European Scientific Journal, ESJ
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Applying Quality Management Tools to Improve the Customer’s Journey at Beauty Salon
Get PDFPurpose: This paper focuses on assessing and improving the quality of services provided at Beauty Salon in Saudi Arabia. The evaluation covers the entire customer journey, starting from reservation and visiting, through to payment, and finally, providing services. Design, Methodology, Approach: A mixed-method approach was utilized, combining qualitative data from interviews with clients and salon staff, and quantitative data collected through customer satisfaction surveys. Quality Management Tools were applied to analyze the collected data, identify gaps in service delivery, and propose a structured improvement plan tailored to customer expectations. Findings: Service-related issues were categorized into eight main dimensions: facilities, appointment scheduling, price and value, staff professionalism, responsiveness, human resources, cleanliness, and services. The House of Quality was used to prioritize the top 22 solutions, with relative weights ranging from 2% to 8%. The integration of the voice of the customer and the voice of the staff provided a holistic view of current challenges and improvement opportunities. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the limited literature on applying Quality Management Tools in the beauty and personal care sector in Saudi Arabia. By integrating SERVQUAL dimensions with quality tools, it offers practical guidelines for salon businesses to enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction. It demonstrates how a customer-centric approach can elevate the competitive positioning of salons in the local market through targeted quality interventions
Employing IT Service Management to Accelerate Digital Government Transformation in Saudi Arabia: A Vision 2030 Perspective
Get PDFSaudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has placed digital transformation at the center of its government modernization agenda, with information technology positioned as a vital enabler of efficient and citizen-focused services. The objective of this study is to examine the role of IT Service Management (ITSM) in supporting this transformation, identifying both the progress achieved and the challenges that remain. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, including a survey of 80 government IT managers, interviews with key stakeholders, and a case study of a digital service platform. Findings indicate that while several public agencies have successfully implemented ITSM practices, contributing to enhanced service availability and improved citizen satisfaction, challenges persist in the form of skill shortages, outdated systems, and organizational resistance to change. Successful experiences, such as the Absher platform, underscore the importance of leadership commitment, staff training, and alignment with national objectives. Although this study demonstrates that ITSM has emerged as a critical enabler of the Kingdom’s digital government initiatives, it also highlights the need for sustained investment in leadership development, capacity building, and change management to ensure the full realization of Vision 2030 goals. As Saudi Arabia embarks on this complex and multifaceted journey, the findings suggest that continuous monitoring, institutional learning, and adaptive strategies will be essential to consolidating the benefits of ITSM within the broader framework of national transformation
Évolution morphodynamique et impacts environnementaux et socio-économiques du littoral de Rufisque (Sénégal)
Get PDFLe littoral sénégalais est globalement affecté par la problématique de l’érosion côtière avec un taux de recul moyen du trait de côte d’environ 1m/an. La dynamique morpho sédimentaire des plages de la ville de Rufisque, phénomène complexe issu de l’interaction entre les forces naturelles et les activités humaines, exerce des impacts significatifs sur l’environnement ainsi que sur les activités socio-économiques. Cette contribution vise à analyser les impacts environnementaux et socioéconomiques de l’évolution morphodynamique des plages de la ville de Rufisque. Une approche méthodologique combinant des données de terrain et des données géospatiales a été utilisée. Les données de terrain ont permis de saisir les impacts directs de l’évolution du littoral sur les activités humaines et les écosystèmes côtiers. Ces données ont été complétées par des images satellites, traitées à l’aide de techniques de télédétection et de Systèmes d’Information Géographique (SIG), afin de cartographier les dynamiques spatio-temporelles du littoral et de quantifier les taux d’évolution du trait de côte. Les résultats ont montré une érosion littorale significative au cours des dernières décennies. Ces résultats confirment que la côte de Rufisque est soumise à une dynamique globalement érosive avec un taux de recul moyen de 0,39m/an sur la période 1979-2024. Les segments érodés affichent une dégradation de l’environnement côtier dans la ville de Rufisque, avec des impacts négatifs sur les infrastructures et les activités socioéconomiques.
The Senegalese coastline is broadly affected by the issue of coastal erosion, with an average shoreline retreat rate of approximately 1 m/year. The morpho-sedimentary dynamics of the beaches in the city of Rufisque are a complex phenomenon resulting from the interaction between natural forces and human activities, exerting significant impacts on both the environment and socio-economic activities. This study aims to analyze the environmental and socio-economic impacts of the morphodynamic evolution of Rufisque beaches. A methodological approach combining field data and geospatial datasets was adopted. Field observations provided insights into the direct impacts of shoreline changes on human activities and coastal ecosystems. These observations were complemented by satellite imagery, processed using remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, to map the spatio-temporal dynamics of the coastline and quantify shoreline change rates. The results reveal significant coastal erosion over recent decades, confirming that Rufisque coastline is subject to a predominantly erosive trend, with an average retreat rate of 0.39 m/year between 1979 and 2024. The eroded segments are characterized by coastal environmental degradation in the city of Rufisque, with adverse effects on infrastructure and socio-economic activities
La perception de l’évolution du climat et de la vulnérabilité aux épidémies de paludisme et de choléra liées au changement climatique dans les localités de Bol, Fianga, Moundou et N’Djaména (Tchad)
Get PDFL’étude examine la perception des populations de Bol, Fianga, Moundou et N’Djaména (Tchad) concernant l’évolution du climat et la vulnérabilité aux épidémies de paludisme et de choléra liées aux changements climatiques. En s’appuyant sur une enquête représentative menée en 2024 auprès de 1 536 individus, l’analyse combine des approches bivariées et multivariées pour identifier les déterminants démographiques, socioéconomiques, géographiques et climatiques des perceptions locales. Les analyses multivariées montrent que la perception d’une augmentation du paludisme est plus marquée chez les hommes (OR≈1,4), les jeunes adultes de 20‑35 ans (OR≈1,6) et les personnes ayant un niveau d’éducation secondaire ou supérieur (OR≈1,5), tandis que celle du choléra est particulièrement élevée chez les ménages à revenus plus élevés (OR≈1,7), les personnes mariées (OR≈1,3) et les habitants des zones exposées aux inondations (OR≈1,8). Les facteurs climatiques, tels que les sécheresses prolongées et les inondations fréquentes, restent également significativement associés à une perception accrue de ces maladies. Ces résultats multivariés mettent en évidence que la perception des risques sanitaires liés au climat varie selon des caractéristiques sociodémographiques et environnementales spécifiques, soulignant la nécessité de cibler ces facteurs dans les interventions de santé publique et les stratégies de résilience climatique.
The study examines the perceptions of the populations of Bol, Fianga, Moundou, and N'Djaména (Chad) concerning climate change and vulnerability to malaria and cholera epidemics linked to climate change. Based on a representative survey of 1,536 individuals conducted in 2024, the analysis combines bivariate and multivariate approaches to identify the demographic, socio-economic, geographical, and climatic determinants of local perceptions. The multivariate analyses show that the perception of an increase in malaria is more marked among men (OR≈1.4), young adults aged 20-35 (OR≈1.6) and people with secondary or higher education (OR≈1, 5), while that of cholera is particularly high among higher-income households (OR≈1.7), married people (OR≈1.3) and residents of flood-prone areas (OR≈1.8). Climatic factors, such as prolonged drought and frequent flooding, also remained significantly associated with an increased perception of these diseases. These multivariate results highlight that the perception of climate-related health risks varies according to specific socio-demographic and environmental characteristics, underlining the need to target these factors in public health interventions and climate resilience strategies
El carbono orgánico en los suelos de Quintana Roo (México) bajo condiciones de vegetación natural
Get PDFQuintana Roo está situado en el sureste de México. Posee clima cálido subhúmedo; geológicamente es una zona kárstica muy diversa. Se presentan 14 grupos principales de suelos que sostienen 14 formaciones vegetales principales en buen estado de conservación. Los contenidos de carbono orgánico del suelo (COS) dependen de factores como el clima (temperatura y humedad) y la vegetación que crece sobre ellos. Las generalizaciones del contenido de COS en grandes extensiones no consideran la heterogeneidad edáfica y biológica de Quintana Roo. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar el contenido de COS en los primeros -30 cm de los diferentes grupos de suelo asociados a la vegetación mejor conservada. Se identificaron 40 puntos para muestreo de suelos en zonas con vegetación bien conservada. Los resultados muestran que Histosoles, Leptosoles Fluvisoles y Phaeozems tienen los mayores porcentajes de COS, el mayor contenido en Mg C ha-1 lo presentan los Histosoles, Nitisoles y Phaeozems; sin embargo, la superficie con estos tipos edáficos en Quintana Roo es muy pequeña; al contrario, los Leptosoles se encuentran presentes en siete de tipos de vegetación, y aunque con altos porcentajes de COS, no son aptos para almacenar carbono por su escasa profundidad y/o alta pedregosidad (mayor variabilidad). La selva baja subperennifolia crece en la mayoría de los suelos; pero los de selva baja espinosa inundable y de selva baja subperennifolia poseen más alto contenido de COS en Mg C ha-1. Los resultados muestran que, en condiciones naturales, el contenido de COS está condicionado por el tipo de suelo y las especies que conforman las asociaciones vegetales.
Quintana Roo is located in southeastern Mexico. It has a warm, subhumid climate; geologically, it is a highly diverse karst area. Fourteen main soil groups are present, supporting fourteen well-preserved plant formations. Soil organic carbon (SOC) contents depend on factors such as climate (temperature and humidity) and the vegetation growing on them. Generalizations of SOC content across large areas do not consider the edaphic and biological heterogeneity of Quintana Roo. The objective of this study was to determine the SOC content in the top 30 cm of the different soil groups associated with the best-preserved vegetation. Forty soil sampling points were identified in areas with well-preserved vegetation. The results show that Histosols, Leptosols, Fluvisols, and Phaeozems have the highest percentages of SOC, and Histosols, Nitisols, and Phaeozems have the highest Mg C ha-1 content; However, the area covered by these soil types in Quintana Roo is very small. In contrast, Leptosols are present in seven vegetation types, and although they have high percentages of SOC, they are not suitable for carbon storage due to their shallow depth and/or high stoniness (greater variability). Lowland semi-evergreen forest grows on most soils; however, lowland flooded thorn forest and lowland semi-evergreen forest have higher SOC contents in terms of Mg C ha-1. The results show that, under natural conditions, SOC content is influenced by soil type and the species comprising the plant assemblages
Loisir traditionnel à l’épreuve de la modernité : regard sur la pratique du kouroubi à Tonhoulé (Mankono, Côte d’Ivoire)
Get PDFLa question de l’un des loisirs traditionnels en vogue dans le milieu islamique ivoirien est abordée dans le présent article. Le kouroubi, une danse traditionnelle pratiquée par les jeunes filles de la localité de Mankono comme une activité de loisir à consonances religieuse. Cette pratique culturelle exprimée en période de ramadan est en réalité, un moment de présentation des jeunes filles, pubère pour la plupart, sur le marché matrimonial dans l’espace social kôyaka. Avec les mutations actuelles de la société, cette pratique culturelle est en perdition. Cet article vise donc à comprendre les problèmes liés à la conservation du kouroubi à Tonhoulé. Pour sa réalisation, il a mobilisé une approche méthodologique, combinant les méthodes qualitative et quantitative. Un échantillon de trente (30) personnes a été interrogé à l’aide des techniques par convenance et par boule de neige. Plus spécifiquement, il s’agit de 20 filles (population cible) et 10 personnes ressources composées de deux imams, deux encadreuses et six (06) acteurs témoins. Les données collectées ont été analysées par les méthodes de statistique descriptive et d’analyse de contenu. La théorie fonctionnaliste de Malinowski et du changement social de G. Rocher ont servi de base scientifique pour les interprétations. Les résultats obtenus ont permis de savoir que le taux élevé de la scolarisation jumelé à l’utilisation des outils de télécommunication diminuait considérablement la pratique du kouroubi à Mankono. En outre, l’urbanisation rapide des zones périphériques de Mankono a influencé négativement la pratique du kouroubi chez les jeunes filles.
This article addresses one of the traditional leisure activities popular in the Ivorian Islamic community. Kouroubi is a traditional dance practiced by young girls in the town of Mankono as a leisure activity with religious overtones. This cultural practice, performed during Ramadan, is actually a time for young girls, most of whom are pubescent, to be introduced to the marriage market in the Kôyaka social space. With current societal changes, this cultural practice is in decline. This article, therefore, aims to understand the problems related to the preservation of kouroubi in Tonhoulé. Its implementation employed a methodological approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods. A sample of thirty (30) people was interviewed using convenience and snowball techniques. More specifically, the study involved 20 girls (target population) and 10 resource persons, including two imams, two supervisors, and six (06) witness actors. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis methods. Malinowski's functionalist theory and G. Rocher's social change theory served as the scientific basis for the interpretations. The results revealed that the high school enrollment rate, combined with the use of telecommunications tools, significantly reduced the practice of kouroubi in Mankono. Furthermore, the rapid urbanization of Mankono's outlying areas has negatively influenced the practice of kouroubi among young girls
The Mediating Role of Change Management Between Technology Readiness and Job Performance
Get PDFThis research investigates the interaction between technology readiness, change management, and job performance. The research explored the effects of technology readiness on change management and job performance, as well as the mediating role of change management in this relationship. A self-report questionnaire was distributed to obtain a representative sample, yielding 409 complete responses. All questions were mandatory to prevent missing data. The survey began with demographic items (age, gender, education, years spent in the organization tenure, and work experience) followed by validated scales: Technology readiness (optimism and innovativeness), Change management (leadership support and participation/communication), Job performance (perceived organizational support and work-life conflict).
A Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach was selected for its unique advantages in testing complex theoretical relationships. The results indicated that technology readiness had no significant direct effect on change management or job performance and change management did not significantly mediate job performance. These results revealed that the widely accepted link between technology readiness and change management may be more context-dependent than previously assumed. The findings suggest that in organizational settings where change is mandated rather than voluntary, individual readiness may become less influential. These insights suggest organizations should focus on structural implementation factors over individual preparation when managing technological changes, offering a new perspective for both research and practice in organizational change management
Climate and Soil, Factors in the Control of Swollen Shoot Disease
Get PDFSwollen shoot is a viral disease of the cocoa tree in the major cocoa-producing areas of West Africa. Its progression can be influenced by several factors, including climate and soil. This study aimed to assess the impact of mealybug vectors, climate and soil on the spread of swollen shoot disease in order to develop more effective control methods. It was done in the counties of Abengourou, Bouaflé, Divo and Soubré. Three plots showing early signs of infection were selected in each department. Thus, 6 concentric lines from a disease foci in different directions were defined and each line included 9 unaffected cocoa trees. These cocoa trees were tracked for 2 years. The data collection consisted of determining the number of diseased and dead trees as well as the number of colonies of mealybug species on each tagged cocoa plant. In addition, composite samples were taken in the 0–60 cm stratum of each plot to determine the texture, composition of organic matter and soil chemicals. Then, climate data, rainfall and temperature were collected over the observation period. The variance analysis indicated homogeneity between the dry and wet seasons, between clay-silt and clay-sandy soils, and between soils low in organic matter and those with acceptable organic matter, in terms of disease effects and mealybug populations. However, in the dry season, the Pearson correlation was significant between these variables in the departments. It was also significant between the level of sand, potassium (K+), magnesium (Mg2+), and exchangeable phosphorus contents, and the pH according to the textures studied and the soils poor in organic matter. Water deficit, soil texture, organic matter and nutrients of the cocoa tree are the factors that impact the spread of swollen shoot disease. These factors can therefore be used to implement an effective measure to combat swollen shoot disease
Effect of Regional Integration on Intra-Regional Informal Agricultural Trade in West Africa
Get PDFThis research analyzes the effect of regional integration on informal intra-regional agricultural trade in West Africa[1], based on an augmented gravity model, over the period 2010–2022. It assesses the significant impact of the Common External Tariff (CET) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the gradual implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on informal agricultural trade among West African countries. The results reveal a significant correlation between these integration initiatives and a marked decline in informal agricultural trade, thereby raising crucial questions about the effective inclusion of these key actors within regional economic integration frameworks.
[1] In this research, West Africa is defined as the ECOWAS countries, excluding Cape Verde
EU market in Sight, Russian at the Gate: Three Decades of Aspiration and Resistance
Get PDFSince 1991, Georgia has followed a difficult yet ambitious path. The declaration of independence and the pursuit of a Euro-Atlantic future placed the country before numerous formidable challenges: Russian occupation, economic collapse, hybrid warfare, painful transitions of ruling power, and deep political polarization. Despite these obstacles, Georgia emerged as a leading Eastern Partnership country, implemented notable digital and infrastructure reforms, and secured EU candidacy in 2023. This parallel dual process reflects both the nation’s steadfast commitment to its European choice and the persistent efforts to break its resilience from the North.
Georgia’s progress, achieved amid external sabotage, faced renewed destabilisation after its inclusion in the EU enlargement package. What war could not accomplish, Russia pursued through media influence, capital inflows, market manipulation, and exploitation of Georgia’s unresolved vulnerabilities, ultimately reorienting its economy. The failure of the DCFTA further weakened Georgia’s European trajectory, while Russian immigration and asset flows reshaped its political landscape.
This article questions whether the EU acted too late in opening broader access to the internal market for Georgia. In parallel with political processes, could earlier and more intensive market integration have ensured stability, economic convergence, and social well-being? Instead of a fragmented model, could this have fostered a synchronised process of political, economic, and social Europeanization? Does Georgia’s trajectory reflect not only a national setback, but also a broader failure of the EU’s influence in the region?
Methodologically, the article employs analytical-descriptive and historical-assessment approaches, drawing upon both primary and secondary sources, including EU documents, International agreements, resolutions of international organizations, official reports, Georgian legal acts, historic documents, scholarly articles, statistical data, as well as media/journalistic sources. This combination serves to construct a comprehensive account of Georgia’s European integration dynamics from independence to the present