American International Journal of Social Science Research
CHURCH-LED STEWARDSHIP AND VALUE CREATION: ASSESSING CHRIST-CENTERED APPROACHES TO HOUSEHOLD LIVELIHOOD RESILIENCE IN MACHAKOS COUNTY, KENYA
Food and livelihood insecurity are ongoing global concerns that continue to increase due to changing climate conditions and unreliable market conditions. In Machakos County, one of Kenya's semi-arid regions, households frequently face recurring droughts, crop failures, livestock deaths, and seasonal food shortages. Churches and faith-based organizations have implemented programs to support livelihoods, but the benefits and impact on household resilience remain unknown. This study examines whether Christ-Centered Approaches (CCA) foster household resilience, with a particular focus on Christian Stewardship and Faith-Driven Value Creation (FDVC). The study employs a descriptive mixed-methods design, involving 384 households and key informants, including program coordinators and local actors. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analyses served as the tools for quantitative data analysis. A thematic analysis was employed to capture the mechanisms and constraints in the qualitative data. Regression analysis revealed that stewardship and FDVC were statistically significant and positively predictive of livelihood outcomes among households (β = 0.12, p < 0.001; β = 0.11, p < 0.001), with a conditional R² ranging from 26% to 29%. The findings indicate that households participating in CCAs have improved planning, safer resource utilization, greater income diversification, and enhanced cooperation. Participation in these strategies is associated with measurable improvements in household livelihood indicators and accounts for approximately one-quarter of the conditional variance in the fitted models. JEL Classification Codes: Q01, Q12, I32, Z12.
Research Paper/Theoretical Paper/Review Paper/Short Communication Paper
Christ-Centered Approaches, Household Livelihoods, Stewardship, Faith-Driven Value Creation, Livelihood Resilience
Copyright (c) 2025 Kasimbi Joachim Muteti , Antony Wando Odek http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING PRIMARY SCHOOL DROPOUT AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN KITUI EAST SUB-COUNTY, KENYA
School dropout in Kitui East Sub-County undermines any vision for education equity despite national reforms like Free Primary Education and the 100% transition. This study explored how household-level factors affect school retention, specifically parents' financial status, education level, and involvement. It is underpinned by Social Capital, Human Capital, and Ecological Systems theories and used a mixed-methodology design. The study employed cluster, random, and purposive sampling to obtain a sample of households from a population of 17,497 and sampled 377 households for data collection via surveys and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests of associations, and logistic regression to determine the impact of covariates on school retention or dropout, and qualitative data analyzed thematically. The study findings show that 48.7% of households could not afford schooling, and availability of an income source was strongly associated with affordability (χ² = 15.29, p = 0.0016). Parents' inability to afford schooling resulted in dropout odds being 3.2 times greater for those cases. Parental level of education reduced the risk of dropout for each emerging level of education while use of reading sensitization materials resulted in lower odds of dropouts. The study concludes that income security, parents' literacy, and parents' active role in literacy, clearly emerged as major influences on school continuity within rural households. The study recommends for flexible payment schedules for school levies, school-based parent sensitization meetings/forums for parents to attend, and access to adult literacy programs locally as the study report concludes.
School Dropout, Parental Income, Parental Literacy, Household Engagement, Rural Kenya
Copyright (c) 2025 Benjamin Mutua Kituu, Antony Wando Odek http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT OF THE GRASSFIELDS: A DETERRENT TO VIOLENCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF CAMEROON 2015-2022
Violence in the school environment involves behavior that is anti-social and is evidenced by undesirable tension, chaos, insults, bullying, sexual harassment, mockery, jostling, and fighting. Studies reveal that a higher percentage of these acts occur amongst learners. The problem is that scholars disagree on the definition of a violent act in school, specifically, when and how such an act is considered to begin. This study examines the socio-cultural and historical context of the Grassfields of Cameroon. It singles out elements that deter learners from committing violent acts against their mates, teachers, parents, and older people. It employs a Qualitative approach. Its findings are based on survey data on cases of violence in Cameroonian schools from 2015 to 2022. It argues that the historical and cultural context of the Grassfields region favors peace, respect, and restraint, which accounts for the limited cases of violence by learners against their peers, school authorities, parents, and guardians. Its significant findings suggest that instances of spectacular violence seldom occur in the Grassfields. It also reveals that violence against parents and teachers increased during seasons of income-generating activities in rural areas. It concludes that the historical and cultural context of the Grassfields of Cameroon deters violence, promotes harmony, and respect for constituted authority. The paper recommends that national cultures, categorized by various cultural zones, be taught in Cameroonian schools, with an emphasis on the positive elements that promote non-violence. JEL Classification Codes: I28.
Food Aid, Pastoralist Communities, Resilience, Livelihood Diversification, Kajiado County
Copyright (c) 2025 Atlee Dzeawoni http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EXPLORING THE ROLE OF FOOD AID PROGRAMS IN STRENGTHENING RESILIENCE AMONG PASTORALIST COMMUNITIES IN KAJIADO COUNTY
Drought is one of the most prevalent natural hazards that pose a threat to food security as well as pastoral livelihoods in Kenya and Africa in general. This research explores the contribution of food aid interventions towards enhancing the resilience of pastoralist communities within Kajiado County. Based on Social-Ecological Resilience and Political Ecology principles, the research investigated the impact of food aid on household food security, livelihood diversification, and adaptation dynamics in response to recurring droughts. The research employed qualitative methods with 25 purposively selected key informants and included household representatives, leaders, and local authority members. The data were collected through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and key informant interviews and analyzed using themes. The implications are that, while food relief is critical in the short term for drought survival, it makes little contribution to long-term livelihood diversification except in combination with complementary assistance like skills training, micro-grants, or agricultural inputs. Most diversification activities, such as charcoal production, bead making, and spontaneous trade, were driven by necessity rather than organized assistance. Food aid was also described as irregular, poorly targeted, and insufficient for sustainable economic transformation in similar terms. The study concludes that food assistance to be effective in promoting resilience needs to move from reactive relief to development programming. The study calls for the need to connect assistance with vocational training, market access, as well as structural inequality mitigation, specifically the one being encountered by women. The aforementioned interventions are necessary to the emergence of adaptive, autonomous pastoral societies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lekasi, Antony Wando Odek http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: IS THERE ANY LINK WITH MARKET PERFORMANCE OF PHARMACEUTICAL MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN KENYA
The business-operating environment in Kenya and especially in the City County of Nairobi has caused a large number of pharmaceutical Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises report profit warnings and thus experience performance issues. Data from the World Bank for the previous two years indicate pharmaceutical MSMEs operating in Kenya have seen a decline in profits and stagnation. The study therefore sought to establish the effect of digital transformation elements, including e-procurement, e-marketing, e-payment, and telemedicine, on the market performance of pharmaceutical Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The research examines the limited understanding of how these digital technologies influence market performance, particularly in the pharmaceutical MSME sector. The study employs a cross-sectional descriptive research design, surveying 122 MSMEs from an initial target population of 175, selected through proportionate and simple random sampling. The questionnaire was tested for validity and reliability using Cronbach's alpha with a threshold of 0.7. Quantitative data were analyzed through multiple regression and correlation analysis to determine the strength of the relationships between variables. The results reveal that e-procurement, e-marketing, e-payment, and telemedicine significantly and positively affect market performance. The findings suggest that these digital strategies enhance procurement efficiency, marketing outreach, financial transactions, and healthcare service delivery, ultimately improving the market performance of pharmaceutical MSMEs. JEL Classification Codes: L86, M15, O33, L25.
E-Procurement, E-Marketing, E-Payment, Telemedicine, MSMEs.
Copyright (c) 2024 Martha Njeri Githua, Stephen Makau Muathe
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE OF MILK PROCESSING FIRMS IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA: CASE OF BROOKSIDE DAIRY LIMITED
Strategic management plays a critical role in organisations. Intense competition and other factors have necessitated applying strategic management practices in various industries. These practices focus on the factors that lead to the failure or success of different organizations. This study investigates the influence of strategic management practices and performance of milk processing firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study employs descriptive research to collect and analyse data. This study utilises a census approach to collect data from all the respondents. Moreover, questionnaires were also utilised to gather from the respondents. The study ensured that informed consent, confidentiality, and anonymity were observed during data collection and processing. The correlation analysis findings showed that the Pearson coefficient was within the range of 0.5 and 0.8, and the correlation coefficient was 0.873, indicating that a strong and positive relationship existed between strategic management practices and the performance of milk processing firms. The findings showed that the adjusted R2 was 0.749, signifying that strategic management practices and prospects explained 74.9 % of the variations in the performance of milk processing firms. Notably, the major findings from the study indicate that strategic management practices significantly influence firm performance. Each independent variable in the study plays a role in the performance of firms in this industry. The study, therefore, concluded that environmental scanning, strategy formulation, strategy implementation, and strategy evaluation significantly influence milk processing firms' performance in Nairobi City County. JEL Classification Codes: M1, M2, L66, L1, L2, L6.
Performance, Formulation, Implementation. Evaluation, Environmental Scanning.
Copyright (c) 2024 Sabina Wambui Mwangi, Reuben Kinyuru Njuguna
ANTECEDENTS OF REVISIT INTENTIONS ON HOSPITAL CHOICE IN THE DEVELOPING COUNTRY: A SEM ANALYSIS
In today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, understanding the factors that drive patient decision-making regarding hospital revisit intention is critical for hospitals to remain competitive and thrive. Despite the availability of world-class private hospitals, many patients from developing countries such as Bangladesh routinely travel beyond for medical treatment. Hence, developing countries are taking the initiative to strengthen their healthcare industries to increase GDP. This study aims to shed light on this issue by exploring the antecedents that affect hospitals in a developing country, Bangladesh. Data were collected by interviews at private hospitals in Chattrogram from November 2023 to December 2023 from 417 individuals using a randomized block design, and AMOS 24 was used for SEM analysis. The process in both EFA and CFA confirmed construct, convergent, and discriminant validity. The findings of this study demonstrate that the brand image of private hospitals affects patient revisit intent both directly and indirectly through service quality and patient satisfaction. A brand image does not influence the probability of returning to the same hospital. Moreover, commodity costs have a negative impact on revisit intention—service quality is associated with patient satisfaction which is moderated by the brand image of selected hospitals in Bangladesh. Management of hospitals can better position themselves to meet patients’ expectations, government may contribute to improve health outcomes and academicians may develop extensions of theory for the developing countries. JEL Classification Codes: M1, M3, H51.
AMOS 24, Bangladesh, Factor Analysis, Hospitals, Revisit Intention, SEM Analysis.
Copyright (c) 2024 A. M. Shahabuddin, Mohammad Toufiqur Rahman, Syed Md Hasib Ahsan, Md Shahidul Islam, Kulsuma Akter
CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER CRISIS IN AFGHANISTAN
Though the negative impacts of climate change on water resources have become a severe social, economic, and environmental problem worldwide, especially in the arid regions of the earth, including Afghanistan, an inclusive and or conclusive review of diverse studies regarding the climate change and root causes of the water crisis in Afghanistan have not been carried out yet. This study analyses the negative impacts of climate change on water including the fundamental causes of the water crisis in Afghanistan, using analytical and descriptive approaches to review the related literature. The findings of this study show that although there is a strong relationship between climate change and water shortages, it can be a secondary factor in the case of Afghanistan. This is because the available surface water in Afghanistan is estimated to be about 50 percent higher than the country's water needs. In addition, the main factors involved in Afghanistan's water crisis are discussed in this study; factors that have not only caused the flow of about 67% of Afghanistan's surface waters to neighboring countries but also caused the wastage of about 40% of its surface water during irrigation. In addition, limitations and recommendations for further studies are also presented. The result of this study would create a clear insight for researchers and policymakers to regulate and manage the ever-increasing water crisis conditions sustainably in Afghanistan and similar contexts. JEL Classification Codes: Q5, Q2, Q.
Climate Change, Drought, Hydropolitics, Water Crisis, Water Resources Management.
Copyright (c) 2024 Salman Ali Nabavi, Alinaqi Mohammadi
INTERACTIVE APPROACHES IN THE ELT CLASSROOM: A CONCEPTUAL STUDY IN THE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES OF BANGLADESH
In an effort to foster a positive learning environment in traditional English Language Teaching (ELT) classrooms, language experts advocate for the implementation of an interactive approach to enhance the effectiveness of education for learners. The interactive classroom encompasses various elements, including active participation in the learning process, active engagement in the exchange of ideas, and active involvement in communication with teachers. From the perspective of authority, learners are motivated to express their views, practises, and patterns of behaviour. Linguistic challenges are encountered by learners, necessitating their engagement in discussions with peers and educators in order to surmount these intricacies. The process of interaction fosters the development of innovative learning, since learners are able to effectively address psychological hurdles by engaging with others. The objective of this study is to examine the application of an interactive method in the English Language Teaching (ELT) classroom and to analyse the prevailing scenario of interactive education in Bangladeshi educational institutions.
Authority, Behavior, Breakthrough, Classroom, Interactive.
Copyright (c) 2023 Md. Kawser Ahmed, Kazi Imran Hossain
PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED COUNTY GOVERNMENTS IN KENYA
Although county governments were introduced for devolution, misappropriation and corruption hinder this objective. This study aimed to examine how financial management practices affect the performance of Central Rift County governments. The research was informed by agency, institutional, and stewardship theories. A descriptive research design was used. The target population was employees within Nakuru County’s public finance sector. A census of all 80 employees was done, and a Cronbach alpha of 0.7 was used to determine the reliability of the research instruments. Secondary data was collected from published materials from county and government agencies. Data was analyzed through the statistical package for social sciences to provide inferential and descriptive statistics. The study revealed that county governments use budget implementation, regular reviews, and monitoring to improve compliance and performance. There was a moderate positive and statistically significant correlation between public budgeting on the performance of Central Rift County governments (r = 0.443; p < 0.05); an average positive and statistically significant correlation between public financial reporting on the performance of Central Rift County governments (r = 0.441; p < 0.05); a moderate positive correlation between public revenue mobilizations on the performance of Central Rift County governments (r = 0.441; p < 0.05), and a moderate positive correlation between public finance procurement on the performance of central rift county governments (r = 0.441; p < 0.05). There is a need to realign the budget processing and reporting format in conformity with IPSAS reporting standards. JEL Classification Codes: H1, H2, H3, H6, H6.
Financial Management, Public Sector, Performance, Revenue Management.
Copyright (c) 2023 Winnie Mong’are, Gerald Atheru
USA INVASION IN AFGHANISTAN AND ITS IMPACT ON CENTRAL ASIA
This study Examines the effects of the warfare in Afghanistan, which has resulted in immense casualties, change of political power. The political aspects of American presence in Afghanistan and its effects on the Central Asian region are the main subjects of our research. The goal of the study is to comprehend the complex relationship that emerged after 9/11 attacks and the American invasion. We use qualitative and descriptive-analytical techniques to evaluate the effects of American presence on the Central Asian nations. Our analysis focuses on assessing the effects on the economy, security, and sovereignty of the region. Afghanistan's crucial role in determining the geopolitical dynamics of the area has an impact on Central Asia, which has historically served as a crossroads for world powers. Our finding address important issues pertaining to the strategic goals of the United States in Central Asia. We shed light on how they affect regional sovereignty, economy, and security. The dynamics of Afghanistan have continued to influence interactions and conflicts in Central Asia, magnifying the engagement of international and regional forces as well as the activity of fundamentalist groups. The stability of Central Asian nations is being put under further stress by the growth of extremism. In conclusion, our research reveals the complex interactions between American participation in Afghanistan and the stability and growth of Central Asia. We provide a comprehensive analysis of how the U.S. presence has impacted Central Asian dynamics, illuminating its wider security implications for the region and the world. JEL Classification Codes: N40.
USA Presence In Central Asia, USA Policies, Central Asia Importance, Regional Security, Afghanistan, Central Asia, Extremism, Economy, Sovereignty.
Copyright (c) 2023 Duman Zhekenov, Bakhtyar Gul Ahmadzai
STRATEGIC HUMAN CAPITAL, PRODUCT DIVERSIFICATION, CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP, AND HUMAN LEARNING AS DRIVERS OF PERFORMANCE IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IN KENYA
Strategic management is an essential element of contemporary businesses. Firms have embraced these drivers to enhance performance and competitive advantage. Constant environmental changes underline the need for strategies to respond and remain competitive. The study investigates the effect of strategic management drivers on the performance of confectionary manufacturing industries in Kenya. Strategic human capital, product diversification, customer relationship management, and organizational learning are the drivers examined. This study employed a descriptive research design to select a sample of 124 employees from the target companies. The data was analyzed using descriptive and multiple regression models. The results indicate that strategic management drivers significantly affect the performance of the confectionary manufacturing companies. The findings indicated that strategic human capital, product diversification, customer relationship management, and organization learning have a positive and significant effect on the performance of these firms. Strategic human capital and organizational learning had a significant effect, while the influence of product diversification and customer relationship management was moderate. The study concludes that strategic management drivers can help companies enhance organizational performance. The results from this study imply that companies should embrace implementing these drivers to boost performance. JEL Classification Codes: M1, L200, L66, L25, M41.
Strategic Human Capital, Product Diversification, Customer Care Relationship, Human Learning.
Copyright (c) 2023 Ann Muriithi, Stephen Makau Muathe
INTEGRATING POPULAR CULTURE IN THE LITERATURE CLASSROOM: BASIS FOR A TEACHING MODEL
Popular culture’s integration with language lessons, particularly in literature lessons, is a practice already being employed by teachers. Earlier studies, both local and international, were already conducted, integrating pop culture references and materials in the literature classroom: memes, shows, music, games, among others, and groundworks about the approaches in teaching literature and different models in teaching exist but no studies have suggested a teaching model based on the integration of said variables. The current study tried to formulate a basis for a teaching model based on the integration of popular culture and literature lessons. English teachers at the secondary level, especially those who worked in public or private schools in Malolos, Bulacan, were asked how they incorporate pop culture into their literature classes, what challenges they face, and how they deal with them. The study utilized a qualitative ethnographic approach based on the etic perspective. For the investigation, a triangulation method was used. This includes evaluating the teacher-informants' responses to the provided structured essay questions, conducting a focus group discussion, and comparing literature and studies on popular culture and literature instruction. The discussion sharing and the replies to the essay questions were compared to Weil and Joyce's (1973) guidelines for a teaching model. The findings produced a model of teaching based on the specifications of environment, operation, procedure, and learning outcomes. JEL Classification Codes: G32, F65, L66, L25, M41.
Literature, Literature Classroom, Popular Culture, Teaching Model.
Copyright (c) 2023 Ramil Alejo Santos, Luisito Manalansan Nanquil
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ISLAMIC CREDIT CARDS TO BE ACCEPTED: MUSLIM CONSUMERS’ PERCEPTIONS
The use of standard credit cards, which incorporate the practice of riba in the case that a late payment is made, has resulted in a conflict with the perspectives of Muslim clients, which is to be addressed in choosing the best alternative available cards. The primary purpose of this research is to analyze the many existing models of Islamic credit cards to determine which one is most in line with Sharia law. The kind of study that has been done is descriptive, which employed rigorous literature studies and investigated the existing theories. The holy Quran is the source of the fundamental laws that govern what is and is not allowed in terms of credit and debt. After then, the attributes of the cards that are being presented are analyzed in light of those principles to ensure that they adhere to Sharia, which is a religious law. The Muslim community has access to a wide range of credit card options to pick from. Charge cards, Qard Al-Hasan cards, Bai Al-Inah cards, Mushraka Mutanqisa cards, Tawarruq cards, and Murabahah cards are all included in the bundles. Also had are Tawarruq cards and Murabahah cards. Critiques raised voices against Islamic credit cards. Consequently, there is a need for a payment method that may function like a credit card. However, they are still obligated to maintain complete conformity with Islamic principles. This article takes a closer look at the packages mentioned above to understand better the degree to which the various options are accepted. The study explored the crucial features of the existing Islamic credit cards and evaluated the shariah compliance of those concepts. According to the findings and conclusions of the study, the authors concluded that the 'Mushraka Mutanqisa' is the most Shara-compliant and hence most likely to be approved by Muslim customers. JEL Classification Codes: G21.
Islamic Credit Card, Riba, The Muslim Community, Islamic Values.
Copyright (c) 2023 Md. Shahnur Azad Chowdhury, A M Shahabuddin, Habib Ullah, Md. Shariful Haque, Monir Ahmmed
GOVERNMENT ENTREPRENEURIAL INTERVENTIONS, INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS, AND GROWTH OF YOUTH-OWNED MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES IN KIGALI CITY, RWANDA
Micro and Small Enterprises have been approved as major performers in enhancing economic growth and quality of life by generating employment opportunities and profits in Rwanda. However, they have experienced several problems which diminish their growth. Those growth challenges can be improved by embracing strong entrepreneurial interventions. This research endeavored to investigate how government entrepreneurial interventions affect the growth of youth-owned MSEs in Kigali, in addition, it investigated the moderating effect of individual characteristics on the relationship between the government entrepreneurial interventions and the growth of youth-owned MSEs in Kigali City, Rwanda. The resource-based view and Gibb’s support theory were used. An explanatory research design was used in this research to determine the causal link between variables and establish the nature of the strength of the link. The study used a sample size of 154 MSEs selected from the target population of 252 youth-owned MSEs in Kigali, Rwanda. Data was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and multiple regression analysis. The study noted that entrepreneurial training, access to credit, technology-based online social media, and market access have been effective government support in increasing the growth of MSEs in Kigali Rwanda. Moreover, the results indicated that individual characteristics positively affected the relationship between government entrepreneurial interventions and the growth of youth-owned MSEs in Kigali City, Rwanda. The study recommended that government should ease the requirements/conditions to be met by MSEs before accessing entrepreneurial interventions this will accelerate the growth of youth-owned SMEs in Rwanda. JEL Classification Codes: H10, M13, B21.
Government Entrepreneurial Interventions, Individual Characteristics, MSEs’ Growth, Resource Based Review, Social Media, Rwanda.
Copyright (c) 2022 Benjamin Niyonsaba, Stephen Makau Muathe, Mary Jabeya Namusonge
OBSTACLES TO SUSTAINABLE SECURITY IN THE KURDISTAN REGION USING THE FUZZY DELPHI
This study aimed to investigate the obstacles to achieving sustainable security in the Kurdistan region. The statistical analysis of data was performed through EXCEL software. Based on the studies' content analysis, nine obstacles to the Kurdistan region's sustainable security were finally identified to enter Delphi. The fuzzy Delphi method was used to screen and ensure the importance of the identified indicators and select the final indicators. Experts' opinions were used to assess the importance of the indicators. In this study, fuzzy triangular numbers were used to fuzzy experts' views. The first-round results showed that all indicators gained more than 7, and as a result, remained in the evaluation. Based on the second-round results, it was found that the difference of all measures was less than 0.5, and thus Delphi was ended. The DEMATEL results showed that the sum of elements (D) indicated the extent to which that factor influenced other factors in the system. Accordingly, C2 had the greatest impact. The sum of column elements (R) for each factor indicated how that factor was affected by other system factors. Thus, C7 was heavily influenced by other system factors. Based on the horizontal vector (D + R), C2 had the most interaction with other criteria. JEL Classification Codes: A19, B10, B25, C10, C53.
Sustainable Security, Kurdistan Region, Fuzzy Delphi, Fuzzy DEMATEL.
WHAT KENYA’S TAX POLICY MEANS FOR SMEs BUSINESSES?
This study seeks to review Kenya's first National Tax Policy to examine whether it addresses issues that would galvanize the SME sector into formalization and tax compliance, as well as promote the growth and development of the sector. Research for the paper involved a desktop study of existing taxation legislation, expert reports, as well as SME sector strategic plans and reports published by government agencies. The focus of the study is the impact of taxation on small businesses in Kenya along four thematic areas that are central to the SME development agenda: (1) rebuilding the economy; (2) expansion to hard-to-tax sectors; (3) inclusion of innovative and other emerging sectors; and (4) driving up compliance. Study results show that while the Policy captures key issues inhibiting taxation of SMEs, it is not explicit in proffering actionable information that business owners can use to inform voluntary compliance options. The study also found that small businesses are reeling from economic hardships and require concessions to surmount their challenges. The research findings suggest that there is scanty information on SME businesses, and the government is looking into leveraging County-based licensing activities to collect primary data useful for the development of taxation policies. JEL Classification Codes: H25, H32.
Taxation, SME Development, Compliance, Formalization,
THE PERSPECTIVES OF UROZGAN INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS TOWARD HELMS ONLINE TEACHING AND LEARNING
This study investigates to find out the attitudes of Urozgan institute of higher education lecturers about the Higher Education Learning and Management System (HELMS). The data was collected from 19 lecturers (masters and bachelors) in survey design. The overall number of lecturer in this institute are forty (only males); nineteen (19) of them are enrolled in the survey and chosen as random sampling. The data has been collected using a questionnaire consisting of numerous closed-ended and open-ended questions. The language of the questionnaire was Pashto, the native language of the participants; later, the results were translated to English. Furthermore, the data were analyzed in the Statistical Package in Social Science (SPSS) program to find out the frequency and percentage of the items. The finding of the study suggests that the lecturers have negative feelings about the HELMS system. They believed that the system was unsuitable in Afghanistan's public universities. The participants added that technical errors, low internet connections, and complexities with portals are the main barriers to the system. They also suggested that using HELMS needs a high-quality internet connection and cost. Besides, the participants stated several common alternative programs instead of HELMS, such as; WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels, Zoom meetings, and Google classrooms, which also motivate policy makers to consider. JEL Classification Codes: I20, I21, I23, I28.
Online Teaching, Learning, Helms, Afghan Context.
Copyright (c) 2022 Asadullah Noor, Hayatullah Saar, Gul Ahmad Amirzai
A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON ASIA AND EUROPE ON START-UP LED INNOVATIONS AS A VEHICLE FOR DEVELOPMENT: ANY LESSON FOR AFRICA CONTINENTAL FREE TRADE AREA
This study investigates opportunities that African governments can pursue in furthering their development agenda by leveraging the market's affinity for mobile technology and the momentum built by fintech firms in mobile-based innovation. The study reviews secondary data on innovation-led development initiatives and compares strategies adopted by countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa. The results reveal that Europe and Asia have inculcated structured use of Research and Development in start-up ecosystems to ensure that innovation addresses specific development agendas. In contrast, Africa abounds with high-value natural resources, yet the continent's manufacturing sector is regressing, with intra-Africa trade in consumer goods stagnating at 13% for decades. The study's findings point out that African governments recognize the role start-ups play in addressing unemployment and attendant poverty in Africa. Fintech start-ups and innovators have been at the forefront of delivering financial services using mobile telephony to communities hitherto financially excluded. The success of African mobile money innovations is widely published, and fintech start-ups have attracted the interest of venture capitalists – where 62% of investment funds flowing to start-ups are committed to the fintech sector. There is limited traction in using innovation to address issues like access to potable water, clean energy, affordable healthcare, and quality education. JEL Classification Codes: B17, F13.
Africa Continental Free Trade Area, Innovation, Start-up.
Copyright (c) 2022 Victor Otieno, Stephen Muathe
NEED FOR INNOVATION OF PROTECTION WORK OF THE IDEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF VIETNAM IN THE CURRENT SITUATION
The study examines the need to innovate protection work of ideological background of the Communist Party of Vietnam in the current situation. The Platform for National Construction in the Transitional Period to Socialism (Added and developed in 2011), the 2013 Constitution, and many documents of the Party congresses have affirmed: “The Party takes Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh's thought as the ideological foundation and a guideline for action". This affirmation is consistent with the revolutionary practice of Vietnam over the past 90 years under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam. It has proven that by perseveringly following the path of Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh’s thoughts, Vietnam has achieved many impressive achievements and is increasingly developing in the cause of renovation. The study employs scientific research methods such as analysis, synthesis, logic, history, and comparison. The study shows that the requirement for renewal of the protection of the Party's ideological foundation, for the time being, is more urgent and significant than ever as hostile forces are always aggressive, intensifying activities against the ideological foundation of our Party and State. JEL Classification Codes: D72.
Ideological Foundation, Communist Party, Protection, Theoretical and Ideological Work
MASS MOBILIZATION IN THE POLITICAL SYSTEM IN VIETNAM FROM THE PAST TO THE PRESENT AND SOME ISSUES RAISED
This study aims at exploring mass mobilization in the political system in Vietnam from the past to the present and some issues raised. Studying this issue has profound political significance and social value since it reflects the relationship between classes in a certain socio-economic regime. In this study, the authors consider the following issues: i) Origin of mass mobilization; ii) Literature on mass mobilization work; iii) Mass mobilization in the political system in the past and today; iv) discussion of issues facing the mass mobilization work in the current political system in Vietnam. In this study, we have used various methods in scientific research such as analysis and synthesis, deduction and induction, abstraction and generalization, logic, history, and comparison to come to findings of the study. The current study has shown that mass mobilization work in the political system in Vietnam has been constant work and it is one of the most important factors for the victory of all Vietnamese revolutions as well as in building and protecting our nation. JEL Classification Codes: J68, D72.
Mass Mobilization, Mass Mobilization Work, Political System, Vietnam
Copyright (c) 2022 Phan Thi Hong Gam, Le Yen Thy, Pham Thuy Ha, Doan Thi Kim Loan
ADEN UNIVERSITY STUDENT'S REACTION TOWARD THE TURKISH DRAMA
The main purpose of this study is to investigate the general reaction of the students in Yemen, Aden University, Faculty of Mass Communication, the Turkish drama and the effects of it on the research sample. The results of the research are based on the use of the descriptive approach. Online interviews were conducted with eight students. Among the research sample, there were many reasons to watch Turkish TV series since 2007. The most important of which were raising the importance of social issues, reinforcing national values and increasing the national belongings. It resulted out that the most watched Turkish TV series in Yemen are those series which belong to war and conflict, while women prefer romantic or drama TV series that deal with family and social issues. Turkish TV series have created a good image about Turkey and Turkish people, and there are great similarities between Yemen and Turkey in the culture in some traditions and customs and there are also some differences. Turkish TV series also contributed to the promotion of Turkey in general. JEL Classification Codes: Z13.
Yemen, Turkish Dramas, Audience Research
Copyright (c) 2022 Mohammed Arfan Salem Ba Yashot
ALCOHOL-RELATED PROBLEMS IN PORTUGAL: SEARCHING FOR CONNECTIONS
Based on a doctoral thesis, the study investigates the relationship between alcohol consumption and social problems. The main goals were to recognize the social problems most associated with alcohol, find interconnections and understand how society looks at the problem, especially in what concerns this particular relationship. This study employs document analysis and interviews as qualitative data collection methods, using a non-probability sampling. Were analyzed public records, namely national annual reports from 6 different official organisms, regarding 2015?. Were also interviewed 62 alcoholic patients, from 5 distinct support services? The interview data were analyzed from a biographical perspective, which allowed the analysis of the parallel evolution of social problems within the history of consumption. The results of this research confirm a dynamic systemic and multidimensional relationship between alcoholism and social factors/problems, especially family, legal, and work issues. The results also reveal that society devalues and neglects this association, by not analyzing or recording alcohol consumption. The findings of this study suggest that the lack of recognition of the problem interferes in the early detection and difficult alcoholism intervention. JEL Classification Codes: I, I19, I39.
Alcohol-Related Problems, Alcohol Consumption, Alcoholism, Social Representations
Copyright (c) 2022 Mª Inês Pinto Lagarto
STARTUP INCUBATION AND ACCELERATORS IN AFRICA; ARE START-UPS SCALING UP IN KENYA?
Incubators and accelerators help businesses overcome obstacles such as lack of space, cash, mentoring, and training. While business incubation is not a new idea worldwide, its function in developing and scaling up start-ups remains vacant in Kenya. This study examined whether start-up incubators and accelerators help Kenyan companies grow. This study focused on the importance of accelerators and incubators in Kenya. Kenya is recognized as the second most important innovation cluster in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the tremendous influence of incubators and accelerators on the growth of start-ups in Kenya, their long-term sustainability suffers partly due to a weak knowledge-building environment, inadequate marketing research, poor customer service, a lack of adequate personnel training, and inefficient demand forecasting and analysis, all of which is the Covid-19 outbreak has hampered start-up growth, lowering their formation, survival, and progress. Finally, incubators help entrepreneurs succeed by providing them with space, guidance, mentorship, connections to investors, and internet access. To safeguard established start-ups from the Covid-19 outbreak and guarantee them focus on scaling up, the problem may be overcome by assisting new and existing start-ups. Policymakers can alleviate short-term worries by encouraging short-term liquidity and capital, as well as fostering new business prospects. Policies that encourage new businesses and promote entrepreneurial potential may help speed up the recovery and sustain aggregate employment. Advocate for the Kenyan government to alter existing national legislation and enhance coordination among the numerous players in the start-up ecosystem. JEL Classification Codes: M13, N8.
Accelerator, Covid-19, Incubation, Incubator Model Framework, Scaling Up, Start Up, Kenya
Copyright (c) 2022 Stephen Muathe, Victor Otieno
THE TASKS OF VIETNAM WOMEN’S UNION AT THE GRASSROOTS LEVEL
Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) was an organization founded in 1930. Its history is closely attached to our country’s history for national independence and development. The objective of this study is to find out about the tasks of Vietnam Women's Union at the grassroots level in the new situation, based on the hypothesis: the Vietnam Women's Union at the grassroots level carrying out women's work must be compatible with each object and region, promoting the spirit of mastery, potential, creativity and the highest contribution ability of women from all walks of life, contributing to the great strength of national unity to develop the country development. With this objective, the study focuses on clarifying the following issues: 1/ the propaganda, education, and mobilization of women; 2/ the Union participate in the formulation, social criticism, and supervision of the implementation of laws, policies, and policies on gender equality; 3/ The Union mobilizes and organizes women to participate in economic development, sustainable poverty reduction, and environmental protection; 4/ Mobilizing and supporting women to build happy and sustainable families; 5/ Building and developing a good association organization; 6/ Participating in building the Party, government, Front and mass organizations. The author has used scientific research methods such as analysis and synthesis, deductive and inductive, abstraction and generalization, history, and comparison to come to general conclusions of the study. JEL Classification Codes: H8
Task, Women’s Union, Women, Grassroots Level.
THE EFFECT OF LOCUS OF CONTROL, CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE AND ACADEMIC SELF-EFFICACY ON THE ACADEMIC ADJUSTMENT AMONG YEMENI STUDENTS IN TURKEY
The current study aims to examine the correlations between both of locus of control, academic self-efficacy, cultural intelligence and academic adjustment. It also seeks to predict academic adjustment from locus of control, academic self-efficacy and cultural intelligence. In addition, the present study aims to examine whether cultural intelligence mediates the relationship between academic self-efficacy and academic adjustment. In this study 262 Yemeni students studying in Turkish universities participated. A list taken from the Rotter's scale was developed to measure the locus of control. College academic self-efficacy scale (CASES), cultural intelligence scale (CIS) and the student adaptation to college questionnaire (SACQ) were used to collect data of study. The results show that there are statistically significant correlations among all the variables of study. Results also indicated that academic adjustment was be predicted from academic self-efficacy and locus of control. Furthermore, results show that the cultural intelligence did not mediate the relationship between academic self-efficacy and academic adjustment. There are statistically significant differences in academic self-efficacy and academic adjustment due to educational level. There are also differences in academic adjustment due to gender. JEL Classification Codes: H75.
Locus of Control, Cultural Intelligence, Academic Self-Efficacy, Academic Adjustment, Yemeni Students in Turkey.
Copyright (c) 2022 Ahmed Gamal Ahmed Gawas
THE FAILURE OF TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE IN AFGHANISTAN: THE POLITICAL DIMENSION
In every phase of the conflict in Afghanistan, serious War Crimes and crimes against humanity were committed, resulting in mass killings and forced displacement of millions of Afghan civilians and political opponents. Based on relevant literature, this article investigates the political factors responsible for the failure of transitional justice in Afghanistan, particularly internal and external factors. The article also brings to the fore the impact of the dual process of state-building and peace-building on the implementation of transitional justice. In addition, the paper investigates why the 'Peace first and justice later' strategy proved to be unsuccessful in Afghanistan as the Taliban continued their atrocities, fighting Afghan forces and killing innocent people in suicide attacks. The paper finds that the failure of transitional justice in Afghanistan is due to both internal and external factors. Further, the paper finds that Afghanistan has never been a post-conflict state, unlike other countries that have experienced transitional justice processes. Therefore transitional justice measures were never implemented. JEL Classification Codes: F51, F5.
Afghanistan, Transitional Justice, Peace, Conflict.
A STUDY OF THE STYLISTIC FEATURES AND EFFECTS OF ENGLISH FOOTBALL NEWS
The study investigates the stylistic features of English football news from the perspective of general stylistics. Stylistics, as a discipline based on modern linguistic theories, turns to studying non-literary texts from the perspective of stylistics. The study examines English football news from the three levels of stylistic analysis, namely lexis, syntax and semantics. Compared with other news types, English football news are less attracted to linguistics, and most of the previous studies are focused on the research of the title. This study employs samples of English football news from the official website of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The findings of this study suggest that at the lexical level, the use of technical terms, abbreviation, nicknames, neologism and numbers highlights the uniqueness of English football news in lexical use, thereby saving space, increasing readability and narrowing the distance between news editors and readers; at the syntactic level, the special stylistic features of English football news are mainly reflected in the unmarked theme and singular form of a plural concept; and the use of rhetorical devices such as metaphor, hyperbole and personification to achieve semantic variation reflects the stylistic features of English football news at the semantic level. JEL Classification Codes: A19, A39, B49, C10, C60.
English Football News, Stylistic Analysis, Stylistic Effect, Stylistic Feature.
Copyright (c) 2021 Jing Huang, Shuo Cao, Fang Yue
CONCEPTUAL REVIEW ON RELIGIOSITY, WORK-LIFE BALANCE (WLB) AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (HEIs)
Working from home (WFH) is now becoming a new normal, and today it brings a big change in the way people think and act. However, some people find that working from home is a big challenge, especially for those with families and young children. This is not easy and it leads to stress and burdens because the employees were not able to share a good time with their family and work demands. This study aims to identify the influencing factors of Work-life balance (WLB) on employee performance and moderating effect of religiosity towards WLB and employee performance of HEIs. The study will be used to accumulate empirical literature by the name of religiosity towards WLB and employee performance in different online database sources. The review findings show that there is a significant effect of WLB especially, technological, institutional, and individual factors are considered the most influential effects on employee performance. This study also identified that there is a moderating effect of religiosity towards WLB and employee performance of HEIs. The findings will be used to develop a reach framework and will be conducted a rigorous depth study and will be drawn policy guidelines for further improvement of WLB and employee performance in HEIs.
Work-life Balance (WLB), Employee Performance, Religiosity.
Copyright (c) 2021 Mokana A/P Muthu Kumarasamy, Farhana Hasbolah, Hanissah Hamzah, Khairun Natasha Mohd Fazmi, Siti Aisyah Omar, Abul Bashar Bhuiyan