Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities
Not a member yet
46 research outputs found
Sort by
Capital Structure and Firm Performance: Evidence from Turkish Manufacturing Firms
Get PDFOne of a company\u27s most crucial financial management decisions is its capital structure, which, when adopted correctly and successfully, can almost ensure its objectives are met. Capital structure affects the cost of capital and is important in enhancing a company\u27s operational performance. The capital structure decision is a cornerstone of corporate financial management, influencing both short-term performance and long-term viability. To find the best debt-to-equity ratio for sustainable growth and shareholder value, businesses must carefully consider their industry dynamics, business climate, and financial objectives. Given the importance of this issue, this study\u27s main goal is to look into how capital structure decisions affect the financial performance of Turkish firms in the food, textile, and fabricated metal subsectors between 2011 and 2020. In this study, short-term liability (STL) and long-term liability (LTL) are used as capital structure measures, return on Assets and return on equity are used as firm performance measures, and sales growth and company size are considered control variables. The findings of this study indicate a negative association between debt and the operating performance of these companies in all three sectors. This implies that companies in the aforementioned industries will have to forfeit some of their company\u27s worth if they raise the amount of debt in their capital mix
Government Expenditure and Economic Growth in Afghanistan
No full textGovernment expenditure is one of the key elements of aggregate demand and has a significant impact on economic growth, especially in developing countries. The purpose of this study is to examine the impacts of government expenditure on economic growth of Afghanistan. The secondary time series data for the years (2001 to 2020) has been obtained from World Bank, Trade Map, Trading Economics, and NSIA. To study the empirical relationship between government expenditure and economic growth, the ARDL model has been applied. The results show that in the long-run the Government Expenditure (GGE) and Official Development Assistance per capita (ODAPC) have positive and significant impact on economic growth, while Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Trade Deficit (TRDDEFICIT) have negative and significant impact on economic growth. The results of short-run ECM indicates that the Government Expenditure (GGE) has a positive and significant impact on economic growth, while the other controlling variables like FDI and TRDDEFICIT have negative impacts, but the TRDDEFICIT coefficient is insignificant. The results of Pairwise Granger causality tests indicate that Government Expenditure does not cause the economic growth, and vice versa. The results of diagnostic tests show that there is no serial correlation among error terms and the model is stable.
Key Words: Economic Growth, Government Expenditure, Revenue, Tax, FDI, Trade Defici
Teachers’ Beliefs of Code-Switching in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Classes at Kabul Education University
Get PDFThis study investigates the beliefs and perceptions of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers at Kabul Education University regarding the use of code-switching in their classrooms. Employing a qualitative research design, the study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of teachers\u27 viewpoints and experiences with code-switching as a pedagogical tool. A purposive sampling technique was utilized to select 10 EFL teachers from the university\u27s English Language Department, all of whom had a minimum of two years of teaching experience. The findings reveal that the majority of teachers recognize the practical functions of code-switching, such as clarifying difficult concepts, providing feedback, and enhancing student confidence, particularly among lower-proficiency learners. However, some teachers raised concerns that excessive reliance on the first language (L1) could hinder English language acquisition by limiting exposure to the target language (L2). Despite these differing perspectives, most teachers acknowledged the value of code-switching as an instructional strategy when employed strategically. The study underscores the importance of a balanced approach to code-switching, ensuring that it supports students\u27 language development while maintaining opportunities for immersion in English
An Analysis of the Relationship Between Facebook Usage and Perceived Cultural and Social Security: A Case Study of Maimana City Residents
Get PDFThis article examines the relationship between the use of the social network Facebook and the feelings of cultural and social security among its users. Given the increasing prevalence of social networks and their impacts on daily life, this study analyzes how user activities on Facebook affect their feelings of security in cultural and social contexts. This study adopts a quantitative approach and falls under the category of applied and survey-based research. Data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire, and sampling was conducted using a convenience and voluntary method among 380 young Facebook users in Maimana, Afghanistan, in 2024. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including multiple regression analysis, were employed to analyze the data. Despite the growing use of social networks, particularly Facebook, in Afghan society, few studies have examined the psychological and social impacts of this platform on users’ feelings of cultural and social security. This study aims to address that gap by focusing on young users in the city of Maimana. The research reveals a significant inverse relationship between Facebook use (in terms of membership duration, usage level, engagement type, and content perception) and users’ feelings of cultural and social security, as these aspects of Facebook use increase, feelings of security decrease. Moreover, the independent variables in the regression model explained 13% of the variance in social security feelings and 15% in cultural security feelings. While the findings offer important insights, the use of a non-random, convenience-based sample limits the generalizability of the results beyond the studied population. Nevertheless, the observed patterns provide a meaningful foundation for understanding social media’s influence on young users in fragile sociocultural environments. Future research employing probability sampling and broader geographic coverage is recommended to validate and extend these findings
The Impact of Language Errors in Print Media on Linguistic Integrity and Effective Communication
Get PDFThis study explored the presence and impact of language errors in print media on linguistic integrity and effective communication. Given the crucial role of print media as a primary means of communication in society, maintaining high standards of language usage is essential. The primary objective of this research was to identify the potential harm that language errors can inflict on language structure and understanding. Using a descriptive quantitative design, data was collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to a diverse sample of participants, including university professors from Kabul University, provincial universities, and media journalists. The analysis revealed that language errors disrupt proper language structure, undermine linguistic rules, create misunderstandings, diminish media credibility, and distort content meaning, leading to an artificial use of language. The findings aim to assist media professionals in recognizing the adverse effects of language errors and implementing strategies to promote standard linguistic practices. Ultimately, this study sought to enhance public understanding and ensure that media retains its value and credibility
The Significance of Scientific Research in Higher Education Institutions of Afghanistan: Challenges, Solutions, and Strategies for Enhancement (2022-2024)
Get PDFScientific research is a fundamental pillar of higher education institutions (HEIs), driving knowledge production, innovation, and national development. This study explores the significance of scientific research within Afghanistan’s HEIs, identifies key challenges that impede its development, and proposes strategies to enhance it. Employing a qualitative, descriptive-analytical design, the research uses content analysis of data gathered through semi-structured interviews and a comprehensive literature review. A total of 30 participants were selected based on expertise, experience, and academic background, in line with the principle of theoretical saturation. The findings highlight the crucial role of scientific research in improving education quality, fostering researcher expertise, generating new knowledge, and strengthening academic recognition in Afghanistan. However, significant barriers hinder progress, including insufficient funding, outdated infrastructure, limited research tools, limited global collaboration, bureaucratic inefficiencies, a shortage of qualified researchers, and the commercialization of private universities. To address these obstacles, the study recommends comprehensive policy reforms such as capacity-building programs, improved access to up-to-date academic resources, the establishment of institutional research committees and peer-reviewed journals, enhanced financial support, and a strategic cultural shift to prioritize research within HEIs
The Role of Organizational Communication in Enhancing Organizational Efficiency
Get PDFEffective organizational communication is a fundamental pillar of any organization\u27s success and plays a vital role in ensuring coordination, increasing motivation, and improving the performance of the organization\u27s personnel. This research aimed to investigate the role of organizational communication in enhancing organizational efficiency by using a qualitative method involving semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The theoretical foundations of this research are based on empowerment theory. The study\u27s statistical population included 21 heads of organizations, professors, and managers, selected from public and private departments and universities in Mazar-e Sharif. Individuals were sampled purposively based on their experience in organizational communications. The findings showed that organizational communication, especially formal, two-way, trust-based communication with regular feedback, plays a key role in improving organizational efficiency. Based on the findings, in organizations with a transparent, interactive communication structure, increased responsibility, intra-organizational coordination, work motivation, and personnel innovation are more evident. In contrast, in organizations where communication is limited, one-way, or authoritarian, organizational efficiency declines. Additionally, the lack of a regular feedback system, weak trust across organizational levels, unequal access to information, and the absence of an open communication culture constitute the main obstacles to organizational efficiency. The findings of this research can help public and private organizations and universities in Mazar-e-Sharif improve their internal communication systems, strengthen personnel motivation, and enhance overall organizational performance. Future research should examine these communication strategies in diverse organizational and cultural contexts and generalize the findings to all Afghan organizations
A Comparative Analysis of Economic Development in Islamic Economics and Marxism: Principles and Practices
Get PDFThis article compares the concept of economic development within the framework of Islamic principles and Marxism. and analyzes the concepts of economic development based on both ideologies using a review approach. This article is divided into two parts in terms of content: the first part analyzes and dissects Marxist economic concepts, while the second part examines Islamic economic policies, strategies, principles, and values. The main objectives of this article are to compare the perspectives of Islamic economics and Marxism on economic development and to highlight their similarities and differences. This article concludes that although Marxism and Islam have fundamental differences, however it is not fair to compare Islam with such a broad conceptual scope to one-dimensional ideology (Marxism). Despite that, just in economic development, their outlooks are approximately similar. Marxism focuses on criticizing the capitalist economy, while Islam emphasizes economic progress and social justice through religious and moral principles. It is noteworthy that many of the concepts emphasized by Marxism, such as opposition to exploitation and unequal distribution of wealth, were already present in Islamic teachings before the emergence of Marxism, and much emphasis was placed on this by Islamic rulers. The economic principles of Islam are based on the values of equality, justice, charity (such as khums and zakat), and fairness. Islam emphasizes societal and economic development more than Marxist ideology. Therefore, this study employs comparative and analytical methods and suggests that its findings could help create sustainable economic models and a more just distribution of resources
Students’ Preferences and Engagement Level with Various Traditional Reading Comprehension Strategies: A Quantitative Analysis
Get PDFThis study investigates undergraduate English majors\u27 preferences and engagement levels regarding traditional reading comprehension strategies. It addresses a critical gap in educational research. Also, it emphasizes the importance of reading comprehension for academic achievement and long-term learning retention. Existing literature explores the effectiveness of various strategies. However, there is limited insight into which methods students favor and how these preferences impact their engagement. Without such understanding, instructional approaches risk disconnecting from learners’ needs, reducing effectiveness. The primary aim of this research is to bridge this gap by identifying students’ preferred comprehension strategies. It assesses their reported engagement and examines the relationship between the two. A quantitative survey was conducted among 72 English majors at a public university. It used a structured questionnaire with demographic details, strategy preference, and engagement measures. The data analysis indicates a strong preference for summarization and questioning strategies. Both of these factors show a positive correlation with higher engagement levels. These findings underscore the importance of aligning instruction with student preferences to enhance academic outcomes. The study offers meaningful insights into adapting traditional reading strategies to support learners better. It highlights the value of integrating student perspectives into instructional design. Ultimately, this research provides educators and curriculum developers with a foundational framework to create more engaging and effective reading instruction. It promotes stronger comprehension and academic success among undergraduates
The Mark of a Criminal Record: Unpacking Stigma and Barriers to Reentry
Get PDFA criminal record brings about substantial reentry obstacles for formerly incarcerated persons, which continues to fuel systemic marginalization and inequality. This review combines existing literature to analyze the various challenges faced by this group, such as workplace discrimination, social rejection, and institutional impediments. The paper uses research from multiple fields to detail how criminal record stigma affects psychological well-being, social dynamics, and structural systems during the reentry process. Research shows that stigma exists prominently in both societal views and organizational systems while exerting a greater negative impact on marginalized communities such as racial minorities, women, and people from low-income backgrounds. Despite the potential shown by reentry programs and policy changes like “Ban the Box” and expungement laws to decrease stigma, they frequently face challenges because of inadequate funding and scaling issues, alongside unexpected outcomes like heightened racial discrimination. The review highlights the critical need for systematic reform to tackle stigma origins and support fair reentry into society. This article augments social sciences and humanities by pointing out literature gaps, including an absence of longitudinal studies and intersectionality research while suggesting directions for future research. The article provides practical strategies for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers that highlight the necessity of integrated methods combining personal support services with community involvement and policy modification to decrease stigma and support effective reentry