Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Impacts of Micro Financing on the Sustainability of Entrepreneurs in South Korea
No full textEntrepreneurs boost employment development by creating new opportunities once they get into the market. Entrepreneurs are essential for several economies all over the world. Hence, the study sought to examine the impact of microfinancing on the sustainability of entrepreneurs in South Korea. The research employed a descriptive research design. The target population was small-scale entrepreneurs and microfinance institutions in Seoul City in South Korea. The data was analyzed utilizing both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings indicated that microfinancing has a positive impact on the sustainability of entrepreneurs. However, the study noted that young entrepreneurs encounter significant obstacles in accessing low-cost capital due to the asymmetric information issue between those who give out and those who want the capital, which impedes their development. Lack of access to financing in low-income nations is generally regarded as one of the primary impediments to creating entrepreneurial activities. The study concluded that microfinance institutions are prominent for entrepreneurship growth and sustainability. The study recommended that microfinancing institutions are required to put more effort into financing entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs themselves need to be more responsive to new ideas and prepared to make financial dedications to ensure development. Furthermore, it is recommended that sensitization of the entrepreneurs before credit extension is required to them via considerable financial literacy training and supervisory skills advancements.
Keywords: Micro Financing, Sustainability, Entrepreneurs, South Kore
Effect of Foreign Exchange Transaction Risk Management on Financial Performance of Firms in Horticulture Industry in Kenya
No full textIn Kenya, the horticulture industry is a big revenue earner with the sector earning the country foreign exchange by exporting their products to various countries overseas. However, in the preceding five years to the study, horticultural firms had steadily declined hindering their sustainability and contribution to the economy. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of foreign exchange transaction risk management on financial performance of firms in horticulture industry in Kenya. To accomplish the objectives, the study employed an explanatory research design to analyse several horticultural enterprises at a certain point in time. Primary data were obtained through a questionnaire that included questions that were both closed and open-ended, while secondary data were acquired using schedule tables. The population of interest for this study was 63 horticultural enterprises in Nakuru County. Due to the study population's small size, a census of all 63 enterprises was done. After collecting data, Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used to derive descriptive statistics and conduct multiple linear regression analysis. The averages and standard deviation were determined using descriptive statistics, and multiple linear regression analysis was applied to test the study's hypotheses. After that, the output was summarized in reports and frequency tables. The findings revealed transaction risk management having a significance value of 0.000 and a coefficient of 0.533. The significance value of 0.000 was less than the standard 0.05 which implied that foreign exchange transaction risk management had a noteworthy influence on ROCE value at 95 percent confidence level. The study concludes that foreign exchange transaction risk management has an influence on profitability of horticulture firms in Kenya. The study thus recommends that the senior management in the horticultural businesses should enter into a variety of forward contracts and options to enable them to manage this risk effectively and have the expected positive effect on their ROCE.
Keywords: Foreign Exchange, Transaction Risk Management, Horticulture Industry, Financial Performance
Lending Rate Practices and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Rwanda. A Case of I&M Bank Plc
No full textThe objective of the research project was to assess lending rate practices and financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda. The specific objectives were to assess effect of loan to deposit ratio on financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda, to evaluate the effect of loan to value ratio on financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda and to determine the effect of credit policy on financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda. In this research project, theories were used to draw their implications on the current study and a conceptual framework showing the link between the study variables was established. During data collection, researcher used a descriptive research design using two-mixed approach such as quantitative and qualitative approach. The research information were collected from chief Executive officers of I&Mbank, Board staff members of I&Mbank, Information technology officers of I&M bank, Risk and audit officers of I&Mbank, accounting and audit officers as well as customer service. The total targeted population was 132 from whom a sample of 99 was selected by use of stratified random sampling technique. To analyze data, SPSS version 21 was used to get frequency tables, pie charts and their related percentages. Findings of this research project revealed that loan to deposit ratio is a measure of lending interest rate and contribute to the financial performance with the mean of 2.02 and standard deviation of 0.751.As indicated, findings revealed that loan to value ratio is a measure of lending interest rate and contribute to the financial performance of commercial bank with the mean of 3.41 and standard deviation of 0.66.The study findings also showed that credit policy contribute to the financial performance of commercial bank at the standard deviation of 0.649 and p-value0.000. The overall conclusion is that there is significant relationship between lending interest rate and financial performance at 0.798 based on Pearson correlation. As recommendations, based on different problems encounter by I&M bank, there is a need to put more efforts on proper management system of credit and lending throughout monitoring and evaluation, using credit limits and using credit recovery experts. By use of all these strategies, the financial performance is to be achieved.
Keywords: Lending Rate Practices, Financial Performance, Commercial Banks, I&M Bank Plc, Rwand
Impact of Agricultural Cooperatives on Farmers Output in Denmark
No full textA farmer cooperative can serve one or more functions including but not limited to providing loans to farmers, supplying information pertinent to agricultural production, selling inputs necessary to agricultural production, bargaining on behalf of its members, providing transportation services, and marketing the farm products. The agricultural cooperatives are regarded as critical to the farmers in the enhancement of their production. Thus, the study sought to look at the impact of agricultural cooperatives on farmers' output in Denmark. The study was literature-based and the concussions of the study was based on the findings from the previous studies. Based on the findings of the study, it was noted that agricultural cooperatives play a critical role in enhancing the output of the farmers. Agricultural cooperatives usually pool together inputs to maximize production and further promote capacity building of the farmers. It was noted that working together makes farmers improve their profits by getting into bigger markets, lowering costs and acquiring a higher negotiating power. Farmers are free to join and leave the cooperative, and there is no governmental intervention in managing the organization in Denmark. Farming and customer cooperatives have been widely known in Denmark. The study noted that small and medium-sized cooperatives, financial cooperatives, workers' cooperatives, and cooperatives for seniors have been rampant in Denmark. The study concluded that cooperatives play an important function in the agricultural sector of several nations. Agricultural cooperatives assist farmers to fix a collective action problem. With co-operatives, farmers may bring in traders and institutional buyers, and improve their bargaining power. The study recommended that agricultural cooperatives are required to provide more training on agricultural production and motivate members to actively join those training. The cooperatives need to strengthen and broaden markets to get better prices for their members
Factors Associated with Alcohol and Substance Abuse Among Youths in Kenya
No full textThe use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other psychoactive substances among the youth is a major public health concern worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of alcohol and substance abuse among the youth. A cross sectional descriptive design was adopted. Youth aged between 18 and 35 years undergoing rehabilitation were enrolled. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 25 software. Chi-square and Fishers exact were used to compare variables between groups. A value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 259 youth participated in this study where majority, 66.8% were male. The mean age of participants was 29 years. The proportion of female drug users decreased with increase in age while that of male increased with increase in age. All participants abused heroin in addition to cigarettes (64.2%), marijuana/bang (60.8%), alcohol (58.1%), cocaine (57.3%), khat (51.2%), and traditional brew (33.1%). Abuse of cigarettes (P=0.009) and cocaine (p=0.005) was associated with the male gender. There was no statistical significant association between family functioning and drug and alcohol abuse (p>0.05). History of having a guardian and siblings indulging in alcohol and substance abuse, receiving comfort, advice, and having an open communication with the parents were found to influence the level youth get indulge into drug and substance abuse. Family function is an important factor to consider in the development of prevention strategies.
Keywords: Alcohol, Substance Abuse, Youths, Keny
Socio-psychological Risk Factors that Influence Smoking Prevalence among Youth in the United States of America
No full textThe smoking habit among youth is an active problem. In the United States, 11.1% of youths first smoked at age 10 years and below whereas 60.4% of school going children of age 16 year and more reported smoked a full cigarette. Retrospective U.S. national data on smoking prevalence indicates that daily active adult smokers started smoking before the age of 18 years. A cross-sectional study of 116,637 youths of ages 12-34 years was conducted across US states. Data was also sourced from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Youth Tobacco Survey and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The socio-psychosocial risk factors investigated include contemplation of suicide, use of alcohol and drugs, level of strictness of parent or guardian, peer influence, awareness about dangers of smoking and level of self-esteem. Data analysis was done by use of Statistical Software for Social Sciences Version 25.0 Software. A significance level of p of <0.05 was used. Logit model was employed to determine of association between socio-psychosocial risk factors and smoking prevalence among youth in US. The significant psychosocial risk factors that predict smoking initiation among youth in US were identified as use of alcohol and drug, peer influence, awareness influence and self-esteem. A conclusion is therefore made that use of alcohol and drug, peer influence, awareness influence and self-esteem are significant psychosocial risk factors that influence smoking initiation among the youth. There is need for periodic educational awareness programmes for youth regarding use of alcohol and drug. Educational institutions including schools, colleges and rehabilitation centers need to further emphasize in teaching and creating awareness among youth on the dangers associated with smoking. There is also need for counseling sessions in school, churches and community levels for youth who may be facing problems related with low self-esteem. The counseling sessions should gear at identifying the causative factors and devise mechanism to create self-worth among the youth. In addition, parents, guardians, religious leaders and other community members need to work in coordination to identify peer influence among youth and advise accordingly to protect many youth from falling trap to peer influence for lack of awareness. There is also need to for correctional centers serviced by well-trained social personnel, psychologists to counsel and correct youth who are addicted to smoking.
Keywords: Socio-psychological risk factors, Smoking Prevalence, Youth, US
Effects of COVID 19 on Hospitalization Rate Among Diabetic People in Brazil
No full textThe study sought to examine the effects of COVID 19 on the hospitalization rate among diabetic people in Brazil. The study made conclusions based on the findings from the previous studies. The study findings indicated that People with diabetes are more likely to have severe complications from COVID-19. People with diabetes are more likely to have symptoms and complications when infected with any virus, but COVID 19 has been extreme. Individuals with persistent diseases like diabetic Mellitus, weight problems, hypertension, or cardiovascular cases are the most affected by COVID-19. Diabetic Mellitus is a severe problem that requires self-management and more disciplinary attention that consists of regular care to diet, exercise, blood sugar management and use of drugs. It is concluded that Patients with diabetes have been greatly affected by the COVID-19. The hospitalization rate has been high among patients that have diabetes. COVID-19 pandemic has led to health service modification and temporary disruption of the routine care provided to patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in primary care. This is done to minimize outpatient visits, permit physical distancing, and ensure patients' and healthcare providers' safety. The study recommended that different measures to prevent COVID-19 are crucial for individuals with diabetes. People with diabetes need regular blood sugar management and compliance with ongoing medication, even when it comes to COVID-19 infection. It is important to remember that people with either type of diabetes can vary in age, their complications, and how well they have managed their diabetes. The government needs guidelines to guarantee accessibility to medicines and healthcare services among diabetic patients.
Keywords: Covid 19, hospitalization rate, diabetic people, Brazi
Male Involvement in Birth Preparedness through Health Facility Community Dialogue in Kajiado County- Kenya
No full textBirth preparedness enhances readiness to handle pregnancy complications and probable delays experienced in seeking obstetric care. Male partners in the society are key influencers of maternal health outcome due to their financial power and cultural endowment that male figures command in the society hence impact on birth preparedness. In Kenya, there is limited data on male involvement in birth preparedness through health facility community dialogue. The study thematic area explored the influence of male partner factors on birth preparedness through health facility community dialogue in Kajiado County- Kenya. The study employed explorative-descriptive qualitative research design. The target population was households with male partners/spouses, married men who had children aged 0-2 years, aged 18 years and above. The study concluded that male partner perception, level of education, age at marriage, communication among partners and economic status had negatively influenced male partner involvement in birth preparedness. The study recommended that the County Government of Kajiado to come up with community engagement forums to dialogue with the community on birth preparedness through open maternity day forums and change the male perception on birth preparedness. The study also recommended that the Ministry of Education to empower the boy child by retention in school, the way it has system in place to track the status of the girl child in school for nomadic communities, this will avert early school dropout that leads to early marriages and high index of poverty levels. Finally, the male partners should foster communication between spouses to improve on pregnancy outcome.
Keywords: Male Involvement, Birth Preparedness, Health Facility Community Dialogu
Factors that Influence the Persistent Practice of Female Genital Mutilation. A Case of Tigania People, Meru County
No full textFemale Genital Mutilation refers to the procedures alter or cause injury to the female genital organs in the form of circumcision or clitoridectomy for no known medical reasons. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence the persistent practice of Female Genital Mutilation in Kenya, a case study of Tigania East Sub-county, Meru County. This was done by determining the contribution of the cultural practices to the persistent practice of FGM, determining the influence of environmental factors to the practice of FGM, assessing the contribution of agencies towards the persistent practice of FGM, and determining the influence of awareness on the practice of FGM in the study area. The study employed the cross-sectional research design and used a sample size of 384 study participants. This study used both stratified random and purposive sampling to identify the participants. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used in the study, with the use of questionnaires and focused group discussions. Quantitative data was analyzed using the SPSS version 22.0 where the data was subjected to scientific methods of calculations such as means, frequencies, standard deviations, and percentages, and then presented using frequency tables and pie charts in form of descriptive and inferential statistics using the Pearson’s correlation. Qualitative data was analyzed and presented using the relevant themes. The study revealed that all the female respondents involved in the data collection process through the survey had undergone FGM. In the sample of women, 74.2% had circumcised their daughters whereas 25.8% had not. The persistence of FGM was attributed to cultural beliefs. The study found that 76.2% of girls and women interviewed had undergone FGM willingly compared to 23.8% who were forced. This was enhanced through socialization within the community that reinforces the stereotypes against uncircumcised girls or women. In regard to the effect of FGM the study found that of all the women and girls who had undergone FGM, 51.3% indicated excessive bleeding, 12.2% were obstructed labor, and 34.9% were sexual complications. The study draws the following recommendations: the girls should be empowered to refuse the practice of FGM and the community at large should join the efforts to fight the practice of FGM by abolishing harmful cultural beliefs and myths. In addition, the government should develop and enforce policies and frameworks to create awareness against FGM, the NGOs should empower the community through creating awareness against FGM and the health workers should educate the community on the harmful effects of FGM so as to promote the eradication of the practice.
Keywords: Female Genital Mutilation, Cultural practices, Agencies, Awarenes
Impact of Stress on Employee Performance at Jamsai Firm in Bangkok, Thailand
No full textIn the current world, stress has been regarded as a global phenomenon that occurs in different forms in various workplaces. The study sought to determine the effects of stress on the performance of employees in the Jamsai firm in Bangkok, Thailand. The study was literature based. The study findings revealed that stress influences worker performance if not managed properly. The productivity and performance of workers are significant and essential elements for the success of any firm. The extreme stress encountered in the working places substantially hampers effectiveness and draws many employees' focuses. The study discovered that a firm or supervisor should correctly manage stress levels to get work done properly. In some instances, job stress makes employees more prone to error, poor work performance, mental health issues, burnout, and conflict in the workplace. If job stress goes unaddressed, organizations pay the price in higher rates of turnover, disengagement, and absenteeism. To attain an organizational goal, all the aspects that affect stress ought to be appropriately identified and measured. The study concluded that stress has a negative effect on the performance of employees. There are numerous stress elements that the workers have gone through, and the research confirmed that stress influences performance adversely. The study recommended that a good framework should be put in place to assist workers in minimizing stress while they are at work. The management needs to evaluate the state of mind by analyzing why the workers assume the firm does not appreciate its workers and what they can do to change the elements which bring about the discontentment of workers in the workplace. A worker assistance program needs to be introduced to identify and intervene early on challenges affecting employees' performance in a firm.
Keywords: Stress, Employee Performance, Jamsai Firm, Thailan