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Effect of attention to details on Quality of Accounting Information Systems of State-Owned Enterprises in Indonesia
Despite the provision of laws, policies and procedures to guide the preparation the quality of accounting information and subsequent reporting is at stake in most state owned enterprises. Financial loss and fraud results from general disregard of public finance management principles. Quality accounting information has to be relevant, reliable, accurate, timely and clear. For financial information to serve its intended objective, it should be of good quality to ensure good decision- making. However, accounting reports for most State-Owned Enterprises are replete with anomalies and irregularities. The study determined the effect of attention to details on quality of accounting information. Explanatory and descriptive research designs were employed. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Attention to details positively and significantly affects quality of accounting information. A conclusion was made that attention to details affects the provision of quality of accounting information. The study recommends for clear and comprehensive steps when preparing counting information. There should be a mechanism that separates duties to ensure that a separate team prepares accounting reports while another checks for accuracy by pointing out transcription and transposition errors.
Key word: Attention to details, quality of accounting information systems, state-owned enterprises, Indonesi
Capital Market Development and Internal Borrowing in Latin America Countries
In many developing countries, governments have given much attention to domestic debt compared to external indebtedness. Despite the fact that domestic borrowing has many advantages; it also has negative impacts especially when it goes beyond a sustainable amount. Domestic debt affects a country’s inflation rates, interest rates among many other factors. Through this study of how various concepts are affected by domestic borrowing, various governments will clearly understand the effects of domestic borrowing on their capital market development and align their domestic debts from the capital market institutions that will finally promote the development of the capital markets. The study used a descriptive research, which involved the measurement, classification, analysis, This study adopted the descriptive study design. The study concluded that there is a positive relationship between high domestic public debt and capital market development, an increase in domestic debt causes the capital market development to decrease. When a country borrows more domestic, debt and less external debt it promotes capital markets development in the long run. The regression model used in the study was statistically significant in explaining the effect of domestic public debt on capital markets development in South America Countries. The study further concluded that inflation rate has a negative impact on financial market development this implies that inflation had a negative impact on capital markets development. It also conclude that an increase in interest rate impact positively the capital markets development. The study recommends on continued deepening of the capital markets to lengthen further the maturity profile of domestic debt and diversification of the investor base. The study further recommends on continued implementation of policies to support macroeconomic stability and faster economic growth. This includes restructuring public debt towards external borrowing which is comparably cheaper than domestic debt, and rationalization of recurrent expenditures to contain the widening deficit in the primary balance would be necessary in the medium-term to ensure that public debt remains on a sustainable path to allow for capital markets development.
Keywords: Capital Market Development, Domestic Borrowing, & Latin America Countries
Assessment of Health Insurance Schemes Uptake by the Informal Sector Workers at Matuu, Machakos County, Kenya
Health Insurance is a social protection against the possibility of incurring medical expenditure among individuals. It is a critical pillar of Health care financing and the main driver in achieving Universal Health coverage in most nations. The core objective of the study was to assess the level of current uptake of Health Insurance among informal sector workers in Matuu Ward within Machakos County. The target population were the informal workers in Matuu, Machakos County. The study research design was analytical cross sectional study which applied a mixed method approach in data collection and analysis. The mixed method was used to contribute to answering of the research questions and provide stronger evidence for corroboration of findings through triangulation. A sample of 202 respondents was selected for this study and primary quantitative data was obtained from sampled individuals involved in enterprises by use of questionnaires. Descriptive data analysis was done and categorical variables in form of frequencies and percentages was done; while numerical variables in form mean, standard deviation was done in analyzing and presenting the data. Qualitative data from key informants was manually analyzed and then grouped into themes and sub-themes. The study established that at 97% were aware of the health insurance and in addition, only 31% of the respondents were aware of the Universal Health Care (UHC) which is being piloted in Machakos County. The major source of information on health insurance schemes was friends as reported by 41.1% of the respondents. The major reason for stopping payments was loss of main source of income as reported by 41.7%. Chi-square results indicated that gender, age, level of education and income level had no significant effect on uptake of insurance. However, marital status had a significant effect on uptake of insurance. In conclusion, the uptake of health insurance by informal sector workers is high especially with the NHIF. This is because the Government has been aggressively improving the uptake by NHIF by all in the Country to facilitate access to Health Services. On the other hand, uptake of health insurance offered by private insurance firms is still low due to high premiums, bearing in mind that most of the informal sector workers earn very low and irregular incomes. Majority the informal sector workers deem health insurance coverage as important and feel that it should be encouraged as part of the efforts of facilitating Universal Health Coverage. The study recommends that the Government should make health insurance uptake continuity more attractive to the informal sector workers. Government and the private sector should explore Public Private Partnership in provision of health insurance with the aim of promoting the contribution of private health insurance schemes in expanding Universal Health Coverage. Lastly, the government should have tax incentive such as tax breaks or waiver for the informal sector workers who are insurance holders to encourage continuity.
Keywords: Health Insurance Schemes, Informal Sector Workers, Keny
Professional Quality of Life among Nurses Caring for Cancer Patients
This study aimed at assessing the level and determinants of professional quality of life (compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout) for cancer care nurses. A descriptive correlation was conducted among 90 cancer care nurses using ProQoL Version-V and Brief COPE inventory self-administered questionnaires. Stratified sampling was used to select the study participants from different units. There was a high score for compassion satisfaction 42±4.76, low to average burnout 33±4.7, and compassion fatigue 27±8.7 scores. There was a statistically significant difference in the levels based on some demographic factors and personal factors. A negative relationship between compassion satisfaction with exposure to chemotherapeutic, workload, and insufficient preparation with Staff patient ratio was noted to be the major predicting factors for all subscales of ProQoL. Organizational and personal intervention measures such as self-care, a mentorship program for upcoming new oncology staff, and training cancer caregivers. A study with a large sample is highly recommended.
Keywords: Oncology nursing, compassion satisfaction, burnout, compassion satisfactio
Challenges Influencing Compliance to Public Procurement Regulations in Kenya
Procurement challenges experienced by the counties and national governments contravene the key principles underpinning public procurement, which include value for money, ethical standards, competition, transparency and accountability. Thus, county and national governments extensively violate the general procurement rules provided in the legislation. The causes of public procurement challenges experienced by the counties and national governments revolved around inadequate procurement planning, lack of pre-qualification of suppliers, failure to follow due process, lack of adequate numbers of qualified procurement professionals, poor inventory management and lack of capacity building/training. Consequently, the effects of the procurement challenges experienced include offences of financial misconduct, low absorption of resources, delays in project implementation, wasteful spending and unauthorized spending. Because national policy objectives on devolution reforms are not being fully met, counties and national governments need to take into account various procurement considerations. These include the development of procurement plans; pre-qualification of suppliers; adherence to due process; development of staff capacity and inventory management.
Keywords: Compliance, Public Procurement, Regulations & Kenya.
 
Financial Risks and Its Effect on Financial Performance of Investment Firms Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya
The study investigated financial risks and its effect on the financial performance of investment firms listed at NSE. The study was guided by three research objectives; to determine the influence of foreign exchange risk, liquidity risk, and interest rate risks on the financial performance of investment firms listed at the NSE. The study used secondary data for the period, 2011-2018. The study employed a descriptive research design. The target population was the four investment companies listed on the NSE. Secondary data was collected from the financial annual reports of the firms. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and diagnostic tests were employed. The study concludes that a decrease in liquidity risk results to increased financial performance. A decrease in foreign exchange risk exposure could lead to improved financial performance. The study concludes that interest rate risk was negatively and significantly related to financial performance. Further, the study concludes that firm size had a positive and significant relationship with financial performance. The study recommends that the listed investment firms should increase the current ratio to minimize exposure to financial risks and the firms should also ensure they invest the idle cash to diversify investment portfolio. The study recommends that the management of investment firms should introduce a robust efficient and effective strategies that can assess, identify, and manage foreign exchange risks. Investment firms can also use various financial derivatives to reduce the effect of exchange rate risk. The study recommends that the firms can explore means they can use to improve capacities to manage interest rate risks exposure. For instance, interest rate risks can be mitigated by using financial derivatives and also through securitization of assets to minimize interest rate risks.
Keywords: Financial Risks, Financial Performance, Liquidity Risk, Interest Rate Risks, Foreign Exchange Risk
Financial Inclusion Strategies and Performance of Commercial Banks in Rwanda; A Case of I&M Bank in Rwanda
The research intended to analyze the effect of financial inclusion strategies on performance of commercial banks in Rwanda, a case of I&M Bank Rwanda Ltd. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the effect of agency banking, financial innovation and loan products on financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda and guided by three theories which are agency theory, constraint-induced theory and innovation theory. A sample size of 92 employees among 1,232 was taken and data was collected through questionnaires and interview guide. SPSS 23, descriptive research design, correlation and regression statistic were used in the analysis of collected data. The results of the study indicated that agency banking application is the important driver to facilitate people to get banking services form banks. The results established that agency banking and financial inclusion are satisfactory in explaining the performance of commercial banks. The coefficient of determination, also known as the R square, was 0.594 (59.4%). This implied that agency banking and financial inclusion strategies explain 59.4% of the variations in the performance of commercial banks. As conclusions, financial inclusion strategies analysed in this research play an important role in the performance of commercial banks in Rwanda. Financial institutions in Rwanda use financial inclusion strategies to boost their financial performances. Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is important and very effective because it facilitates the customers the access of their accounts to withdraw or deposit money as it is for digital banking, debit cards and smart cards. This enables banks to increase sales and influence its financial performance. For loan product, it is concluded that this is an important strategy of I&M Bank to attract customers thus affect the financial performance of the bank. The study recommended that I&M Bank has to improve its agency banking by increasing their number and location. I&M Bank has to extend its branches to remote areas and increase the number of ATMs so that people in remote areas get different financial services easily.
Keywords: financial inclusion strategies, agency banking, financial performance, I&M Bank, Rwand
Faith Formation Programs and Young Catholic Adults’ Vocation Choices in Ruaraka Deanery
The study sought to explore the faith formation programs that inform vocation choices of Young Catholic Adults (YCA) in Ruaraka Deanery, Nairobi Archdiocese. The study employed a convergent parallel mixed methods. The target population included YCA group, moderators and chaplains from Ruaraka Deanery which is made of 10 parishes. The study employed convenience and census methods to sample 241 YCA participants. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistical analysis and presented using frequencies and percentages in tables. The qualitative data was analysed and presented thematically using summaries. The study findings indicated there is a positive and significant relationship between faith formation programs and vocation choices in Ruaraka deanery (?=.633 p=0.000). The regression analysis showed that faith formation programs have a positive and statistically significant influence on vocation choices (R Square=0.395, P<0.000). The study concluded there is no uniformity in the faith formation programs training in all the parishes. The study also concluded that reference resources according to YCA members and the moderators lean more on the church teachings rather than providing holistic formation to enable YCA address both their faith and vocation needs. The activities were found relevant for faith formation and vocation choices. The study further concluded that both family and the community of faith form the most influential faith formation agents in terms of training, mentoring and accompaniment. Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that YCA groups across the Ruaraka deanery should be exposed to relevant faith formation programs that are capable of influencing vocation choices. The faith formation programs can include prayer, Bible reading and faith sharing, relationships, sub-topics on marriage, work, liturgy leading and participation. Moreover, it is recommended that there should be uniformity in the faith formation programs training in all the parishes.
Keywords: Faith Formation Program, Vocation Choices, Young Catholic Adults, Ruaraka Deanery, Nairobi Archdiocese, Keny
Food Handlers' Knowledge of Food Hygiene Practices and the Bacteriological Quality (Staphylococcus aureus) of Vegetable Salad in Private Hospitals in Mombasa County
Fresh vegetable salad is an essential and important ingredient to ensure a healthy diet. Many hospitality establishments also serve a wide range of vegetable salad to their guests while nutritionists have emphasized the importance of fresh vegetables in maintaining a healthy diet. Although fresh vegetables are good for health, their consumption is also related to the risks for the consumer. This study examined the relationship between the food handlers' knowledge of food hygiene practices and the bacteriological quality of vegetable salad in private hospitals in Mombasa County. The study was conducted in registered private hospitals in Mombasa County. These hospitals offer vegetable salad to patients and are referral centres for both domestic and international tourists who need medical attention. Due to the high temperatures in Mombasa (average being 32°C), cold dishes especially salad is preferred. Multiple Regression analysis was used to test the causal relationship between knowledge and awareness of food and hygiene practices of 135 food handlers and the bacteriological quality of 180 vegetable salad samples which comprised of carrots, lettuce and tomatoes. The result of multiple linear regression analysis was used to explain the causal relationship between the food handlers’ knowledge of food hygiene practices and the bacteriological quality (Staphylococcus aureus level) of vegetable salads in private hospitals in Mombasa County. The overall model explained 72% of the variation in the dependent variable (Staphylococcus aureus). This was significantly useful in explaining the food handlers’ knowledge of food hygiene practices and the bacteriological quality (Staphylococcus aureus level) of vegetable salad in private hospitals in Mombasa County, with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicating Significance Level F= 36.4253, P<0.0001. There were six independent variables that had significant effect on bacteriological quality (Staphylococcus aureus level) of vegetable salad. These included: cleaning of food contacts (scale 5-1) t = 2.149, P < 0.0336; Sinks for washing vegetables (scale 5-1) t = 5.578, P <0.0001; Wearing of gloves (scale 5-1) t = -2.620< 0.0097; Food Hygiene practices (scale 5-1) t = - 4.729, P < 0.0001; Covering of salads (scale 5-1) t = -5.706, P < 0.0001 and Washing of Vegetables (scale 5-1), t = -3.673< 0.0004. The study concluded that the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in vegetable salad samples can also be used as an indicator of improper handling of vegetables. Stringent measures and control strategies to reduce the contamination should be put in place. The study recommended that Pre-requisite programmes and standard operation procedures on safe food handling and production should be put in place in all hospitality food production establishments. This can be achieved by organizing regular workshops and seminars and sensitization programs.
Keywords: Food Handlers' Knowledge, Vegetable Salad & Bacteriological Quality & Staphylococcus aureus
Truthfulness and Rule of Law in the Society: Bosnia and Rwanda Perspectives
In the occurrences of devastating conflicts during a regime, having clear information on the truth on the past is regarded as a first step in the process healing and seeking justice and is acknowledged as a human right where those who fell victims and the survivors of conflict and war are entitled to. The International law states clearly that right to know about the circumstances of serious violations of victims’ human rights and about who was responsible. It is progressively regular for nations rising up out of civil war or dictator rule to make a fact commission to work during the prompt post-change period. These commissions are conceded a moderately brief period for explanation taking, examinations, and research and formal conferences, before finishing their work with a last open report. This paper gives an evaluation of the past basic talk on truth and reconciliation towards the rule of law, distinguishes the issues critics have concentrated on, analyzes why the appraisals of TJ projects have been basic, and examines whether the reactions reflect fundamental conditions under which the TJ programs were led. This paper looks at the Truth and Reconciliation process in Rwanda after the genocide in 1994. In this manner, it endeavors to reveal the results of truth, reconciliation from past human rights abuses, and how they guide build up the rule of law in a public.
Keywords: Truth, conflicts, Human Rights, Rule of Law & Societ