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Listing 134 - 20 of 2806 results.

Examining the Impact of Sustainable Energy on the Economy: Panel Evidence from ASEAN

Research Article
Author(s): Vu Minh Hieu, Tran Duc Tai, Doan Dang Phi Hung
Journal: International Journal of Management and Sustainability

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Abstract
Among the fast-developing economies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a significant trend can be observed towards sustainable energy objectives. Although there is a strong trend of social and economic growth in the ASEAN region, the theoretical and empirical significance of sustainable energy is yet to be explored. This study aims to analyse the impact of sustainable energy on the economies of three countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand – using yearly observations from the years 2000 to 2019. Several dynamics of sustainable energy are investigated as explanatory variables, while economic trends are explored through GDP growth, financial development, and patent applications. For the purposes of data analysis, descriptive statistics, correlation matrices and fixed and random effect panel models are applied. The study findings of the correlational matrix indicate that there is no higher correlation among the study variables. The results of the panel models provide evidence that carbon emissions have an adverse impact on GDP growth, while the proportion of renewable energy out of total energy positively impacts the growth dynamic. Additionally, carbon emissions adversely impact financial development in all three ASEAN economies. Lastly, electricity prices and carbon emissions are observed to have an adverse effect on patent applications. However, this study has three major limitations, as it fails to apply advanced panel regression models like GMM, only considers three economies out of the total sample of the ASEAN region, and lacks comparative analyses between countries. Future studies are highly recommended to address these limitations.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by analyzing the impact of sustainable energy on the economies of three countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand – using yearly observations from the years 2000 to 2019.
Business & Management » International Journal of Management and Sustainability » Month: 03-2021 Issue: 1

Income Smoothing, Earnings Management and the Credibility of Accounting Information

Research Article
Author(s): Grace Oyeyemi OGUNDAJO, Taiwo ASAOLU, Ademola AJAYI, Emmanuel Dare OTITOLAIYE, Afolake OGUNFOWORA
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management

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Abstract
This study investigated the effect of income smoothing and earning management on the credibility of accounting information of listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria. Data used were extracted from the annual reports and accounts of the selected sixteen (16) firms for a period of 10 years (2010-2019) while content analysis was adopted in measuring accounting information credibility. Multiple linear regression analysis (OLS) method was adopted for the analysis. The result revealed that income smoothing and earnings management had statistically insignificant effect on fundamental qualitative characteristics (FQC), while income smoothing and earnings management had statistically significant effect on enhancing qualitative characteristics (EQC). However, the study obtained that income smoothing and earnings management had positive and significant effect on the credibility of accounting information of the listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria. The study opined that managers should ensure that accounting information is credible, possesses desirable accounting information qualities of relevance, and faithful representation, also verifiable, comparable, understandability, and timeliness.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated how earnings management practices impacted on objectivity of reported financial information and breach of investors’ trust in the management due to information asymmetry.
Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 04-2021 Issue: 4

Employee Characteristics, Subjective Norms and Work Performance: Integrating the Achievement Goal Orientation Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior

Research Article
Author(s): YuPei Du, ZhongWu Li
Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

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Abstract
With the increase in labor participation rate, the problem of employees' work–family conflict is becoming more and more serious, and management of modern enterprises have put forward new requirements for the traditional behavior theory. As a one-dimensional factor, the subjective behavior norms under the theory of planned behavior (TPB) are difficult to describe, the trade-off is between employees' tendencies to realize their personal value and maintaining work–family balance in achievement motivation. This study combines the theory of achievement goal orientation with the theory of planned behavior, and defines the subjective norms in the TPB model, dividing the original one-dimensional subjective norms into two different dimensions, namely individual value realization and individual family balance. The existing results show that there are differences in employee value tendencies according to different personality traits, and there are different manifestations of influence relationships. Based on the influential factors of work performance, this study first analyzes the relationship between employee traits and achievement value orientation and, on this basis, tries to construct the theoretical model of "trait value orientation work performance". The results show that work satisfaction and organizational commitment play intermediary roles in the impact of work autonomy and value orientation on work performance.
Contribution/ Originality
This study combines the TPB model and achievement goal orientation theory, extending the one-dimensional subjective norms into a two-dimensional individual–family disposition, and further subdividing the original influence of subjective norms on behavioral intentions into the influence of employee goal orientation on job satisfaction and organizational commitment.
Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 2

The Enlivenment of Public Opinion in the New Era: Exploring the Power of Social Media on Political Consciousness in Saudi Arabia

Research Article
Author(s): Abdulrhman Alsubaie, Novel Lyndon, Ali Salman, Kwok Chin Hoe
Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

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Abstract
This research aimed to study how social media has changed the culture of communication in Saudi Arabia. The research surveyed 400 Saudis who use social media in order to discover likely relationships between degree of expression, political consciousness, amount of social media use, apparent attitude climate, government censorship and purposes for using social media. A survey questionnaire was used to answer projected hypotheses and research questions, and the data was analyzed using SPSS software. The results found solid connections between different variances, namely the amount of social media practice, degree of expression liberty, and level of political consciousness. Also, a strong and substantial effect was found on the way that people perceive the opinion climate via social media. Furthermore, entertainment was the primary reason why Saudis use social media that prejudiced their expression freedom, political consciousness and perceived opinion climate. The study is applicable to the youth as well as the adult population in Saudi Arabia in relation to opinion and political conscience. Only a few studies have drawn attention to the link between political conscience and use of social media, and this research focuses on the novelty and genuineness of research by using the population from a Kingdom.
Contribution/ Originality
This is one of the few studies that have investigated the power of social media on political consciousness in Saudi Arabia when viewed from relationships between the degree of expression, political consciousness, and amount of social media use.
Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 2

Impact of Environmental, Social and Governance Dimensions of Corporate Social Responsibility on Firm Performance: Evidence from Nigeria

Research Article
Author(s): OFOGBE, Nyore Sandra, Ezuwore-Obodoekwe, Charity Nkeiru, OZOJI, Amara Pricilia, NNAMANI, Chidiebere, ANISIUBA, Chika Anastesia, Ojiakor Ijeama P., Okafor Regina
Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

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Abstract
The scarcity in literature of clear-cut methods and techniques used in determining the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on a firm’s performance has led to mixed results. The most current empirical studies employed diverse CSR measures as well as performance measures. This study aims to examine the effect of CSR on the performance of oil and gas companies in Nigeria using the Thomson Reuter index as a measure of CSR and price-cost margin in addition to return on assets (ROA) and earnings per share (EPS) as measures of performance. Annual panel data from 55 oil companies for the period 2010–2019 operating in upstream, midstream, and oil-servicing activities were used. Findings revealed a negative non-significant relationship between CSR and price-cost margin (PCM) of the firms under study. These findings support the shareholder theory, which hypothesizes that the corporate social responsibility of the citizens is solely the responsibility of the government and that the responsibility of firms is profit-making. Mixed results of negative non-significant and positive significant relationships were recorded between CSR and ROA. This result also supports the stakeholder theory, which emphasis shareholders’ interest in all aspects of business operation. The corporate social performance (CSP) dimension correlates with the true nature of the Nigerian economy where firms make donations to communities and erect buildings for health and education purposes. A positive non-significant correlation was reported between CSR and earnings per share. There is room for improvement regarding performance and this can be achieved by increasing the CSR scores. Failure to do so may lead to a crisis which may inevitably affect performance.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the few studies that adopted the Thomson Reuter index as a measure of CSR and price-cost margin as a measure of a firm’s performance. The modern econometric panel data technique was also adopted to expand and improve on the empirical analyses already conducted in Nigeria.
Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 2

Body Size and Composition of U.S. National Team Skiers and Snowboarders

Research Article
Author(s): William A Sands, Jeni R McNeal, Joshua Bullock, Tschana Schiller, Houston Deck, Gabriella Penitente, Olyvia Donti, Gregory C. Bogdanis
Journal: Journal of Sports Research

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Abstract
Athlete profiles have been a reliable means of characterizing athlete groups and individuals. Anthropometric data have been collected uniformly from 2010 to 2015 by U.S. Ski and Snowboard personnel and archived for analyses. These data involved 834 anthropometric tests on 234 individual athletes. The purpose this study was to understand these elite competitors' size, shape, and body composition. Competitors are categorized by their events: Alpine Skiing, Free Ski, FreeStyle, and Snowboard, with each event having subdisciplines. Missing data and the relative recency of some events and subdisciplines led to four athlete groups' analyses: alpine skiing, aerial skiing, moguls skiing, and snowboard halfpipe. ISAK trained anthropometrists and methods assessed the athletes. Analyses used the Kruskal-Wallis procedure. Results showed that male and female athletes differed from each other, and the alpine ski athletes were different in size and composition from the other disciplines. The non-alpine disciplines did not differ.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes unique data on elite National Team Skiers and Snowboarders regarding anthropometry.
Physical Sciences » Journal of Sports Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1

Dual Cognitive Tasks Provoke Temporo-Spatial Gait and Anticipatory Postural Adjustments in Healthy Young Adults

Research Article
Author(s): Martin G. Rosario, Carley Bowman, Isabel Vega-Calderon, Elizabeth Orozco
Journal: Journal of Sports Research

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Abstract
Usually, dual cognitive tasks require additional attention to maintain postural control during standing and walking. In certain pathologies or injuries, dual cognitive tasks, such as walking and speaking, can challenge the balance system, making certain gait deficiencies more apparent. The issue is identifying normal gait changes compared to gait impairments to understand better the impact cognitive tasks have on gait mechanics. Purpose: To identify changes in temporospatial gait parameters in healthy young adults while walking and performing a cognitive task. Methods: Thirty-four healthy young adults participated in this study. We collected gait parameters with six gyroscopes and accelerometers (distributed on all limbs and trunk) during the 7-meter walk test. Two trials were performed with just walking at a self-selected pace (single task). Then, the participant was asked to perform a cognitive task by counting backward by three from 100 while walking for 7m for two more trials (dual cognitive task). Results: Dual cognitive tasks provoked significant adaptations (p<.05) in gait parameters, such as increased double limb support time and stance phase with a reduction in single limb support time and swing phase. Increase the length of the walking cycle by decreasing the cadence and speed of walking speed. In addition, an increase in mediolateral postural sway, first-step initiation time, and trunk range of motion was observed. Conclusion: Dual cognitive tasks can cause normal alterations in the gait's dynamic component and variations in walking initiation. We recommend studying neuromuscular modification, such as changes in muscle activation, during dual cognitive tasks.
Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding gait and postural adaptations to dual cognitive tasks in healthy young adults. Specifically, this study identified anticipatory postural adaptations that could be used as a foundation to assess and create treatment interventions in those with balance impairments.
Physical Sciences » Journal of Sports Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1

Business Impacts of CrossFit Affiliates and the 60+ Age Group

Research Article
Author(s): Michael Craw, Jeremy Elliot, Jessica Woodroffe
Journal: Journal of Sports Research

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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate CrossFit Affiliate owner/ operators’ insights of their fitness business as it applies to the fitness experience of people aged 60+. The objective of this study was to reveal how CrossFit may encourage older adult populations into fitness levels and improved health. The aim of the study was to investigate a unique fitness-business model to reveal fitness experience success for future wellness delivery in aging populations. A qualitative study of purposeful sampling explored the business-related experiences of affiliate owner/ operators that provide regular group exercise to 60+ age population membership. Participants from CrossFit Affiliates in Southeastern Australia (9) and Southeastern United States (3) each answered a fifteen (15) question survey. Given the lens of the study, data was analyzed using a systematic search for information to identify business themes that encourage fitness in aging populations that included the ESOMAR/ GRBN guidelines (2015), Schein (2010), and Ryan, Coughlan, and Cronin (2009) process for conducting face-to-face interviews. Braun & Clarke, Bree & Gallagher, and Maguire & Delahunt’s recommendations identified for themes. A liturgical-like fitness experience including, capturing personal transformation/ social transformation/ accountability/ creativity/ purposefulness, comradery and community is beneficial to encouraging a supportive box culture that encourages aging populations to participate in CrossFit. Information from this study be used by private public sector partnerships to make a meaningful contribution to the health and wellbeing of aging populations with view to better healthcare outcomes for an aging society.
Contribution/ Originality
This paper is the first logical analysis of CrossFit Affiliate owner/ operators’ insights of their fitness business as it applies to the fitness experience of aging populations. This study contributes to the existing fitness literature of people 60+ through examining benefits of healthy lifestyle benefits for an aging society.
Physical Sciences » Journal of Sports Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1

Floristic Composition and Woody Species Diversity in National Park of Madhupur Tract Under Tangail North Forest Division, Bangladesh

Research Article
Author(s): Md. Sazib Uddin, Md. Najmus Sayadat Pitol, S M Feroz
Journal: Journal of Forests

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Abstract
The floristic composition, species diversity and structural characteristics of woody species in National Park range under Tangail North Forest Division, were investigated based on bit-wise classification. There were five bits in the range. We recorded 18 families, 21 genera, 21 species and 500 woody individuals from the study area (0.5 ha). Fabaceae was the most species rich family and each genus was represented by a single species. Sal (Shorea robusta C.F. Gaertn) was the most dominant species in terms of its highest and tremendously high importance values IV% in the total area and all bits, respectively. More than 40% species had very low IV%, indicating their disappearance or may not be strongly associated with Sal. These species need appropriate management to prevent their disappearance or extinction from the forest area. The values of Shannon?s index H? and Pielou?s index J ? (evenness) for the study area were 2.01 and 0.45, respectively. These values show low species diversity as compared to other forests in Bangladesh. Among the bits, the values of H? and J? were more or less similar with low index values (from 1.34 to 1.74 and from 0.44 to 0.65, respectively) which may be due to similar species composition with low similarity index values (0.24 t0 0.48). The structural characteristics of woody species diversity showed that the highest species diversity was observed at 5 cm< D ?10 cm diameter class. In addition, the mean height and basal area of woody species increased with increasing dbh. A few numbers of small trees habitat in the study sites, because the Sal forests in the study area are considered to face a severe threat to their existence due to high anthropogenic disturbances occurred inside and outside the boundary.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which investigated the floristic and structural characteristics of forest which will be helpful for forest management and policy makers to know the present and future situation of the forest.
Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Forests » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1

Optimization of the Total Annual Cost in Heat Exchanger Networks with Multiple Utilities

Research Article
Author(s): E.C. Udochukwu, B.U Ogbonnaya, O.S. Azeez
Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research

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Abstract
This research work was focused on optimizing heat exchanger network problems from literature involving multiple utilities with the objective function of minimizing the Total Annual Costs of the designed networks. This was achieved through the use of pinch methodology on Aspen Pinch software, Version 11.1. Supertargeting was used to obtain the minimum temperature difference for two case studies and the networks were designed on Grid Diagrams. The design of the networks was focused on the energy-capital costs tradeoffs, preventing the use of extra heat exchanger units to reduce energy costs at the expense of capital costs. This paid off as the networks designed in this research obtained the lowest total annual costs (TACs) when compared with the results obtained by other researchers on the case studies under review.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature on problems involving multiple utilities and is able to achieve lower total annual costs through the optimization of the utilities usage using the combined traditional pinch technique and mathematical provisions as available in ASPEN pinch.
Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1

The Insurance Value of CSR during the Financial Crisis in Taiwan

Research Article
Author(s): Shao-Huai Liang, Hsuan-Chu Lin, Yen-Ting Chou, Hui-Yu Hsiao
Journal: International Journal of Management and Sustainability

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Abstract
This study examines the impact of CSR activities on corporate financial performance by using data from 514 listed companies in Taiwan during the period of the 2008 financial crisis. To measure the CSR performance, this study refers to independent international CSR valuation institutions to compile CSR indicators for individual Taiwanese firms. The results show that CSR activities before the 2008 financial crisis are associated with positive stock returns during the crisis. In addition, after comparing the in-crisis and post-crisis periods, it is found that CSR indeed offers an insurance value for a firm’s stock performance during the crisis period. We conclude that CSR does play a protective role for firms when a market encounters a widespread trust crisis. Furthermore, the results highlight the importance of wider engagement in CSR practices for firms, not only to boost their reputation but also for the insurance value, which will pay off during unexpected negative trust events.
Contribution/ Originality
This study uses a new estimation methodology to evaluate the CSR performance of listed firms in Taiwan during the financial crisis period. The paper not only addresses the problem of a lack of consistent CSR metrics for firms in a developing economy but also proposes a reasonable method for evaluating these firms’ environmental efforts.
Business & Management » International Journal of Management and Sustainability » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 2

Pathogenic Fungi Associated with Post-Harvest Deterioration of Cassava

Research Article
Author(s): E.B, Olunoiki, A.D.V, Ayansina
Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research

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Abstract
Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a valued root crop grown throughout the tropics for food, feed, biofuel, and other industrial products. Nigeria is the largest producer of Cassava, and post-harvest deterioration of Cassava is one of the major challenges of long-term storage of cassava tubers. This study aimed to isolate and characterize pathogenic fungi implicated in the deterioration of cassava tubers, using samples from Iwo, Osun State, and Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. The fungi genera isolated at the end of this study and their frequency of occurrence were Aspergillus (45.5%), Botryodioplodia (9.1%), Penicillium (18.2%), Rhizopus (18.2%), and P.sorghina (9.1%). A total of eleven fungi species were isolated and characterized in this study, seven of which were from the Ijebu- Ode Cassava samples and 4 fungi species from the Iwo samples. The pathogenicity test showed that Aspergillus nigricans (60mm) and P.sorghina (50mm) caused extensive deterioration of Cassava tuber. However, mild deterioration was observed from samples inoculated with Botryodiplodia (10mm) and Penicillium (14mm). This study has shown that a consortium of fungi species is implicated in the Post harvested deterioration of Cassava tubers.
Contribution/ Originality
The primary contribution of this study is to determine the pathogenesis and frequency of occurrence of fungi associated with post-harvest deterioration of Cassava. It shows the necessity of improving post-harvest/storage practices during Cassava production.
Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1

Wood Density of Lower Stratum Trees in a Semi-Deciduous Tropical Forest of Cameroon

Research Article
Author(s): Ntonmen Yonkeu Amandine Flore, Zapfack Louis, Chimi Djomo Cedric, Kabelong Banoho Louis-Paul Roger, Barnabas Neba Nfornkah, Tsopmejio Temfack Ingrid, Nanfack Arsel D Estaing, Ngoukwa Guylene, Tchoupou Votio Mireil, Inimbock Sorel Leocadie, Madountsap Tagnang Nadege, Mounmemi Kpoumie Hubert, Tabue Mbobda Roger Bruno
Journal: Journal of Forests

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Abstract
The lower forest stratum is often neglected in trees wood density studies. The aim of this study was to investigate wood density of lower stratum forest in a semi-deciduous rain forest of Cameroon. The data was collected from 30 random squares plots of 100m² and 200m. The wood density was assessed using immersion method. Wood samples were collected at three levels including: the base, the trunk and branches of trees. Measurement variables collected include the diameter, height and crown diameter. These variables were correlated to wood density using the Pearson coefficient. A total of 1498 samples from 136 tree species were collected. The wood density from these samples varied from 0.156 g.cm-³ to 0.914 g.cm-³, with an average of 0.561 g.cm-³. ANOVA test showed that, wood density decreased significantly from 0.609 to 0.571 and then to 0.509 g.cm-³ for the base, trunk and branches respectively. Interspecific analysis showed that wood density was significantly different between species (ANOVA, p?0.001). With respect of biological type, the mean wood density of 27 understory tree species (exclusively) found was 0.562 g.cm-³. Wood density of 56 tropical forest tree species hitherto unknown in the literature were determined. The Pearson correlation between measurement variables and wood density was close to zero; nevertheless, it varied in function of the tree species. This study suggested that more investigations of wood density of tropical forest trees should be conducted, particularly in the Congo Basin forests where an important diversity of medium and lower forest stratum trees is expected.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature concerning wood density of lower stratum forest in semi-deciduous forest of Congo Basin for which limited information are available.
Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Forests » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2

The Fact of Training Management at College Level in Meeting Human Resource Requirements of Enterprises in Vietnam

Research Article
Author(s): Pham Xuan Thu, Vo Thi Nhu Uyen
Journal: World Journal of Vocational Education and Training

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Abstract
The purpose of this research is to find out the fact of training management at college level in meeting the human resource requirements of enterprises in Vietnam. Questionnaire survey method was applied for 3 groups of respondents, including the quantitative (390 questionnaires) and the qualitative (18 interviews) in the northern, central and southern regions. Gathered data were processed using SPSS 22.0 software with tools: Cronbach’s alpha to assess the reliability; EFA to measure the (convergence or discriminant) validity; Descriptive Statistics to rank the level of vocational training at college level so as to meet the human resource needs of enterprises. The study demonstrates the limitations of training management at college level to meet the needs by analyzing the current situation of: (i) planning for training process; (ii) conducting; (iii) monitoring and supervising; (iv) improving and developing; (v) controlling context. This is also the basis for proposing specific solutions in the following research.
Contribution/ Originality
The study has provided survey results, indicate the limitations on the training management at the college level to meet the human resource needs of enterprises. This is also the basis for proposing policy that clearly define the roles and responsibilities of parties (businesses, colleges, learners and employees) in Vietnam.
Arts and Education » World Journal of Vocational Education and Training » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1

Professional Development Activities and Teacher Performance

Research Article
Author(s): Gengen G. Padillo, Ramil P. Manguilimotan, Reylan G. Capuno, Raymond C. Espina
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice

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Abstract
Learning to teach reflectively is a lifelong process that is strengthened through the active engagement of varied professional development activities inside or outside the school. This study assessed the quality of instruction and professional development activities in a well-known university in Cebu, the Philippines, where it determined teachers' teaching competencies and perception in their professional development activities, issues, and concerns. It utilized a quantitative-descriptive research design where respondents were selected through universal sampling. Findings showed that professional development activities for teachers had achieved mastery in instructional planning, instructional delivery, knowledge of the subject matter, rapport with students, and classroom management. On the other hand, professional development activities were perceived to have little benefit for the teachers. It was also found out that there is no significant relationship between the teaching competencies and professional development activities. Perceived benefits of professional development activities were attributed to personal perceptions and contextual factors. The findings call for strategic professional development planning, implementation, and evaluation for teachers to benefit more. Thus, the conduct of a similar study in a broader parameter is recommended.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature about the correlation between teachers' competence and professional development activities. It presents the perceptions of teachers on the selected professional development activities and their influence on quality teaching.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 09-2021 Issue: 3

Examining the Use of Wheeler-Model Based Curriculum Development in a Learning Management System for Vocational Study Program

Research Article
Author(s): Constantinus Rudy Prihantoro
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice

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Abstract
This research is a survey of vocational higher education curriculum based on Learning Management System (LMS) adapted to government policy of "independent learning - independent campus" (ILIC). Previous researches have advocated that educational curriculum must conform to any changes in education policy, scientific development, educational models, and labor needs. During the pandemic, Indonesia applied the new policy of online learning and implementing using an LMS. In this context, the objectives of this study were (1) to know the perceptions of lecturers and students towards LMS-based online learning, (2) to ensure conformity of Wheeler-Model based curriculum in producing graduates who meet the needs of workforce, and (3) to ensure conformity of government policies in vocational higher education programs. The sample constituted 16 lecturers and 61 students of Mechanical Engineering Vocational Study Program. The data was obtained using questionnaire instruments over the google form. The findings suggest that LMS is not carried out properly and facing issues of communication, variations in IT, network limitations and control of learning outcomes. An analysis of Wheeler-Model based curriculum development indicators showed that its objectives were fulfilled and the curriculum could still be used to produce graduates with good competencies required to meet the needs of the workforce. It also became evident that ILIC program were significant and relevant. This study recommends implementation of LMS needs to be improved and trained by lecturers and priority should be given to the relevant ILIC programs for vocational higher education (VHE) students in Indonesia.
Contribution/ Originality
The main contribution of this research shows that the application of LMS in vocational higher education (VHE) is relevant, as evident in the implementation of LMS-based learning during the pandemic. It also endeavors that Wheeler-model based curriculum within the ILIC policy contributes significantly and relevantly to VHE.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 09-2021 Issue: 3

Creative Thinking Skills Included in the Content of Evaluation Questions in the Curricula of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Research Article
Author(s): Ali Tared Aldossari
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice

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Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the assessment of creative thinking skills as a part of the evaluation questions set in the well-developed Islamic Education curricula of the first intermediate grade in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the academic year 2020-21. To achieve this goal, an analysis card was prepared for analyzing these questions as a tool in the targeted curricula, namely Tawhid, Hadith, Tafseer and Fiqh by ensuring psychometric properties. The analysis card included 29 sub-skills, distributed into four main areas of creative thinking: fluency, flexibility, originality and the use of details and elaboration. The findings of the study showed low inclusion rates of creative thinking skills in the evaluation question content in the targeted curricula. In light of these findings, the study recommends educational decision-makers and those in charge of planning, preparing, evaluating and developing Islamic education curricula to reconsider the assessment questions of lessons and study units in terms of creative thinking skills. It is essential to review the process of designing and preparing more knowledge-based content and set related evaluation questions, subject to accurate and purposeful scientific methodology.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the assessment of creative thinking skills and their inclusion in the evaluation questions of Islamic Education curricula in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study used new estimation methodology based on an analysis card prepared by the author as a study instrument.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 09-2021 Issue: 3

Influence of Cupressus lusitanica Mill. Cones and Seed Characterization on Germination in Kenya

Research Article
Author(s): Peter Murithi Angaine, Alice Adongo Onyango, Stephen Muriithi Ndungu, Shadrack Kinyua Inoti, Jesse O. Owino
Journal: Journal of Forests

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Abstract
Cupressus lusitanica is a key plantation species with many uses leading to demand for seed. This species produces seeds within cones, which are collected for seed extraction. There are variations in seed collection and handling which compromise quality. Few studies focus on cone morphometry and seed characterization, thereby causing a gap in quality improvement through packaging and subsequent germination. Fifty cones were collected from each of the thirty identified trees within a clonal seed orchard. Cone characterization, seed extraction and germination were performed in the laboratory. This was a factorial experiment with three factors: cone diameter, seed diameter and seed density and their influences on germination. The present study separated the cones by diameter (20mm sieve) and weight. Seed were sieved (2mm sieve) weighed, floated and germinated. The results showed that seed size and density heavily impacted on germination and thereby showing that sorting through sieving and floatation would provide a low cost technique for seed quality improvement. The technique in the present study improved germination from 25% to 50%, and also reduced the number of seeds per kilogram from 290,000 to 105,000.
Contribution/ Originality
The paper's primary contribution is finding that C. lusitanica seed size and density heavily impacted on germination and thereby showing that sorting through sieving and floatation would provide a low-cost technique for seed quality improvement.
Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Forests » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2

The Effect of Continuous Grazing on Herbaceous Species Composition, Basal Cover and Production on Three Soil Types in the North West Province, South Africa

Research Article
Author(s): Franci Jordaan, Jaco v Rooyen
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research

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Abstract
Rangeland health is normally measured by soil condition, grass species composition as well as its acceptability to grazing herbivores. The impact of grazing on community structure and ecosystem functioning is a key issue for rangeland management in order to maximize livestock production and sustainability of the operations. Year-round continuous grazing is the management strategy used in the communal areas of the North West Province of South Africa. In this study the effect continuous grazing on herbaceous species composition, basal cover and production on different soil types was tested. It was clear from the results that the effect of continuous grazing was the biggest on the andesitic soils (high clay), then the diabase soils (medium clay), whilst the effect on the quartzite soils was limited to even positive. The end result was that the different soil types in a continuous grazing system led to serious selective grazing in this study.
Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding that continuous grazing on different soil types has a definite influence on herbaceous species composition, basal cover, and production. The clayey soils are more negatively influenced than the sandy soils.
Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 09-2021 Issue: 3

Does Buyer Power Contribute to Environmental Sustainability Performance in Supply Chains?

Research Article
Author(s): Listowel Owusu Appiah, Salifu Abul- Majeed
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy

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Abstract
Sustainability issues have gained the widespread attention of researchers and policymakers across the globe. Resultantly, studies on sustainability in supply chains and its associated relational and structural mechanisms are rife. This study has examined how the amount of power wielded by a buying organization affects its ability to lead the sustainability charge, to improve the environmental compliance among firms within the supply chain. The study adopted a quantitative approach for data analysis and reporting. A survey of 116 construction and Manufacturing and construction firms in Ghana. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression procedure using the PROCESS macro in SPSS. The findings of this study reveal a significant positive relationship between buyer power, collaboration with suppliers, and environmental sustainability performance. This study has implications for large corporations that are the target of stakeholder pressures, and small firms that need to corporate with their supply chain partners on the sustainability front.
Contribution/ Originality
This paper contributes to the supply chain sustainability literature by examining from an RDT perspective, how buyer dominance influences supplier relationships and environmental performance. This is one of the very few studies that seek to explore how power imbalances among supply chain partners influence sustainability.
Economics » International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy » Month: 03-2021 Issue: 1