21 research outputs found
A PPP Projects Valuation: Real Options, Competition and Anchoring Bias
No full textThis paper presents an integrated mathematical model for the evaluation of publicprivate partnership (PPP) projects, taking into account uncertainty, anchoring bias, and potential competition that may affect such investments. Before committing to a PPP project, private firms must carefully consider public opinion, as well as manage the uncertainty and possible competitive dynamics that may arise in the future. Anchoring bias is a cognitive bias in which investors have trust in a particular piece of market information, known as the anchor, when forming their investment decisions. Specifically, the paper combines the real options approach with game theory to account for competition and Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to capture the impact of market information disclosure. The result is an integrated model that serves as a decision-making tool for evaluating investments in PPP projects
MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN NIGERIA
No full textThis study investigates the nexus between the macroeconomic environment and entrepreneurship in Nigeria using linear regression with ARMA (autoregressive moving average) analysis. Results indicate a positive relationship between GDP per capita and both new businesses registered and new business density, highlighting the role of economic prosperity in fostering entrepreneurial activity. Conversely, inflation exerts a negative influence on entrepreneurship, with higher inflation rates associated with reduced new business registrations and lower business density. Access to financing emerges as a crucial factor, as reflected in the positive correlation between monetary sector credit to the private sector and new business registered. However, the significance of this relationship is marginally significant, prompting further inquiry into credit provision mechanisms. Furthermore, government expenditure on education is found to negatively impact entrepreneurship, underscoring the importance of aligning education spending with entrepreneurship development initiatives. The findings underscore the need for targeted policies aimed at promoting economic growth, mitigating inflationary pressures, enhancing access to financing, and aligning education spending with entrepreneurship support programs to create a conducive environment for entrepreneurial growth in Nigeria
Macroeconomic Environment and Entrepreneurship in Nigeria
No full textThis study investigates the nexus between the macroeconomic environment and entrepreneurship in Nigeria using linear regression with ARMA (autoregressive moving average) analysis. Results indicate a positive relationship between GDP per capita and both new businesses registered and new business density, highlighting the role of economic prosperity in fostering entrepreneurial activity. Conversely, inflation exerts a negative influence on entrepreneurship, with higher inflation rates associated with reduced new business registrations and lower business density. Access to financing emerges as a crucial factor, as reflected in the positive correlation between monetary sector credit to the private sector and new business registered. However, the significance of this relationship is marginally significant, prompting further inquiry into credit provision mechanisms. Furthermore, government expenditure on education is found to negatively impact entrepreneurship, underscoring the importance of aligning education spending with entrepreneurship development initiatives. The findings underscore the need for targeted policies aimed at promoting economic growth, mitigating inflationary pressures, enhancing access to financing, and aligning education spending with entrepreneurship support programs to create a conducive environment for entrepreneurial growth in Nigeria
Regional Analysis of Socio-Economic Development: The Case of Poland
No full textThis article analyzes and evaluates the levels of socio-economic development of Polish voivodeships in two periods, 2010–2012 and 2020–2022. The purpose of this study was to outline regional disparities in development across the regions of Poland. To achieve the purpose of this study, 12 diagnostic characteristics were used, which were systematized by economic and social categories. Using the TOPSIS method, provinces were grouped, distinguishing between regions with the highest, high, low, and lowest levels of development. The approach adopted in this study identified changes in the processes of socio-economic development of Polish voivodeships in the analyzed years, highlighting clear spatial and structural differences. The findings can equip authorities in creating improved development plans and targeted responses to any shortcomings encountered
Responsabilidad Social Corporativa (RSC) en las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMEs): una revisión sistemática
No full text[ENG] This study aims to systematically review the key characteristics and issues in Corporate Social Responsibility among Small and Medium Enterprises (CSRS) research. The Systematic Assessment Quantitative Technique (SQAT) developed by Australian researchers, Catherine Pickering and Jason Antony Byrne, was used to identify and analyse 62 peer-reviewed CSRS articles from six high quality academic databases. Most of the studies took place in Europe and Asia while South America has been largely ignored. A significant number of CSRS research were empirical in nature, meaning that there is a need for more conceptual studies to aid the understanding of new CSRS norms and underlying factors. Additionally, CSRS articles focused mainly on identifying the various ways SMEs are implementing CSR. Finally, most CSRS articles adopted a single research method, with survey being the most dominant method. There is a need for future studies to combine a variety of methods so as to gain additional insight into CSRS related issues.[SPA] Este estudio tiene como objetivo revisar sistemáticamente las características y los problemas claves en la investigación de la Responsabilidad Social Corporativa en las Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas (RSC). Empleando la técnica cuantitativa de evaluación sistemática (SQAT), desarrollada por los investigadores australianos, Catherine Pickering y Jason Antony Byrne, se identificaron y analizaron 62 artículos revisados por pares de seis bases de datos académicas de alta calidad. La mayoría de los trabajos se realizaron en Europa y Asia, mientras que América del Sur ha quedado ignorada en gran medida. Un número significativo de investigaciones fueron de naturaleza empírica, lo que significa que existe una necesidad de más estudios conceptuales para ayudar a comprender las nuevas normas y los factores subyacentes sobre RSC. Además, los artículos de RSC se centraron principalmente en identificar las diversas formas en que las PYME están implementando la RSC. Finalmente, la mayoría de los artículos adoptaron un único método de investigación, siendo la encuesta el método más dominante. Es necesario que los estudios futuros combinen una variedad de métodos para obtener información adicional sobre los problemas relacionados con la RSC
Heavy Metals and Microorganisms in Borehole Water Around the Olusosun Dumpsite in Lagos, Nigeria: Occurrence and Health Risk Assessment
No full textDumpsites are the most cost-effective and widely used method of waste disposal. However, studies have linked dumpsites to groundwater contamination, necessitating a safety assessment of groundwater sources near dumpsites. The safety of borehole water near the Olusosun dumpsite in Ojota, Lagos, Nigeria, was investigated in this study. Water samples were collected at distances of 100, 200, and 300 m from the dumpsite and subjected to conventional heavy metal analysis and microbiological tests. The average daily intake (ADI) and hazard quotient (HQ) of heavy metals were also estimated. The heavy metal analysis revealed that copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) levels exceeded permissible limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) at the three locations, while manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) concentrations were within non-permissible levels only at the distances of 100 and 200 m. The concentrations of other heavy metals tested, such as zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr), were within tolerable limits. The ADI of heavy metals at the three locations was within acceptable levels. However, the HQ of Cd in all the locations, as well as Pb at the distance of 100 m and Cr at distances of 100 and 200 m, was greater than the threshold of 1. The microbiological analysis revealed that all the water samples had non-permissible bacteria and coliform counts. The results obtained suggest that the borehole water around the dumpsite is grossly contaminated, with contamination levels increasing significantly (P≤0.05) with closeness to the dumpsite (100>200>300 m). Therefore, there is a need for heavy metal remediation and disinfection of the dumpsite
Impact of Entrepreneurial Infrastructure on Profitability of Hotels in Minna, Nigeria.
No full textPurpose: This study aims to examine the impact of Entrepreneurial Infrastructure (EI) on profitability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), focusing on hotels in Minna, Nigeria.
Methodology: Sequential Explanatory Mixed research method was adopted. Purposive Sampling Technique was used to obtain a sample size of 51 out of a population of 70 hotels in Minna for collection of quantitative data via questionnaires, while Simple Random Sampling Technique was used to select 10 interviewees for collection of qualitative data via interviews. Descriptive statistics was employed in analysing the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used in analysing the qualitative data.
Findings: Quantitative findings revealed that the available EI in Minna had a negative impact on the profitability of hotels, while qualitative findings also revealed that interviewees generally felt a poor impact of EI on the profitability of their hotels.
Practical implications: These findings would be useful to potential and practicing entrepreneurs in the hotel industry, policy makers and the academic community. It is recommended that government at all levels should formulate policies that will address challenges of the deplorable condition of EI in Nigeria.
Paper type: Research pape
Impact of Entrepreneurial Infrastructure on Profitability of Hotels in Minna, Nigeria.
No full textPurpose: This study aims to examine the impact of Entrepreneurial Infrastructure (EI) on profitability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), focusing on hotels in Minna, Nigeria.
Methodology: Sequential Explanatory Mixed research method was adopted. Purposive Sampling Technique was used to obtain a sample size of 51 out of a population of 70 hotels in Minna for collection of quantitative data via questionnaires, while Simple Random Sampling Technique was used to select 10 interviewees for collection of qualitative data via interviews. Descriptive statistics was employed in analysing the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used in analysing the qualitative data.
Findings: Quantitative findings revealed that the available EI in Minna had a negative impact on the profitability of hotels, while qualitative findings also revealed that interviewees generally felt a poor impact of EI on the profitability of their hotels.
Practical implications: These findings would be useful to potential and practicing entrepreneurs in the hotel industry, policy makers and the academic community. It is recommended that government at all levels should formulate policies that will address challenges of the deplorable condition of EI in Nigeria.
Paper type: Research pape
Maternal knowledge and adherence to iron-rich diet: A multicenter cross-sectional study
No full textBackground: The high physiological demand for an iron in pregnancy depend on both the quantity and quality of diet that a woman takes. Inadequate intake of dietary iron, interference with iron absorption, and or increased demands during pregnancy can lead to iron deficiency anemia.
Purpose: To assess the relationship between maternal knowledge and adherence to an iron-rich diet.
Method: The study employed cross-sectional design, and the population of the study was pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in three tertiary hospitals of Kebbi State, Nigeria. Data were collected using 20 items researcher-constructed self-administered questionnaire generated from reviewed literatures and based on objectives of the study. Results were presented using frequency distribution and simple percentages. Chi-square statistical tool was used for testing the hypotheses using SPSS Version 27.
Results: These data indicate that 12.7% of respondents had a low level of adherence with an iron-rich diet. However, only 39.0% were found to have a high level of adherence. It was revealed that there was a significant relationship between the demographic variables assessed and adherence with an iron-rich diet, p<0.01 except for the age group with a p value<0.05.
Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between the demographic variables assessed and adherence to iron-rich diet in all variables.
Suggestions: There is a need for further efforts to educate pregnant women about iron-rich diet with an emphasis on foods that help the body absorb and use iron and foods that reduce iron absorption. Educating pregnant women about all aspects of pregnancy including health promotion and prevention of complications during pregnancy is primarily the role of midwives
Iterative evaluation of mobile computer-assisted digital chest x-ray screening for TB improves efficiency, yield, and outcomes in Nigeria.
No full textWellness on Wheels (WoW) is a model of mobile systematic tuberculosis (TB) screening of high-risk populations combining digital chest radiography with computer-aided automated detection (CAD) and chronic cough screening to identify presumptive TB clients in communities, health facilities, and prisons in Nigeria. The model evolves to address technical, political, and sustainability challenges. Screening methods were iteratively refined to balance TB yield and feasibility across heterogeneous populations. Performance metrics were compared over time. Screening volumes, risk mix, number needed to screen (NNS), number needed to test (NNT), sample loss, TB treatment initiation and outcomes. Efforts to mitigate losses along the diagnostic cascade were tracked. Persons with high CAD4TB score (≥80), who tested negative on a single spot GeneXpert were followed-up to assess TB status at six months. An experimental calibration method achieved a viable CAD threshold for testing. High risk groups and key stakeholders were engaged. Operations evolved in real time to fix problems. Incremental improvements in mean client volumes (128 to 140/day), target group inclusion (92% to 93%), on-site testing (84% to 86%), TB treatment initiation (87% to 91%), and TB treatment success (71% to 85%) were recorded. Attention to those as highest risk boosted efficiency (the NNT declined from 8.2 ± SD8.2 to 7.6 ± SD7.7). Clinical diagnosis was added after follow-up among those with ≥ 80 CAD scores and initially spot -sputum negative found 11 additional TB cases (6.3%) after 121 person-years of follow-up. Iterative adaptation in response to performance metrics foster feasible, acceptable, and efficient TB case-finding in Nigeria. High CAD scores can identify subclinical TB and those at risk of progression to bacteriologically-confirmed TB disease in the near term
