European Journals of Social Sciences Studies
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COMPARAISON DE RENDEMENT SCOLAIRE DES ENFANTS EN AGE PRESCOLAIRE ORPHELINS ET CEUX NON ORPHELINS DES ECOLES MATERNELLES DE LA VILLE DE KINSHASA, RÉPUBLIQUE DÉMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO
Réalisée auprès de 420 enfants en âge préscolaire dont 210 élèves orphelins et 210 élèves non orphelins, cette étude a cherché à comparer le rendement scolaire de ces deux groupes d’enfants. En effet, après la descente effectuée dans 10 établissements scolaires de maternelles dans la ville Kinshasa, nous avons pu noter dans les palmarès de ces élèves les cotes exprimant leur rendement scolaire. L’analyse statistique des données récoltées nous a poussés à relever que globalement le rendement scolaire des enfants en âge préscolaire non orphelins (83,39) est supérieur à celui des enfants en âge préscolaire orphelins (78,23). Au niveau 1, c’est-à-dire chez les 3 ans d’âge, les enfants orphelins ont un rendement scolaire supérieur à celui des enfants non orphelins (moyennes 77,40 sur 72,72).This study, conducted with 420 preschool children (210 orphans and 210 non-orphans), aimed to compare the academic performance of these two groups. After visiting 10 preschools in Kinshasa, we were able to record the scores reflecting the students' academic achievement. Statistical analysis of the collected data revealed that overall, the academic performance of non-orphaned preschool children (83.39) was higher than that of orphaned preschool children (78.23). At Level 1, i.e., among 3-year-olds, orphaned children had a higher academic performance than non-orphaned children (average 77.40 out of 72.72). Article visualizations
DIVIDEND MANAGEMENT AND THE PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN KENYA
Over the last two and a half decades, the overall trend in the Kenyan manufacturing sector has been a decline in sales, revenues, and margins. However, the issue arising here is that there is no clarification on the effective dividend management strategy that should be applied in the manufacturing sector, which is what the current study seeks to address. Return on Equity (ROE) in the manufacturing sector in Kenya has been variable, ranging in various studies, yet overall, the trend, from 2017-2021, suggests a decline in the overall ROE for the Kenyan listed firms, peaking at an ROE of 13.6 percent in 2018, followed by an abrupt decline to an ROE of 2 percent in 2021. Obviously, the findings from this present study will contribute to the existing literature in the field, as the study is guided by the Bird-in-Hand Theory. Being an applied scientific discipline, the population targeted for this particular study were the nine manufacturing firms that are presently listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange. Being an empirical study, the present study utilized the correlational study design. For the purposes of the present study, the researcher conducted a census to examine the performance of the nine manufacturing firms. Data analysis techniques used STATA. For hypothesis testing, the independent variable is related to the dependent variable, viz., performance. For the purposes of hypothesis description, the researcher has utilized the means, standard deviations, and standard errors. For the purposes of hypothesis interpretation, the researcher has worked within the realm of inferential statistics. For the purposes of the current hypothesis, the results are displayed in tables, charts, and graphs. It is evident from the results that the overall R-squared value in the relationship between dividend management, both in ROE and EPS, is 0.4817, significant overall at the level of p = 0.000, while the overall R-squared in the relationship between the independent and dependent variable, in the form of dividend management, is in the range of 0.4574. Overall, from the policy standpoint, the researcher suggests that the focus should be on the significance of the interest coverage ratio calculation. Overall, the researcher suggests that the overall importance should be on the calculation of the overall interest coverage ratio, in order for the financial risk to be reduced. Overall, the current hypothesis suggests that the calculation of the overall interest coverage ratio is affirmative. Overall, the researcher suggests that the overall importance should be on the calculation of the overall interest coverage ratio. Overall, the results from the present hypothesis will be useful to the government, policymakers, and the management hierarchy of the manufacturing firms. Overall, from the results, the researcher concludes that the overall hypothesis has operational validity, in that the results from the hypothesis suggest that the overall dividend management variable has an overall significant relationship, in the form of influence, on the overall performance variable of manufacturing firms. The main recommendation is that in order to increase performance, managers should implement the financial imperatives. JEL: G30, M42, H83, D73 Article visualizations
OUTCOME-BASED APPROACH FOR GIG ECONOMY IN VUCA TIMES - A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
The gig economy has revolutionized traditional employment structures, emphasizing flexibility and autonomy for workers. However, the absence of a standardized framework often leads to uncertainties regarding work arrangements and outcomes. In response, this paper proposes an outcome-based flexi-work approach tailored to the unique dynamics of the gig economy in an era marked by high volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. Drawing from an extensive literature review and industry insights, a comprehensive framework is developed, highlighting the integration of key elements such as task clarity, performance evaluation, and incentive mechanisms. Moreover, this framework considers the implications for various stakeholders, including gig workers, platform operators, and regulatory bodies. By aligning work expectations with measurable outcomes, this approach seeks to enhance efficiency, accountability, and satisfaction within the gig economy ecosystem. The implications of adopting such a framework are discussed in terms of its potential to foster mutual trust, mitigate conflicts, and promote sustainable growth in the evolving landscape of flexible work arrangements.JEL: J41 – Contracts: Principal–Agent Problems; J24 – Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity; L86 – Information and Internet Services; Computer Software; J81 – Working Conditions; D81 – Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty; M52 – Compensation and Compensation Methods and Their Effects Article visualizations
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM DESIGNERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON THEIR ROLE AND THE ETHICAL DILEMMAS THEY ENCOUNTER
The design of adult education programs is a complex and non-neutral process that incorporates technical, social, political, and ethical dimensions. Despite the central role of program designers, their professional identity and the ethical challenges they face remain insufficiently explored in the literature. This qualitative study examines how adult education program designers perceive their role and responsibilities, as well as the ethical dilemmas and challenges encountered in the design of face-to-face and distance education programs. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with five experienced program designers working in public and private lifelong learning organizations. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that designers perceive their role as multifaceted and difficult to encapsulate within a single professional title, most commonly identifying as scientific coordinators while acknowledging the limitations of this designation. Their responsibilities extend beyond program planning to include administrative, managerial, and instructional tasks. Regarding the ethical dimension of design, although participants recognize that program planning is not a neutral process, they struggle to articulate concrete ethical dilemmas. Ethical issues are often framed as practical or fractional challenges, particularly in distance education contexts. The study highlights the need for increased awareness, training, and critical reflection on the ethical dimension of adult education program planning. Article visualizations
PROBLEMATIQUE DE LA FORMATION DE L'ELEVE-MAITRE DANS LES ECOLES PEDAGOGIQUES DE KINSHASA, RÉPUBLIQUE DÉMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO
Cet article s’intéresse à la question de la formation des élèves-maitres au sein des quelques écoles de Kinshasa. En effet, nous sommes descendus sur le terrain et observé la manière dont la formation des futures pédagogues est assurée, et cela nous a amené à relever des lacunes importantes, notamment en ce qui concerne la préparation des cours, l’application des contenus psychopédagogiques et l’encadrement dans les leçons d’essai. Article visualizations
THE ANATOMY OF ARTISANAL GOLD MINING IN WESTERN KENYA
This study examined the anatomy of artisanal gold mining in western Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were; to evaluate the effect of artisanal gold mining on land, water and air pollution in western Kenya, to evaluate the effect of artisanal gold mining on education in western Kenya, to evaluate the effect of artisanal gold mining on economic development in western Kenya, to evaluate the effect of artisanal gold mining on health and safety issues in Western Kenya and; to evaluate the effect of government regulation on artisanal gold mining in Western Kenya. The study was conducted in the western Kenya counties where artisanal gold mining is practiced. The target population consisted of 300 participants of artisanal gold mining. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. The collected data were subjected to inferential statistics using SPSS v. 26. Regression analysis was used. Linear regression analysis was conducted to establish the relationship between the study variables. The study results indicated that artisanal gold mining increases land, water and air pollution in Western Kenya. Further, the results indicated that artisanal gold mining increases economic growth in western Kenya, hence empowering the local community. On the other hand, the study results indicated that artisanal gold mining increases school dropouts in western Kenya, thereby affecting the area's educational prowess. Moreover, the results indicated that artisanal gold mining reduces the ability of gold miners and the community to take health and safety precautions in western Kenya, leading to high accident rates during mining. Finally, the results showed that government regulation helps regulate artisanal gold mining, thereby reducing pollution, school dropouts, and improving health and safety. JEL: G30, M42, H83, D73 Article visualizations
IMPACTO DO PROGRAMA “CRECHE FELIZ”: A PERSPETIVA DOS DIRETORES TÉCNICOS DO DISTRITO DE COIMBRA, PORTUGAL
Em 2022, o Governo português criou a medida da gratuitidade das creches, denominando-a programa “creche feliz”. Sendo esta uma medida relativamente recente, desconhecem-se investigações sobre os seus impactos. É neste seguimento que surge a presente investigação, realizada no âmbito do estágio curricular da licenciatura em Serviço Social, do Instituto Superior Miguel Torga. O principal objetivo deste estudo consiste em analisar o impacto do programa “creche feliz” nas instituições e nas famílias abrangidas pela medida da gratuitidade, na perceção dos seus diretores técnicos. Recorreu-se à metodologia quantitativa, tendo-se construído para o efeito um questionário. A amostra foi de conveniência, constituída por 13 diretores técnicos de creches do distrito de Coimbra. Os diretores técnicos inquiridos consideram que este programa teve um impacto positivo e significativo em várias áreas, incluindo uma melhoria na acessibilidade e integração das crianças nesta resposta social. No entanto, também identificaram desafios que necessitam de atenção para a melhoria do programa. In 2022, the Portuguese government introduced a free daycare initiative, named the “creche feliz” program. As this is a relatively recent measure, there is a lack of research on its impacts. This study was conducted as part of the curricular internship for the bachelor’s degree in social work at the Instituto Superior Miguel Torga. The main goal of this research is to analyze the impact of the “creche feliz” program on institutions and families benefiting from free daycare, from the perspective of the technical directors of these daycare centers. A quantitative methodology was employed, with a questionnaire developed for this purpose. The sample, selected for convenience, consisted of 13 technical directors from daycare centers in the Coimbra district. The surveyed technical directors consider that the program has had a positive and significant impact in several areas, including enhanced accessibility and the integration of children into this social initiative. However, they also identified challenges that require attention for further improvement of the program. Article visualizations
EXPLORING STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AS A DETERMINANT OF ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN TIER III COMMERCIAL BANKS WITHIN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA
This paper examines strategic leadership facets with regard to their influence on organizational performance among tier III commercial banks in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The operational effectiveness and productivity of financial institutions have been molded by evolving leadership patterns and ongoing modifications within their functional environment. It is notable that strategic leadership is the engine through which organizations are developed and sustained through proper implementation of well-defined strategies. However, the extent to which these leadership facets contribute to the overall organizational performance of tier III commercial banks is inadequately explored, especially within the Nairobi City County. Hence, this study was undertaken to fill the void. The study was supported by McKinsey 7s model and Situational Leadership Theory, employing a descriptive research design to examine the underlying relationships between the two variables. The study targeted all 22 tier III commercial banks in Nairobi County, from whom quantitative data were collected. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis. Key among the findings indicated that different facets of strategic leadership affected organizational performance positively with evidence of beta value of (β1) of 0.282. This illustrated statistically significant influence of the banks’ strategic leadership on their organizational performance. JEL: G21 – Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Mortgages; M12 – Personnel Management; Executives; Executive Compensation; M10 – Business Administration: General; L21 – Business Objectives of the Firm; O15 – Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration Article visualizations
SELF-IDENTITY, PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY AND CULTURAL IDENTITY IN GHANA: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF IDENTITY CONSTRUCTION OF FEMALE MEDICAL OFFICERS
Self-identity, professional identity, and cultural identity are phenomena that require further study, as they can covertly or overtly influence the construction of an individual's or professional's identity. Using the qualitative exploratory study design, thematic data analysis, and the Communication Theory of Identity (CTI), this study sought to identify the perception of self-identity among female medical officers, ascertain how female medical officers navigate through their professional identity construction and explore the effects of the process of identity construction of female medical officers in the Ghanaian context. With a semi-structured interview session for thirty (30) female medical officers who served as respondents, it was found that self-esteem, identity on cultural traits, and religious identity summed up the perception of self-identity of female medical officers. Conscious correction effort, confidence, and teamwork serve as channels through which female medical officers construct their identity. Again, male dominance, cultural stereotypes, and professional misidentification are common challenges that female medical officers encounter in the process of constructing their self-identity, and therefore call for a better work atmosphere and recognition of their professional duties. The study, therefore, calls for women physicians, leaders of the medical profession, social clubs, and the government to promote and set laws that protect the identity of both genders in their professional duties. Article visualizations
L’INTERMÉDIATION DANS LE TRAVAIL DOMESTIQUE : ENTRE TRAVAIL DE L’APPARIEMENT ET L’EXPLOITATION DE L’EMPLOYÉ / INTERMEDIATION IN DOMESTIC WORK: BETWEEN MATCHING WORK AND EMPLOYEE EXPLOITATION
Traditionnellement, le travail domestique occupe une place centrale dans les sociétés. Sa prégnance traduit sa consubstance à la vie qui fait de lui un pôle d’emplois mobilisant bien d’acteurs. Aujourd’hui, le travail à domicile se développe avec l’intervention des intermédiaires qui apparaissent sous diverses formes dans la mise en relation de l’offre et de la demande du travail domestique. Avec les process qui sont les leurs, les différents modèles d’intermédiaires parviennent à apparier l’offre et la demande d’emploi domestique et à en tirer profit avec ou sans l’implication des employeurs. La présente contribution restitue une enquête menée dans les villes méridionales du Bénin et vise à questionner les différents modèles d’intermédiation sur le marché du travail domestique et les déviances qu’ils génèrent. De façon spécifique, il s’est agi de décrire les intermédiaires du marché du travail domestique et leurs rôles, de présenter les conditions de travail des salariés de maison et d’identifier les facteurs d’inertie qui plombent leur épanouissement. De nature qualitative, la recherche a combiné les entretiens individuels directifs, l’observation in situ et de la recension des écrits qui ont permis de collecter les corpus analysés suivant l’approche interactionniste. Les modèles d’intermédiation, le rôle des démarcheurs, les mécanismes d’appariement du travail domestique, la précarisation et l’exploitation des travailleurs domestiques sont les principaux résultats de l’enquête. Traditionally, domestic work occupies a central place in societies. Its prevalence reflects its consubstance with life which makes it a center of employment mobilizing many actors. Today, home work is developing with the intervention of intermediaries who appear in various forms in the connection between supply and demand of domestic work. With their own processes, the different intermediary models manage to match the supply and demand of domestic employment and to profit from it with or without the involvement of employers. This contribution presents a survey conducted in the southern cities of Benin and aims to question the different models of intermediation on the domestic labor market and the deviations they generate. Specifically, the aim was to describe the intermediaries in the domestic labour market and their roles, to present the working conditions of domestic workers and to identify the factors of inertia which hamper their development. Qualitative in nature, the research combined directive individual interviews, in situ observation and a review of the writings which made it possible to collect the corpora analyzed following the interactionist approach. The main results of the survey are the intermediation models, the role of canvassers, the mechanisms for matching domestic work, the precariousness and exploitation of domestic workers.Traditionally, domestic work occupies a central place in societies. Its prevalence reflects its consubstance with life which makes it a center of employment mobilizing many actors. Today, home work is developing with the intervention of intermediaries who appear in various forms in the connection between supply and demand of domestic work. With their own processes, the different intermediary models manage to match the supply and demand of domestic employment and to profit from it with or without the involvement of employers. This contribution presents a survey conducted in the southern cities of Benin and aims to question the different models of intermediation on the domestic labor market and the deviations they generate. Specifically, the aim was to describe the intermediaries in the domestic labour market and their roles, to present the working conditions of domestic workers and to identify the factors of inertia which hamper their development. Qualitative in nature, the research combined directive individual interviews, in situ observation and a review of the writings which made it possible to collect the corpora analyzed following the interactionist approach. The main results of the survey are the intermediation models, the role of canvassers, the mechanisms for matching domestic work, the precariousness and exploitation of domestic workers. Article visualizations