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Rising environmental issues due to company activities and public demand for a better environment have caused companies to face pressures from their stakeholders. However, in Malaysia, the implementation level of environmental practices is still moderate among public listed companies. This study, therefore, examines organisational isomorphism as the determinant of the extent of environmental management accounting practices by Malaysian public listed companies in the Main Market, based on institutional theory. Coercive, normative and mimetic isomorphisms were taken as the determinants of the extent of usage of environmental management accounting. A survey method was used, consisting of sending an online questionnaire for data collection to Malaysian public listed companies. Statistical analyses were used to analyse the variables. The survey results revealed that these companies have, to a great extent, implemented environmental management accounting. It was also found that coercive isomorphism significantly influenced the environmental management accounting practices of Malaysian public listed companies. This suggests that companies will implement environmentally-related practices with the existence of coercive pressures, derived from government and shareholders. The implementation of environmental management accounting is beneficial in overcoming the problem of traditional management accounting, which fails to incorporate hidden environmental costs. Thus, the empirical findings from the study put forth crucial, specific factors that could aid the government in encouraging companies to become responsible, and to contribute to green initiatives through environmental management accounting practices. Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding that coercive isomorphism via pressure from the government is the most effective way for Malaysian public listed companies to implement environmental management accounting practices. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 03-2020 Issue: 1
Accountability through Integrated Reporting: The Awareness and Challenges in Malaysia
Integrated reporting is a form of innovative reporting that has marked another milestone in the financial reporting environment. Integrated reporting promotes integrated thinking and decision making by focusing on the true value drivers of business. As Malaysia is striving to be a global capital market, it is vital for the country to keep in pace with the international development in enhancing transparency and accountability, by moving towards integrated reporting. While the status of integrated reporting is voluntary, integrated reporting in Malaysia is fairly new. Therefore, there is a need to raise the awareness on integrated reporting in the country. The objectives of this paper are twofold: the first objective is to critically analyze the literature of integrated reporting in clarifying the role and form of integrated reporting; and the second objective is to survey on the awareness of Malaysian accountants about integrated reporting. The review of literature clarifies and provides a better platform to understand the concept of integrated reporting. The concept of integrated reporting is not merely a combination of financial reporting and sustainability reporting, instead it is a concise reporting that tells a story of how an organization creates value. The results of the survey revealed that generally, Malaysian accountants are not clear about the concept of integrated reporting. This study contributes by giving insights to the regulators on the state of readiness and awareness of Malaysian accountants regarding the implementation of integrated reporting. Contribution/ Originality
The objectives of this paper are twofold: the first objective is to critically analyze the literature of integrated reporting in clarifying the role and form of integrated reporting; and the second objective is to survey on the awareness of Malaysian accountants about integrated reporting. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 03-2020 Issue: 1
Prioritizing the Factors Which Affect the Selection of Hotels by Consumers Traveling for Vacation with Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Method
Selection of the best hotel for vacations requires a highly complex decision-making process. This complexity stems from factors including, but not limited to, the products of the hotel, information regarding the hotel and personal preferences. Determining the factors which affect the selection of the hotel by consumers traveling for vacations can improve their satisfaction by providing better quality services. The main purpose of this study is to define the factors which affect the selection of hotels by consumers traveling for vacation and to prioritize these factors from the customers’ viewpoint. Another purpose of this study is to analyze whether these factors vary by gender. In this context, a comprehensive literature research has been done in order to define the factors for selection of hotels. The method of analysis for carried out for this study is the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, and the data for analysis has been gathered by survey method. The survey has been conducted on a panel of instructors employed at S.U. Bey?ehir Ali Akkanat Campus who travel for vacation at least once a year. Research findings show that prioritizing the factors which affect the selection of hotels can vary by gender. However, putting the role of gender aside, factors which affect consumers the most for their travels for vacation are Safety and Security, Pleasure, Room Facilities; whereas factors which affect the consumers the least are Informing, Parking Lots and Network Services. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the literature in terms of the feature of using AHP method for the first time in determining the importance level of customer-based hotel selection factors, and evaluating whether hotel preference factors differ according to gender. The importance of this study is that it is an attempt to provide researchers and hotel managers with the broadest internationally accepted and applicable hotel selection factors within the scope of the literature reviewed. Business & Management » Journal of Tourism Management Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Principal Component Analysis for the Quantification of Soil Horizon Carbon Stocks in Relation to Soil Bulk Density
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
Accurate quantification of the changes in carbon stocks of different horizons of the soil profile pit in relation to soil bulk density is a prerequisite to understand the role of soil in the global carbon cycling and climate change mitigation. This paper seeks to draw attention to the carbon storage capacity of the individual soil horizon with particular emphasis on soil bulk density. Three (3) profile pits were dug at equal distance of 100 meters. These profile pits were carefully sampled and analysed in the laboratory using standard methods. Soil data were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA), regression and coefficient of variation analyses using SPSS. Results showed that A, Ap, AB and Bt were the soil horizons identified in the three different soil profiles at the time of sampling. Bulk density values ranged from 1.43 – 1.66 g cm-3 (mean = 1.49 g cm-3) in profile pit 1, 1.43 – 1.62 g cm-3 (mean = 1.53 g cm-3) in profile pit 2 and 1.15 – 1.64 g cm-3 (mean = 1.40 g cm-3) in profile pit 3 respectively. In profile 1, 2 and 3, the average carbon stock ranged from 4500.6, 3791.67 and 3689.2 g C m-2 respectively. From the PCA results, four variables were observed, they include organic carbon, inorganic carbon, water stable aggregate and carbon stock. The first PC (PC1 = organic carbon) had a value of 0.968, PC2 (inorganic carbon) = 0.968, PC3 (water stable aggregate) = 0.874 and PC4 (carbon stock) = 0.844, indicating positive effects. From the PC plot, the eigenvalues are 3.57, 3.08, 1.78 and 1.10. However, the first PC explains 32.47 % of total variation whiles the second, third and fourth PCs explain 60.47, 76.67 and 86.72 % respectively. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributed substantially to the effective understanding of carbon accumulation in soil in relation to soil compaction; hence, for the comprehension of the exact quantity of carbon accumulated in the soil, accurate measurement of the amount of carbon sequestered by individual natural horizon of the soil profile is imperative. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2
Examining the Impacts of Human Capital Flight on Economic Growth: A Case Study of Pakistan
Human capital is one of the key drivers of economic development and sustainable competitive advantage in the global market. Human capital flight or Brain drain can lead to a permanent impact on the growth process of the country of emigration. Like numerous other developing countries, Pakistan has also been experiencing both the negative and positive consequences of human capital flight. To examine these impacts of international movements on Pakistan economy we retrieved data from different sources. The fundamental objective is to examine the consequences of international migration and its associations with poverty, economic growth, and human development. To keep this in mind, we employed the ARDL approach on three different models for the period of 1975 to 2017. District wise analysis of all provinces states that the international migration is playing a key role in the reduction of poverty level except in KPK. In addition, empirical evidence describes that international migration is positively associated with economic growth and human development while negatively associated with poverty level. The study is concluding that there are enormous potential benefits exists in international migration process because it boosts the economic growth of Pakistan via personal remittances inflow. Likewise, it smoothes out the consumption pattern of ordinary households due to the direct transfer of remittances to them. This monograph is also suggesting some useful policy recommendations for instance, if we export our manpower to highly developed countries then reverse brain drain will encourage the innovation practices along with improvement in economic growth. Contribution/ Originality
The fundamental objective is to examine the consequences of international migration and its associations with poverty, economic growth, and human development. The study is concluding that there are enormous potential benefits exists in international migration process because it boosts the economic growth of Pakistan via personal remittances inflow. Business & Management » Review of Knowledge Economy » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Factors Affecting the Individual Stock Price Index (IHSI) Industrial Manufacturing Sector in Indonesia, Automotive Sub Sectors, and Components in Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX)
This study aims to examine and analyze: (1) the Effect of Current Ratio (CR), Debt of Equity Ratio (DER), Return On Assets (ROA) and Return On Equity (ROE) on the Individual Stock Price Index (IHSI), ( 2) Effect of Current Ratio (CR), Debt of Equity Ratio (DER), Return On Assets (ROA), Return On Equity (ROE) and Individual Stock Price Index (IHSI) on Investment (INV), (3) Effect of Price Index Individual Share (IHSI) to Investment (INV). The population of this study is the Manufacturing Industry company in the Automotive and Components Industry sub-sector in Indonesia with an observation period from 2014 to 2018, consisting of a sample of 10 Automotive Industry companies and components. Data analysis techniques in this study used Panel Data Regression analysis, the regression model used was to combine cross-data data with time-series data. The results of data analysis prove that the variable Current Ratio (CR), Debt of Equity Ratio (DER), Return On Assets (ROA), Return On Equity (ROE) Simultaneous significant positive effect on the Individual Stock Price Index (IHSI), but together with or simultaneously Variable Current Ratio (CR), Debt of Equity Ratio (DER), Return On Assets (ROA), Return On Equity (ROE) and The Individual Share Price Index (IHSI) has a positive effect significant to Investment (INV), the Individual Stock Price Index (IHSI) variable has no significant impact on Investment (INV) either partially or simultaneously. Contribution/ Originality
This research contributes to existing literature by examining (1) the Effect of Current Ratio (CR), Debt of Equity Ratio (DER), Return On Assets (ROA) and Return On Equity (ROE) on the Individual Stock Price Index (IHSI), ( 2) Effect of Current Ratio (CR), Debt of Equity Ratio (DER), Return On Assets (ROA), Return On Equity (ROE) and Individual Stock Price Index (IHSI) on Investment (INV), (3) Effect of Price Index Individual Share (IHSI) to Investment (INV). Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Management of The CFA Franc: What are the Fundamentals of the Real Exchange Rate in West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU)?
Identifying the fundamentals of the real exchange rate of the CFA franc in West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) is the main objective of this paper. To achieve this, we used panel data over a period from 1984 to 2014. To achieve this objective, we use the Pooled Mean Group, inspired by the work of Pesaran, Shin, and Smith (1999) with data from secondary sources from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The results obtained show that investment, government spending, trade openness and balance significantly influence the real exchange rate of the long-term CFA franc in WAEMU. With regard to the short-term relationship, the results show that only productivity and the trade balance are the fundamentals that significantly influence the real exchange rate of the CFA franc. It is then necessary to find a solution to this extroversion of WAEMU economies, which solution would be the promotion of the import substitution policy. A policy should be put in place to enable our economies to benefit from trade liberalization. This involves promoting exports of high value-added products in order to improve the external position of economies and to address the instability of commodity prices on which developing country exporters of primary goods depend. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by Identifying the fundamentals of the real exchange rate of the CFA franc in West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Evaluating the Model of Demand for Money in Nigeria
In Nigeria, demand for money is frequently affected by factors that regularly experience shocks in the economy. Therefore, regular adjustment and reforms are done to monetary policy which creates a lot of uncertainties in the market. This paper therefore examined the demand for money (narrow money, M1) in Nigeria, using quarterly time series data from 2006 to 2018, the study attempted multiple OLS regression analysis and ARDL. The result found out that money demand function cannot be appropriately estimated by OLS estimation technique due to the presence of the lagged value of both the dependent and independent variables. Although, the no long run relationship among the variables but the result indicates that M1 is largely influenced by inflation, exchange rate, MPR (Monetary Policy Rate), and savings as well as real GDP to some extent; particularly in the short run. It was observed from the analysis that economic units in Nigeria are shedding more of cash assets (Naira) as inflation increases while stocking up on foreign cash and assets (dollar and foreign denominated assets) as shown by the positive-related exchange rate. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by examining the demand for money (narrow money, M1) in Nigeria and using quarterly time series data from 2006 to 2018, the study attempted multiple OLS regression analysis and ARDL. Economics » Financial Risk and Management Reviews » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Intellectual Property Rights, Human Capital and Innovation in Emerging and Developing Countries
The innovation literature suggests that the protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is a key determinant of innovation. Recent studies suggest that IPR protection stimulates innovation only under certain conditions. In this paper, we suppose that IPR have a positive impact on technological innovation only in countries with high levels of human capital. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between intellectual property rights, human capital and technological innovation in the context of emerging and developing countries. To measure innovation, we use the number of patents granted to inventors in a country by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. IPR variable is the Ginarte and Park index, while the stock of human capital is measured by the percentage of the total enrollment among the school-aged population over 15 at the tertiary level. Panel Threshold Regression is applied to data of 46 developing countries for the period 1980-2009. The estimation results provide evidence for the existence of nonlinear relationship between intellectual property rights and innovation depending on human capital’s initial level. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the relationship between intellectual property rights, human capital and technological innovation in emerging and developing countries. Economics » Journal of Social Economics Research » Month: 03-2020 Issue: 1
Entrepreneurship Training for Mitigating Unemployment in Nigeria: How have the Tertiary Institutions Fared?
The increasing unemployment in Nigeria is one of the social problems contributing to abject poverty, crime and other civil vices plaguing the country today. Although the public and private sectors have made some efforts in addressing the problem, available current statistics show that both sectors lack the capacity to solely employ the entire manpower base of the country. Considering the potential of entrepreneurial training for reducing unemployment, the Nigerian government through the National Universities Commission (NUC) introduced entrepreneurial education as a compulsory course in various higher institutions. In this study, we aimed to ascertain the extent to which these institutions have implemented entrepreneurial education for mitigating unemployment in Nigeria, using the University of Calabar as a case study. A combination of structured questionnaires, titled students’ Opinion Questionnaire and review of extant literatures and theoretical framework, was used for the study. The resulting data showed that the tertiary institutions have not significantly contributed to mitigating unemployment through entrepreneurial education, judging from the low students’ acquisition of entrepreneurial skills, their limited exposure to business opportunities and difficulty in sourcing funds to ensure utilization of any acquired skills after graduation. Contribution/ Originality
The paper's primary contribution is finding that that the tertiary institutions have not significantly contributed to mitigating unemployment through entrepreneurial education, judging from the low students’ acquisition of entrepreneurial skills, their limited exposure to business opportunities and difficulty in sourcing funds to ensure utilization of any acquired skills after graduation. Economics » Journal of Social Economics Research » Month: 03-2020 Issue: 1
Evaluation of Organic Substrates for Outdoor Cultivation of Pleurotus Tuber-Regium
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: The International Journal of Biotechnology
Pleurotus tuber-regium is a unique mushroom with a lot of benefits. Yield of the mushroom was evaluated when cultivated outdoor on agricultural beds different substrates (treatments) in order to assess the effect of the substrates. Four substrates used were topsoil, a mixture of topsoil and sawdust (2kg), a mixture of topsoil and poultry droppings (2kg), and a mixture of topsoil, poultry droppings (2kg) and sawdust (2kg). The design was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. Results showed that mixture of topsoil and sawdust had the highest mean dry weight 3.54±0.29 for first flush while the least was 2.57±0.45gm for topsoil. For the second flush, the highest mean dry weight of 1.56±0.37 was for mixture of topsoil and sawdust while the least, 0.58±0.31gm was for topsoil, poultry droppings and sawdust. Results for dry weight of fruiting bodies, indicated that only the mixture of Topsoil & Poultry droppings and Topsoil, Poultry droppings & Sawdust had no significant difference (P>0.05), for first flush; there was significant difference between other treatments. Results for second flush had no significant difference (P>0.05) between Topsoil and Topsoil & Sawdust treatments; there was significant difference (P<0.05), between other treatments. There was significant difference (P<0.05) in the stipe girth, pileus diameter and wet weight for all the treatments for both flushes. Significant difference between treatments varied for stipe height. The mixture of topsoil and sawdust substrate is recommended for the outdoor cultivation of Pleurotus tuber-regium. These findings are discussed. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature of Pleurotus tuber-regium and investigates its yield outdoor. This study is one of very few studies which have investigated outdoor cultivation of the mushroom. Its primary contribution is that Pleurotus tuber-regium could be cultivated outdoor on agricultural beds, using mixture of topsoil and some organic substrates. Biological Sciences » The International Journal of Biotechnology » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Determination of Microbiological Quality of White Cheeses Marketed in Afyonkarahisar
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
Cheese is a dairy product with a high nutritional value, a unique flavor, aroma, a long shelf life, and a very different variety. Cheese may be contaminated with harmful microorganisms which may pose a risk to public health during the raw material procurement and production stages. This study investigated the microbiological quality of 60 white cheese samples, marketed in Afyonkarahisar province. The mean levels of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, coliform, Esherichia coli, coagulase-positive staphylococci, and yeast-mold were determined as 2,1x105, 1,4x104, 2,1x103, 4,5x102, 4,1x102 and 3,8x103 CFU/g, respectively. Also, Escherichia coli was found in 10% (6/60) of the samples between the level of 102-105. Consequently, the microbiological quality was found to be insufficient in some of the samples examined. Therefore, it is recommended to take necessary hygienic measures in raw material supply. In addition, necessary precautions should be taken in all stages of cheese production and attention should be paid to the personnel and equipment hygiene. Contribution/ Originality
This study investigated the microbiological quality of 60 white cheese samples, marketed in Afyonkarahisar province. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2
The New Model for Teaching Collaboration between Universities and Enterprises: In the Case of Vietnam
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
The current collaboration between universities-enterprises in Vietnam has faced various challenges especially in its teaching model and motivation system. We find that Vietnamese enterprises have minimal interest in engaging in both short and long-term collaborations. Likewise, universities are struggling to set up a sustainable collaboration system which will attract enterprises. To overcome these challenges, this paper aims to propose a new model for teaching collaborations between universities and enterprises, based on the lean thinking approach and a sustainably developed partnership. Data collected from questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used to analyze the conventional teaching model and current situation of the university-enterprise collaboration. Based on this data, we proposed a new model. A transparent benefit allocation scheme and synchronized teaching philosophies and methodologies are critical preconditions for the successful teaching collaboration between universities and enterprises. Finally, we confirmed the feasibility of the new model through a successful case study. This research may also be used as reference and consideration for other developing countries. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature of teaching collaboration between universities-enterprises in Vietnam. The model’s primary contributions were its findings of the preconditions for the successful collaboration which are the transparent allocation benefit system and synchronized teaching philosophies and methodologies based on society’s demands. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2
Effect of Intergenerational Debt Burden on Economic Growth in Nigeria
An equitable proportion of government borrowing from internal and external creditors exerts a positive and significant impact on the economy. When the funds borrowed are used for unproductive investment without sufficient marginal returns to service the debts, debt becomes burdensome reduceing all the indicators of economic growth. This study uses quarterly data from 2006 to 2018 to investigate the effect of intergenerational debt burden on economic growth in Nigeria, testing the hypothesis with the ARDL model to estimate the longand short-term cause- effect relationship. The findings reveal that borrowed funds are habitually used in Nigeria to pay salaries and allowances, resulting in debt overhang and intergenerational debt burden. The impact of debts to other creditors is significant on economic growth and human capital development, but negative by multilateral and bilateral creditors. The negative effect is probably because of the poor management and investment of the funds borrowed into unproductive ventures. The results show long-term cointegration, while the speed with which the disequilibrium, caused by the mismanagement of borrowed funds in earlier years, returns to long-term equilibrium is 26% in the current year, according to the error correction coefficient. Thus, Barro’s provocative Hypothesis is valid in the long term and Lerner’s view in the short term for Nigeria. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by in three ways: (i) adopting quarterly data on money supply (M3), multilateral creditors/debt, bilateral creditors/debt, other creditors/debt, and government expenditure on social and community services as moderating variables; (ii) using first-logical analysis by conducting a range of pretests to determine the appropriate estimation model and estimation diagnostic analyses to ensure the Gauss–Markov assumptions for unbiased estimation are satisfied, forming the basis for a reliable analysis; and (iii) adopting the ARDL model to examine the long- and short-term effects of the intergenerational debt burden on economic growth in Nigeria, as well as Barro’s provocative hypothesis and Lerner’s view. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2
Determinants of Transparency in Financial Management on Local Government Websites: Evidence from Indonesia
This study aimed to examine the determinants of transparency in financial management on local government websites in Indonesia. The level of transparency was measured at each stage of local government finance: planning, implementation, and reporting and accountability, using internal, local government characteristics, and external, community conditions, factors of influence. The internal factor was represented by local government size, expenditure, and dependence, while community welfare was adopted for the external factor. The study was designed as quantitative research based on a multiple linear regression model. The study sample of 424 observations was selected from the district/city governments in Java that met the criteria of having an official and accessible website, as well as completes financial data from 2013 to 2016. The results suggested that the average level of transparency in financial management on these local government websites over the four-year period was 24.76%. In addition, both the size and expenditure of the selected local governments were positively associated with their transparency levels, while no association was shown with the levels of both dependence and community welfare. The conclusions drawn offer suggestions on how central government can encourage regional financial transparency in their policies and for local governments in increasing their commitment to implementing transparency. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the current literature on transparency in regional financial management by covering more than one fiscal year—2013 to 2016—and illustrating how local government size and expenditure play a role in increasing the level of transparency. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2
Tamil Primary School Teachers Understanding on Constructing HOTS Items in Mathematics
Many studies indicate that it is crucial for teachers to understand the levels of higher order thinking skills (HOTS) questions and how to construct HOTS Mathematics items in order to teach effectively and constructively in classrooms. The objective of this study was to investigate Tamil Primary school teachers' understanding (from cognitive, affective and behavioral aspects) of the construction of HOTS Mathematics items based on their teaching experiences. This quantitative study employed descriptive research design. The sample of this study consists of 254 Mathematics teachers from Tamil Primary schools in three states in Malaysia. Stratified sampling was adopted in selecting the sample. The researchers used an adapted survey questionnaire to measure teachers' understanding on constructing HOTS Mathematics items based on three constructs namely cognitive, affective and behavioral. Findings of this study indicate that teachers with high and average experience in teaching Mathematics have significantly better understanding (in terms of cognitive, affective and behavioral aspects) in constructing HOTS Mathematic items compared with teachers who have low experience. In terms of pedagogical implications, the findings of this study suggests that senior teachers should conduct more workshops and training for teachers with less experience to convey their experiences and skills. In terms of practical implications. Contribution/ Originality
The paper's primary contribution is finding that teachers' with high and average experience in teaching Mathematics have significantly better understanding (in terms of cognitive, affective and behavioral aspects) in constructing HOTS Mathematic items compared with teachers who have low experience. As such, this paper has crucial pedagogical implications. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2
Theorising the Itinerant Curriculum as the Pathway to Relevance in African Higher Education in the Era of the Fourth Industrual Revolution
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
The current era of the fourth industrial revolution combines digital, physical, and biological knowledge in ways never seen before. This revolution has resulted in disruptive technologies and trends, such as robotics, internet of things (IoT), virtual reality, and artificial intelligence (AI) . The African continent is still behind with preparations for its future, through relevant unique educational practices for its populace in this era. This is because very little has changed in the curriculum content of African education, and post colonial education in Africa is essentially a colonial legacy. The curriculum is still designed after western models and paradigms, which have little or no relevance to life in Africa. This paper records the epistemological evisceration of African-centered intellectual traditions in formal education as a major cause of this challenge. Proposing the introduction of an itinerant curriculum in the African higher education sector as a viable solution to this epistemicide, this paper first argues that all bodies of knowledge(western and indigenous) are valid and significant, and should therefore be infused together without one placed as superior over the other. The study concludes that curriculum should reflect the intrinsic value of African culture, language, customs, and practices. The integration of all bodies of knowledge is the hallmark of an itinerant curriculum, should support the inclusion of a wider diversity of knowledge in curriculum theory, and practice. Contribution/ Originality
This paper documents the epistemological evisceration of African-centered intellectual traditions in formal education as a major cause of Africa lagging behind in the current industrial revolution. This study further proposes the introduction of an itinerant curriculum in the African higher education sector as a viable solution to this epistemicide. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2
Evaluating the Effectiveness of CAPM and APT for Risk Measuring and Assets Pricing
Persistent with the problem of quantifying the risk associated with securities, this study examines the applicability and validity of Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) while evaluating the stock prices and returns of listed companies in the Pakistan stock exchange. While examining the applicability of CAPM and APT, this study considers the stock return of top ten sectors listed in stock exchange from the period of 2014 to 2019. The result shows that the application of APT for risk estimations may not be showing satisfactory results from the observed data. On average, the p-value is more than 30% for all factors which should be less than 5%. Therefore, in order to compare the application of methods and find out the stock risk, it can be concluded that CAPM approach is more reliable than APT. Thus, it is suggested to adopt the CAPM approach to estimate the realistic stock returns. Additionally, the investor can also consider different indigenous and exogenous economic factors according for calculating market risk and maximizing the return. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature in a way to show that CAPM is still a valid tool to estimate the return in Pakistani capital market, which implies that the market risk can better be estimated by the companies. Investors must consider the market index performance for realistic stock return rather to follow other economic indicators. Economics » Financial Risk and Management Reviews » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Analysis of the Link between CO2 Outflows, Energy Utilization, and Economic Development in a Developing Country: Evidence from Republic of Congo
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research
Developing countries play a number one role in international green-economic development as key holders of green products, and services. Nonetheless, these countries are not sufficiently concerned within the debates on expansion policies, due to their crucial implication in worldwide feasible development. This research aims to analyze the relationship between CO2 outflows, energy utilization, and economic development in the Republic of Congo as well as the presence of a causative link between the factors by applying the Vector Autoregressive model, including as additional proxies’ variables gross-fixed-capital-formation, and rural population. The data cover the period 1985-2018 using cointegration and causality techniques as a methodological approach. The Granger causality test outcomes of cointegrated variables showed that there is one-way Granger causality running from real GDP to Energy utilization, and running from dioxide outflows to real income as well as two–way causative link between Energy utilization and CO2 outflows in Congo. The results also display a bidirectional causal link between the rural population and Energy utilization. Overall evidence confirms that the practice of energy conservancy approach may lead to a significant and negative effect on economic development. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature by using modern econometric time series approaches to examine the nexus between CO2 outflows, energy utilization and economic development. The findings showed that the governments should invest in renewable energy to cut-off CO2 emissions. Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Innovation Strategy and Sustainability of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in South East Nigeria
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management
The current challenges and competition facing micro, small and medium enterprises in Nigeria today which is as a result of innovation has become a threat to the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Therefore this study seeks to determine the extent to which innovation strategy can sustain MSMES in South East, Nigeria. The specific objective is to identify the extent of relationship that exists between disruptive innovation and business value contribution of MSMES in South East Nigeria. The study was guided by one research question and one hypothesis. The correlational survey design was adopted. The study was anchored on Schumpeter’s Innovation Theory (1885-1972).The population of the study was 1544 MSMES and 317 were sampled. The data used was primary data collected through structured questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The findings revealed that there is a positive relationship between disruptive innovation and business value contribution of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in South East Nigeria. The study recommends among others that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises should ensure that their employees are competent so as to measure to the innovative changes in the industry. Contribution/ Originality
The study contributes in the existing literature by establishing how innovation strategy impacts on the sustainability of MSMEs in South East Nigeria. Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 02-2020 Issue: 2
Abstract