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It has always been a challenge to improve student learning outcomes. Stakeholders in higher education institutions need to go beyond traditional methods and develop new practices to elevate student’s performance in mathematics. This research assessed the influencers of student Mathematics performance and also determined the issues and concerns encountered by the students in learning Mathematics. The descriptive-correlational method was employed using a survey questionnaire. There were 370 respondents in the sample and it was selected using simple random sampling from the population of the students at Cebu Technological University North Cell Campus. The data were statistically analyzed through percentage, frequency counts, weighted mean, ranking and Chi – square test for significant difference. The results revealed that home/family, school environment, classmates/peers, community, media and emerging technology were not significantly affecting the performance of the students in Mathematics. However, attending Mathematics classes as a perquisite of their courses was the main problem encountered by the respondents of this study. Based on these data analysis, the researchers proposed human and material resource development plan for enhancing students’ performance in Mathematics. Moreover, the researchers recommend future research to dig deeper into the factors inside and outside school premises to identify influencers that influence students’ academic performance especially in Mathematics. Contribution/ Originality
This study is a pioneering attempt to identify factors that act as determinants to elevate academic performance specifically in the mathematics subject. It presents the challenges faced by stakeholders in bringing changes in students’ academic performance of mathematics. The influencers used in this research have been used for the time in any research study. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 4
Storage Effects on Microbiological and Some Antioxidant Potentials of Partially Substituted Bread Produced from Wheat Flour and Fresh Coconut Meat
Bread is a major wheat product consumed in every household because of its easy handling. Fresh coconut meat which is readily available in all rural area in Nigeria may boost both the economy and provide health benefits to those in the rural area. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of partial substitution of wheat flour with fresh coconut meat. Wheat flour was partially (90?– 100?%) substituted with 0 –10% fresh coconut meat in the ratio 100 : 0 (WF), 98 : 2 (WFCM1), 96 : 4 (WFCM2), 94 : 6 (WFCM3), 92 : 8 (WFCM4), 90 : 10 (WFCM5). The study evaluated the effects of substitution on proximate composition, sensory characteristics, storage time on some antioxidant potential and microbial stability. Results showed that the overall acceptability of the bread baked from WFCM5 blend was preferred over WF. On the day of production, WFCM5 had the highest phenolic content and total flavonoids but as the days there were reduction in the antioxidant contents of all the bread samples. The microbial load of Nutrient agar, MacConkey agar and Potato dextrose agar increased as the days increased. The bread from the blends may serve as nutritious and potential accepted bread products. The present study confirms effective substitution of wheat flour with fresh coconut meat. The substituted bread showed improved overall acceptability, some antioxidants potentials and microbial stability which may provide health benefits to those in the rural area in Nigeria. Contribution/ Originality
This study documents the possibility of producing bread from partial substitution of wheat flour with coconut meat and also provides information on its antioxidant potentials and microbial stability for possible health benefits to those in the rural area in Nigeria. Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Food Technology Research » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2
Likely Effect of Gender and Education on Information Adoption and Utilization among Sugarcane Farmers in the Nyanza Region, Kenya
A lack of education and training is what limits the adoption of technology and, hence, development by small scale farmers. Controversy reigns on whether women are less or more likely to adopt and utilize agricultural information. Similarly, there is no agreement on whether education exacerbates the adoption of agricultural information. Given this lack of clarity, this study aimed to determine the likelihood of the effect of gender and the level of education on the adoption and utilization of information gadgets among sugarcane farmers in the Nyanza region, Kenya. This study adopted technology diffusion theory and correlational research design. Stratified, random sampling was purposively used among 317 sugarcane farmers. Chi-square and multinomial logistic regression were used to generate results which showed that women were significantly less likely to use radios than men. However, the females were more likely to utilize agricultural information in planting, finding new markets, sourcing for raw materials, seeking for referrals, checking for weather updates and farm inputs than men. Regarding the levels of education, those with a primary education were significantly less likely to utilize information gadgets to discover information than those with a secondary education. Contribution/ Originality
Not only did this study incorporate the aspect of adoption of information gadgets but also investigated their use to obtain agricultural information across the gender and education spectra. This, therefore, provides a medium through which policy makers can disseminate agricultural information based on the specific socio-demographic category of interest. Economics » Journal of Social Economics Research » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2
Challenges of Groundwater Development for Towns and Big Cities Water Supply in Rift Valley Areas
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Hydrology Research
The experiences of the last 30 years developed an understanding in the Addis Ababa Water Utility that groundwater sources are not fully dependable for such a big city. Notwithstanding this, additional wells and well-fields are being developed especially in the last 10 years to meet the ever increasing demand. The Akaki well-field was initially designed for an abstraction rate of up to 35,000 m3/day for 20 years until 2020 though the current abstraction rate is nearly ten-fold. The current developments are only demand driven irrespective of safe and sustainable utilization. What is making things worse is the rise of other water competing demands for irrigation projects in adjacent well-fields. The present water supply coverage of the Addis Ababa city is not more than 50%. The situation in other urban centers in the Upper Awash basin is not different. Conceptual modelling, time series well water level measurements and operational assessments showed that the aquifer systems are not uniform and dotted with many volcanic flow barriers; there is sharp decline of water table (up to 70 meters since 2000) in some well-fields and the decline is propagating upstream of the Akaki well-field. Moreover, the excessive and uncontrolled pumping is impacting regional groundwater table. Topographic and technical issues are hampering upstream water distribution, and the once exemplary hundreds of wells are now abandoned. The frequent tapping of thermal and high fluoride water is another complication. Unless proper intervention is devised, grave environmental problems are likely to come in the near future. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the few studies which investigated the time series well water evolutions in the Upper Awash and Akaki catchments and well water operational difficulty in Akaki catchment. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Hydrology Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Gaseous Vapor Emission (GVE) Technique for Detection of Petrol Adulteration at Point of Sale (POS) Terminals
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Chemical and Process Engineering Research
Adulteration of petrol is difficult to detect at point of sale terminals (POS) because current detection methods require chemical laboratory experiments to measure parameters such as density, API gravity and evaporation point, are extremely bulky, time-consuming, and require experienced technicians to operate. This paper explores a new technique for adulteration detection at POS terminals, known as Gaseous Vapor Emission (GVE). GVE was performed on 1 L of pure petrol obtained from a Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Retail Outlet, using a portable Petroleum Product Volume Estimator and Tracker (PPVET). Results showed that pure petrol gave a peak methane emission in 30 seconds, and a peak butane emission in 60 seconds. In an enclosed space of 19,000 cm3, a sample of pure petrol emits 4,466,841-5,308,924 ppm of methane, 12.23-19.09 ppm of LPG, and 216,667-383,408 ppm of butane. GVE correctly identified the petrol sample as being pure, by verifying the presence of the characteristic methane and butane emission peaks, and the technique can be used at POS terminals to test for petrol adulteration. Future work includes the expansion of the GVE chemical signature for petrol to include other gases in addition to methane, LPG, and butane, the ability to utilize GVE in detecting adulterated petrol, and when present, estimation of the level of adulteration, as well as accurate identification of the adulterant used. Contribution/ Originality
This paper proposes and explores a new technique for detecting petrol adulteration at Point of Sale (POS) terminals. Engineering » International Journal of Chemical and Process Engineering Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Non-Linear Effects of Intellectual Property Rights on Technological Innovation: Evidence from Emerging and Developing Countries
The protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is a key determinant of innovation. Following the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), all member states of the World Trade Organization are called upon to introduce high intellectual property rights standards. Hence the importance of the issue relative to IPR. Recent studies suggest that IPR protection stimulates innovation only under certain conditions. In this study, we suppose that IPR have a positive impact on technological innovation only in countries with high levels of economic development. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between intellectual property rights, economic development and technological innovation in the context of emerging and developing countries. To measure innovation, we use patent applications filed by residents of a given country with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. IPR is measured by the Ginarte and Park index. Panel Threshold Regression is applied to data of 55 emerging and developing countries for the period 1980-2009. The estimation results provide evidence for the existence of nonlinear relationship depending on economic development level. We conclude that « one size does not fit all ». Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the threshold effects in the relationship between intellectual property rights and technological innovation in emerging and developing countries. Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2
This paper investigates the impact of savings on economic growth in Africa. Annual data covering thirty African countries based on data availability for the period of thirty-five years starting from 1980 were used. The study was found to be imperative because extant studies in this line were of mixed results. Panel Estimated Generalised Least Squares (EGLS) with pooled, fixed and random effects estimations were carried out, but Pooled Panel EGLS with cross-section Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) weight estimation was explained. The study revealed that savings contribute 3.96 per cent to economic outputs when increased by a percentage. Meanwhile, a per cent increment in each of the foreign direct investment (FDI) and current account balance will positively impact economic growth by 18.7 and 4.6 per cent respectively. Also, there is no causality between domestic saving and economic growth. But bidirectional causality exists between foreign direct investment and domestic saving. The study concluded that saving is relevant to economic growth in Africa, though, its contribution is very low when compared to FDI’s impact but very important. The current account balance is very relevant to foreign direct investment and domestic saving. It is recommended that policies favouring savings should be encouraged such as universal coverage pension and grass-roots oriented saving schemes. Also, a surplus current account balance should be maintained in the continent to attract more foreign direct investment and improve domestic savings. Contribution/ Originality
This study reinforces the hypothesis of no causality between saving and economic growth especially in Africa refutes both Solow and Keynes precedence hypothesis as absence of causality nullifies the hypothesis. Although, saving is positively link to growth, but Current Account Balance is of essence in driving Savings and FDI. Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2
Correlation of Natural Gases from the X Field of the Niger Delta, Nigeria
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Geography and Geology
The molecular and isotopic composition of thirteen (13) natural gas samples from 13 producing wells of the “X” Field of the Niger Delta, Nigeria was used for this study. The study is aimed at establishing the genetic relationship between natural gases and classifying them into genetic families. The Gas chromatographic technique was used to determine the molecular composition of the natural gases using GPA 2286, as a standard test method. The carbon isotopic compositions for C1, C2, and C3 were computed using regression formulas. The results indicate that the natural gas is dominated by methane with an average dryness coefficient (C1/C1-5*100) of 95.61%, with minor amounts of CO2 = 1.48%, N2 = 0.22%. The H2S content of the samples was below the detection limit of 0.20 ppm. The ?13C1 values range from -43.63‰ to -37.64 ‰, with an average of -40.79‰. The average carbon isotopic composition for the heavy hydrocarbon gases: ethane (?13C2) and propane (?13C3) are -27.47‰ and -28.15‰ respectively. The results also indicate that 11 samples out of the 13 studied samples are genetically related, implying that they were generated by the same source rock at almost the same temperature and pressure conditions. The 2 samples S1 and S7 that showed a significant difference in the isotopic and molecular composition may be as a result of a flow barrier between these two wells and the other 11 wells within the reservoir. The natural gases are genetically related and were generated by the same source rock. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the very few studies which have investigated the genetic relationships between natural gases in the Niger Delta Basin of Nigeria. The study outlines how molecular and isotopic composition of natural gases are used in a natural gas correlation study. Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Geography and Geology » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2
Assessment of the Processing Effects of Fresh Solanum Anguivi Berries on Biochemical Contents and Functional Properties of Powder
Solanum anguivi is used as food and medicine for numerous health-benefiting effects. However, it is highly perishable due to its high moisture content. To avoid post-harvest losses, sun-drying is the common preservation method used from tropical countries. Unfortunately, this method faces uncomfortable applying during harvest period usually holding in rainy seasons. This study aims to investigate the effect the of oven-drying temperature (60, 80, and 100°C) combining with or not blanching (80 °C for 10 min) compared to the sun-drying on biochemical contents (moisture, crude fiber, polyphenol, alkaloid content) and functional properties (solubility, hygroscopicity) of S. anguivi berries processed into powder. The results exhibited excellent nutritional quality of S. anguivi powder processed from the oven-drying compared to the sun-drying. In addition, the increase in oven-drying temperature significantly affected all studied properties. Sun-drying resulted in long drying delay and powder with low polyphenol content. Moreover, blanching enhanced drying effect and resulted in powder having high polyphenol and fiber content but showing low solubility and hygroscopicity. Nonetheless, oven-drying berries at 80 °C for 24h without blanching proved to be the optimal condition leading to good quality powder which demonstrated high solubility and low hygroscopicity suggesting its good utilization and preservation as functional food ingredient. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the first that proposes the oven-drying process of S. anguivi berries as an alternative to sun-drying one traditionally used in households which greatly affects its overall quality. It simultaneously documents the biochemical quality attributes and the incorporation and preservation properties of the resulting powder. Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Food Technology Research » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2
Drivers Behind the Financial Insolvency: An Empirical Study on the Textile Industry in Bangladesh
The main purpose of the research study is to assess the financial soundness of the textile industry in Bangladesh. The effects of financial ratios have also been examined. The research has been designed based on published quantitative data in the stock market. 35 listed companies that consist of A-Category, B-Category and Z-category companies were analyzed. In this research study, five financial ratios have been analyzed and tested using the Altman Z-score model. Statistical correlation among the financial ratio was examined to depict the picture of financial distress among the different categories of companies in Textile industries in Bangladesh. Most of the A category companies are in Safe Zone or financially sound, B category companies are into Grey Zone and Z category companies are in distress zone. The outcome of the study can be valuable for the financial managers to take important managerial as well as financial decisions, the shareholders to take appropriate investment decisions and bankers to evaluate the prospective borrowers’ credit risk and renew loans of the concerned textile manufacturers of the country. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the very few studies which have examined the direct relationship of financial ratios with Z-score values regarding different categories of listed textile companies in the stock exchange by using panel data analysis. Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2
Change Management and Firm Performance of Selected Deposit Money Banks in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
This study examined the influence of change management on firm performance of deposit money banks in Owerri, Imo State. Descriptive survey design and the questionnaire were used in data collection. The total population comprised of 124 staff of Fidelity Bank, Access Bank, Eco-Bank and United Bank for Africa Plc. Out of 124 copies of the questionnaire administered to the participants, 116 were responded and used for the analysis, while, the remaining 6 were not returned and utilized. The research hypothesis was tested and analyzed using simple regression method to generate the result. The null hypothesis was rejected at 5 % level of significance. The study found that change management variable (leadership change) exerts a significant positive influence on firm performance (competitiveness) of banks in Owerri, Nigeria. The study recommends the followings; organizational leaders are advised to train their members in form of; coaching, counselling of other psychological support to encourage members to enforce change in the workplace. Again, managers are encouraged to communicate to all stakeholders effectively during corporate restructuring or redesigning of business process to enable them to see the necessity of change. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the influence of leadership change on firm competitiveness in selected money deposit bank in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Economics » Journal of Empirical Studies » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Does Corruption Grease or Sand the Wheels of Economic Growth in Ghana? An ARDL Bounds Test
This paper seeks to ascertain the relationship between corruption and economic growth in Ghana using time-series secondary data for the period 1984–2016. We employ auto-regressive distributed lags (ARDL) model to estimate the long-term relationship between corruption and economic growth in Ghana. Corruption is estimated to have a significant negative effect on per capita growth both in the short-term and long-term. While trade openness shows a positive effect on growth, inflation and capital formation show a significant negative influence on growth. We find the variables to be cointegrated and both the long-run and short-run parameters provide evidence of a negative relationship between corruption and economic growth. While capital formation and inflation also show negative effect on growth, trade openness shows a positive effect. The government should endeavour to effectively combat the destructive phenomena of corrupt practices that weaken the institutional quality through the adoption of functional regulatory measures. Transparency of governmental functions should be enhanced through the active involvement of citizens in governance as well as minimizing the discretion at the disposal of bureaucrats. Contribution/ Originality
This paper contributes to the existing literature by introducing corruption in an endogenous growth model in the context of Ghana. The paper is the first attempt to employ unique Ghanaian data to estimate the long-term effects of corruption on economic growth, a focused evaluation than has been previously done. Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2
Broiler and Indigenous Chickens: A Comparison through Biochemical Parameters
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
In recent years, broiler farming has expanded much rapidly than that of indigenous chickens all over the world to meet the demand of animal protein. Serum biochemical parameters of chickens provide valuable information for the evaluation of their health status which might ultimately affect the consumers. In this study, we have compared these parameters for indigenous and broiler chickens. MANOVA, ANOVA and t-test were performed to compare the clustered and individual blood parameters according to two species of chickens. This experiment revealed that the serum lipid profile and liver functioning parameters are significantly different for the two species of chickens. The average level of these parameters was found significantly lower for indigenous chickens as compared to those of broiler chickens. This might have been brought about by the food habit of two species. Moreover, only AST was found greater for indigenous chicken. It might be suggested that indigenous (local) chicken is more suitable to the consumers due to a comparatively healthier levels of biochemical parameters. Contribution/ Originality
The paper's primary contribution is the finding that average levels of all biochemical parameters except AST are significantly lower for indigenous chicken as compared to broiler chicken. This can be considered as a guideline to the consumers in deciding which species of chickens are to be consumed. We confirm that this work is original and no part of the work has been published before. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 4
Seedlings Performance of Triplochiton scleroxylon (K. Schum.) under Different Light Intensities and Soil Textural Classes
Forest trees are socio-economically important but are currently threatened. This study adopted 4×4 factorial experiment in completely randomized design with ten replicates to assess effects of light intensities (100%LI, 75%LI, 50%LI and 25%LI) and soil textural classes (Sandy, Loamy, Sandy-loam and Clay) on the early growth of Triplochiton scleroxylon seedlings as a necessary step for domestication. Data collected was subjected to One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The best performance for light intensity was observed under 100%LI with plant height 14.79±1.26cm, collar diameter 2.28±0.18mm and 13.11±0.96 number of leaves while the least performance was observed in seedlings under 25%LI with seedling height 10.23±0.59cm, collar diameter 1.97±0.13mm and 6.41±0.45 number of leaves and best performance in soil textural classes was recorded under loamy soil with seedling height 14.90±1.20cm, collar diameter 2.33±0.18mm and 13.11±0.32 number of leaves while the least performance was observed in seedlings grown with sandy soil with seedling height 11.00±0.61cm, collar diameter 1.99±0.13mm and least number of leaves was recorded in seedlings with sandy-loam with 7.41±0.55 number of leaves. Overall best performance was observed in seedlings grown with sandy-loam under 100%LI with seedling height 23.80±0.75cm, collar diameter 4.69±0.34mm and 14.79±0.29 number of leaves while the least performance was observed in seedlings grown with clay under 25%LI with seedling height 10.30±0.68cm, least collar diameter 3.69±0.28mm and number of leaves 13.69±0.28 was observed in seedlings grown with sandy soil under 75%LI. Therefore, it implies that the specie require little or no shade for rapid growth and will thrive well with sandy-loam soil. Contribution/ Originality
This study revealed that T. scleroxylon seedlings can be raised successfully under different light intensity and soil textural class which makes the species a good candidate for afforestation, enrichment planting, soil amendment, land reclamation and restoration to check climate change, land degradation and loss of biodiversity due to land encroachment. Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Forests » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Factors Influencing Audit Expense and Quality in an Emerging Economy: A Study on Bangladesh
This determination of this study to find the association between audit expense, and the significance of the relationship in an emerging economy. Whereas, audit quality is associated with audit expense of a company. The regression model used here taken from (Simunic, 1980). This study is based on five different hypothesis. Descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, correlation analyses are used for describing the results. For reflecting the proper findings, 23 companies from IT, cement and ceramic sectors are chosen here as sample. Some companies are taken from miscellaneous companies from Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE). The findings imitates that audit expense is highly dependent on the company size, accounting firm’s type, equity-debt ratio. Company size and accounting firm’s type are positively significant where equity-debt ratio is negatively significant. Whereas, audit expense also depends on the date of report making. Therefore, big companies need to be concerned about their audit quality, as audit quality could be hampered because of overgenerous compensation. Practical. This outcome will help the stakeholders of the company to judge about the reason of fluctuating audit expense, and probable recommendation as well. Value-The originality of this study to define the fluctuations of audit expense in diverse ways, and find the probable reason of the fluctuations. This paper will help stakeholders to find the probable causes of fluctuating audit quality. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the very few studies, which have investigated the effect of corporate governance and profitability variables on audit expense and quality. This paper contributes the first logical analysis for stakeholders to understand, elucidate and control the audit quality by the practical recommendations of this paper. Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2
The Effect of Disruptive Factors on Inventory Control as a Mediator and Organizational Performance in Health Department of Punjab, Pakistan
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy
The organizational performance at Punjab healthcare is crucial and often faces stock-outs of critical medicines and equipment at the emergency department of different hospitals, which increased the mortality rate. Therefore, the study determined the effect of disruptive factors and inventory control as a mediator on organizational performance. The quantitative method with survey questionnaires on a 200 sample size through cluster sampling was used. SPSS and AMOS were used to examine Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling. The results found full mediation with a significant positive effect between study variables. The finding indicated that the strict compliance of standardized operating procedures, professionally well-equipped staff, stock availability, and accurate inventories could reduce costs with improved service quality. This study is useful to the public healthcare facilities, ministries managing inventories, and to the body of knowledge. Finally, the back-log inventories at public sector organizations need to be researched in the future. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few investigating the mediating effect of inventory control on the relationship between disruptive factors and organizational performance. The study also contributes a second-order construct model, identifying the dimensions within those constructs, to the existing literature. Economics » International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2
Factors Influencing Farmers’ Adoption of Soil Conservation Development
Landscape degradation by soil erosion has increased considerably in Ethiopian lands due to deforestation of natural mountain forests and the cultivation of large areas resulting in a serious environmental problem threatening the sustainability of agriculture and population food security. In Boset Wareda (in Ethiopia), farmers are producing for subsistence and exerting an increasing erosion of the land. Nevertheless, soil and water resources degradation addicted by natural and anthropologic activities are usually controlled by soil conservation techniques and water harvesting constructions. This study has contributed knowledge on social, economic and technical factors affecting adoption of CTs among household farmers in Ethiopia. CT development in the rural sector is not possible without addressing the current challenges identified in this study such as household heads farming experience, household size, and access to extension services, high costs of adoption, labour costs, and size of land owned by a household head. To reach this goal, econometrics analysis was derived from cross-sectional data for a single time period of production. Probit and Tobit models were econometrically estimated to evaluate rate of adoption (i.e., participation in conservation techniques) and intensity of adoption (i.e., allocation of land for conservation techniques) by the interviewee farmers. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature about the willingness of farmers to adopt soil and water conservation techniques. This study uses estimation methodology using econometric models: Tobit and Probit. The paper's primary contribution is finding that some farmers are not aware about erosion and land degradation problems. While other farmers are aware but financial and material constraints discourage them to install these conservations facilities. Economics » Journal of Social Economics Research » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2
The Contingent Fit between Management Control System and Capabilities on Sustainability Performance
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management
This study aims to analyze the contingent fit between the management control system (MCS) with capabilities to improve the company's sustainability performance. The final sample was 185 environmental managers, human resources, marketing, operational, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) managers from 45 listed companies on the Indonesia Stock Exchange that published the annual report. Primary research data were taken by questionnaire. The data analysis method uses structural equation models with the help of the Smart PLS application. The results of this study indicate that 1) MCS has a direct effect on sustainability performance. 2) MCS affects capability. 3) Capability influences sustainability performance, and 4) contingent fit between MCS and capability has a proven impact on sustainability performance. Based on these results, future studies are expected to focus not only on the influence of MCS and capabilities on sustainability performance but also on the contingent fit between MCS and these capabilities. Thus, companies need to use MCS that has a contingent fit with their capabilities to improve sustainability performance Contribution/ Originality
This study uses a new estimation methodology in the form of a management control system package with proven capabilities to improve sustainability performance. The contingent fit resulting from this study can help companies determine the right strategy in improving their sustainability performance. Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 6
Risk Management and Shareholders’ Wealth Maximization
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management
Risks are fundamentally part of business operational models; it cannot be completely eliminated and if not efficiently managed could result to loss of value. Wealth creation could only take place when the prevailing financial risks in the banking sectors are identified and carefully handled. An expost-facto study of 100 firm-year observations was conducted using ten listed Deposit Money banks in Nigeria for a period of 10 years from 2009 to 2018. The results of the multiple regression analysis carried out revealed that risk management significantly affected shareholders’ wealth of listed banks. Credit risk (NPLR) and operating efficiency risk (OPER) had significant negative effect on Market Value (MV) while capital risk and liquidity ratio (LQR) had significant positive effect on market value (MV). This study concluded that four elements of risk (credit risk, capital risk, operating risk, liquidity risk) significantly affected shareholders’ wealth of listed banks in Nigeria. Therefore, the management of the Nigerian banks should ensure that non-performing loan ratio to total loan is kept at its minimum; ensure adequate liquid fund in meeting customers demand as when needed, engage competent hands where deemed necessary in their operations to mitigate operating efficiency risk and possess adequate capital ratio in accordance with CBN minimum capitalization ratio, if possible, beyond the minimum required by the regulatory bodies. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the few studies which have examined the four elements of risk associated with banking industry, as it affects the wealth of the shareholders. The four risk elements considered were credit risk, operating risk, capital risk and liquidity risk. Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 6
Combustion Quality Evaluation of Briquettes Produced from Sesame Hull as Source of Sustainable Energy
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: Asian Journal of Energy Transformation and Conservation
Briquetting is an efficient way of converting agricultural and forestry residues to clean alternative energy form for rural and sub-urban communities. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the combustion properties of briquettes produced from sesame hull as an alternative fuel source to firewood and charcoal which are drivers of deforestation. Two different briquette samples were produced; Sample (A) is a briquette produced from sesame hull with 100% binder level of starch while sample (B) is a briquette produced from sesame hull with 50% binder level of starch as binding agent. The combustion properties examined include moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, density, calorific value, water boiling time and time taking by the samples to burn to ashes were also determined. The physico-chemical characteristics of the briquettes studied showed that briquettes produced of 100% binder had higher fixed carbon of 13.78 %, notable high calorific value of 26.75 MJ/Kg, water boiling time at 4.02 min and with burning time of 13.22 min. The utilization of sesame hull for the production of briquette has provided an alternative economical energy source to firewood and charcoal. The briquettes produced showed that they are suitable as an alternative source of fuel energy which can be utilize for both domestic and industrial applications. Contribution/ Originality
This study has provided additional information in the utilization of agricultural residue (sesame hull) as a potential energy raw material via briquetting densification process. The utilization of sesame hull for the production of briquette has provided an alternative economical energy source to firewood and charcoal thereby ensuring environmental cleanliness with zero tolerance for waste management. Energy & Environmental Sciences » Asian Journal of Energy Transformation and Conservation » Month: 03-2020 Issue: 1
Abstract