1,720,965 research outputs found
Academic Publishing: Challenges, Reflections, and the Road Ahead
No full textAcademic publishing is a cornerstone of scholarly communication and knowledge dissemination. However, for many independent researchers and those in the Global South, it has become increasingly entangled in systemic challenges that hinder its purpose. This reflective paper critically examines multifaceted issues within contemporary academic publishing, drawing on personal experiences and broader scholarly discourse. Key concerns include predatory journals exploiting open access models without credible peer review, the pervasive "publish or perish" culture rewarding volume over scholarly value, and methodological bias favoring quantitative research over qualitative and interdisciplinary work. These dynamics collectively distort the true purpose of academic research: advancing understanding and informing practice. The paper argues for a more inclusive, ethical, and balanced publishing ecosystem. Recommendations include providing stronger institutional guidance to early-career researchers, establishing funding mechanisms for reputable open-access publishing, developing broader research evaluation criteria that go beyond citation metrics, and promoting methodological pluralism. Ultimately, the paper calls for reimagining academic publishing as a collaborative, equitable, and impact-driven endeavor that contributes to global knowledge and social progress
Globalization on The Railway Transport Sector
Full text linkThis research examined the impact and challenges of globalization on railway transport sector in Africa. The study employed two railway companies as sample, state-owned railway company and private owned company. Using questionnaire as research instruments, data were collected and analyzed with simple percentages and non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis statistical tools. The major findings of the study were that: (a) the problem of competition and poor technology are the greatest challenges; (b) Railway companies with fewer globalization challenges perform significantly much better than those with more challenges; (c) Managers with positive attitude toward globalization perform significantly better than those with negative attitude and; (d) Railway state-owned receives government’s support but not enough to warrant its competitiveness. The study concluded that for railway sector to continue surviving in this globalization era, governments must immediately step up and render support to railway transport sector as opposed to only supporting road sector.</p
The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Economic Growth in Zambia: A Comprehensive Analysis
Full text linkThis study examines the relationship between economic growth, government consumption expenditure, gross national income (GNI) per capita, exports and foreign direct investment (FDI) in Zambia from 1994 to 2023. Using secondary data from the World Bank and regression analysis using Jamovi software, the study finds significant positive impacts of GNI per capita, exports and FDI on Zambia's GDP. The findings underscore the critical role of FDI in driving economic growth through technology transfer, managerial expertise and capital formation, while emphasising the importance of macroeconomic stability and diversified economic policies to maximise the benefits of FDI. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers in formulating strategies to leverage FDI for sustainable economic growth in Zambia
Exploring the Interplay of Broad Money Growth, Financial Expansion, and Digital Connectivity: Implications for Economic Growth Across Developed, Developing, and Emerging Economies
No full textThis study examines the impact of broad money growth, financial inclusion, and digital connectivity on GDP growth in developed, developing, and emerging economies from 1994 to 2022. Using World Bank data and employing Jamovi for statistical analysis, the research applies descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis to uncover the relationships among these variables. The results show that broad money growth is positively correlated with GDP growth, with stronger effects in emerging markets compared to developed and developing economies. Financial inclusion, as measured by account ownership, and digital connectivity, as reflected in mobile phone subscriptions and internet usage, contribute significantly to economic growth, especially in less stable environments. This study differs from previous research by providing a comprehensive cross-country analysis that integrates financial inclusion and digital connectivity and examines their combined impact on economic growth. Unlike previous studies, which have often focused on a single region or variable, this research provides a holistic view of how financial inclusion and digital infrastructure interact in different economic contexts. It highlights the differential impact of these factors in different economic environments, providing nuanced insights into their collective influence on GDP growth. The findings underscore the critical importance of expanding financial services and improving digital infrastructure to promote economic development. Policy implications include prioritizing financial inclusion and digital connectivity to boost economic performance, especially in developing and emerging economies. Future research should examine sector-specific impacts and include additional variables such as political stability. This study contributes to the literature by offering a broader perspective on the interplay of financial and digital factors, providing new insights into their effects in different economic environments
The Impact of Education and Training on Product–Service Design: The Moderation of Competitive Advantage
Full text linkPurpose: This study attempted to investigate the impact of education and training on product-service design by including competitive advantage as a moderating variable to provide more insight into the nature of this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research approach was employed, and primary data was collected from TAZARA management employees. Model fit, reliability, and validity were tested using regression analysis, factor analysis, and principal component analysis using Jamovi software.
Findings: The results of the study present a significant positive relationship between education and training and product-service design. The results also show that competitive advantage negatively moderates the relationship between education and training and product-service design.
Practical implications: The study provides more insights by providing empirical evidence on the nature of the relationship between education and training and product-service design. It is important for organizations to foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Managers should communicate the importance of adapting to changes in the marketplace, even when a competitive advantage exists. Balancing the preservation of what makes the organization successful with an openness to new ideas is critical to long-term sustainability and continued success in product-service design.
Paper type: Research pape
The impact of inventory management on the performance of an organization
Full text linkInventory management is important for the successful functioning of any organization. The main core objective of this research study was to determine the impact of inventory management on the performance of an organization in the case of Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority. This study was the first to be conducted in the railway sector in an African context. The study applied descriptive research design with primary data collected using questionnaire with purposive sampling method of 21 participants as sample size. Data analysis was done using Jamovi software. The findings revealed that TAZARA uses ABC analysis in decision making but not Economic Order Quantity Model in decision making in purchasing materials. The study also reveals that the introduction of ICT through electronic management system in inventory management would improve performance and that TAZARA employees need to be trained in procurement and regulations as most of the employees are young and have less work experience
How a Game Theoretic Approach Can Minimize the Cost of Train Passenger Services: An Intermodal Competition between Rail and Road Transport
Full text linkRetracted article
ASSESSMENT OF SERVICE QUALITY DELIVERY IN RURAL DISTRICTS OF ZAMBIA
Full text linkThis study assessed the quality of service delivery by councils in rural districts of Zambia, particularly Senanga Town Council. The study respondents were randomly selected from the residents of Senanga District in twelve wards and two hundred and fifty residents representing households from different wards were randomly selected to participate. Data were collected using an FM-SERVQUAL model questionnaire and analyzed using Social Statistics Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Mega Stat software. The results of the study show that out of four components, only one component of the working process met the minimum required level of quality service standards. The Human Capital, Technology and ICT, and Property Management components were all below the required service standards. On average, the Council's performance was below the required service quality standards. The study results also showed that there was no relationship between Senanga Town Council's service quality and customer satisfaction. There was no relationship between service quality components and customer satisfaction, although the results further showed that there was a significant relationship between technology and ICT and customer satisfaction. This means that technology and ICT have an impact on customer satisfaction in Senanga District
Linking Productivity and Competitive Advantage: The Mediation of Quality Results
Full text linkPurpose: Most studies have shown that there is a significant relationship between productivity and competitive advantage, but none have attempted to include a contingency variable to provide more insight into the nature of this relationship. To fill this gap, this study was conducted to empirically verify this relationship by including 'quality results' as a contingency variable.
Design/methodology/Approach: Quantitative research approach was employed and primary data was collected from TAZARA management employees. Model fit, reliability and validity were tested using regression analysis, factor analysis and principal component analysis using Jamovi software.
Findings: The results show that there is a positive and significant relationship between productivity and competitive advantage, and between quality results and competitive advantage. The results also show that quality results partially mediate the relationship between productivity and competitive advantage.
Practical implications: The study provides insights on the nature of the relationship between productivity and competitive advantage. The study proves that quality results is critical to improving and sustaining productivity to promote competitiveness in an organisation. As organisations relentlessly seek to maintain and gain competitiveness through productivity, managers and employees need to understand how quality results can be integrated into all operations
Motivation on Employee Performance through Top Leadership Commitment
Full text linkPurpose: This research study examined the fit of top leadership commitment in mediating the relationship between employee motivation and employee performance in the railway sector. The study attempted to fill the gap in the literature by providing more insight into the nature of the relationship between employee motivation and performance.
Study design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a quantitative research approach with sample data collected from 337 TAZARA employees. Validity, reliability and model fit were tested using factor analysis, principal component analysis and regression analysis in Jamovi software.
Findings: The results show a significant positive relationship between employee motivation and employee performance and between top leadership commitment and employee performance. Top leadership commitment was found to fully mediate the relationship between employee motivation and employee performance.
Originality/value: This was the first study to empirically test the mediating effect of top leadership commitment on employee motivation and performance in the railway sector. The research findings may help decision-makers in the railway industry to be committed to motivating employees to promote high performance in their organisations. Researchers are also strongly encouraged to replicate this research in other sectors and are advised to include other contingency variables as moderating variables
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