Scientific Publishing Institute (SPI): E-Journals
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Determinants of banking crises (Fragility) in the Malawian banking sector
Full text linkThis paper studies the determinants of banking crises or fragility in Malawi. In this study we modelled banking crisis conditions in a developing country banking sector applying a Logistic Regression model using data for Malawi for the period 1980 to 2022. We embedded banking crisis dummy, bank specific and macroeconomic drivers of crisis in the model. Our study finds that under crisis conditions macroeconomic, monetary and fiscal drivers such as the ratio of external debt stock to gross national income ratio, debt service costs to primary export revenue ratio, broad money to GDP ratio, changes in real interest rates, growth in real GDP, total reserves to GDP ratio has a negative and significant impact on banking crisis and fragility in Malawi. These findings are important for policy makers especially in an environment where fiscal dominance is prevalent and drives a significant build up of domestic debt (treasury assets) on the banks’ balance sheets
Mainstreaming video games: A cultural response
Full text linkThis paper examines the integration of video games into Dhaka's cultural landscape in Bangladesh, considering the impact of sociocultural and economic factors. Through ethnographic research and the application of theoretical frameworks such as the theory of attainment, this study investigates the factors contributing to the popularity of video games in Dhaka. The research explores how vocational expectations in education and a focus on specific career outcomes shape the cultural narrative surrounding video games. Video games serve as sources of entertainment and social validation, filling the void created by limited recreational spaces and changing social norms. The commercial aspect of video games also facilitates peer bonding and social interaction, aligning with the prevailing neoliberal ethos in Dhaka's society. The theory of attainment helps explain the motivations underlying the widespread adoption of video games, linking it to the pursuit of predefined objectives within the neoliberal paradigm. As Dhaka undergoes neoliberal transformations, video games have become central to its cultural landscape, functioning as coping mechanisms and sources of identity and connectivity in the face of limited leisure spaces and changing social configurations. This article seeks to understand the popularity of video games in Dhaka by exploring the interplay of culture, technology, and socioeconomic factors. It presents video games as both reactions to and reflections of the city's evolving environment, shedding light on the dynamics shaping leisure practices in urban Bangladesh. This research can contribute to further investigations and studies on online gaming within the sociocultural context of Bangladesh
Employee diversity and firm value of listed Nigerian consumer goods manufacturing companies
Full text linkThe persistent decline in the value of quoted consumer goods manufacturing companies in Nigeria from 2012 to 2021 served as the impetus for this study, which sought to explore the influence of employee diversity on the value of listed consumer goods manufacturing firms in the country. Specifically, the study investigated the impact of employee gender diversity, physical disability diversity, and race and cultural diversity on firm value. Employing ex-post facto methodology, the study centred on twenty-two consumer goods manufacturing firms listed on the Nigeria Exchange (NGX) as of December 31, 2021, representing both the population and sample. Data spanning from 2012 to 2021 were collected from the published reports of these firms and subjected to analysis, using descriptive statistics and panel regression. The findings revealed that employee gender diversity and physical disability diversity exerted significant positive effects on firm value, while the influence of employee race and cultural diversity was found to be insignificantly positive. As a result, the study concluded that the value of consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria is influenced by employee diversity. To capitalize on these findings, the study recommended that such firms should embrace workforce diversity strategies and ensure transparent disclosure of employee information in their financial statements
Power distance, legal protection of intellectual property rights and corporate R&D human resources
Full text linkExisting studies have mainly investigated the pairwise relationship between culture, intellectual property rights (IPR) protection, and enterprises' innovation input. This paper links culture and IPR law to study their joint impact on enterprises' innovation human input. Based on the panel data of Chinese listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchange, studying a specific cultural dimension (i.e., power distance) and its influence with legal protection of IPR on corporate research and development (R&D) human resources (defined in terms of scale and efficiency). Power distance is negatively related to the R&D human resources scale and positively related to their efficiency. This is because power distance affects the R&D personnel's job satisfaction and turnover rate. Relaxed IPR legal environment is not conducive to expanding the scale of R&D human resources. Because the vital interests of R&D personnel are not legally protected, and the turnover cost is reduced. There is an interaction between Power Distance and Legal Protection of IPR, which can moderate relationship between Power Distance and R&D Human Resources Scale. Weak Legal Protection of IPR may enhance the positive correlation between Power Distance and R&D Efficiency. Enterprises should take corresponding measures to enhance their ability of independent innovation and R&D human resource management in culture, IPR protection, and human resources management
Kenyan teachers’ experiences of an online professional development program across rural, peri-urban, and urban settings
Full text linkThe present study investigated Kenyan primary school teachers’ learning and experiences with an online blended teacher professional development (TPD) program targeting early literacy instruction across three contexts rural, peri-urban, and urban environments. In addition, examination of resources and the physical environment available to teachers in each of these contexts was compared for a subsample of the schools. Overall, following the TPD, teachers demonstrated gains in domain knowledge and confidence teaching literacy content and they perceived working with technology positively. These outcomes did not differ as a function of context. Examination of resources and physical environments of classrooms highlighted a significant lack of resources both in general and in particular with respect to enhancing literacy, with these shortfalls evident across all three contexts
Equipping college students with statistical literacy under the massification of higher education
Full text linkBig data analysis has become an essential decision-making tool across various sectors, with statistics serving as the critical knowledge base. However, many college students, especially those with weaker mathematical skills, experience anxiety about statistics. This study explores strategies to improve statistical literacy among such students. Using a questionnaire survey, it focuses on an introductory statistics course at a university in Taiwan, applying the Partial Least Squares method to test the structural equation model. The findings suggest that integrating statistical software into instruction, conducting frequent formative assessments, and designing test content conducive to learning can enhance students' perceived learning outcomes and self-efficacy. Despite limitations like small sample size and representativeness, the study highlights that statistical software not only aids learning but also develops practical skills for real-world application. Open-book exams are recommended, but multiple assessment methods should be used to ensure fairness. The study concludes that while statistics anxiety is difficult to alleviate, enhancing self-efficacy can improve students' attitudes toward statistics. It proposes scaffolding strategies to support students with low mathematical skills, ultimately improving their statistical literacy and confidence
Investigating sustainable development and environmental protection in the education of urban mining through the learning strategy of WSQ
Full text linkThis study explores the effectiveness of the WSQ (Watch-Summarize-Question) learning strategy in urban mining education, focusing on resource management, environmental protection, and technological innovation. Thirty university students participated, engaging with instructional videos and content designed to convey technical and environmental concepts. By summarizing and questioning the material, students internalized key ideas while expressing enthusiasm for the process. The study identified five key themes: resource recycling, sustainable development, technological innovation, economic trends, and social responsibility. Central outcomes emphasized the importance of recycling, the synergy between innovation and environmental protection, and the educational role in fostering sustainable practices. The WSQ strategy demonstrated effectiveness in addressing environmental challenges and advancing technological education, with potential applications in interdisciplinary areas like climate change, energy management, and biodiversity conservation. The integration of digital tools, including artificial intelligence and virtual reality, is recommended to enhance its impact further
Implications of Korean pop fan participation and ethical dilemmas in fan economy on consumer behavior
Full text linkThe K-pop phenomenon has become increasingly popular, with fans willing to spend significant amounts on merchandise, concert tickets, and other products and services related to their idols. However, this popularity has raised concerns about the possible implications of fan participation and ethical dilemmas within the fan economy on consumerism. This research aims to gain meaningful insights into the motivations of fans who participate in the K-pop fan economy. To achieve this, a quantitative research method was used to assess the implications of K-pop fan participation and ethical considerations on consumer behavior. A 4-point Likert scale survey was administered to the 300 purposively sampled respondents. The study used regression analysis and a weighted mean to analyze the responses. The results show that K-pop fans actively engage in the fan economy, despite the perception of ethical dilemmas in their activities. Their consumption behavior is largely affected by cultural, social, personal, and psychological factors, with the latter providing the highest influence. Moreover, the findings reveal that K-pop fan participation and ethical dilemmas have a positive relationship with consumer behavior. The above findings call for furthering fans' knowledge of ethical consumption. Likewise, the study identifies an imperative need to explore fan behavior across cultures and demographics to assist in regulating business practices in the K-pop fan economy and promoting positive consumerism
Sustainable business practice and going concern of selected listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria
Full text linkSustainability has become a crucial aspect of modern business, extending beyond corporate social responsibility to form an integral part of organizational strategies. This study investigated how sustainable business practices impact the going concern of listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria, focusing on stakeholder inclusiveness, dynamic workplace, and community engagement. The research used an ex-post facto research design, analyzing data from 60 consumer and industrial goods manufacturing companies listed on the Nigerian exchange group as of December 31, 2021. The findings indicated that stakeholder inclusiveness, a dynamic workplace, and community engagement positively and significantly influence the net asset per share of these listed manufacturing companies. In other words, incorporating sustainable business practices can enhance the companies' long-term financial stability and operational continuity. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the potential of sustainable business practices to shape the going concern status of listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria when effectively implemented. It suggests that manufacturing companies should develop and implement a well-balanced sustainability strategy that integrates community engagement, shareholder inclusiveness, and the creation of dynamic workplaces with their core business objectives
Social responsibility approach as an explanatory model for the solution to squatter settlements using the example of Mwanza City, Tanzania
Full text linkThe purpose of this study was to provide reinforcement to solutions aimed at resolving problems brought about by squatter settlements in Mwanza city, Tanzania. In its pursuit, this study employed Social Responsibility Approach as an explanatory model for strengthening sought solutions to squatter settlements in Mwanza city, Tanzania. Qualitative research approach through a case study strategy was mainly employed with minimum quantitative research approach. Purposive sampling to get government leaders was used, while simple random sampling was employed to obtain respondents in squatter settlements for the study. Data collection methods included questionnaire, semi-structured interview and focus group discussions that yielded primary data, whereas documentary review furnished secondary data. Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis, while quantitative data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results from this study indicate that there was no individual and civil society involvement in dealing with squatter settlement problems. Besides, there are several difficulties including people’s hardships in squatter areas; big population increase; unscrupulous house construction; and political leaders’ failure to control as well as prevent squatters. There are government initiatives in dealing with squatter settlements but all are mainly executed through top-down approach that has no achievements. The employed Social Responsibility Approach in uncovering pertinent pathways as solutions to squatter settlement is important because it recommends for use of bottom-up approach instead of top-down approach owing to the fact that the latter has never yielded positive results in solving squatter settlement problems