary but did not in mechanics usage. The paired samples t-test also showed that the experimental group significantly outperformed in the post-test. Cohen’s d test results revealed that the effect of teacher mediation was strong. Overall, there was a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the performance of writing paragraphs and essays. The findings have implications for teachers, students and writing skills instructional materials designers.
Effect of Meta cognitive Instructional Strategy Using PEEDA on Biology Students Process Skill Acquisition in Delta State
Okafor, Sabina Nwakaego & Akpokiniovo, Rukevwe Samuel
The study investigated the effect of metacognitive instructional strategy using PEDDA (Prior knowledge, Exploration, Discussion, Dissatisfaction and Application) on Biology student process skill acquisition in Delta State. Three research questions and three hypotheses were tested. The quasi-experimental design, specifically the non-equivalent pretest, posttest, control group design was adopted for the study. The study population was thirty thousand, eight hundred and thirteen (30,813) senior secondary II (SS II) Biology students and four hundred and thirty six (436) public secondary schools, in the three (3) Senatorial Districts of Delta State. A sample of 300 SS II Biology students, and 6 biology teachers randomly selected from six secondary schools in Delta State was used for this study. Science Process Skill Acquisition Test (SPSAT) developed by the researcher was used for data collection. The treatment involved exposing the students in the experimental group to the Biology concepts “pollution, exploration of the different types of pollution, discussion on the causes of pollution as well as the effects of pollution, dissatisfaction with the experience and application of the precautionary measures of pollution”, with the use of metacognitive instructional strategy and the reference group employing lecture method. Scores obtained were collated and analyzed using descriptive statistics of average and its deviation, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). It was found in the study metacognitive instructional strategy proved more effective than the lecture method on student process skills acquisition. The study also discovered that there was no discernible difference between male and female students who received instruction in the metacognitive instructional strategy in terms of their mean process skill development scores (PEDDA). Thus, students’ mean process skill acquisition scores relative to the teaching methods is not influenced by sex. Based on the findings from the study, it was recommended among others, that the use of metacognitive instructional strategy by Biology teachers during classroom instruction at the secondary school level be adopted to ensure students active involvement.
Data security and Digital data protection with reference to the Digital Data Protection Bill 2022
Dr. Sunita Arya & Kusum Joshi,
The growing population implies growing interactions with digital devices and the internet, consequently resulting in a humongous amount of generated digital data by the users. This data, which is largely available on the internet, can be effectively accessed and used by the mega-companies or organizations which are referred to as "data fiduciaries" sometimes even without intimidating the data privacy and infringing their Right to Privacy which is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the constitution. These data fiduciaries are generally very strong and have unbridled bargaining powers as they, up to an extent, influence the economy and politics of a country1. Nowadays, data is crucial in information combat. Data is a necessary component of Artificial Intelligence. As a consequence of digital revolutions, the amount of data about an individual is expanding2.
Spreading the Colors of Success: Story of Indian Tourism
Dr Ruchita Shandilya
India can always boast of its rich cultural heritage. Travel and Tourism in India is an integral part of Indian tradition and culture. In ancient times, travel was primarily for pilgrimage –as the holy places dotting the country attracted people from different parts of the world. People also traveled to participate in large scale feasts, fairs and festivals in different parts of the country. In such a background, cultural tradition was developed where ‘Athithi Devo Bhava’ (the guest is God) and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) became bywords of Indian social behavior. Since times immemorial, the rulers in different parts of India built luxurious palaces, enchanting gardens, marvelous temples, grand forts, tombs, and memorials. These bear testimony to the exquisite inheritance of this land, and are examples of unparalleled craftsmanship of the people of the bygone ages. The beauty of India’s cultural heritage and the richness of nature’s endowments make India tourist’s paradise. Tourism was seen as an important instrument for national integration and international understanding. The dimensions of tourism changed as trade and commerce developed. The spice trade brought India in contact with the world more than before. The silk route trade also opened up India’s immense cultural heritage and natural beauty to the world outside. The establishment of the Indian Railways by the British, modernization of the ports, development of hill stations- all these added to the growth of the Indian tourism industry in the 19th and early parts of the 20th century. The growth of modern, organized tourism however was slow. Systematic information, even if inadequate, has been available only during the post –Independence era. It was only after the 80s that tourism as an industry picked up speed.
Review paper on New age CRM practices in the Life insurance sector
Tanu Bhatnagar & Dr. Daljeet Singh Wadhwa
: Customer Relationship Management is the one of the recent and widespread innovation in customer service industry. In general to acquire a new customer is six times costlier than to retain. Customer centric businesses like life insurance industry have adopted CRM to provide standardize service, higher efficiency, centralized database and simplified automation equality to the insurers. After privatization, insurance companies are competing on a global scale with a plethora of products offerings to customers. The research paper focuses on the innovation and the technological advancements in CRM practices for survival in the competitive business era.
A Study Of Consumer Behaviour towards Online Advertisings of High and Low Involvement Products in the State of Madhya Pradesh, India
Dr. Arvind Malviya & Dr. Deepak Agrawal
The knowledge of the media consumption behaviour of consumers is most important for organizations to promote their brands in the most suitable available media to utilize their advertising budget most effectively. This study examined the behaviour of consumers of online media for high and low-involvement products, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is found that consumers prefer to watch online advertising for high-involvement productsbut for low-involvement products customers do not like to watch online advertisements and they still prefer traditional media like TV and newspapers for watching the advertisement of these low-involvement products.The Data has been composed of 1020 respondents through structured questionnaires anddata was analysed through paired sample t-tests. The outcome of the study states that the customers are interested in watching online advertisements of offers given by E-Tailers and shopping malls on low-involvement products but do not like to watch individual brands' advertisements on online media.
A Review on the Historical Development Towards the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
Dr. Deepak Agrawal & Dr. Arvind Malviya
The word Bankruptcy and Insolvency is notnew concept. It exists even in the early stages ofan ancientcivilization. The key objective of the study was to identify the historical existence and the development of the concept. The review was made to the studies conducted by various authors around the globe to identify the suggestible strategies to overcome Bankruptcy and Insolvency. The outcome of the study revealed that therehas been various development in Bankruptcy & Insolvency Laws around the world. Britain pioneered these laws and later adopted them in various parts of the world. The countries reviewed in this study were found to be in continuous modification. India framed the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code 2016 which is still in the early stage of its development. The study identifies the research gap and suggests the need to pursue approval of the resolution plan from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) during the specified time frame.
Differentiated Instruction in the Teaching of Listening Comprehension
Emily C. Palonga & Sheryl M. Atompag
One-size doesn’t fit all, and inclusive education are widely known in education in order to cater to the various needs of every learner inside the classroom. Therefore, there is a need to employ differentiated instruction in the teaching and learning process. Moreover, listening comprehension is a skill that should be taken as active process and it should be taught alongside the other macro skills. This study identified the different methods in differentiating instructions employed in the teaching of listening comprehension. It made use of descriptive research design with the aid of an adopted survey questionnaire, observation, and interview to gather needed information. The commonly used methods in differentiating instruction were identified through the mean and was ranked according to its frequency. The following were the salient findings of the study. Differentiated instruction is a useful method in the teaching of listening comprehension. Differentiated instruction is an engaging approach in developing the learner’s listening comprehension skills which is a big factor in developing the learner’s teaching and listening comprehension. Teachers, therefore, are encouraged to apply differentiated methodsto engage the diverse learners. Teachers are also urged to focus on teaching listening comprehension skill separately and to not only integrate it within the lesson.
Effect of taxation on sustainable revenue generation in Nigeria
Blessing N. Amobi, Grace N. Ofoegbu, Emori Enya Gabriel & Otuedon, Ajueyitse Martns
This study evaluates taxation’s effect on sustainable revenue generation in Nigeria. Specifically, the study is set to: determine the effect of education tax on the real gross domestic product, and establish the effect of capital gains tax on the real gross domestic product. The study adopted an ex post facto research design. The study adopts a secondary source of data and it consists of annual time series data from 2011 to 2020. The National Bureau of Statistics, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and the Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin were used to compile the data. The mean, median, maximum, minimum, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis were used to examine the data.. The study also used correlation analysis to quantify the degree to which two variables are related. The study revealed that Education Tax (EDT) has no significant effect on Real Gross Domestic Product (RGDP): While the correlation result revealed a positive weak relationship between EDT and RGDP, there was an insignificant effect of EDT on RGDP. Capital Gains Tax (CGT) has no significant effect on Real Gross Domestic Product (RGDP): The dependency result showed a weak positive relationship between CGT and RGDP, also, CGT had an insignificant effect on RGDP.We concluded that taxation positively affects sustainable revenue generation in Nigeria. We recommended that tax authorities in Nigeria should endeavour to improve revenue generation in Nigeria.
Impact of farm mechanization on rice production in Nigeria: implication for food security in 2030
Enwa Sarah, Otuisi Louis, B.E., Aberji, Okompu D.
Rice is one of the most staple food in Nigeria with consumption per capita of 32kg. Despite the country’s favourable rice production ecology, there is still a huge gap between domestic rice production and consumption patterns. This study used a trend analysis to check the performance of rice production. The study is aimed at assessing the effects of farm mechanization on rice production in Nigeria. The study was based on secondary data from (2010- 2022) collected from the IMF World economic outlook, and the World Bank report. Time- response graph and Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA) was used to assess the trend of rice production in Nigeria from 2010- 2022, an independent t- test was used to test the relationship between rice production in the northern and southern Nigeria. The result showed that rice production in the northern Nigeria are faced with a lot of constraints arising from low adoption to mechanized methods of rice cultivation while the rice cultivation in the south is faced with the challenge of unavailability of mechanized methods of cultivation. There is a significant difference between rice output in the Northern rice farms and southern rice farms. This study suggests that there is a need to enhance the area under cultivation, improve the irrigation system, provide timely mechanize equipment and supply of agricultural credit to farmers at flexible interest rates, change planting dates, apply recommended doses of fertilizers, and diversify crop cultivation
Original Research Article: Prevalence of urinary tract infection in febrile children study done in tertiary care hospital
Dr Kasapogu Archana, Dr Patten Sudhapriya, Dr Satna Soumya & Dr Rapaka Sujatha
Introduction: Urinary tract infection is the third most common cause of febrile illness in children. UTI is a significant health problem that commonlyaffects children.The objective of our study is to determine the prevalence of urinary tract infection in all febrile children from 1months to 5 years of age. Material and methods: A hospital-based prospective study was carried out in the Department of Paediatrics, Tertiary care Government Medical Collegeand Urine was collected from enrolled febrile patients and sent for routine microscopic examination as well as for culture and sensitivity Results: The study included 800 children. Females were 480 (60%) and males were 320 (40%). The total prevalence of culture-positive UTI cases was 9%. The incidence in <1 year was 11.9%, 1-2 years was 8.2 % and 2-3 years was 8.1%,3-4 years was 7.6%,and 4-5 years was 10%. Apart from fever, the next commonest symptoms were abdominal pain, vomiting, dysuria, chills and rigours and loss of appetite. Urine culture positive was seen in 72 cases (9%). Out of culture-positive cases E. coli was the most commonly isolated organism Conclusion: UTI should be considered as a possible cause of fever in children under the age of five. Because febrile children with UTI typically exhibit nonspecific signs and symptoms, urine culture should be considered as part of the diagnostic processevaluation. The gold standard for diagnosing UTI in children is urine culture.
Depiction of Basic Rights Abuses in Amelmals Amharic Novel Yaltakoache Guzo (From 1974-2018)
Gemechu Bayisa , Tesfaye Dagnew & Tesfamariam Gmeskel
The main objective of the study was to examine the depiction of democratic right and human right abuses in Amelmal’sAmharic Novel,YältäkoächeGuzo (the Endless Journey). Literature uses sympathetic and attractive literary language to expose basic human right abuses.Therefore, the roles of Amahric literature in portraying basic human right violations are paramount. It has a long history in the literary traditions of Ethiopia and has great affiliation with the political, social and economic situations of Ethiopia. Amharic literature has been playing vital roles in becoming the voice of the people whose basic rights have been abused. Regardless of these facts, Amharic literature has not been well studied although this study was to fill the gap. New Historicism was the literary approachthe study considered to realize the depiction of basic rights, and the novel was selected through purposive sampling method.Through close reading of the novel, the depiction of basic rights abuses (both human right and democratic rightabuses from1974-2018) were identified, interpreted and analyzed. The analysis of the novel depicted that there were bad handlings of the basichuman rights in Ethiopia. The depiction of all the abused rights is overt, so the relation between what the novel shows and what Ethiopian history says regarding basic human right abuses are explicit. Human right violations like the right to life, the right to liberty, the right to equality and the right to privacy and violations of democratic rightlike the right to demonstration and the right to freedom of movement during Darg (during MengistuHailamaria) and during the EPRDF (during Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front)were depicted.
Ethnocentrism visavis Ethiopian Nationalism as Reflected in Yismakes Dartogada and Kibur Dingay
Abrham Gedamu, Anteneh Aweke, Ayenew Guadu
This paper makes a critical analysis on the state of ethnocentrism and pan-Ethiopian ideology during the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) regime as reflected in YismakeWorku’s two Amharic novels, titled Därtogada (2009) and KïburDïngay (2013). Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is employed to make the critical analysis of the selected novels. The study reveals that the ethnocentric political system employed during the EPRDF’s regime has been serving as a fertile and legitimate ground for the proliferation of tribal ideology at the expense of pan-Ethiopian ideology. In the two Amharic novels, the ethnic political system is portrayed as a perilous tool via which Ethiopia’s future existence is questioned asserting strongly on the need to abolish such a divisive political thought and promote Ethiopian nationalism instead.
Export diversification and economic growth in developing countries: a case of Nigeria
Busayo Aderounmu, Oluwole J. Adeyemi and Divine-Favour Nwagu
The current fluctuations in the world market which affected oil pricesresulted in income variation in the country which also affected economic activities world-wide especially developing economies.Nigeria is however not exempted from this shock as the economy is highly over dependent on oil as her major source of income after the neglect of other sectors. There is therefore the need for Nigeria to diversify her bundle in order to generate more sustainable income and achieve sustainable development goal 9. In light of this, this paper examines the impact of export diversification on economic growth in Nigeria, using time series data from 1983 to 2020. The autoregressive distributed lag method of analysis was used to examine the impact of vertical and horizontal diversification on economic growth. The result shows that diversifying economic bundle horizontally will only improve growth of the country in the long run while in the case of vertical diversification, only manufacturing export positively and statistically increases economic growth both in the short run and in the long run. Other variables used in examining vertical diversification were negatively related to economic growth in Nigeria. This shows the nature of mono-product economy we have in Nigeria. Therefore, this study recommends that government should improve diversification to other sectors like agriculture, service and infrastructure which shows a negative relationship to growth in Nigeria.
Trade Liberalisation, Foreign Direct Investment and Employment Generation in Nigeria
Oluwatoyin A. Matthew, Oyindoubra E. Gbeworo, Romanus Osabohien, Busayo Aderounmu, Ese Urhie
This study investigated the effects of trade liberalisation and foreign direct investment on employment generation in Nigeria using annual time series data for the period of 1989 to 2018. The study adopted a multiple linear regression model, the Johansen co-integration test, Vector Error Correction Mechanism (VECM) approach and Granger causality test to analyse the data. The result showed that trade liberalisation and foreign direct investment both have a positive and significant effect on employment generation in Nigeria and that there was no significant causal relationship between trade liberalisation, foreign direct investment and employment generation in Nigeria. Thus, the study recommends that the government is advised to develop the institutional and regulatory foundations of the economy to encourage global competitiveness and increased liberalised trade of Nigerian exports and encourage foreign investments from the global economy
Disparity and Perceived Barriers to participating in Physical Activity among Begemidir College of Teachers Education Students in Ethiopia
Mr Adane Eshetu Mengistu, Dr Melkamu Dugassa Kassa, Dr Mathivanan Dhamodharan
Objective:This study aimed toinvestigate thedisparity and perceived barriersto participating in Physical Activity among Begemidir College of teachers’ education students in Gondar, Ethiopia.Method:A cross-sectional survey design was conducted among 201 college students in north Ethiopia. A proportionate stratified random sampling technique where employed. The perceived disparity of internal and external barriers to physical activity was compared across the gender of students while perceived barriers were evaluated by using a list of 14 items that inhibit individuals from participating in physical activity. Results: The results of this study reveal that the most frequently cited internal barriers for PA were lack of motivation (84%) while lack of time (78%) were reported external barriers. There were statistically significant differences in mean scores across departments of college students' physical activity levels. Moreover, the cross-department disparity was observed in both internal and external barriers(p<0.002).Conclusions:Understanding the perceived barriers to physical activity will help policymakers and healthcare promoters to design and implement a comprehensiveand cost-effective physical fitness program for college students to achieve the minimum weekly physical activity recommended level by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) so that efficienthealth can be promoted.
Original Research Article:Clinico-Etiological Profile of First Episode Seizures in Children study done in ACSR Government medical college, Nellore
Dr G Chinna Rao, Dr SK Masroor Ahamed, Dr R Chandan Reddy, Dr K Chiranjeevi
Introduction: Seizures are one of the most common neurological disorders we encounter inour day-to-day medical practice. About 4-10% of children experience at least one episode in the first 16 years of life. There is a limitation of information concerning acute seizures in the paediatric population from developing nations. The main aims are to identify the common etiological factors of first-episode seizures in children, as well as classify their type of presentation in children who present to a Govt General hospital in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India. Material and methods: A hospital-based prospective study was carried out in the Department of Paediatrics, Government Medical College Nellore, over one year period, and all children aged one month to 12 years were admitted with the first episode of seizure.Results: A total of 84 children had first-episode seizures as a presenting complaint with 52 males and 32females. Among these first episodes of seizure are the highest at 65 (77.4%) in the age group of 1 month –5 years. Febrile seizures are seen in 45(53.6%) and were the most common etiological cause followed by meningitis 18 (21.4%). GTCS Generalized tonic-clonic seizures 64 (76.2.1%) were the most common seizure type followed by focal seizures (15.5%). Conclusion:In our study, we discovered that febrile seizures were the most common cause of seizures in our study, followed by meningitis, and neurocysticercosis. A comprehensive evaluation, including a careful history, physical examination, laboratory testing, EEG, and neuroimaging studies, is required to identify the pathology causing the seizures. Children diagnosed with seizures require long-term follow-up, including neurophysiological studies.
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.
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.
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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