Abstract: A teeming set of doctors that graduated from various
universities within and outside Nigeria with the hope of practicing in
the country, has their hope shattered because of poor financing, lack
of medical equipments and a very weak healthcare systems. Such
hydra headed challenges, allows room for quackery which
increasingly contributes to the cause of mortality in Nigeria. With a
view of reversing the challenges of healthcare delivery and financing
in Nigeria, African Health Market for Equity (AHME), a project
funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation [With contribution
from Department For International Development (DFID)] and
currently implemented in three African Countries (Nigeria, Kenya
and Ghana) over a Five (5) year period supports the healthcare sector
via Medical credit fund (MCF). The study examines the impact of
credit policy and medical credit funding on Nigerian health market.
Ordinary least square analysis, correlation and granger causality tests
were employed to measure the extent to which the Nigerian
healthcare market has been influenced. Medical credit fund
significantly and positively influenced average monthly turnover of
private healthcare providers and Commercial bank’s lending rate had
a weak relationship with access to credit/approved loans (13.46%).
The programme has so far made 13.91% progress, which is very
poor, considering the minimum targeted private health care providers
(437.6) and expected number of loan approvals (180.4) for the two
years. Medical credit policy in Nigeria should be revised to include
private healthcare providers in rural area for more positive impact
and increased returns. Good brand advert and sensitization of the
programme to stakeholders and health pressure group, and an
extension of the programme beyond five years is necessary to better
address the issues raised in the study.
Abstract: This paper explores and provides substantiated
evidence on the usage patterns of Information and Communication
Technologies (ICTs) by female users at Vhembe District in Limpopo-
Province, South Africa. The study presents a comprehensive picture
on the usage of ICTs from female users’ perspective. The
significance of this study stems from the need to assess the role,
relevance and usage patterns of ICTs such as smartphones,
computers, laptops, and iPods, the internet and social networking
sites among females following the developments of new media
technologies in society. The objective of the study is to investigate
the usability and accessibility of ICTs to empower female users in
South Africa. The study used quantitative and qualitative research
methods to determine the major ideas, perceptions and usage patterns
of ICTs by users. Data collection involved the use of structured selfadministered
questionnaire from two groups of respondents who
participated in this study. Thus, (n=50) female students at the
University of Venda provided their ideas and perceptions about the
usefulness and usage patterns of ICTs such as smartphones, the
Internet and computers at the university level, whereas, the second
group were (n=50) learners from Makhado Comprehensive School
who provided their perceptions and ideas about the use of ICTs at the
high school level. The researcher also noted that the findings of the
study were useful as a guideline and model for ICT intervention that
could work as an empowerment to women in South Africa. It was
observed that the central purpose of ICTs among female users was to
search for information regarding assignment writing, conducting
research, dating, exchanging ideas and networking with friends and
relatives. This was demonstrated by a high number of females who
used ICTs for e-learning (62%) and social purposes (85%).
Therefore, the study revealed that most females used ICTs for social
purposes and accessing the internet rather than for entertainment, a
gesture that provides an opportune space to empower rural women in
South Africa.
Abstract: As a basic physiology need, threat to sufficient food
production is threat to human survival. Food security has been an
issue that has gained global concern. This paper looks at the food
security in Nigeria by assessing the availability of food and
accessibility of the available food. The paper employed multiple
linear regression technique and graphic trends of growth rates of
relevant variables to show the situation of food security in Nigeria.
Results of the tests revealed that population growth rate was higher
than the growth rate of food availability in Nigeria for the earlier
period of the study. Commercial bank credit to agricultural sector,
foreign exchange utilization for food and the Agricultural Credit
Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF) contributed significantly to food
availability in Nigeria. Food prices grew at a faster rate than the
average income level, making it difficult to access sufficient food. It
implies that prior to the year 2012; there was insufficient food to feed
the Nigerian populace. However, continued credit to the food and
agricultural sector will ensure sustained and sufficient production of
food in Nigeria. Microfinance banks should make sufficient credit
available to smallholder farmer. Government should further control
and subsidize the rising price of food to make it more accessible by
the people.
Abstract: This paper seeks to assess the implications of bank
consolidation on lending, which largely determine the survival and
performance of small and medium scale enterprises and in turn the
development of the Nigerian economy. Ordinary least square
technique, correlation matrix test and Granger –causality test were
employed to measure the extent to which lending to small and
medium scale enterprises were influenced. The result showed that
bank deposit (BD) impacted on lending to small and medium scale
enterprises. Commercial and merchant bank lending rate had
statistically insignificant effect on the dependent variable. There is a
shift of focus by commercial banks from small and medium scale
enterprises (small customers) to major investors (big customers).
While micro finance banks work hard at providing funds to small and
medium scale entrepreneurs, their capacity to meet the needs of these
entrepreneurs is constrained. The capital and deposits of micro
finance bank should be boosted in order to effectively support small
and medium scale enterprises through loans.
Abstract: This research will give the introductory ideas for
cultural adaption of B2C E-Service design in Germany. By the
intense competition of E-Service development, many companies have
realized the importance of understanding the emotional and cultural
characteristics of their customers. Ignoring customers’ needs and
requirements throughout the E-Service design can lead to faults,
mistakes, and gaps. The term of E-Service usability now is changed
not only to develop high quality E-Services, but also to be extended
to include customer satisfaction and provide for them to feel local.
Abstract: Main purpose of this study is to identify the impact of
government expenditure on economic growth in Asian Countries.
Consequently, main objective is to analyze whether government
expenditure causes economic growth in Asian countries vice versa
and then scrutinizing long-run equilibrium relationship exists
between them. The study completely based on secondary data. The
methodology being quantitative that includes econometrical
techniques of cointegration, panel fixed effects model and granger
causality in the context of panel data of Asian countries; Singapore,
Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, China, Sri Lanka, India and
Bhutan with 44 observations in each country, totaling to 396
observations from 1970 to 2013. The model used is the random
effects panel OLS model. As with the above methodology, the study
found the fascinating outcome. At first, empirical findings exhibit a
momentous positive impact of government expenditure on Gross
Domestic Production in Asian region. Secondly, government
expenditure and economic growth indicate a long-run relationship in
Asian countries. In conclusion, there is a unidirectional causality
from economic growth to government expenditure and government
expenditure to economic growth in Asian countries. Hence the study
is validated that it is in line with the Keynesian theory and Wagner’s
law as well. Consequently, it can be concluded that role of
government would play a vital role in economic growth of Asian
Countries. However; if government expenditure did not figure out
with the economy’s needs it might be considerably inspiration the
economy in a negative way so that society bears the costs.
Abstract: In many countries, governments have been promoting the involvement of private sector entities to enter into long-term agreements for the development and delivery of large infrastructure projects, with a focus on overcoming the limitations upon public fund of the traditional approach. The involvement of private sector through public private partnerships (PPP) brings in new capital investments, value for money and additional risks to handle. Worldwide research studies have shown that an objective, systematic, reliable and useroriented risk assessment process and an optimal allocation mechanism among different stakeholders is crucial to the successful completion. In this framework, this paper, which is the first stage of a research study, aims to identify the main risks for the delivery of PPP projects. A review of cross-countries research projects and case studies was performed to map the key risks affecting PPP infrastructure delivery. The matrix of mapping offers a summary of the frequency of factors, clustered in eleven categories: construction, design, economic, legal, market, natural, operation, political, project finance, project selection and relationship. Results will highlight the most critical risk factors, and will hopefully assist the project managers in directing the managerial attention in the further stages of risk allocation.
Abstract: Unsatisfactory experiences due to an information shortage regarding the future pay-offs of actual choices, yield satisficing decision-making. This research will examine, for the first time in the literature, the motivation behind suboptimal decisions due to uncertainty by subjecting Adam Smith’s and Jeremy Bentham’s assumptions about the nature of the actions that lead to satisficing behavior, in order to clarify the theoretical background of a “consumption-based satisfactory time” concept. The contribution of this paper with respect to the existing literature is threefold: firstly, it is showed in this paper that Adam Smith’s uncertainty is related to the problem of the constancy of ideas and not related directly to beliefs. Secondly, possessions, as in Jeremy Bentham’s oeuvre, are assumed to be just as pleasing, as protecting and improving the actual or expected quality of life, so long as they reduce any displeasure due to the undesired outcomes of uncertainty. Finally, each consumption decision incurs its own satisfactory time period, owed to not feeling hungry, being healthy, not having transportation…etc. This reveals that the level of satisfaction is indeed a behavioral phenomenon where its value would depend on the simultaneous satisfaction derived from all activities.
Abstract: This paper seeks to assess the implications of bank
consolidation on the performance of small and medium scale
enterprises in the Nigerian economy. Multiple linear regression
technique and correlation matrix test were employed to measure the
extent to which small and medium scale enterprises asset size,
survival and access to credit were influenced. The result showed that
bank deposit (BD) and bank credit (L or BC) impacted on asset size
and survival of small and medium scale enterprises. None of the
variables had significant impact on SMEs access to credit. There is a
shift of focus by commercial banks away from small and medium
scale enterprises (small customers), which is evidenced by the
significant negative influence of bank credit to both the survival and
asset size of small and medium enterprises. While micro finance
banks work hard at providing funds to small and medium scale
entrepreneurs, their capacity to meet the needs of these entrepreneurs
is constrained. CBN should make policies that will boost micro
finance bank’s capital and also monitor closely the management of
the banks to ensure prudent financing of small and medium scale
investments.
Abstract: The present study aimed to determine the
effectiveness of Metaphor therapy on depression among female
students. The sample included 60 female students with depression
symptoms selected by simple sampling and randomly divided into
two equal groups (experimental and control groups). Beck
Depression Inventory was used to measure the variables. This was an
experimental study with a pre-test/post-test design with control
group. Eight metaphor therapy sessions were held for the
experimental group. A post-test was administered to both groups.
Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance
(MANCOVA). Results showed that the Metaphor therapy decreased
depression in the experimental group compared to the control group.
Abstract: The present study is a functional analysis of the
relationship between castes which indicates the dynamics of the caste
structure in the rural setting. The researcher has tried to show both
the cooperation and competition on important ceremonial and social
occasions. The real India exists in the villages, so we need to know
about their solidarity and also what the village life is and has been
shaping into. We need to emphasize a microcosmic study of Indian
rural life. Furthermore, caste integration is an acute problem country
faces today. To resolve this we are required to know the dynamics of
behavior of the people of different castes and for the study of the
caste dynamics a study of caste relations are needed. The present
study is an attempt in this direction.
Abstract: The present research investigated whether gender
differences affect performance in a simple math quiz in statistics
course. Participants of this study comprised a sample of 567 statistics
students in two different universities in Lebanon. Data were collected
through a simple math quiz. Analysis of quantitative data indicated
that there wasn’t a significant difference in math performance
between males and females. The results suggest that improvements in
student performance may depend on improved mastery of basic
algebra especially for females. The implications of these findings and
further recommendations were discussed.
Abstract: This study aimed to explore the practical experience
of child welfare caseworkers and professionalism in child case
management in Malaysia. This paper discussed the specific social
work practice competency and the challenges faced by child
caseworkers in the fieldwork. This research was qualitative with
grounded theory approach. Four sessions of focused group discussion
(FGD) were conducted involving a total of 27 caseworkers (child
protector and probation officers) in the Klang Valley. The study
found that the four basic principles of knowledge in child case
management namely: 1. knowledge in child case management; 2.
professional values of caseworkers towards children; 3. skills in
managing cases; and 4. culturally competent practice in child case
management. In addition, major challenges faced by the child case
manager are the capacity and commitment of the family in children’s
rehabilitation program, the credibility of caseworkers are being
challenged, and the challenges of support system from intra and interagency.
This study is important for policy makers to take into account
the capacity and the needs of the child’s caseworker in accordance
with the national social work competency framework. It is expected
that case management services for children will improve
systematically in line with national standards.
Abstract: Information technology plays an irreplaceable role in
introducing and improving business process orientation in a
company. It enables implementation of the theoretical concept,
measurement of results achieved and undertaking corrective
measures aimed at improvements. Information technology is a key
concept in the development and implementation of the business
process management systems as it establishes a connection to
business operations. Both in the literature and practice, insurance
companies are often seen as highly process oriented due to the nature
of their business and focus on customers. They are also considered
leaders in using information technology for business process
management. The research conducted aimed to investigate whether
the perceived leadership status of insurance companies is well
deserved, i.e. to establish the level of process orientation and explore
the practice of information technology use in insurance companies in
the region. The main instrument for primary data collection within
this research was an electronic survey questionnaire sent to the
management of insurance companies in the Republic of Croatia,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Serbia and Macedonia. The
conducted research has shown that insurance companies have a
satisfactory level of process orientation, but that there is also a huge
potential for improvement, especially in the segment of information
technology and its connection to business processes.
Abstract: Financial innovations can be regarded as the cause
and the effect of the evolution of the financial system. Most of
financial innovations are created by various financial institutions for
their own purposes and needs. However, due to their diversity,
financial innovations can be also applied by various business entities
(other than financial institutions).
This paper focuses on the potential application of financial
innovations by non-financial companies. It is assumed that financial
innovations may be effectively applied in all fields of corporate
financial decisions integrating financial management with the risk
management process. Appropriate application of financial
innovations may enhance the development of the company and
increase its value by improving its financial situation and reducing
the level of risk. On the other hand, misused financial innovations
may become the source of extra risk for the company threatening its
further operation.
The main objective of the paper is to identify the major types of
financial innovations offered to non-financial companies by the
banking system in Poland. It also aims at identifying the main factors
determining the creation of financial innovations in the banking
system in Poland and indicating future directions of their
development.
This paper consists of conceptual and empirical part. Conceptual
part based on theoretical study is focused on the determinants of the
process of financial innovations and their application by the nonfinancial
companies. Theoretical study is followed by the empirical
research based on the analysis of the actual offer of the 20 biggest
banks operating in Poland with regard to financial innovations
offered to SMEs and large corporations. These innovations are
classified according to the main functions of the integrated financial
management, such as financing, investment, working capital
management and risk management.
Empirical study has proved that the biggest banks operating in the
Polish market offer to their business customers many types and
classes of financial innovations. This offer appears vast and adequate
to the needs and purposes of the Polish non-financial companies. It
was observed that financial innovations pertained to financing
decisions dominate in the banks’ offer. However, due to high
diversification of the offered financial innovations, business
customers may effectively apply them in all fields and areas of
integrated financial management. It should be underlined, that the
banks’ offer is highly dispersed, which may limit the implementation
of financial innovations in the corporate finance. It would be also
recommended for the banks operating in the Polish market to
intensify the education campaign aiming at increasing knowledge
about financial innovations among business customers.
Abstract: Despite the financial crisis and ongoing need for cost
cutting, companies all around the world heavily invest in Information
Systems (IS) and underlying Information Technology (IT).
Proliferation of governance of enterprise IT helps companies manage,
or rather, governs IS as a primary business function with executive
management involved in making decision about IS and IT. The
business value of IT is raising with the involvement of the executive
management in IT decision making process and quality IT
governance mechanisms in place. In this paper the practice of
governing the enterprise IT will be investigated on a sample of the
largest 100 Croatian companies. Research questions posed here will
reveal if there are some formal IT governance mechanisms, are there
any differences in perceived role of IS and IT between CIOs (Chief
Information Officers) and CEOs (Chief Executive Officers) of the
sampled companies and what are the mechanisms to govern massive
investment in enterprise IT.
Abstract: The Multiple Intelligences theory characterizes human
intelligence as a multifaceted entity that exists in all human beings
with varying degrees. The most important contribution of this theory
to the field of English Language Teaching (ELT) is its role in
identifying individual differences and designing more learnercentered
programs. The present study aims at investigating the
relationship between different elements of multiple intelligence and
grammar scores. To this end, 63 female Iranian EFL learner selected
from among intermediate students participated in the study. The
instruments employed were a Nelson English language test, Michigan
Grammar Test, and Teele Inventory for Multiple Intelligences
(TIMI). The results of Pearson Product-Moment Correlation revealed
a significant positive correlation between grammatical accuracy and
linguistic as well as interpersonal intelligence. The results of
Stepwise Multiple Regression indicated that linguistic intelligence
contributed to the prediction of grammatical accuracy.
Abstract: This research paper presents guiding on how to design
social media into higher education courses. The research
methodology used a survey approach. The research instrument was a
questionnaire about guiding on how to design social media into
higher education courses. Thirty-one lecturers completed the
questionnaire. The data were scored by frequency and percentage.
The research results were the lecturers’ opinions concerning the
designing social media into higher education courses as follows: 1)
Lecturers deem that the most suitable learning theory is Collaborative
Learning. 2) Lecturers consider that the most important learning and
innovation Skill in the 21st century is communication and
collaboration skills. 3) Lecturers think that the most suitable
evaluation technique is authentic assessment. 4) Lecturers consider
that the most appropriate portion used as blended learning should be
70% in the classroom setting and 30% online.
Abstract: Discursive practices enacted by educators in
kindergarten create a blueprint for how the educational trajectories of
students with disabilities are constructed. This two-year ethnographic
case study critically examines educators’ relationships with students
considered to present challenging behaviors in one kindergarten
classroom located in a predominantly White middle class school
district in the Northeast of the United States. Focusing on the
language and practices used by one special education teacher and
three teaching assistants, this paper analyzes how teacher responses
to students’ behaviors constructs and positions students over one year
of kindergarten education. Using a critical discourse analysis it shows
that educators understand students’ behaviors as deficit and needing
consequences. This study highlights how educators’ responses reflect
students' individual characteristics including family background,
socioeconomics and ability status. This paper offers in depth analysis
of two students’ stories, which evidenced that the language used by
educators amplifies the social positioning of students within the
classroom and creates a foundation for who they are constructed to
be. Through exploring routine language and practices, this paper
demonstrates that educators outlined a blueprint of kindergartners,
which positioned students as learners in ways that became the ground
for either a limited or a promising educational pathway for them.
Abstract: In this research, a questionnaire survey was conducted
to measure nap, drowsiness and fatigue of drivers who work for long
shifts, to discuss about the work environment and health conditions for
taxi and bus drivers who work at night-time. The questionnaire sheet
used for this research was organized into the following categories:
tension/tiredness, drowsiness while driving, and the nap situation
during night-time work. The number of taxi drivers was 127 and the
number of bus drivers was 40. Concerning the results of a comparison
of nap hours of taxi and bus drivers, the taxi drivers’ nap hours are
overwhelmingly shorter, and also the frequency of drivers who
experience drowsiness is higher. The burden on bus drivers does not
change because of the system of a two-driver rotation shift. In
particular, the working environment of the taxi driver may lead to
greater fatigue accumulation than the bus driver’s environment.