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Strategic Planning and Its Effect on the Success of Small and Medium Enterprises in Bosaso
Get PDFThe research seeks to investigate the influence of strategic planning on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bosaso, Somalia. Its main goal is to clarify how strategic planning impacts the operational success of these businesses, addressing a notable gap in the current literature, as previous studies have largely overlooked SMEs in this area despite their crucial role in economic stability and development. The study employs a correlational research design combined with a quantitative approach,
using surveys to collect data from the relevant population. A pilot test was conducted to refine the questionnaire, ensuring it was clear and pertinent for participants. The research used purposive sampling to select individuals based on specific demographic traits relevant to the study. Results indicate that strategic planning significantly influences SME performance in Bosaso, highlighting the importance for these enterprises to adopt structured planning processes to improve their operational efficiency and longterm viability. This research provides valuable insights into the strategic management practices necessary
for the growth and success of SMEs in the region. The findings of this study underscore the importance of
strategic planning in enhancing the performance and long-term sustainability of SMEs in Bosaso. By establishing a clear link between structured planning and improved operational outcomes, the research provides compelling evidence that SMEs in the region can benefit significantly from adopting formal strategic planning processes. These processes enable businesses to better navigate challenges, allocate resources more efficiently, and seize growth opportunities, ultimately leading to improved financial
performance and stability
Developing AI-Powered Chatbots for Mental Health Support
Get PDFAs mental health challenges continue to rise globally, artificial intelligence (AI) powered chatbots are emerging as a promising solution to support mental health services, particularly by enhancing access to care and reducing the burden on mental health professionals. This study explores the development, efficacy, and impact of AI-driven chatbots for mental health support, focusing on their potential to provide timely interventions, deliver cognitive-behavioral therapy, and promote emotional well-being. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research evaluates user interaction with AI mental health chatbots, their perceived usefulness, and limitations. Results reveal that AI chatbots hold substantial promise in offering supplemental mental health support and increasing access to mental health resources, especially for underserved populations. However, ethical concerns and questions around data privacy, empathy, and efficacy persist, indicating the need for a balanced approach to AI implementation in mental health services. Future research should address these ethical dimensions while exploring ways to improve the efficacy of AI-driven mental health support
Comparing the Efficacy of Visual Action Therapy Versus Auditory Comprehension Therapy in Individuals with Wernicke’s Aphasia
Get PDFThe aims to investigate the comparative effectiveness of Visual Action Therapy (VAT) and Auditory Comprehension
Therapy in individuals with Wernicke’s aphasia, a language impairment typically resulting from brain injury, often due to stroke. Wernicke’s aphasia manifests primarily as difficulty in understanding spoken language and reduced sentence length, while spoken word production remains relatively intact. Its prevalence is notably high among older individuals, particularly those aged 85 and above. This Randomized Control Trial (RCT) involved 12 participants divided equally into experimental and control groups. Over a three-month period, both groups underwent therapy sessions conducted at home, with the experimental group receiving VAT and the control group undergoing auditory training therapy. Each group participated in 10 weekly sessions lasting 30 minutes each. Analysis using SPSS version 21 indicated that VAT significantly enhanced comprehension skills in the experimental group compared to auditory comprehension therapy. Specifically, improvements were noted in speech production, word finding abilities, following sequential commands, auditory verbal fluency, repetition skills, and graphic reading. These findings underscore the efficacy of VAT in augmenting communication and aphasia screening scores among individuals with Wernicke’s aphasia. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the importance of understanding and implementing VAT techniques in clinical practice for managing Wernicke’s aphasia effectively. Continued knowledge and application of VAT approaches are crucial for optimizing
therapeutic outcomes in this population
Management of Stress and Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder through Hypnosis
Get PDFStress and Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FNSD) both have the potential to seriously lower someone's quality of life. As a therapeutic method, hypnosis is a potential way to reduce stress and the symptoms related to FND. The study seeks to evaluate the potential benefits of hypnosis-based interventions in treating symptoms of stress and FNSD. This study also develop and a reliable and valid instrument that can accurately measure the symptoms and severity of FNSD in patients using pilot study. The study was a mix method research design was used in this study. The quantitative phase involved 180 patients diagnosed with FNSD, where the HSS and DASS were used to measure outcomes. Statistical analysis, including Pearson correlation, one-way ANOVA, and non-parametric t-tests, indicated significant improvements in stress levels and FNSD symptoms post-intervention, with hypnosis showing a notable predictive value for symptom reduction. The quantitative data demonstrate significant correlations and predictive values for hypnosis in reducing stress and FNS symptoms. The qualitative phase included in-depth interviews with 20 participants, analyzed through thematic analysis. Themes emerged around the impact of significant life events, relationships between emotional and physical symptoms, the role of support systems, and the perceived effectiveness and comfort of hypnosis as a therapeutic approach. Participants reported a strong sense of safety and control during hypnosis sessions, which facilitated positive psychological and physiological outcomes. The combined findings from both quantitative and qualitative data underscore the potential of hypnosis as a standalone treatment to manage stress and FNSD symptoms effectively, suggesting that it may serve as a valuable alternative in clinical practice. This study provides a basis for integrating hypnosis into therapeutic settings and highlights the need for further research to optimize its application in managing functional neurological symptoms
The Impact of Unlicensed Research Software Consumer Usage Behaviour on Perceived University Reputation Among Postgraduate Students in Malaysia
Get PDFUnlicensed research software usage among students is a global crisis against higher learning institutions. The phenomenon has affected the perception, expectation, and
trust of stakeholders and societies toward the university’s branding and reputation simultaneously and could tarnish the long-term sustainability and credibility of the higher learning institutions. The purpose of this study is to explore, expose and deploy the significant antecedents (factors) that cause the usage of unlicensed research
software among post-graduate students in Malaysia and simultaneously measure the perceived reputational impacts of their deviant behaviour towards their institutions
using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) with an extension of perceived university reputation as the dependent variable (post-antecedent of behaviour). Multi-sampling through a combination of Purposive and
Snowball sampling was used to gather all 420 respondents’ primary data through an online questionnaire. The PLS-SEM were used for the analysis of the information collected. To wind up, the students’ economic conditions, performance expectancy, and facilitating condition, have a positive relationship with the intention to use unlicensed research software among the postgraduate (PhD and Doctoral) students in Malaysian universities. All exogenous are also fully mediated by the intention to use the unlicensed research software and the usage behaviour could mediate the relationship between the intention to use and facilitating condition towards the perceived reputation of the university. The usage behaviour also has a positive
relationship with the perceived university reputation suggesting that individual choices around unlicensed research software use could have broader implications for
institutional credibility. Finally, the tested model shows a range of predictive performances across different constructs, with some exhibiting high predictive
relevance, suggesting the model's strength in forecasting these particular outcomes. Understanding this unlicensed research software usage intention and behaviour as well
as its impacts on the university’s reputation issue helps Malaysia to develop an ethical, better and higher quality education system to nurture better citizens for the future. The national aspiration to make Malaysia the excellent education hub in Southeast Asia and a highly reputable education region will be accomplished when the issue of
unlicensed research software usage is curbed and controlled through a comprehensive understanding of its antecedents and consequences. It could also help local universities
inculcate a more ethical education environment and culture to produce more ethical postgraduate students who will lead the future of the country, society, and the national
economy to be more prosperous
Impact of Financial and Non-Financial Services on the Performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Punjab,Pakistan
Get PDFMicro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) have been the lifeblood of economies across the globe, as they play a pivotal role in steering economic growth, nurturing modernisation, and creating employment opportunities. They rely on financial resources like any business model; such financial resources could be in the form of Financial Services and / or Non-Financial Services (NFS). Research has shown that Financial Services play a crucial role in promoting the influence of SMEs on economic growth, entrepreneurship, and job creation. Additionally, NFS has been studied in conjunction with Financial Services, and their combination has further enhanced the impact of SMEs on both national and global economies. Nonetheless,developing economies such as Pakistan lack organised data or research that could be helpful for policy and practice, except for some research on financial services. Thus,
this study has been deployed to assess the combined impact of financial and non-financial services on performance, using business survival, profitability, and job creation by the MSMEs. With a cross-sectional design, the exploratory study
employed primary data from survey questionnaires from 400 MSMEs. This study was set in Punjab and focused on the province’s central region. Data was analysed using SPSS and SmartPLS. Results revealed that financial services individually had a positive and significant impact on survival, profitability, and employability, while this positive impact was amplified when non-financial services were added to the equation. In conclusion, NFSs are as important as financial services for the overall performance of MSMEs, particularly for developing economies like Pakistan
Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions on Employee Psychological Contract in Selected Glove Manufacturing Companies in Selangor, Malaysia
Get PDFMergers and Acquisitions (M&A) represent pivotal corporate manoeuvres designed to enhance business growth, market competitiveness, and financial gains. The glove manufacturing sector in Malaysia has experienced a notable surge in M&A activities in recent years. Although these strategic undertakings hold the potential for considerable corporate advantages, they also bear a substantial impact on the psychological contracts of employees. The psychological contract embodies the tacit set of expectations, perspectives, and convictions held between employees and employers. It covers the perceived mutual commitments, assurances, and collective understandings within the employment bond. These contracts, though unspoken and not codified in formal documents, are derived from interactions, the organization's ethos, and its policies and practices. Essentially, psychological contracts mirror employees' personal beliefs about their anticipated benefits from the employer, alongside their own contributions. Expectations might span job stability, career progression opportunities, acknowledgment, work-life harmony, and the broader work experience. The nature of a psychological contract is fluid, adjusting with shifts in the workplace, policy modifications, leadership changes, and personal employee journeys. Effectively navigating and honouring these contracts is vital for nurturing positive employee engagement, contentment, and organizational triumph. When employees' preconceptions are met by their actual work experiences, it fosters a thriving and efficient workplace. Conversely, discrepancies or breaches of the psychological contract can precipitate employee discontent, sagging morale, and waning organizational allegiance. This study delves into the effects of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) on the psychological contracts of employees in Selangor, Malaysia's glove manufacturing industry. As M&A becomes increasingly commonplace in today's fast-evolving business milieu, it's imperative to scrutinize its impact on the fabric of the employer-employee relationship. The inquiry is set against the backdrop of Selangor's glove industry, a sector of significant economic weight, and examines how corporate amalgamations may reshape the workforce's landscape. The analysis of the interplay between a range of elements and the facets of the psychological contract amid mergers and acquisitions (M&A) has yielded insightful revelations. Within the cognitive realm, components such as supportive interrelations, supervisory and peer backing, along with a sense of fairness, are found to bolster psychological well-being and presence, thereby fostering employee engagement. Conversely, detrimental elements like workplace aggression, high staff turnover, stress, and subpar performance impinge upon the affective aspect, eroding employee dedication. Moreover, efficacious dialogue, personal convictions of the workforce, and the practice of mindfulness contribute positively to the affective sphere. In terms of behaviour, the working milieu’s factors, including supervisory and collective organizational backing, are pivotal in shaping staff conduct. M&A activities precipitate profound alterations in behaviour, amplifying collaborative efforts and cultivating a culture of enhanced transparency within teams. The research underscores the complex nature of psychological contracts during periods of M&A, offering key strategies for guiding employees through these organizational changes. The establishment of nurturing relationships, the assurance of fairness, the resolution of workplace conflicts, and the advancement of transparent communication and mindfulness are identified as vital to the successful navigation of M&As. By attentively managing these facets of the psychological contract, organizations can secure a positive and engaging employee experience and maintain steadfast dedication during times of transition. While the cross-sectional design of this study may introduce common method bias, constraints within the organizational setting limited the methodology choices. Nevertheless, the study's practical findings reveal that M&A activities exert a considerable impact on how individuals perceive their employment relationship. Employees adept at navigating organizational changes tend to perceive their psychological contract as evolving into a revised, and sometimes less advantageous, one. Therefore, it becomes imperative for organizational leaders to actively foster employees' adaptability to change, thus shielding them from the potential negative impacts of M&A. This paper contributes unique insights into the shifts in psychological contracts post-M&A, particularly within the glove manufacturing industry, with a special emphasis on the experiences of mid level employees
Internal Branding and Brand Citizenship Behaviour Among Employees of PKT Logistics Group Sdn. Bhd.
Get PDFInternal branding has gained popularity in the marketing fields for years, which includes internal brand communication, brand environment, brand leadership, brand reward, and brand culture as predictors of brand commitment and brand citizenship behaviour. Present study investigates the impact of internal branding practices on employee brand
citizenship through the mechanism of brand commitment. Employees' brand citizenship behaviour is thought to have a substantial impact on the success of a service organization's brand; therefore, this study aims to investigate the factors that determine internal branding and brand citizenship behaviour among logistics company
particularly in PKT Logistics Group Sdn. Bhd. This study was conducted using Social Exchange Theory (SET) to analyse the direct connection between independent and dependent variables and Social Identity Theory (SIT) to explain the relationship between mediating variables and dependent variables. A total of 263 PKT employees participated in a quantitative survey, and the data was analysed using Smart PLS to confirm the hypotheses. It was discovered that internal branding practices such as internal brand communication, brand culture, and brand reward were found to have a significant positive impact on employee brand citizenship behaviour. However, brand environment and brand leadership were revealed to have no effect on employee brand
citizenship behaviour. Furthermore, brand commitment was revealed to mediate the relationship between internal branding practices such as brand culture, brand reward
and brand citizenship behaviour. Nevertheless, the findings revealed no mediation effect of brand commitment on the connection between internal brand communication
Impact of Transnational Crimes on Vulnerabilities of Pakistan’s Image
Get PDFFor several decades, academic discussions have raged over how to properly define the term "Transnational Organized Crime." As far back as the 1970s, Reuter and Rubinstein warned that identifying Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) will always be the achilles’ heel of investigations looking into criminal cross-border conduct. In recent years, numerous new laws have been enacted to affirm drug and
human trafficking, money laundering, insider trading, and corruption all unlawful. Since it encompasses so many activities, different actors, agent provocateurs and
more than one country; transnational organized crime is a difficult subject to handle. TOC generates between 2.2 trillion per year and thus considered as a danger
to international security due to its "explosive and destabilizing repercussions" potential. TOC poses a significant threat to both direct and indirect peace, as well as cultural peace. It jeopardizes human rights, world peace, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The industry of transnational organized crime is one that
is always adapting to new markets and developing new types of criminal activity. It is an illicit enterprise that cuts across all boundaries; cultural, social, linguistic, and
geographic. This corporation does not recognize any borders or standards because it operates outside of them. Apropos to the premise that TOC is more destructive than conventional and traditional crimes, it is added that each country has it’s own dynamics, causes and vulnerabilities to deal with Transnational Organized Crimes. Similarly, Pakistan faces special challenges in determining their causes, devising
effective preventive tactics and instituting appropriate adjudication procedure. This investigation examines three types of TOC in Pakistan: traditional; which primarily
involves illegal commodity (drug) trafficking and racketeering, economic; which includes money laundering and social; which includes human trafficking. Academics
and researchers are unable to convey knowledge about TOC because it is covert and hidden, and because it is related to elites. As globalization have grown in popularity, TOC has proliferated in Pakistan. This means that even "domestic" gangs are becoming more involved in cross-border crimes and that all of the main criminal organizations now work and are organized on a global basis. This is serious threat to Pakistan’s economy, its image and reputation in globalized world.The goal of this research is to fill in the gaps that have been detected in the existing knowledge. People will better understand why the rates of international crime in developed countries and Pakistan are so drastically different as a direct result of this study's findings
Supply Chain Integration of the Health Supplement Industry in Malaysia: A Case Study of Bioalpha Holdings Berhad
Get PDFThis thesis explores the effects of Supply Chain Integration (SCI) on operational and financial performance within Malaysia's health supplement industry, focusing
specifically on Bioalpha Holdings Berhad. The study addresses the critical issue of how integrated supply chain processes contribute to business efficiency and strategic
positioning in a rapidly evolving market environment. Employing a qualitative case study approach, the research included in-depth interviews and observations with
executives and supply chain professionals at Bioalpha. These interviews were analyzed using ATLAS.ti to systematically identify themes related to the influence of
SCI on business operations. The research reveals that SCI significantly enhances operational efficiencies, reduces operational costs, and heightens market responsiveness, leading to improved financial performance and a strengthened competitive position. The study underscores that strategic supply chain management, supported by detailed data analysis through ATLAS.ti, is crucial for firms operating in
volatile markets and facing intense competition. The thesis contributes to the field of supply chain management by elucidating the benefits of integration strategies in
enhancing operational and financial outcomes. In an attempt to recommendation to improve supply chain integration capability, and based on findings, the researcher has
proposed PrICE model, with an acronym for Brand Positioning, Integrated Information and Capability Expansion. This model represents the novelty of the study. The findings provide valuable insights for industry practitioners seeking to utilize SCI for competitive advantage and for researchers interested in the intersections of supply chain practices and business performance