Effect of Creative Accounting Practices on Banks’ Financial Statement Quality in Nigeria
1Dr Obioma V. Ugwoke, 2Dr. Chidi Nnamani*, 3Chidiebere D. Ozor, 4Prof. Robinson O. Ugwoke
There is growing concern among present and potential investors, regulators, auditors etc. on the quality of financial statement usually made available by most companies in Nigeria. This concern is linked to the trend of cases of creative accounting practices being reported especially in the banking sector. This study was designed to provide empirical findings to the aforementioned. Thus, the study aimed at examining the effect of creative accounting on the quality of financial statements of deposit money banks in Nigeria from 2007 – 2019. An ex-post facto research design was considered appropriate for the study. The population of the study comprised all the twenty (20) deposit money banks in Nigeria from which a sample of seven (7) banks, namely, First bank plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Access bank Nigeria, United bank for Africa, Ecobank Nigeria and Fidelity bank, were randomly selected. Annual data were collected from secondary sources such as abstracts from the Federal Office of Statistics (FOS), the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin (CBNSB), etc. and was analysed using linear regression model with the aid SPSS version 23.0. The analysed data were presented in tables. The findings indicate that there exists a statistical significant effect between provision for doubtful debt (LOGPDD) and the reliability of profit after tax (LOGPAT) (R2 = .237, P = .000 at P < 0.05). Also, there exists a statistical significant effect between loan loss provision (LOGLLP) and cash and cash equivalent (LOGCCE) of deposit money banks in Nigeria (R2 = .361, P = .000 at P < 0.05). Lastly, the regression coefficients (β) of .462 and .566 respectively indicate that creative accounting has had a significant effect on the quality of financial statements of deposit money banks in Nigeria. These findings therefore imply that creative accounting has eroded the quality of financial reporting in Nigeria by providing distorted financial statements on firms’ financial performance and position which leads to misguided investments, corporate governance breakdown and corporate collapse on the quality of financial statements of deposit money banks in Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that deposit money banks in Nigeria should avoid creative accounting practices as they distort the quality of financial statements and by extension the usefulness of financial information passed on to all users. More so, creative accounting practices in Nigerian banks should be legislated against and culprits held accountable.
Social Skills Training for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
1Oluwatomilola Adewunmi,1Sussan Adeusi,1Temiloluwa Arotiba 1Olusegun Adeeko,1Deborah Olarinde
This review investigated the impact of Social Skills Training (SST) on children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Social Skills Training is one of the most widely utilised interventions for addressing social skills deficiencies in children and adolescents with ASD. The study comprised a total of 12 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Four research questions were formulated to guide the investigation. The synthesis of these studies demonstrated that SST is helpful for boosting social engagement and communication, decreasing parental stress, and reducing emotional problems associated with ASD in children and adolescents. In addition, more than half of the studies found that lengthier durations of SST resulted in the maintenance of treatment gains months after the SST programme and the generalisation of social skills to other elements of life and situations. Due to the fact that the follow-up data were based on unblinded reports from parents and teachers, which are susceptible to bias, these results should be regarded with caution.
Consumption Choices and Intent to Work Under the Provision of Universal Basic Income
Khujan Singh & Pooja Kataria
The current study addressed two primary challenges associated with Universal Basic Income: the potential misuse of additional income by recipients and the possibility of decreased work participation.The study included 575 respondents from Haryana and employed statistical techniques such as the independent T-test, one-way ANOVA, and Welch test for data analysis.The study's findings suggest that people are likely to use cash payments responsibly rather than squandering them on leisure activities. Additionally, an intriguing result is that employed individuals are more inclined to exit the labour market than those who are unemployed.The policy implication is that more rigorous studies are urgently needed to understand how Universal Basic Income could address social issues like poverty and unemployment.
A Sociophonetic Study of Simulation Factors on the Spoken English of Undergraduates in Nigeria
Mercy Adenike Bankole
The teaching of spoken English in Nigeria at different levels of education has not yielded the expected communicative competence among the learners of English as a second language. This may be due to different factors such as difference in the inventories of English sounds system and learners’ mother tongue sounds system, lack of functional language laboratory, and most important, lack of model of Standard English pronunciation in Nigeria. For national and international intelligibility, approximation of Standard English pronunciation is required. Hence, Akinjobi (2015) recommends tools and sources as non-enculturation sources of contact with the native speakers of English. She emphasizes that these could help the learners of English as a second language in approximation to the Standard English pronunciation. This study, therefore, examines the influence of simulation factor on the production of English sibilants of undergraduates in Nigeria and to determine if such can help in approximation of Standard English pronunciation in Nigeria. The study adopted Bandura’s Cognitive Social Learning theory as a theoretical framework. Speech filing system (SFS) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used for the acoustic and statistical analyses. Data were purposively collected from 240 part three undergraduates from six Universities in southwest, Nigeria through structured questionnaire and a prepared word list to test sibilants of English at all word positions. The findings revealed that simulation factor enhances correct realization of some English sibilants which seems difficult and problematic for Nigerian learners of English because of their absence in the inventory of their mother tongue. The study recommends that approximation to correct pronunciation of Standard English by second language learners in Nigeria irrespective of language background seems possible through simulation factors.
" Association between Periodontics and Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMD)"
Dr. Ebenezer. M (MDS), Dr. Magesh Kumar (MDS), Dr. D. Kalaiselvan (MDS), Dr. Gnanasagar W R (MDS), Dr. Shobana P (MDS), Dr. Lakshmi Priyanka. S (MDS)
Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the structures that support the teeth, which may further lead to the risk of teeth loss, the assessment of periodontitis is done based on the indicators such as periodontal ligament space (PDL), bone loss radio graphically, bleeding on probing, mobility of tooth. Among the Oral Potentially malignant disorders (OPMD), verrucous leukoplakia has the highest risk of malignancy transformation. Oral Cancer is the eighteenth most commonly occurring cancer worldwide with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common. Treatment of OPMD and periodontitis primarily involves medical management such as Anti-oxidants, multi-vitamins, and photobiomodulation, if not feasible then surgical management such as cryotherapy is advised. Periodontitis has a strong association with OPMD, Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment in collaboration with periodontitis and oral medicine specialists can lead to a significant prognosis.
Unraveling the Digital Dilemma: A Contemporary Examination of Artificial Intelligence's Influence on Study Habits
Dangonay T. Manapeng, Wilson C. Fernandez Jr., Eva K. Ose
This literature review explores the multifaceted impact of artificial intelligence (AI), with a focus on ChatGPT, on the literary creativity of Filipino students and its broader implications in education. It uncovers diverse perspectives on the role of AI, highlighting both its potential benefits and associated risks. The proliferation of AI tools like ChatGPT has prompted educators to adopt measures to combat academic dishonesty, reflecting mounting concerns within academic circles. Moreover, the review delves into a conservative stance prevalent in Philippine education, which views AI as a supplementary rather than a substitute for human input, emphasizing its limitations in replicating human sensibilities. Despite AI's capacity to enhance learning experiences through personalized learning and intelligent tutoring systems, concerns arise regarding over-standardization and the potential erosion of critical thinking skills. Additionally, the review examines AI's application in creative writing, discussing its role in providing assistance and improving students' writing proficiency. The discussion section analyzes the implications of AI on learner-instructor interaction, emphasizing AI's role in providing real-time responses and personalized feedback while addressing concerns such as test-taking anxiety and reduced creativity. Overall, the abstract underscores the transformative potential of AI in education while emphasizing the importance of addressing challenges related to equity, academic integrity, and the preservation of creativity to prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce effectively.
"Tongue Prints: A Potential Tool for Gender Estimation"
Sahetya s , Tandon A, Jaiswal R , Jain A, A, Sharma A, Vaishnav S
Background and Objectives: Biometric authentication plays a crucial role in identifying and verifying individuals for security purposes. Unlike other biometric methods, tongue prints are highly individualized, making forgery difficult. The use of lingual impressions or tongue prints for biometric authentication is an emerging area of research. This study aims to evaluate common morphological features of the tongue and their variations between males and females. Additionally, the utility of alginate impression and dental cast in obtaining lingual impressions will be assessed. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in Sardar Patel Institute Of Dental and Medical Sciences, Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology and Oral Microbiology Department. The study was carried out on 200 individuals (100 males and 100 females) in the age range of 20-50 years of age exclusively of Lucknow population. The subjects underwent a visual assessment, after which digital pictures of the tongue's dorsal surface were captured. The tongue was imprinted with alginate, and dental stone was used to create castings. Two observers independently examined the castings and photos to determine the surface morphology, including shape, the presence or absence of fissures, and the distribution pattern of those fissures. Results: It was found that the U shaped tongue was more prevalent among males while the V shaped tongue was more commonly prevalent among females. Among males, multiple fissures were more common while among females, single fissure was more common Over all among both males and females, vertical pattern of groove was found to be the most commonly found pattern. Conclusion: The usage of tongue prints for biometric verification is beneficial. Dentists can easily implement the study's straightforward methodology on a regular basis.
Association of Food Insecurity and Obesity among Household Families: Northern Jordan
Baha’a M. Abu Salma1*,Ali Alshrafat2, Alanoud Elmoumani3, Saif Elmoumani3, Muayyad Bani Hani4, Yousef Mograbi
Food insecurity and obesity are a public health concern. People who experience food insecurity are more likely to suffer from obesity. Economic strains and limited access to healthy food are the main risk factors for obesity amongfood-insecure people.To evaluate the association between food insecurity and obesity. Across-sectional study was conducted on (n =315) people from northern Jordan. Data was collected by structured questionnaire to determine socio-demographic data. The Food Expenditure Share and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale were used to measure food insecurity levels, while body mass index criteria were used to determine the level of obesity. multiple regression model was used to determine the magnitude and direction of the relationship between food insecurity and obesity.The results of the study found that the mean age of the participantswas50.4 ± 11.7, and 58.1% of the familieshad more than six family members with an average monthly income of 338.3 ± 183.4 JD. In addition, the participants are most likely to be obese with an average of BMI 28.7 ± 0.04, and moderately food insecure levels,according to the results of the food expenditure share and household food insecurity Access Scale categories. Moreover, there are significant positive correlations between food insecurity and obesity; each increase in the level of food insecurity which is represented byfood expenditure share and household food insecurity Access Scale, will lead to an increase in body mass index by 0.11 and 0.72 respectively.The results of the study demonstrated that people with household food insecurity are more likely to suffer from obesity,especially among low- to middle-income levels. The current study recommends that policies consider people at risk of food insecurity and obesity to provide them with comprehensive nutritional intervention, and price reduction policiesfor nutritional food.
The Practice and Relationship of Leadership Styles and Trainer' Performance: The Mediating Role of Trust in Leaders in Public Technical and Vocational Education Training Colleges of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Alebachew Lakie Desta1*,Mateb Tafere Gedifew2
This study uses survey data from Amhara region technical and vocational training colleges of trainers to investigate whether trainers’ trust in leaders mediates the relationship between leadership styles (servant, transactional, and democratic) and trainers’ performance. The researcherse mployeda quantitative approach and an explanatory design. Six hundred twenty-nine trainers; working in ten TVET colleges were obtained with a multi-stage cluster random sampling technique. A cross-sectional survey was applied in this research. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to test the hypotheses. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The validity and reliability of the measurement and structural models were confirmed. Accordingly, the computed mean values portrayed moderate implementation of leadership styles (servant, transactional, and democratic) and trainers’ performance in sample Technical and Vocational Education Training colleges of the Amhara Region. The R2 of leadership styles (servant, transactional, and democratic) showed statistically significant accounts of the variance of trainers’ performance. All leadership styles (servant, transactional, and democratic) showed a direct effect on trainers’ performance. It was also found that trust in leaders partially mediates the relationship between leadership styles (servant, transactional, and democratic) and trainers’ performance. In this regard, the findings seemed to reveal the extensive theoretical common understanding that trust is a basis for leadership effectiveness and thus improved TVET college performance. The study suggests that TVET leaders need to continue to develop their leadership skills and qualities, particularly their democratic leadership ones, as well as build trust to improve performance within their colleges.
Humanitarian Relief: The Citizenship Amendment Act for Minorities
Mohd Aqib Aslam
The enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in India had profound effects on the nation’s legal system, influencing citizenship laws and practices. The CAA’s reach includes giving some religious minorities from nearby nations—Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians—who have been persecuted for their faith a route to Indian citizenship. Legally speaking, the CAA adds precise requirements for the naturalisation of qualified persons, amending the Citizenship Act of 1955. In order for candidates to be eligible for citizenship under the Act, they must have entered India on or before December 31, 2014, which is the cutoff date.The CAA establishes a legal framework for the regularisation of the status of qualified religious minorities who have fled persecution in their native countries and sought safety in India by enacting these modifications. The CAA’s legal purview extends to government agency’s identification and confirmation of the eligibility of persons. Documentary proof of an applicant’s identity, nationality, and religious affiliation must be submitted, together with documentation attesting to their residency in India as of the deadline. Verification procedures are carried out by government organisations to verify the legitimacy of papers filed and determine whether applicants are eligible for citizenship under the CAA.Additionally, there are overlaps between the CAA and the current legal systems in India that regulate immigration and refugee protection. In order to give religious minorities from nearby nation’s legal status and protection within the Indian citizenship system, it extends these frameworks with particular measures for their naturalisation. In order to determine its constitutionality and analyse its consequences in light of a larger legal framework, the CAA may also give rise to legal challenges and judicial review.
The Quantitative Evaluation of Pull and Push Drivers of Self-Employment in Entrepreneurial Intentions: Moderating the Effect of Unemployment in Nigeria Economy
Ibrahim, Mohammed Gaddafi1; Ifegwu John Ifegwu2; Suleiman Maryam Aminu3; Ibrahim, Aminu Tangaza4 & Yusufu Ojochenemi Sunday 5
The shifting landscape shaped by globalization, technological advancements, and global recessions has rendered certain occupations obsolete, contributing to a surge in unemployment. Faced with these challenges, individuals are increasingly drawn towards entrepreneurship as an alternative when traditional job opportunities are limited. The research focuses on the Nigerian context, where self-employment is recognized as a crucial means to address unemployment crises, leading to the implementation of various support programs. The exploration of pull factors, rooted in personal desires and external opportunities, contrasts with push factors, stemming from external factors compelling individuals into entrepreneurship. The study adopts a descriptive survey research design, focusing on three hundred newly established businesses in Minna, Niger State. The findings from robust regression analyses underscore the significant impact of both pull and push factors on entrepreneurial intentions, challenging certain hypotheses and emphasizing the need for a holistic consideration of these motivational factors. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for policymakers, educators, and business support organizations, advocating for tailored entrepreneurship education programs, supportive government policies, and initiatives like networking and mentorship to create a conducive ecosystem for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Chemical Profiling and Antioxidant Activities of Leaf Extracts of Gossypium Barbadense Linn
Ogunmola Oluranti Olagoke1, 2, Larayetan Rotimi3, Sodamade Abiodun 2 , Owonikoko Abayomi Dele2, , Odoje Oluwatoyin Funke2, Oke Kingsley Oyediran, Amusat Mumini Adekunle, Majolagbe Olusola5, Taofik Adedosu1
Across the world, Gossypiumbarbadense (G. barbadense) leaf herbal remedies are extensively used to treat microbiological infections and hypertension. Standard methods were used to identify the phytochemicals present in the crude extracts. The different chemicals contained in the extracts were evaluated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Nitric oxide scavenging (NOS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) tests were used to assess the radical scavenging potentials of the crude extracts. Phenols, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, proanthocyanidins, and flavonoids were identified by phytochemical examination of the extracts. The presence of 20, 24, and 32 compounds which together account for 99.98%, 99.64%, and 99.49% of the extracts (methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane) was detected by GC/MS analysis. The principal constituents found in the methanol extracts arePropanal (45.78%), methylamine (N, N-dimethyl) (24.53%), and trimethylene oxide (19.47%). Conversely, the main constituents found in the leaf extracts made of ethyl acetate arecaryophyllene (31.79%), palmitic acid (15.80%), and α-linolenic acid (15.48%). The main constituents of the hexane leaf extracts includeβ-Bisabolol (21.85%), palmitic acid (20.99%), methyl-linolenate (12.00%), and γ-Curcumene (11.10%). The methanol extract of G. barbadense exhibited percentage DPPH, ABTS, and NOS radical scavenging activities of 63.49 ± 2.62, 53.29 ± 1.16, and 55.23 ± 0.96, respectively. The equivalent values for its ethyl acetate extract were 18.05 ± 1.08, 48.97 ± 0.45, and 40.02 ± 0.23. The leaf extracts showed antioxidant qualities that could be investigated for the production of novel drugs.
Impact of Women Volleyball Project Development among Some Selected Zones of Centeral Ethiopia Region
Tesfaye Boke Oyomo
This study aims to investigate the impact of women volleyball project development among some selected zones of central Ethiopia region. The researcher applied both quantitative and qualitative approach which was based on the descriptive survey design, collecting quantitative data from women’s volleyball project athletes (n=30) with a mean age of 15-17 years through a self-reported questionnaire. The study was conducted in Kambata and Hadiya Zone of central Ethiopia region. The total population in two projects sixty (60). From those total population the researcher was select fifteen (15) female players from each project which was thirty (30) athletes were selected through simple random sampling technique and two office experts, two coaches and two (2) office managers selected through purposive sampling totally thirty six (36) subjects were the sample of the study. Data was collected through questionnaire and interviews. The result of data was show that there was gap in availability of human power particularly based on the mean value data was replied gap in availability of active women’s youth volleyball project in selected zones, Women’s volleyball project woradas not appropriately selected, lack of availability of facilities particularly well organized & constructed training centre for the project and as mean value that majority of respondent was strongly disagreed and disagreed on that of availability of well-educated team coaches available in a project and coaches not dedicated & update him, lack of awareness of the community, interest from players, lack of scientific approach and skilled training from the coach for volleyball project. And lack of availability of experienced sport experts and there was poor structure of volleyball project development that challenges women’s volleyball project development of Central Ethiopian region. From the findings of this study, the following recommendations were made for policy and practice: It is better to create awareness, minimize gap in availability of human power and organized active women’s youth volleyball project in selected zones, It is recommended that select appropriate site for project development, well-educated team coaches was advisable in a project in order to enhance or developthe programs. Project coaches should be dedicated & update him in order to develop women’s volleyball project,
A Study on Problems of Labourers in the Unorganised Sector in India
Chitti Babu Chandramalla1 & Vadakani Roja2
In India, the organised sector has more influence and control over resources, but the unorganised sector continues to be much larger and more influential in numerous significant respects.The informal economy employs more than 90% of the workers and accounts for over 50% of the national output. Social justice and equity are the main rationales for the unorganised sector's need for social security. Unorganised workers confront a number of hardships, including a lack of social security, sexual harassment at work, poor skills, high illiteracy rates, and low pay. Agriculture has the highest share of the unorganised sector, as the holdings are small and fragmented. This is followed by trade, construction, real estate, professional services, etc., and other services. The Government of India established the National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganised Sector (NCEUS) as an advisory body on the informal sector with the objective of increasing the productivity of informal enterprises to create large-scale, long-term employment opportunities, especially in rural areas. According to the Economic Survey, 2021–22, the total workforce in the unorganised sector was approximately 43.99 crores in 2019–20.The National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganised Sector (NCEUS) reports that unorganisedlabourers contribute 50% of the GDP. According to Economic Survey 2022-23, As of December 31, 2022, approximately 28.5 croreunorganisedlabourers had been enrolled on the eShram portal. The study drew upon secondary data pertaining to the challenges faced by labourers in the unorganised sector, various social security schemes, and legislative provisions enacted by the government specifically for unorganisedlabour.
Holistic Approaches to Understanding and Mitigating Food Poisoning in Nsukka Zone: A Sociological-Statistical Synthesis
Ekesionye, Ngozi Edith, Iweama, C.N, Abugu, L.I, Obayi, B.A, Enemuo, Ngozika K, Eze, Chinoso Michael
This research concentrates on unraveling the complexities of food poisoning in Nsukka urban. Integrating qualitative sociological analyses with robust statistical methodologies, the study illuminates the societal dynamics and patterns (factors) influencing the prevalence of food poisoning (food borne illnesses). The synergy between sociological insights and statistical findings forms a comprehensive foundation for developing preventive measures. This interdisciplinary approach contributes to a clear understanding of the issue, fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue and informing holistic solutions in the realm of food safety. The study reveals that food poisoningis wholly caused by poor handling of cooking materials and this can be prevented through training of staff on food hygiene.
Process Innovation and Performance of Manufacturing Firms in South-East Nigeria
1Chukwuma Anthony Ifeanyi; 2Charity A. Ezenwakwelu; 3Anthony Obiora Ude
This study investigated the effect of process innovation on the performance of manufacturing firms in Southeast Nigeria. The researchers adopted a cross-sectional survey research design and used the Krejcie and Morgan formula to determine a sample of 401 senior and junior staff from a population of 3,440 employees across ten manufacturing firms in the region. Primary data was collected via a structured questionnaire and analysed using partial least square – structural equation modelling at a 5% significance level. The findings revealed that product redesign had a significant positive effect on customer satisfaction and market share. Quality improvement also had a significant positive effect on customer satisfaction and market share. In conclusion, process innovation plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and delivering superior product performance by designing and streamlining manufacturing processes to meet industry needs. The study recommends that manufacturing firms analyse and optimise production processes to eliminate inefficiencies and redundancies, potentially through lean manufacturing principles. Also, the firms should focus strategically on areas with the highest potential for improvement, and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
Coping Strategies for Financial Stress and Well being among TVET Teacher's Families in Enugu State, Nigeria
Dr. Oguejiofor Victor Ikechukwu1, Attah Blessing Ijeoma2*, Dr.Ugwu Eunice Ifenyinya2, Dr.Madu Maureen Anayo3
The study is a descriptive survey research design conducted to investigate on the coping strategies for financial stress and well being among technical vocational education and training (TVET) teacher’s families in Enugu State, Nigeria. The study was conducted at Enugu State. Nigeria. The population for the study was 34 respondents purposely sampled from the 17 Local Government Areas that make up Enugu State, Nigeria. The population comprised of 17 fathers and 17 mothers from financial stress TVET teacher’s families in Enugu State. Nigeria. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire constructed by the researchers. The return rate of the instrument was 100%. Three experts from the Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka validated the instruments. A pilot study was conducted and Cronbach Alpha reliability indices of the instrument yielded 0.87 using SPSS version 22.This showed that the instrument was reliable and appropriate for administration. Four research questions and four null hypotheses guided the study. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while t-test was employed to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The study found that there are serious and challenging financial stresses among TVET families in Enugu State, Nigeria and that there was no significant difference between the mean responses of fathers and mothers on the financial stress among TVET families in Enugu State, Nigeria. The study recommended among other things that the government of the day should do everything possible to tackle the financial stress that faced families in Enugu State, Nigeria by creating good economic policy and environment for the better well being of the families. In conclusion, the study showed that Nigerian families should be encouraged by the government to overcome the financial stress among families in Enugu State, Nigeria.
Human Resource Management Practices and Business Performance of SMEs: The Mediating Role of Staff Commitment and Staff Competency in Katsina State
Atiku Kabiru Mohammed, Professor Dr. Noor Hazlina Binti Ahmad
This study examines the level of implementation of Human Resource Management (HRM) practices in SME’s business performance while mediating for staff commitment and competence. A 5-point Likert scale instrument was used to collect first hand information from SMEs and Smart-PLS was used to analyzed the data. The results of the direct relationship revealed a positive and important impact of Recruitment and Selection (RS), Reward and Competence (RC), Training and Development (TD) on Business Performance (BP). The result of the direct effect of the mediating variables Staff Competence (SCP), Staff Commitment (SCT) on BP also revealed a positive and significant relationship. Equally, with exception of mediating effect of SCT on the relationship between RS and BP, all other mediating effect results have revealed a positive and significant impact on SMEs BP. Thus, the implication of the findings are as follows: (i) staff competence cannot be taken for granted when considering the role of recruitment and selection on business performance. (ii) staff competence partially mediates the link between reward and compensation and business performance of SMEs (iii) there is a partial positive mediating impact of SCP, indicating that training and development impact staff competence and staff competence impact SME business performance. Therefore, staff commitment and competences should be given attention towards improving SME’s business performance in Katsina state.
Business Education Lecturers Demographics as Predictor of Quality Assurance Variables (Professional Development and Curriculum Contents Coverage) in College of Education in North East Nigeria
Zaku Veronica Nuhu; Ugwoke C. O.; Yerima, Danladi Abrahim; Ngozi, Asotibe; Chukwu, Chibugo Happiness; Nkaegbu Chinenyenwa silver
Correlational research was designed to gather data from a representative in the state colleges of education in North-East Nigeria. North-East Nigeria comprises six states: Bauchi State, Gombe State, Taraba State, Adamawa State, Yobe State and Borno State. The population for this study is 1,357 comprising 149 Business Education lecturers and 1208 NCE III Business Education students. The Sample size was 308 respondents consisting of 49 lecturers and 259 students from the seven colleges of education studied. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire developed by the researcher and titled: Assessment of Internal Quality Assurance Practices in Business Educationprogram Questionnaire (EIQAPBEPQ). The reliability of the questionnaire was determined by trial testing on 20 business education lecturers, and 20 NCE III business education students at College of Education Gindiri in North-Central Nigeria. The data collected were analyzed using Pearson correlation and regression analysis null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings show Rank of Lecturers has a positive correlation and predictors of quality of Professional Development Practice lecturers, Rank of Lectures and years of Experiences have a positive correlation as predictors of quality assurance in Curriculum contents Covered. Week correlation of lecturers Gender in quality of Professional Development Practice and curriculum constants coverage not a predictor of quality issuance in business education Recommendations To improve lecturers Gender should not be a criterion for promotions or employment Seminar and workshop on quality assurance in respect to Gender and curriculum constants coverage and College of education administration should strictly monitor lecturers in terms of quality assurance in curriculum constants coverage in colleges of education